Mark's Journal

Rose Madura  I had an ablation in 2007 for SVT but it was unrelated to surgery which was 10 years later... I'm assuming the process is the same and I recovered well from it.  I'm sorry you have to go through this...

Marie Myers  My uncle had a successful ablation for a fib several years ago. Wishing you an easy time with the procedure! 

Miriam St.Clair  I haven't had an ablation but I go in for evaluation of my post-surgical afib on December 1st. My afib developed immediately after surgery. I hope all goes well for you and that the ablation takes care of the afib.

Marie Myers  Yes. It is a huge surgery, and it will take time to recover physically and emotionally. Gotta be great to be home, though!

Chris Purvis  Glad your doing well Mark. I can only imagine the emotional side of it but your home and that’s got to feel great.

Kim Lonergan  Glad your surgery went so well and that you are home to continue your recovery! Wishing you good days ahead!

Marie Myers  I am just starting to get over the emotional trauma of finding out I needed heart surgery. Can't imagine how hard it was to hear that AFTER you have already had 1 surgery! That alone is hard.
It has taken me a while to not anticipate "bad" news with every doctor visit, also.

Nikki Escue  Mark, Congratulations on getting to come home. Happy to hear that you are up and walking around. Be thankful for that, not all of us are able to do that. However, the emotional impact that this journey brings, does take its toll. I pray for your speedy recovery, emotionally and physically. Just don't overdo it in the process. 🙂

Susan Lynn  Great news! Your surgeon has an amazing reputation and it seems it's well deserved. Speedy recovery, Mark!

Mark Caswell  Some A Fib over night but seems to be going in the right direction now. Probably be released tomorrow. Fingers crossed. Thank you all for your support.

Mark Caswell  Thanks Mark. I think being through the aortic replacement and sternotomy 2 years ago has taken alot of the fear of the unknown away.

Marie Myers  Good for you! Having been through it once already, you know you can do it! Wishing you all the best for a perfect surgery and easy recovery!

John Lant  Good Luck and Best Wishes on your surgery. I go in to Mt. Sinai for my Surgery on June 25th, replace Aortic Valve, Repair Moderately leaking Mytril Valve & a Double Bypass...

Mark Caswell  Trifecta John! My mitral went after they fixed my aortic. Bad luck and timing for me, but such is life.

Marie Myers  I am so sorry you have to have a second surgery! Hope you can find some acceptance in your new situation. Life really is a crap shoot ( in my opinion) and you never know what will happen in your life. I wish you all the best in your new journey.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  So sorry to hear that you are having another OHS so soon after the last one. Glad you have chosen to stay positive. Sending you best wishes for an easy surgery and recovery.

Catie B  Oh, man! So sorry you need to have another OHS! That's way to soon. But I hope it all goes super smoothly!

Chris Purvis  Mark I’m sorry to hear that man. Maybe there will be an alternative way and you get some good news!

Steve Farthing  Robotic requires an additional 3 incisions for the robot arms compared to MI right thoracotomy with endoscope. Robotic offers no tactile feedback to the surgeon.

Phyllis Petersen  I think minimally invasive is not a specific technique. There's several ways to do repairs without doing a full sternotomy. I had robotic mitral valve repair, but it was my first surgery and I had a very good profile for qualifying for robotic. You may want to present this question to any surgeons you're considering, along with what type of minimally invasive techniques they employ. The feedback may give you a clearer picture of who is the right surgeon for you.

Steve Salvador  wow, don't know if it's common for the valves to last only 2 years !! I had my aortic and mitral valve replaced in 2015. Hope you find an answer, the reasons why, cause your issues is interesting..Hope everything goes well, Heart Brother !!

Marie Myers  I am not sure that is the question. I believe Mark had an aortic valve replaced in 2016 and now he needs mitral valve surgery.. Is that the situation?

Marie Myers  Don't know how common it is, but I imagine it happens . I know there are several people on this site who have had problems with multiple valves, and hopefully some of them will respond. I guess that an unrelated problem in another valve could develop in anyone. I am sorry you have to go through this. Hope everything turns out well. Please keep us posted.

John Lant  Mark I feel your pain of having OHS twice in a 2 year period. I also have a bad aortic valve that needs to be replaced and I have a mitral that has moderate regurgitating. I am hoping that the surgeon that I am seeing on April 19th will not only replace my aortic valve but also repair my mitral valve during the same surgey. I wish you well and keep on ticking.

