andrew's Journal

Rita Savelis  Yeah. That happens. OHS messes with a lot of things....and it takes some time to get back to normal. Take care.

andrew laymon  Thank you for answer. I'm really hoping it returns to normal sooner or later or I'm going be on a great weight loss program.

Dan Baltazor  Yep, My appetite was horrible for a couple weeks and I lost too much weight as well. It does come back. Hang in there.

Tracy Fallu  My appetite was minimal for about 2 weeks. It slowly returned with some food aversions. Eventually all my favorites remained.

Bradley Dunn  After I got to where I was not anxious after surgery, I wanted nothing but sex. Now 3 months later, I can't stop eating. I am a skinny guy but I have gained 16lbs since rehab started.

Your taste will come back.

andrew laymon  Thank you everyone. My taste is slowly recovering. At 10 days post op I have lost around 20 lbs. My first check up puts me as recovering exceptionally.

andrew laymon  I did find out that a lot of my problems were due to being placed on glucophage to try to keep my blood sugar below 100. Once I stopped taking it, my blood glucose levels have remained 70-90 and my taste is back.

Rob Sparling  Andrew, glad to hear things went well at Beaumont! Welcome to the recovery side. Start walking as soon as you can and don’t stop!

Tracy Fallu  Glad surgery is behind you and you are this side of recovery. Remember to give yourself grace as you body heals.
Dr Sakwa was also my surgeon. An amazing man and team.

andrew laymon  I was very impressed with Dr Sakwa. I saw everyday during my stay except Saturday when I was discharged.

Susan Lynn  You'll do just fine, Andrew! Your family members will have the biggest smiles on their faces when you wake up! ❤

Mark Jaycox  Andrew, I was in your shoes last week. When we left the hotel and checked in my family was right with me. The surgeon and anathesiologist stopped by and assured everyone they would keep in contact with my wife the entire time which they did. I woke up 7 hours later and everything was good. Good luck!

Debbie Kelly  Hi Andrew, I am not sure if I read one of your posts correctly, but if I did, why were you not aTAVR candidate? My cardiologist is going to see if I am a candidate, as well. I did not realize until two weeks ago that TAVR is being tested on the no to low risk patients.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Andrew. Stay strong!

Susan Lynn  Andrew - Good luck next week. I think you'll be happy with the mini-thoracotomy entry. I had my mitral valve repair done through my right side - it was virtually painless and the recovery was easy. You're going to do just great! Please keep us posted on your progress.

andrew laymon  Debbie, Edwards Life Sciences denied the TAVR. I'm low risk, but I also have a bicuspid aortic valve. The early trials finished in May and they started long term studies in August for younger low risk bicuspid patients. The issue was that ELS wanted their trial patients to have Medicare or Medicaid so they could follow them easier, that is how they explained it to me. I'm not quite sure how younger low risk patient ends up with Medicare or Medicaid

Debbie Kelly  Thank you, Andrew. My next call will be to the TAVR clinic and ask if they take private insurance, and call my insurance to see if they pay for TAVR.
I wish you the very best. You will be in my prayers.

Dan Baltazor  You got this Andrew. Praying for Peace for you and swift safe surgery. We'll be waiting to hear from you on the other side.

Dan Baltazor  It probably helps to have the inside knowledge to help yourself prepare but it’s still a tough walk regardless. Get your support team around you and know there is a ton of support here too. Good luck and Peace to you.

Jill McDonald   Hi Andrew, I am going on Dec 7th. I am having mitral valve repair. It is definitely a surreal experience waiting for this surgery. I plan to try meditate and bring relaxation music. Some suggested bringing pictures and a favorite blanket for some home comforts.

Joy Rose  Hi Andrew, I am having a mitral and tricuspid valve repair on 3 December, a week before you, only a couple of days away. A week ago I was pretty nervous but now resigned to the fact and now can't wait until Sunday night to go into hospital for surgery the next morning. We will both be home by Xmas so something to really look forward to. I know you're a week later than me, but will keep in touch to let you know how we get on. Keep on keeping on, this site has kept me calm. Get Adam Picks book, if you haven't already, I loved the part when he explained what he went through. Right from the heart 💖

Paul Howarth  I'm 4 days post opp.
I was scared about the pain and discomfort after the procedure.
For me and like others here, my fears were invented in my mind, not knowing reality.
Now it's over, I would think a knee replac meant or hip replacement would hurt much more.
Not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Keep busy, wndb1-2 nights before surrender your fears to your surgery team. It's shocking how easy this is for them. They leave nothing to chance however,
They analyze every aspect of your blood, body, ect and come up with a winning plan just for you!
Your going to be a winner!

Dan Vechiola  My wife works in the medical field with patients every day. She says it so much different when you are on the other side.

andrew laymon  Thanks everyone for the uplifting comments. I have my family around me, I'll have a tablet with and I'll be reading the Green Hills of Africa for my recovery. I really want to get back to work and helping people who need it in the ER.