Deena Royal - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1304 days ago

Had a dental cleaning a week ago and just remembered Iwas suppose to take antibiotics prior to cleaning. Should I be concerned?

Else Reed Yes. You should be concerned. Call your doctor and explain the situation. Call your dentist. Have the ... Read more

Else Reed Yes. You should be concerned. Call your doctor and explain the situation. Call your dentist. Have them put an alert on your chart or in the computer. They can remind you prior to appointments to take antibiotics. Dentists and hygienists will ask you prior to the procedure if you are pre medicated. If you don’t pre medicate, you can get endocarditis. This is serious. Dental cleanings can cause germs to enter your bloodstream and travel to - in your case- your heart valve and cause infection.

Rose Madura Did you inform them you had surgery? Most dental offices will ask if there is a change in your medic ... Read more

Rose Madura Did you inform them you had surgery? Most dental offices will ask if there is a change in your medical history. You need to take antibiotics before any dental work as Else mentioned. Please make sure you inform your dentist so they can put it in your chart and remind you next time.

Cameron Peek Did you have a repair or replacement? My surgeon told me with my repair I did not need premeditation. ... Read more

Cameron Peek Did you have a repair or replacement? My surgeon told me with my repair I did not need premeditation.

Richard Munson Interesting you say that because i had a repair and was told to get premedicated by my dentist and su ... Read more

Richard Munson Interesting you say that because i had a repair and was told to get premedicated by my dentist and surgeon. Maybe some of the experts could clarify that for everyone.

Joseph Heinzmann Deena, if I remember correctly, you are pre-surgery. I can only relate my experience. I had a cleanin ... Read more

Joseph Heinzmann Deena, if I remember correctly, you are pre-surgery. I can only relate my experience. I had a cleaning a couple of weeks prior to surgery and they were aware of the upcoming surgery. I was not told to take antibiotics.

Post surgery I had a cleaning and was asked to take antibiotics.

So first, don't panic about this and, second, if you have concerns, ask your cardiologist or surgeon.

Deena Royal Thank you everyone for your input.🙂
I called the dr and did notify the dentist of my condition. I ... Read more

Deena Royal Thank you everyone for your input.🙂
I called the dr and did notify the dentist of my condition. I had a repair and so far not feeling any complications since my dental cleaning. Again, thank you for all the info, it does help!

Deena Royalposted an update

1560 days ago

It has been a little over two months since my mitral valve repair. About 3 weeks ago I got a sharp pain in my back that was pretty severe and made me feel ...Read more

It has been a little over two months since my mitral valve repair. About 3 weeks ago I got a sharp pain in my back that was pretty severe and made me feel a little nausea. It went away after an 1/2 hr. The same thing happened again last week but lasted a little longer, had pain in my back, pain just under my breasts and much more nauseated. This one lasted about an hour. Last night around 8:30pm, I started getting really bad back pain, pain in my ribs under my breast and very nauseated again. I tried laying down but it hurt too much. At 12am, the pain and nausea had not gone away. It finally did around 3am. After the first episode, I talked to the nurse practitioner, which she said it was probably spasms. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this and what the doctor told you it was and what to do. This last one scared me since it lasted so long. Thanks in advance.

Marie Myers Just wondering if you had a fatty meal that evening? With the nausea, it almost sounds a little like ... Read more

Marie Myers Just wondering if you had a fatty meal that evening? With the nausea, it almost sounds a little like a gallbladder attack. I might make an appointment with my medical doc to see what they think...

Victoria Baker Just letting you know, I had all types of odd jabs and pains. Think of what your heart and body went ... Read more

Victoria Baker Just letting you know, I had all types of odd jabs and pains. Think of what your heart and body went through. Not to mention the contortions you have been through. I am now 6 mts post surgery and things are finally calming down, finally! It's nice to share your thoughts here, just to hear what others have to say. Bewell!

Deena Royal Thank you both! It helps to share what you go thru even months afterwards.😀

Deena Royalposted a journal

1611 days ago

Dan Baltazor, Mike Cashara, Steven Methot and 3 others reacted to this

I saw the dr on 10/26 and was released back to work with no restrictions on Monday. 🙂 I will be starting cardiac rehab on Monday - three times a week ...Read more

I saw the dr on 10/26 and was released back to work with no restrictions on Monday. 🙂 I will be starting cardiac rehab on Monday - three times a week through end of year to further reduce the size of my right atrium. For anyone getting ready for surgery .. Stay positive and have faith in yourself and the Lord!

