Mark's Journal

Helge Volden  I had my open heart surgery almost 6 years ago. I have a bovine valve as well and also had my ascending aorta replaced. The hardest part is the pre-surgery waiting/worrying. There was a pre-open heart surgery class. This was great because we learned what to expect and we got to witness actual open heart surgery performed. ( in the surgical theater from above) Meeting other people who are going to do the same thing helps. Find out if a class is available to you and sign up for it. All the best!

Gary Wood  I agree that the waiting is the worst so far.  My surgery got rescheduled 4 days prior to when it was originally set for, so I had to wait an additional 2 weeks.  I have likened it to training for an event that is coming up, being ready for it, and then it doesn't happen.  It was a letdown for me, not because I was looking forward to it, but because I had a good balance of the anxiety and the fear of the unknown, and the mindset that I was ready to get it over with.  I've tried to keep myself occupied as much as possible, but sometimes, I just can't keep my mind off of things.
Now I'm a day and a half from showtime, and ready once again.  The anxiety keep changing, but still ready to be on the other side of it.

Getting to see the surgery from the Theater sounds great.  It was never presented as an option, although if it was, I'm not sure I would have had the time to go.  I do remember way back when I was in high school that there was an open heart surgery that was broadcast live on PBS.  It was interesting and there was only one part that I was uncomfortable with, but other than that brief moment, I thought it was very interesting.

Geoff Curtis  Mark,My Aortic valve replacement is scheduled for 10/21.  I know of what you speak, but not I'm not nervous.  The Dr's are well trained we're in good hands.  I have that peace beyond all understanding ❤️.
It'll all be good 

Gary Wood  Same here Mark. Drove to Baltimore today so we wouldn't have to worry about any traffic (wouldn't expect much being about an 80 minute drive and arrival is 5am) an accident or road work along the way. My wife will also stay here tomorrow night while I'm in ICU.Yesterday, was quite the emotional day. Things would just hit me out of nowhere. Just know that you're not alone. 
I'll jump on when I'm feeling up to it and I'm expecting that I will be able to report that it was nowhere near as scary as I I'm imagining it will be. 
Talk to you soon. 

Dan Fouratt  I am six months post from the new aortic bovine valve.  I will say the waiting is the worse part of this process.  There were over 68K of these done in the 12 months before my surgery (more TAVR). Yes well trained and in great hands.  I had was lucky to have a friend who is a leading cardiologist in another state. his reviewing my case with me and telling me everything is okay helped put me at ease.  He did say get ready for the surgery. I was already exercising but increased it and I stopped drinking. Surgery and recovery went great, yours will also.