Mended Hearts Open Forum

Hi Trey,

I feel your anxiety.  Like you, I have a family history of heart disease, on my father's side, that goes back a couple of generations.  Having watched my father, uncle, and aunt each pass from heart related issues, each of them in their early fifties, I had only my brother to gauge my life expectancy.  And that cloud has been hovering overhead since the '70's.  Then, in 2020, my brother, who is 3 yrs older than me, died suddenly one morning after waking up and complaining that he didn't feel good.  Ten minutes later he was gone.  Then whatever expectations I had of living beyond his age of 69, were gone with him. 

I knew this history was something to take seriously so I began the heart related medical regimen at age 50 and all had been good until 10 months ago when I suddenly began having symptoms that I'd never experienced.  It took only one visit to my primary care physician and I was fast tracked to a cardiologist.  15 minutes with the cardiologist and I was admitted, thru the emergency entrance, to the hospital and began procedures that resulted in open heart surgery.  My event was a triple bypass and mitral valve replacement. 

It's now 10 months later and I'm past the physical and emotional mending and adjusting to this new normal.  A valuable realization I've acquired in this 10 months is that I am not alone in my journey and what I've been thru, in all aspects, is shared by countless others.  Along with that, I've come through it with an appreciation for the incredible caregivers that attended to me throughout the process.  Nurses are angels on earth.  My cardiologist is my new 'best friend' (although he doesn't know it).  And modern medicine is a technical and scientific marvel.  My event was a surprise and since I never saw it coming, although my family history suggested it would, it was a bit surreal.   You are ahead of the game and that's a blessing.  And I know, even without meeting them, that you are in good hands with your team of caregivers.

I wish you the best and hope to hear more of your experience when you're on the mend.  :)

Thank you sir. I will definitely post more as I take this journey.  I will know more on Monday, but it will be at least a triple bypass.  The good thing is that I am 59, my mother who is 88, had a triple bypass 30 years ago at age 58. She is 88 and still very strong, alert and vibrant.  I have another brother who had a double bypass at at 45 and is now 70.  My issue is just the anxiety leading up to this. I walk, I run, I climbed Mt. Vesuvious in Italy only a year ago.. No symptoms ever.  I am a diabetic which I believe contributes.  My cardiologist said "You could be a vegetarian marathoner and you would still be here facing this" basically saying... you cant beat DNA. !   

Hi Trey,

I feel your anxiety.  Like you, I have a family history of heart disease, on my father's side, that goes back a couple of generations.  Having watched my father, uncle, and aunt each pass from heart related issues, each of them in their early fifties, I had only my brother to gauge my life expectancy.  And that cloud has been hovering overhead since the '70's.  Then, in 2020, my brother, who is 3 yrs older than me, died suddenly one morning after waking up and complaining that he didn't feel good.  Ten minutes later he was gone.  Then whatever expectations I had of living beyond his age of 69, were gone with him. 

I knew this history was something to take seriously so I began the heart related medical regimen at age 50 and all had been good until 10 months ago when I suddenly began having symptoms that I'd never experienced.  It took only one visit to my primary care physician and I was fast tracked to a cardiologist.  15 minutes with the cardiologist and I was admitted, thru the emergency entrance, to the hospital and began procedures that resulted in open heart surgery.  My event was a triple bypass and mitral valve replacement. 

It's now 10 months later and I'm past the physical and emotional mending and adjusting to this new normal.  A valuable realization I've acquired in this 10 months is that I am not alone in my journey and what I've been thru, in all aspects, is shared by countless others.  Along with that, I've come through it with an appreciation for the incredible caregivers that attended to me throughout the process.  Nurses are angels on earth.  My cardiologist is my new 'best friend' (although he doesn't know it).  And modern medicine is a technical and scientific marvel.  My event was a surprise and since I never saw it coming, although my family history suggested it would, it was a bit surreal.   You are ahead of the game and that's a blessing.  And I know, even without meeting them, that you are in good hands with your team of caregivers.

