Pamela's Journal

Katheryn Applegate  Best of luck Pamela, I had this same procedure in 2020 (first one though). I too was too small for TAVR. I am doing great and will pray that is the case for you! I loved having the (rental) lift chair during recovery. “Keep on tick in’”

John Hannon  Hi Pamela, I've had my aortic valve replaced twice - Ross procedure 25 years ago and then aortic and pulmonic valves replaced with cow tissue valves in 2018. Second time was easier because I knew what to expect and the whole surgery experience was incredibly similar 25 years apart. Recovery of aerobic capacity has taken longer the second time but I just finished a 1,800 mile bike ride from California up to Washington and back down so am pretty much back in shape. First procedure took three hours and second one was 12 hours with the scar tissue and they also had to replace the conduit between pulmonic valve and lungs because mine was all calcified up. Glad to answer any questions.

Pamela Belmore  Wow! You have really been through it!! So glad to know you are doing so well. I am worried about the pain the second time, if it will be worst then the first time and will the sternum heal as well. I live alone and I hope I can take care of myself after a week in a rehab hospital. I had my husband the first time but am now a widow. I don’t remember how long it took to feel strong enough or to be able to drive again.

John Hannon  I'd say the pain was about the same the second time for me as the first time and the healing at about the same pace. The incision was along the same scar and I'd say it's less visible now than before my second surgery and the tube holes from my first surgery show up more than from the second one.

I started driving at six weeks out both times based on doctor recommendations and went back to work after five weeks the first time and eight weeks the second time. I think the healing was about the same pace though, I just decided beforehand I was taking eight weeks off and it was a good break.

I would try to be as active as possible beforehand and eat a clean diet. Maybe practice beforehand getting in and out of bed from sitting without using your arms to help build up some muscle memory. I had full days and nights alone after a week and was a little worried but it went fine.

I think they don't emphasize enough the mental aspect of recovery from surgery. Things like visualizing getting up and walking before doing it or believing I'm 20 years old and striving to do what I would do as a 20 year old do wonders for me. Reading things from Dr. Google that could potentially happen and then worrying about them can turn into a self fulfilling prophecy, so I try to ignore a lot of that stuff.

Pamela Belmore  Thank you John, very good advice. I have been trying to eat a clean diet because my blood glucose has been high because I got a cold and that and stress flared up my asthma so I was put on 12 days of steroids which really spike your sugars! I’m also on some insulin pens temporarily to try to get it down for the surgery on the 24th. I’m thinking that if my sugars don’t get back to normal, they may move it out. I feel weak from so much isolation this year with COVID so I need to try to move around more and get my strength up. Thanks John stay well.

Susan Lynn  I know you're terrifed - that's perfectly normal. I had my surgery at Lankenau and had the best experience! The Heart Pavillion is beautiful - all big private rooms and the nursing staff is fantastic. Think positively - you're going to be just fine!

Marie Myers  I am sure this was not an easy decision to make. If we live long enough, All of us who got tissue valves may be in your situation at some point. Take comfort in the fact that so much progress has been made in heart surgery and re-operation heart surgery, so the statistics are in your favor. Wishing you peace during your preop wait.

Suelynn Hanegraaf  Hi Pamela, when the time comes for me to replace my bovine aortic valve, I plan to replace it with a bovine one again (due to many allergies to metals, etc). I am lifting you up in prayer . . . and agree with others that being scared is natural and that thankfully, the heart is an organ where there has much advances in surgery, treatment, etc. Trust in Him. Ask Him to give you peace. You will be in my prayers.

Pamela Belmore  Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. You are in my prayers as well. I just discovered a fantastic song that lifts me up, it’s by Casting Crowns and called ‘Oh My Soul’. It’s wonderful.

Pamela Belmore  Thanks Susan for the insight into Lankenau. I’m kinda looking forward to it now, a little, just want it behind me.

Susan Lynn  Pamela - That's the spirit! One of my cardiologists is sending all of his surgical patients to Lankenau after I told him about the incredible care. (Note: He previously recommended another surgeon and facility. I did my own research and chose Lankenau.) He said that Lankenau is making great investments in talent and medical technology as compared to other facilities in the area. For me, every step was seamless from pre-op testing through discharge. My husband and sister were also treated well during my stay by the entire Lankenau team.

Just in case you haven't seen it, here's a YouTube video on the Heart Pavillion. You're going to feel completely confident and cared for in this environment. ❤
https://youtu.be/74YxA0EaU2E

Susan Lynn  Welcome Pamela and fellow Pennsylvanian! We have many TAVR heart warriors here who will be able to answer your questions. I haven't heard that the TAVR valves aren't FDA approved. I always thought TAVR was the preferred method for second replacement, but it sounds like your surgeon doesn't agree. The valves are made by a handful of companies, so it shouldn't be PA specific. Did you get multiple opinions? There are lots of great surgeons in southeast PA. Best of luck- it's definitely a big decision. ❤

Pamela Belmore  Susan, it’s the filter that is not approved which catches partials that could possibly cause a stroke. The Tavr is approved. Sorry if I was unclear about that.

Rita Savelis  Stroke risk is higher with a TAVR as you have found out. It's a hard decision. Every decision is hard and based on statistics. I'm sorry thst you have to make hard decisions but you'll make the right decision for you.