Brian's Photos

Today is Monday 3/14, one week post my 3/7 valve sparing aortic root replacement surgery (4.9cm). Huge shout-out to Dr. Richard Shemin and the entire team at UCLA / Ronald Reagan - they were top-notch throughout. I went in in good shape (ran a slow 3 miles each of the two days leading up to the surgery) and not scared, choosing to instead trust the process and the Master Plan. The surgery went very well and so far recovery has gone well. I was walking with a walker the morning after surgery, and was cleared to walk without a walker and up / down steps by Friday morning. They planned to release me Friday - i was fine saying but they said they needed a "medical reason" for me to stay, the only thing I needed to do was my "business" (which is not easy to do after slamming pain meds for a week straight). During that day I developed a mild fever which they wanted to monitor / conduct tests on / reduce before releasing me, so I ended up staying until Sunday morning - all tests turned up negative / clear. It was great to get home yesterday (Sunday 3/13) where I showered for the first time in a week (man that was nice), laid in my bed, walked my dog (1/2 mile walk), and snuggled with my 4 y/o daughter. I've chilled for most of today, letting the recovery do it's thing...walked my dog again for another 1/2 mile walk around the block and will probably do again later.

As positive as this may sound, I will note that the first day or two post-surgery were pretty miserable. I was achey as hell, tired (I've been needing to catch-up on sleep, so that's a nice side benefit), and developed a shallow / dry cough which is a real pain, making it hard to talk and just plain hurts (coughing when your sternum has been cracked like a coconut ain't fun!).

The one thing I'll note...I had a HUGE appetite after surgery. The next morning when I wanted food, I was surprised that they handed me a regular menu, and that that regular menu did not include any sort of a healthy, calorie / protein-rich smoothie. Am I the only one who wasn't ready for pancakes after having a breathing tube down my throat for 7 or so hours?! Having my family bring me healthy green smoothies every day was a godsend They also brought me some ensure (though I think I was able to get some of that from the hospital...though it wasn't on the menu and they seemed like it was weird that I would want that!), and tons of coconut water which I slammed for the next few days to rehydrate. Those were all life-savers, so may be worth considering.

I know that everyone has had their own road, but I'm thankful that mine has gone as well as it has. I owe a lot to Dr. Shemin and his incredibly talented team and to my family and incredible support network. Lastly, thanks for all of the well-wishes from this wonderful community! 🙏🙏🙏