Wanda Mroz  Generally surgeons will replace or repair all during the same surgery if multiple valves are leaking. I had a mitral valve repair, and they also repaired my tricuspid which was mildly leaking at the same time, so multiple problems are not uncommon but how common when they require multiple surgeries I don’t know. You got this! It sucks, but this too shall pass and you’ll be fine. Prayers. 🙏🏻💞

Anna Jones  Lots of great reviews on this site about:

Dr. David Adams
The Mount Sinai Hospital
1190 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10029
(866) 306-9648

Check out Helen Daw's journal.

So very sorry you are having to go through this again.

Don L  Dr T Sloan Guy, New York Presbyterian. Director Robotic Surgery.

https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2016/02/dr-t-sloane-guy-leads-new-robotic-heart-surgery-program-at-newyork-presbyterian-and-weill-cornell-me

Robert D'Aurora  Wow! Congratulations! I am running in the Gasparilla Run for the Booty 5K in Tampa at the end of Feb. Can't wait! The most I have run before surgery is 10K. I would like to work up to a 1/2 Marathon, but that is going to come later.

Phyllis Petersen  Fantastic! Congratulations on moving past the surgery and encouraging everyone else to believe that recovery isn't forever.

Mark Caswell  I appreciate your kind words. It takes time and hard work but possible. Prayers and well wishes to all of you.

Clare Auten  I was registered for a Rock and Roll half in St. Louis before I knew I needed AVR. I had to walk most but I completed that half at just 9 months post op. You will do great! Good luck to you!

Juergen Li  Congratulations to your weight loss and your recovery - great motivation for all of us that are still early in this process.

Enrique K  Me too Mark I got a biological valve and it was the best decision for an uneventful recovery just like you. Though I didn't go to rehab I created my own exercises daily. Life is good.

Mark Caswell  I have been so lucky. I feel deeply for people having complications. I just want to tell my story so people know that a smooth recovery is also possible.

Best of luck Whitney. Stay as positive as you can and know that recovery is a process and there are good and bads days. Just pray the good days outnumber the bad ones for all of us.

Whitney Nelson  Thank you Mark! I am very grateful for you story and glad you share so often. I look forward to your post! The closer surgery day gets the more overwhelmed, scared and nervous I get. It's a awful feeling. Can't wait till I'm on the other side of this.

Mark Caswell  We all feel/felt that anxiety. It's natural. Just be confident in your surgical team and lean on your family. You are going to be fine. Can't wait til you join me on the other side.

Liz Burroughs  I'm glad that you're doing so well & have such a positive outlook! Best wishes for continued success in your recovery!

Tim Goff  I used a wedge pillow which helped in sleeping. Getting out of bed and cars required attention to swing the lower body/legs first before moving the upper body. it is uncomfortable for a few days, but fades with time. Hang in there Mark

Melinda Queliz  Glad to hear you are home and recovering. Would you say the surgery was easier than expected and you made the worry more in your mind? Or would you say all your worries and fears (chest tubes and me thinking of them are kicking my butt) were pretty much as expected?

Jennifer Lorenz  The first few days are difficult. I slept with about 5 pillows at first because of the pain of getting out of bed. Every few days I removed one pillow as I began to feel better. I'm five weeks out today and back to a regular pillow. I can sleep on both sides also which is a huge relief. I also had minimally evasive surgery. Each day will get better and easier! Hang in there!

Sophia Ridley  Tim is spot on.

I've used a bed wedge and it makes getting up easier. Do take it steady as you can get quite a head rush. I found if I rolled slightly onto my side helped.

I'm using a shower chair too which makes that easier too.

For any pre-surgery - it was suggested to me that I practised getting up from bed and also from chairs prior to surgery.

Mark Caswell  Melinda,

The anxiety pre surgery was way over exaggerated compared to the real deal. Some people have more difficult surgeries and complications I'm sure but I had an almost text book in hospital portion of recovery. Dr. Brown and staff at Morristown Medical Center in NJ were amazing.

I too thought of death - I had a morning surgery, was shaved, prepped, and given the cocktail and wheeled in. Hrs later I woke up in recovery. Like I didn't know it even happened.

