Hi Kirk! I don’t come on here too often, but just read your update and wanted to congratulate you on your 2-year anniversary! That's great that you’re doing ...Read more
Hi Kirk! I don’t come on here too often, but just read your update and wanted to congratulate you on your 2-year anniversary! That's great that you’re doing well. I am just over 7 months out from a biologic (tissue) tricuspid valve replacement (which is extremely rare), especially for someone in their forties. I definitely have that same feeling you mentioned, “oh my God I had open heart surgery”...still freaks me out, but hopefully it’ll get easier in time.
I too have had my upcoming cardiac testing postponed due to COVID-19, which makes me uneasy. Wishing you continued good health & blessings... ~Gina
Kirk Bepler Gina thanks for the note, congratulations yourself and great to hear your doing well. The feeling wil ... Read more
Kirk Bepler Gina thanks for the note, congratulations yourself and great to hear your doing well. The feeling will fade over time and you will stop thinking about having the OHS on a daily basis, it does get easier and as my doctor told me you will look back and think "That was a hard, but look where I'm at now" You take care, keep safe during these times wish you the best of health on your journey to a full recovery..
Hi Kirk. just thought I'd drop you a line. was reading your journal.... goodtimes , huh? Lol. I finally answered you on my post , not sure if you seen or not. ...Read more
Hi Kirk. just thought I'd drop you a line. was reading your journal.... goodtimes , huh? Lol. I finally answered you on my post , not sure if you seen or not. It only gets better bro! not sure if you were a gym rat prior to surgery, but if not just go light and LOTS of stretching of the chest. One thing I found is because they split my chest my shoulders rolled forward. So if its the same for you, pay attention to them. I'm no Arny , but have been a serious about training for 25 years, if I can help let me know. A little advise, don't beat yourself up if you can't do it all right away. I was actually quite depressed after my surgery. I felt pretty useless, weak and small. It'll come...promise you that. Also ya, I had a heck of a time sleeping after. I really believe having your heart stopped and messed with also messes with your mind. Kinda sounds crazy i know, but I've noticed little changes in myself. And my wife has mentioned it also. Anyhow, God bless you on your journey. You'll amazed at the difference in a few more months. Also only you know how far to push, don't let the Dr, loved ones or friends discourage you or hold you back. This is only my opinion.
Hey Kirk!
How was the cardio version? Did you also have to have a TEE before they shocked you? I’m back in A Fib again and think those 2 items are next ...Read more
Hey Kirk!
How was the cardio version? Did you also have to have a TEE before they shocked you? I’m back in A Fib again and think those 2 items are next on my list
Kirk Bepler Chris - Sorry to hear about your setback with the A-Fib, no I did not have a TEE before the shock tre ... Read more
Kirk Bepler Chris - Sorry to hear about your setback with the A-Fib, no I did not have a TEE before the shock treatment. I was put on drip of medication for 24hrs that can get rid of the A-Fib and when that did not work, I got the shock. That worked.
Hope your feeling better soon man.. Remember this is just a setback and you will be able to look back on this soon!
Hi Kirk,
Welcome to the community.
I am just over 12 weeks post mitral valve repair and feel fine.
Best of luck with your upcoming surgery.
Kirk Bepler Thank you Bonnie, I'm still in the scheduling process and trying to lean as much as I can.. Good to h ... Read more
Kirk Bepler Thank you Bonnie, I'm still in the scheduling process and trying to lean as much as I can.. Good to hear all is going well in your recovery..