Pat's Journal

pat vassalluzzo  Hi. I am new to this blog. Had aortic replacement and mitral repair Jan 16,2017. I am still somewhat short of breath when I walk tired and depressed I am worried that I should be feeling much better any advice. Thanks pat

pat vassalluzzo  Has anyone had shortness breat after aortic replacement and mitral repair. How until you have no shortness breath. Also echo prior to surgery 45% now 35%. Cardiologist says it takes time to improve. Anyone have a similar problem

Steven A Husted  i am almost 3 years out and never had any problem before or after surgery with sweat i also had a bovine aortic valve replacement like i have said before we all are different and our body's are different so we have different reactions to things that are done to our body's

Phyllis Petersen  I had mitral valve repair and find myself sometimes cold, even though the temps are not that bad, and other times extremely warm with a flushed face. Others have complained about feeling the temperature differently, but it seems to fade over time.

Barbara Laurie  Hi Pat, heat is not good for your heart, and 6 months out from OHS (mini or not) is still not that far out. Sounds like overall you're doing great, keep an eye on things and let your doctor know. But you seem to be doing well really. HOT weather and heart surgery don't mix! 😄 Just say no to walking in the heat for this summer. 😄💞😄

Peggy Whitecotton  Barb is right the heat is not good for heart surgery patients. I am one year post op and the heat still bothers me especially when the humidity is high...

Darlene Smith  I was told no walking in hot humid weather which sucks because its summer. I'm almost 6 weeks post op, and we did have a couple nights where the temp dipped below 80 so I did go outside for my walk. I also have an exercise bike inside that I use when its too hot and humid to go out. Sometimes if I'm really desperate, I'll walk inside my house, but oh so boring!!!

Jean Raber  I have never been able to walk in hot weather. And for me that's weather with humidity over 40 percent and temperature higher than 75. Worse than that, and my heart pounds and my hands and feet swell with any exertion. I am also one of those weirdos who has seasonal affective disorder ... in summer. I hate the bright light and long days. SO: I got one of those exercise bikes I can use on days when I'm hunkered down in the A/C. I do 20 or 30 minutes, cool down. Then I go out and sit on the porch to enjoy the summer day in my lounge chair, sometimes taking the portable fan with me to keep the skeeters off. Winter is coming. Yay!

Pat Bijas  Thank you all for the feedback, so trying to adjust to the "new" me! Have another question for all the Ladies out there: It's 6 months out from surgery and all of a sudden my "girls" seem very uncomfortable...seem to be sore & sensitive...of course the first thought is Breast cancer...is this also the "new normal" for me?

Barbara Laurie  Pat, search this sight for that question too..I've read back where this has been brought up b4. But, check with your doctor, Don't think the worst, but always ask your doctors

Adam Pick  Hey Pat! You just made my day, my month, my year. I'm so glad to hear the people and resources at this website helped you along your journey to a healthy heart!!! :)

Tafang Kuo  Pat, I am with you. Even I had the surgery over another country, this website and Adam's book help me so much. And amazingly, my surgeon is also know about Adam's work. I think the appreciation is international :)

Barbara Laurie  I don't think so Pat, think of the thousands of OHSs done each year, I just think of the math and conclude it's rare. Example, a certain heart condition could be very rare, but a social media site makes it seem common because everyone on that page has it! Best Regards😄❤️

Ron Broadhead  Hi Pat

I was a bit worried about that too at first, but all my providers told me I would be pretty well healed at 6 months.

Nap Garcia  Here's an article by one of the cardiologist professors who examined my while I was in afib during recovery. Hope it helps: http://www.everydayhealth.com/atrial-fibrillation/living-with/tips-for-atrial-fibrillation-and-summer-heart-health/#01

Pat Bijas  To Emily, I have a rapid heart beat, something I have had for years. Just went thru testing, and it is not Afib. They feel this is just "me". I am feeling the heat soo much more this year, could also be due to my weight gain...I am the heaviest I have ever been in my life, 45 lbs. overweight....I used to be in such good shape, I hate me right now...

Denise Campbell  Hi. I go for my 4 week post op in Wednesday. My heart rate stays between 100-109. I do plan on discussing with doc. I already take metoprolol I was hoping to start cardiac rehab. Have they not started yours yet?

