Brady Busch - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

158 days ago

I just read an article about a Belgium man,who has made a phone app,able to detect heart issues.His inspiration came,when his dad had an undiagnosed problem,probably ...Read more

I just read an article about a Belgium man,who has made a phone app,able to detect heart issues.His inspiration came,when his dad had an undiagnosed problem,probably a septal defect,also called hole in the heart.This is something I had repaired also.

It took him awhile,with different methods and models,but he realized,all he needed was basically a microphone.He's continuing to research ways of applying the technology for different medical uses.

https://www.wired.com/story/ai-doctor-roeland-decorte-future-industries/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us

This Code Breaker Is Using AI to Decode the Heartâs Secret Rhythms

https://www.wired.com/story/ai-doctor-roeland-decorte-future-industries/?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us

Inspired by his expertise in breaking ancient codes, Roeland Decorte built a smartphone app that continuously listens for signs of disease hidden in our pulse.

Richard Munson Somehow i think i would prefer a doctor or nurse breaking the news to me. But thats me. I was just on ... Read more

Richard Munson Somehow i think i would prefer a doctor or nurse breaking the news to me. But thats me. I was just on the phone on hold for an hour waiting for comcast to pick up. I was finally disconnected. Can only imagine my foul language if i was waiting for a heart report. I admit i called comcast a few names after getting disconnected. My boy shadow was the only one to hear my curses thankfully. I will try again once my repaired mitral valve calms down.

Brady Busch Hi Richard,

That might be a plus for a device like this.Sometimes,a medical professional can't ... Read more

Brady Busch Hi Richard,

That might be a plus for a device like this.Sometimes,a medical professional can't always be reached,when we need or want one,but if having something,that can be used at home,anytime,to monitor,during an abnormal or even a normal period,to provide instant information,could be very useful and then if needed,shared with a doctor.

Richard Munson Good thought brady. My age is no doubt a factor. Set in my ways. Not sure now that i see his picture ... Read more

Richard Munson Good thought brady. My age is no doubt a factor. Set in my ways. Not sure now that i see his picture if he is old enough to drive. P.s. i still have a flip phone. Drives my family nuts.

Richard Munson At doctors yesterday in waiting area. 4-5 other people all on their i phones except moi. She called a ... Read more

Richard Munson At doctors yesterday in waiting area. 4-5 other people all on their i phones except moi. She called a guy 3 times but he was pecking away, not paying attention. She looked at me and said mind if i take you early? Moral to the story. Stay alert at all times.

Valerie Allen Very interesting article, Brady. Thanks for sharing.

Doug Fults Brady, very cool that issues could be detected through common phone capabilities (microphone) alone, ... Read more

Doug Fults Brady, very cool that issues could be detected through common phone capabilities (microphone) alone, making that capability much more accessible. Richard, I get you, but I have to say that I really appreciate the mainstream availability of health monitoring devices rivaling what the hospitals prescribe. I use a Fitbit watch to monitor Heart BMP to keep exercise "moderate" awaiting surgery, and also the inexpensive O2 Ring for monitoring of O2 levels, both overnight & through exercise. Just this last month my Sleep Dr. had me do an overnight oximetry test, with results indicating I needed oxygen, based on the device reporting over 4 hours of sub-par oxygen. I was able to reply with the information that two independent Pulse Oximetry monitors (the Fitbit and the O2 Ring) both reported normal oxygen levels that night.

Rose Madura Interesting Brady but I don't think I'm ready for my microphone to be on at all times! yikes! Maybe ... Read more

Rose Madura Interesting Brady but I don't think I'm ready for my microphone to be on at all times! yikes! Maybe it is anyway, only the shadow knows for sure. 😄

Grace Mason Interesting using audio.
I wonder if that is how some dogs are able to detect epileptic seizures ... Read more

Grace Mason Interesting using audio.
I wonder if that is how some dogs are able to detect epileptic seizures before they occur, with their acute hearing.

