Don's Journal

Cheryl Batzing  Don, I had a mitral valve repair at Heart Hospital Plano on Dec. 16. Been home 5 days now. I sound very similar to you--had no symptoms, but my Dallas cardiologist said my murmur was getting louder...after testing, they determined I needed to get it fixed now while I was in excellent health, a "young" 52, and before I had enlargeded heart, ventricle issues, etc. So, from Oct. 6 cardiologist check up to Dec. 16 surgery it was a whirlwind of interviewing surgeons, panicking, being at a peace, and then having surgery. I was terrified of the heart/lung bypass machine, waking up on the vent, and pain. BUT, the Lord got me through it. I have no issues whatsoever that I can tell form the heart/lung bypass machine, the pain was controlled with drugs, and the vent was a little hard but an excellent nurse got me through that as well. You can do this! Prayers are coming your way as well for peace. It's frightening when you have a family and young children...I have a 17 year old son. Blessings.

Clay Rowe  Hi Don. I read that short term fogginess after surgery is common. Pump head syndrome. There are also concerns that it may be long term and damaging. However, a more recent Johns Hopkins study says the machine probably isn't the cause...but a progression of existing vascular disease that affects the brain. There's also a theory that, as the patient is warmed after the cool down for surgery, something happens to the body's regulation of blood pressure to the brain. slower reheating or no cool down is a theory. I guess you can tell I'm concerned about this too. There are lots of things that I'm giving up to God. Google this to make sure I don't have pre surgery cognitive issues. Ha. Good luck to us all.

Tammy Pilcher  Hi Don, I had my aortic valve replaced 8 weeks ago. I haven't had any issues from the bypass machine. My experience hasn't been as bad as I thought it might be. I wrote about my surgery experience in my journal. It might ease some fears. Best wishes!

Bob M  Similarly, I did not have any noticeable symptoms. While I was still on the table after my angiogram, my cardiologist showed me the video of my heart with contrast and showed my leaky aortic valve. My surgery and recovery have been perfect with no bypass machine effects.

Nancy D  Don, I had minimally invasive (right thoracotomy approach) mitral valve replacement in Tyler, TX 4 months ago. I have had no issues from bypass (they cannulated through the left groin) except I still have some numbness in the left thigh to the knee. The 'cardiac brain' you hear of in my case was due more from the pain medication I think that leaves you a bit foggy about the initial post op period, which is a good thing to forget. Nothing residual remains except the nerve irritation causing numbness in the thigh which is improving as time progresses. Minor detail in the overall scheme of things.
Your shock and nerves will improve to peace once your decisions are made, and you know when, where and how things will go. At least that was my experience. Take good care, be informed, and ask any of us if you have questions.

Ole Bore  I was completely asymptomatic when I went to my routine checkup for my BAV. Have been going in since birth for that. When I went in my AAA was 5.6. That was September 20. Fast forward to today and I'm 17 days post op. I also have 2 young kids so the most annoying thing is to not be able to lift them. Best of luck, you'll be fine! Keep us posted

Eleanor R  Hi, Don, I am older than you (68) and had my aortic valve replaced this past July. I originally was asymptomatic too, but closer to the surgery I did notice symptoms of shortness of breath running up stairs or long walks, a strange kind of indigestion when I had never had that issue. Little things that I had discounted or explained away to myself. I had all the fears you mention, you are welcome to read my journal from July and August. I was the queen of "what ifs" but none of it turned out to be as scary as it was in my mind. If you have a surgeon that does a ton of these surgeries a week, and you do, and if you go to a large specialized clinic, as you plan to, you will be fine. I was lucky enough to live about 5 minutes from the top regional heart and valvular institute in the DC area, and had mine done there with a top aortic valve specialist. I was home on day 4 and in cardiac rehab soon afterwards, no side effects at all. You should do fine. Best wishes, Eleanor

Joan Napier  Don, I had my MV repaired Nov 10th (7 weeks ago) due to severe mitral regurg. Although I have known for years about the problem, it came as a shock to me too when I heard the words "its time to fix this leaky valve". I was also concerned about potential cognitive impairment post -op, and even post -op delirium. My doctor reassured me that due to my age (56) it was highly unlikely. I'm happy to report that he was correct. Since I am still working and going to school(for my MSN/NP) this has been a big relief. You are young, healthy, and will be in the best of hands, I'm sure you will be fine! Wishing you all the best in your HVS journey.

Adam Pick  Don, Great to meet you and welcome to our community. As you point out, there are a lot of things to potentially worry about specific to heart surgery. However, the great news is that you caught this, you did your research and you are going to one of the best heart valve surgeons that I know. Doctor Gillinov and his team has helped many, many, many, many, many, many, many patients from our community. You will do great on February 5. If you are curious, here's a little bit more about Dr. Gillinov and a video that we filmed together that has been viewed over 50,000 times on Youtube. If you need anything else, please let me know. Adam (patient & website founder) https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Marc-Gillinov-Cleveland-Ohio.php