I wish you the best and hope to hear more of your experience when you're on the mend.  :)

Thank you sir. I will definitely post more as I take this journey.  I will know more on Monday, but it will be at least a triple bypass.  The good thing is that I am 59, my mother who is 88, had a triple bypass 30 years ago at age 58. She is 88 and still very strong, alert and vibrant.  I have another brother who had a double bypass at at 45 and is now 70.  My issue is just the anxiety leading up to this. I walk, I run, I climbed Mt. Vesuvious in Italy only a year ago.. No symptoms ever.  I am a diabetic which I believe contributes.  My cardiologist said "You could be a vegetarian marathoner and you would still be here facing this" basically saying... you cant beat DNA. !   

Hi Trey,

I feel your anxiety.  Like you, I have a family history of heart disease, on my father's side, that goes back a couple of generations.  Having watched my father, uncle, and aunt each pass from heart related issues, each of them in their early fifties, I had only my brother to gauge my life expectancy.  And that cloud has been hovering overhead since the '70's.  Then, in 2020, my brother, who is 3 yrs older than me, died suddenly one morning after waking up and complaining that he didn't feel good.  Ten minutes later he was gone.  Then whatever expectations I had of living beyond his age of 69, were gone with him. 

I knew this history was something to take seriously so I began the heart related medical regimen at age 50 and all had been good until 10 months ago when I suddenly began having symptoms that I'd never experienced.  It took only one visit to my primary care physician and I was fast tracked to a cardiologist.  15 minutes with the cardiologist and I was admitted, thru the emergency entrance, to the hospital and began procedures that resulted in open heart surgery.  My event was a triple bypass and mitral valve replacement. 

It's now 10 months later and I'm past the physical and emotional mending and adjusting to this new normal.  A valuable realization I've acquired in this 10 months is that I am not alone in my journey and what I've been thru, in all aspects, is shared by countless others.  Along with that, I've come through it with an appreciation for the incredible caregivers that attended to me throughout the process.  Nurses are angels on earth.  My cardiologist is my new 'best friend' (although he doesn't know it).  And modern medicine is a technical and scientific marvel.  My event was a surprise and since I never saw it coming, although my family history suggested it would, it was a bit surreal.   You are ahead of the game and that's a blessing.  And I know, even without meeting them, that you are in good hands with your team of caregivers.

I wish you the best and hope to hear more of your experience when you're on the mend.  :)

I received a prosthetic Mitral heart valve and an anoplasty ring on my Tricuspid Valve in 1992.  Still going strong at 86 years young.  Phil

Thank you sir. I will definitely post more as I take this journey.  I will know more on Monday, but it will be at least a triple bypass.  The good thing is that I am 59, my mother who is 88, had a triple bypass 30 years ago at age 58. She is 88 and still very strong, alert and vibrant.  I have another brother who had a double bypass at at 45 and is now 70.  My issue is just the anxiety leading up to this. I walk, I run, I climbed Mt. Vesuvious in Italy only a year ago.. No symptoms ever.  I am a diabetic which I believe contributes.  My cardiologist said "You could be a vegetarian marathoner and you would still be here facing this" basically saying... you cant beat DNA. !   

Hi Trey,

I feel your anxiety.  Like you, I have a family history of heart disease, on my father's side, that goes back a couple of generations.  Having watched my father, uncle, and aunt each pass from heart related issues, each of them in their early fifties, I had only my brother to gauge my life expectancy.  And that cloud has been hovering overhead since the '70's.  Then, in 2020, my brother, who is 3 yrs older than me, died suddenly one morning after waking up and complaining that he didn't feel good.  Ten minutes later he was gone.  Then whatever expectations I had of living beyond his age of 69, were gone with him. 

I knew this history was something to take seriously so I began the heart related medical regimen at age 50 and all had been good until 10 months ago when I suddenly began having symptoms that I'd never experienced.  It took only one visit to my primary care physician and I was fast tracked to a cardiologist.  15 minutes with the cardiologist and I was admitted, thru the emergency entrance, to the hospital and began procedures that resulted in open heart surgery.  My event was a triple bypass and mitral valve replacement. 

It's now 10 months later and I'm past the physical and emotional mending and adjusting to this new normal.  A valuable realization I've acquired in this 10 months is that I am not alone in my journey and what I've been thru, in all aspects, is shared by countless others.  Along with that, I've come through it with an appreciation for the incredible caregivers that attended to me throughout the process.  Nurses are angels on earth.  My cardiologist is my new 'best friend' (although he doesn't know it).  And modern medicine is a technical and scientific marvel.  My event was a surprise and since I never saw it coming, although my family history suggested it would, it was a bit surreal.   You are ahead of the game and that's a blessing.  And I know, even without meeting them, that you are in good hands with your team of caregivers.

