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Hi, Shirley, your husband is still in the early weeks of recovery. Yes, he does need to walk and if his lung capacity has not returned to normal then he should still be using the spirometer as Chris mentioned. I was fortunate to have a family doctor that discussed the possibility of depression...

Perhaps, Phil could give you more information about a human valve. As I understand, they are used more frequently when an individual is at higher risk of contracting endocarditis (a bacterial infection of the heart tissue). Discussions of longevity rely upon statistical studies and predict...

Welcome to VR. I am surprised that your cardiologist would suggest a particular procedure. Did he explain why this would be better for you in particular? At 59, I discussed the possibility of a Ross procedure with my surgeon in whom I have great confidence. He said that this is a technique...

Even at 59, I was the 2nd youngest in my group when I started. As Steve says, all but one other were there following bypass surgery and sometimes their view of things is different. For one thing, your prospects for the future are better than theirs. But the group does change as the weeks pass...

Best wishes to you both. Larry

Reading over your posts, I would suggest that you ask your cardiologist very specifically why he recommends surgery now if this is unclear to you. My experience with my cardio is that by the time he suggested surgery it was definitely needed. I don't think such a recommendation to you would...

What an interesting experience, Martin. I would hope you fit few of the stereotypes they may bring with them. Larry

Mike, being frightened at first is a very natural response when we hear the words "open heart surgery". Fortunately for us, OHS has become very safe for the patient and the prospects for recovery are excellent for most of us. I was 59 at the time my valve was replaced and had begun feeling as...

Allison, I hope you have a wonderful trip. As for weather, I would bring a jacket. The Mariposa-Yosemite area is going to be chilly with below freezing temps on some nights and very cool afternoons with some snow still. Here is the best website for weather in the US. For the weather in...

For about six months after surgery, I found that other doctors were hesitant to perform any procedures, however, minor. My Ophthalmologist asked for a statement from my cardiologist before performing lens replacement. My Orthopedist required the same before injecting my knees to ease the...

Hi, Ray, these are the kinds of things that its hard for us to know unless we talk about them so we can get a feel for whether or not its unusual. My own scar has healed and at two years no longer has any color and is smooth except for one bump about two thirds of the way down. I suspect these...

Hi, Brent, it is good to hear you are exercising and feeling better. I think there is no way that a cardiologist just goes off on and leaves patients in limbo. Ask his office who is caring for his patients. If they say no one, then you need a different cardiologist. My own surgeon gave me...

By five months, Metoprolol was driving my resting heart rate into the low 50s and on the worst days in to the upper 40s. This left me feeling like a slug so my cardio agreed that I could stop taking it. I found that, initially, my heart rate rose into the 80s but since then it has settled at...

Moooo...... I mean, Hi, Gary. Welcome to our little group here in VR. Perhaps, by this time next month, you will be well into your recovery. Let us know, how, we can help, Gary. Larry

Hi, Laura, after surgery, my first Echo was six months later. I could clearly see the tissue leaflets of my new valve opening wide as my heart beat. I would be surprised if your ring was not in the image. As the echocardiogram was conducted, I could easily hear that my valve no longer made...

Hi, Rebecca, I do understand your concerns. I would ask the cardiologist directly why he is raising these questions and also I suggest you request copies of the test reports. Your health is not a guessing game. If he has concerns, he is obligated to explain them. Our doctors work for us...

FC, you are in the very early stage of recovery so walking, breathing, eating, sleeping is pretty much all you need to focus on. I felt much better after week three. My valve was tricuspid also but my surgeon thinks it is still a genetic problem; there is no way to know with certainty as with...

Peter, I'll add my voice to the others. Feeling anxious is every so normal and the thought of open heart surgery is scary at first. Fortunately, this type of surgery has become much safer than ever before and even more so for a younger person in otherwise good health. Talking about how your...

Hi, Matt, welcome to VR. Walk, Walk, Walk! I found walking not only improved my breathing but my sleep as well. I had almost no chest pain but the shoulder pain was there from the moment I first woke. A friend suggested massage and I found that did help as did standing in a hot shower with...

Serge, welcome to VR. It sounds as though you are confident in your doctors and, fortunately, your wait is not a long one. I'll let others address the issue of anti-coagulation therapy other than to say there are a lot of myths about it and tens of millions of people use it without incident...