Brady Buschposted an update

419 days ago

I'm going to get a deep cleaning at a dentist,the first week of December and a crown the same month.I told them about my aortic valve replacement and mitral ...Read more

I'm going to get a deep cleaning at a dentist,the first week of December and a crown the same month.I told them about my aortic valve replacement and mitral repair.Asked about taking an antibiotic,to help stop endocarditis.They were uncertain about me taking it,but wrote a prescription.

I contacted cardiology at my hospital and spoke with an RN.She said,unless the dentist refuses to do any work,it may not be necessary.She was going to pass the info on.My regular cardiologist retired last summer,so I'm waiting for a new one.

Checking online,one source said,about 1 out of 3000 get the disease.I don't want to be in with the 1%.

Pamela Gregory I had a dental appt. today. Both my cardiologist and dentist said I will have to take antibiotics ev... Read more

Pamela Gregory I had a dental appt. today. Both my cardiologist and dentist said I will have to take antibiotics every time I go for the rest of my life. I had a cleaning today with antibiotics

Brady Busch okay,thanks.With more reading,the consensus so far is,people who have artificial heart valve material ... Read more

Brady Busch okay,thanks.With more reading,the consensus so far is,people who have artificial heart valve material,will benefit from an antibiotic prophylaxis,during certain dental procedures.

Jennifer Fuller I had an appointment with my cardiology office a few days ago and asked this same question. They reco ... Read more

Jennifer Fuller I had an appointment with my cardiology office a few days ago and asked this same question. They recommend the antibiotics and I will be taking them before a cleaning next week. Taking a dose of antibiotics makes sense to me, even if the risk of infection is small.

Deena Z Totally, take those antibiotics.

Susan Lynn The American Heart Association has changed their recommendations over the years on antibiotics befor... Read more

Susan Lynn The American Heart Association has changed their recommendations over the years on antibiotics before dental treatment. My dentist feels that the benefits of premedicating far outweigh the risks. I would say, take them, but the choice is yours!

Brady Busch I was prescribed Azithromycin.It's not supposed to get along with Warfarin very well,which for me was ... Read more

Brady Busch I was prescribed Azithromycin.It's not supposed to get along with Warfarin very well,which for me was replaced with Eliquis,so should be okay there.
It does have some possible unpleasant side effects listed.Has anyone taken an antibiotic for dental work that didn't cause a reaction?

Rose Madura I take 2000 mg of amoxicillin 1 hour prior to any dental work. No side effects for me. I have been d ... Read more

Rose Madura I take 2000 mg of amoxicillin 1 hour prior to any dental work. No side effects for me. I have been doing this for years. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Ana Brusso Agree with Rose and all others here Brady.

DeWayne Adamson Take 2000mg. Can't hurt.

Brady Busch The dosage for Azithromycin,is 500mg.

Robert Miller I asked @Adam if he could do some education about dental including but not limited to how dental hygi ... Read more

Robert Miller I asked @Adam if he could do some education about dental including but not limited to how dental hygiene can influence the heart (supposedly it can but I am skeptical), how to handle dentist appointment when you are on blood thinner (you are supposed to stop it a couple days before, I believe), taking some antibiotics (many seem to take it just for preventative measures), etc.

Rita Savelis I take 2000 mg of amoxillan 1 hour before a teeth cleaning or any dental work and have done so for 9 ... Read more

Rita Savelis I take 2000 mg of amoxillan 1 hour before a teeth cleaning or any dental work and have done so for 9 years since my double valve replacement. This is recommended (as a precaution) by my cardiologist and he writes my prescription. There is a slight chance that bacteria can pass down during dental work and infect one's replaced valves. This chance is very slight but good dental hygiene is important for your body. My dentist always asks if I have taken my antibiotics before my teeth cleaning. She has several patients in the same category. I have absolutely no reaction to taking this antibiotic. As I said before it is a precaution so some doctors do not prescribe it and some patients take a different dose. I am on anticoagulants and do not stop taking them when I have dental work (cleaning, filling or crown). If you have dental surgery (such as gum surgery) your dentist should be able to direct you in collaboration with your cardiologist as to the procedures to follow regarding anticoagulants. Dental care is really important. Usually you will be directed to have a dental checkup and to take care of as much dental work as possible before you have heart surgery. Please do. Take care.