I wish you the best and hope to hear more of your experience when you're on the mend.  :)

Hi Trey,

My family history is the same - grandfather, father, me... and I thought my issues were under control after my stent in 2012 (I had what has become known as the "widowmaker"). I live in Manhattan and walking 7 miles a day is not uncommon.  I also ride my bike regularly and along with regular visits to the cardiologist, I thought I was in the clear. I was out riding on 7/17/22 when I realized I was having a little trouble catching my breath. I bought my bike home, strolled over to the emergency room and had an unexpected quadruple 3 days later (2 months before my 62nd birthday). I didn't have enough time to scare myself silly but I pictured my dad in recovery after his double in 1986 - he looked like death. What a huge difference from then until now! I won't say it was a piece of cake but it was nowhere near as tough as I expected. You will have some ups and downs but you will begin to feel more like yourself faster than you think. Walking one block around my neighborhood was incredibly challenging but I tried to be proud of each step. One thing to keep in mind is to pay attention to your mental health. Many CABG patients become depressed and that is not our cardiologist's area of expertise. My primary physician discussed the topic with me and I'm glad she did. She put me on a low dose of Prozac and it worked wonders.  I'm guessing that as a police officer, you tend to keep your feelings close. Try not to feel guilty if you can't keep the "tough SOB" persona going 24/7.  As so many before you, will get through it. 

Please post how you are doing.

Thank you for your words.  I LOVE Manhatten. Travel up there every few years from Oklahoma during the holidays.  I do keep my feelings very close and my own brother, who had a quad bypass in 2021, has also warned me about the depression issue. His came out in the form of anger. He caught on to it pretty quick. I will know what to look for.

I am finding myself thinking more about the recovery process, returning to my walking/running routine, etc etc.  This is helping as I get closer to the Feb 16th date.   Thanks for you kind words,

Thank you for your words.  I LOVE Manhatten. Travel up there every few years from Oklahoma during the holidays.  I do keep my feelings very close and my own brother, who had a quad bypass in 2021, has also warned me about the depression issue. His came out in the form of anger. He caught on to it pretty quick. I will know what to look for.

I am finding myself thinking more about the recovery process, returning to my walking/running routine, etc etc.  This is helping as I get closer to the Feb 16th date.   Thanks for you kind words,

Hi Trey,

My family history is the same - grandfather, father, me... and I thought my issues were under control after my stent in 2012 (I had what has become known as the "widowmaker"). I live in Manhattan and walking 7 miles a day is not uncommon.  I also ride my bike regularly and along with regular visits to the cardiologist, I thought I was in the clear. I was out riding on 7/17/22 when I realized I was having a little trouble catching my breath. I bought my bike home, strolled over to the emergency room and had an unexpected quadruple 3 days later (2 months before my 62nd birthday). I didn't have enough time to scare myself silly but I pictured my dad in recovery after his double in 1986 - he looked like death. What a huge difference from then until now! I won't say it was a piece of cake but it was nowhere near as tough as I expected. You will have some ups and downs but you will begin to feel more like yourself faster than you think. Walking one block around my neighborhood was incredibly challenging but I tried to be proud of each step. One thing to keep in mind is to pay attention to your mental health. Many CABG patients become depressed and that is not our cardiologist's area of expertise. My primary physician discussed the topic with me and I'm glad she did. She put me on a low dose of Prozac and it worked wonders.  I'm guessing that as a police officer, you tend to keep your feelings close. Try not to feel guilty if you can't keep the "tough SOB" persona going 24/7.  As so many before you, will get through it. 

Please post how you are doing.

Hello Trey:

I know how you feel.  Like you my family has a history of heart disease.  My father had a massive heart attack followed by a transplant.  My older brothers both had hypertension and multiple strokes.  I thought I was doing enough of the right things to avoid a similar fate.  Sparing you all the details, I was shocked that my cardiac health had gone down so fast.  

The doctors and the rehab team talked a lot about the physical aspects of recovery, but no one really talked about the mental aspects.  So it is a good thing you are here.  It is a good thing you are willing to talk about it.  I wish I had two years ago.  

