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11 months post op

  • 1.  11 months post op

    Posted 08-10-2020 17:08

    Hi everyone,
       My name is Sev and I'm coming up on almost one year since my open heart surgery. Last year I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a mitral valve prolapse. 


    On Sept 9th 2019 (literally the day after my 39th birthday) I went in for the corrective surgery to fix the septal wall of my heart. A few days after my surgery a St Jude's pacemaker was put in to help assist my heart with a proper heartbeat. 


    it has been an interesting journey to say the least but over the last 11 months there have been many ups and downs. 

    I am new to this group and was just looking to meet some people who have experienced something similar to what I've been going through. It's hard for me to explain to my family and friends and for them to understand some of the adjustments. 


    looking forward to meeting and sharing with some new friends



    ------------------------------
    sev Hagopian
    PHOENIX
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  • 2.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-10-2020 20:13
    Sev, welcome. Nice to se a fellow Arizonan. I live in Tucson. Wow 39, I can't remember that far back. Just hit 70 and still annoying doctors and my family.

    I too enjoy cardiomyopathy and mitral valve prolapse. I had a major overhaul 14 years ago including quadruple bypass, mitral valve replacement and a spiffy computer that keeps me on the right beat. When I get out of line it'll give me a Jesus jolt and all is good.

    You're absolutely right, unless someone has walked in our shoes they have no clue. I'm very fortunate in that my Cardiologist is a heart patient too, so we swap lies all the time.

    I hope you know there are a number of Mended Hearts chapters in your area. I joined more than 10 years ago and believe me, being able to talk peer to peer helps immensely.

    I don't come by here much anymore, time is winding down but anytime you have a question or want to talk send me a private message.

    Take care and again welcome to the club of misfits


    ------------------------------
    Warren
    TucsonAZ
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  • 3.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-11-2020 08:41
    Omg Warren, you said you don't come here often, but I sure hope that changes.  I love the way you write!  Jesus jolt, smh...
    I want to go get a cup of coffee with you and listen to you talk some more, but alas, you're in Arizona and I'm in PA.  Plus COVID.  Lol.
    Have a great day!

    ------------------------------
    Anne Birdsong
    Occupational Therapist
    Rural
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-11-2020 06:58
    Hi Sev

    I had OHS August 23 2019 so I am coming up on a year as well. Im also 39 years old and I had my aortic valve repaired and an aneurysm repaired. You are right, this last year has definitely been a journey! 





    ------------------------------
    Cole Morrison
    772-215-1621
    Saint Simons Island, GA
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-12-2020 18:03
    Cole : congratulations on the new baby!!!!
    you gave a lot to live for

    Welcome to the zipper club too
    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655




  • 6.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-11-2020 08:22
    Welcome, Sev. I too have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, septal wall defects, an LVBBB, heart murmurs and heart failure, plus pulmonary problems caused by one of my (former) cardiac meds. All of this came out of the blue (or so it seemed) 18 mos. ago in an otherwise healthy, active, if aging adult. I know exactly what you mean when you say that it's hard for you to explain your experience and adjustments to family and friends. Connecting with other heart patients has been very helpful in my ongoing cardiac adventure, so I think you're in the right place to find that now!

    ------------------------------
    Jean McMillan
    TN
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-11-2020 08:39
    Hi Sev, welcome to the group!
    You're the first one I've heard mention having a septum repair, I've been looking for others who might have gone through that.  I had an atrial septal aneurysm with an ASD repaired almost three months ago.  Is that what you had?  Also, my heart rate has been really high ever since the surgery.  You said you needed a pacemaker put in to assist with a proper heartbeat.  Can you tell me what was wrong with your heartbeat, were you having arrythmias?

    ------------------------------
    Anne Birdsong
    Occupational Therapist
    Rural
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-11-2020 16:24

    Hi Anne,
      sure thing, so because of my condition the flesh of the septal wall had actually over grown into the chamber of the heart which was restricting blood circulation. 


    my symptoms were shortness of breath and lightheadedness along with a few fainting episodes (this is when the Dr said the surgery was needed).

    so the Dr had to actually cut out the over grown tissues of the sepal wall along with some of the fibers inside the chamber of the heart. This allowed for the blood to flow properly in and out of the chamber. 


    about 2 days after my heart surgery the dr noticed that I did have an irregular heartbeat AFTER the surgery (due to having to cut out the fibers in the heart). And that is when the pace maker was put in. 


    the way my Dr explained it to me is that my heart will always have an irregular beat unless I have a pace maker to regulate every beat. 


    I hope that helps explain it, sorry for the lengthy details!



    ------------------------------
    sev Hagopian
    PHOENIX
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-11-2020 16:40
    Pretty different scenarios then, yours and mine.  Glad they were able to get you patched up and you're doing so well!

    ------------------------------
    Anne Birdsong
    Occupational Therapist
    Rural
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-11-2020 11:43
    Welcome to the group. You have many people who will fully understand what you have been through and will continue to experience. Reach out when you need to. It’s a great source for emotional support and a wealth of information from all over the country.

    Sent from my iPhone




  • 11.  RE: 11 months post op

    Posted 08-11-2020 14:34
    well Sev it appears that you are about to celebrate your Heartaversary also known as your Alive day. How exciting!!
    i celebrated mine by bringing cookies to my surgeon and the nurses on the hospital floor
    Thank you for sharing with us and joining this open forum

    Marilyn B. Rosenhouse
    Mobile: (214)850-0655