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Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: August 27, 2023

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Rich Butela posted an update

1 year ago (September 21, 2024)

Hi Everyone. Been a while since I last updated this page. I'm doing well and want to encourage anyone having to go through this. This is me, 4 days shy of my one year anniversary. Yes there is life after Valve replacement.

❤️ 🥰 Rose Madura, Sean Adkins and reacted to this

Grace Mason

Woot! Look at you Rich! We were going through recovery together, so it's great to hear and see how well you are doing. What kind of obstacles do you do in a savage blitz? Congratulations on your anniversary ðŸ’–

Ana Brusso

Wow Rich, itâ€™s been a while. So glad you are doing great. Continued good health and God bless you ðŸ™â¤ï¸

Rich Butela

Hey Grace. How are you doing ? You were a big inspiration for me after surgery. The blitz is 3 miles of cross country running, climbing walls, crawling under barbed wire, getting wet and muddy, a couple of rope swings and a big monkey bar obstacle. Challenging, but a lot... Read more.

Michael O'connell

Keep it going!

Grace Mason

That is nice to hear, Rich, I am glad that my story inspired you. I am doing great. I just had my one year follow-up and was told I can do anything I want, no restrictions. My valves are looking good ðŸ‘ðŸ¼ Your race does sounds challenging and fun, except... Read more.

Sean Adkins

Awesome

J Alexander Lassally

Hey there. It was so nice to see your update and shirt saying - indeed, failure is not an option for us !! I also want to thank you again for being a key advocate in getting that recliner lined up ahead of surgery. It was an essential part of... Read more.

Rich Butela posted an update

2 years ago (March 24, 2024)

Hey Ya'll, tomorrow it will be 6 months since getting my new "Pig" valve. I feel very good, everything seems to be back to a pre surgery state. Since I was pretty much asymptomatic before surgery, this is a good thing. I'm able to jog and lift weights again, which... Read more.

🥰 Michael Morrison, Susan Lynn and reacted to this

Susan Lynn

Happy Six-Month Anniversary, Rich! Wishing you continued good health!! ❤️

Deena Z

Hard to believe six months has already passed. Good to hear your are doing well fellow heart warrior.😊❤️

Dewayne Adamson

Time Flys! Good to hear!

J Alexander Lassally

Great. Keep going, Rich. Still grateful for your advice on the recliner early on.

Grace Mason

Hey Rich! Glad to hear your ticker sounds great! Hope the lower incision irritation gets resolved.

Rose Madura

Rich, you are doing great! Glad all is well and I wish way more than 10 years with your pig valve. ðŸ–â¤ï¸â€ðŸ©¹ðŸ’ªðŸª–

Rich Butela posted an update

2 years ago (February 19, 2024)

Question for the group. I'm now just about 5 months out from surgery. I feel pretty good. been jogging on a treadmill and lifting weights again at the gym. No real problems other than the bottom two inches of my scar are still really raw (red and tender) the upper... Read more.

Barbara Deloache

In my opinion, after 5 months that lower 2â€ of the incision line should be healed. The fact that it is still red and tender is not normalâ€¦ as you know. You did not mention any drainage which is good. If it was me, I would show it to my... Read more.

Yumiko Ishida

The top portion of my incision site is still raw. Iâ€™m not even 5 weeks out, so our situation may be different, but my surgeon says itâ€™s cellulitis and that the infection is slowing the healing. Other doctors at that office donâ€™t think its an infection, but my surgeon has... Read more.

Mike Mckenna

I'm a little over 6 months out and the lower portion is similar to what you are describing. I believe, and was told, is normal and will eventually lighten up like the rest. It gets a little irritated with the location and daily movements/ sitting. I use, not religiously, Soft... Read more.

Yumiko Ishida

I guess it depends on what you mean by â€œraw.â€ That sounds to me itâ€™s not closed yet and there shouldnâ€™t be any lotion or tape applied to it. Movement is ok, because you want blood flow to promote healing. I cover my raw area loosely with gauze to prevent... Read more.

Rich Butela

It's definately closed up, nothing draining just very red and tender. The redness is not spreading so I don't think it's infected. I've used the silicone scar tape, which makes it feel better but does not seem to heal it. I'm trying Preparation H now, which, believe it or not,... Read more.

Valerie Allen

Rich - let us know if that works!!