Lisa's Journal

E Blank  I am a massive wimp. If I can do it so can you. Slightly different but still open heart. Be patient with your recovery and be compassionate and kind to yourself as you recover. Best. Erin

Leesa McAllister  48 years old and 4 weeks out from tissue AVR and ascending Aorta replacement. No pain after 2 weeks, almost no scar - totally amazed at how quickly I have recovered. I believe that it has been a mix of my age, a brilliant surgeon and quite a bit of luck. All the very best for a successful surgery and speedy recovery

Daryl McCallum  Six months post aortic valve replacement and doing OK. Up to 5 miles a day walking. It was tuff the first couple of weeks but after that there was improvement daily. Where are you getting it done at?

Lisa Craig  I am going to Vanderbilt Univ. Medical Center in Nashville. I work for a group of joint replacement surgeons and they made sure I got in with the best cardiac surgeon in town.

Christopher Ollendorf  Good Morning! I went in for the Aortic Valve Replacement and double bypass on June 20th so I am almost 4 month in recovery. While in there, they also repaired part of my Aorta due to an embolism they found while in there! So far, my surgery and recovery has been "text book" (as per my doctors). I spent 2 days in ICU and then only 3 days in cardiac care before I was sent home. I truly had no major pain of any type but I was also on pain meds for the first 3 or 4 weeks after surgery before slowly getting myself off them. The biggest challenge for me was sleeping. I had to sleep in a chair for the first few weeks and then finally made it into bed. Moving myself around without using my arms was a pain but if I tried, it was the only time I felt discomfort in my incision. Otherwise, I was mostly pain free and was truly amazed how great I felt. My advice is take it slow... and listen to your body. I am doing great now and back to work, walking lots and feeling good. I wish you luck! ;-)

  Lisa, I will be having your surgery down the road here. When don't know. I'm glad your in good hands. God Bless !

Rob Wigley  Hi Lisa, my only advice would be to be very aware of the possible emotional issues. I think these come more into play with a bypass than just with valve surgery, since the bypass seems to much like a life-saving acute event. I didn't have the emotions that some report, mine were feelings of intense gratitude, and hopefully you'll feel those, but don't be caught unaware if you have other more difficult emotions to deal with. With some time after surgery you'll be much better! Best to you! Rob Wigley

Lisa Craig  Thank you all for your advice and words of encouragement. What is the average time before you were all able to go back to work? I'm hearing anywhere between 6-12 weeks.

Mirtha Driver  I went back to work 8 weeks after mitral valve and tricuspid valve repair. I would say wait as long as you can.

Charles Vlcek  I had the same procedure done 3 weeks ago and am doing very good I am driving and walking around the mall the best thing is to walk as much as you can after surgery