Alan's Journal

Paul Randle  Hi , Alan I had one 6 months ago to avrnt , nothing to the procedure and I was home a couple of hours after , just took it easy after for a week . It didn’t completely cure my symptoms unfortunately. Best wishes

Corey Sines  Glad to hear! Beta Blockers, while useful, seems to have the side of effect of making us feel tired, and some times down/ depressed.

Lilly Black  Good for you, Alan. I felt the same way with it. Now I don't need any meds, as long as I keep walking, and eating properly. Congrats!

Shannon Gray  This is amazing! Way to go! I've missed running... But still am taking it easy with my exc. 5 months out! I am seriously impressed!

Denise Campbell  Wow 2 weeks? Back to work? Are you feeling ready? I was no where near ready at 6 weeks. I wasn't ready at 10 weeks. I still didn't have the stamina for all day. Good luck.

Kevin Lee  That is awesome! Thank you for posting, it is tough thinking about post op right now. So reading post like this is encouraging.

Sophia Ridley  Fabulous you're so active and determined but please do take it steady. A chap at my rehab overdid it as he was so anxious to get back to work, had further cardio complications which could have been avoided.

Debbie Bentley   Wow sounds like your doing awesome !! My chest soreness is awful . I keep thinking I need a little more time 😉

Wanda Mroz  What Sophia said! Please pace yourself. Your heart still needs to heal inside. Adequate rest is also important. Glad you are doing well.... And your puppy is adorable! 💞

Janette Rehua  Thanks mate I am getting so much joy from reading about how fast you are recovering ! I feel so well atm that Im not sure I need the surgery on sept 2nd but what do I know hahaha but my plan is above all to be home FAST and if I can do as well as you I will be thrilled KEEP HEALING thanks for your great ongoing posts :)

Petey Bello  Awesome you are doing so well...have fun with that new pup...Try to post a picture of him! Puppies are adorable :)

Franklin Wyrick  Your doing great Alan. I can get my spirometer to 3000 but I'm not a runner either. I am very active though and like you seem to be recovering quickly. I'm glad to hear the good news. Keep it up.

Linda Yaff  Great job Alan. It's hearing all of these stories that gives me strength and courage to do this! 5 days and counting

Petey Bello  You are doing amazing Alan! Best to you as you recover & please do hold off on the running for now :)

Steven A Husted  yes i know that feeling i was worried and then they gave me something and i had my first bowel movement what a blessing yes i would wait for that first run give yourself a little more time to heal

Ron Broadhead  Fantastic Alan. The running may come, just give it some time. I didn't attempt to run for almost 4 months, and then only with the doc's permission. Started slowly, mixing very short runs in with walking. And I was so happy just to be able to walk. Keep up the great recovery!

Petey Bello  Wow, that's amazing...home after only 3 days. There will be some bumps as you recover. The medicines can be overwhelming at first but you will eventually get off most of them!

Glad all went well. Rest up & take care of yourself.

Barry Kanick  So Alan,,,,was the taking of more pills the actual solution for Tachycardia may I ask??? Atrial fibrilation seems to be a pretty common thing after valve replacement. ,,,,,,,,,,Barry

Petey Bello  I had Atrial Fibrillation after my valve repair & I was on medicine for about 4 weeks. I'm all good now. I did have a little arrhythmia last week but that's all good too! Hope you are feeling better Alan!

Kate Watson  I can't believe you are home already, that is amazing! And I'm jealous that you can't hear your valve. So glad your recovery is going well.

Alan Lonsberry  Thanks everyone😘Barry, I have had some tachycardia for about 10 years, thought it was from bicuspid aortic valve. The me to metoprolol probably fixed it, or the inflammation went down, who knows. I will follow-up with electrophysiology lab in August. But for now it's gone

Bob Fessler  Alan, I hope all keeps getting better. Good luck and keep us posted. I have learned it's not always a smooth journey but it is doable.

Wanda Mroz  Sounds like it might be getting better slowly but surely. Better days are ahead! Will be thinking of you!💞

Barbara Laurie  Alan, So happy for you! God Bless you and try to give your recovery the time your body wants🌻❤️

Alan Lonsberry  Thanks guys. As I lay here in the hospital bed, I can't sleep lol. At least I'm not in pain at the moment.

Meredith Bray  1. Welcome to the other side, it's great isn't it?
2. When the drains come out, your discomfort should decrease.
3. make sure you are supporting your head & neck while you are resting! Our noggin weighs quite a bit, so give you neck & back muscles a break once in a while.
Congratulations!

Debbie Bentley   We got this together !! I'm very nervous . I'll be leaving my family tomorrow and heading to a hotel

Kate Watson  Glad you enjoyed being on the sidelines. Just think, this time next year you'll be feeling great and joining them again. Wishing you great success on your surgery!

