Just checking in with you Mike since you had your thorocentesis. Have you had good results, with no additional fluid buildup or are they still monitoring it? Wishing ...Read more
Just checking in with you Mike since you had your thorocentesis. Have you had good results, with no additional fluid buildup or are they still monitoring it? Wishing you all the best in your recovery.
Mike McKenna Hi Grace! No other problems after the thoracentesis thankfully. It was amazing how much better I co ... Read more
Mike McKenna Hi Grace! No other problems after the thoracentesis thankfully. It was amazing how much better I could breathe after 800 ml drained. I would say that at 10 ish weeks, I'm 95-98%. Will finish up cardiac rehab at 12 weeks to celebrate. I did have to get my carvedilol dosage cut in half as I felt over medicated and dizzy when working out and pushing myself.
Grace Mason That is wonderful news, Mike. Love hearing this❤️ I hope to feel 95% at 10 weeks!! I am starting ... Read more
Grace Mason That is wonderful news, Mike. Love hearing this❤️ I hope to feel 95% at 10 weeks!! I am starting rehab in a couple days 👍
I have been right where you are and you will survive this and come out better on the other end. It sucks...embrace it. Everyone says take it easy.....good ...Read more
I have been right where you are and you will survive this and come out better on the other end. It sucks...embrace it. Everyone says take it easy.....good advice....take it easy and allow time to heal. I started back at the gym after 5 months and everything hurt, a lot. But now, a little over a year later I am doing better than I was doing before surgery even though I had mild symptoms. I hit the gym 5 days a week and feeling great. I got everything artificial because I didnt want to repeat this, and, I am relatively young, 58 yrs old.
What struck me about your story is you were pissed off at this......me too.....I use that anger every day. I walk by a mirror now and see the scar it makes me even more pissed. But I am a better man physically, mentally and spiritually now than I was prior. I don't live in constant anger....I am happy and love life....but I still think....WTF sometimes.
Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
Mike McKenna Thank you, Luke. I appreciate the words of advice. No long wtf, just get it done and live until I'm ... Read more
Mike McKenna Thank you, Luke. I appreciate the words of advice. No long wtf, just get it done and live until I'm 90 :) ... I'm 53 now.
Hi Mike, I became part bovine about 10 weeks ago. I'm wishing you all the best. This can be a stressful time for you. This website helped me gain the courage ...Read more
Hi Mike, I became part bovine about 10 weeks ago. I'm wishing you all the best. This can be a stressful time for you. This website helped me gain the courage and confidence to face this very similar surgery. Lean on this community, there's so many people that understand where you are right now and want to be helpful. We're out here for you!
Mike McKenna Thank you, Steven. I truly appreciate you sharing your story. It's definitely been a journey for a ... Read more
Mike McKenna Thank you, Steven. I truly appreciate you sharing your story. It's definitely been a journey for a little over a year. I do have moments of being nervous but know that I am in great hands with my surgeon and his team. Love that guy! He's very personal and caring. I'm ready to get it done and continue living life! This community has been awesome!
Mike, I had a bicuspid aortic valve replacement and an ascending aortic aneurysm resection two years ago on August 23rd. I am doing great post surgery ...Read more
Mike, I had a bicuspid aortic valve replacement and an ascending aortic aneurysm resection two years ago on August 23rd. I am doing great post surgery and continue to enjoy an active lifestyle. Just wanted to wish you luck with your upcoming procedure and the healing on the other side of surgery. I found a lounge chair the most comfortable post surgery. Also, walk as much as possible after surgery it goes a long way in the healing process. Best of luck for a positive outcome.
Jay Heagerty
Mike McKenna Thank you for sharing. I'm planning on getting back to my active lifestyle as soon as possible after ... Read more
Mike McKenna Thank you for sharing. I'm planning on getting back to my active lifestyle as soon as possible after surgery! I don't have a lounge chair but did buy a wedge pillow. If needed, I can always buy one and get it delivered after.
Been on the same side you are on Mike- bicuspid aortic, stenosis, etc. I’m now I am two years post open heart valve replacement, feeling terrific: a ...Read more
Been on the same side you are on Mike- bicuspid aortic, stenosis, etc. I’m now I am two years post open heart valve replacement, feeling terrific: a once a day baby aspirin, yearly cardiology visit and thin foot long scar are the only reminders that it happened.
Let us know if you have any questions- This is a great place for support and info.
Wishing you the best of luck! See you on the other side.
Mike McKenna Hi Roselyn, thank you for the encouraging words!
Ana Brusso Welcome Mike, glad you found your surgeon here on our website. I found mine here too. We will be here ... Read more
Ana Brusso Welcome Mike, glad you found your surgeon here on our website. I found mine here too. We will be here to answer any questions you may have and will support you through your surgery journey, just ask. God bless you
Mike McKenna Thanks Ruth! Right now just processing that I will be having surgery. Kind of like a happy it's gett ... Read more
Mike McKenna Thanks Ruth! Right now just processing that I will be having surgery. Kind of like a happy it's getting done / OMG
Welcome! Interested in your story...you have found a great place here that will provide you with encouragement and information and cover you ...Read more
Hi Mike,
Welcome! Interested in your story...you have found a great place here that will provide you with encouragement and information and cover you with prayers.
I initially found out I had a 4.7 TAA in July of 22. My 6 month showed 4.9. It was at a hospital where the first was an imaging center. ...Read more
Thanks Jason.
I initially found out I had a 4.7 TAA in July of 22. My 6 month showed 4.9. It was at a hospital where the first was an imaging center. Followup appointment with the surgeon on Monday. Little nervous.
Looks like you are in the BAV club (Bicuspid Aorta Valve). There is a lot of people with this defect. I will be 52 in a few ...Read more
Hi Mike.
Looks like you are in the BAV club (Bicuspid Aorta Valve). There is a lot of people with this defect. I will be 52 in a few more days and i to, need my BAV replaced, and my Adsending Aorta repaired.
Wishing ...Read more
Wishing you all the best in your recovery.