Ben's Journal

Ole Bore  Very cool. I was just thinking about you, as I remember going through this with you. Looks like you're thriving too!

Terrie Syvertsen  Ben- I do not have A-fib but will be getting an ablation too for SVT's I have been experiencing since prior to surgery and have done research and spoken with enough people who have had ablations to know it is worth the attempt. I am sorry you have to deal with it but if it keeps a person from the experience of any irregular heart beats and taking medications by zapping the area shown to promote the irregularity it is far on my list of things to try in my future. I wish you luck with the ablation and hope it corrects the problem.

Cheryl Batzing  Ben, I had an ablation for tachycardia 7 years prior to my OHS and Mitral Valve Repair-we were at Heart Hospital Plano the same weak in December with OHS! My ablation was actually quite easy looking back on it after OHS, and I went home the afternoon of the procedure. No re-occurence of tachycardia since then....although I did go into afib after OHS and was cardio converted to get it back in rhythm. Holler if you want to chat prior to Sept. Where are you having it done? Who's doing it? Blessings heart brother....and fellow North Texan! My email is pcbatzing@att.net.

Ben Schraegle  Thank you all for you kind words, I appreciate it. I realize it is for the best however I want to have this "stuff" in the rear-view mirror like we all do! Regards.

Bob M  I pray that your doctors will fix your A-fib so you can back to your smooth recovery. Take it easy heart brother!

Cheryl Batzing  Ben, I started cardiac rehab the same day you did I think, but only went for 6 sessions because my co-pay was $200 a session! I told the gal in charge of Cardiac Rehab I would not stay to graduate, and she told me they would push me as much as they could to get me ready to go on my own. At my last session there, she told me to continue what I had been doing at rehab--20 minutes on the treadmill with increased incline & speeds (I was at 2.0 incline and 3.8 speed at that point), and the elliptical with continually increased numbers (I can't remember that is called on elliptical-- was at 4 at that time and started at 2). Regarding weights, she said to keep doing 2 sets with 15 reps of all the exercises/stretches they gave me, and when those got easy, to move up and do 2 sets with 10 reps with the next heavier weight and work up to 15 reps, and continue this until I hit my max weight for me (think it was 10 pounds or 20? I was at 5 & 8 pounds when I left rehab and still am there.) Not sure this helps...but that was help I was given. I did have side entry "minimally invasive" mitral valve repair, but felt very tight and sore in that right side when I first started. I moved through the soreness and tightness pretty much by the end of the 6th session. Good luck!

Lewis Garlisi  My understanding is it may still be a while before your sternum completely heals, and you'll need to use caution with weights. I start rehab next week and will see if they have guidelines. You may want to just contact the rehab staff, or your surgeon's office, to see what they suggest.

Ben Schraegle  Thanks to you both for your feedback, I appreciate it! Take care and it seems like you are both doing great! All the best! Ben

Tammi Gunwall  Music to one's ears...glad you are doing so well Ben! Good luck resuming work next week. From the sounds of your workout schedule you'll no doubt be able to handle it. Good news!

Bob M  Great news! But in my opinion, we do not have zippers because they won't be opened up ever again! God bless and rise up!

Kathleen F.  So good to hear! Good luck with rehab! Looking forward to reading more of your recovery, it's inspiring.

Don LaPorte  Very exciting news, great you are doing so well! I met with the Baylor team yesterday and their team is great.

Cheryl Batzing  Glad you are doing well Ben! You are a real man...it's been to cold/chilly for me to walk outside lately so have gone to gym and done treadmill... Supposed to be warmer this weekend so will go back outside while weather is in 50's! Plus rehab--saw you started today?! Me too!

Don Netz  I am 14 days post op and am having similar feelings, thoughts, and progress. I don't have to negotiate stairs. Keep up the good work.

Adam Pick  Awesome update Ben. Congrats. Fyi, I heard from Dr. Brinkman. He was very pleased with your surgical result. :)

Cheryl Batzing  Glad to hear you are doing well Ben. I left Heart Hospital I believe a day after you did as I was in afib and and to be converted. I even worked about 6 hours from home today! When are your driving restrictions lifted? Mine are Jan. 6. Blessings.

Ben Schraegle  Thank you all! I appreciate your comments and it is so wonderful to have this journal so that we can share our opinions, thoughts, concerns, etc. I appreciate being part of this new "family!" Happy New Year, wishing you all health, peace and happiness!

  You did fantastic. Great surgeon as well. Happy to hear the positive news. Enjoy your holiday as well.

Mark Alafita  You are so right with your comment about being fortunate to live in a world where this is able to be handled. And congratulations forgetting to go home. What a holiday gift! Not just for you, but for your whole family. I wish you nothing but great things over this Christmas time.

D. Carol Moore  A very good post, Ben! I'm happy to hear that "all is well" with you. Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and Family.

