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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: June 22, 2021

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Bob Mcrae posted a photo

4 years ago (October 18, 2021)

👍 Deena Z and Holly Wale reacted to this

Bob Mcrae

For Holly Wade's question about scar dissipation. I'm 12 weeks post surgery. I had a mini Thoracotomy with a 3 " incision ( on the right side of this picture) I've used a product called Mederma advanced scar gel ( recommended in Adam's book) every day since mid August and... Read more.

Deena Z

Nice - can barely see.

Lynn Loudermilk

wow, I wish. Looks great

Bob Mcrae posted an update

4 years ago (September 2, 2021)

Its 6 weeks today since I had surgery and I haven't been on a pickleball court in 7 weeks. Since my second week post -op I've been walking, jogging and have worked in some individual indoor cycling ( spinning ). Today was a big step getting back on the court... Read more.

👍 Someone, Rose Madura and reacted to this

Jay Heagerty

Glad to hear you are doing so well!

Bob Mcrae posted an update

4 years ago (June 29, 2021)

Nerve Blocks to reduce or eliminate Post Op incision pain ? I recently saw a webinar on Adam's great site here with Dr. Marc Gerdisch who is the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Franciscan Health using cryo intercoastal nerve blocks to substantially reduce or eliminate narcotic use. From what I... Read more.

👍 Adam Pick reacted to this

Adam Pick

Hi Bob, Here are some links that might help you and the other great patients here!

Adam Pick

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/cryoanalgesia-pain.php

Cryoanalgesia & Heart Surgery Pain: What Should Patients Know?

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/cryoanalgesia-pain.php

Learn the top 6 facts about the use of cryoanalgesia for pain management after heart surgery.

Adam Pick

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ3x1dfS1o0

Rapid Recovery Protocol for Heart Surgery: 4 Patient Success Stories

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ3x1dfS1o0

https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - How has the "Rapid Recovery Protocol" developed by Dr. Marc Gerdisch, a leading cardiac surgeon at Franciscan Health, a...

Adam Pick

Also... Here is a brand new video that we are just getting ready to publish about pain management. Let me know if this helps! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_9SCm-A5MI

New Approach to Pain Management After Heart Valve Surgery: Patient Insights with Dr. Marc Gerdisch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_9SCm-A5MI

https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - A common concern for patients before-and-after heart surgery is pain management. Regardless of whether a patient is sc...

Adam Pick

Another post about rigid sternal fixation to consider... https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2019/11/13/sternalock/

SternaLock Blu: Fast Healing & Less Pain for Heart Surgery

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2019/11/13/sternalock/

Learn important facts and research about the SternaLock Blu, a rigid sternal system that accelerates healing and minimizes pain for heart surgery patients.

Susan Lynn

Bob - I had it for minimally invasive mitral valve repair. I had virtually no post-op pain, but I had numbness and 'pins and needles' sensations as the nerves regenerated for more than a year. I didn't have a problem with it and would choose it again, but I would... Read more.

Bob Mcrae

Hi Susan, Thank you for your insight. More info for my pre-op discussions with my surgeon & the team

Jill Boroniec

Hi Bob - I had this with my mini-sternotomy in May and was surprised at how little incisional pain I had immediately after the procedure. After it wore off (maybe 24 hours post-op), I definitely noticed a difference and noticed that I was using my PCA pump more. I will... Read more.

Carlos Banuelos

Donâ€™t know much about the cryoanalgesia, but definitely recommend the rigid sterna fixation. I surprisingly had very little chest pain post surgery, and Iâ€™m now back to doing all my sports with no pain or discomfort.

Scott Kinghorn

I recommend the Block. What seemed to cause me the most pain/discomfort was the chest tube. 1st night it was controlled and then with toradol(ms). Once it was out I was good to go.

Bob Mcrae

Hi Jill, Thanks for your insight, that is encouraging. My first choice is a mini thoracotomy, then a mini sternotomy. Of course that won't be finalized until my pre op testing ( heart cath, chest scan & others) are completed & reviewed with the surgeon

Bob Mcrae

Hi Carlos, Hoping I don't need a full Sternotomy ( after pre-op testing) but I did tell the surgeon I wanted the plates rather than wire if I have to go that way. Great to hear you had very little pain !! What sports do you play ? I hoping... Read more.

Bob Mcrae

Hi Scott, Thx for the endorsement of the nerve block. I've heard that chest tube is a real bear ! I'll have to make sure I get toradol ( ms). I like that its a non steroid, anti inflammatory and not a narcotic ! Was the tube in 24 hours... Read more.

Bob Mcrae

Hi Sharon, Great news that you are doing so well. I am also having mine done at the Cleveland Clinic and will hug the heart pillow. I also have a wedge pillow coming. Wishing you continued smooth recovery ! Bob

Bob Mcrae

See you're closing in on 2 months post op. Congratulations ! I hope to your back to your normal fitness level ? Working out is very important part of my lifestyle. Since I'm totally asymptomatic and pushing myself harder than ever, this surgery and being laid up will hit me... Read more.