Karen Marvenko - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1000 days ago

Andrew Dial, Adam Baumgartner, Miriam Alejos and 4 others reacted to this

I’ve been readmitted to the hospital twice now (4-6 March, 1 month after surgery) for fluid around the right lung which had to be removed and just was released ...Read more

I’ve been readmitted to the hospital twice now (4-6 March, 1 month after surgery) for fluid around the right lung which had to be removed and just was released a 2nd time (readmitted 16-18 Mar) with fluid around the left lung that had to be removed , diagnosed with Dressler’s syndrome. Apparently my immune system is working overtime to fight the new foreign objects in my body (the aortic root replacement and the new aortic valve). Hoping things are finally resolved, Tuesday will be 6 weeks post op. Dr has me on anti-inflammatories (both colchicine and prednisone) to keep any further build up at bay. But fighting the pain of resultant pleurisy now. I’m still fighting the good fight bound and determined to have that first great day post op. My spirits are good but anxious to be on the better side of things. To all with surgery coming up, wishing you the best in your recovery ❤️‍🩹

Rose Madura Karen, I'm so sorry for your setbacks. I was readmitted 4 times with various complications (once for ... Read more

Rose Madura Karen, I'm so sorry for your setbacks. I was readmitted 4 times with various complications (once for pleural effusion) so I hear you! But you are a warrior and before too long, you'll be feeling better

Karen Marvenko Thanks Rose! Holy cow, 4 times…you’re a trooper and an inspiration. Glad things finally improved ... Read more

Karen Marvenko Thanks Rose! Holy cow, 4 times…you’re a trooper and an inspiration. Glad things finally improved and I know they will for me also.

Karen Marvenkoposted an update

1010 days ago

Susan Lynn, Steve Neal, Sue Starr and 1 other reacted to this

My follow up echo went well, all fluid around my heart and lungs are gone, so think I am finally to the recovery side! Dr diagnosed my condition as Dressler’s ...Read more

My follow up echo went well, all fluid around my heart and lungs are gone, so think I am finally to the recovery side! Dr diagnosed my condition as Dressler’s syndrome, so glad it’s resolved. I do still have sternum aches, but it’s manageable with ibuprofen and muscle relaxers until fully healed, heading into 5th week post op.

Susan Lynn Yay!!! Great news, Karen!

Holly Wale Karen, awesome news - thank you for sharing!

Karen Marvenkoposted an update

1035 days ago

Rose Madura, Holly Wale and 1 other reacted to this

Had a successful op on 8 Feb, with aortic root replacement and a mechanical aortic valve replacement. Bit of a tricky road to get out of the hospital, they ...Read more

Had a successful op on 8 Feb, with aortic root replacement and a mechanical aortic valve replacement. Bit of a tricky road to get out of the hospital, they said my body is holding too much fluid and they fear afib, so although I was hoping to head home yesterday I’m crossing fingers for today. Appreciate all the warm wishes for my recovery and I wish everyone well that’s heading in this week. I keep thinking every day will be better than one before, recovery may be long but it will be worth it in the long run.

Timothy Williams Great to hear your progress. Stay positive! You are on the recovery road!

Richard Munson Never go home too soon or you will be back.

Marie Myers The first 2 weeks were tough.. Hang in there, and things will gradually improve!

Sandy Harvey 🙏🏼 for a speedy recovery

Rose Madura I was readmitted 4 times for complications and I attribute it to them releasing me too soon. That's ... Read more

Rose Madura I was readmitted 4 times for complications and I attribute it to them releasing me too soon. That's my opinion though and they won't keep you if they feel there is "no medical reason to keep you". After my first readmission, my cardiologist asked me if I wanted to stay an extra day. (I suspect I looked horrible which I did) and it was after the first afib incident. I said yes because I didn't feel right. I couldn't place a finger on anything, just didn't feel right. Five minutes later he came in with the head nurse (Nurse Ratchet - she reminded me of) who indicated they couldn't keep me because there was no medical reason to. I translated that to mean the insurance company said no. So, they sent me home. I felt horrible for a week until my next bout in which I was brought back again by ambulance and lost consciousness in the ER. Come to find out I had fluid buildup around the heart and had to have pericardial window surgery to drain over one liter of fluid. Turns out, the amount of fluid they saw on xrays and echos was a "normal " amount for most, but not for me. They came to realize I was very symptomatic. So I said all that to say, I know you want to go home ASAP but sometimes it's not always the best thing. Praying you have an uneventful recovery. Listen to your body. But things will get better as time goes on.

Karen Marvenko Thank you all, spoke to my doctor today, so they opted for a tissue valve versus the mechanical valve ... Read more

Karen Marvenko Thank you all, spoke to my doctor today, so they opted for a tissue valve versus the mechanical valve they had planned on, apparently the mechanical would’ve been too large. So if they need to replace in the future it will be another tissue one through my leg. Good news is no long term blood thinners as I had original planned for! Just waiting for them to do rounds this morning and I’ll find out for sure if I’m going home.

Deena Z Getting there, Karen. I agree with Richard. I preferred to stay in the hospital until confident O w ... Read more

Deena Z Getting there, Karen. I agree with Richard. I preferred to stay in the hospital until confident O was not going to be in the ER.

Ginny Turner Karen, I’m sure you’ll be home at just the right time. Recovery rarely follows a straight path, s ... Read more

Ginny Turner Karen, I’m sure you’ll be home at just the right time. Recovery rarely follows a straight path, so I’ve been told, but the big event is behind you and you’ll be feeling better soon. Hang in there!

Richard Munson They wanted me out after 4 days and said as well that all my vitals say go home. Richard knew better ... Read more

Richard Munson They wanted me out after 4 days and said as well that all my vitals say go home. Richard knew better however because i know when i am not ready so i accentuated the negatives and squeezed out 2 extra days. Was i crazy about staying in there longer, no, but in my heart ( pun), i knew it was too soon.