I had three mitral valve surgeries. Permanent Afib after surgery which was in 2015. I am not a candidate for an ablation. I have a severely enlarged right and ...Read more
I had three mitral valve surgeries. Permanent Afib after surgery which was in 2015. I am not a candidate for an ablation. I have a severely enlarged right and left atrium. Anyone have similar issues and feedback. Thanks
Klara Čičić I am sorry to hear you had to go through this three times... Hope someone here can be of a help. Hang ... Read more
Klara Čičić I am sorry to hear you had to go through this three times... Hope someone here can be of a help. Hang in there, triple heart warrior!😊
Patricia Garcia Thank you! I really appreciate the words of encouragement.
One year ago today I had my third heart valve surgery for mitral valve replacement. It is amazing how fast the months passed by. Feel blessed to be alive ...Read more
One year ago today I had my third heart valve surgery for mitral valve replacement. It is amazing how fast the months passed by. Feel blessed to be alive and feeling better then before surgery.
I have being reading many questions and comments on here about people being unsure about getting a tissue valve or mechanical valve. I had a repair, porcine ...Read more
I have being reading many questions and comments on here about people being unsure about getting a tissue valve or mechanical valve. I had a repair, porcine valve and now a mechanical valve. I thought the same way about being on blood thinner and that is why I made the decision to get a porcine valve. I knew I was going to need another surgery when I chose that valve, but I never realized it would be sooner then later. My experience with warfarin has not been a bad one. You have to maintain testing to ensure that it does not become to thin or thick and stays in range. Many people who are diabetic have to take insulin shots all of their lives to stay alive. When you know your life depends on it you will do it and it becomes like second nature. A part of your daily routine. Once your levels stay consistent you will need to go less often. I go every other week, but my levels have been a little high so I will go in a week now, until everything is good. My results are given within 24 hours by my cardiologist's nurse, who calls me the next day to let me know if I need to adjust. I still eat greens in moderations and I am a very busy mom with 3 small children. Any medicine can cause complications and sometimes even deadly. A person's overall health history are dominant causes to those effects too. I am by no means trying to convince people to get a mechanical valve. I chose a porcine on my second surgery and don't regret it since I had a surprise unplanned pregnancy 6 years later. Although some women have been pregnant with a mechanical valve they need to take shots of lovenox in their bellies since warfarin crosses the placenta. The blood volume doubles on the heart during pregnancy and my heart took a beating. I had arrhythmia issues throughout my whole pregnancy, but we both got through it. After the third time my heart has been scarred from these surgeries so now I am left with permanent Aflutter. I can not get an ablation because of all the scar tissue, amiodarone left me with non cancerous nodules on my thyroid gland and thyroiditis, so I only take a beta blocker to keep my heart rate low. I am no longer bothered by the aflutter and have learned to live with it. Thank- God it works, but I would have needed blood thinner anyway. Yes advancements in medicine can change and we may one day be able to grow our own heart valves. These shelf life predictors are not always a reality as a persons overall health and lifestyle are precursors to that. Just know that a tissue valve will inevitably need to be replaced and keep that into consideration when making this decision. A mechanical valve can fail too, but they are just more durable and tend to last a lifetime (again there are always exceptions). I know there is no guarantee stamped on it, but God is great and he has gotten me this far. Talk with your families and most of all just don't use the duration of the predicted longevity of the valve to guide you into what choice to make. Also my second surgery was in the Cleveland Clinic and was done by one of the best. They were great, but no one can really predict this. My last surgery was done in my hometown of Philadelphia in the University of Pennsylvania by Chief of Cardiology Dr. Michael Acker who saved my life. I had an angel right in my backyard and did not have to go far. All of my surgeons saved my life and I am thankful for their unbelievable skill and compassion. May God protect everyone on here and guide them through this journey.
Debbie Bentley Did you have a hard time getting use to the sound of the mechanical valve ?
Patricia Garcia I did Debbie. The moment I gained consusness I heard it tapping away. I hated it at first and it wa ... Read more
Patricia Garcia I did Debbie. The moment I gained consusness I heard it tapping away. I hated it at first and it was very strange. Then when the Aflutter/Afib started it was even louder and faster. I can count my heart rate by just listening. It is not as loud as before and as you heal it does lessen. Not everyone who has a mechanical valve can hear it. My friends mother has had one for over 20 years and only can only hear it in a quite room sometimes. I hear it all the time, but I don't think about it and it does not bother me anymore. In fact I listen at times to hear how my rate is and feel assurance with it. It is a very strong mechanical valve and the sound is the sound of me being alive. A small price to pay for life.
