Christine's Posts

It has been one year since my surgery and I am doing great. I still have some soreness in my sternum if I twist or over-exercise and often when I wake up after sleeping on my stomach. I read elsewhere in this journal about the possibility that the wires can play a role in causing that soreness. Regardless, it is a minor issue. Wishing all my fellow HVJ's well and special thoughts to those who are heading into surgery. Chris K

Hi All: I have been very negligent in not updating my journal more frequently. I guess it is a sign of doing well and getting back to a busy life. My biggest pleasant surprise is that I can do 20 laps in a pool without getting out of breath. Before my surgery, I could do 10 laps but then would have to stop to catch my breath before continuing. Other improvements:-- I no longer have palpitations and I can shower without feeling dizzy when I do my hair. I still have soreness in my chest, around the scar, but no longer experience chafing (thank heavens). I had a baseline echocardiogram in December (to develop a baseline for ongoing monitoring of my new valve). It looked good but also showed a small mitral valve problem (that has been showing up on the last couple of echos)--and I hope that is not a sign that the mitral valve will need replacing down the road. I wonder if my aortic stenosis had a negative impact on the mitral valve? My cardiologist wants to see me in June and I will ask him then. I continue enjoying my cardio rehab and find it helpful and reassuring. It is supposed to be a four month program but I have missed many sessions due to traveling. Wishing all my fellow HVJ's well and special thoughts to Judy who just posted on my guest book and is waiting to have her aortic valve replacement surgery rescheduled. It looks like she had a similar experience to me--being prepped for surgery and having it cancelled because of another emergency. What a disheartening experience! Regardless, it was all worth it in the end!