Franklin Wyrick  Good luck, Alan. I'm sure you will do great as you are in good health. I was ahead of the curve, and they tell me it's because I was in good shape going into surgery.

Bob Fessler  Hey Alan and Chris, you both have a week before you both start the healing process. Go do what I enjoy, have a beer. I might even make a batch before I have surgery. It can age while I age.

Alan Lonsberry  You will be fine Debbie, I am praying for you. I give a update Monday. I'm taking my daughter with me, shopping after preoperative.

Barry Kanick  All will work out well Alan!!! ,,,,,Additionally, is it possible for you to delete the (4) identical posts on "My Journal" page that is somehow tied to you. ,,,,I realize this site does have it's idiosyncracies???

Barry Kanick  Alan,,,,,,,,,,if you have access to an inground whirlpool/jacuzzi & possibly a eucalyptus wet steam room afterwards,,,,,,they are both hugely relaxing!!! I typically do both of these while lap swimming after work & then enjoy a good premium red wine in the evenings. ,,,,,,,In just 5 minutes in the luxury of a quality electric Recliner,,,,,,,,I'm out like a light!!!

Kate Watson  Making a decision can really help reduce your stress so I hope this will bring you some peace in the coming weeks!

Enrique K  Alan, don't get stressed out anymore! Just think positive and how good you will feel after you get a new heart valve! Good luck with your procedure.

David Alejandro  Alan, Jesus bless you with a successful and prompt recovery. Returning to work will depend on how soon you recover and when your Surgeon tells you it is OK (discharges you). My Surgeon told me I was ready to go back, but left it up to me to go back then or give it more time of recovery.
Good luck!

Cathleen Weed  Your recovery time will be so much faster than you think...especially because you're an athlete. I am a fitness fanatic too so I get it lol (and I'm a nurse). I've had my aortic valve replaced four times since 1991 and even after full open sternum surgery I was back in the gym a month or so later. You'll pace yourself accordingly for work and fitness because you are in tune with your body more than most. Don't even worry about it! You'll feel so great with the new valve by the way... You're going to feel better than you have in a long time!

Cathleen Weed  Hi Alan! I read that you are still deciding on a valve choice. I totally get that. I know it's a difficult decision. As others have said, it's a personal choice for sure. My very first OHS was at age 19 so a mechanical valve was out of the question. I had a human donor valve that time but they really don't use those anymore. Three years later at age 22 I unfortunately developed endocarditis from a dental procedure which destroyed that valve. I was given a ROSS procedure at that point (where they took my pulmonary valve and put it in the aortic position and gave me a donor pulmonary valve, which is still in place today) to again spare me from a mechanical valve. After about 10 years my aortic valve was still great but I had developed a 6cm aortic aneurysm which required emergency OHS at age 33. So now 10 years later my bovine aortic valve calcified as expected and I had a TAVR last August. What an amazing procedure! I now have a new bovine aortic valve. So it's never as simple as mechanical vs tissue as to why someone has to go back in for a re-do. Sometimes unforseen things happen and that's why worrying TOO much is just a waste of precious energy. "Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you make the decision right". My personal journey took me the tissue valve route and I have no regrets but you will have to make the right decision for your circumstances ❤. I wanted to avoid anticoagulants and wait out technology. TAVR is that new technology I was waiting for but I know I was being pulled in different directions even with that decision! I feel your frustration. Many patients live forever with a mechanical valve and they are very happy 😀. Hope that helps!

Barry Kanick  Cathleen,,,,,,,,,glad your doing so well. Gotta question here. ,,,,,Is there a reason why they allowed the TAVR procedure to be applied to you??? I thought it was currently restricted for much older people say mid 70's & higher. ,,,,,Your input would be greatly appreciated!!! ,,,,,,,,Barry

Alan Lonsberry  I thought the same thing, that is what my surgeon told me, tavr is for someone who couldn't have a normal surgery.

Meredith Bray  I was out of work for a mandatory 12 weeks, per DOT (I drove a bus). I felt like I could have gone back at 10 weeks, or earlier if I didn't have to drive. I got my stamina back pretty quick (just don't tell anyone - I still enjoy my naps, two years later!)

Alan Lonsberry  Thanks Barry, thanks Meredith. I have decided on the on x mechanical valve. I will be a real ironman now, or at least carbon lol. thanks for all the support and advice.

Alan Lonsberry  Thanks Barry, thanks Meredith. I have decided on the on x mechanical valve. I will be a real ironman now, or at least carbon lol. thanks for all the support and advice.

  HI Alan, just had minimally invasive AVR on 12/1. I was back at work part time on week 6 and full time on week 7. Some people go back sooner. I started "working from home" a little around week 4-5. Everyone is different, but if you are an athlete, you will likely be ready sooner. Get up and moving after surgery as it will help you. Best wishes!

