I had aortic valve replacement surgery yesterday. Got in step down unit today. Everything went great. Have a little pericardial effusion . Anyone else have ...Read more
I had aortic valve replacement surgery yesterday. Got in step down unit today. Everything went great. Have a little pericardial effusion . Anyone else have that? All I all glad it is over and actually having fun with family visiting💜
Enrique K Hi MaryAnne, glad everything went well. I'm 2 weeks post op and last week I had my checkup with my ... Read more
Enrique K Hi MaryAnne, glad everything went well. I'm 2 weeks post op and last week I had my checkup with my cardiologist. He said you have PE but it will be taken care of with anti-inflammatory medicine Naproxen since it's very minimal. He also said he has seen lots of cases with PE after surgery. So if your PE is minimal don't be alarmed the medicine will work. If the liquid doesn't go away the procedure will be a needle in the stomach he even told me it's a very simple procedure (don't think this will be the case) Hope this helps. Keep on resting and wish you a fast recovery. You can read my journal as well.
Michael Bowes Congrats Maryanne on your successful surgery and now being able to go into the step down unit so quic ... Read more
Michael Bowes Congrats Maryanne on your successful surgery and now being able to go into the step down unit so quickly!! Also, congrats to you as well Enrique! I pray that both of you have a smooth recovery!
Claire M Miller So glad to hear surgery went well. My surgery is tomorrow .. thank you for posting. It gives me a ... Read more
Claire M Miller So glad to hear surgery went well. My surgery is tomorrow .. thank you for posting. It gives me a positive feel going in. Have a nice recovery and my prays are with you both Mary Ann and Enrigue.
Enrique K Thanks Michael, I have read your story about the mechanical valve. You have a very good sense of humo ... Read more
Enrique K Thanks Michael, I have read your story about the mechanical valve. You have a very good sense of humor. Good luck to you as well.
Claire, I wish you the best in your surgery tomorrow and a quick recovery. Sending you positive vibes and all my prayers.
Steven A Husted i am glad you are on the other side now if you can i would look into cardio rehab it helps alot with ... Read more
Steven A Husted i am glad you are on the other side now if you can i would look into cardio rehab it helps alot with the healing process best wishes and prayers for a great recovery
Gregg Nissly Great news MaryAnne! I'm so happy that you are posting already. God Bless.
MaryAnne Jardis Thanks to all and each day does get better. Thank you Enrique for the info on pe. The doctor did not ... Read more
MaryAnne Jardis Thanks to all and each day does get better. Thank you Enrique for the info on pe. The doctor did not seem concerned at all.
Will check in again soon.
Doran Herritt Great on surgery. They will drain fluids off of you in the step down. Just went through it. Am 8 days ... Read more
Doran Herritt Great on surgery. They will drain fluids off of you in the step down. Just went through it. Am 8 days post-op. Keep going. You will make exponential progress the next three days.
Prayers
Drn
Gerald Schaffer Congrats on your surgery. I'm impressed that you were better enough to post a report already.
All arteries are clear and all tests are fine. Said surgery will be less invasive and shorter with clear arteries. Sounds good to me! On to surgery for oct ...Read more
All arteries are clear and all tests are fine. Said surgery will be less invasive and shorter with clear arteries. Sounds good to me! On to surgery for oct 27!
Claire M Miller Iam having my surgery on October 29th, I can't even express how nervous Iam.
MaryAnne Jardis I know Claire I am too but I allow myself one panic attack a day and then the rest of the time read a ... Read more
MaryAnne Jardis I know Claire I am too but I allow myself one panic attack a day and then the rest of the time read about all the successful stories on this site and know I will be joining them. You will be too! Hang in there...we will make it! Faith and trust in the great doctors who will be taking care of us And in our God.
Christine Oliva Mar y Anne, yes having clear arteries is nice plus. My aortic valve sucked was about 1/3 the size it ... Read more
Christine Oliva Mar y Anne, yes having clear arteries is nice plus. My aortic valve sucked was about 1/3 the size it should be, but fortunately my arteries had only minor issues so I hope this is one less hurdle for us both.
