Ruth's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: July 3, 2019

Send Ruth a Note

My Posts

Ruth Rehak posted an update
6 years ago (July 21, 2019)
While I was originally supposed to go home yesterday, I'm not minding staying 2 more days. I will let me get stronger for the things that I have to do when I'm at home by myself. I'm having lots of small victories. Going to the restroom by myself. Being able... Read more.
I'm thinking those are pretty big victories, Ruth, I remember them all! On the walking, your tiredness is certainly legitimatel Just think of what the most critical muscle in your body recently went through. So, yes, you should walk but maybe it doesn't have to be as far or as... Read more.
I was really tired while in the hospital. Once I got home, I did more walking than I did as an inpatient.
You will be tired for many days as your body heals. The best thing you can do for yourself is walk, rest... repeat. It doesn’t have to be a fast walk. I remember barely putting one foot in front of the other before getting back to the bed.
My first week schedule was get up, get dressed-ish, eat breakfast, walk a little NAP Shower, eat lunch, watch tv NAP snack, walk, be social (phone or email) NAP walk, dinner, tv,short walk NAP wake up at 11pm,get help getting out of bed to pee, watch movies on tablet in... Read more.
I agree with all of the previous recommendations. You will feel tired, but if you can force yourself to walk in the house morning, mid-day, and evening and gradually increase the amount of time, you'll get your stamina back. Plus, if you're going home on Lasix, you'll be doing your... Read more.
5 days post surgery I am up and about and the on my way to recovery..
awesome job Ruth, hope you continue a speedy recovery.
How well I remember those halls! You're doing awesomely, Ruth!
Way to go, Ruth! I remember those halls, too! Somehow it looks cozier and more homey than it felt while being there! Keep walking walking walking!
Ruth, I am so excited to download the guided imagery that you suggested. Thank you for sharing that and great job being up and out of your bed!!
Ruth Rehak posted an update
6 years ago (July 11, 2019)
I spent the day at the Cleveland Clinic doing my pre-surgery appointments. Starting at 6:45 AM, I had an echocardiogram. I had x-rays. I had 7 vials of blood taken for blood work. I had a carotid doppler. I had a CT scan. I had lung function testing. I met... Read more.
Awesome news! I'm sure you are feeling so much better knowing you are in good hands!
Good for you! Sounds like you are in the right mind frame for your surgical adventure. I was surprised how extensive the pre op work up was, and I agree it was a tiring day. Wishing you a smooth trip through surgery and recovery.
Wow Ruth what a long day of testing. It is great to get it all done and get ready for that surgery. Meeting the surgeon was the biggest thing for me. The first one I got told to go to had terrible bedside manners. Then the guy I had do... Read more.
It's a hectic day, for sure! I did my pre-op work in one day and was so busy, I didn't have time to stress about any of the tests. I also had the side incision mini-thoracotomy. You'll be very pleased with the result and recovery. All the best!
What a long day but what good news from your surgeon. It's great that you like him too. That's so important. It won't be long & you'll be in recovery!
It's so good to go into surgery feeling upbeat & optimistic...best wishes Ruth!

Upcoming Surgeries

Jane Schappell
Aortic Stenosis
May 13, 2026
Margaret Devenney
Aortic Stenosis
May 14, 2026
Chris Freyer
Mitral Regurgitation
May 15, 2026

Adam's Video Library

Adam's Video Library

Learn about heart valve surgery and patient success stories at Adam's video library.