Shelly Hubbard - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

161 days ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

Is it common after open heart surgery has been 1 1/2 years doctor wants me to do blood work, CT, and echo? I hate CT's. They also found giant cell in my cut ...Read more

Is it common after open heart surgery has been 1 1/2 years doctor wants me to do blood work, CT, and echo? I hate CT's. They also found giant cell in my cut out bicuspid valve. I had Bentall procedure and mechanical valve. They want to look at blood vessels in heart and abdomen. I thought I was done with all this. I hope they do not find any more issues. Terrified.

Richard Munson

Rose Madura Shelly, I'm sorry you needing more tests. Unfortunately, sometimes our recovery has setbacks. As my ... Read more

Rose Madura Shelly, I'm sorry you needing more tests. Unfortunately, sometimes our recovery has setbacks. As my cardiologist once said, once a heart patient, always a heart patient. It sounds like they may suspect an aneurysm. How was this found? I will be praying or you. 🙏

Shelly Hubbard Hi Rose thank you. No they just said it is a check to make sure all is functioning good. I did not re ... Read more

Shelly Hubbard Hi Rose thank you. No they just said it is a check to make sure all is functioning good. I did not realize they checked it out again. I thought I was done. It is Mayo Clinic so I guess they want to be thorough. And since they found giant cell in my valve at pathology in my cut out defective valve maybe they can see more with that on these tests, too.I guess giant cell can cause blindness just hoping they do not find anything else.

Shelly Hubbardposted an update

261 days ago

Kathy Ozio, Suelynn Hanegraaf reacted to this

Hi Everyone hope all is going good for my heart friends...I have been busy but wanted to check in tonight.
What an awesome upgrade on the speed of this... Read more

Hi Everyone hope all is going good for my heart friends...I have been busy but wanted to check in tonight.
What an awesome upgrade on the speed of this website! Thank you Adam. Much appreciated.

Shelly Hubbardposted an update

341 days ago

Pam Dahl, Ted Niedziela, Yumiko Ishida and 1 other reacted to this

April 10, 2023 one year ago I had open heart surgery for bicuspid severe stenosis and root replacement Bentall procedure. Ended back in hospital after initial ...Read more

April 10, 2023 one year ago I had open heart surgery for bicuspid severe stenosis and root replacement Bentall procedure. Ended back in hospital after initial stay for another 4 days with an internal bleeding hematoma on my left inside upper thigh where the bypass. machine was. By the way, the hematoma was the size of a grapefruit. But, here I am 1 year later. Working full time, going to the gym 6 days per week, enjoying my family, my 2 dogs, and life! I was asymptomatic when I had surgery had no idea it was that bad. Preventative is best. God Bless all of you I read on here and post when I can.

Marie Myers Happy Anniversary Shelly!

Rose Madura Congratulations Shelly! Glad you are doing well.

Grace Mason Happy anniversary Shelly💐❤️

Pamela Gregory Happy Anniversary!!!!

Susan Lynn Happy Anniversary, Shelly!

Shelly Hubbard Thank you all!!

Susan Dunne Congrats ... I too was asymptomatic and it was much worse than I thought. My surgery was 2/19/24. ... Read more

Susan Dunne Congrats ... I too was asymptomatic and it was much worse than I thought. My surgery was 2/19/24. Richard sent me Shadow too. Continue your good health. What a milestone🙋😊👍

Teressa Phillips

Happy heartiversary.

Shelly Hubbardposted an update

493 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Hi Everyone 7 months today since my surgery on April 10, 2023! Same surgery day as Richard's dog Shadow my surgery buddy dog. Seems like a blink of an eye. ...Read more

Hi Everyone 7 months today since my surgery on April 10, 2023! Same surgery day as Richard's dog Shadow my surgery buddy dog. Seems like a blink of an eye. Almost seems like a dream. Life is good. Going to the gym 5 to 6 days a week. Working full time and embracing and enjoying each day God has given me. Reading and praying for everyone on this site. Stay strong and God Bless!!!

Marie Myers Great post! I felt a similar thing about my surgery- almost like it was in another life. Time is a gr ... Read more

Marie Myers Great post! I felt a similar thing about my surgery- almost like it was in another life. Time is a great healer..

Grace Mason Love to hear this❤️

Erin Feaker Great to hear! Was concerned after your issues after surgery! I thought of everyone here the other d... Read more

Erin Feaker Great to hear! Was concerned after your issues after surgery! I thought of everyone here the other day as I don't check in much. Other than slight soreness in my chest from time to time I am also doing well. Walking 5 days a week and trying to stick to a healthier diet.