Pamela Gregory Mine is also 2000mg Amoxicillin

Klara Čičić Recommendation today are little more "loose" at some points than before due to the fact that a lot o ... Read more

Klara Čičić Recommendation today are little more "loose" at some points than before due to the fact that a lot of endocarditis cases are actually result from bad hygiene and dental issues itself regardless of having the procedure or not. I mean, they stress the importance of hygiene maintenance and prevention rather than relying ONLY on antibiotics before every procedure to do the business of preventing endocarditis. But taking 2g of amoxicillin if you are not allergic to penicillin is definitely still recommended prior to any bloody dental procedure (deep cleaning, tooth extration etc).

Brady Buschposted an update

432 days ago

Valerie Allen, Louise Moore, Grace Mason and 5 others reacted to this

Today is my heart's two year valversary(I think someone else coined that word).

Grace Mason Happy 2nd Valversary, Brady!!💖 ...🎶and many more 🎶

Rose Madura Happy anniversary Brady!

Ana Brusso Happy second valversary Brady, congratulations 🎊🎉👍

Susan Lynn Happy 2nd Anniversary, Brady!

Brady Busch Thanks,I was released from the hospital on Thanksgiving Day.It added a new meaning to the word.

Rich Butela Wishing you many more !

Sean Adkins Congratulations!

Klara Čičić Happy second valversary! To many more!

Andrea Babcock Happy 2nd Valve Anniversary!

Brady Buschposted an update

609 days ago

Grace Mason , Brady Busch reacted to this

I have a question.It's available for me to get some health items,through my medicare plan.So,I picked up a bottle of fish oil and turmeric,because of reading ...Read more

I have a question.It's available for me to get some health items,through my medicare plan.So,I picked up a bottle of fish oil and turmeric,because of reading that they have healthful benefits.
After receiving them,a warning was written on the fish oil label,that stated,to avoid omega-3 fatty acid,when taking anticoagulants,of which mine is Apixaban(Eliquis).Turmeric could have some conflict also,according to information online.
I sent a message to my cardiologist about this,with no reply yet.I was wondering if anyone here has knowledge,whether experiential or otherwise about this?Eliquis may be too new a drug,to find out much,right now.

Brady Busch I just received this answer from my doctor:
"advise avoiding supplements when a person is taking blood thinners
like Apixaban. Both the Fish Oil and Turmeric supplement should be
avoided. It is alright to use turmeric in preparing food as long as the
amount in the recipe is in the range of 1 teaspoon or less."

... Read more

Marie Myers Both those supplements (among many others) can prolong bleeding time. Wise advice from your doc…

Deena Z wow, thanks for the share, Brady. And supported by our experience clinician, Marie:) Important inf ... Read more

Deena Z wow, thanks for the share, Brady. And supported by our experience clinician, Marie:) Important info.

Brady Buschposted an update

641 days ago

Rose Madura, Grace Mason , Patty Parrish and 1 other reacted to this

My sister,who was about nine years older,passed away in May,2021 from heart and lung problems.That was about the time that I was going to do cardiac testing,because ...Read more

My sister,who was about nine years older,passed away in May,2021 from heart and lung problems.That was about the time that I was going to do cardiac testing,because my cardiologist called me.After telling him about her and that I was staying with her bed ridden husband,because of need for a hip replacement,he postponed the tests until the Fall.
We had a celebration of life event,that August and this is a poem I read,after remember hearing it about thirty years prior.

