Daneen's Posts

Hi Heart Valve Warriors! It's been a bit and wondering how everyone is doing. I'm still tickin', and still working full time as a 3rd grade teacher. My first year valve-aversary was 4-22-25 and so I’m rounding the bend toward my 2nd year valve-aversary. It seems that doctors are definitely a new normal. The mitral valve has worsened since the surgery, and wish they would have replaced it at the same time as my aortic valve but guess it was too risky to replace both if not necessary. Many times the mitral valve will improve after AVR surgery. In my case it worsened instead. Hopefully, it can be managed until I need my aortic valve replaced again down the road. Also, my mom just passed in May and we are making a lot of family changes. We are selling our house and my dad's house simultaneously, in order to combine households moving forward together as one family unit. Life has been stressful, while unifying. Just know I've been thinking about all of the patients, past and present, and hope everyone is doing well! Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season, ❤️ Daneen

It’s been a really long time since I’ve been on the site. I missed you guys. It’s been a busy school year and holiday season trying to adjust to normal, everyday life. I am now 9 mos. post aortic root, valve, and aneurysm surgery. I’ve struggled to have any leftover energy after taking care of the necessary responsibilities of being a full time elementary school teacher, wife, daughter, mom, and memaw. Lots of shoes to fill! I am monitoring myself daily on the Kardia Mobil App., after a short bout with afib after having the flu in December. I’m back on aspirin after pinpointing my vertigo to eliquis! Finally found the culprit! Feeling much better being off that med, but having to monitor my heart rhythm daily since I’m not on an official blood thinner anymore. I joined a gym and did my first workout class with 2 1/2 pound weights, lol, on Tuesday. Today, I took the day off due to increased pain in my shoulders and neck. I think I may have overdone it. I feel like 10 mos. later I should be able to lift such small weights, do everyday household chores without feeling so much soreness, burning, and aching in my shoulders, chest, and neck. Wondering if anyone else is experiencing symptoms like these this far out after surgery? Hope life is treating you well!