Dan's Posts

Hi All! This journal entry is for those of you in the waiting room or who recently had surgery. I always wondered what my life would be like 1-2 years after surgery so this report is for all of you. My heart valve surgery was on September 6, 2018. I had my bicuspid aortic heart valve removed and replaced with an Edwards Inspiris Resilia tissue valve at Northwestern Memorial Hospital by Dr. Patrick McCarthy. Today was my 1 year follow up with my cardiologist Dr. James Thomas at Nortwestern. My echo this morning was my 2nd echo since being out of the hospital. My 1st was 5 weeks after surgery to create a baseline and today was my 2nd. I am very pleased to report that Dr. Thomas said my new valve is functioning GREAT and I don't need to return to see him for 2 years!!! He said I am living in the "sweet zone" and to just follow up regularly with my family doctor. He also said that this valve should last 15 to 20 years and is built to receive a TAVR in a "valve in valve" procedure when the time comes. I also had a blood pressure medication adjustment and he said would like to see me lose 20-30 pounds (I have been enjoying life since surgery!) I told Dr. Thomas when I return in 2 years I will be down 30 lbs. This is now my focus and my new main goal. Its tough when you feel back to normal to not do the things you really enjoy. Growing up in an Italian family, eating was our medicine and celebration and I have probably been taking in too much. LOL This site gave me the strength to move forward with heart valve replacement. I found HeartValveSurgery.com because I googled "I need my heart valve replaced and I'm scared!!!" The comradery and knowledge I attained from being a regular here was the most wonderful thing! It was here that I developed the strength and confidence necessary to move forward with heart valve replacement. So to all in the waiting room and to those who recently have had surgery, develop your support system on this site and continue to stay close and march forward together. Think positive and let me be proof that you will get your life back and there will be a day when your cardiologist says "See you in 2 years!" Good luck everybody!

Today is 7 months post op. Feeling great and often times I forget I had surgery. Only residual discomforts I notice are some aching in my left shoulder and my heart pounding when I lay in my right side. Not bad for undergoing major heart surgery! I am back walking outside on trails and in my neighborhood. My workouts slipped alittle during the winter months and I got bored with the "dreadmill." All in all, I feel atleast 10 times better than I thought I would going into this experience. Everything looks brighter! I am sleeping very well. My breathing is very normal. For those in the waiting room think positive and visualize a successful surgery, hospital stay and recovery and put your fate in the hands of your surgeon and hospital. For those on the recovery side, keep on grinding everyday!!