It's been 3 weeks since surgery and I've been home 2 weeks today. Every day gets a little easier but my vision is still bothering me when I try to read or write. ...Read more
It's been 3 weeks since surgery and I've been home 2 weeks today. Every day gets a little easier but my vision is still bothering me when I try to read or write. They can't get my INR where they want it. It's still at a 1 after doubling my meds so they doubled it again. Hopefully that will fix it. I've started physical and occupational therapy for my stroke. It's going good. By the time spring gets here a should be pretty good and hopefully I'll get use to my vision problem so it doesn't bother me.
Jim Kelly-Evans Great to read your post, Vicki. Hope you can get the issues resolved and continue with a smooth recov ... Read more
Jim Kelly-Evans Great to read your post, Vicki. Hope you can get the issues resolved and continue with a smooth recovery!
Tammi Gunwall Nice to hear an update from you Vicki. I'm glad you are home and on the road of recovery. I am just a ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall Nice to hear an update from you Vicki. I'm glad you are home and on the road of recovery. I am just a couple days ahead of you in post-op and know all too well about the bumps. They also are struggling to get my INR to where they'd like it. Until then, lots of pokes! You talk about your vision problems due to the small strokes. I'm curious if you could describe your symptoms. I'very been struggling a lot since surgery with blurred/double vision, and often have a hard time focusing. My mind needs more time to process things like reading or watching TV and sometimes just having detailed conversation with others is a little overwhelming as well. Do you find any of these same issues?
Tammy Pilcher Vicki, I'm glad you're home! I'll keep you and Tammi in my prayers for your recovery bumps!
Jim O'Brien Vicki, Good to hear that you are home. I hope that they get your bumps smoothed out real soon. I'll k ... Read more
Jim O'Brien Vicki, Good to hear that you are home. I hope that they get your bumps smoothed out real soon. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Tim Goff Your courage is an inspiration and know that so many are thinking of you and wishing you the best as ... Read more
Tim Goff Your courage is an inspiration and know that so many are thinking of you and wishing you the best as you rise to take on the challenges.
It turned out to be a not so good week. Surgery went well and they repaired my valve. I was all set to come home on Wednesday and they were taking my central ...Read more
It turned out to be a not so good week. Surgery went well and they repaired my valve. I was all set to come home on Wednesday and they were taking my central line out when I got dizzy and light headed. I thought I was just hyper ventallating. Next thing I remember is them saying where's her spouse. We need to put a breathing tube in. I was telling them I didn't want one. And then our 4 kids and other family members were there.
Come to find out, when they pulled the line an air bubble went to my heart and caused me to have a couple of small strokes. Nothing major and I should come out of 90% of it. The small vision loss will remain but my brain will compensate for that.
If you ask me today if I'm glad I went ahead with surgery instead of waiting honestly I'd say no. I had some symptoms but nothing sever. A ways down the road when I'm feeling better my balance and strength are back and my brain has adjusted I might have a different answer.
Vicki King I just wanted to add that my surgeon is awesome. The complcations I had was nothing to do with his sk ... Read more
Vicki King I just wanted to add that my surgeon is awesome. The complcations I had was nothing to do with his skills or ability. Mine was a hard case because of my past health problems and this is a first for him in the 30 years he's been doing this.
Mark Alafita Vicky, i'm so sorry that you have to go through all of that. All of these side complications make us ... Read more
Mark Alafita Vicky, i'm so sorry that you have to go through all of that. All of these side complications make us begin questioning our decisions… I get that. I have the same fear. But I hope as time goes on, you see more benefits out of the surgery than challenges. All my best.
Don LaPorte Hi Vicki, very sorry to hear the complications, but praying you are on a positive improvement from no ... Read more
Don LaPorte Hi Vicki, very sorry to hear the complications, but praying you are on a positive improvement from now moving forward.
Bob M I pray that the rest of your recovery will be peaceful.
Jim Kelly-Evans Wow! Sorry Vicki...I too have a brain full of strokes...must run in our Jan 9 club....hope your recov ... Read more
Jim Kelly-Evans Wow! Sorry Vicki...I too have a brain full of strokes...must run in our Jan 9 club....hope your recovery is better from now on. Sending hugs.