Victor and a lot of others makes good points on the process.  Get a second opinion if you feel it is necessary.  

I know this is easier said than done, but get as much rest as you can.  Try not to exert yourself.  Try not to dwell on this.  Believe in yourself that you can get through this.  

I do hope you come back here and update everyone.  I, for one, would be more than happy to share this journey with you.

Mike Kennedy
Fort Worth, TX

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Mike Kennedy
TX
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Hi Mike,

So glad you mentioned the mental aspects. That was something no had prepared me for after my OHS. None of the doctors or nurses ever mentioned it. I've always been very much of positive-mental-attitude kind of guy but after the surgery I went into a deep depression and had massive anxiety and I just couldn't understand why. It was because I knew I needed help and started looking online for support groups for survivors of open heart surgery that I came across Mended Hearts. In a large way, I credit this group and it's members, along with my faith in God, for saving my life. I remember someone on here saying once that when you're on the bypass machine for however many hours you are under for your open heart surgery, it basically resets your brain. That made a lot of sense to me. Yes, there are a lot of physical aspects to recovery from such a traumatic surgery but there is definitely a huge mental/emotional component to it, as well.

Best regards,

Brett

Hi Trey,

Hope you're doing well and got more information from your doctor today. I had open heart surgery almost two years ago to repair an aortic aneurysm. My aneurysm was so close to my heart that the doctors had to replace my aortic valve along with my aortic root. Like you, I lived a pretty healthy life (56, vegan, former long distance runner) and my doctors said my aneurysm could have just come down to genetics.

Your feelings are perfectly natural. I think we all get on that emotional roller coaster when a doctor says the words "open heart surgery" to us. I was a complete mess for a while as I think anyone would be. The success rate for OHS is very high but it just takes time to get settled with the idea.

At some point I found it helpful to shift my focus to recovery by getting the house ready for me to come home, planning meals, and learning all I could about my cardio rehab program. By the time I went to the hospital, I felt like the surgery was something I had to get done before I got on with my recovery. (Rehab was great, by the way. I'd still be going if they'd let me. When your doctor clears you for rehab, I highly recommend going to every single session and getting all you can from it!)

The things you're feeling; doubt, fear, anger; just sort of come with the territory but I hope you'll eventually allow yourself to think about what your recovery is going to look like, the progress you'll make while your recovering, and how awesome it will be to have this challenge behind you.

Hope today went well! You can do it!

Scott

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Scott Kane
------------------------------

Scott,

Thank you for sharing your Heart Failure Recovery Story with Trey to encourage a Fellow Heart Failure Warrior ! 

You are a very fortunate person to have had the opportunity of an Aortic Malfunction detected early enough for surgical intervention.  In 1997 the Father of my 4 Beautiful Babies died suddenly at the Young Age of 40 from an Aortic Rupture that was at that time a rare and unknown entity in Heart Failure; which greatly impacted our families life forever.  Today I focus my energy Mentoring with other Heart Failure Warriors like yourself to encourage others who are given that 2nd. chance at life. Like the many who have given their words of encouragement to Trey so that he too can move on towards his Best Recovery Possible following Heart Failure & Reconstructive Surgery.  There is Life After Heart Failure, due to early detection, clinical studies and those who have gone before us to participate in research opening the doors to the many success stories that will inspire a new generation of Patients & Practitioners !

Many Blessings for Continued Health to You All ! Enjoy Your Gift of Life !! <3  0 : ) 

Hi Trey,

Hope you're doing well and got more information from your doctor today. I had open heart surgery almost two years ago to repair an aortic aneurysm. My aneurysm was so close to my heart that the doctors had to replace my aortic valve along with my aortic root. Like you, I lived a pretty healthy life (56, vegan, former long distance runner) and my doctors said my aneurysm could have just come down to genetics.

Your feelings are perfectly natural. I think we all get on that emotional roller coaster when a doctor says the words "open heart surgery" to us. I was a complete mess for a while as I think anyone would be. The success rate for OHS is very high but it just takes time to get settled with the idea.

At some point I found it helpful to shift my focus to recovery by getting the house ready for me to come home, planning meals, and learning all I could about my cardio rehab program. By the time I went to the hospital, I felt like the surgery was something I had to get done before I got on with my recovery. (Rehab was great, by the way. I'd still be going if they'd let me. When your doctor clears you for rehab, I highly recommend going to every single session and getting all you can from it!)