Pat Bijas  No, they want to wait 'till the HR gets lower. I cannot take Beta Blockers because I have "Reynauds Phenomena", kind of at an impasse here, looking into possible herbal supplements that might help, though I know caution also needs to be used with them....I hope your visit on Wednesday goes well, perhaps your health care professionals will be more flexible than mine, lol!

Erin Hannum  Bruce,

I'm five weeks out of AVR and have not yet been able to walk a mile, I still have a hard time with steps (I'm not overweight). Any suggestions as I really don't feel as well as I thought I would by this time.

Thanks.

Erin

Pat Bijas  Erin, It's so hard to be patient with your healing, and not comparing it to someone else's. I used to walk 3-4 miles a day, so walking 1 mile is frustrating to me to say the least! I am overweight, put on 35 lbs in the past year due to inactivity due to heart issues, which is the HEAVIEST I have ever been in my life...what I have learned from this site (it has been so much!) is that you truly have to listen to your body...when I walk, for now at least I need to stop for a short break.....I know how hard it is, but when you are out there walking etc. keep talking to yourself and use this mantra: "Baby steps, one step at a time.....Erin, you will get there, as hard as it is, be patient...again, listen to your body, it is in fact your best friend!

Emily Rowley  Hi, I am just over the 6 week mark (or maybe abit more) and recently started Cardiac Rehab last week. I'm really skinny, and lost more weight since surgery so I'm trying to eat foods that give me more natural energy. Have you Erin started Cardiac Rehab? Mine is lost of interest too which makes it little more difficult-do you or anyone else experience this? Now I find trying to stay awake during the day and going to bed early in a routine helps me have a better nights sleep and bit more energy than when I was having numerous sleeps during the day but there of course are a lot of days I need a rest. Take it slowly, as Pat says listen to your body-it will take time (no quick fix), takes 12 months to recover some people, feel they need more time and others less as everyone is different.

Erin Hannum  Thank you Pat and Emily. I am supposed to start cardiac rehab at the 8th week. I just wonder if I'll be strong enough by then. I feel like I have to have a darn good reason to get myself moving every day. Your insight is very helpful. Thanks so much.

Emily Rowley  You're welcome Erin, we are here to help 😊 It doesn't matter if you're not ready-they will/should take it slow at your own pace (and you can always postpone or quit at any time) and they can provide access to emotionally support too. What type of activities did you enjoy before? Heart Surgery is traumatic. Who do you have looking after you? I know having a pet can be therapeutic and give reason to get up each morning. 😻

Pat Bijas  Recovery is definitely a "roller coaster"! At five weeks out, there are days that I've walked a mile, and days like today that I was so exhausted (after sleeping well) that I went no where...I postponed cardiac rehab 'till later in April, as I want to be able to drive myself, not needing to depend on some outside transportation to get me there...my family went back to Florida on Tuesday, I must say I am enjoying the solitude, lol! Just wishing that the Dr's & Medicaid could all agree on a medicine that will get my heart rate in check....tired of hearing my heart beat so fast when I try to go to sleep at night....a bit scared to be finally alone....

susan kotansky  The early weeks are really hard. Do what you can and rest a lot. It will get so much better. You will see. If no one is worried you can rest assured they've seen it before. Be patient with yourself.

Wanda Mroz  I did have some lightheadedness at first... It's early and you've been through something big... Give it time. Yes it will get better!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Congratulations, Pat! At this point, just rest and let your body heal. Nothing is more important than that! And be patient. Your body will heal at its own rate.

Pat Bijas  Thank you folks! I find myself trying to do too much, not able to walk very far without my legs feeling like rubber......it really upsets me as I used to walk 4 miles a day before the AV went south. I try so hard to listen to what you all say about giving your body time to heal on it's own, I'm afraid I don't rest as much as I should. The PT person has been out to the house a few times now, she is a bit concerned about my heart rate which has been consistently over 100 for at least the past 3-4 years. I know she is only doing her job, but I hate that she holds onto my sleeve....I see the surgeon on Tuesday for my initial follow up, hopefully he will prescribe Cardiac Rehab....either way, I will surely bring it up!

Christine Oliva  Yes ask your doctor. Please remember your heart is adjusting so it really needs time to adjust and surgical area/tissues really need to heal interrupted. You should exercise consistently, but let the doctor or cardiac rehab guide you.