Wanda Mroz Good first hand knowledge for those who need it.
Steven A Husted very well said it is a personal decision i chose a bovine valve and i am glad i did as far as a secon ... Read more
Steven A Husted very well said it is a personal decision i chose a bovine valve and i am glad i did as far as a second surgery i am not afraid any more because it was not really that bad
W. Carter Great journal, It is true either kind of valve that is chosen is a good choice. Anything is better th ... Read more
W. Carter Great journal, It is true either kind of valve that is chosen is a good choice. Anything is better than a diseased native valve that is killing us. I find it amazing though that some think a tissue valve will last them 30 years. Most of the stories I hear is closer to the life span of yours (8-12 years). Then we have the folks that think that medical science will perfect the TAVR. But even if they did (which does not look promising now) how many valves can they put in another valve until it is too small.
Then we have the mechanical valve, noisy, thumping, and the hassles of warfarin testing and interactions with so many meds. It is true they are designed to last a lifetime but they are also susceptible to infection (endocarditis) and thrombosis which can cause failure, stroke, and re-operation. Most mechanical valve warfarin related deaths are due to renal failure or haemorrhage and not the valve itself.
I love my mechanical valve with all it's faults, but i'm also honest. If I had/have to do it again, I would/will go the same way again. :-)
I saw my surgeon last week and was cleared to drive. Such a great feeling to have my independence back. Surgeon told me I was a very sick woman and was suffering ...Read more
I saw my surgeon last week and was cleared to drive. Such a great feeling to have my independence back. Surgeon told me I was a very sick woman and was suffering from that closed up (stenosed) porcine mitral valve. Still can't believe it failed so fast after only 8 years. He told me when they fail, they fail faster than our native valves. I am getting use to my mechanical heart valve. The ticking is not as loud as it was right after surgery. It has been a little challenging to stabilize my blood thinner levels, but it is a small price to pay to keep this heart beating. Only problems I have had post-op has been the 3 bouts of Afib. I was admitted for two days about 3 weeks ago for that. Not to bad though. I was going from Afib to Aflutter and I converted on my own. Medication adjustment was needed and so far so good, even reduced it last week. I just bought a treadmill since this weather has been a real drag and really getting tired of the malls. Amazing how the body heals after such a dramatic surgery, which is physical as well as an emotional journey. After being on bypass 3 times in my life my mind is still sharp. Going back to school in the summer and finshing what I started. Five more classes to get my Bachelors Degree. I wish everyone a succesfull surgery for those who are about to embark. Those who have I wish you continued health.
LaDonna Mangile I read post and it was amazing.....mine is upcoming and I will be so excited to not be short of breat ... Read more
LaDonna Mangile I read post and it was amazing.....mine is upcoming and I will be so excited to not be short of breath with activity. I chose the mechanical valve also as my nephew porcine valve calcified quickly and had to be replaced. His 3rd time he was no so lucky. Best of luck to you as they have made so many improvements since the 80's your story is proof of that and uplifting!
Tim Goff Quite a challenging journey so far Patricia, but is seems you are up to the challenge and more. Congr ... Read more
Tim Goff Quite a challenging journey so far Patricia, but is seems you are up to the challenge and more. Congratulations!
Patricia Garcia LaDonna it will be here before you know it and the waiting was the hardest part for me. Sorry about ... Read more
Patricia Garcia LaDonna it will be here before you know it and the waiting was the hardest part for me. Sorry about your nephew and yes valve surgery has come a long way. The newer mechanical valves seem to last forever. The Coumidin can be challenging to regulate, but I would much rather deal with that then to ever have to go through it again.
Patricia Garcia Thanks Tim..I have retired from anymore heart surgeries, I pray to God that I do not have to embark o ... Read more
Patricia Garcia Thanks Tim..I have retired from anymore heart surgeries, I pray to God that I do not have to embark on that journey again.