Do It Now

by Berton Braley (1882-1966)

More than fame and more than money
Is the comment kind and sunny
And the hearty, warm approval of a friend.
For it gives to life a savor,
And it makes you stronger, braver,
And it gives you heart and spirit to the end;
If he earns your praise — bestow it;
If you like him let him know it;
Let the words of true encouragement be said;
Do not wait till life is over
And he's underneath the clover,
For he cannot read his tombstone when he's dead. If with pleasure you are viewing
Any work a man is doing,
If you like him or you love him, tell him now;
Don't withhold your approbation
Till the parson makes oration
And he lies with snowy lilies on his brow;
No matter how you shout it
He won't really care about it;
He won't know how many teardrops you have shed;
If you think some praise is due him
Now's the time to slip it to him,
For he cannot read his tombstone when he's dead.

The author seemed to be in touch with the eternal,while living in the temporal.I'm printing it,because a lot of people here,have that attitude,embodied in the writing.Something I can work on more.Going through the experience we have,also reminds us about life,the brevity and opportunities each day.

Berton Braley - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berton_Braley

If with pleasure you are viewing any work a man is doing, If you like him or you love him, tell him now.

Ana Brusso Thank you Brady. I am sorry for your loss of your sister. I lost two older brothers of mine in that s ... Read more

Ana Brusso Thank you Brady. I am sorry for your loss of your sister. I lost two older brothers of mine in that same year. Miss them dearly and always told them how much I love them. Thank you for this poem. God bless you

Rose Madura Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

Brady Buschposted an update

712 days ago

Last night,while talking with a lady,she said that the literature accompanying her blood pressure medicine,had a warning about drinking Grapefruit juice.I mentioned ...Read more

Last night,while talking with a lady,she said that the literature accompanying her blood pressure medicine,had a warning about drinking Grapefruit juice.I mentioned mine is Lisinopril and she said,it was hers too.After checking online,there wasn't any info,that I found,about interaction,so she may have the name wrong.
Grapefruit though,can interfere with different drugs and cause too much or too little,to be absorbed in the blood stream.Something new learned.Here is a little video about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQJ4NO6SDqg

http://www.too.After/

Brady Buschposted an update

725 days ago

Donna Casaletto reacted to this

I visited my cardiologist yesterday and asked about the last echo,which was fine.After mentioning to the doctor,that I asked the technician,about getting another ...Read more

I visited my cardiologist yesterday and asked about the last echo,which was fine.After mentioning to the doctor,that I asked the technician,about getting another in about a year and being told basically,not necessarily.He said,that's right,another one might not be needed in five years.
He did listen to my heart and commented,that the murmur is completely gone.I remember,before surgery,a doctor let me listen to mine,which had a whooshing sound and then hers,which was like lub-lub.I also listened about a month after valve replacement and had to really concentrate,to hear anything.

Richard Munson I get one every year but thats me

Robert Miller That's interesting. After surgery I did get an echo 3 months later and then another 3 months later (s ... Read more

Robert Miller That's interesting. After surgery I did get an echo 3 months later and then another 3 months later (so 6 months after my first surgery). It is possible that when you have a known and slowly progressive issue then 5 year check ups are ok.

Also check with the insurance company. Will they cover the echo every year if the cardiologist is billing it right? Also do NOT get an echo done at the hospital but by a 3rd party. 3rd party imaging service companies charge a lot less (I just paid more than $1000 for a 2-view x-ray and that is after the insurance reduced the allowed rate........)

Ana Brusso My old cardiologist didn’t give me an echo for two years after my open heart surgery even though I ... Read more

Ana Brusso My old cardiologist didn’t give me an echo for two years after my open heart surgery even though I asked for one, he kept saying I didn’t need one because everything sounded good. In a chest scan done by a different doctor it was discovered I had a new aneurysm and it was dissecting. I needed a new surgery. Doctors can’t see what’s going on inside your chest unless they give you a scan or echo.

Rose Madura My cardiologist says five years. Like most things, everyone has a different opinion I suppose.

