Guestbook of Jeff Offermann

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Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

3262 days ago

Michele Tracey posted a note for Jeff that says:

Hi Jeff, how long were you in surgery and what did you have done? Thank you!

Jeff Offermann I think about 2-1/2 hours. Repair of ascending aortic aneurysm, replaced with dacron graft, repair a ... Read more

Jeff Offermann I think about 2-1/2 hours. Repair of ascending aortic aneurysm, replaced with dacron graft, repair and resuspension of aortic valve.

Michele Tracey Did you have a root replacement too with that whole graft? Was it minammlly invassive?

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

3520 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Joan posted a note for Jeff that says:

Hi Jeff Everyone is different, I had my son for the first week and my other son for second week, everything went well and you must get up and walk but no ...Read more

Hi Jeff Everyone is different, I had my son for the first week and my other son for second week, everything went well and you must get up and walk but no lifting the 2 little ones. You will be fine and don't forget to breathe in that blue thing, I had a great surgeon and no pain after the surgery, i also had a valve replacement, as my mom and sister no worries, you are in my thoughts and prayers

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

3523 days ago

Jeff Lashins posted a note for Jeff that says:

Hey Jeff - I don't know how often you check this site anymore. I noticed you had migraines as a symptom of your heart dysfunction. Did the migraines go away ...Read more

Hey Jeff - I don't know how often you check this site anymore. I noticed you had migraines as a symptom of your heart dysfunction. Did the migraines go away after surgery? I've had a chronic migraine since March of last year. I am really hoping that it is connected to my aortic insufficiency, but I guess I won't know till after Friday. I've been on amitriptyline for several months now and I it has reduced the intensity of the migraine, but it is still exists slightly every day at a low level.

Ericka Carlson Hi Jeff,
I hope you don't mind me commenting... I am also a migraine sufferer, it wasn't until I made ... Read more

Ericka Carlson Hi Jeff,
I hope you don't mind me commenting... I am also a migraine sufferer, it wasn't until I made an effort to reduce tyramine in my diet that I saw any relief. Below is some information but do a search on "low-tyramine diets" and cross check all of the lists, the others might list foods that aren't on here. For example, Avocados are a sure-fire headache for me, but not listed on this site. Also remember that most beef is aged so that will have a lot of tyramine, I'm particularly sensitive to ground beef. I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Low_Tyramine_Diet_for_Migraine

Low Tyramine Diet for Migraine | National Headache Foundation

http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Low_Tyramine_Diet_for_Migraine

Tyramine is produced in foods from the natural breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine. Tyramine is not added to foods. Tyramine levels increase in foods when they are aged, fermented, stored for long periods of time, or are not fresh.

Jeff Offermann No my migraines did not go away... but they have been much less frequent as i have grown older. In ... Read more

Jeff Offermann No my migraines did not go away... but they have been much less frequent as i have grown older. Instances of double vision lasting about 1 minute got me back to my gp.. He sent my for an early echo and they found my aneurysm. The double vision went away.

Jeff Lashins Glad to hear your migraines are getting better.
Ericka - Thanks for the diet info. I pretty much f ... Read more

Jeff Lashins Glad to hear your migraines are getting better.
Ericka - Thanks for the diet info. I pretty much follow those guidelines already, although I should try to be really strict about it for a bit. I'll look into the avocados., too. That will be a VERY hard one to give up - I'm Californian!

Ericka Carlson I know, I am a HUGE avocado fan!!! If I am really good about my diet I find that I can sneak one in o ... Read more

Ericka Carlson I know, I am a HUGE avocado fan!!! If I am really good about my diet I find that I can sneak one in occasionally without consequences.

I did have ground beef Monday and Tues this week and woke up with a boomer this morning, that will teach me.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

3785 days ago

Julia Hsu posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff, I am 12 weeks post surgery. I have shoulder & chest pain still. I understand the chest pain. Do you know why OHS gives us shoulder pain? Also, I still ...Read more

Jeff, I am 12 weeks post surgery. I have shoulder & chest pain still. I understand the chest pain. Do you know why OHS gives us shoulder pain? Also, I still have trouble sleeping. When was your sleep back to normal?

