Guestbook of Robert Bach

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Robert Bachgot a new guestbook post

464 days ago

Liz Castro posted a note for Robert that says:

Hi Robert!
I am new to the group. I am facing the decision of whether to have the valve surgery or not. I am petrified to say the least. I am going ...Read more

Hi Robert!
I am new to the group. I am facing the decision of whether to have the valve surgery or not. I am petrified to say the least. I am going for a second opinion. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for sharing your story.

Liz

Dana Knight Never hurts to have a 2nd opinion. Always glad I do.

Robert Bachgot a new guestbook post

2137 days ago

Robert Bach, Willie Radl, Louanna Miller and 1 other reacted to this

Nick Siersema posted a note for Robert that says:

OK I had a lower left valve replaced. Only opening to .07 cm2 (put me in the critical area). I was working out until a week and a half before the surgery. I ...Read more

OK I had a lower left valve replaced. Only opening to .07 cm2 (put me in the critical area). I was working out until a week and a half before the surgery. I passed the heart stress test at the hospital a few weeks earlier. I was without symptoms other feeling a little old as well. Seven months later (date was 6-25-18) I am doing great 3.5 miles a day and about 25+ floors (hit 40 last Tuesday). My young body is returning. All my best and for a normal or longer life expectancy for all, Nick Siersema

LINDA ROBERTS Such good news you are doing so well.

Louanna Miller So very encouraging!!!

Robert Bachgot a new guestbook post

2137 days ago

Robert Bach reacted to this

Sue Giesy posted a note for Robert that says:

Yes, I am from Saskatoon although my cardiologist sent me to Toronto for my open heart mitral valve surgery. We welcome you to Paris of the Prairies - it ...Read more

Yes, I am from Saskatoon although my cardiologist sent me to Toronto for my open heart mitral valve surgery. We welcome you to Paris of the Prairies - it is a lovely city. I highly recommend you visit in the summer as you have probably seen that our winters can be quite brutal!

Robert Bachgot a new guestbook post

2235 days ago

Robert Bach reacted to this

Lisa Guinan posted a note for Robert that says:

Wow. I just read your story. We've got a lot in common. I'm set for mitral repair (maybe replace) on Tue. in Springfield, IL. I'm a little younger than ...Read more

Wow. I just read your story. We've got a lot in common. I'm set for mitral repair (maybe replace) on Tue. in Springfield, IL. I'm a little younger than you (I'm 54) but surgery is also delaying my retirement plans. I'm one of those State workers you read about. I'm planning a trip to Europe in June and am ready to feel great by then. I also don't really notice any symptoms but my ventricle is starting to enlarge so they say it's time. My thought is it's not going to get any better--why wait.

Robert Bachgot a new guestbook post

2304 days ago

Phyllis Petersen posted a note for Robert that says:

Welcome! I hope you're recovering well.

Robert Bach Thanks Phyllis! This is a great website. I had my procedure on July 30. I had my first post-op meetin ... Read more

Robert Bach Thanks Phyllis! This is a great website. I had my procedure on July 30. I had my first post-op meeting with my surgeons last week, and they say I'm doing great. I know full recovery will take several months, and that's just the way it is. Onward and upward.

Phyllis Petersen From your story, I take it you had a sternotomy. Were they able to do a partial? I had side-entry, ro ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen From your story, I take it you had a sternotomy. Were they able to do a partial? I had side-entry, robotically-assisted mitral valve repair in October 2016. Will you be doing cardiac rehab? I found it to be extremely helpful, since I was able to push harder knowing there was a crash cart nearby.

Robert Bach They did a full sternotomy. The bandage hasn't fallen off yet, but it looks like the incision is abou ... Read more

Robert Bach They did a full sternotomy. The bandage hasn't fallen off yet, but it looks like the incision is about six or seven inches long. I start cardiac rehab a week from Friday, and I'm looking forward to it. Northwestern's cardiac rehab program is located in the health club I belong to, so I should feel somewhat at home. I've been walking a mile or two every day. i'm regaining my strength. It's a slow process, I'm finding out. I've asked a lot of patients, nurses, etc. how soon they feel back to "normal," and the most common answer I've heard is six months. I realize it's a long haul, but knowing that makes it easier. So long as I know I'm about where I'm supposed to be in the recovery process, I feel okay mentally.

Phyllis Petersen It's good to hear you can walk that much. I had a hard time in the first few weeks getting my walking ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen It's good to hear you can walk that much. I had a hard time in the first few weeks getting my walking time up past a mile. Then, I needed to put my legs up and rest. It was hard finding the balance between pushing myself enough and doing too much. It definitely will get better.