Jeannette's Journal

Bonjour! I just want to let those know - who had a pacemaker implanted after heart surgery and wondered what happened - that you might find some answers you’re looking for, thanks to Adam! After hearing a few days after OHS that I would most probably need a pacemaker, I was in shock and asked what happened. I had done a lot of research and asked a lot of questions to my surgeon, but leaving the hospital with a pacemaker was the last thing I expected. I was not given any explanation at the hospital besides the fact that the upper and lower chambers did not connect. I did not ask other questions but wondered later on what happened. When two cardiologists mentioned the heart’s electrical system close proximity to the aortic valve as a possible cause for the heart block, I figured that’s what happened. Perhaps it did, but now I’m aware of other possible reasons. Like many of you, I enjoyed very much watching the videos Adam posted on Oct. 15 following his “Ask Adam Anything” Facebook LIVE series during the recent Heart Valve Summit. All three videos are very informative, but I especially enjoyed watching the #2 video in which Adam asks Dr. Steve Bolling…“What causes the need for a pacemaker after heart surgery?” The question was sent in by Susan Spearey. Great question, Susan! This is the first time I’ve heard such an in-depth explanation of why some people need a pacemaker after heart surgery. Having had a bicuspid aortic valve, it all makes sense. So, to all pacemaker recipients who have wondered “why” (or why me?!), tune it at 15:34 on video #2. In closing, thanks Adam for continually supporting “your” community and for being our voice. There are lots of people who have founded websites, but few are as involved as you are. Merci! https://youtu.be/vcGfFzp3qTM

The two things I looked forward to when returning home from my 10-day stay at the hospital were seeing my dogs and eating my healthy food! Today, 15 days after my surgery, I visited my dogs for the first time at the petsitter with whom they’ve been since Sept. 24 (they will remain there for another week or so). Recovery is going very well and I’m taking advantage of this great fall weather to go for walks.

My surgery went well overall but I stayed at the hospital longer than expected…10 days. My heart’s electrical system did not perform normally following the surgery and I was given a temporary pacemaker. They waited seven days before putting in a permanent one (at times, the heart’s electrical system kicks in on its own) and this was done the day before I left. The surgery itself consisted of replacing the aortic valve with one made of bovine tissue (Carpenter-Edwards Perimount Magna Ease), as well as replacing the ascending aorta (due to an aneurysm) with a Hemashield graft. I was told that the bovine tissue valve is expected to last 15 to 20 years (the older you are, the longer it lasts). I asked Dr. Hassan if the tissue valve had received an anti-calcification treatment and was glad to hear that it did. I was amazed that I did not have any pain following the surgery, only some discomfort when I got up or laid down. I made rapid progress at the hospital and had it not been for the pacemaker, I would have come home on day 5. I was taking no medication before the surgery and now I only have to take two pills...one (stomach) for one month and the other (baby aspirin) for three months. My naturopathic doctor has given me a post-operative protocol to follow and I am boosting my body with powerful natural supplements. My scars are healing very well and I go up and down the stairs like I used to before the surgery (I’ve only been home for two days). I'll update from time to time.

Today I got a call from the New Brunswick Heart Centre at the Saint John Regional Hospital. I was told that my open-heart surgery will take place next Wednesday, the 28th. Due to the short notice, both my mind and my heart were racing today! I have to leave home on Sunday (a four-hour drive) and needless to say that I've got lots to do in-between. Tomorrow I'll be taking my dogs, Max and Timote, to the petsitter with whom they will be for three weeks to a month, depending on my recovery. I've got my team in place for post-surgical care. Since I'm in good health overall and have no blocked arteries or other health issues, I'm confident that all will go well. I don't have a cell phone, iphone or the likes so I may just post updates when I return home.

Bonjour! I don't have a set date for my surgery scheduled in September but had to put one in when filling the questionnaire, so I put the 30th. I don't want my name to show up in "Upcoming Surgeries" until I have the confirmed date. Does anyone know how I can correct this? Thanks.