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It sounds like everything is falling into place for a stellar surgery and great recovery.

I am happy to hear you are doing well. Sounds like you have a very good frame of mind going into your surgery, and no complications found so far. That all bodes well for a good recovery!

Ah, yes, I did have a baseline echo at the one month checkup, but was in A-Fib at the time so it wasn't too valuable. I did not have one at six months, and will have another one at 1 year. I was hoping to get one at 6 months, and was surprised when my checkup was about 10 minutes long. I was...

I had my surgery in March of 2011, and my doc waits until a full year after surgery to do a follow up echo. I am looking forward to seeing how much my changes in diet and valve will have on the numbers.

I did have this problem right after surgery, for upwards of 3-4 months. I had to take an Ambien every night for almost six months, with only four days that I missed it. Those four nights were miserable enough to remind me that I wanted to take the pills. Over Thanksgiving I thought I would...

I agree with everything kfay said, especially the part about quitting smoking. I smoked until I was 35, and quit for a new years resolution. I had tried before, but wasn't successful until I resolved to quit for a month. Knowing that after a month I could have another one if I wanted made it...

I think you would have to ask your own surgeon about this, as it probably differs between hospitals, etc. If you are going to a teaching hospital my guess is chances are better.

My surgeon never said anything about weight lifting during the restrictions portion of our discussions, so I asked during cardiac rehab. Several different nurses said the same thing, which was that I should have no restrictions upon successful completion of the program. They cautioned me that...

Rick, I will be thinking about you on the 11th. My surgery was less than a year ago, but it seems much longer than that already. It is amazing how well we can cope with such things.

Alison, I am sorry to hear you are having a blah day, and you are exactly right that you can come and whinge to us at any time. I know that there were many things that I discussed here that I didn't discuss even with my wife, just because you all know exactly what I am going through in most...

I had my AVR surgery coming up on 10 months ago now, and I just watched some you tube videos of valve replacement surgeries for the first time. I knew the videos were out there, but I wasn't quite comfortable with watching the videos until today. After watching the videos, I want to go find my...

Thanks for sharing. I agree that thoughts and prayers are in order.

This struck a chord with me. I just went through my surgery in the last year, and some of your (Sean's) comments are definitely reminding me of where I was with the diagnosis. However, one of the guys I work with had a very good point similar to Marguerite's when I finally told him what was...

I was just in Cancun at the beginning of December for a week, and never even thought about contracting BE from the water. I may have some research to do on my own, now. All that being said, I feel fine since getting back, and suspect that I don't have any issues. I enjoyed the heck out of the...

I highly recommend easing into it, and would recommend half days for at least a week if not longer. I was on half days for two weeks, but after one week I went full time. That week of half days was a godsend.

I have a dacron graft, and have read that it does indeed increase the noise. I guess everyone's mileage may vary, but I do have the same effect you mention in that it thumps much louder when taking in a big breath and holding it.

I will send some prayers your way, as well. I hope all works out well!

I have not experienced any of the symptoms you are showing, but hope that someone more knowledgeable comes along to answer. Hope you figure it out!

I had a temporary card when I left the hospital, and got the permanent one in the mail about 3 weeks later. This was for a carbomedics mechanical valve.

Thanks for sharing. This is a great article!