Dan Baltazor Cardiac Rehab is a must IMO. I really benefited from it. I hope you do too!

Great news Deena. Have a great cardiac rehab and keep us posted on your progress. God bless you

Deena Royalposted an update

1637 days ago

Adam Pick, Dan Baltazor, Jared Takeshita and 7 others reacted to this

Almost 2 weeks since my surgery and feeling better each day. I am feeling blessed that I did not have to take the pain meds issued and walking a little longer ...Read more

Almost 2 weeks since my surgery and feeling better each day. I am feeling blessed that I did not have to take the pain meds issued and walking a little longer each day. Told my doctor's nurse the other day that the recovery from this surgery is/was so much easier than my knee replacements. Thank you Dr. Bolling and your staff!!😀❤️👍🏻

Jared Takeshita Glad to hear that you’re doing well, Deena. Keep it up.

Adam Pick Awesome to hear Deena!!!!

Darrin Vohs Great news Deena. Keep that walking progression going!!!

Deena Royalposted a journal

1645 days ago

Nancy W, Lisa Shortt, Steven Methot and 9 others reacted to this

Surgery was a success! Had to stay a day longer due to problem with one lung but doing good now. Now time to heal and walk so my hearts will decrease in size. ...Read more

Surgery was a success! Had to stay a day longer due to problem with one lung but doing good now. Now time to heal and walk so my hearts will decrease in size. Thank you everyone.

Lorraine Willmann Glad to hear Deena. Bet you're glad its over. I go Thurs.

Susan Lynn Deena - Great news! Welcome to recovery! Glad it's behind you!

Darrin Vohs Congratulations Deena. It is great that you are already home! Welcome to the other side. The only ... Read more

Darrin Vohs Congratulations Deena. It is great that you are already home! Welcome to the other side. The only advice I can provide you already said...walk, walk walk (drink water), rest and repeat! I expect you will soon be telling us how much more energy you have!

Vance Austin Awesome job Deena! So glad you are home!

Jared Takeshita That’s great news, Deena. Glad to hear that you made it through well and that you’re on the road ... Read more

Jared Takeshita That’s great news, Deena. Glad to hear that you made it through well and that you’re on the road to recovery. Welcome to the club.

Tracy Fallu Great news! Rest rest and rest.

Deena Royalposted a journal

1650 days ago

Shannon Gray, Valerie Herndon-Vitarella, Jared Takeshita and 2 others reacted to this

Hi....one more day before my surgery. Feeling confident with the medical team and looking forward to getting past the surgery and on to recovery. Thank you ...Read more

Hi....one more day before my surgery. Feeling confident with the medical team and looking forward to getting past the surgery and on to recovery. Thank you Adam for creating this site and thank you to everyone in the community for sharing your experiences. God bless you all!

Rose Madura God bless you. We'll see you on the recovery side. Please keep us posted.

Marie Myers Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery!

Deena Royalposted an update

1662 days ago

6 people reacted to this

Looking for input on Cardiac Rehab. When did you start it, how long did you do it for and anything else that would be helpful to know. Thanks in advance!😊 ...Read more

Looking for input on Cardiac Rehab. When did you start it, how long did you do it for and anything else that would be helpful to know. Thanks in advance!😊

Susan Lynn Deena - My cardiac rehab facility was so busy, I couldn't even get an initial consultation for month ... Read more

Susan Lynn Deena - My cardiac rehab facility was so busy, I couldn't even get an initial consultation for months. By the time I started, I was 12 weeks post-op. It was well worth going and I continued in the extended class for two years. It was a wonderful experience. Best of luck to you! ❤

Louanna Miller I started 10 weeks post surgery. I went 3 times a week and this was the key to regaining strength an ... Read more

Louanna Miller I started 10 weeks post surgery. I went 3 times a week and this was the key to regaining strength and staying positive. Made all the difference in the world.

Once I completed the rehab portion, I continued through out the winter until I could exercise outside.

Darrin Vohs I started at 5 weeks post surgery which I thought was a good time to start but that was more by luck ... Read more

Darrin Vohs I started at 5 weeks post surgery which I thought was a good time to start but that was more by luck than by design as it was their first slot. I would think the best window to start is sometime soon after you get past the initial recovery period (say 2-3 weeks). One thing to be aware of is that many programs are taking reduced number of patients per session to maintain social distancing. BTW, I think cardio rehab is excellent and would highly recommend attending one.

