Debra Russo - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

716 days ago

Susan Lynn, Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Thank you to everyone who sent good wishes or kept me in their thoughts this week. My surgery went as expected. Even the complications from removing the TAVR ...Read more

Thank you to everyone who sent good wishes or kept me in their thoughts this week. My surgery went as expected. Even the complications from removing the TAVR first were expected and planned for. If anyone is ever in need of a heart surgeon in FL, I highly, highly recommend Dr. Jonathan Hoffberger at Sarasota Memorial. Highly qualified with a great bedside manner to boot. He really cares. He came in on post op day 3 to tell me I was being released the next day. I happened to be standing up and did my best "ta da!" with my arms spread out a bit. He laughed, and his colleague said "yes, we're releasing her to a rehab facility." Uh huh. I want to go home. So I twirled around a bit and said "I don't need no stinkin' rehab!" Doc burst out laughing and said "yeah, just send her home." I get home nursing care 2 days a week for a few weeks, and I don't think I'll need anything more until I can get to outpatient rehab in a few months. I used that last time I got a new valve and it was a game changer. For now I get up and do what I can each day to get moving and a little bit of exercise. My biggest problem post op is my neck, back, shoulders and arms. Everything hurt. I had to drink my coffee through a straw because it was too hard to lift the cup. I got checked out at the walk in clinic and it's all muscular, so they put me on steroids for 5 days and that is helping. I know recovery is going to be very long this time and I'm easily bored, so I set up easy projects I could work on when I feel energetic. I'm taking a couple of photography courses online and working on some quilts. I can't handle doing a full sized quilt yet, but the hospital needs quilts for the NICU. Those will be small enough to handle. Anyone waiting to undergo valve surgery I have to say it was not as bad as I imagined, although I hope I never have to do it again. I could see small improvements each day and that kept my spirits up.

Leona Resch Welcome to recovery Debra!!! It sounds like you are doing awesome!! I also had a lot of pain in my ri ... Read more

Leona Resch Welcome to recovery Debra!!! It sounds like you are doing awesome!! I also had a lot of pain in my right back, shoulder area . As of tm I’ll be three weeks post op and it is definitely improving - I can now lift my coffee cup no problem!! Think it’s from the way you are positioned in the or table and will improve with time. So glad you are doing well!!’👏👏❤️

Marie Myers Debra-You did it!! Congratulations on getting to the recovery side!

Patsy Stewart Welcome home, Debra! Hope your muscular pain goes away and you can start doing your projects soon. Ma ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Welcome home, Debra! Hope your muscular pain goes away and you can start doing your projects soon. Making those NICU quilts sounds amazing! Just listen to your body and learn when to stop and take a break. You can get tired out waaaaay before you know it, and then you've gone too far and have to spend a few days getting your strength back.

Klara Čičić Wow Debra! Congratulations. You are such a strong and positive person! May your healing go smoothly.

Susan Lynn Yay, Debra! It's wonderful to hear from you!! I love your quote, ' I don't need no stinkin' rehab... Read more

Susan Lynn Yay, Debra! It's wonderful to hear from you!! I love your quote, ' I don't need no stinkin' rehab!' Somebody needs to put that on a t-shirt! Be well!

Rose Madura Way to go Debra! Glad everything went well. Now's the time to listen to your body. Nap when you want ... Read more

Rose Madura Way to go Debra! Glad everything went well. Now's the time to listen to your body. Nap when you want. I'm sure you will sleep better at home than in a rehab facility.

Pamela Gregory Congratulations Debra! I'm so glad you got through your surgery with such success. Take your time wi... Read more

Pamela Gregory Congratulations Debra! I'm so glad you got through your surgery with such success. Take your time with everything you have planned to do. Your post sounds wonderful

Mindi Wieseman Hi Debra!! I'm so happy to hear your surgery went well and you're home! I've been home since Saturday ... Read more

Mindi Wieseman Hi Debra!! I'm so happy to hear your surgery went well and you're home! I've been home since Saturday and improving physically and mentally. Small steps, huge rewards.

Debra Russoposted an update

738 days ago

Does anyone have experience with a TAVR explant? My TAVR failed and I cannot have a TAVR in TAVR. Therefore I have to have open heart surgery to remove the ...Read more

Does anyone have experience with a TAVR explant? My TAVR failed and I cannot have a TAVR in TAVR. Therefore I have to have open heart surgery to remove the TAVR and put in a new valve. The 30 day mortality rate is higher than a normal SAVR. Any insights anyone?

Marie Myers I am sorry you have to go through this additional surgery. It May be a more challenging surgery for t ... Read more

Marie Myers I am sorry you have to go through this additional surgery. It May be a more challenging surgery for the surgeon, but the odds are still in your favor to get though it this. You will get be able to move on with your life. I hope you can find some peace during the preop wait!

Debra Russo Thanks Marie. I'm glad we're waiting until after Christmas, but it's also difficult waiting and wonde ... Read more

Debra Russo Thanks Marie. I'm glad we're waiting until after Christmas, but it's also difficult waiting and wondering. I can't wait for it to be over and be better again.