Clay Rowe Vicki, really sorry to hear about your complication but good to know you can push beyond. We always ... Read more
Clay Rowe Vicki, really sorry to hear about your complication but good to know you can push beyond. We always have to believe that we did what we thought was best at the time. Got you and your recovery in my thoughts now.
I pray you get 100 percent of your vision back and all that has happened will be a distant memory at ... Read more
I pray you get 100 percent of your vision back and all that has happened will be a distant memory at some point when you are fully recovered. That surely was something that none of us could see coming after surgery. Glad you are home. I pray for a very good recovery for you going forward. You certainly deserve it.
I want say I'm sorry i haven't posted about my surgery yet. It's been a rough road. They had thought when I came in that I'd be going home this morning. No ...Read more
I want say I'm sorry i haven't posted about my surgery yet. It's been a rough road. They had thought when I came in that I'd be going home this morning. No such luck. Hopefully tomorrow. I got my pacer wires out today and my
Pick line. They thought I was going to have to a breathing tube put back in not I finally came out of it again. Luck that didn't. happen! I'm can't focus very well do I'll ytry to post more tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support.
Joseph Ballett Feel Better soon, sending best wishes your way.
Tammy Pilcher Prayers for your recovery, Vicki! It's good to hear from you!
Jim Kelly-Evans Pulling for you, Vicki...was worried when I didn't see any news,. hang in there, you'll be ok. Hugs!
Judy Aylward I'm sorry that you have had a rough time. I'll send a prayer for you to be better soon.
Elaine Foster Hang in there, It gets better every day and you will be home before you know it.
Lori Beuerlein I will continue to keep the prayers coming your way. I know you will begin to feel better and stronge ... Read more
Lori Beuerlein I will continue to keep the prayers coming your way. I know you will begin to feel better and stronger everyday. The worst is behind you now. Take care.
Dan Crogan Hang tough, Vicki. We re all pulling for you. You can do it.
Cheryl Batzing Vicki, not sure what's going on but praying for you! I had a few bumps at the hospital as well, and s ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Vicki, not sure what's going on but praying for you! I had a few bumps at the hospital as well, and stayed for 8 days. Shed some tears, but prayers and faith got me through...plus excellent doctors. Blessings your way!
It's 7:00a.m. Going to be leaving for the hospital in a few minutes. Surgery is scheduled for 11:30. I want to thank everyone for the kind words, prayers, love ...Read more
It's 7:00a.m. Going to be leaving for the hospital in a few minutes. Surgery is scheduled for 11:30. I want to thank everyone for the kind words, prayers, love and support. My husband of 33 years will be there with me as well as our 4 children, my mom and sister. With all of them , my very larger extended family and all of you pulling for me I'm sure I'll be just fine.
Julio LaSalle God said:" I am with you always, even unto the end of the world". Vicki, as hard as it may seem, do n ... Read more
Julio LaSalle God said:" I am with you always, even unto the end of the world". Vicki, as hard as it may seem, do not be afraid, God has you in the palm of His hand. He will bless you, protect you, and be with you during the procedure making sure that nothing goes wrong. Amen
Clare Auten Today is my one year anniversary. ...great day for surgery. Praying for you.
Michelle Maring Thinking of you and lots of prayer. Everything will go fine. Give it to God, he will see you through
Bob M We are all praying for Vicki. You are correct, you will be just fine. Today is a new day for you with ... Read more
Bob M We are all praying for Vicki. You are correct, you will be just fine. Today is a new day for you with your fixed heart. God bless and rise up!
Went and had all my pre-op testing done today. I guess this is really going to happen tomorrow unless I chicken out before morning!
Tammy Pilcher Vicki, prayers and best wishes for tomorrow! You're going to be so glad when you wake up and know yo ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Vicki, prayers and best wishes for tomorrow! You're going to be so glad when you wake up and know you have a stronger, healthy heart! You can do this, heart sister!
Kathleen F. Good luck! You sound like you've had a tough road lately. I think you'll be amazed at how much bett ... Read more
Kathleen F. Good luck! You sound like you've had a tough road lately. I think you'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel after this is done. You've done all the right things so far, now it's the surgeon's turn. We are all sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for tomorrow!
