Mary's Journal

It has been 4 days since my TAVR surgery at UPMC Harrisburg Pinnacle Hospital on 9/24. I was discharged from the hospital 32 hours after being admitted. I feel fine...no discomfort at all. Just have to be careful for a couple of weeks until my arteries are all healed from the surgery. I received a Medtronic CoreValve Evolut Pro, and am in the Optimize Pro Clinical Trial. The surgery was done via my right femoral artery and left femoral artery. Also my right radial arm artery was used for the Sentinel Cerebral Protection System to prevent a stroke. My attending surgeons were Dr. Hemal Gada, Dr. David Loran and Dr. Amit Vora. My post surgery echocardiogram showed a normally functioning bioprosthetic valve with no aortic insufficiency. TAVR surgery is truly a miracle and I am so thankful I was able to have this procedure. I was very anxious in the weeks prior to the surgery, but found that perfect peace the day that I was admitted. Thanks to the many prayers that were being lifted on my behalf...such a comfort. To anyone facing TAVR surgery and reading my post...."it's a piece of cake". If you have had a heart catherization, this surgery is just as easy. Stay strong, keep the faith and all will be well.

Received a call this week from a Clinical Research Coordinator at UPMC, Pinnacle, Harrisburg, PA asking me to consider volunteering for a Clinical Trial sponsored by Medtronic, Inc, , the maker of the Medtronic Core Valve Evolut Pro System, which I will be receiving Sept. 24 by TAVR. The purpose of this study is to learn more about how well this device works and to learn about the effects of following a particular set of steps when treating a patient with the Evolut PRO system. I am glad to participate in this year long study...praying that the results will help in improving all aspects of heart valve replacement systems and surgeries. I am anxious about my surgery in 2 days, but feel very fortunate to get approval for the TAVR procedure and to be in the skillful hands of Pinnacle Health Cardio Vascular Institute, Harrisburg, PA. Looking forward to a full recovery and better days ahead.....just keep trusting and believing in God's goodness.

Nine days til TAVR surgery. Trying to hard to keep positive thoughts and keep my nerves under control. I feel like I am on a roller coaster with so many emotions racing through my mind...scared..nervous...excited...all fears of the unknown. I find my comfort in prayer and scripture. Philippians 4:6-7. I am thankful for the support of family and friends and the encouragement of those who have "walked in my shoes". Bless you all......