Mary Anne sending positivity your way.
Liz Burroughs I'm glad that all your tests are fine! I understand about being nervous! I try not to think about it ... Read more
Liz Burroughs I'm glad that all your tests are fine! I understand about being nervous! I try not to think about it too much. I guess I'm starting out this next surgery week (Oct. 26). We are all going to be fine. We can pray for each other!
Sophia Ridley Thinking of all of you, and finding all the recovery stories an inspiration.
Sophia Ridley Thinking of all of you, and finding all the recovery stories an inspiration.
Have pre-admission tests and my lung CT and function test on Monday (tip to anyone having angiogram... Don't breath shallowly when relax you - low SAO2 means arterial blood test! Ouch!) so I feel I'm not far behind you now (16 Nov).
Mindy Currence It is so nice to hear others are nervous too. Sometimes I feel as if I am over-reacting, but this is ... Read more
Mindy Currence It is so nice to hear others are nervous too. Sometimes I feel as if I am over-reacting, but this is a HUGE deal! I think we are a wonderful power source for each other! My mom and I have made my "heart pillow" for after surgery and I am having all of my friends and family sign it. This helps take my mind off of my fears and place my thoughts on all those who are cheering for me! God has us in the palm of His hands!
Liz Burroughs So true!! Your heart pillow is a great idea!
Christine Oliva Good Luck tomorrow. You can do it! God's Blessings to you and your family tomorrow and your recovery. ... Read more
Christine Oliva Good Luck tomorrow. You can do it! God's Blessings to you and your family tomorrow and your recovery. Hugs
susan kotansky No one could have been more terrified than I was ...it's normal and understandable. Before you know i ... Read more
susan kotansky No one could have been more terrified than I was ...it's normal and understandable. Before you know it you'll be back here writing about your recovery and helping others with the same fears. I wish you a successful surgery and rapid recovery...Can't wait to see your first post op posting!!!
Has anyone had cancer in years prior to surgery? I am breast cancer survivor twice(1984 and in 2011). Did you feel that your body handled another trauma ok? ...Read more
Has anyone had cancer in years prior to surgery? I am breast cancer survivor twice(1984 and in 2011). Did you feel that your body handled another trauma ok? I am nervous about that although it has been a few years since my recovery from the cancer. I am sure the radiation from 1984 caused this heart issue.
When did you start to feel a bit normal again ? And does the entire body suffer from this surgery and then eventually get back to prior status?
Rita Savelis Hi MaryAnne, I feel for you and all that you've been through. I had cancer in the 70's and the radiat ... Read more
Rita Savelis Hi MaryAnne, I feel for you and all that you've been through. I had cancer in the 70's and the radiation treatment caused my 2 heart valve problems many years later. Heart surgery was a different kind of trauma than cancer. Everyone has a different definition of "normal". I would say 3 to 6 months for me. Yes, I would say the heart is central and the entire body feels something, but again everyone's experience is different. It's scary. You've been through two tough experiences already. Unfair really. OHS wasn't fun, but chemotherapy was possibly worse...
MaryAnne Jardis you are right on that one Rita...thank you for sharing your experience. It helps me!
Jeanette Davidson Hi Mary Anne~
That's my mom's namer pi 😊 I had cancer too and radiation caused my heart damage ,an ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson Hi Mary Anne~
That's my mom's namer pi 😊 I had cancer too and radiation caused my heart damage ,and I had a stroke 3 years ago. I am 53 years old. Remember every person is different. I really sailed through my surgery and sometimes can't believe it even happened that I did so well. Quite frankly three months out I am having PTSD and anxiety. I am a psychotherapist and understand a lot of this I think it's really normal . Everyone tells me it will take a full year. All of my mental health professional friends and my doctors. Exercise helps me a lot and Xanax as needed . I believe when you have suffered more than one life-threatening illness the trauma is a little bit more intensified. Prepare in advance and make sure you have a good support system and if you feel any emotions that are uncomfortable and concerning seek help. I am not depressed and have a great attitude and living life very Fully ...so stay positive and I am here for you check out my story.❤️
MaryAnne Jardis Hi Jeanette
You and I have many similarities. I so agree with everything you said. I too was diagnose ... Read more
MaryAnne Jardis Hi Jeanette
You and I have many similarities. I so agree with everything you said. I too was diagnosed with post traumatic stress . I have a great support recovery team of friends and family and I pray constantly. You did so great with surgery. Were you ok with energy levels returning after a couple of months? I would enjoy talking to you in person sometime . We have so much in common. I think you mentioned you live in Florida. My husband and I rent a home in captiva island off the west coast in Florida every March for a week. Just love it there.
