Mike's Journal

Susan Lynn  Mike - We've all been there - the information seems to be coming faster than it can be comprehended. But, we always say, we have the benefit of researching and making informed choices about our treatment. That's not the case for many heart warriors in emergency situations. You'll feel confident, calm, and ready when game day arrives. You can do this! As Rose said, we'll be right there with you! ❤

Mike Cashara  Susan--Yes, things are moving fast now.
Lots of thoughts. Been watch many YouTube videos. Preparing for the meeting with the surgery team to understand everything and new questions I may have now.
Thank you so much.

Susan Lynn  Mike - YouTube surgery videos were a big part of my pre-op days and, as a result, I basically interrogated all the surgeons I interviewed. I would say, sometimes it's better to focus on the time and less on how the watch is built. Too much exposure to that stuff can quickly go from educating you to compounding your fears. A competent surgeon and team will do the heavy lifting - you can just enjoy the quick nap and world's greatest ice chips. It literally feels like it's over that fast! You've got this! ❤

stephanie arnold  Mike, be brave. be blessed. and don't let YouTube and Dr Google freak you out too bad.. I'm one of those emergency valve jobs, because I was too scared to pay mind to heart murmer/ aortic stenosis for 8 years, until I collapsed and did a 911 and emergency OHS. what a surprise to wake up with a wired up chest. you have the benefit of pre knowledge, you know how to take care of youself the first month post op. and you have us on this forum to encourage you in your recovery. God bless you and keep you safe.

stephanie arnold  oh, yeh, and TAVR isn't as scary as cutting open your chest. they do that pretty slick. I saw videos how they doit... pretty cool. you will do fine!

Mike Cashara  Susan.... Some of the videos were really helpful to understand what to expect. I have a lite more knowledge now when I meet with the Surgery team on Thursday.

Mike Cashara  Stephanie... your story is crazy, especially your thoughts upon waking up. I am learning to a replacement because of my age as when it begins to fail the TAVR would be the choice at that point...

stephanie arnold  another good thing about pre op preparations... you do get to meet the team, you get helpful knowledge of what to expect. I'm still fighting post trauma stress because of my lack of foreknowledge. and the first month of recovery was weird, because I underestimated how jacked up I was from that gory surgery. I overdid a whole lit the first 2 months. now, 6 months gone, I'm pretty good. but not 100% yet. i will be on this forum if you need an ear. a few of my other heart cohorts are here for you too. so, good cheer and God bless you. you'll do just fine.

  Hi Mike, it seems you opted for OHS and TAVR later on. It seems like a good choice. I agree that some of those videos can be helpful. It seems that you are ready to have your surgery and as all the other heart warriors are saying, you will be just fine. We will be here waiting on you to write and let us know how it went. God bless you and know we will be praying for a successful recovery.

Joey Hardee  Hey Mike - Prayers for you and your surgery tomorrow. You'll do great. Update when you feel up to it.

  Hello Mike, I don’t have any advice for you as my surgery was OHS. I’m sure some of our heart warriors on this site will be more helpful as some of them have had the same procedure as yours. You can also check the menu on the top right hand side and find more information. Wish you the best and will pray all goes well with your surgery and your recovery. Keep us posted. God bless you and help you make the right decisions

Nancy Chavez  Hi Mike. Are you having TAVR? I had TAVR this April. There aren’t many choices about the valves used. Your team will probably tell you what they have chosen. I had the Edwards Sapien 3 which is a bovine valve. I have had a murmur since childhood but it was never mentioned as a problem until I had severe AS at 59. I stayed overnight in the hospital and was home the next day. I see you live in Murphy’s. We used to go camping every year to Big Trees and would spend a day in Murphy’s.
Good luck and let us know how you do or if you have other questions.

Marie Myers  Sounds like you are having a cardiac cath as part of the diagnostic process prior to your valve replacement.. If you eventually opt for open chest aortic valve replacement, then you have to choose between mechanical or tissue valve. If you are having TAVR then the aortic valve replacement is a tissue valve which is placed through your groin. TAVR used to be reserved for older, sicker patients, but now is offered to younger healthier patients. I had to make the same choice at age 63, and it was not an easy one. I did choose the tissue valve, knowing that it will probably wear out in 10-15 years and have to be replaced. My decision was based on avoiding blood thinners like Coumadin that must be taken after mechanical valve. It is a very personal decision. Ask any questions you have, because there are many of us who have had this same procedure and can offer help.

Richard McCloskey  Hi Mike, I would recommend getting a second opinion before you decide on anything. After getting a second opinion from the Cleveland Clinic, I decided get my AVR there. Well worth the trip from Napa Valley. See we are neighbors as I live in Angels Camp now.

Mike Cashara  I am leaning towards a tissue valve since a TAVR will be an option when I'm older instead of being opened up in my 70's or 80's. I'm having my Angio in Stockton & St. Joseph Heart Center. I guess I'll find out then how long I need to wait for my replacement.