Darrin Vohs Length is a function of how long your insurance will cover you (unless you want to pull the full cost ... Read more

Darrin Vohs Length is a function of how long your insurance will cover you (unless you want to pull the full cost) and how much rehab work you need to do. I was told I was "low risk" and I would only be covered for 12 weeks x 3 sessions per week for 36 total sessions. In my cohort I was the only "mitral valve repair" patient. All the others (I believe) have coronary artery disease and many are recoverying from heart attacks.

Marie Myers Mine started at 3 weeks, and insurance allowed for 36 sessions. I went three times a week. It was hel ... Read more

Marie Myers Mine started at 3 weeks, and insurance allowed for 36 sessions. I went three times a week. It was helpful in getting my confidence back, and it was reassuring that my vital signs and EKG was monitored. My cardiologist said it was up to me if I wanted to go. Honestly, I could have done the rehab myself at home, walking and riding my bike. If my insurance had not covered it, I probably would have done it myself at home. Like Darrin said, most of the other rehabbers were coronary bypass patients, and recovering heart attacks. At 63, I was the youngest one there.

Shannon Gray I was 7 weeks post surgery when I started. I loved it! I was so anxious about everything since I had ... Read more

Shannon Gray I was 7 weeks post surgery when I started. I loved it! I was so anxious about everything since I had complications one week after surgery, so rehab was comforting in having nurses note my heart rhythms, monitor, and encourage.

Deena Royal Thank you everyone for your input!😊

Jared Takeshita I’m scheduled for my cardiac rehab orientation at 25 days post op. They say that it’s supposed t ... Read more

Jared Takeshita I’m scheduled for my cardiac rehab orientation at 25 days post op. They say that it’s supposed to take 12 weeks or so, three days a week for 1 hour a session.

Jeffrey Dyer Started Rehab while still in the hospital. Do it as soon as possible!

Rita Savelis I started 4 weeks after OHS and was in a live-in rehab for 3 weeks. I was still too exhausted to be a ... Read more

Rita Savelis I started 4 weeks after OHS and was in a live-in rehab for 3 weeks. I was still too exhausted to be at home. Rehab is a good place to be around others who have been through what you've been through. To me this was more important than any physical exercise.

Adam Pick Deena, First off... Great job selecting Dr. Bolling for your mitral valve repair. He's one of the be ... Read more

Adam Pick Deena, First off... Great job selecting Dr. Bolling for your mitral valve repair. He's one of the best out there. Please give him a "Go Blue!" for me. Regarding cardiac rehab... You get more points for adding this question before your procedure. Why cardiac rehab is often under-utilized by patients even though the physical, emotional and social benefits are well documented. For me, cardiac rehab was the "game-changer" in my recovery. I started about 8 weeks after my surgery. I wish I would have started earlier but I did not know cardiac rehab existed. I would contact Dr. Bolling's office to see what they recommend given COVID. I know that Michigan Medicine has implemented a remote cardiac rehab program during COVID. I link to it below. I hope this is helpful. If you need anything, please let me know. https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/heart-health/cardiac-rehab-at-home-helps-patient-during-covid-19-pandemic

Cardiac Rehab at Home Helps Patient During COVID-19 Pandemic

https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/heart-health/cardiac-rehab-at-home-helps-patient-during-covid-19-pandemic

Adapting to life after heart surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic requires another adaptation for some patients: completing cardiac rehab at home.

William Trankle Mine started after 8 weeks (I remember because I was able to drive myself). It lasted a couple of mo ... Read more

William Trankle Mine started after 8 weeks (I remember because I was able to drive myself). It lasted a couple of months, and it was very helpful. A room full of equipment, with a progression through the different types of exercise types (cycling/treadmill, hand pedaling, band work/weights, rowing) while hooked to a heart monitor that is tracked by nurses. It got me back up to speed quickly (I was 43 at the time), and in a safe environment. Definitely recommend (my previous two surgeries didn't include rehab, and getting back to the gym was a bit more nerve wracking.

David Augustus I didn't want to go to cardiac rehab, however, my spouse is a cardiac nurse and I went about 10 weeks ... Read more

David Augustus I didn't want to go to cardiac rehab, however, my spouse is a cardiac nurse and I went about 10 weeks after my surgery. After the first session, it gave me confidence to push myself while being monitored by the nursing staff. I would recommend it.