Are you back to work yet?
My email is jardismaryanne@yahoo. Com if you ever want to chat about our common challenges! Thank you for being so kind💜
Jeanette Davidson Tried to send you an email but it did not got through
Please try me at nette19@att.net ❤️
MaryAnne Jardis Jeanette....I just sent you an email. Be sure to check spam too. Hope you get it ok...
Mindy Currence MaryAnne, I had Hodgkin's Disease in 1985 and my 2 heart valves have been damaged from radiation as w ... Read more
Mindy Currence MaryAnne, I had Hodgkin's Disease in 1985 and my 2 heart valves have been damaged from radiation as well. In addition, I have had 9 other surgeries to include the removal of numerous organs and 3 small bowel obstructions from adhesions. I will say the body is an amazing thing, and God is good! To look at me you would never know I am struggling with the illnesses I am. I believe our attitude is an enormous part of our recovery! Keep your chin up and trust in God to see you through. You are obviously a fighter!
MaryAnne Jardis Wow mindy you rock! Knowing God has you in a safe healthy state is inspiring! Everyday is a gift!
Mindy Currence AMEN! I read recently that it is how we handle our struggles in life that people are able to see our ... Read more
Mindy Currence AMEN! I read recently that it is how we handle our struggles in life that people are able to see our trust in God. I am trying to remember that when I face days of fear and sadness. I think, "what will others think about my faith in God if I am not trusting Him with my fears??" Every day is a wonderful blessing and it is up to us to be a great example of God's love and faithfulness.
Hi Everyone
Will I know the results of the cardiac catherization right away so I know if they found any clogged arteries etc? What other pre-op tests should ...Read more
Hi Everyone
Will I know the results of the cardiac catherization right away so I know if they found any clogged arteries etc? What other pre-op tests should I expect to have done?
Ruth Valenzuela Yes they told me the results as soon as it was over. For prep tests I had a CT scan, a carotid tes ... Read more
Ruth Valenzuela Yes they told me the results as soon as it was over. For prep tests I had a CT scan, a carotid test, a chest xray, blood work,
Meredith Bray I wasn't completely out for my first cath. When the procedure was finished, my husband was brought in ... Read more
Meredith Bray I wasn't completely out for my first cath. When the procedure was finished, my husband was brought in the OR and we were shown the video that showed no blockages. For my second cath I was almost all the way out. The doctor came to my recovery bed with a drawing of what he looked at, and said "all clear." So yeah, you'll probably know the same day. Best of luck to you!
I also had an ultra-sound of the carotid arteries. It was like an echo but on my neck, and a lot quicker.
There's also a PFT - pulmonary function test (breathing - so they can measure your pre-op lung function). It involves breathing in a machine that measures your lung capacities and pressures. Also there's an ABG - arterial blood gas test. I was told it was really painful so I got worked up about it. It wasn't. It was like a typical blood draw. No big deal.
The coolest test, in my opinion, was the CT scan. Of course, the technicians can't discuss any results with you. I got an IV with dye, then laid on a skinny table and went through a donut-shaped scanner. No pain or discomfort. Fair warning though if they mail you a copy of your test . I read a bunch of numbers that I didn't understand, and when I turned the page BOOM a picture of my heart. No warning at all! It made me a little queasy (I still don't like to look at it).
