Mary Jane's Guestbook

I'm right behind you Mary Jane. You and I have a similar story. Your shares on this site are inspiring me. Thank you! I'm anxious and scared too. I think that makes us normal. I've finally entered the "schedule it" phase and waiting to hear back from my doctor. In the meanwhile, I made a tee time today for September 8th. Let us all know when you're smashing the pickleball again!

Mary-I wish you the best of luck and fast healing.  My teenage son has a very similar diagnosis.  He had OHS in August of 2022. He did great and healed quickly.  He is very active, as it sounds like you are.  He had a repair of the valve and they helped the stenosis however the repair is not holding and now he has significant regurgitation. He will need a replacement in the next month or so.  I saw your post and your surgery is tomorrow!  I am sending you so much love and healing strength.  We were happy he made it to 16 before he had to have surgery, your story is inspiring!  God speed  ~Rachel Elste Lake Tahoe Ca 

Mary,

I had open heart surgery 4 weeks ago in Iceland to replace by bicuspid aortic valve. I got the Edwards Inspiris biological valve.

Based on my experience, you should not be worried about the surgery. You will be under anesthesia during the procedure itself and will feel nothing. Pain management has come a long way now and there was no point where I was in any kind of unbearable pain or even close to it. 3 days after surgery I came off the strong pain medication and managed with the equivalent of Tylenol.

The first 24-48 hours are a little challenging as the body flushes out the effects of anesthesia & other medication and begins the process of repair. After that you will notice an improvement virtually every day.

Try and relax in the days leading to surgery. Do yoga, meditate, listen to chants - or whatever else that works for you. Open heart surgery, while a major procedure, is now very commonplace.

All the very best to you.