After Mitral Valve Repair, Blood Clots, A-Fib and Excess Fluid, Duane Is… Home!
By Adam Pick on February 9, 2010
It is often said that heart surgery can be a physical and emotional rollercoaster for patients. There are ups… And, there are downs.
If anyone can testify to that realistic thought, it is Duane Hunt. As you might recall, I recently featured Duane’s story at our new online community, Heart Valve Journals, following his mitral valve repair.
Well, since that post… Duane has, unfortunately, been back-and-forth to the operating room for complications including blood clots, atrial fibrillation and excess fluid around the heart.
Still, after all that he has been through, Duane maintains an incredible positive outlook on his experience – especially now that Duane is home!!!
As Duane writes, “We are home! Obviously we have felt all the emotions–gratitude, excitement, fear, relief, peace, and joy! It’s indescribable how you feel when you are wheeled out on a wheelchair. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the superb care and skill of Florida Hospital Orlando!”
Finally, I want to acknowledge Duane’s support group. His family and friends have now posted over 450 comments of support, encouragement and love to Duane’s Guestbook.
To read more about his journey, I encourage you to visit Duane’s Heart Valve Journal.
Keep on tickin’ Duane!
Adam
Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder
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Will Ford says on February 9th, 2010 at 5:27 pm |
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Furthur to my comments of October, 2009, my pleural effusion cleared up several months ago after three thorocentesis procedures but I’m left with a 40% loss in lung function. |
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BarbaraS says on February 9th, 2010 at 8:26 pm |
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After my mitral valve repair in 2000, I developed a pocket of water in my right lower lung. I’m not sure if this is considered pleural effusion. However, my cardiologist recommended that I have this fluid drained(tapped) out. Then upon further thought he reversed that suggestion and treated me with doses of steriods. That treatment cleared up this pocket of fluid. Duane my prayers are with you and may you have a smooth recovery period. |
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John Ristow says on February 10th, 2010 at 7:11 pm |
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Just came home from Chicago from Northwestern Memorial from the post-op visit. Everything went great. I had my aortic valve replaced and one by-pass done on January 21st. Less than 24 hours in ICU and went to a cardiovascular thorasic step down unit and release from the hospital on January 26th. I am gaining strenght everyday. Luckily I did not have any complications or much discomfort. Your book and your blog has been so helpful to my family and me. Thank you |
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Duane Hunt says on February 12th, 2010 at 6:53 am |
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Adam, how exceptionally kind of you to post this! I really appreciate you and this community you have built. I hope no one else has to go through what I did, but I also hope that our experiences will be helpful to others. Roller coaster is right! BarbaraS, thanks for your prayers and good wishes! Duane |
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