Rich's Journal

Ruth Valenzuela  It is always so good to hear when there is another successful surgery. Prayers for all those facing their upcoming surgeries.

Betsey Osgood  On the healing side now!!! Thanks for taking the time to keep us posted! Our best to you and your family!!!

Gary Stripling  Awesome news! The first thing I told my wife to tell me when I awoke was "repair or replace?" Fortunately, the MV was repaired. Praying for a speedy recovery!

Marilyn Morrison  Rich is doing well on Day 2 post-op. He moved to the step-down unit yesterday morning, and just had his chest tubes removed today! He's super tired and sleepy, but he's looking forward to walking more later in the day. Reading the posts from his fellow patients here has helped us know what to expect, so thanks again for sharing!

Doran Herritt  Yep day two was still rough. And day three. After that it gets a lot better. I was wed and by sat was feeling pretty good. As he feels better make sure he doesn't over do it. I felt so good I started bending over to shave. Moving things and ended up in a fib. They adjusted my beta blockers and now am a fib free 5 days. Hoping for continued recovery for rich. The worst is over.
Drn

Claire M Miller  Yes Richard Iam also having my appendage clipped. It is one of the places where bloodclots form. My surgery is on October 29th. Best wishes for your recovery, you asany otherside are in my prayers

Steven A Husted  you will do fine heart brother will keep you in my prayers for a great surgery and recovery i know the valve choice is a very hard decision to make they all will do the job it is just a life style decision even then they will still both do the job it is what a person feels most comfortable with i am glad i went with a bovine tissue valve like i have said before even if i need a second or third ohs it was really not that bad not that i want any more ohs

Rich Fogel  Thanks, Steven! The valve choice did come down to lifestyle; I don't want to be on Coumadin forever, so I'm opting for a porcine tissue valve if replacement is necessary, but hoping they can repair instead. Plus, the ticking of a mechanical valve would probably drive my wife crazy!

Christine Oliva  Rich, good luck tomorrow and in your recovery. As we ole valve takers say "see you on the other side." Its been 14 days since I received my 2nd chance, and yes it has been worth it even with the discomfort and inconvenience. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Terrie Syvertsen  Rich-I believe there is no wrong choice and also that your surgeon will be honest usually in letting you know if he thinks one or the other might be best for you. Also, with the technology moving along as fast as it does, many of us have been saying that by the time we might need another new valve there might well be other options on the table for us! I also have a new bovine valve and I know if that is what needs to be re placed years from now I didn't find the surgery something to fear like I did my first one
in Aug.2014. I wish you well and by the way please tell Marilyn we are here for her as well if she wants to post with any questions as your caregiver or just for company online! Caregivers are also a large part of the success after surgery in our recovery so let her know we are here for the both of you!
You will do well with your positive attitude and on your way to recovery soon. Be Well Heart Brother.