Pat Bijas  Thank you Christine, you give me the hope I need! I fear I forget the gravity of the surgery at times, perhaps selective memory, lol!

Emily Rowley  I have one and a woman. I'm still trying to find where it goes exactly. However it fits well between and under my breasts.

Gail Magnus  I have one and haven't even taken it out of the plastic. The nurse kinda gave it a thumbs down because she said the incision needs air. There's also a little piece that broke off so I may try to return it!? My advice would be don't bother.

Emily Rowley  The whole chest area including the Sternum incision is tender and sore so can might hurt abit/uncomfortable especially if pressed down.

Wanda Mroz  I never used anything but the heart pillow to hug when I needed. It doesn't seem like it's worth it.

  I am not sure the exact criteria, but there were people in cardiac rehab with all sorts of heart related issues. I started cardiac rehab two weeks after AVR. A person came to my hospital room to tell me about it (and they were affiliated with the hospital system I had surgery). It was great!

Ed Miskovic  I think that if a doctor writes an order for it, you are qualified. Check with your insurance company for its criteria. I started reseaching cardiac rehab before I even knew that my AR was severe because I wanted to maintain the rest of my heart. My former cardiologist readily agreed if I found one I liked. So after getting a 2nd opinion on the stenosis, I researched it some more. Because it's being near my home is important to me, I've decided to go to a cardiac rehab about 15 miles away that me new local cardiologist has strong ties to. All have Phase 1 In the hospital during the stay after surgery. Phase 2 begins after your doctor decides you healed enough to do it. Services offered may include supervised exercise, nutritional counsel, & social support. Also some places have Phase 3, in which you continue at a local fitness center, perhaps with some advice from the rehab center. I've seen a Phase 4 that offers want I'm interested in, Pilates & Tai Chi. This seems to be a fitness center which offers services to cardiac patients who have completed cardiac rehab. I'm off to AVR surgery tomorrow. Please share what you learn about cardiac rehab.

Wanda Mroz  My health system recommends rehab for every heart patient no matter what.. Surgery, stents, etc. not every hospital system does though. I paid a deductible but 12 weeks were pretty much covered. The waiting list was long. They also offer their patients to stay in cardiac prevent for a small fee. I love going.

Sheila Harrison  It's a mix of all cardiac patients diagnosis determines the types off exercise permitted in my group.

Wanda Mroz  My understanding is you may experience some afib after but it clears up after. I have a friend who had a really and was on Coumadin for about 3 months but he's off now and doing well father 5 years!

Sophia Ridley  Not sure on pacemaker answer but can provide some info on my "friend" AFib...

I had post surgical Atrial Fibrillation after my mitral valve repair. It happens in about 30% of cases. Mine was likely to be caused by the reduction in volume of blood in my atria. I had a run for two weeks and a couple of day runs since, 90% clears with rate management - thinners to prevent clots and beta blockers. I'm on them for 6mth and then will be reviewed. It feels like a bag of snakes but the beta blocker will take the edge off it. It's exhausting as your heart is not beating in sinus and doing any exercise will be super tiring but do walk as that's what will help (slopes will be tricky). Get your electrolytes checked as magnesium is very important for steady rhythm (one resolution is IV Magnesium), your iron may be low which will make you feel rubbish too and keep your BP normal (keep well hydrated). I find fast, sudden movement set mine off so take it slowly. Mine are now more likely to be storms of ectopics, but they will hopefully settle. Hope that helps!

Wanda Mroz  I had an 8 second run of afib 5 days after surgery so they put me on Coumadin as a precaution. I received a heart monitor that I wore 24/7 for 2 weeks that showed no afib so I was taken off Coumadin. Apparently it's not uncommon for a short time.

susan kotansky  Pat, you can find lots of responses to that question on this website. You are certainly not alone in your concern...I was more terrified of that moment than the surgery just like you. But like everything else that lives first in your imagination, it was not nearly as bad as I thought. At this point 3 1/2 months out of surgery, it is a faint memory. It was briefly uncomfortable, but the key word here is brief and then I drifted immediately back to sleep. What you should know is that your throat might be hoarse for a while after and maybe irritated but it all goes away within weeks. I wish you a smooth and easy surgery. You'll see, it's not so terrible!!!!

Mark Caswell  I agree. I knew it was there when I first regained consciousness for a split second but when I woke up for real it was gone. Like may things about this surgery the build up in my mind was much worse then reality. As I remember day 1 and 2 were really hard but now that I am home the hospital stay is all kind of a blur.