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

3785 days ago

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff, So glad to hear you are doing so well. I remember well 1 year ago on Sept. 1 that I found out I would have to have the same surgery that you had. I followed ...Read more

Jeff, So glad to hear you are doing so well. I remember well 1 year ago on Sept. 1 that I found out I would have to have the same surgery that you had. I followed your journal which helped me so much to get ready for my surgery on Oct. 8, 2013. I could not have prepared for surgery and recovered from surgery without this site and your journal. So you have some shoulder pain? I still have some chest tightness which usually happens when I don't exercise and/or stretch everyday. Do you feel the same way ...that you are glad you are on the other side of surgery? I sure do. Take care. I can't wait to update my journal on my anniversary on Oct. 8! I'm glad you are celebrating your 1 year anniversary.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4033 days ago

John O'Neill posted a note for Jeff that says:

Hi Jeff I also had a bicuspid aortic valve, aneurysm and needed one bypass. I started cardiac rehab two weeks after surgery at Rice Hospital in Willmar MN. ...Read more

Hi Jeff I also had a bicuspid aortic valve, aneurysm and needed one bypass. I started cardiac rehab two weeks after surgery at Rice Hospital in Willmar MN. My heart surgery was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. It was really helpful that they monitored me and guided my getting back to normal ASAP. I walked my first 5k thirty days after surgery,ran my first 5mile road race 3 months after surgery. I then did my first marathon 13 months after surgery. My wife was worried I would hurt myself recovering so she was relieved that cardiac rehab was there to guide my recovery and return to normal. That was almost 5 years ago and the mechanical valve is still clicking away with no sign of wear. I monitor my INR weekly at home as my work load and diet are anything but consistent. I'm a 62 year old full time farmer. Happy recovery

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4034 days ago

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jeff that says:

Did you go through a wormhole or a time machine? The previous post in November you were 16 weeks post surgery and now this last post just a couple of weeks ...Read more

Did you go through a wormhole or a time machine? The previous post in November you were 16 weeks post surgery and now this last post just a couple of weeks later you are 18 MONTHS post surgery. My how time flies! :D Keep up the boring healing process.

Jeff Offermann Really should stop taking those pain pills. Damn, is this 2014 or 15?

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4034 days ago

Chris K posted a note for Jeff that says:

Glad to know how boring it is--what a good sign of progress!! I still have some soreness near the right side of my incision, and especially if I roll over ...Read more

Glad to know how boring it is--what a good sign of progress!! I still have some soreness near the right side of my incision, and especially if I roll over at night, or push myself in the gym--but it is getting better. But it is all worth it to have a healthy heart! Thanks for keeping us posted and--Take care!

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4034 days ago

Jim Jones posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff Remain medically boring! I want the same thing - no complications or lapses and continued healing. Real glad you are doing well. Keep healing, big guy! ...Read more

Jeff Remain medically boring! I want the same thing - no complications or lapses and continued healing. Real glad you are doing well. Keep healing, big guy!

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4039 days ago

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jeff that says:

Have a good Thanksgiving and eat planety of turkey to help you heal well.

Jeff Offermann Hey Ernie, hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are keeping that healing thing rolling along.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4042 days ago

Chris K posted a note for Jeff that says:

I too still have tenderness/soreness around my incision and right side of my chest and shoulder. It makes it hard to sleep though the night, so I am still ...Read more

I too still have tenderness/soreness around my incision and right side of my chest and shoulder. It makes it hard to sleep though the night, so I am still taking sleeping pills. I find it hard to twist to my right or to swim using my right arm. But it is slowly getting better. They use clamps to hold your chest open during surgery and I think the soreness is from the clamps. My surgeon also said he didn't think I needed cardio rehab because I am in reasonable good shape. Nonetheless the hospital referred me and I am glad. You don't know how far and how fast to push your heart. There are guys in my class with Afib and the PT and Nurse keep having to tell them to slow down and pace themselves. They monitor your heart rhythm for the first few sessions like in the hospital, then move you to a wristband heart rate monitor. They record your levels each time and slowly move you up, while monitoring your heart. And you feel good after each class and it is nice sharing stories and experiences with those who have been through the same kind of surgery. I would highly recommend it.