Cathleen Weed  HI I feel like I should address the TAVR question...I was approved at Cedars Sinai Los Angeles due to the fact that I had already had 3 previous OHS which deemed me "high risk" enough to have TAVR. They are now working on clinical trials to use TAVR on low risk patients as well. It will get approved I'm sure. It's just a matter of time. :)

Joanna Prisiajniouk  Hi Cathleen, I am confused with your story about how your pulmonary valve (during your Ross procedure) only lasted 10 years if I understand correctly as that was placed into your aortic pisition. Is this the same time when the aneurysm occurred? I'm trying to understand what to expect as far as tissue valve durability. Also, I have read that when a mechanical valve fails, TAVR is not a solution....what is the guarantee statistically that a mechanical valve will not fail? Please help and advise what were the length of times your tissue valves needed replacement as I'm sorry I do not quite follow when you got the bovine valve after the pulmonary valve switch and after the aneurysm? Thanks and blessings to your TAVR success!

Cathleen Weed  Hi Joanna :) Here's a great link to a recent study at Mount Sinai in NY..it explains the differences and risks associated with each choice..things we already know, but it's good to be informed of studies..it explains the failure rate of each valve and other risks per this study... https://consumer.healthday.com/general-health-information-16/misc-surgery-news-650/study-compares-tissue-based-or-mechanical-replacement-heart-valves-692147.html
As far as my valve...yes I had the Ross Procedure in 1994...my pulmonary valve was put in the aortic position..virtually perfect fit. 11 years later I developed a 6cm aneurysm of the ascending aorta which, for lack of a better word, destroyed that valve which was still perfect :( and would have lasted much, much longer. When I had surgery for the aneurysm they replaced the valve with a bovine tissue valve. That valve lasted ten years, and in 2015 I had TAVR and another bovine tissue valve :) (and yes you are correct that a mechanical valve won't qualify for TAVR). My donor pulmonary valve is still going strong :). I hope that helped clarify but if not, let me know! <3 xo Again, I feel like it's all about how well we take care of ourselves in the interim. Stay as heart healthy as possible :).

Clare Auten  Valve choice is very personal. I have an On-X mechanical valve. Got it over 2 years ago. I am not a triathlete. I have done 4 half marathons post op...I am slow though. I mow the lawn, shovel snow, work full yime, have three kids under 26....basically live like I want and have no issues with warfarin or greens. Blood checks once a month, a hassle but not too bad.

Kate Watson  I am just 3 weeks post op and trying to manage my Coumadin levels. I think that just takes time. Every nurse I've talked to at the Coumadin clinic has told me not to cut out my greens though, that the Coumadin will get adjusted around it. They key is being consistent with how much you eat of the high Vitamin K foods. There are lots of people who continue to have active lifestyles on Coumadin. I had a tissue valve previously and as you know, they don't last nearly as long as mechanical. I did get almost 11 years out of mine but I do not want to face open heart surgery ever again if possible so I opted for mechanical. I actually needed 2 valves this time so I didn't even have much of a choice. My surgeon said my risks would be so high if I needed a 3rd surgery for 2 valves in my 50s. He said he didn't even know that I'd make it through another one. So that sealed the deal for me. But that is just my particular case and I think it's important to talk to your surgeon about your future risks. I think the valve choice is one of the hardest decisions you can make. It's maybe even more difficult when you are younger and plan to be around for a while! The best thing about having the tissue valve for me was it bought me more time and I didn't have to take any meds for all that time and could eat whatever I wanted. The worst thing though was the time passed fast somehow and even though I had been through one OHS before, it was still super scary and hard to go through this process again.

Barry Kanick  Alan,,,,,,I'm an active sizeable hiker who hikes the Continental Divide out in Colorado every year in higher elevations in addition to lift weights & do lap swimming after work each day. I am choosing a Bovine Tissue Valve with the perspective that the TAVR procedure is even perfected even moreso in 12-15 years. Penn Medicine achieved their 1000th TAVR procedure not to long ago & the Technology just keeps getting better.I already consulted one Thoracic surgeon who agreed with my approach and soon to get another 2nd opinion on the same issue very soon. I'm a 56 year old guy come June 5th & read several times that Tissue valves have better longevity in older people as opposed to someone in their 20's & 30's. For me personally, I ruled out the mechanical valve immediately due to being very active & having researched the pros & cons ,,,,,,,,,Just my 2 cents here

Alan Lonsberry  Yeah, I thought about that to Barry, but there are a lot of what ifs and the on x valve has a pretty good track record. In the future aspirin may be used for anti coagulation. I think I will go the mechanical route. Still have time to think about it.