Hang in there and this positive thoughts. It goes a long way.

Tim Goff  it wasn't much of an ordeal with me as I was in a fog while it was in and then it was out. I barely remember it so hopefully you will be fine with it as well. So many of the post surgery equipment is removed while you are either sedated or on pain meds so they aren't all that bad. Good Luck

Jennifer Lorenz  As others have said, the removing of it takes at the most, at least for me, 2 seconds. I was so focused on the actual surgery that I didn't read anything about the hospital/recovery so for me it was more of a surprise. In the grand scheme of things, 2 quick seconds is nothing.

Jacqueline Cook  I vaguely remember waking up with the breathing tube. I actually think it was when they came to remove it. It was out before they even let my husband come back to see me. I do recall my throat being a bit sore but only for a very short period of time. It was not anything like I imagined it would be prior to surgery. Blessings to you Pat. You got this!

Ruth Valenzuela  That was my worse fear - waking up with the breathing tube! I did wake up and was aware of it being down my throat but I had already told myself prior to surgery if I woke up I was to remain calm and let it do it's job. Stay calm and before you know it, it will be out. I did gag a little but it was a few seconds. Some people don't even remember it! God Bless.

  I have no memory of it. All I remember was them putting oxygen under my nose and I was guessing that they had just taken it out. I couldn't even open my eyes at that point, I was so drugged.

Wanda Mroz  I stressed over that every moment before surgery.... I woke up with it yes which was my fear, and I remember it. It was unpleasant, but I tried my best to be calm and not flail around too much. I heard them say it had to stay in till my pressure came up so it was hard to do that but I kept calm. If you're calm while it's in it'll be ok.. You only gag when it is removed. When it came out I gagged yes, but it's quick and only takes a matter of seconds to come out. Overall it is doable, it's only a few seconds, and it will be gone and over with. Don't stress over it... Because although unpleasant, it's a few moments and it's gone. You can do it and get through it. Who knows? You may be one that wakes up without it! But oh how I know how you feel... It too was my biggest worry. Hugs.

Pat Bijas  Thank you Wanda! I really needed to see this as my surgery date is rapidly approaching (February 19). Hugs to you too, can't wait 'till this is ALL behind me..

Emily Rowley  Glad it went well for you. You seem confident in your Surgeon which is great 😊 Mines pretty cool too 😎 One of the first persons I've heard that's sooo looking forward to surgery, I believe the outcome will be good for you. Are you any bit scared? I'm wanting for my heart to get fixed before it becomes more severe, but on the other hand I'm scared to go through it.

Sophia Ridley  What wonderful spirit! Total confidence in your surgeon helps considerably. I knew I had the best surgeon at the best hospital so took away that concern. The rest was down to me!

Pat Bijas  Thanks folks! Yes Emily, up until yesterday I've sort of been in a state of terror over this surgery! The meeting with the Surgeon has allayed some of the fear. I'm sure as it gets closer to the date, whenever that turns out to be, the terror will try & return!I know it sounds silly to say I am sooo looking forward to the surgery, but this stupid valve has changed my lifestyle so much, need to get this done. I've gone from walking 3-5 miles a day to only around the block with my dog if I feel like I can make it. Have put on about 30 lbs. in the past year since I started slowing down. Have NEVER been this weight! So, I'm finally at the "Let's do this" stage!

Lynne Jeffreys  Well Pat, Glad all that is over for now. I can related to this as I also bled for a while and they had me for 5 hours. Even when I got home I started a bit from the car and also getting off the couch. It re-started just as I was going to bed at 11pm. So I layed on my back with weighted bean bags on my groin most of the night. It worked! Make sure you tell everyone about the bleeding so staff all know. I was told this from nursing staff, just tell everyone. The more people that know the better then the staff are better prepared too.

Jeff Oswald  That's great glad it went ok they went through my right arm when I had mine done but the groin was plan B so I was prepped just in case I remember feeling my heart flutter a bit when the cath was in my heart no pain but noticed a slight fluttering it felt weird

  Hi Pat, I am sorry you are going through all this and especially with with limited support. I hope you find this website a good resource. I have surgery next week but it seems the recovery process from all of this is slow and steady. My aunt had valve replacement and had no partner, parents, or family close by. She ended up choosing to stay in a rehabilitation facility for her recovery. The fed her, managed her meds, and gave her a safe place to be for a month before she returned home. That worked for her. I hope you are able to find something that works for you.