Jim O'Brien Hi Vicki, I too had Mitral Valve Prolapse with severe regurgitation. My surgeon gave me a 95% chance ... Read more
Jim O'Brien Hi Vicki, I too had Mitral Valve Prolapse with severe regurgitation. My surgeon gave me a 95% chance of doing a repair and he was able to repair it ( I just kept thinking positive thoughts that it would be a repair, not a replacement). So, keep thinking positive thoughts for a repair! I read your post about dreams; I don't remember my dreams, but have to say that my surgery, two stays in the hospital and all the rest seem like a weird dream! ME?, open heart surgery?!! I too never thought I'd need a website like this, but am sure glad I found it. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow and I'm sure your surgery will be a success. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery (my surgery was on Nov. 24th). Let us know how you are doing when you feel up to it.
Joseph Ballett You can do this you will be fine ! Best wishes for tomorrow!
Lori Beuerlein I will be thinking about you tomorrow and praying for a great outcome and smooth recovery. I am right ... Read more
Lori Beuerlein I will be thinking about you tomorrow and praying for a great outcome and smooth recovery. I am right behind you next week. You will do great!
John Noriega Vicki you'll be in Good Hands during surgery. A great deal,of prayers will be said for you. We all lo ... Read more
John Noriega Vicki you'll be in Good Hands during surgery. A great deal,of prayers will be said for you. We all look forward to your posts after surgery! Onward & Upward!
As my surgery day is getting closer and closer, I find myself have strange dreams. I don't usually remember my dreams but these are very vivid and fresh in ...Read more
As my surgery day is getting closer and closer, I find myself have strange dreams. I don't usually remember my dreams but these are very vivid and fresh in my mind when I wake up. Sometimes they are scary other times not so much but I always wake up and it feels like my heart is going to jump out of my chest!
Clay Rowe Hi Vicki, I'm having the weird dreams and waking up at odd hours...but we have to expect this for a w ... Read more
Clay Rowe Hi Vicki, I'm having the weird dreams and waking up at odd hours...but we have to expect this for a while. We'll roll with it and be OK.
Vicki King Thanks Clay. It's nice to know I'm not the only one! And you're right we will both be ok!
I saw the surgeon today and am scheduled for mitral valve repair surgery on January 9, 2015! I could of had it done between Christmas and New Years but chose ...Read more
I saw the surgeon today and am scheduled for mitral valve repair surgery on January 9, 2015! I could of had it done between Christmas and New Years but chose to wait until after the holiday. I'm actually less stressed now than I was before I went today.
Jim Hernandez That's awesome! A lil peace of mind know aye;) did your surgeon let you know if it will be more of a ... Read more
Jim Hernandez That's awesome! A lil peace of mind know aye;) did your surgeon let you know if it will be more of a repair or replacement?
Vicki King 95% sure it can be repaired. Minimally invasive surgery through my right upper chest.
Jim Hernandez Fantastic...having those details I imagine is such a peace of mind... So happy for you
Tammy Pilcher Vicki, I'm glad you have a date set now. I was also less stressed once I met my surgeon and set the ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Vicki, I'm glad you have a date set now. I was also less stressed once I met my surgeon and set the date even though mine was only 4 days after I met him! The waiting for me really was the hardest part. You're going to do great and will be so happy to wake up and know that it's over! Prayers and best wishes heart sister!
Daniel Spurgeon I felt better after I set a date too, because it was the first step in addressing the problem
Mark Alafita I agree with you, Vicki. Having a date assigned for surgery had a calming effect on me too. I'm no ... Read more
Mark Alafita I agree with you, Vicki. Having a date assigned for surgery had a calming effect on me too. I'm no longer unsure of how to plan, and I can start my "alarm clock" if you will. The funny thing was, I asked if I could move the date up, if there are any cancellations. Well, be careful what I wish for...the very next morning, I got a call to move it up to January 5, and I balked. After only a day, I got very comfortable with the original date given, and probably won't change. Best of luck to you.
Nancy D I felt the same way- a lot less stressed once I had a date, time and surgeon. I had it the "minimall ... Read more
Nancy D I felt the same way- a lot less stressed once I had a date, time and surgeon. I had it the "minimally' invasive approach through the right chest as well, but my valve was too damaged to repair so it was replaced. Doing well - 4 months post operatively!!! Merry Christmas- enjoy the holidays!!