Rose Madura Wonderful news Shelly! ❤️‍🩹. Once I fully recovered, I've never felt better in my life!

Karen Hommel What a wonderful update, you are a warrior!

Rich Butela That's a great report Shelly. Congratulations

Shelly Hubbardposted an update

691 days ago

Grace Mason , Erin Feaker, Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Hi everyone thanks for all the well wishes. Back home again going to give it another whirl. Richard....this started as a huge hematoma just like Shadow but ...Read more

Hi everyone thanks for all the well wishes. Back home again going to give it another whirl. Richard....this started as a huge hematoma just like Shadow but progressed into internal bleeding pseudoaneurysm which they did 2 ultrasound guideded thrombin injections to stop bleeding. Home and they want me to take it easy a few days. All your support on here is amazing! God Bless!

Richard Munson Wow, what a relief. Yes, try and take it easy. In shadows case its tough to say take it easy and i am ... Read more

Richard Munson Wow, what a relief. Yes, try and take it easy. In shadows case its tough to say take it easy and i am afraid his over exuberance may have caused the hematoma. He is finally back to par as you will be as well. Two steps forward one step back.

Ana Brusso Glad you are home. Yes, take it easy. Will continue to pray for your complete healing. God bless you ... Read more

Ana Brusso Glad you are home. Yes, take it easy. Will continue to pray for your complete healing. God bless you

Grace Mason Glad to hear you are home and healing

Rose Madura So glad to hear you are home and hopefully this eiybe your only set ack. God bless you!

Erin Feaker Wonderful news that you are home!! That had to be scary and frustrating. Take care, continued prayers ... Read more

Erin Feaker Wonderful news that you are home!! That had to be scary and frustrating. Take care, continued prayers for your healing.

Shelly Hubbardposted an update

693 days ago

Rose Madura, Grace Mason reacted to this

so frustrated back in hospital with a psuedoanerysm in my leg/groin it is huge. So depressed. It is where the arterial line was. Taken in by ambulance Saturday. ...Read more

so frustrated back in hospital with a psuedoanerysm in my leg/groin it is huge. So depressed. It is where the arterial line was. Taken in by ambulance Saturday. Pain was excruatiating.

Erin Feaker Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this! What is their plan and how long will you be in hospital?

Shelly Hubbard so far 3 days doing ulttrasounds and guided injections trying to prevent vascular surgery. Dr. Pochet ... Read more

Shelly Hubbard so far 3 days doing ulttrasounds and guided injections trying to prevent vascular surgery. Dr. Pochettino just here he said this is very rare this happens.

Richard Munson I just included you in my daily prayer. At least you are in the right place. You and shadow have some ... Read more

Richard Munson I just included you in my daily prayer. At least you are in the right place. You and shadow have something in common, ( well not exactly), but he had a hematoma caused by his neutering surgery in a similar location. They also said its rare. In my eyes its the reason surgery gets us all worked up. Even when they toss around the percentages of perfection being 99%, there still remains the 1% left over. Shadow is back to normal and you will be as well.

Rose Madura Shelly, so sorry to hear of this setback. Unfortunately, sometimes it's one step forward and two ste... Read more

Rose Madura Shelly, so sorry to hear of this setback. Unfortunately, sometimes it's one step forward and two steps back. I had all kinds of complications that landed me back in the hospital so I know how you feel. But you are a warrior. Stay strong.

Erin Feaker Please keep us posted! You are in my prayers but from what I can tell you are strong and you will get ... Read more

Erin Feaker Please keep us posted! You are in my prayers but from what I can tell you are strong and you will get through this!!

Grace Mason I'm so sorry Shelley. Sending prayers 🙏. Hoping this setback is resolved quickly and you get on wi ... Read more

Grace Mason I'm so sorry Shelley. Sending prayers 🙏. Hoping this setback is resolved quickly and you get on with your recovery.

DeLois Tweedy So sorry, Shelley. Please know everyone here is sending hugs and best wishes to get this resolved soo ... Read more

DeLois Tweedy So sorry, Shelley. Please know everyone here is sending hugs and best wishes to get this resolved soon. You are a strong heart warrior. I hope an uneventful recovery can soon start for you. I'm sending up prayers for you. 🙏

Pamela Gregory I'm so sorry you are going through a setback. I also ended up back in the hospital after being disch... Read more

Pamela Gregory I'm so sorry you are going through a setback. I also ended up back in the hospital after being discharged. Hopefully they will get this sorted out asap

Donna Casaletto Sending you more prayers 🙏

Ana Brusso Sending prayers for your healing. God bless you Shelly

Klara Čičić Oh Shelly what a bummer! I hope they will fix it quickly! I hope your heart is fine. Hang in there! ... Read more

Klara Čičić Oh Shelly what a bummer! I hope they will fix it quickly! I hope your heart is fine. Hang in there!