Scared of breathing tube - I was told I woke up for a brief second and made a gesture to the tube then asleep again. When I re- awoke it was gone. I really have no memory of this.

Day 1 and 2 were hard for me due anaesthesia and pain pills. Did not tolerate percocet well. Once resolved I got my appetite back and start feeling much better.

I was up and walking soon after.

Home day 6 :)

Stay positive. You will be fine. I am almost mad at myself now for being so anxious as none of the fears came true. Again every case is diferent but from stories here it looks like my case is more like the norm than exception.

You will do great!

Christine Oliva  First happy that you are home. It is a first step to becoming yourself again. I cheated and had a power lifter recliner which is great if you can afford them. Renting them is so much cheaper and in Cali they are everywhere. I think regular pillows with a wedge pillow could of been a second choice. I still sleep with pillows and I am 3 months post. Yea, I could tough it out, but why I just want to feel good as I get ready to go back to work fulltime in very busy environment. Try Amazon for the wedge, very inexpensive and good.

Christine Oliva  One more suggestion, get a big fluffy pillow for your chest. You can use it for coughing in as well as hold on or "mold on to" as you get up those first few days. Just remember to get up slowly and carefully. Be strong Mark we post people know what it is like and are rooting for you. Also, don't forget to walk around this really helps short and long term, muscles, balance, lungs, heart and your survivor spirit you are doing it!

Debra Gann  I bet you're relieved about going home. I'll follow your posts and hope to learn from your experiences for my future surgery. God bless you! Will pray for your recovery

Mark Caswell  Sleepy first day home. I think the week in hospital caught up with me and I needed the rest.

I won't miss the 2 am vitals check and 4 am lab draws lol.

Can't wait to fight and get stronger everday. Life is good.

Judy Freeman  Mark great news that you're home. Before you know it you'll be in rehab and making progress every day!

Paul Doria  Mark, I totally respect your bravery and courage through your journey. I may have to face same op but don't even know where I would begin to sum up courage to begin journey?

Lauren Burt  You will feel like a new person now that those tubes are out! Those were the worst for me! Glad you are doing so well! Best wishes to a speedy recovery!!

Mark Caswell  Paul,

The build-up in your mind is far worse than reality. Certainly was in my case. I am not going to lie. Day 1 and 2 are really tough. Most of my issues were due to adverse effects from anesthesia and strong pain meds. Once I had that under control it is pure will and family support that will get you through. You got this my man!

Meredith Bray  Stand up as straight as you can, resist the urge to curl inward to protect your chest. Excellent posture is KEY to preventing back pain! And welcome to the other side :)
-Meredith

Paul Doria  Best of luck for surgery. I've just been informed that i may need aortic valve replacement and mind in overdrive. I admire your bravery

Kathleen F.  You will do great. Thoughts and prayers go out to you from Hoboken NJ! I had a similar condition to yours, and I'm doing great a year after surgery. Have FAITH! It is so much better on this side of surgery. Surgery's no joke but the recovery really is easier than the wait. Keep posting your progress, we're all pulling for you!

  Best wishes!! Sending warm thoughts for a successful surgery and an uneventful and restful recovery!

Gary Stripling  Best wishes to you Mark. I wish I had found this site prior to my surgery. But I agree - it's a great online community!

Wanda Mroz  Best of luck to you... You will be fine and soon you will be the one giving advice! Prayers and healing thoughts your way.

Cheryl Shute Walter  This time next week you'll be looking at the other side - on the way up! Positive thoughts for a successful surgery and smooth recovery!

Lynee Casper  Best to you Mark, sounds like you have a good attitude and are ready to get surgery done, and work on recovery. Good luck

Brenda Miller  All the very best Mark...positive thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and recovery...take care

Anna Jones  Hi Mark. I'm freaking out too, and my surgery hasn't even been scheduled yet. Everyone is telling me to concentrate on my breathing, take life one second at a time, keep in mind your trust in your surgeon, keep yourself busy, read this board so you can see how very many people are doing well and are happy after surgery. Sending best wishes for gentle hands caring for you.

Mark Caswell  Thanks Anna. The more research I do and more I read others' stories it reassures me that a positive outcome is coming. Thanks for the kind words and best wishes to you.

Wanda Mroz  Been there, done that! Try to relax, remember to breathe, and stay positive. Gosh some days I can't believe it's been over 4 months and is behind me. Some days it feels surreal. Time flies and it will all be behind both of you before you know it. Best wishes to both of you.