1 Month and I feel almost like before I had gotten sick from my valve. The Amiodarone is working out great and has kept me out of the ER. Tomorrow I will ...Read more
1 Month and I feel almost like before I had gotten sick from my valve. The Amiodarone is working out great and has kept me out of the ER. Tomorrow I will go to once a day and after 3 months I will go off of it. Hopefuily the Afib and Aflutter will not return. Back to being the busy mom and wife I was before. I really feel blessed that God has given me a chance to live again. Also my surgeon at HUP, Dr. Michael Acker and the nursing staff that took great care of me. So happy that I did not try and go anywhere else. My last surgery was at CC in Ohio and they are great, but this time around I was critical and Dr. Acker at HUP in Philadelpha saved my life. I was on borrowed time. I knew my valve was stenosed, but when they got in there it was only open the size of a pinhole and I had a giant blood clot on my left atrium that they cut away. Please if I can offer any advice for those out there. Take your symptoms seriously and don't blow it off as working to much, weight gain or anything else. My porcine valve was only in 8 years, done at Cleveland Clinic and it was predicted to last 16 yrs. I had it put in at the age of 37 and was a very active busy mom with no known health problems. I did not want to be on blood thinners or hear the click click of a mechanical valve, so I went with the porcine valve. Well now I am on the blood thinner and hear the click click always, but I am alive. Each and every time they go in our hearts it puts us at greater risk. I am happy with my mechanical valve and pray to God that this is the last time. Always make good choices and when surgeons tell you how long these valves last they can't always predict the number of years, as I learned (even from the best). I would not have changed my decision for the porcine valve at that time, but I did going through this a 3rd time.
Tammi Gunwall Thank you for sharing this post with all of us Patricia. What super good advice! And I'm so glad to ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall Thank you for sharing this post with all of us Patricia. What super good advice! And I'm so glad to hear how good you are doing! I wish you a long healthy life with your new mechanical valve. Continued health and best wishes to you!!
Kathleen F. Yes thank you. I'm glad you made the right choices and have more time to enjoy now!
Jim Kelly-Evans Best wishes for the future, Patricia...as Spock said "Live Long And Prosper!"
Adam Pick Yay Patricia! Awesome to hear you feeling so great one month out! Fyi, I feel the same way about 'bor ... Read more
Adam Pick Yay Patricia! Awesome to hear you feeling so great one month out! Fyi, I feel the same way about 'borrowed time'. It really expands my understanding about being grateful for this 2nd chance. I often experience that most when I am playing with my 5-year old son, Ethan.
Bob M Great recovery! God bless and rise up! I pray that this is your last time.
Patricia Garcia Thanks Tammie, I wish and pray for that too and for everyone else who has been through OHS. Many on ... Read more
Patricia Garcia Thanks Tammie, I wish and pray for that too and for everyone else who has been through OHS. Many on here are first timers and I hope it stays that way. Thanks Kathleen, Jim and Bob. Adam my children were and are my inspiration always. I fight the fight for them.
Tina Maroon Very interesting story thanks for posting this about your valve. They did an annuloplasty on my Tricu ... Read more
Tina Maroon Very interesting story thanks for posting this about your valve. They did an annuloplasty on my Tricuspid Valve and said it would last 10 yrs. I hope mine does not give out that easy.
Has anyone been on Amiodarone for Afib post-op? I know there are a ton of side effects. Just want to know if it helped and how you were feeling while on it. ...Read more
Has anyone been on Amiodarone for Afib post-op? I know there are a ton of side effects. Just want to know if it helped and how you were feeling while on it.
Clare Auten I was on it for about six weeks. Made me a little nauseous but otherwise ok. Controlled the a fib an ... Read more
Clare Auten I was on it for about six weeks. Made me a little nauseous but otherwise ok. Controlled the a fib and was able to get off it.
Clare Auten And make sure they take the amioderone into account for your warfarin. I think it can affect it.
Patricia Garcia Thanks Clare I just took my first one. I was on metoprolol for 8 years since my last valve surgery t ... Read more
Patricia Garcia Thanks Clare I just took my first one. I was on metoprolol for 8 years since my last valve surgery to control the rate, but no Afib, until 2 yrs ago while I was pregnant with my son. It went away after he was born, until last December when my porcine valve failed and I had a few episodes. When I was in ICU right out of surgery I went into Afib at 211 BPM and was cardio converted. Then given a dose of Amioderone. I went home on metoprolol and had Atrial flutter/Afib twice and went to the ER at 150 BPM. So to try and avoid this I was switched meds. I am only on it for 3 months and he did say it can change my INR.