Robert Miller @Ana Brusso that's odd. A trained ear can hear leakage but I don't think they can estimate ejection r ... Read more

Robert Miller @Ana Brusso that's odd. A trained ear can hear leakage but I don't think they can estimate ejection rates, assess the size of your heart and other issues. It's my understanding that after surgery you should have an echo 3 months after, half a year after and then yearly check ups unless there is no concern anymore so 5 year check ups are ok (but not right after surgery).

Brady Busch Ana,were there any noticeable symptoms at the time of the chest scan?
I did a little reading and found some information,https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6410760/.
It states in the paragraph,with the heading,Valve design,"patients aged >60 years at implantation with a Perimount series valve
or Hancock II or another valve design with demonstrable good durability
can reasonably have routine echocardiography only at 10 years and
beyond as suggested by the American Heart Association guideline."
Mine is an Edwards Inspiris Resilia,which incorporates the Perimount platform.I'm sure though,there are other factors involved,in making decisions for getting an echo.
I'm a veteran,so my exams are done at the Seattle VA and they have cooperative programs with the University of Washington.In fact,that's where my surgery was done,by the head of cardiac surgery,at the VA.
... Read more

Indications for echocardiography of replacement heart valves: a joint statement from the British Heart Valve Society and British Society of Echocardiography

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6410760/

Echocardiography plays a vital role in the follow-up of patients with replacement heart valves. However, there is considerable variation in international guidelines regarding the recommended time points after implantation at which routine echocardiography ...

Patty Parrish Thank you Brady for your comments especially related to walking. I walked 12400 steps daily prior to ... Read more

Patty Parrish Thank you Brady for your comments especially related to walking. I walked 12400 steps daily prior to surgery so I hope to follow in your path and timeline. Also I received the Edwards Inspiris too!

Ana Brusso Brady, I had the same bio valve as you. It’s doing very well. My issue became the aorta that someho ... Read more

Ana Brusso Brady, I had the same bio valve as you. It’s doing very well. My issue became the aorta that somehow got deceased two years after valve replacement. I didn’t have any symptoms and yet developed a dissecting aneurysm that was discovered on a chest scan.

Brady Busch Ana,I'm glad that was detected.About my only explanation is,that God was involved.

Ana Brusso Brady, He sure was, I truly believe that. All the glory to Him. 🙏🙏

Brady Buschposted an update

847 days ago

Today,while being outside in direct sunlight,kneeling and when standing up,I felt light headed and a bit dizzy,which only lasted about 10 seconds.Is this normal?A ...Read more

Today,while being outside in direct sunlight,kneeling and when standing up,I felt light headed and a bit dizzy,which only lasted about 10 seconds.Is this normal?A couple minutes later,my blood pressure was about 110/80,with 80 bpm heart rate,when checked.My surgery was last November.

Marie Myers Changing position, especially when dehydrated, can result in a lowered BP . This can be the cause of ... Read more

Marie Myers Changing position, especially when dehydrated, can result in a lowered BP . This can be the cause of your episode of dizziness and lightheadedness. I have experienced this myself.

Brady Busch Thanks Marie,that could be the situation.Plus I'm 67.Even though a person gets older,things experienc ... Read more

Brady Busch Thanks Marie,that could be the situation.Plus I'm 67.Even though a person gets older,things experienced are sometimes new and unexpected,in fact many.

Greg Lewis Hi Brady! If i can offer some advice? Take your BP daily, if you arent already, and keep a daily log ... Read more

Greg Lewis Hi Brady! If i can offer some advice? Take your BP daily, if you arent already, and keep a daily log of BP, Oxygenation, heart rate, and how you are feeling. And always get things checked out if you think you feel off. Meds can cause different things as well. Good luck!

Brady Busch Hi Greg,I checked the BP routinely,every day for about two months,but then sporadically afterwards.I' ... Read more

Brady Busch Hi Greg,I checked the BP routinely,every day for about two months,but then sporadically afterwards.I'm resuming,after seeing a cardiologist this week.They took it when visiting and it was crazy high.It could have been stress from driving there,because a major bridge was closed for maintenance,with mass traffic.I barely made the appointment,driving like an Indy racer,taking a longer route.They're even prescribing a BP medication because of the readings.Right now,I haven't a way to measure oxygenation.At the time of the hospital stay during surgery,a pacemaker was installed,that can read a lot.

