Kelly's Guestbook

Kelly thanks for replying about the air travel. So you did it being symptomatic from Stenosis? If so how bad were you on normal day to day stuff? I’m just worried about it but it sounds like you did ok. If I can fly for 2 hours and avoid a 12 hour drive that would be awesome.

HI KELLY i HAD AORTIC VALVE REPLACED, TRICUSPID VALVE REPLACED, TRIPLE BY-PASS AND LIGATION OF LEFT ATRIAL ARTERY AND WIRED UP FOR A PACE MAKER-THIS WAS 5 YEARS AGO NOW, AND I FEEL GREAT. I WENT ON THE ROLLY COASTER AS YOUR ARE GOING THROUGH NOW, UP AN DOWN, FEAR, ANXZIETY,BP OFF, AFIB ACTING UP ETC. i STILL HAVE PANIC ATTACKS, AND I AM ALWAYS WORRYING ABOUT HOW LONG THIS VALVE WILL LAST. STRESS CAN DO MORE DAMAGE THAN THE OPERATION, SO I ADVISE YOU TO WORK ON GETTING YOUR STRESS DOWN I KNOW IT IS EASY TO SAY, BUT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DO, BUT DO IT YOU MUST. GOOD LUCK AND HOPE TO TALKTO YOU LATER, BOB STOLTZ

Hi Kelly, Hang in there, just take one day at a time. I also had aortic stenosis bicuspid valve. I’m 1 yr post surgery. I’m doing great. It was tough at first not being able to do the things I used to do. I gave my body time to heal and little by little i was doing everything and more. I wish you all the best with your recovery.

Kelly, it was 3 years ago my husband went through his valve repair, Maze procedure and double bypass. I know he has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, he had a mood disorder that still shows itself on occasion, he refused to acknowledge it though. He went through an ongoing unstable heart rate which happens in quite a few cases. It can take months to for the heart rate to regulate but his dropped so low he needed a pacemaker. So yes, it takes time. He actually enjoyed the cardiac rehab program he went through. He now is back to playing racquetball, tennis, no problems and I cook mainly vegetarian meals for us. Day by day you will realize you will be fine, time does heal and if you need help with mood, depression, etc. please tell your doctor. Years ago I took Prozac for a while and it worked incredibly well for my anxiety-depression. My best to you

Hi Kelly. No one prepared me for the physical, emotional and psychological roller coaster that comes after mitral valve repair. No one counseled me to have great patience with the whole process and give myself months, not weeks, to recover from a tremendously traumatic surgery. I saw my neighbor have the same surgery and bounce back in weeks. Everyone’s recovery is different and I completely understand your frustration and hopeless feelings. I am 7 months out and still dealing with arrhythmia issues but know they are solvable. I am going to an electrophysiologist for answers. It is very early in your recovery. Take 1day at a time and while tears are expected, be gentle with yourself and know this healing process is like no other.

Hi Kelly, please hang in there with your Anticoagulation RN. I’m 2 months post mitral valve repair and my INR is 1.7 at the highest when the Dr wants it to be 2.5-3.5. It just takes time and being consistent with your diet. All best wishes. J.P. Puette (73 year old grandmother) 😘

Kelly - Hang in there. Being frustrated, scared, worried and unsure is a normal part of the process, my bet is all of us have been there - at least the vast majority of us. I'm almost 12 weeks out and my HR has dropped, but is still 15-20 BPM higher than before. Going back to work is emotionally complex and that's a real thing. The alignment of health issues and financial ones is a hard thing to figure out. So hang in there - you're doing the best you can and that's all you can do.

Hi Kelly. James here. Please do your best to stay positive. I know those words may seem empty. They did to me when I received them almost 2 years ago. I've had ups and downs and you will too. Getting thru this is a long process ... one of which I am still going thru. I'm sending you all the good vibes I can. These things will work themselves out.

Hi Kelly! I'm happy to see that you are doing well! They are getting ready to replace my aortic valve, probably early next month, and as you did, I have some concerns and nervousness, too. I've been assured it will all go well, and I hope they are right. They plan to go up through my groin, rather than the open heart procedure. He says I won't need any blood thinners or special meds. I just look forward to having my old energy levels back and be able to do the normal things I need to do. I hope you continue to improve and resume your normal life, too. Doctors are able to perform near-miracles, these days. My brother died due to complications of Rheumatic fever, needing a valve that is readily available today! At age 79, I have high hopes. Bless you and God keep you well on your travel! Bob Terrell

HI Kelly, I have just been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve which has heavy calcification on the joined leaves. I've nev er had any symptoms and was blissfully ignorant until my new rheumatologist listened to my heart a few weeks ago. ( I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis last December and just adjusting to that and all the medications including weekly injections that are involved with it). Like you, I am very concerned about the surgery and all it will entail. The cardiologist reckons I will need the op within 12-24 months. I wish you all the best and perhaps we could keep each other up to date with developments as they happen?

Hey Kelly. I had to get two valves replaced at 36. Same as you I was diagnosed young with a bicuspid aeortic valve but they never effected me much. The surgery is difficult but success rates are high so your chances are good. After 7 years I'm about to get my valves replaced again because I got tissue valves. Symptoms are much greater this time and came on suddenly. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.