Cheryl Batzing Patricia, I was on toprol for years to keep pressure of my mitral valve. After valve repair in Decem ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Patricia, I was on toprol for years to keep pressure of my mitral valve. After valve repair in December, I went into afib and had to be cardio converted. They put me on Amiodarone to make sure I stayed in sinus rhythm and have been on it about 5 weeks now. Honestly I haven't noticed any side effects and have done great on it. They plan to take me off after 8 weeks if I stay out of afib, which I have so far. Best to you!
Patricia Garcia Thank-you so much Clare and Cheryl. This is why this community is the best.
Eleanor R I had a bovine valve replacement, but my surgeon routinely puts all his patients on Amiodorone for at ... Read more
Eleanor R I had a bovine valve replacement, but my surgeon routinely puts all his patients on Amiodorone for at least six weeks. I don't do well with most meds and was already nauseous from pain meds but Amiodorone did make me a little bit sick. I was given anti nausea meds for the interim and it wasn't bad. After six weeks they stopped the Amiodorone but left me on Metoprolol to slow the heart rate. Very small dosis but I'm to continue for six months. Other than the nausea, I didn't notice any adverse side effects with Amiodorone, nor do I with Metoprolol. That's great when a medicine does its job without interfering with us doing ours, right! I hope it goes smoothly for you.
Liidia Wootten I identify with Eleanor's comments - while in the hospital and until my first out-patient office vis ... Read more
Liidia Wootten I identify with Eleanor's comments - while in the hospital and until my first out-patient office visit I was on the Amiodarone, which resulted in severe Acid Reflux if I took it without foods. So... they gave me a pill to combat that, which worked. But, I made sure I had something, anything, to eat before taking it. I asked both doctors and nurses about this and the answers were split - yes it does upset, no it doesn't. I asked my daughter, who is a pediatric intensivist, and she noted that the ""ruling" from the pharmacology/ medical staff is 50/50. Her thing was just ask and tell what was going on. Common sense is amazing %).
I take a low dose of Metoprolol now and have no issues. The Acid Reflux period was just plain awful. I have a cow valve, too. To make you smile, someone, I forget who, on this site had a great line - "USDA certified Angus"
Growing up on a dairy farm back in the 1950s & 60s and ending up with a cow valve, just made me laugh out loud, for the irony of the whole situation.
The drug must have helped, next week, 2/16 will be 7 months post op and I'm feeling pretty good.
Prayers and positive thoughts to you. BTW, daylight is getting longer every day - HOORAY for spring.
Patricia Garcia Thanks Eleanor and Lidia...that is funny about the farm. My valve was a porcine valve, but it closed ... Read more
Patricia Garcia Thanks Eleanor and Lidia...that is funny about the farm. My valve was a porcine valve, but it closed up and now I have a mechanical one.
Jason, John and Jimene, I pray that you all have a successful surgery and smooth recovery.
Jimene Jetton thank you Patricia, I am now 17 days post op and feeling better but still feeling a little tired th ... Read more
Jimene Jetton thank you Patricia, I am now 17 days post op and feeling better but still feeling a little tired this was my second OHS the first having been just 13 months prior (dec 2013) where I have ascending aortic repair with graft and have aortic valve repair I always just never felt "right" and finally they went in and did a TEE and discovered severe prolapse thus the next surgery I opted for the mechanical valve as I am hoping this will be my last need for surgery kudos to you and thank you for reminding us all to PAY ATTENTION to our symptoms thank you again and I am sending you well wishes for a smooth recovery
Patricia Garcia Thanks Jimene. The more you have to do through the harder it is. I hope it is my last one also.
Was in the ER for the 2nd time in a week for Afib. I was off bood thinner for 2 days because my antibiotic lowered my iNR levels. Now I have to give myself ...Read more
Was in the ER for the 2nd time in a week for Afib. I was off bood thinner for 2 days because my antibiotic lowered my iNR levels. Now I have to give myself Lovenox injections to get my levels right again. This is the bump in the road and most of us how them. I pray that it will pass after my heart and valve get acquainted with each other. Other than that I am doing really good.
Elaine Foster I'm sorry you have been having these bumps in the road- hope things improve quickly. God Bless you
Tammi Gunwall Sorry to hear Patricia. Prayers lifted up for this bump to be smoothed out quickly! Keep your head an ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall Sorry to hear Patricia. Prayers lifted up for this bump to be smoothed out quickly! Keep your head and spirits high. Hugs to you!
