Pam's Journal

Anna Jones  Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary. Sending best wishes for much health and happiness ahead.

Cathleen Weed  Hi I had TAVR too in August 2015. I was told specifically to report dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath. It could also be from new meds.
💛

Joshua Trimberger  very normal. I had real bad depression and anxiety for a few weeks afterwards. Its all very normal and will get better.

Robert D'Aurora  I was pretty emotional too the first few weeks after surgery. Not sure what caused it. Anesthesia still in my body? Just the realization that I survived major surgery? I was frustrated at the beginning of how slow my recovery was going too. Wasn't sleeping well, had pain, tired easily with walking,but it gets better, just takes time. Good luck and prayers.

Deborah Hudson  I had tavr Nov 17 2016. I still wonder if I am progressing as I should. I must be. Go to cardiac rehab tomorrow Jan 2 2017. I have gone from being unable to walk to the mailbox to being able to go to a store for two and a half hours. Guess that is good. I have been staying with my daughter all this time. In three days I will be on my own at home. Kind of scarey. I think I run out of energy too soon. Doing ok I think. Happy New Year. Today is my birthday. Deborah Hudson

Pam Monahan  Thanks all for your kind words. I finally realized it a few days ago and thought I was going nuts. So glad I found this group. Happy New Year!

Phyllis Petersen  Pam, If it continues, it's important to speak with your doctor about it. Depression is normal after heart surgery. I'm surprised they didn't discuss it with you. But, it shouldn't be ignored if it continues. Congratulations on a successful replacement and wishing a good recovery.

Rita Savelis  You are releasing all the intensity you felt before surgery and all the intensity of what you went through. There is a lot to cry about. It's okay. You are processing.
You are certainly not going nuts. You are just human!
Take care.

Cathleen Weed  Heart surgery does cause psychological trauma short-term. Part of it is the shock of recognizing you have a serious condition. It's totally normal and will pass thankfully as life goes on with all it's crazy glory :). Talk to your physician about it because it could also be a side effect of new medication. xo

Pam Monahan  Hi All

I've been off the boards since January 1. Had the aortic valve replaced via the TAVR method in December.

I chose to participate in a post-TAVR follow up and had a CT scan on Monday. Today the study coordinator called me and my cardiologist.

There are some issues with coronary arteries that have become calcified. This latest test will be compared to the cardiac catherization I had before surgery. There may be the need for a few stents and/or pacemaker.

This is a complete surprise and has thrown me for a loop. Of course this would crop up on a Friday afternoon.

We'll see what happens. I'm very grateful I participated in the study but concerned about what comes next.