I'm 4 weeks post AVR, aorta graft and CABG x 1 done at Clevelanc Clinic and thought I would share my experience.
1. Surgery went off without a hitch. Lead surgeon Dr. Aaron Weiss assisted by Dr. Eric Roselli - definitely the "A" Team. I'm 63 and chose the Edwards Inpiris Resilia. They were able to put in a 25mm which should accomodate a TAVI in, I hope, the very distant future. Don't want to debate valve choice or which is "better," I felt this was the right choice for me and I'm happy. I had severe stenosis and didn't realize the "whooshing" inside my head when I laid down at night was caused by the blood rushing thru the narrow valve opening. All quite now except for a very faint "lub dub."
2. Biggest issues post-surgery: a. "A flutter" which is a consistent a-fib with a rapid resting heart rate. I was at 130 bpm resting for several days. Two failed cardioversions. Put on Amiodarone for several days and day before discharge went into normal rate and rhythm which has held since - fingers crossed. b. Somehow the ulnar nerve in my right arm was compressed during the surgery and I now have significant pain, tingling, etc. in my right hand, pinkey and ring fingers/palm since. Very frustrating that this is my worst pain issue. Concerning pain, had almost zero with the sternum and chest tube removal. c. Don't think I ate while in the hospital, so I lost about 15 lbs, most of which i think was muscle - where did my thighs go?! Seems home-made chocolate chip cookies are the best remedy.
3. Returned to work, limited schedule, this week, 10 am-3 pm. Feel great and mentally it's good to be back in the office. I'm an attorney, my job is relatively sedentary but it is a fast-paced litigation practice that comes with its fair share of stress. I was more stressed being at home! I work with a lot of great people, so the welcome back balloons, cookies, cards were definitely a morale booster!
4. The first couple weeks post surgery are tough but doable. Extreme fatigue, weird dreams, interrupted sleep, bad moods, etc., but all are subsiding thank God. Feeling like I'm 60-65% back. Can drive in 2 weeks, which should be a big boost! The days are definitely easier when the weather is nice. We've had a cold, rainy spell her in Michigan and a gloomy day makes things a little tougher. 65 and sunny today, so working from the patio, took the dog for a walk - all is good!
5. For those facing an upcoming AVR surgery - keep a positive attitude! This surgery is a MAJOR trauma to the body - give it time to heal and adjust. Hopefully you've got that spiritual spot you can go to for some solice when things get rough. I am very fortunate to have a supportive wife and 21 yr old daughter who literally did everything for me. If you have half as much help you'll be fine.
All the best to those who have an AVR in their future!
1. Surgery went off without a hitch. Lead surgeon Dr. Aaron Weiss assisted by Dr. Eric Roselli - definitely the "A" Team. I'm 63 and chose the Edwards Inpiris Resilia. They were able to put in a 25mm which should accomodate a TAVI in, I hope, the very distant future. Don't want to debate valve choice or which is "better," I felt this was the right choice for me and I'm happy. I had severe stenosis and didn't realize the "whooshing" inside my head when I laid down at night was caused by the blood rushing thru the narrow valve opening. All quite now except for a very faint "lub dub."
2. Biggest issues post-surgery: a. "A flutter" which is a consistent a-fib with a rapid resting heart rate. I was at 130 bpm resting for several days. Two failed cardioversions. Put on Amiodarone for several days and day before discharge went into normal rate and rhythm which has held since - fingers crossed. b. Somehow the ulnar nerve in my right arm was compressed during the surgery and I now have significant pain, tingling, etc. in my right hand, pinkey and ring fingers/palm since. Very frustrating that this is my worst pain issue. Concerning pain, had almost zero with the sternum and chest tube removal. c. Don't think I ate while in the hospital, so I lost about 15 lbs, most of which i think was muscle - where did my thighs go?! Seems home-made chocolate chip cookies are the best remedy.
3. Returned to work, limited schedule, this week, 10 am-3 pm. Feel great and mentally it's good to be back in the office. I'm an attorney, my job is relatively sedentary but it is a fast-paced litigation practice that comes with its fair share of stress. I was more stressed being at home! I work with a lot of great people, so the welcome back balloons, cookies, cards were definitely a morale booster!
4. The first couple weeks post surgery are tough but doable. Extreme fatigue, weird dreams, interrupted sleep, bad moods, etc., but all are subsiding thank God. Feeling like I'm 60-65% back. Can drive in 2 weeks, which should be a big boost! The days are definitely easier when the weather is nice. We've had a cold, rainy spell her in Michigan and a gloomy day makes things a little tougher. 65 and sunny today, so working from the patio, took the dog for a walk - all is good!
5. For those facing an upcoming AVR surgery - keep a positive attitude! This surgery is a MAJOR trauma to the body - give it time to heal and adjust. Hopefully you've got that spiritual spot you can go to for some solice when things get rough. I am very fortunate to have a supportive wife and 21 yr old daughter who literally did everything for me. If you have half as much help you'll be fine.
All the best to those who have an AVR in their future!
