Michael's Photos

Hello all!

Hope you’ve been doing awesome and are able to enjoy the end of summer. 

I am now at 3 1/2 months post op. and wanted to provide another update. If it helps to motivate someone or answer some questions then it's worth it...

For reference, I had my Aortic Valve replaced with an Edwards Inspiris Resilia bioprosthetic valve on June 6th w/ full sternotomy. 

- I returned to work as a professional firefighter with no restrictions 9 weeks post op.
- I am hiking on most of my days off and have returned to a solid workout routine including weight lifting and cardio.  
- I am still having deep tissue massage once a month which has not gotten less brutal during but is even more amazing after. This has significantly improved my flexibility and I am essentially without my pre-op. aches and pains. I highly recommend this post surgery (and even before if you're able - check with your cardiologist to make sure they approve).

I am super thankful to this community and am here if you have any questions. 

Stay positive, work hard when able, and enjoy life!!! 

Mike

Hello all!

Hope you’ve been doing awesome and that summer is treating you well. 

I am a couple days past 8 weeks post op. and wanted to provide another update. If it helps to motivate someone or answer some questions then it's worth it...

For reference, I had my Aortic Valve replaced with an Edwards Inspiris Resilia bioprosthetic valve on June 6th w/ full sternotomy. 

- I continue to push myself where able with 5 to 6 mile hikes a few times a week including hills and feel confident getting my heart rate up to the 130 ballpark. I even serviced my mountain bike the other day and went for a ride. Hills suck but that’s nothing new….
- I started deep tissue massage 2 weeks ago which is brutal during but amazing after. This has significantly improved my back and neck tightness. Also improved my chest tightness quite a bit. Highly recommended post surgery!!
- I continue surf fishing a couple times a week and tackling projects in the yard and around the house with no issues. 
- To celebrate 8 weeks post op. I played 18 holes of golf (yes on a normal course!!). Nothing fell apart, nothing hurt, and no soreness to speak of after. 
- I have been cleared to return to duty with the fire department next week. I am extremely happy to get back out there responding to others in need!

Please let me know if you have any questions. Stay positive, work hard when able, and enjoy life!!!

Mike

Hello all!

Wow! What a week!

Surgery was completed on Monday June 6th @ Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. The original plan was for a Ross Procedure but Dr. Trento determined that my pulmonary valve was too big and opted for an Edwards Inspiris Reselia bio-prosthetic valve which was our agreed upon contingency plan. I’m happy!!

I woke up around 2:30pm from anesthesia
and felt pretty bad. If someone had told me a truck had been involved I would not been surprised. Into Tuesday morning was pretty much no sleep, nausea, meds, and a brief run of V-Tach. 

Tuesday: Short walk happened in the morning, both chest tubes, Foley, and A-Line came out and walking happened again. Had to be on clear diet due to nausea which wasn’t awesome. Horrible night of no sleep again. 

Wednesday: Central Line out and much more walking. It was rough but progressively more doable. Had orders to go to the step down unit but no beds meant one more no sleep night in the ICU. 

Thursday: Had a run of A-Fib after the early morning walk. That got stabilized with meds. and step down transition happened. Started an actual solid food diet which was another milestone. More walking and A-Fib remained under control. I slept a little better but not great.  

Friday: VF wires were pulled and IV drips we’re discontinued so I was able to push the walks out a bit further. We found out how many laps = 1 mile at Cedars-Sinai 6th floor. 💪🏼 Also, my wife and son brought lunch and I almost cried eating the best Jersey Mike’s sandwich I had ever tasted!  

Saturday: Received word of eminent discharge around 9. Was able to hammer out another mile walk in the morning. Got home, showered, ate the leftovers my wife had around, and actually slept!

I cannot overly emphasize how incredibly thankful I am for Dr. Trento’s care and the care of every nurse I had while admitted. They are all true professionals and did an awesome job!

I’m home now and got a few good outside walks in today. Also sneezed which sucked - but I survived and am pretty convinced it won’t kill me next time. Also dealing with a cellulitis issue in my right arm but Dr. Trento’s staff answered the phone and had the antibiotics ready at my pharmacy when my wife arrived to pick them up. 

I got through this week due to the incredible amount of information on this website. I do have a medical background, on the pre-hospital emergency side, but this was different. I felt prepared for everything that happened and knew what was coming.

My final thoughts about this phase:
• YOU can also do it! 
• The days sucked in the ICU, but they didn’t last long. 
• The tubes and wires didn’t hurt that much coming out. 
• Be prepared and educated. 
• Have a contingency plan identified. 
• I already feel a ton better than I did last Sunday night!!!

Thank you, thank you for your support! I’m here if you have questions. 

Mike