Hal McKinney - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2489 days ago

Mark Wilbur, Shannon Gray, Barbara Wood and 3 others reacted to this

I have been very fortunate since my surgery and have no complications of any kind. I see my Doctor about every xix months and so far he has not changed anything ...Read more

I have been very fortunate since my surgery and have no complications of any kind. I see my Doctor about every xix months and so far he has not changed anything medically since everything has gone so well. I love reading everyones story and the journals. Good luck to everyone.

Marie Myers Good to hear a longer term report!

Hal McKinneyposted a journal

3584 days ago

Hal McKinney reacted to this

March 17, 2015 will be my one year anniversary for my aortic valve replacement. I am doing fine and have had no complications. The surgery is a distant memory ...Read more

March 17, 2015 will be my one year anniversary for my aortic valve replacement. I am doing fine and have had no complications. The surgery is a distant memory but I still remember how great everyone was at St. Lukes in Houston. The encouraging notes I got from our heart family were a tremendous help. Thanks to everyone for their support.

Virginia (Ginger) French Bless you, Hal, and may your life continue to be a joyful and healthy one!

Hal McKinneyposted an update

3749 days ago

I am now six months out and feel great. I still am amazed at all the support you get from people that you did not know before. All the worry before and after ...Read more

I am now six months out and feel great. I still am amazed at all the support you get from people that you did not know before. All the worry before and after surgery is a distant memory. I am so thankful for everything. Hang in there everyone, the odds are on our side.

Hal McKinneyposted a journal

3901 days ago

After being home a few days, fluid accumulated around my heart causing me to be readmitted. The fluid was removed and two drains left in for a few days. Now ...Read more

After being home a few days, fluid accumulated around my heart causing me to be readmitted. The fluid was removed and two drains left in for a few days. Now everything seems to be fine and I am back home and getting better everyday. It is nice to walk outside and do a lot of things on my own. Looking forward to driving again, but don't know exactly when that will be. I have a very conservative cardiologist. I am four weeks out so maybe it won't be too long.

Hal McKinneyposted a journal

3918 days ago

1 person reacted to this

I made it home on 3/26/14. Would have made it a little sooner except for a few irregular heart beats on my first official walk caused by me walking a little ...Read more

I made it home on 3/26/14. Would have made it a little sooner except for a few irregular heart beats on my first official walk caused by me walking a little faster and further than I should have. I got a few extra days of monitoring, but everything checked out. My stamina is not great, but gets a little better each day. Other than not finding a comfortable place for my rear end, I am feeling good. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

Hal McKinneyposted a journal

3925 days ago

Will not go home until Sunday or Monday. That is a little disappointing but in reality that may be for the best, I am doing very well and really thankful[. ...Read more

Will not go home until Sunday or Monday. That is a little disappointing but in reality that may be for the best, I am doing very well and really thankful[. Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.

Hal McKinneyposted a journal

3926 days ago

Surgery is done and I am in good shape. I cannot describe the first night except to say I am glad it is over. The surgeon was wonderful and every day is ...Read more

Surgery is done and I am in good shape. I cannot describe the first night except to say I am glad it is over. The surgeon was wonderful and every day is better. I am having almost no pain and what little I have is instantly controllable. My surgery was completed on the afternoon of 3/17/14 and was moved to my room on Wednesday morning. I was in my chair on Tuesday and started walking on Wednesday. There is a chance I will go home tomorrow. I will give a full report later, lunch just arrived.

Hal McKinneyposted a journal

3930 days ago

On my way to Houston for surgery and have a little bit of a sore throat. Hope that does not cause any problems. I am ready to get this done. Tubes and sore ...Read more

On my way to Houston for surgery and have a little bit of a sore throat. Hope that does not cause any problems. I am ready to get this done. Tubes and sore throats are probably not good friends.

Hal McKinneyposted a journal

3931 days ago

I am amazed and pleased with all the response. I enjoy reading the journals but had no idea of the wonderful return messages. It makes my heart sing. I will ...Read more

I am amazed and pleased with all the response. I enjoy reading the journals but had no idea of the wonderful return messages. It makes my heart sing. I will be checking in for surgery at 5:30 AM on 3/17/14. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Good luck to all of you.

Hal McKinneyposted a journal

3932 days ago

I am scheduled for AVR surgery on 3/17/2014 at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston, TX. Have read Adam's Patient Guide to Heart Valve Surgery, a lot of patient ...Read more

I am scheduled for AVR surgery on 3/17/2014 at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston, TX. Have read Adam's Patient Guide to Heart Valve Surgery, a lot of patient stories and journals. I think I am ready and feel positive about the prospects. It has helped a lot to know others have gone through this and have ended up smiling on the other side of surgery as they got better. I have tremendous support from my wife. My son and daughter-in-law live in Houston and have made this journey a lot easier. If the echos and heart caths are right, all that needs correcting is the Aortic Valve. I will let you know how it comes out.