Victoria Baker I had a mitral valve repair and had my rehab about 4 or 5 weeks after surgery. I noticed that the ex ... Read more

Victoria Baker I had a mitral valve repair and had my rehab about 4 or 5 weeks after surgery. I noticed that the exercise physiologists were more knowledgable than the RNs regarding exercise and the heart, over all. I did find that there was one physiologist who connected very well with me and she gave me more personal attention and even researched about my condition whereas the others didn't do that. (I believe they were supposed to try to be more personal but they were not) Rehab is what you make of it. You get what you put in. Best wishes to you!!!

leslie terjesen I had my aortic valve replaced at NY Presbyterian o 2/19/19 and started cardiac rehab on April 2, 201 ... Read more

leslie terjesen I had my aortic valve replaced at NY Presbyterian o 2/19/19 and started cardiac rehab on April 2, 2019. It was wonderful, the nurses were very helpful and knowledgable. One of my, and it's so minor I hate to even mention it, but I lost feeling in my ring finger and pinkie for about six months after the surgery and that was really the worst of it, but the only thing they wouldn't let me do until towards the end was the rower. Plus it was nice meeting all the people there. I continued at that gym without the necessity of all the monitoring for a few months after that. But when it was my rehab part, I did for three months and it was great.

Deena Royal Thank you all! ❤️

T F I went a 9-months after my surgery. My doctor said I didn’t need it, but I became tachycardic after ... Read more

T F I went a 9-months after my surgery. My doctor said I didn’t need it, but I became tachycardic after my surgery and it didn’t go away. The cardiac rehab made me physically stronger but didn’t change my high heart rate especially when I would run. Exercise is key to feeling stronger and I still do it despite my high heart rate. I’m glad I did the cardiac rehab even if it was 9 months post-op.

Elizabeth Glover I started at 4 or 5 weeks after my surgery and it was the best thing I could have done! I gained con ... Read more

Elizabeth Glover I started at 4 or 5 weeks after my surgery and it was the best thing I could have done! I gained confidence, energy, slimmed down and overall just started feeling better. Cardiac Rehab got me moving again and I am so glad!

Deena Royalposted a journal

1691 days ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

Just want to say I am so glad to have found this community! Read up on the two test I have to have this week and not feeling so nervous about them. Reading ...Read more

Just want to say I am so glad to have found this community! Read up on the two test I have to have this week and not feeling so nervous about them. Reading what others have experienced helped me immensely. 👍🏻

Marie Myers Glad you found this site. It helped me immensely through my journey, and I am sure it will help you a ... Read more

Marie Myers Glad you found this site. It helped me immensely through my journey, and I am sure it will help you also.

Susan Lynn Deena - Both tests are very easy. i was completely sedated for the TEE and declined the sedation for ... Read more

Susan Lynn Deena - Both tests are very easy. i was completely sedated for the TEE and declined the sedation for the catheterization. They're quick, painless, and over before you know it! You'll do just fine! ❤

Darrin Vohs Good Luck! With the sedative it will be over in the blink of an eye and you will soon have a lot of ... Read more

Darrin Vohs Good Luck! With the sedative it will be over in the blink of an eye and you will soon have a lot of information on your situation

Deena Royalposted an update

1700 days ago

Pat Bluemel and 5 others reacted to this

Question to all... How long were you off of work?

Marie Myers 2 months. I was fortunate to go back Only 2 days a week, and that was enough for me. Some of the ans ... Read more

Marie Myers 2 months. I was fortunate to go back Only 2 days a week, and that was enough for me. Some of the answer depends on how physically difficult your job is, also.

Pat Bluemel I took 3 months off this time around. I work in fast paced advertising and I had to give up on rehab ... Read more

Pat Bluemel I took 3 months off this time around. I work in fast paced advertising and I had to give up on rehab last time due to a demanding client. I forced the issue this time w/ my employer, iwant to be mostly done w/ rehab before I return. I am also very grateful I can take this time off and not worry. Most MDs will try and get you back to work and normal routine 6 or so weeks out depending on what you do for work.

Adam Pick I was off about 3 months. I took some extra time as I had some issues after surgery - pain and cardi ... Read more

Adam Pick I was off about 3 months. I took some extra time as I had some issues after surgery - pain and cardiac depression. After I got into cardiac rehab and stopped taking the pain medications, I felt a whole lot better.

Alex Sigalov 6 weeks for me but i work from home, and if i had to commute definitely would have needed 3 months.

Darrin Vohs I am starting work on August 10 so I will be off work for 4 weeks.

Bryan Savage Mini thoracotomy MV Repair- 4 weeks

Deena Royal Thank you everyone! 😀I am anticipating 4-6 weeks since I am and will still be working from home th ... Read more

Deena Royal Thank you everyone! 😀I am anticipating 4-6 weeks since I am and will still be working from home the remainder of the year.