Kathleen F. My doctor called me a few hours after the cath to tell me the results
MaryAnne Jardis Thank you all ...great information! I did already have a CT scan of the heart and when the doctor was ... Read more
MaryAnne Jardis Thank you all ...great information! I did already have a CT scan of the heart and when the doctor was showing me my heart on the computer I could not look at it so I know how you feel Meredith !
susan kotansky They told me immediately even though I was barely awake. But of all the things to remember that was a ... Read more
susan kotansky They told me immediately even though I was barely awake. But of all the things to remember that was a great memory!
W. Carter You will also need a Echocardiogram. They can tell more from this than any other test.
Enrique K He will make you do a TEE, Cardiac Cath through the wrist less trauma than the leg.
Ginger Marine I was told within minutes of the procedure. Really made me feel better to get good news.
MaryAnne Jardis Hope I can report the same! I have no symptoms for the aortic stenosis so hopefully all else is clear ... Read more
MaryAnne Jardis Hope I can report the same! I have no symptoms for the aortic stenosis so hopefully all else is clear.
Hello Everyone!
I am brand new to this site and am so happy to read all of your stories,and encouraging words .
I am having surgery on October 27 at Brigham ...Read more
Hello Everyone!
I am brand new to this site and am so happy to read all of your stories,and encouraging words .
I am having surgery on October 27 at Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston Mass. I was very blessed to have the chief of cardiac surgery agree to perform the surgery. We are very lucky in New England to have some great doctors and hospitals .
I am a breast cancer survivor twice(once in 1984 and in 2011). They believe the radiation and chemo back in the day of 1984 contributed to this aortic valve stenosis. Hard to really say but that is what one doctor said. My question is that I am worried about my immune system being able to handle the surgery and recovery. I get very nervous thinking about added stress and being physically run down from the surgery... as I think that may have contributed to my cancer in the first place. So even though I feel I am fixing one problem, the valve, am I creating another problem with a compromised immune system. Any thoughts ?
I walk 2-3 miles a day, do the treadmill, yoga and meditate. And pray a lot!! So no symptoms at all and I keep myself in good shape. Want to go in to surgery feeling as good as I can. But still nervous on getting back to my previous in shape self!
Elaine Cutri Welcome to the group MaryAnne. You will hear from wonderful people sharing their stories and suggesti ... Read more
Elaine Cutri Welcome to the group MaryAnne. You will hear from wonderful people sharing their stories and suggestions.
MaryAnne Jardis Thank you Elaine! I am in awe of all the great thoughts and education I have received from this site. ... Read more
MaryAnne Jardis Thank you Elaine! I am in awe of all the great thoughts and education I have received from this site. Getting nervous though which is to be expected.
Meredith Bray Your nerves will smooth out as the date gets nearer. Walking and praying are great exercises, they'll ... Read more
Meredith Bray Your nerves will smooth out as the date gets nearer. Walking and praying are great exercises, they'll help tremendously. You'll probably start to feel stronger about a weak after surgery, but don't over-do it. I ran a mild fever about a week after the operation. And I think you'll be surprised at how good you feel in 3 months. I look back and see a lot of symptoms that I ignored or chalked up to "getting old."
Tammy Pilcher Welcome MaryAnne! If I can help answer any questions, I will. My surgery was Oct. 31, 2014 and wasn ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Welcome MaryAnne! If I can help answer any questions, I will. My surgery was Oct. 31, 2014 and wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Praying for you. Isaiah 41:13. God bless!
James Maguire Hi Mary Anne, Thank you for your very nice post to me. I am very impressed with you Walking three mil ... Read more
James Maguire Hi Mary Anne, Thank you for your very nice post to me. I am very impressed with you Walking three miles every day, you do Yoga, you do Meditation, and finally you Pray. keep up the good work. Your Grandchildren have a tough hard road to catch up to you. God Bless
Claire, I wish you the best in your surgery tomorrow and a quick recovery. Sending you positive vibes and all my prayers.
Will check in again soon.
Prayers
Drn