Jeff Offermann HI Chris how are you doing other than the tenderness and soreness you mentioned? Did you go to Hawa ... Read more

Jeff Offermann HI Chris how are you doing other than the tenderness and soreness you mentioned? Did you go to Hawaii for a few weeks or am I thinking of the someone else? Thanks for the info, though I think I missed the boat on rehab. I would have enjoyed meeting other heart patients. Take care.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4043 days ago

Jim Jones posted a note for Jeff that says:

Hey Jeff Great report! So glad you missed complications. I asked my PCP about cardiac rehab this week and he was adamant that I should do it. So I will. Perhaps ...Read more

Hey Jeff Great report! So glad you missed complications. I asked my PCP about cardiac rehab this week and he was adamant that I should do it. So I will. Perhaps you could sign up? Best.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4043 days ago

Higgy posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff, Rehab has benefitted me the most nj knowing how far I can push myself. The workouts are strenuous, but I have noticed a marked improvement of my overall ...Read more

Jeff, Rehab has benefitted me the most nj knowing how far I can push myself. The workouts are strenuous, but I have noticed a marked improvement of my overall vitals since they have me hooked up with a monitoring system as I work out. My heart rate has dropped from the 150's when I started on the treadmill to under 125. Let me know what you decide to do.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4043 days ago

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff O!!!!!!! Glad to hear you are doing so well. I wonder if you took a Tylenol before you hit the sack if that would help you sleep through the night in ...Read more

Jeff O!!!!!!! Glad to hear you are doing so well. I wonder if you took a Tylenol before you hit the sack if that would help you sleep through the night in bed? Although you might wake up feeling sore. I started cardiac rehab this week. They've got me going slower than I was doing on my own, which is probably where I should be. I tend to push things too quick. You may be past needing rehab, but then again it may do you good. Ask your regular doctor and see if he agrees with the cardiologist.

Jeff Offermann I feel like I missed the opportunity to talk about my operation again and again and again....damn.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4043 days ago

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff, Good to hear you are doing so well. Like you I feel so blessed that I have not had any significant problems since leaving the hospital. ( Although I know ...Read more

Jeff, Good to hear you are doing so well. Like you I feel so blessed that I have not had any significant problems since leaving the hospital. ( Although I know I'm only 6 weeks out and things could still happen) Since I did have 1 day of atril fib in hospital my cardiologist said he still doesn't want me drinking caffeine for awhile. (I can do that!) As far as cardio rehab, it just gives me more confidence. They also have me doing more upper body exercises which has strengthened that area and it seems not to be as tight or hurt as much. Also they have the monitor on me and also check my BP 4 times while i am there. As I said before since my diagnosis code was only the repair of my aneurysm, insurance wouldn't pay for it so they made me a deal....6 sessions for $200.00 which is worth it to me. So how was your energy level when you went back to work? Hope this helps. Thanks so much for all your ideas and suggestions before my surgery. It really helped.

Jeff Offermann I returned on the 6 week anniversary of my surgery. My energy level was pretty low. I returned on 4 ... Read more

Jeff Offermann I returned on the 6 week anniversary of my surgery. My energy level was pretty low. I returned on 4 hour days for 7 days. After 4 hours I was completely tired out. I'm an engineer in a large factory, so I do a lot of walking and office work. Concentration was a challenge at first now at 16 weeks I'm doing well.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4043 days ago

Joseph Kusiak posted a note for Jeff that says:

Hi Jeff, You and I had our surgery about the same time. I did the cardiac rehab, 24 sessions starting in week 5. They helped tremendously not only with the ...Read more

Hi Jeff, You and I had our surgery about the same time. I did the cardiac rehab, 24 sessions starting in week 5. They helped tremendously not only with the chest pain but also the mental and emotional concerns. From cardiac rehab I learned what I could do safely and gained confidence to do more but at a regulated pace. It is so worth doing. I strongly suggest it.