The things you're feeling; doubt, fear, anger; just sort of come with the territory but I hope you'll eventually allow yourself to think about what your recovery is going to look like, the progress you'll make while your recovering, and how awesome it will be to have this challenge behind you.

Hope today went well! You can do it!

Scott

------------------------------
Scott Kane

Scott,

Thank you for sharing your Heart Failure Recovery Story with Trey to encourage a Fellow Heart Failure Warrior ! 

You are a very fortunate person to have had the opportunity of an Aortic Malfunction detected early enough for surgical intervention.  In 1997 the Father of my 4 Beautiful Babies died suddenly at the Young Age of 40 from an Aortic Rupture that was at that time a rare and unknown entity in Heart Failure; which greatly impacted our families life forever.  Today I focus my energy Mentoring with other Heart Failure Warriors like yourself to encourage others who are given that 2nd. chance at life. Like the many who have given their words of encouragement to Trey so that he too can move on towards his Best Recovery Possible following Heart Failure & Reconstructive Surgery.  There is Life After Heart Failure, due to early detection, clinical studies and those who have gone before us to participate in research opening the doors to the many success stories that will inspire a new generation of Patients & Practitioners !

Many Blessings for Continued Health to You All ! Enjoy Your Gift of Life !! <3  0 : ) 

Hi Trey,

Hope you're doing well and got more information from your doctor today. I had open heart surgery almost two years ago to repair an aortic aneurysm. My aneurysm was so close to my heart that the doctors had to replace my aortic valve along with my aortic root. Like you, I lived a pretty healthy life (56, vegan, former long distance runner) and my doctors said my aneurysm could have just come down to genetics.

Your feelings are perfectly natural. I think we all get on that emotional roller coaster when a doctor says the words "open heart surgery" to us. I was a complete mess for a while as I think anyone would be. The success rate for OHS is very high but it just takes time to get settled with the idea.

At some point I found it helpful to shift my focus to recovery by getting the house ready for me to come home, planning meals, and learning all I could about my cardio rehab program. By the time I went to the hospital, I felt like the surgery was something I had to get done before I got on with my recovery. (Rehab was great, by the way. I'd still be going if they'd let me. When your doctor clears you for rehab, I highly recommend going to every single session and getting all you can from it!)

The things you're feeling; doubt, fear, anger; just sort of come with the territory but I hope you'll eventually allow yourself to think about what your recovery is going to look like, the progress you'll make while your recovering, and how awesome it will be to have this challenge behind you.

Hope today went well! You can do it!

Scott

------------------------------
Scott Kane

Scott,

Thank you for sharing your Heart Failure Recovery Story with Trey to encourage a Fellow Heart Failure Warrior ! 

You are a very fortunate person to have had the opportunity of an Aortic Malfunction detected early enough for surgical intervention.  In 1997 the Father of my 4 Beautiful Babies died suddenly at the Young Age of 40 from an Aortic Rupture that was at that time a rare and unknown entity in Heart Failure; which greatly impacted our families life forever.  Today I focus my energy Mentoring with other Heart Failure Warriors like yourself to encourage others who are given that 2nd. chance at life. Like the many who have given their words of encouragement to Trey so that he too can move on towards his Best Recovery Possible following Heart Failure & Reconstructive Surgery.  There is Life After Heart Failure, due to early detection, clinical studies and those who have gone before us to participate in research opening the doors to the many success stories that will inspire a new generation of Patients & Practitioners !

Many Blessings for Continued Health to You All ! Enjoy Your Gift of Life !! <3  0 : ) 

Hi Trey,

Hope you're doing well and got more information from your doctor today. I had open heart surgery almost two years ago to repair an aortic aneurysm. My aneurysm was so close to my heart that the doctors had to replace my aortic valve along with my aortic root. Like you, I lived a pretty healthy life (56, vegan, former long distance runner) and my doctors said my aneurysm could have just come down to genetics.

Your feelings are perfectly natural. I think we all get on that emotional roller coaster when a doctor says the words "open heart surgery" to us. I was a complete mess for a while as I think anyone would be. The success rate for OHS is very high but it just takes time to get settled with the idea.

