Max's Journal

Hello all! Big day for me. Today marks one year since my surgery! God is good!
Thanks to everyone for all the information and support over the past year. Onward and upward!

Hello all. I haven’t posted in a while, but I have a quick question. I’m 10 months post surgery and I have the dreaded colonoscopy tomorrow morning. Has anyone here undergone this procedure post-op, and have any experiences/reassuring words about being put under anesthesia with a new valve?
Thanks!

Today is my 6 month surgery anniversary. Feeling great. I finished cardiac rehab two weeks ago. I have a new granddaughter and I’m looking forward to Spring and Summer. A special thank you to Dr. Frederick and the team at Sanger Clinic in Charlotte, NC, and all glory to God.
To all those awaiting aortic valve surgery, keep the faith. You can do this, and soon, you’ll be sharing your story and celebrating your anniversaries.

First day of Cardiac Rehab. Very impressed with the program at our local wellness center. I’ve been dealing with occasional high heart rates but then they come down. I’ve tried to limit caffeine and salt, but I guess this is just a part of it. Looking forward to going to rehab Wednesday.

Day 9 of recovery. Feeling better and walking more. Heart rate numbers seem to be becoming more calm and consistent. My sleep schedule is still slightly out of synch, but that’s a small thing. Blessed by family and friend visitors bearing delicious meals and providing needed support. 
This holiday weekend brings back memories of the old MDA telethons, that always ended with Jerry Lewis singing, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Pretty appropriate for this year. 
Happy Labor Day Weekend to All!

Day 6 of recovery. Going great with an Angel of a wife who happens to have her CNA. It’s hot in Charlotte, but the fact that There’s only one more day of August encourages me. Autumn is the best, and while this year may look different, there is a beautiful season of life ahead. So bring on the pumpkin spice, cool breezes, and colorful leaves. And, although I won’t be at the App State/ UNC game Saturday, GO Mountaineers!!

Day 4 of recovery. The small bumps in the road have been minimal and temporary. I have been off the major pain meds and only on Tylenol since 2 AM Saturday. One thing that has surprised me is that all coffee tastes bad- even Dunkin! I know that will change back, and it’s probably God’s way of saying, “Let’s lay off the caffeine for a while.” 
The nurses have been angels around here, but I will not miss the 2 AM sticks or 3:30 AM chest X-rays.
Discharge should be tomorrow afternoon. Time to take this recovery home! God bless you all and thanks for the encouragement. For those waiting, you can so do this! Feel free to ask me anything. 

Day 3 of recovery. My surgery went well and I was moved out of ICU the next afternoon (Thursday). Got all tubes and catheter out yesterday. Walked 3 times yesterday but the fatigue and shortness of breath is very real. Hoping for discharge Sunday or Monday and an uneventful, speedy recovery Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support. Proud to be a member of the club.

Wish I’d made journal posts all along, but perhaps I can help someone by journaling my recovery. This is my weekend to get ready. Packing for the hospital and post-op stay. We live a couple hours from the hospital where I’ll have the surgery, so we’ll be staying in Charlotte for a few weeks before returning home. We live on top of a mountain, so we want to make sure things are going well, before we return home to the NC High Country. 
Trying to dodge Covid a few more days. It has made a comeback where we live. I don’t need any delays at this point. Wrapped up work on Friday. Felt strange walking out the door, knowing (or not knowing) what all will happen before I walk back in.