Greg Lewis My BP went high a few days ago. When i had some fluids built up. I bought one of those finger tip thi ... Read more

Greg Lewis My BP went high a few days ago. When i had some fluids built up. I bought one of those finger tip things that measure rate and oxygen.

Andrew Dial I’m 15 weeks post Ross procedure and I get that everytime I stand up from kneeling. My BP is normal ... Read more

Andrew Dial I’m 15 weeks post Ross procedure and I get that everytime I stand up from kneeling. My BP is normally around 110/65.

Marie Myers Brady, I am right there with you at age 68…Things are just a bit more difficult as we age…

Patty Parrish My Fitbit measures my oxygenation. My blood pressure systolic for my day before and day of surgery ... Read more

Patty Parrish My Fitbit measures my oxygenation. My blood pressure systolic for my day before and day of surgery was 155+ but it dropped to low normal immediately after surgery so "white coat syndrome" is very real.

Brady Buschposted an update

854 days ago

I was looking online for information about atrial fibrillation(afib),having had episodes,since heart valve surgery.Most of them were during the first month,post ...Read more

I was looking online for information about atrial fibrillation(afib),having had episodes,since heart valve surgery.Most of them were during the first month,post op,with only a few since then.Anyway,there is an unusual published report,of a healthy,athletic 29 year old man,who was suddenly experiencing afib.He was admitted into a hospital and part of the treatment,was to do a digital rectal exam,to check for bleeding.Immediately following,the afib ceased.This was after a 140 bpm heart rate.The theory is,some nerves were stimulated,which had an effect on the heart.Here is the report,if interested.There is also the mention of carotid massage,which may help. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046006/

http://www.surgery.Most/

Greg Lewis Brady, i had right side heart failure for 2 months after. Afib the whole time. The finally got me bac ... Read more

Greg Lewis Brady, i had right side heart failure for 2 months after. Afib the whole time. The finally got me back to sinus rhythm with Cardioversion.i now am battling PVC a lot, but stay in rhythm. That will also be overcome! Just another hurdle!

Brady Busch Hello Greg,I was reading about your story.God does miracles and helps people overcome,in different wa ... Read more

Brady Busch Hello Greg,I was reading about your story.God does miracles and helps people overcome,in different ways and by others.

Greg Lewis He sure does! My life has taken a right turn! Completely different! I am slowly learning to just take ... Read more

Greg Lewis He sure does! My life has taken a right turn! Completely different! I am slowly learning to just take it as it comes, live day to day and try to not worry about whats going on, and let god be first the driver!

Brady Buschposted an update

874 days ago

Klara Čičić, Susan Lynn reacted to this

I saw a pretty good movie a little while ago.The name is,Something the Lord Made.It's mostly about the relationship of Dr.Alfred Blalock and his assistant,Vivien ...Read more

I saw a pretty good movie a little while ago.The name is,Something the Lord Made.It's mostly about the relationship of Dr.Alfred Blalock and his assistant,Vivien Thomas and their work in heart surgery.

Sounds like an inspiring movie. Thank you for posting it.

Brady Busch YouTube is showing it for free right now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkaBRK5BDck

Something the Lord Made (2004)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkaBRK5BDck

Something the Lord Made is a 2004 American made-for-television biographical drama film about the Black cardiac pioneer Vivien Thomas (1910â1985) and his comp...

Brady Buschposted an update

921 days ago

I have a question.From reading and seeing the different heart issues people experience,it appears that the aortic is the one that gets stenosed,more frequently ...Read more

I have a question.From reading and seeing the different heart issues people experience,it appears that the aortic is the one that gets stenosed,more frequently that other valves.Does anyone know why?