At some point I found it helpful to shift my focus to recovery by getting the house ready for me to come home, planning meals, and learning all I could about my cardio rehab program. By the time I went to the hospital, I felt like the surgery was something I had to get done before I got on with my recovery. (Rehab was great, by the way. I'd still be going if they'd let me. When your doctor clears you for rehab, I highly recommend going to every single session and getting all you can from it!)

The things you're feeling; doubt, fear, anger; just sort of come with the territory but I hope you'll eventually allow yourself to think about what your recovery is going to look like, the progress you'll make while your recovering, and how awesome it will be to have this challenge behind you.

Hope today went well! You can do it!

Scott

------------------------------
Scott Kane

Hi Trey,

Hope you're doing well and got more information from your doctor today. I had open heart surgery almost two years ago to repair an aortic aneurysm. My aneurysm was so close to my heart that the doctors had to replace my aortic valve along with my aortic root. Like you, I lived a pretty healthy life (56, vegan, former long distance runner) and my doctors said my aneurysm could have just come down to genetics.

Your feelings are perfectly natural. I think we all get on that emotional roller coaster when a doctor says the words "open heart surgery" to us. I was a complete mess for a while as I think anyone would be. The success rate for OHS is very high but it just takes time to get settled with the idea.

At some point I found it helpful to shift my focus to recovery by getting the house ready for me to come home, planning meals, and learning all I could about my cardio rehab program. By the time I went to the hospital, I felt like the surgery was something I had to get done before I got on with my recovery. (Rehab was great, by the way. I'd still be going if they'd let me. When your doctor clears you for rehab, I highly recommend going to every single session and getting all you can from it!)

The things you're feeling; doubt, fear, anger; just sort of come with the territory but I hope you'll eventually allow yourself to think about what your recovery is going to look like, the progress you'll make while your recovering, and how awesome it will be to have this challenge behind you.

Hope today went well! You can do it!

Scott

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Scott Kane
------------------------------

You might want to check out my website that I put together after 2 HA'S and quadruple bypass. Was on TV several times to talk about the changes in my life. Hope it helps.

Www.betternowthanks.com 

Hi Trey I replied earlier privately but I'm new and did not know how to reply publicly.  I am 16 days out of surgery . . . modified Bentall procedure. A doctor came in and said you need OPEN HEART surgery I said "OK." On Feb 15 2024 the surgery was performed. Don't be fooled, it took me one year to get the courage up lol and upon hearing the news the first time . . . I cried my eyes out. The first few days after surgery are a blur . . . it hurts a little . . . but not as bad as I thought it would. After a week, I know right? . . . I got a fright with my heart beating too fast but the doctors and team were on it. Today I'm feeling soooo much better! I'm very happy I got it over with and you will be too. 

Well I am 7 days after "H-Day", wound up with a triple bypass and beat the clock by getting out of the hospital on day 5.  A few things I notice:

--My back and neck are going through muscle spasms almost daily for several hours. Muscle relaxers are helping take the edge off.

--I was walking 3-4 miles a day 3 days a week before surgery. Now??- I get about 10 minutes of walking 3x a day. The shortness of breath is still shocking to me. 

--My left leg where they took the veins hurts more than anything. Purple, stings, etc. I am told this is normal. Plus I still have a little edema in my left calf and foot that I did not have before surgery.

--First time I showered I had about 30 min of heart "flutter" fortunately this was in the hospital. Still trying to get the courage up to take a warm shower. Right now I am just using body wipes and rinsing with cool water. I am a little spooked about my "hot showers" due to that flutter moment.

Is all of this normal?   I go back for followup on March 18.

Hi Trey I replied earlier privately but I'm new and did not know how to reply publicly.  I am 16 days out of surgery . . . modified Bentall procedure. A doctor came in and said you need OPEN HEART surgery I said "OK." On Feb 15 2024 the surgery was performed. Don't be fooled, it took me one year to get the courage up lol and upon hearing the news the first time . . . I cried my eyes out. The first few days after surgery are a blur . . . it hurts a little . . . but not as bad as I thought it would. After a week, I know right? . . . I got a fright with my heart beating too fast but the doctors and team were on it. Today I'm feeling soooo much better! I'm very happy I got it over with and you will be too. 