Tammi Gunwall  Great news Ben! It sounds like you couldn't have had a better experience during your hospital stay! That's amazing! I hope you are able to rest quietly and enjoy the holidays! Peace and blessings to you ♡ brother!

Ben Schraegle  Thank you all for your comments and support! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Now, I finally understand how great my life is….keep at this website-we need to continue to support each other. God Bless you all.

Nancy D  Welcome home!!! No place better to spend your recovery time! I hope the holidays bring you joy, you still rest a lot as needed and soon you will be back to a new better than before normal!! Takes time but all good things do! Take good care!

Tammy Pilcher  Thanks Shelley for the update! I'm so glad Ben's doing so well and home! Merry Christmas to you too!

Cheryl Batzing  So glad he's home Shelley. I get to go home on Tuesday. Guess I didn't see you guys walking the halls because I was on 6th floor...heard there were 2-3 ICU heart floors. Merry Christmas.

Joan Napier  Shelley, It's great to hear that Ben is home and doing so well. I'm sure your love and support has made ALL the difference. My husband has said he thought this HVS journey has brought us closer together. It has been a silver lining amidst a challenging situation. It sounds like it has brought blessings to both of you as well. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, too!

Tammi Gunwall  Good to hear Ben is doing good and making progress with his recovery! Every day counts!! What a wonderful Christmas present that will be to have him home I'm sure!

bob stoltz  BOB STOLTZ--Ben, you will feel great in a few months, and you will be so glad y0ou did this!! I am glad I did it

John Noriega  Awesome news! Now just be a patient patient - something I had to learn to do. I'll be praying for your recovery! Onward & Upward!

D. Carol Moore  I am so happy to hear that "All is well" with Ben. God is faithful. Thanks so much for the update.

Cheryl Batzing  Ben, I had my valve repair at Heart Hospital on Tuesday and I'm recovering as well. Maybe see you walking the hall!

Joan Napier  Ben will be in my thoughts and prayers today as he undergoes his procedure and enters recovery. Please keep us updated on his progress.

Bob M  We are all praying for Ben! Today is a new day! God bless and rise up! Tomorrow will be a new journey...recovery. A simple thing like a cherry Popsicle was the best thing in ICU for me.

Cheryl Batzing  Shelley & Ben, Dr. Hoffman was my anesthesiologist with Dr. Ryan Tuesday at 2:30! Been lifting you up in prayers from my recovery room.

Joseph Ballett  Ben go with what your favorite meal is just do it in moderation. Best of wishes and thoughts for Wednesday

Jeff V.  Bob, I went to Little Italy in Cleveland and stuffed myself... I didn't know how long it would be before I got to enjoy another fulfilling meal so I probably ate more than I needed too. No regrets!

Lynne Jeffreys  Good thought. I'll have to think myself soon. Good luck the Heart Valve community is pulling for you.

Rob Wigley  Ben, it's a good question, though my response is a little late for you! I took my extended family to Celebration on Lovers in Dallas. "Soul food", which I would also call comfort food.......

Jeff V.  Ben, I just posted the below info. on another patient's blog and am doing a cut & paste here as this info. and my journal may be of interest to you as I just got home from MV repair in Cleveland. I also have a AV regurg., however, the surgeon decided that problem was mild and would be saved for another day. Let me know if you have any questions.
"I returned home this past Thurs. following MV repair surgery in Cleveland. In the month leading up to surgery, my anxiety over the issues you describe would come and go in waves. This website was really important for me in processing and managing all of the issues I was faced with. I wasn't necessarily looking for a support network but after reading patient blogs, realized how important sharing this information became for me. I have had the benefit (and distraction) of knowing for several years that my surgery was going to happen but did not know exactly when until my routine cardio appt. in Cleveland in Sept. It was at this visit when I learned it was time for intervention and that it would happen sometime in early Dec. Once I locked in on the date, my anxiety dissipated and the week I arrived in Cleveland to begin pre-op testing I was totally relaxed and confident with the plan. This website was incredibly helpful for me to accept and understand what was coming. For me, the patient blogs were the key in seeing how it wasn't the end of the world but the means to a healthier life. Yes, there are likely going to be some bumps in the road... certainly, ICU is not fun but the people that will surround you in the hospital are awesome and will do their best to alleviate your pain and stress. I have been home since Thurs., 12/11, and feel great. The discomfort is minor and very manageable. I have been sleeping in my bed and keeping reasonably active with 4 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats and a feisty wife to keep me in line as I am no walk in the park! By the way, my MV repair was rather involved... My surgeon installed a 31mm Medtronic remodeling ring with a physiologic mitral valve shape. The ring helps reduce leaflet stress and increase mitral valve durability. Also, the doctor had to clear up some very sloppy valve chordae and used "neochords" (artificial chordae) to shore up the anterior leaflet. I had a 5 hour run of A-Fib in day 3 of post-op but converted on my own. This complication is very common and reportedly happens 30%-40% of the time following OHS. I expect you will do great! Regards, Jeff V."

