Diane Lewis - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

5 days ago

2 days away from a Mitral and Aortic valve redo/replacement and a MAZE procedure by Dr. Marc Gerdisch. We are driving from Little Rock to Indianapolis today. ...Read more

2 days away from a Mitral and Aortic valve redo/replacement and a MAZE procedure by Dr. Marc Gerdisch. We are driving from Little Rock to Indianapolis today. Pre-op things tomorrow and surgery the 18th.

Danny Humphress How are you feeling, physically and emotionally?

Christopher T

Valerie Allen I hope you made it safely to Indianapolis and are settling in. Prayers for you and your surgical team ... Read more

Valerie Allen I hope you made it safely to Indianapolis and are settling in. Prayers for you and your surgical team. You will be on the road to recovery before you know it!

Ana Brusso Will pray your redo surgery would be successful and a speedy recovery. You chose a great surgeon. God ... Read more

Ana Brusso Will pray your redo surgery would be successful and a speedy recovery. You chose a great surgeon. God bless you 🙏❤️

Margaret Fielden God bless your surgery and recovery Diane

Jill Reeder "Best of luck for a successful surgery and speedy recovery! ❤️‍🩹"

Diane Lewisposted an update

10 days ago

I'm 9 days away from Aortic/mitral/Maze procedure in Indianapolis by Dr. Marc Gerdish. I'm so read to get it done. I have been on his waiting list for 4 months. ...Read more

I'm 9 days away from Aortic/mitral/Maze procedure in Indianapolis by Dr. Marc Gerdish. I'm so read to get it done. I have been on his waiting list for 4 months. Not looking forward to having it the week before Christmas, but such is life. Will take any advice on what I need to take. This website may have a travel/hospital list and I just haven't seen it yet. Thank you ahead of time.

Geoff Curtis By Christmas Day, you'll be doing great! I recommend a robe and basic toiletries & something to ... Read more

Geoff Curtis By Christmas Day, you'll be doing great! I recommend a robe and basic toiletries & something to keep your hands busy in the recovery bed. & Some good music

Susan Lynn Good things come to those who wait - especially for Dr. Gerdish!! I'd also recommend a long charger... Read more

Susan Lynn Good things come to those who wait - especially for Dr. Gerdish!! I'd also recommend a long charger cord for your cell phone, a button front shirt, and loose pants or stretch pants for the way home. Many of us left the hospital with a few extra pounds. Everything you need will be provided. I totally over packed! Wishing you all the best!!

Pamela Gregory I really liked having my own pillow and blanket. Best wishes to you

Dan Fouratt I packed some slip on walking shoes vs the slippers they provide you with. They want you to walk and ... Read more

Dan Fouratt I packed some slip on walking shoes vs the slippers they provide you with. They want you to walk and I wanted to be comfortable. Also I purchased sweats and several front button shirts. I soon as I could change in to that from the hospital gown I did. It is easier to walk in. Good Luck.

Kimberly Eisenhut You are very fortunate to have one of the top Drs performing your surgery

Blessings

Robert Miller My second surgery was maybe a week before Christmas. It wasn't a big issue. You look a bit funny with ... Read more

Robert Miller My second surgery was maybe a week before Christmas. It wasn't a big issue. You look a bit funny with the heart hugger at the family party but it's fine. As for the recover itself, check out the learning center. What mostly helped me is pillows, recliner, etc. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Learning Center for Heart Valve Disease & Surgery

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Get important facts about heart valve disease, symptoms, risks and treatment.

Larry Peterson Diane, I packed a big plush robe with a hood (nurses said I looked like Rocky Balboa in it!). It was ... Read more

Larry Peterson Diane, I packed a big plush robe with a hood (nurses said I looked like Rocky Balboa in it!). It was great for walks after surgery.

Diane Lewis Thank ya’ll for all the encouragement and suggestions. We are driving from Little Rock to Indianapo ... Read more

Diane Lewis Thank ya’ll for all the encouragement and suggestions. We are driving from Little Rock to Indianapolis today. Pre-op things tomorrow and surgery the 18th.

Dan Fouratt Good luck you will do well.

Diane Lewisposted a journal

80 days ago

Valerie Allen reacted to this

Finally have a surgery date. It’s December 18th. A week before Christmas. It will be in Indianapolis wit Dr. Marc Gerdisch. I have been ask to be put on a ...Read more

Finally have a surgery date. It’s December 18th. A week before Christmas. It will be in Indianapolis wit Dr. Marc Gerdisch. I have been ask to be put on a cancellation list in hopes that date couldne earlier.

Diane Lewisposted an update

181 days ago

Is there a list of surgeons that use the sternal rigid fixation. I know Dr. Marc Gerdisch does, but their earliest surgery date is in November.

Suelynn Hanegraaf Doug Johnston, MD, my cardiovascular surgeon at Northwestern Medicine (previously, vice chair at Clev ... Read more

Suelynn Hanegraaf Doug Johnston, MD, my cardiovascular surgeon at Northwestern Medicine (previously, vice chair at Cleveland Clinic) used a titanium plating system to close my sternum at my April 2024 aortic valve replacement redo.

Daneen Douglas I think Cleveland Clinic does!

Diane Lewis Thanks!

Diane Lewisposted an update

194 days ago

I have to have both the aortic and mitral valve replaced. My mitral was repaired 6 years ago. I am trying to decide about doing it locally or going out of state. ...Read more

I have to have both the aortic and mitral valve replaced. My mitral was repaired 6 years ago. I am trying to decide about doing it locally or going out of state. My because/BS of Arkansas Medicaid supplemental may only pay for Ark.

I'm also trying to weigh having the sternum wired verses the external fixation I have read about. Any thoughts.

Robert Miller Well, clarify with your insurance. Unless it's a 911 case, you usually get approvals from the insuran ... Read more

Robert Miller Well, clarify with your insurance. Unless it's a 911 case, you usually get approvals from the insurance. Your surgeon's office will do that.

I never heard of external fixation of the sternum. Is there a reason you are considering this versus the normal wires?

Diane Lewis There are a couple of martial posted on this site about it. The ones doing it have a lot less pain an ... Read more

Diane Lewis There are a couple of martial posted on this site about it. The ones doing it have a lot less pain and can lift their weight and drive after the first 7 days.

Diane Lewis Meant to write articles. Can’t find an edit button.

J Alexander Lassally I'm a wire guy - tested and true....

Valerie Allen My surgeon would only do rigid fixation if you are a certain BMI. I was just past that line so he agr ... Read more

Valerie Allen My surgeon would only do rigid fixation if you are a certain BMI. I was just past that line so he agreed with the fixation. I am not sure all surgeons go by this. There are still a couple wires, as I understand it.

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