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Jeff Offermann  Based on my post surgery experience I think you will need assistance for the first few days home. Not a lot but some help most of the time for a while. BTW Dr Svensson and Cleveland were great....

Jeff Lashins  Hey Jeff - Glad to hear. I have some family that will be with me for the first 2 weeks after surgery, so I hope I'll be covered.
Btw - I noticed you had migraines as a symptom. Please tell me more about this. I have had a chronic migraine since March of last year. After much trial and error, I am taking a low dose of an antidepressant and it seems to reduce the intensity. But the headache is not totally gone. I would LOVE for this headache to be related to my aortic regurgitation and kill 2 birds with 1 stone!

Jeff V.  Hi Jeff -

I haven't checked in on HVS.com in awhile and wanted to drop you a quick note. I underwent MV repair in Cleveland on Dec. 4 with Dr. Pettersson. There was a possibility of AV replacement too, but it was determined during surgery that replacement wasn't necessary. I had a full sternotomy (9.5"). I was in the Clinic for 5 days. My only complication post-surgery was a 6-hour run of Afib, which they told me was common for valve work. I converted without intervention.

Since you are from out of town, you will probably want to stay a couple of days following your release. I stayed two days and it was enough. I did not have to fly across country but think you will probably be ready to get out of Dodge in a couple of days. I stayed at the Intercontinental Suites and was very happy with the facility and proximity to the Clinic. I have nothing but great things to say about the Clinic. I expect that you and your family will be very impressed (no... make that blown away) with the level of care, knowledge, support and service that you will receive from everyone.

I wouldn't worry too much about help once you get home. My wife was prepared to stay home the first week but I really didn't need any special assistance. I slept in bed relatively comfortably but used a slight wedge of pillows. I was able to shower, change, do laundry, get around with no problem... but methodically! Yes, there will be some discomfort but it in my case, I was able to get by with an occasional Tylenol once I left the hospital and did not need pain pills. Obviously, just be careful and do things in moderation because you will feel the ache come on when you over do it. Since your kids are younger, it would probably be a relief for you and your wife if you have someone to assist for a few days.

I went back to work in 5 weeks (desk job) and have no regrets. I saw my local cardiologist at 4 weeks and he agreed I was good to return to work. I also just returned from a 10 day trip overseas where we were constantly on the go! I logged many walking miles and had no trouble keeping up with the kids. Bottom line... our recoveries are all different, you will know what's best for you!
I look forward to reading about your recovery. Check out my story if you want more details. Regards - Jeff V.