Chest cold almost gone, but medicine raised my inr. It is being adjusted and that is the drag with a mechanical valve. I am OK with that after 3 OHS. I want ...Read more
Chest cold almost gone, but medicine raised my inr. It is being adjusted and that is the drag with a mechanical valve. I am OK with that after 3 OHS. I want no more and pray that I don't have to. This valve ticks and ticks and I hear it always. I asked my family if the can hear it. Only when they are close to me. I lived with a porcine valve for 8 yrs and needed nothing. I called this my high maintenance valve. No complaints as I live to tell about it. Thank God for that and I do always.
Tammy Pilcher I'm glad your cold's going away, Patricia! I hope they get your inr worked out soon and you will get ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher I'm glad your cold's going away, Patricia! I hope they get your inr worked out soon and you will get used to your new valve. I'm glad you won't have to go through this again! Prayers and best wishes!
Bob M I pray that your recovery hurdles will be behind you soon. God bless and rise up!
Clare Auten The INR thing is tricky. I had gotten to going every 5 weels but then had a set back. Hopefully will ... Read more
Clare Auten The INR thing is tricky. I had gotten to going every 5 weels but then had a set back. Hopefully will get back to that point soon. Apparently there is a machine for at home testing with a finger prick. I have not investigated that yet. At one year out, I don't hear the valve clicking all the time. I must be used to it. Best wishes for a great recovery.
16 days since my surgery. One trip to the ER for some Afib and a change in meds. Now I have a chest cold and coughing. Nothing like coughing afer opening ...Read more
16 days since my surgery. One trip to the ER for some Afib and a change in meds. Now I have a chest cold and coughing. Nothing like coughing afer opening heart surgery. I can't complain I made it through the worst part and now there will be bumps in the road. This mechanical valve is impressive and I was walking pretty good in the mall today...at a turtles pace, but pretty long. Have PT coming to my house tomorrow.
David Augustus Keep up the great attitude it will serve you well during your recovery as there will be bumps in the ... Read more
David Augustus Keep up the great attitude it will serve you well during your recovery as there will be bumps in the road. Hope the coughing goes away!
Tammy Pilcher Hoping you continue to improve, Patricia! Sounds great considering it's your third OHS!
Bob M One day at a time. Take it easy, heart sister.
Edith Dim I'm so sorry about having a cough at this time. I hope it clears up soon. In spite if it, you are d ... Read more
Edith Dim I'm so sorry about having a cough at this time. I hope it clears up soon. In spite if it, you are doing great.
Jim Kelly-Evans You're doing good, Patricia...congratulations!
Day 8 and went the whole day without pain meds. Everyday is a different day. My heart valve sounds like a little cricket chirping and I hear it constantly. ...Read more
Day 8 and went the whole day without pain meds. Everyday is a different day. My heart valve sounds like a little cricket chirping and I hear it constantly. I am OK with that and just pray that I need not walk down this path again. I must say it was very challenging for me.. I came home to a house full of sick kids too. I have such a great husband that has been caring for me every step of the way. We all walk this journey and have similiar as well as different experiences. I pray for those that are ready for surgery or getting ready for surgery. Also those who fought the battle. I see people travel all over the US for surgery and on my second journey I went to the Cleveland Clinic. This time I was in crictical condition as my mitral valve was only open the size of a pin. They did not know that I was as critical until they got in there. My surgery was moved for another patient that came in the trauma unit. Before my surgeon did my surgery he saved the person before me. He also cut an enormous blood clot out of my LA. I am so bleesed to have had Dr. Michael Acker, nursing staff and University of Pennyslvania for giving me another chance at life. Biggest blessing granted by God. We need not always go far for the best. There was ten OHS the day of mine and many heart transplants. Thank- God for these brilliant doctors <3
Jim Kelly-Evans Glad to read about your recovery, Patricia. I hope you continue to improve each day!
Going home on Monday. Trying to get blood levels right. Can't believe I was critical. This surgery does not get easier after the first. Pray that it will ...Read more
Going home on Monday. Trying to get blood levels right. Can't believe I was critical. This surgery does not get easier after the first. Pray that it will be the last. University of Penna. Is great and the nursing care is unbelievably excellent as well. Dr. Michael Acker saved my life. Did not have to go far this time around.
Tammy Pilcher Patricia, I'm so glad you've got this behind you and are going home soon. Praying for your recovery ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Patricia, I'm so glad you've got this behind you and are going home soon. Praying for your recovery to be smooth. Best wishes!