Shelly Hubbardposted an update

753 days ago

Hi met with cardiologist today. He was impressed with how much knowledge I have and it is all because of everyone on here and Adam Pick! The dreaded is here ...Read more

Hi met with cardiologist today. He was impressed with how much knowledge I have and it is all because of everyone on here and Adam Pick! The dreaded is here time for surgery of bicuspid and aorta repair still thinking onyx mechanical valve. Next steps blood work; cat scan, need to have dental clearance, and I chose my surgeon Dr. Pochettino Mayo Clinic Rochester. Just need to get all appts done and a date. It is really going fast. I remain asymptomatic, but they say it can turn fast to having life threatening symptoms. My worst fear is needles! I have been crying all day off and on. Just needed to post this. I am praying I can sleep tonight. Thanks eveyone for listening and your support.

Mark Buttell You’re in GREAT hands and all will be just fine! Maybe we will cross path’s. Mine is scheduled fo ... Read more

Mark Buttell You’re in GREAT hands and all will be just fine! Maybe we will cross path’s. Mine is scheduled for April 14th. Keep the faith and be thankful you are living so close to a medical facility that is one of the pioneers of OHS and still is to this day.

Shelly Hubbard Thank you Mark. Maybe we will cross paths. Good luck with your surgery. You have been through a lot.... Read more

Shelly Hubbard Thank you Mark. Maybe we will cross paths. Good luck with your surgery. You have been through a lot. I read your journal. You give me hope.

Rose Madura Shelly, once the process starts, it moves pretty fast depending on your severity. The emotional aspe... Read more

Rose Madura Shelly, once the process starts, it moves pretty fast depending on your severity. The emotional aspect is all normal. Try to think positive thoughts. The odds are in your favor and as Mark said, you are going to an excellent facility. Godspeed.

Ana Brusso Hi Shelly, you are on the road to good health. You have chosen a great facility to have your surgery ... Read more

Ana Brusso Hi Shelly, you are on the road to good health. You have chosen a great facility to have your surgery at. As Rose says, it will go pretty fast from now on. Take deep breath, pray and try to do things you like to do until you get your surgery date and share with us your thoughts and fears etc.,we are with you all the way. God bless you 🙏❤️👍

Shelly Hubbard Thank you Anna and Rose

Pamela Gregory Shelly, I think everyone on this site can understand 100% with the way you are feeling right now. Th... Read more

Pamela Gregory Shelly, I think everyone on this site can understand 100% with the way you are feeling right now. The stage of surgery you are in right now is not fun because there are so many unknowns. Personally I was a mess and the things that helped me the most were my friends, my family, my faith, this site, and doing as many fun things as possible that I love. You will get through this but don't be afraid to let your support system help you through

Klara Čičić Dear Shelly, we have all been there and felt like you, you are not alone. Here everyone understands : ... Read more

Klara Čičić Dear Shelly, we have all been there and felt like you, you are not alone. Here everyone understands :) As Mark said, you are at one of the best places in the world!!! Please be aware of that, be thankful for that opportunity. And odds are waaaaay in your favour :) We are here for you! You are doing great.

Erin Feaker Shelly we share the same surgeon. I am scheduled for surgery on March 7. It’s an intimidating proce ... Read more

Erin Feaker Shelly we share the same surgeon. I am scheduled for surgery on March 7. It’s an intimidating process but does seem to move fast once it’s all scheduled!

Shelly Hubbard Hi Erin please keep me posted. Wishing you the best of luck. I have not met surgeon yet but will sche ... Read more

Shelly Hubbard Hi Erin please keep me posted. Wishing you the best of luck. I have not met surgeon yet but will schedule appt tomorrow.

Erin Feaker Thank you. Getting more and more nervous a the days pass but I have complete confidence in my surgica ... Read more

Erin Feaker Thank you. Getting more and more nervous a the days pass but I have complete confidence in my surgical team. Just trying to stay healthy so we don’t have to move surgery date. Have a slight scratchy throat !!! Hopefully I’ll be good to go next Tuesday!!!