Wanda Mroz  Pretty well thank you! Incision is still tender, but gets better. Still feel a bit drained by end of day but I've come a long way!,

Pat Bluemel  You'll do swell. If I could give any direct advice (and it's easier said than done for sure), try not to worry, worry doesn't change any outcome. The only thing you can control through all this is your attitude so try and stay light hearted (pun intended) and positive.

  Waiting is the hardest part. The recovery was not nearly as bad as I expected (but it wasn't roses either). I'm almost 5 weeks out from surgery. Like Wanda, my incision is very sensitive. Thoughts for a smooth surgery and a restful recovery!

Brenda Miller  I totally understand...Freaking out is a normal reaction ...waiting is no doubt the worst part of the whole ordeal...I am a very passionate experienced operating room nurse awaiting a date for my severe AVR ...professionally and personally speaking you will no doubt be in the expert hands of a highly skilled specialized cardiac team....who are highly dedicated and committed(intellectually and technically) to saving lives...life truly is a wild ride..hopp aboard and take this adventure with all of us who are sharing similar heart disease situations..throughout this ordeal....stay strong ,positive and have faith in God.......my thoughts and prayers are with you...all the very best...💔😊

Cathy Slipski  Freaking out has begun for me too! I go Jan 25th. I am trying to focus on my kids and keeping my mind occupied. My mind could be my worst enemy. I pray everyday and I can't wait for this to be over and I am on the recovery side. Try to stay busy it helps so much!

Julie McDonald-Lundgren  Freaking out is normal and I remember it too! Hard to believe I had my OHS to replace my BAV just 6 months ago. I also feel that the time before surgery is very difficult because of all the unknowns. I was 'Freaking out' too! Praying for all of you that are anxious about your up coming surgery.

Mark Caswell  This is so helpful speaking to people that have been or currently experiencing the same thoughts and feelings I am having. You are all special and I appreciate the responses and kind words!

Beth Kelly  We are keeping the freaking out at bay as best we can for surgery Jan 6th. I try to think ahead to the time a week later, getting ready for my husband to be discharged. I hope that helps you. Think about that when you start freaking.

Meredith Bray  Tough on the outside, freaking out mashed potatoes on the inside - that was me! It's normal. This is a big deal! *BUT* it is a manageable big deal. Just one step at a time, that's all it takes.

Christine Oliva  Mark I 100% agree it can be a managed deal with some planning. I am 10 weeks post AVR and once you get past that last week before surgery it just runs its course. It is really speeding up as I finish up my rehab classes and beginning to make plans for my future. I actually have a future!
Stay positive, enjoy your family and friends, keep busy, don't forget to rest, stay away from sick people and go into surgery realizing this is an opportunity to get better and I mean spiritually as well as physically. I won't lie the first couple weeks post were tough, but it can be done with right mind set and some planning, i.e. plans of who is going to help you and how, sleeping vs bed and anything you will need or make you more comfortable including diet. This board has great tips and I don't know what I would of done without it. Fellow heart patients are a great source of help/understanding so keep reading this board. Good luck Mark and you will be in my prayers for a speedy and full recovery.

Melinda Queliz  My surgery is March 3rd and yep I'm dreading it but I also just want to get it over with. The anxiety is so much worse. I know we all tend to make everything in our minds way worse than what it really is. Best of luck to you, I will add you and your care team to my prayers. I look forward to hearing from you once you are feeling up to it!!

Mark Caswell  Thanks again all. I love the "been there done that posts". I usually don't like to share too much but this has been amazing support.

Cheryl Shute Walter  Take a deep breath, Mark, and try to relax. I'm know it's easier said than done, but everything will be over before you know it. I waited 13 years (and Clonazapam daily) until the day of my surgery. It was scheduled for 8am. My husband, daughter-in-law and best friend were there for me. Then my surgeon had an emergency surgery, and we all waited together until 3:30 when they came to get me. I had been sitting up in bed the entire time. Let me tell you about being nervous, lol.... But I am now over 4 weeks post surgery and am getting better every day. Yes, there was pain at first, yes, I had a hard time sleeping, yes, I couldn't do everything at first that I was used to doing, but now things are slowly getting back to normal. Keep your head up, and I will check back on your progress post surgery!