Ben Schraegle  Jeff-thanks so much. The anxiety thing comes and goes. The great is that we live in a time that medical technology helps us get better and get back to our lives! I am glad you are feeling better and your comments are encouraging to me! Thank you and take care and keep posting! Ben

Jeff V.  Check out my Journals as my wife and I provide day-to-day updates both pre and post surgery. Good luck to you!

Adam Pick  Ben, Awesome to meet you. Fyi, you are going to do great. You are in excellent hands with Dr. Brinkman and Dr Ryan. Many patients from our community have had incredible surgical results with their team. I'm hopeful the information and the people at our website help you and Shelley at each step in the process. Keep on tickin! Adam (patient & website founder)

Jeff V.  Ben, I did shave my face the night before surgery and got a short haircut so I wouldn't have to deal with my hair. I also shaved everywhere below my neck in advance of my three days of pre-op testing as I knew I would be covered in adhesive. A used basic barber clippers to shave down body/arm/leg hair and was very glad I did this. It is not necessary for a super close shave below the neck.

Adam Pick  Ben, Some more thoughts for you at http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2010/04/19/incision-site-body-hair-clip-shave-before-surgery/. I hope that helps. Adam

Ben Schraegle  Thanks Jeff V. and Adam on the hair thing! Appreciate the input. Gonna do some man-scaping the day before; good thing I am part Grizzly Bear; it grows back fast! LOL!!!

D. Carol Moore  Hi Ben: I have two mechanical heart valves (aortic & mitral), 20 years and eight months to date. Never had any issues with my mechanical valves since implanted in 1994. I was diagnosed w/chronic A-fib in 2001 and is a lifetime recipient of coumadin. I lead a very normal, healthy and active lifestyle (retired in 2013 (company downsize)); otherwise I would still be in the workforce. If you need a repair or replacement, you'll be fine... take it from me, a living witness. One of the most important things that I do is TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MYSELF. So let go of the anxiety and enjoy your day! God is good and His mercy endures forever. Blessings to you! Nice pictures of you and family.

Ben Schraegle  Dear D. Carol Moore-Thank you so much for your kind, and nice and encouraging words. You're right; I have to let go and trust in God as I do. I am glad you have done so well! Keep living happy and healthy! All the best, Ben

Nancy D  almost 4 months post Mitral valve replacement and finished cardiac rehab today!! Doing well, no problems with the new bovine valve!! I know which ever you choose, should you need one will be perfect and will do well for you! For me the waiting was the hard part- recovery is a work in progress one step at a time, and you will do well too!! take good care!

D. Carol Moore  My pleasure and I will continue to live happy, well and healthy AND so will you. Thanks for your response to my posting. My thoughts and prayers are with you, et als in preparation for your surgery.,

Jeff V.  Good luck tomorrow, Ben! I went into surgery on 12/4 for an MV repair, (expected) AV replacement and possibly an ascending aorta plasty as my aorta is mildly dilated at 4.1mm. After completing a successful repair on my MV the surgeon took me off the pump, started the engine and observed his MV repair and my AV by TEE. With lingering questions about the competency of my AV, he pulled up my most recent echos and MRI and came to the conclusion that my AV regurg (+1) and stenosis were mild and that he would leave the AV alone! Just prior to the start of my surgery, while in the OR, my surgeon asked me my final decision for the AV/MV if replacement was necessary; tissue or mechanical? I am 51, active and did not want to be on Coumadin. I was locked in on an Edwards tissue valve if required. However, in a meeting with the surgeon the day before, he asked me why not consider a mechanical valve? He said there was little doubt that I would be back in another 15 years (on average) for another replacement... or, I could receive a mechanical valve and likely never have another surgery. He impressed upon me how manageable life on Coumadin can be and that if it were him, he would go mechanical. Additionally, he is far from convinced that TAVR will be a reliable delivery mechanism for a long-term valve replacement. So the night before surgery, I once again was back to square one; tissue or mechanical. I talked to my wife, friends, family and some doctor friends for more insight and help in trying to make my decision. In the morning on the way into the clinic for surgery, my wife asked me if I had decided? I told her, yes, but would keep it as a surprise. She did not want to tell me what to do but we discussed the pros and cons of either outcome and we concluded that either valve type was acceptable. So... as I slid from the gurney onto the OR table I told Dr. Pettersson that I wanted an On-X aorta mechanical valve if necessary. Needless to say, I certainly was shocked when I awoke in the ICU and was told by my wife that no valves were replaced! I look forward to reading about your progress in the coming days!