Jeff Offermann I think if I had to do again I would have done cardiac rehab. it just to meet other people who had he ... Read more

Jeff Offermann I think if I had to do again I would have done cardiac rehab. it just to meet other people who had heart surgery. Thanks for your comments. Hope you're doing well.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4052 days ago

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jeff that says:

Update you bastard!!! Hope you are doing well.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4068 days ago

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jeff that says:

I got another small bill in the mail today. Looking forward to my last surgery bill. You're doing great. You are a TANK!

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4069 days ago

Rebecca S posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff, that's a good feeling, I know. I was amazed at how much was charged but how much they actually allowed. Big big difference. If all added together, I think ...Read more

Jeff, that's a good feeling, I know. I was amazed at how much was charged but how much they actually allowed. Big big difference. If all added together, I think would be more than $200,000 to $250,000. I don't think I have paid more than maybe $2000 out of pocket. A real blessing. Congrats!!!

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4070 days ago

Chris K posted a note for Jeff that says:

Thankfully in Canada we don't have to worry about such bills. But I am being charged $100 for 8 cardio rehab sessions. Glad to hear you are doing so well. ...Read more

Thankfully in Canada we don't have to worry about such bills. But I am being charged $100 for 8 cardio rehab sessions. Glad to hear you are doing so well. It must have inspired me to get out in the yard and dig up some of my dahlia tubers to store for the winter!

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4070 days ago

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff, That's funny about your bills. When I got home from surgery I had a Mayo statement every day which had been filed with insurance. I think they got everything ...Read more

Jeff, That's funny about your bills. When I got home from surgery I had a Mayo statement every day which had been filed with insurance. I think they got everything sent to me since there has been nothing from Mayo in the mail for 3 days! Interesting to see how long it takes for everything to be settled with the insurance company.

Jeff Offermann Cleveland must save up all the charges....I got one shortly after getting home for all the charges be ... Read more

Jeff Offermann Cleveland must save up all the charges....I got one shortly after getting home for all the charges before surgery and then in a few weeks one for every thing from surgery forward....just two consolidated bills with everything worked out for insurance.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4070 days ago

Jim Jones posted a note for Jeff that says:

Jeff Congrats on paying your last bill. That is huge! BTW, What did you say your address is??? Jeff, if you receive any valve-related bills in the future with ...Read more

Jeff Congrats on paying your last bill. That is huge! BTW, What did you say your address is??? Jeff, if you receive any valve-related bills in the future with my name on them could you please pay them? I am sure you and I can settle up at some point after I have my wits about me! Have a good one, big guy.

Jeff Offermann Paying the last bill was closure. If you had only gotten me those bills before.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4070 days ago

Jim Jones posted a note for Jeff that says:

Hey Jeff, you are an animal! Great recovery. I am so pleased you are doing this well. I have always known Midwesterners are tough! Keep healing and posting. ...Read more

Hey Jeff, you are an animal! Great recovery. I am so pleased you are doing this well. I have always known Midwesterners are tough! Keep healing and posting. All the best.

Jeff Offermann Not so tough as much as lucky to have dodged most of the complications. Thanks.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4070 days ago

Aubrey posted a note for Jeff that says:

Great progress. Keep it up and we will all be talking about feeling like it is just a memory in a few months.

Jeff Offermanngot a new guestbook post

4070 days ago

Chris K posted a note for Jeff that says:

Wow! You are doing great! Working and mowing the lawn! I am doing some gardening but nothing heavy-duty like mowing the lawn. I still have soreness in my ...Read more

Wow! You are doing great! Working and mowing the lawn! I am doing some gardening but nothing heavy-duty like mowing the lawn. I still have soreness in my chest and it is most bothersome when I go to bed. So, I am taking 1/2 of a sleeping pill to help me get to sleep and that gets me through the night. As with you, I am generally doing better each week.

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