Take good care!
Jim Kelly-Evans You'll do great! January 9 is my birthday...has to be a great omen!
Patricia Garcia I had mitral valve repair done in 2000 with the same technique that you will be having. The Alfieri ... Read more
Patricia Garcia I had mitral valve repair done in 2000 with the same technique that you will be having. The Alfieri technique done under the right breast. You will do great Vicki especially since you have already been through so much in the past with health issue and beat them. I don't read many people with mitral valve issues on this site as much as Aortic valves.
Nancy D we mitral valve folks here, are fewer, but mighty! You will do well, and soon will be advising peopl ... Read more
Nancy D we mitral valve folks here, are fewer, but mighty! You will do well, and soon will be advising people on your post op experience which will help them along their way!! Take good care!
I'm going to see a surgeon on Thursday December 18. I know some if the questions to ask like, how long have you been doing this, what's your success rate how ...Read more
I'm going to see a surgeon on Thursday December 18. I know some if the questions to ask like, how long have you been doing this, what's your success rate how long will it take? those sorts of things. I was wondering what else I should ask. Is there anything anyone didn't ask but wished afterwards that they had?
Linda Crawford Thanks Vicki, I was just sitting here making my list -- appointment is tomorrow.
Bob M Please purchase Adam's book online. You will be completely ready for the heart surgeon. I purchased i ... Read more
Bob M Please purchase Adam's book online. You will be completely ready for the heart surgeon. I purchased it and immediately downloaded. It has everything you need.
tina fluhrer Hi Vicki ~also I would recommend you and your family watch the video of the 2014 heart surgery confer ... Read more
tina fluhrer Hi Vicki ~also I would recommend you and your family watch the video of the 2014 heart surgery conference. You will be amazed at your perspective after you watch that. It is helpful for sure.
Tammy Pilcher Vicki, in my case, I had already researched my surgeon to the point that I knew I wanted him to do my ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Vicki, in my case, I had already researched my surgeon to the point that I knew I wanted him to do my surgery. I found him on this site and in Adam's book. When I met him, his kindness and confidence completely put me at ease. So, my main question was "When can you do it?". I had critical numbers and needed surgery fast. I met him for the first time on a Monday and had my surgery on Friday! I was so blessed to be able to get him so fast! I hope you feel that same sense of peace when you meet your surgeon. Best wishes, Tammy
Michael Meyer VIcki:
I noticed you may need a mitral valve repair. Repair is the best option if possible. I would ... Read more
Michael Meyer VIcki:
I noticed you may need a mitral valve repair. Repair is the best option if possible. I would recommend that you look at the number of valve repairs the surgeon has completed and also the number he/she does on a consistent basis. You need an excellent surgeon but also an excellent team and surgical facility. You should look at the facility outcomes document at the hospital you are considering and the safety of that facility, especially with regard to infection. I had mitral valve surgery at Cleveland Clinic on July 2014 and would be happy to share the questions. There is a body of data around high volume hospitals and surgeons that are both skilled and perform a large number of valve surgeries. There is also a large body of data around valve repair, so you want repair over replacement for an excellent future prognosis. I would be happy to share my list of questions and examples of these documents if you can share an e-mail or dropbox location.
Vicki King Thank you Michael Meyer. I would really appreciate it. I have every confidence in my cardiologist and ... Read more
Vicki King Thank you Michael Meyer. I would really appreciate it. I have every confidence in my cardiologist and I'm sure she is sending me to one of the best. I've heard great things about him. I'm hoping he can do minimally invasive or robotic on me but with my lung issues due to my radiation for my Hodgkin's lymphoma in the past I'll just have to see what he thinks is best. I've researched on the internet probably more than I should have. Some of it has been very informative other not so much. I must admit I find the surgery videos very interesting. I would love any help or information you could pass along. My e-mail is mymustanggt2005@aol.com. Again thanks in advance!
Daniel Spurgeon When asking about success rates be sure to consider what range of patients the surgeon takes. Some s ... Read more
Daniel Spurgeon When asking about success rates be sure to consider what range of patients the surgeon takes. Some surgeons only accept very low risk cases so their statistics look great, while other surgeons are actually more skilled and treat medium and high risk patients, but consequently don't have 100% success rates.