Cheryl Batzing Glad you get to go home Monday, Patricia. You're on the other side! Praying your blood levels get ad ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Glad you get to go home Monday, Patricia. You're on the other side! Praying your blood levels get adjusted quickly and you get outta there!
Jim O'Brien Patricia, that's good news that you get to go home Monday. I'll be praying that they get the blood le ... Read more
Jim O'Brien Patricia, that's good news that you get to go home Monday. I'll be praying that they get the blood levels right and that your recovery will be smooth sailing.
Edith Dim Will pray that it is your last, Patricia. I'm happy for you that you are going. Best wishes for a g ... Read more
Edith Dim Will pray that it is your last, Patricia. I'm happy for you that you are going. Best wishes for a good recovery.
Jim Kelly-Evans Congratulations! Wishing you a smooth recovery.
Eleanor R Good job, sounds like you had the best care to bring you forward. Getting the blood level adjusted w ... Read more
Eleanor R Good job, sounds like you had the best care to bring you forward. Getting the blood level adjusted will probably take a bit of time, but you can live with that (literally, right!). I know your family is relieved, you too. Keep up the strong recovery. Eleanor
Julio LaSalle Just concentrate on getting better. We will continue to pray for healing, and that you never have to ... Read more
Julio LaSalle Just concentrate on getting better. We will continue to pray for healing, and that you never have to go through this again.
Gary Schott God be praised through you! SO happy for you!!!
Going home on Monday. Trying to get blood levels right. Can't believe I was critical. This surgery does not get easier after the first. Pray that it will ...Read more
Going home on Monday. Trying to get blood levels right. Can't believe I was critical. This surgery does not get easier after the first. Pray that it will be the last. University of Penna. Is great and the nursing care is unbelievably excellent as well. Dr. Michael Acker saved my life. Did not have to go far this time around.
Terrie Syvertsen Good to hear Patricia. Continue on with your recovery knowing we are all pulling for you to heal up ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Good to hear Patricia. Continue on with your recovery knowing we are all pulling for you to heal up smoothly and take it slow and easy being very very patient with yourself as you go! Slow and easy with the walking and try to rest when you can! Enjoy your hospital food! We are all thinking of you at the HVJ site! Be Well!
Eleanor R Wow, are you typing already? I couldn't do that for at least a week, I was tired and everything felt ... Read more
Eleanor R Wow, are you typing already? I couldn't do that for at least a week, I was tired and everything felt too heavy, in both senses of the word. Keep up the good work and a steady recovery!
Patricia Garcia I am lucky to be alive. Dr. said my mitral valve was near closed and I had a giant clot in my left a ... Read more
Patricia Garcia I am lucky to be alive. Dr. said my mitral valve was near closed and I had a giant clot in my left atrium
tina fluhrer I am happy to tears with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PRECIOUS GOODNESS! Rest easy as these days come and go a ... Read more
tina fluhrer I am happy to tears with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PRECIOUS GOODNESS! Rest easy as these days come and go and you find yourself home soon. Takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes that you are doing well enough to type to us. ~
Almost there. Time can be such a great thing when it flies by. It makes the difficult things we have to do in life go by so fast. It also is to fast and ...Read more
Almost there. Time can be such a great thing when it flies by. It makes the difficult things we have to do in life go by so fast. It also is to fast and makes our lives go by. I remember my last heart surgery in 2007. As I sat in the hospital recovering I thought of everything I wanted to do with my life. When I got out I went and got my GED and then my Associates Degree. I have 15 credits to my Bachelors Degree. I need to come through this on Monday, first for my kids and then to finish school.
Tammy Pilcher That's wonderful, Patricia! I'll be praying for you Monday! You and your new healthy heart will hav ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher That's wonderful, Patricia! I'll be praying for you Monday! You and your new healthy heart will have a lot to get back to doing! Prayers and blessings heart sister!
Patricia Garcia Thank- you Tammie-heart sister. I am starting to become numb. This is how I got through the other tw ... Read more
Patricia Garcia Thank- you Tammie-heart sister. I am starting to become numb. This is how I got through the other two surgeries. It is like you are going through the motions, but you are somewhat in a fog. When people say that the mind losses cognitive abilities or memory after bypass I have to laugh. After my surgery I only became more educated and I am a History major remembering dates...lol There is nothing that we can't do. It is the will to live and get the most out of our lives. Many people don't get the chance to appreciate what they can lose so quickly. Going through heart surgery changes your life. If we are blessed to walk out of that hospital and get to return to our lives we should never take that gift for granted.
