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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: February 23, 2020

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Lisa Hoyt posted an update

1 month ago (March 16, 2026)

It's been 2 months today! (Aortic replacement/ biologic aortic valve replaced bicuspid valve). Lots of ups and downs: Post surgery was "mostly" normal, discharged at 7 days, home for a week then afib (alerted by my Fitbit, FYI). EMS hauled me away at 9 pm, spent 18 hours in the... Read more.

🥰 Kimberly Eisenhut and John Cook reacted to this

Robert Miller

That is quite a story. Very nice incision. Can barely see it. I hope you are doing better these days. If not, you might want to see an electrophysiologist. Maybe get one of those 2-week heart monitors to see how you are doing.

Marie Myers

Great healing on your scar!

Lisa Hoyt

Iâ€™m seeing the EP tomorrow and hope to be able to tweak some meds. I canâ€™t go back on beta blockers until BP gets higher and I had a bad experience with flecainide many years ago. Fingers crossed, but Iâ€™m feeling much better!

Robert Miller

I am sure you are already planning on this but if you see your EP, which I assume means electrophysiologist, see if your continuous episodes of AFib and flutter can/should be addressed with ablation. Since you have AFib, I assume you are already on blood thinner. If not, that would... Read more.

Rose Madura

Lisa, glad you are feeling better but so sorry you are having these issues. I had both AFib and Aflutter after my surgery. I seemed to bee very symptomatic to the inflammation. I had fluid buildup around my heart and fluid around my lungs that didn't seem alarming to anyone... Read more.

Susan Lynn

Lisa - Sorry to hear about the post-op afib. It's unfortunately very common after surgery. Glad the cardioversion finally worked. Let us know how you make out the electrophysiologist. All the best!

Lisa Hoyt posted an update

4 months ago (January 12, 2026)

I have been following this site for a few years and now, suddenly, I am having surgery this Friday - Jan 18. Any tips for recovery after open heart? Or where to look? I have googled and watched videos, started making my own videos for people in my own situation.... Read more.

Rose Madura

Lisa, I had the same surgery as you over eight years ago and am doing well. A couple things to bring is a long charger cord, and a travel pillow. At home, you'll need someone with you for a week or more and a recliner was helpful because sleep is... Read more.

Angus Butler

I found in the hospital last week in recovery for 6 days I really used the extending back scratcher tool not only to itch places had to get to but it served as a reacher for me for things i just couldnâ€™t reach out for when my wife or nurse... Read more.

Lisa Hoyt

I just ordered a back scratcher! I hadn't thought of that. I have no one staying in the hospital with me for most of the time. I feel so healthy right now that I keep forcing myself to think what I won't be able to do so I can plan... Read more.

Richard Munson

A back scratcher. Good idea. I always backed up to a tree with rough bark. It was a bear of a job though.

Susan Lynn

Lisa - Almost everything is provided for you, but a robe and pajamas pants made the frequent walks in the hallway more comfortable. Noise canceling ear buds or headphones may also be helpful. You'll be just fine. Best of luck to you!

Lisa Hoyt

Thank you everyone! It's getting really real now.

Robert Miller

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php The only thing I can think of bringing to the hospital is your phone and charger so you can communicate with your support team. But you probably will be tired so it won't matter much. And the most important thing to me after surgery was taking a shower. Expect... Read more.

Learning Center for Heart Valve Disease & Surgery

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Get important facts about heart valve disease, symptoms, risks and treatment.

Pamela Gregory

Comfortable pillow, blanket from home, and slippers (non slip) were my favorite things to have❤️

Adam Pick

Lots of great ideas here. I also found there were a few "invisible" items to bring to the hospital that I wrote about here - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/10/29/top-5-invisible-things-patients-must-bring-to-the-hospital/

Invisible Things Patients Should Bring To The Hospital

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/10/29/top-5-invisible-things-patients-must-bring-to-the-hospital/

Learn what invisible things patients should bring to the hospital before heart surgery.

Lisa Hoyt

Thanks Adam, I have loaded up on the invisible things!

Christine Loff

Bring something to read - I brought a Kindle. I spend endless hours sitting in a chair or lying in the bed between walks down the hallway and visits from nurses/doctors. It can get boring.

Wendy Hanavan

Hi Lisa, I am thinking about you today as you approach your surgery date. I had an aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta repair on December 2, so I am now six weeks post surgery. Wishing you the best, it will all be fine and before you know it, youâ€™ll... Read more.

Thomas Brusstar

Chapstick. If you ask at the hospital they will give you a tube of blistek or whatever, way too medicinal (and then they bill $37 for a tube of it...). Especially after intubation, chapstick is nice.

Robert Miller

As for the invisible things, you will VERY likely be a lot better off afterwards. And I never felt more secure than going into the surgery. Yes, if you know what they actually do it can feel scary. But during surgery, you probably have half a dozen people around you.... Read more.

Thomas Brusstar

I also wanted to send a quick post-surgery email to my family and close friends, to report that I'm all good. To avoid having to collect all the right emails on my phone in a hospital bed, I created a blank email beforehand with all the email addresses, then put... Read more.

Tammy Emam

9-10 foot phone/tablet charging cable!!!

Jyll Welte

The eye mask is very helpful because lights can be bright overhead and not always easy to find the right switches, much less get to them! Also, if you have an app on your phone to give you some sounds or â€œwhite noiseâ€, it helps to drown out all of... Read more.

Wanda Mroz

Great ideas here some I never thought of. I would also bring some â€œbootyâ€ wipes. Lol baby wipes work too. They are great for a quick wash. I had a bad stint of diarrhea after surgery due to the fiber supplements being too much for my gut. The wipes would... Read more.

Wanda Mroz

Best wishes for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ’•