Guestbook of Dylan Kempers

My Guestbook

Dylan Kempersgot a new guestbook post

940 days ago

Dylan Kempers reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Dylan that says:

Congratulations on your anniversary Dylan !

Dylan Kempers Thank you Ruth!

Dylan Kempersgot a new guestbook post

1267 days ago

Else Reed posted a note for Dylan that says:

Dylan— It looks like you had mitral valve repair done minimally invasive robotically assisted. Me too. Question: how long before your right side feels normal ...Read more

Dylan— It looks like you had mitral valve repair done minimally invasive robotically assisted. Me too. Question: how long before your right side feels normal again? It all feels really tight for me. I feel like my right lung is contained in straps with a brick on it when I try to sleep. My surgery was may 3rd. Thanks!

Dylan Kempers Else, I have some swelling on my right side, which has been diminishing since surgery. It's called se ... Read more

Dylan Kempers Else, I have some swelling on my right side, which has been diminishing since surgery. It's called seroma. I haven't felt the tightness you mention. Have you been using the spirometer for your lungs? Also, were you given physical therapy exercises to do at home? Those two things can make a difference.

Else Reed I have been using the spirometer. No exercises specifically for my upper body though. I hope to start ... Read more

Else Reed I have been using the spirometer. No exercises specifically for my upper body though. I hope to start rehab in 2 weeks. Can you already sleep on your sides?

Dylan Kempers You may wanna check with your surgeon's team whether they can give you some exercises you can do at h ... Read more

Dylan Kempers You may wanna check with your surgeon's team whether they can give you some exercises you can do at home for your upper body. I started sleeping on my sides about 3 weeks after surgery. I didn't do it earlier because, besides the pain, I had to make sure that my scars were not going to leak (which they didn't).

Joseph Heinzmann Else, I had the same procedure you had. The right side discomfort took weeks (six or so?) to resolve. ... Read more

Joseph Heinzmann Else, I had the same procedure you had. The right side discomfort took weeks (six or so?) to resolve. I describe it as annoying discomfort but not especially limiting. For me, the major issue it caused was fear that the pain was something more serious than it really was. I wish I could tell you how long it took more precisely but the best I can say is that it just disappeared without me noticing that it was gone. I would describe it as tenderness, mild tightness, and very mild firmness/swelling.

Looks like you had an early May surgery so you're still early in the game. The problem is that for muscular healing, rest is important, but for rehabilitation we want to be active. So the more walking we do, the longer it may take for the discomfort to resolve.

Dylan Kempersgot a new guestbook post

1305 days ago

Lynn Loudermilk reacted to this

John Mohr posted a note for Dylan that says:

Hope your surgery went well today! Just take it one day at a time. - John

Dylan Kempers Thank you John! It went great! I’m writing from ICU. Thanks for reminding me to take it one day at ... Read more

Dylan Kempers Thank you John! It went great! I’m writing from ICU. Thanks for reminding me to take it one day at a time.

Joseph Heinzmann Way to go, Dylan! Looking forward to recovery.

Dylan Kempers Thanks, Joseph!!

Dylan Kempers

Dylan Kempersgot a new guestbook post

1316 days ago

Cheryl Mann posted a note for Dylan that says:

Welcome Dylan!

Dylan Kempers Thank you, Cheryl!

Dylan Kempersgot a new guestbook post

1364 days ago

Pat Ahern posted a note for Dylan that says:

Hi Dylan. I'm from Cork, Ireland,aged 57. I had a s similar diagnosis as you, and underwent a MV repair just 3 months ago. It was not a robotic procedure, ...Read more

Hi Dylan. I'm from Cork, Ireland,aged 57. I had a s similar diagnosis as you, and underwent a MV repair just 3 months ago. It was not a robotic procedure, I had the full sternum break etc., but I have to say that it went quite straightforwardly. My recovery has been on schedule and I begin a phased return to work next week. yes it is uncomfortable, yes there is a lot of soreness, but medication and painkillers will make it very bearable, and relaxing enough to pace my recovery was one of the biggest tasks - my body kicked back whenever I tried too hard. I wish you luck, but have little doubt that you will have a speedy and full recovery. All the best

Dylan Kempers Hi Pat. Glad to hear yo are recovering well! I really appreciate that you've reached out to share you ... Read more

Dylan Kempers Hi Pat. Glad to hear yo are recovering well! I really appreciate that you've reached out to share your experience with me! I understand that the robotics are just a tool, but do you know why it wasn't a robotic procedure in your case?

Deena Z Dylan- I can tell you that I didnt qualify for any minimally invasive surgery, including robotics, be ... Read more

Deena Z Dylan- I can tell you that I didnt qualify for any minimally invasive surgery, including robotics, because of the severe calcification on my mitral valve. And there was even more than assumed, once they opened me up. I went to the mitral repair center at Mt Sinai in NYC. (Cleveland clinic also told me that same thing re: calcification)

Dylan Kempers Deena, Thank you for sharing this! Did you learn you didn't qualify for robotics days before your sur ... Read more

Dylan Kempers Deena, Thank you for sharing this! Did you learn you didn't qualify for robotics days before your surgery, or your surgeon found out in the operating room?