Steve Buffo - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1894 days ago

Herb Greenberg, Herb Greenberg, Rose Madura and 6 others reacted to this

I am now home after having my aortic valve and ascending aorta replaced at the Cleveland Clinic on October 1st. The surgery itself went quickly and efficiently, ...Read more

I am now home after having my aortic valve and ascending aorta replaced at the Cleveland Clinic on October 1st. The surgery itself went quickly and efficiently, and I was out of the ICU within 24 hours. However, I developed some fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) which had to be drained with much discomfort. The care team wasn't too worked up over it, saying that the fluid buildup is not uncommon - so I tried not to get too worked up over it either. However the drain port they put into my heart ended up hurting as much as my incision - perhaps the distraction was a side benefit? Anyway, I was discharged Monday October 7th and have now been home for four days. Feeling strong overall, walking over 5,000 steps a day (about 2.5 miles a day). I haven't slept particularly well, even in the power recliner that I broke down and got. Last night (night ten) was the first night I tried sleeping in a bed, which was a step in the right direction but I still need a good night's sleep. Trying to taper down pain meds at the same rate as the pain eases. Overall I'm very satisfied with recovery to date. I'm so lucky to have a great support network, and I extend my *heartfelt* thanks to all of you who've added encouraging words, thoughts and prayers! Steve

Erik Jensen Congrats Steve! You're doing great walking 5,000 steps so soon after surgery! I was struggling to wal ... Read more

Erik Jensen Congrats Steve! You're doing great walking 5,000 steps so soon after surgery! I was struggling to walk to the mailbox for the first couple weeks, but things picked up for me in weeks 3 & 4. After that I was on my way. Now at week 10 I feel fantastic. Best of luck as you continue your recovery!

Herb Greenberg Was wondering how you were doing, especially given the shape you were in pre-surgery. As I sit and wa ... Read more

Herb Greenberg Was wondering how you were doing, especially given the shape you were in pre-surgery. As I sit and wait knowing that my time is near, one thing that sounds "not fun" is pericardial effusion. Why do I think "with much discomfort" is a euphemism for "it hurt"? Seems like a luck-of-the-draw type of situation. Will look forward to your updates.

Peter Eglinton Hang in there! It's good to be on the recovery path. I'm just past my 5-month mark and it seems like ... Read more

Peter Eglinton Hang in there! It's good to be on the recovery path. I'm just past my 5-month mark and it seems like it never happened.

Rob Scilingo Hi Steve. I never got a recliner and started sleeping in my bed from the first day I was released. ... Read more

Rob Scilingo Hi Steve. I never got a recliner and started sleeping in my bed from the first day I was released. I got this wedge looking thing that kept me elevated and was super cheap off of Amazon. For the price, it was amazing. I am now on week 9 and it does get so much better. Super proud of you that you are walking that much. Keep up the good work.

Catie B Awesome report! I had the same outstanding surgeon. :) And yes, those drain tubes sure hurrrrrt! Gre ... Read more

Catie B Awesome report! I had the same outstanding surgeon. :) And yes, those drain tubes sure hurrrrrt! Great work with all your walking!

Shannon Gray I read the words pericardial effusion and I just shivered... it’s a beast! I didn’t have tubes to ... Read more

Shannon Gray I read the words pericardial effusion and I just shivered... it’s a beast! I didn’t have tubes to drain... full on surgery for a pericardial window. It stunk, stunk, stunk. So thankful you are in the up and up. Keep that heart rate low as you mend from the pe. Best wishes for an easeful recovery.

Steve Buffoposted a journal

1904 days ago

Shannon Gray, Rose Madura, Joe Tarango and 1 other reacted to this

Well here it is, the eve of my valve replacement surgery. I live 2 miles from the Cleveland Clinic, I've got lots of friends and family and co-workers supporting ...Read more

Well here it is, the eve of my valve replacement surgery. I live 2 miles from the Cleveland Clinic, I've got lots of friends and family and co-workers supporting me. I'm 55 years old and am in as good a shape as I've been in for some time. I biked over 1,000 miles this summer and dropped over 20 pounds. I'm naturally a bit nervous, thanks to that damn mind of mine that won't listen to me when I tell it to relax. But beyond that, I'm feeling incredibly blessed and lucky to in this place at this time. Positive vibes welcome - I got this!

Tom McDonald You'll be in my prayers Steve. Wishing you all the best for your surgery tomorrow and a speedy recov ... Read more

Tom McDonald You'll be in my prayers Steve. Wishing you all the best for your surgery tomorrow and a speedy recovery. Update when you can. You'll be on the recovery side soon!