Alan Lonsberry  Yeah, I thought about that to Barry, but there are a lot of what ifs and the on x valve has a pretty good track record. In the future aspirin may be used for anti coagulation. I think I will go the mechanical route. Still have time to think about it.

Alan Lonsberry  Yeah, I thought about that to Barry, but there are a lot of what ifs and the on x valve has a pretty good track record. In the future aspirin may be used for anti coagulation. I think I will go the mechanical route. Still have time to think about it.

Mary Wagner  I have had a St. Jude mechanical aortic valve for 26 years. I never have had problems with the Coumadin especially with food. I had an aneurysm repair last month and the doctor was going to replace the mechanical one but when he got in there he said it looked brand new still so no reason to change it. I swim a lot, shovel snow ( but not thus year!) and stay pretty healthy. Like Kate- no way do I want a third surgery so glad to keep the mechanical.

Joanna Prisiajniouk  Hi Mary, Did your doctor explain how to keep a diet to reduce calcification to the body due to daily Coumadin usage? How do we keep a healthy amount of vitamins K and K2 that keep calcification from our vascular system from occurring while on Coumadin? These vitamins are vital to direct our calcium to our bones instead of settling into our tissues/arteries. Everywhere I read about Coumadin usage, there is a major concern about calcification of our entire body. Please help, thanks!

  It gets better I was the same way until I found this board. I think I have come to terms but I am 2.5 months away. I guess I inherently am doing the same thing. I want to take the boys on a few summer vacations etc before I get surgery and in recovery.

Christine Oliva  Alan it is not the end. It is a new beginning. Granted the first couple of weeks can be tough but, it does gradually get better and the memory will actually start to fade. I'm six months out and most days I really don't feel any of the negative effects. In fact, I would say I feel mostly positive results. Yea, its taking a chance, but if it works it is well worth it. Also, I have multiple chronic illnesses so I was not the ideal candidate for surgery, but guess what I made it and intend on going all the way with my new aortic value. Take care and you are at the right place to vent. God's peace to you.

Ruth Valenzuela  Like Christine says, it is not the end, but a new beginning.. I will certainly pray God fills you with His peace and His strength.

Anne Cahill  Hi Alan,

I had my aortic valve replaced in June of 1987, 29 years ago. My biggest fear was having the incision. But I always felt in my heart that all would be fine. Once I started to get my strength back, I felt like I had a new person. I had energy, something that I really never had before my surgery. Being positive will really help you get through this.

Anne Cahill  I have a mechanical valve because I was 43 at the time and the doctor's felt that was the better option for me. I am on Coumadin.

Brian Stugart  I like how my wife said she can hardly wait for the "New Normal". We realize how much my condition has slowed me down, without realizing it. I COMPLETELY understand your "ups and downs"! I have had the same and think it's perfectly normal.

I would just encourage you to enjoy life in the meantime, that the wait will come to an end, and that you'll never be completely done with "everything". (I know I'm not and my surgery is in 2 days!)

Alan Lonsberry  Thanks a lot guys, this site is great, I am so glad I found it. I will be praying for every one, or is nice to talk to others who are on the same path, thank you.

Ruth Valenzuela  Will be praying for you too Debbie. I pray God gives you His peace that surpasses all human understanding! Bless you.

Kate Watson  I am just 2 1/2 weeks post surgery and I know what you are experiencing is completely normal. I was deeply scared beforehand. Actually on the day of surgery, my surgeon asked how I was feeling and I said "scared." He said "well I'm not, I'm feeling great about it!" His confidence really helped me and my family and reinforced that I picked the right guy. I did a lot of work around the fears in the months before it, worked with a therapist, did affirmations several times a day, and visualized positive outcomes. I envisioned over and over seeing my surgeon standing at the foot of my bed smiling, telling me that all went well with the surgery. And that's exactly what happened! You have control of your mind, don't let it lead you into dark places. Chances are very good that you'll get through ok. These surgeries are very successful. This will be a new, healthy beginning for you!

Debbie Bentley   Alan I'm the 1st case that morning at St Josephs hospital in Atlanta GA .I'm just so sad about leaving my family and I feel like I'm letting them down but I've gotta get myself fixed. I've very tired from my calcified valve plus worry is getting me down .

Alan Lonsberry  I get worried to Debbie, it is natural to worry. It will all be ok in the end, we are having surgery at a great time, the technology is very good. We are going to do great. Keep your head up.

Alan Lonsberry  I get worried to Debbie, it is natural to worry. It will ask be ok in the end, we are having surgery at a great time, the technology is very good. We are going to do great. Keep your head up.

Alan Lonsberry  I get worried to Debbie, it is natural to worry. It will ask be ok in the end, we are having surgery at a great time, the technology is very good. We are going to do great. Keep your head up.