Steve Lewis 7 weeks for me. Started with 2 - 3 days a week. As I was commuting. It was very draining so take it s ... Read more

Steve Lewis 7 weeks for me. Started with 2 - 3 days a week. As I was commuting. It was very draining so take it slow. 3 1/2 years now and doing great.

Denise Kirchner I was off for 12 weeks so that I could get through cardiac rehab before returning to work. If you ar ... Read more

Denise Kirchner I was off for 12 weeks so that I could get through cardiac rehab before returning to work. If you are able to take 12 weeks I highly recommend it. You will be stronger and better able cope with the stressors of a full time job. Take care and God bless you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Suzanne Finn I was off for 12 weeks and this allowed me also to finish up cardiac rehab and build up my stamina. ... Read more

Suzanne Finn I was off for 12 weeks and this allowed me also to finish up cardiac rehab and build up my stamina. I work as a middle school teacher and definitely needed to be up and running before go back to work full-time. All the best to you in your recovery.

Peter Eglinton I started returning to work after about 6 weeks, phasing in part-time. I was fortunate to have a supp ... Read more

Peter Eglinton I started returning to work after about 6 weeks, phasing in part-time. I was fortunate to have a supportive organization that understood I would tailor my involvement to my comfort. I was traveling to England and Norway with my wife as of week 13. :-)

Richard Puckett I know my situation is not common, but I was actually back in my office the eighth day after my surge ... Read more

Richard Puckett I know my situation is not common, but I was actually back in my office the eighth day after my surgery. My surgury was at the Cleaveland Clinic in Cleveland. I flew home on the eighth day after my mitrovalve repair and cabg with open heart surgery, and Ubered to my office that afternoon. I've been going to the office ever since, which was over four years ago. I work for myself and do primarily office work at a computer. I Ubered to work for six weeks until I was released to drive. I figured that I could sit around the office more comfortably than I could at home. Being away from the office would have been much more stressful. I never pushed myself, but let my body tell me what I could do.

Herb Greenberg Like Richard, I felt that there was really no difference working than sitting home. And since I work ... Read more

Herb Greenberg Like Richard, I felt that there was really no difference working than sitting home. And since I work from home... I started looking at things while still in the hospital (8 days at CC 5 months ago) but actually started working the day after I got home (Day 11). I write / research for a living so was sitting at my computer writing. I was clearly slower and more limited than usual but just kept at it and never looked back. I just tried to avoid anything overly stressful, but that was fairly easy to do even tho my world can be stressful. (I'm 68, have my own biz.)

Don Faust I had my Aortic Valve replaced I went back to work full time in 12 weeks. I worked hard on my cardi ... Read more

Don Faust I had my Aortic Valve replaced I went back to work full time in 12 weeks. I worked hard on my cardio and rode my bicycle to work when I went back 15 mile round trip. I work as an industrial electrical controls engineer so I don't spend much time at a desk. Good luck

Ann-Marie Dassler I was almost 73 when I had my surgery and then the Pandemic hit. I live alone, and I was grossly anem ... Read more

Ann-Marie Dassler I was almost 73 when I had my surgery and then the Pandemic hit. I live alone, and I was grossly anemic after my surgery. I had no depression. I slowly built my self up and my energy is great. I walk 2.5-4 miles a day. Yoga 30-45 min 5-7 times a week. Swim 30-69 min 5 times a week. Sleep 7 hours/ night. I’m grateful!

Ann-Marie Dassler And it took 3 -4 months.

Ann-Marie Dassler Cardiac rehab was stopped due to Covid.

Jennifer Barnett I took 2 months off work after my mechanical mitral valve replacement due to having endocarditis. I ... Read more

Jennifer Barnett I took 2 months off work after my mechanical mitral valve replacement due to having endocarditis. I only worked 3 days a week but wish I had taken a little longer off as I was very tired after the 3 days. I worked in the domestic violence field so the work was fairly demanding.

Deena Royal Thank you everyone for the responses!

Ann-Marie Dassler I would also add that rehab before cold winter months might be easier because walking is easier.

Mark Abbotoy I have my own business so I started working while I was still in the hospital recovering. From 30 min ... Read more

Mark Abbotoy I have my own business so I started working while I was still in the hospital recovering. From 30 minutes a day to full time within about 6 weeks. Actually helped keep me from getting depressed I think. Even so I had no significant pressure to perform since it's my own business. Would have been much harder working for someone else.