Well I am 7 days after "H-Day", wound up with a triple bypass and beat the clock by getting out of the hospital on day 5.  A few things I notice:

--My back and neck are going through muscle spasms almost daily for several hours. Muscle relaxers are helping take the edge off.

--I was walking 3-4 miles a day 3 days a week before surgery. Now??- I get about 10 minutes of walking 3x a day. The shortness of breath is still shocking to me. 

--My left leg where they took the veins hurts more than anything. Purple, stings, etc. I am told this is normal. Plus I still have a little edema in my left calf and foot that I did not have before surgery.

--First time I showered I had about 30 min of heart "flutter" fortunately this was in the hospital. Still trying to get the courage up to take a warm shower. Right now I am just using body wipes and rinsing with cool water. I am a little spooked about my "hot showers" due to that flutter moment.

Is all of this normal?   I go back for followup on March 18.

Hi Trey I replied earlier privately but I'm new and did not know how to reply publicly.  I am 16 days out of surgery . . . modified Bentall procedure. A doctor came in and said you need OPEN HEART surgery I said "OK." On Feb 15 2024 the surgery was performed. Don't be fooled, it took me one year to get the courage up lol and upon hearing the news the first time . . . I cried my eyes out. The first few days after surgery are a blur . . . it hurts a little . . . but not as bad as I thought it would. After a week, I know right? . . . I got a fright with my heart beating too fast but the doctors and team were on it. Today I'm feeling soooo much better! I'm very happy I got it over with and you will be too. 

Well I am 7 days after "H-Day", wound up with a triple bypass and beat the clock by getting out of the hospital on day 5.  A few things I notice:

--My back and neck are going through muscle spasms almost daily for several hours. Muscle relaxers are helping take the edge off.

--I was walking 3-4 miles a day 3 days a week before surgery. Now??- I get about 10 minutes of walking 3x a day. The shortness of breath is still shocking to me. 

--My left leg where they took the veins hurts more than anything. Purple, stings, etc. I am told this is normal. Plus I still have a little edema in my left calf and foot that I did not have before surgery.

--First time I showered I had about 30 min of heart "flutter" fortunately this was in the hospital. Still trying to get the courage up to take a warm shower. Right now I am just using body wipes and rinsing with cool water. I am a little spooked about my "hot showers" due to that flutter moment.

Is all of this normal?   I go back for followup on March 18.

Well I am 7 days after "H-Day", wound up with a triple bypass and beat the clock by getting out of the hospital on day 5.  A few things I notice:

--My back and neck are going through muscle spasms almost daily for several hours. Muscle relaxers are helping take the edge off.

--I was walking 3-4 miles a day 3 days a week before surgery. Now??- I get about 10 minutes of walking 3x a day. The shortness of breath is still shocking to me. 

--My left leg where they took the veins hurts more than anything. Purple, stings, etc. I am told this is normal. Plus I still have a little edema in my left calf and foot that I did not have before surgery.

--First time I showered I had about 30 min of heart "flutter" fortunately this was in the hospital. Still trying to get the courage up to take a warm shower. Right now I am just using body wipes and rinsing with cool water. I am a little spooked about my "hot showers" due to that flutter moment.

Is all of this normal?   I go back for followup on March 18.

Well I am 7 days after "H-Day", wound up with a triple bypass and beat the clock by getting out of the hospital on day 5.  A few things I notice:

--My back and neck are going through muscle spasms almost daily for several hours. Muscle relaxers are helping take the edge off.

--I was walking 3-4 miles a day 3 days a week before surgery. Now??- I get about 10 minutes of walking 3x a day. The shortness of breath is still shocking to me. 

--My left leg where they took the veins hurts more than anything. Purple, stings, etc. I am told this is normal. Plus I still have a little edema in my left calf and foot that I did not have before surgery.

--First time I showered I had about 30 min of heart "flutter" fortunately this was in the hospital. Still trying to get the courage up to take a warm shower. Right now I am just using body wipes and rinsing with cool water. I am a little spooked about my "hot showers" due to that flutter moment.

Is all of this normal?   I go back for followup on March 18.