Tammy Pilcher Amen, Patricia! By the way, my oldest son has a BS in Social Science with a primary concern in Histo ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Amen, Patricia! By the way, my oldest son has a BS in Social Science with a primary concern in History. Best wishes!
Bill Hendrickson Patricia,I will be praying for your journey on Monday,hope everything is corrected this time. I think ... Read more
Bill Hendrickson Patricia,I will be praying for your journey on Monday,hope everything is corrected this time. I think you are in good hands at UP. I have had many many visits to the cardiology group at Penn.
Cheryl Batzing Patricia--will be praying for a successful surgery and quick healing for you Monday!
Linda Crawford I will be keeping you close in my heart on Monday and wish you a successful surgery and an uneventful ... Read more
Linda Crawford I will be keeping you close in my heart on Monday and wish you a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery.
John Noriega Patricia sending prayers for your successful surgery on Monday and a wonderful recovery. Onward & Upw ... Read more
John Noriega Patricia sending prayers for your successful surgery on Monday and a wonderful recovery. Onward & Upward!
Lori Beuerlein I will be thinking about you and your family tomorrow as you take one giant step toward feeling bette ... Read more
Lori Beuerlein I will be thinking about you and your family tomorrow as you take one giant step toward feeling better and getting back into the swing of things!
I am ready to go and get on to a new start. Monday will be here before I know it and waiting for my time to go in. Unlike many on here I have been very symptomatic, ...Read more
I am ready to go and get on to a new start. Monday will be here before I know it and waiting for my time to go in. Unlike many on here I have been very symptomatic, which is really hard when you have little ones to care for. It does make having surgery easier to process, since I have symptoms. My porcine valve declined so fast the month of December, so I am ready for my new mechanical valve. Never ignore your symptoms and always get your heart checked out. My valve failed after my repair 5 yrs. later and a top Philly doctor I was seeing told me it was not my valve. Only to be called two weeks later with my echo results that the repair had failed and calcified with scar tissue. My porcine valve only lasted 8 yrs and was done in Cleveland Clinic. Well Monday I am staying in my hometown state and going to the Univerity of PA. My surgery is being done by the chief of staff and Professor. He has done over 300 valves surgeries last year. Top # 7 heart hospital in the country. We will see this is only a piece of the puzzle. My heart holding up to it is a big piece, but then God is really the deciding factor. Now all I can do is pray for the best. Going in a 3 rd time does not make me feel better than everyone else. It never gets easier and the anxiety is overwhelming.
Eleanor R I will be thinking of you and wishing you the best. I hope this is a smooth surgery and that your re ... Read more
Eleanor R I will be thinking of you and wishing you the best. I hope this is a smooth surgery and that your recovery is steady and "uneventful" which seemed to be my surgeon's favorite word. At the time, I wanted a stronger adjective for the surgery and recovery, something like successful, outstanding or whatever. Now I now that "uneventful" is just fine. Best wishes. Eleanor
Julio LaSalle Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with ... Read more
Julio LaSalle Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God...And the Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, will be with you. Even thou you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. psalm 23. My wife and I have been there. Anxiety, fear, and worry is normal. But, just like doctors, who prepare for surgery (they too get anxious), we too, need to prepare, although differently. Like I said before, God has you in the palm of His hand, He knows what you need, and knows about your children. He will walk you through it. Try to stay calm, don't magnify the problem, but focus on God's promises, to wit: He will be with you in times of trouble, your best days are still ahead, what He has done (miracles) for others, He will do for you, if you believe that He a rewarder to those that diligently seek Him. We pray for healing in every area of your life, from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet. And, we believe for this healing to come to pass. Amen
Elaine Foster Patricia, my thoughts and prayers are with you for peace and successful surgery and recovery.
Karen Sievers Will be thinking of you on Monday and wishing you all the best. Prayers also.
Cheryl Batzing Patricia, I also will be praying for your surgery and swift recovery.
tina fluhrer Wishing you a restful weekend ~ Rest easy and know that you will do great!
Patricia Garcia Thanks-you everyone for the prayers and best wishes. They give me strength and inspiration to go thr ... Read more
Patricia Garcia Thanks-you everyone for the prayers and best wishes. They give me strength and inspiration to go through it again.