Shelly Hubbardposted an update

950 days ago

I saw my cardiologist today it has only been one year ago June that I was diagnosed with bicuspid. My 3 options today as the mean gradient is now at 55. Option ...Read more

I saw my cardiologist today it has only been one year ago June that I was diagnosed with bicuspid. My 3 options today as the mean gradient is now at 55. Option 1 wait 6 months another echo. Option 2 do a stress test on treadmill. Option 3 bite the bullet and do the valve replacement. Let me say I am still asymptomatic. Any advice? I do probably think mechanical as I am 59 and have an extreme fear of doctors/hospitals etc have always had this since I was young this fear. Any suggestion for surgeons Mayo Rochester Minnesota?

Rose Madura Hi Shelly, I understand your frustrations. My advice is (a) seek another opinion; (b) just because y... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Shelly, I understand your frustrations. My advice is (a) seek another opinion; (b) just because you are asymptomatic doesn't mean you should wait. Sometimes the symptoms come and are actually heart failure. I've been told it's old news to wait for symptoms (c) do a lot of research and be your own advocate. Please keep us posted on your journey. I had my surgery at age 59 and although I had some complications, I've recovered nicely. God bless you!

Lilian Peña Hi Shelly, fear and anxiety are normal feeling of having this kind of heart problem. But bear in mind ... Read more

Lilian Peña Hi Shelly, fear and anxiety are normal feeling of having this kind of heart problem. But bear in mind that valve disease have a great solution. Dont wait for the worse symptoms to happen, talk to your doctors. God Bless and take care!

Marie Myers Doing the stress test may reveal symptoms since your gradient is high. Why not do the stress test? It ... Read more

Marie Myers Doing the stress test may reveal symptoms since your gradient is high. Why not do the stress test? It may help you make a decision.

Rita Savelis A surgeon can tell you much more about your condition and options than a cardiologist. You could cons ... Read more

Rita Savelis A surgeon can tell you much more about your condition and options than a cardiologist. You could consult one and see what his advice is.

Shelly Hubbard thanks everyone for your input

Civita Fahey I agree with Marie.. I had the stress test and found BP would go down instead of up when exercising. ... Read more

Civita Fahey I agree with Marie.. I had the stress test and found BP would go down instead of up when exercising. I was told no rush but no more than six months at the time. I scheduled it after the holidays. The doctors know when its best.. Good luck

Kimberly Eisenhut I also agree with Marie and Civita. I had the echo stress test and they checked everything before, d... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut I also agree with Marie and Civita. I had the echo stress test and they checked everything before, during and after my test last month. I got the results same day and saw my cardiac specialist at Northwestern in Chicago and she said I am still stable, so still in watch and wait mode. In other words, numbers are staying same with my tricuspid and aortic anuerysm. The test does show much more than just the regular echo. It was an eye opener with how out of shape I am, but they said I did really well. Ask as many questions as you need to, and never feel like you are being a bother. This community is wonderful to belong to and will help you with the anxiety and worry, as they all understand like no one else can. You got this :)

Shelly Hubbardposted an update

965 days ago

I have another 6 month check August 5 at Mayo Clinic Rochester to see if my aortic severe stenosis with my bicuspid is any worse. Every 6 months I go in. I ...Read more

I have another 6 month check August 5 at Mayo Clinic Rochester to see if my aortic severe stenosis with my bicuspid is any worse. Every 6 months I go in. I get so nervous.

Rose Madura Shelly, it's perfectly normal to be nervous at checkups. I hope all is well and wish you peace in y... Read more

Rose Madura Shelly, it's perfectly normal to be nervous at checkups. I hope all is well and wish you peace in your journey

Marie Myers Totally get it. I still feel a twinge of anxiety at my annual echos, even now at 5 years post surger ... Read more

Marie Myers Totally get it. I still feel a twinge of anxiety at my annual echos, even now at 5 years post surgery. Praying for you to make peace with things as they are…You can get there!

Shelly Hubbardposted a photo

977 days ago

Rose Madura, Klara Čičić, Ellen Higgs and 1 other reacted to this

Enjoying a car ride

Rose Madura It's normal to be scared. You are in good hands at the Mayo Clinic. Keep in mind that these surgeri... Read more

Rose Madura It's normal to be scared. You are in good hands at the Mayo Clinic. Keep in mind that these surgeries are done routinely and the prognosis is very good.

Marie Myers I, too, was very anxious when I found out I needed heart surgery. It was something that I never imagi ... Read more

Marie Myers I, too, was very anxious when I found out I needed heart surgery. It was something that I never imagined! With time, I accepted what had to be done if I wanted to live. I also learned that the whole open heart experience was not as bad/ difficult as my worrying mind had me believe. I found that yoga, meditation, and listening to calming videos on UTube helped me. Praying for peace during your wait for surgery!

Shelly Hubbard thank you