Hi Trey I replied earlier privately but I'm new and did not know how to reply publicly.  I am 16 days out of surgery . . . modified Bentall procedure. A doctor came in and said you need OPEN HEART surgery I said "OK." On Feb 15 2024 the surgery was performed. Don't be fooled, it took me one year to get the courage up lol and upon hearing the news the first time . . . I cried my eyes out. The first few days after surgery are a blur . . . it hurts a little . . . but not as bad as I thought it would. After a week, I know right? . . . I got a fright with my heart beating too fast but the doctors and team were on it. Today I'm feeling soooo much better! I'm very happy I got it over with and you will be too. 

Well I am 7 days after "H-Day", wound up with a triple bypass and beat the clock by getting out of the hospital on day 5.  A few things I notice:

--My back and neck are going through muscle spasms almost daily for several hours. Muscle relaxers are helping take the edge off.

--I was walking 3-4 miles a day 3 days a week before surgery. Now??- I get about 10 minutes of walking 3x a day. The shortness of breath is still shocking to me. 

--My left leg where they took the veins hurts more than anything. Purple, stings, etc. I am told this is normal. Plus I still have a little edema in my left calf and foot that I did not have before surgery.

--First time I showered I had about 30 min of heart "flutter" fortunately this was in the hospital. Still trying to get the courage up to take a warm shower. Right now I am just using body wipes and rinsing with cool water. I am a little spooked about my "hot showers" due to that flutter moment.

Is all of this normal?   I go back for followup on March 18.

Well I am 7 days after "H-Day", wound up with a triple bypass and beat the clock by getting out of the hospital on day 5.  A few things I notice:

--My back and neck are going through muscle spasms almost daily for several hours. Muscle relaxers are helping take the edge off.

--I was walking 3-4 miles a day 3 days a week before surgery. Now??- I get about 10 minutes of walking 3x a day. The shortness of breath is still shocking to me. 

--My left leg where they took the veins hurts more than anything. Purple, stings, etc. I am told this is normal. Plus I still have a little edema in my left calf and foot that I did not have before surgery.

--First time I showered I had about 30 min of heart "flutter" fortunately this was in the hospital. Still trying to get the courage up to take a warm shower. Right now I am just using body wipes and rinsing with cool water. I am a little spooked about my "hot showers" due to that flutter moment.

Is all of this normal?   I go back for followup on March 18.

Hi Trey I replied earlier privately but I'm new and did not know how to reply publicly.  I am 16 days out of surgery . . . modified Bentall procedure. A doctor came in and said you need OPEN HEART surgery I said "OK." On Feb 15 2024 the surgery was performed. Don't be fooled, it took me one year to get the courage up lol and upon hearing the news the first time . . . I cried my eyes out. The first few days after surgery are a blur . . . it hurts a little . . . but not as bad as I thought it would. After a week, I know right? . . . I got a fright with my heart beating too fast but the doctors and team were on it. Today I'm feeling soooo much better! I'm very happy I got it over with and you will be too. 

Well I am 7 days after "H-Day", wound up with a triple bypass and beat the clock by getting out of the hospital on day 5.  A few things I notice:

--My back and neck are going through muscle spasms almost daily for several hours. Muscle relaxers are helping take the edge off.

--I was walking 3-4 miles a day 3 days a week before surgery. Now??- I get about 10 minutes of walking 3x a day. The shortness of breath is still shocking to me. 

--My left leg where they took the veins hurts more than anything. Purple, stings, etc. I am told this is normal. Plus I still have a little edema in my left calf and foot that I did not have before surgery.

--First time I showered I had about 30 min of heart "flutter" fortunately this was in the hospital. Still trying to get the courage up to take a warm shower. Right now I am just using body wipes and rinsing with cool water. I am a little spooked about my "hot showers" due to that flutter moment.

Is all of this normal?   I go back for followup on March 18.

Hi Trey I replied earlier privately but I'm new and did not know how to reply publicly.  I am 16 days out of surgery . . . modified Bentall procedure. A doctor came in and said you need OPEN HEART surgery I said "OK." On Feb 15 2024 the surgery was performed. Don't be fooled, it took me one year to get the courage up lol and upon hearing the news the first time . . . I cried my eyes out. The first few days after surgery are a blur . . . it hurts a little . . . but not as bad as I thought it would. After a week, I know right? . . . I got a fright with my heart beating too fast but the doctors and team were on it. Today I'm feeling soooo much better! I'm very happy I got it over with and you will be too.