Peter Duplin We share the part about anxiety my friend Sandra will be going in for her 2 nd ohs and she knows wh ... Read more
Peter Duplin We share the part about anxiety my friend Sandra will be going in for her 2 nd ohs and she knows what to expect but that doesn't make it any easier.
Has anyone heard anything new on Rhonda's condition? I pray that she is pulling through this.
Tammy Pilcher Patricia, I've been wondering about her too. I think Sunday was the last news I've seen. I'm praying ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Patricia, I've been wondering about her too. I think Sunday was the last news I've seen. I'm praying for her too and hoping everything's okay.
Kimberly Biddick I must log on to here 20 times a day hoping for an update. Praying hard!!
kathy lesnau me too, keep hoping no news is good news!!
For whatever reason my surgery date does not show up with Dave's on January 12th. Could be that I had to edited it from putting the wrong year 2014. Well ...Read more
For whatever reason my surgery date does not show up with Dave's on January 12th. Could be that I had to edited it from putting the wrong year 2014. Well 6 more days to go. I should be a pro at this, but the anxiety does not go away.
Bill Cherry Mine is also on the 12th and does not show right now. I think the blog software only puts the top few ... Read more
Bill Cherry Mine is also on the 12th and does not show right now. I think the blog software only puts the top few up. After today, ours should show up.
Mark Alafita Patricia, I just read your "My Story", and I certainly wish you all the best for the 3rd procedure. ... Read more
Mark Alafita Patricia, I just read your "My Story", and I certainly wish you all the best for the 3rd procedure. I agree, go mechanical. Thank you for sharing the details...it certainly makes me think of what valve to choose for my own (The surgeon said it was my choice!). I've got a feeling the 3rd time's the charm! Keep us updated on your progress!
Patricia Garcia Thanks Mark. I was 37 when I had my valve replacement. It is a really tuff choice to make when sele ... Read more
Patricia Garcia Thanks Mark. I was 37 when I had my valve replacement. It is a really tuff choice to make when selecting a valve. I felt 16 yrs was so far away and who knows what they would be doing surgically by then. I was very active working, going to school and running after 2 boys. Then I had a surprise baby and my little porcine valve kept going. It was high risk and I had bouts of A-Fib, but we made it and I have another boy to keep me going. I was taking it easy these last 2 1/2 yrs. Crazy thing was that my echo in October looked OK and my doctor said it might last 4 more yrs. Then in December it rapidly went down hill. I had 3 echos, cath, stress test you name it and this valve is really in bad shape. I don't regret my porcine valve because of my son. I am sure a mechanical valve would have been more complicated. I am not having anyone children and with every heart surgery comes more risks with scar tissue etc. I don't know the mechanical valve I am getting yet, but I read that the ON-X valve is pretty amazing. It requires less blood thinner and one day it may need none. I had Afib when I was pregnant and have had a few episodes this month. The doctor thinks that it is just from stress. Be sure you do what is right for you. I am reading a variation of stories on here and it is great to have so much feedback. My story is a little different since not many on here have had re-operations. I want to help out anyway I can. OHS is not as bad a it sounds as far as pain. Pain is managable. It is the anxiety that leads up to it. Even for me it is the same. I pray that I make it through again to take care of my kids.
Julio LaSalle Patricia, when and where are you having your surgery?
Patricia Garcia Julio my surgery is Monday, January 12, 15 @ Univ. of PA.
I think I am the only one on here that has been through this twice and about to go through it again.
Rob Wigley I want to "like" your comment so that then I can "unlike" it. Sorry you have to do this yet again!
Patricia Garcia Thanks Rob. I pray it will be the last time and I can go on with life.
Sherry Stevens I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers. So sorry you have to do this again; I pray you ... Read more
Sherry Stevens I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers. So sorry you have to do this again; I pray you have a smooth path and a speedy recovery.
Jimene Jetton Yes Patricia, I am about to have my second open heart surgery in just over 13 months, although my fir ... Read more
Jimene Jetton Yes Patricia, I am about to have my second open heart surgery in just over 13 months, although my first surgery was to remove a 6.7cm aortic aneurysm and repair the aortic valve, this one on Feb 4th will be to replace the aortic valve as the repair didn't last for some reason. Ready to get this done and hoping it will be the last one for a while. Wishing you a speedy recovery.