Gerald Schaffer  Pat, I do believe you will need help especially the first 2-4 weeks after you get home if you end up needing open heart surgery. I found great comfort by reading as much as I could and getting answers to all my questions before my surgery.
A cardiac catherization is not a big deal I've had two. If there is nothing wrong you may go home the same day with some restrictions for a day or two. You will need help getting home as you won't be allowed to drive.
If they say you need open heart surgery I agree with Laura that if your insurance will cover it a month in a rehab center is they way to go. If that can't be done take your friends up on their offers.
I hope your catherization goes well and they find your arteries clean.
I found great comfort in my religious belief and said a prayer to several saints and placed my life in the Lords hands. My day of surgery came and I was in such a peaceful state of mind, my family may not have been, but I was in peace and was confident I would pull through it.

Doran Herritt  Went through aortic valve replacement 4.5 weeks ago. Make a plan and work the plan. It will give you confidence. The tests leading up to the heart surgery will also help. I never had any surgery / procedures before and the tee and heart cath were, in my mind, good warm ups to what you do before they drug you to sleep. As far as surgery I found it more uncomfortable then painful. The first 5-7 days you will be in the hospital so no need for help there. I was pretty mobile once I left, but couldn't drive or lift things over 10 pounds, so you need to prepare so you can function for a week or two more. By 3-4 weeks I was getting close to normal for household chores. You still need to b careful,but will b amazed with what you ca do. Like I said make a plan and work it. You can do this. And although your friends have lives I am sure they will help. Take care. Prayers heading your way. Drn

Clare Auten  I agree with everyone else. Check into rehab for after surgery. If that doesn't work, make some plans. See if you have friends to drive you to appointments. Rearrange or organize cabinets so the stuff you will need is within reach. Etc. You can do this. Best wishes with the cath.

Steven A Husted  if you can read my posts i was scared to death of ohs because i live alone and would have hardly no one to help after surgery so my doctor sent me to a rehab hospital after surgery for a little over two weeks they got me back on my feet and made sure i could do my chores around the house when i got home then they had a visiting nurse and therapist stop by two days a week for five weeks to make sure i was exercising and eating and to take my vitals then i started cardiac rehab phase 2 for 36 sections then i went on to phase 3 and stayed on make sure your doctor knows of your concern about being alone when you get home after surgery so he can help you with rehab hospital and visiting nurse and therapist if possible it was really not as bad as i thought it was going to be i look back on it now and i think i could do it again if i had to with out being so scared best wishes and prayers i hope this helps you

Meredith Bray  :) As soon as I read your post I thought of Steven Husted! And as for simpering idiot - NO WAY! This is scary, and tough to do even with support. Sweetie, we are here for you - any questions, comments, venting, etc. There were nights before surgery when I would just sit in the dark and let loose. It's OK!
-Meredith

Tammy Pilcher  Welcome to the group, Pat! Keeping you in my prayers and if I can help answer any questions, I will. You can do this and we're all here to help! God bless! Isaiah 41:13

Pat Bijas  God Bless all of you for your supportive comments! XXOO! I think rehab will be out of the question for two reasons: I have Medicaid and they are hard pressed to approve much of anything; My dog will be in medical boarding while I am in hospital, so even if Medicaid approved rehab, the cost of having her there for 3 weeks would be prohibitive. Plus, she was a rescue, and being away from me for an extended period of time might really do a number on her....my cat will be fine, he has no issues, so one of my friends can cat-sit him for a bit. It all comes down to concern for them, my dog Izzabella is 12 1/2 years old and my cat Trace is 13 years old. I don't want either of them to feel they are being abandoned again. Thank-you all SO much for your input and for listening, I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this. I am so blessed to now be a part of this group!

Wanda Mroz  Oh gosh Pat! You sound like me! I had to go it pretty much alone too! But I did have a few wonderful friends to help me. I am 15 weeks post op after mitral valve repair etc. I too was terrified of the heart cath and transesophageul test but I got through both as you will too! They are sort of a buildup to the actual surgery. Yes it is scary and it makes one look at life differently but you will be fine and better than ever! Hang in there!