My date is set

[Coach Kilby]

After being mentally prepared for surgery earlier this year, my surgeon said my numbers did not indicate the need for surgery at that time. (February of this year)

Since then, some new developments. In addition to the bicuspid aortic valve and aortic aneurysm, they have found blockage in my cardiac arteries so I need by-pass as well.

My date is set - June 2 at Duke University Hospital. Surgeon is Dr. Chad Hughes.

I am glad it is soon, as I can feel the emotional roller coaster starting. I am a guy who has been very active my whole life ... just 8 yrs ago I was running marathons.

I've got three weeks to plan for being away from the job and to plan my recovery. I want to be moving somewhat and coaching again for our August 1st start date. Is this realistic? Many more questions. I appreciate all comments, advice, encouragement.

 

[mbeard]

Coach,

I am thinking about you. The experts on this forum will be behind me giving you advice.

 

[pellicle]

Best wishes Coach

 

[neil]

hiya coach best wishes mate, you will be fine and up and running before you know it,

 

[Bryan B]

Hi Coach,

As you can see in my signature Dr. Hughes did my surgery 3 years ago to replace my valve and fix my aortic root/ascending aortic aneurysm. He is a no nonsense guy and VERY GOOD at what he does. You will be in great hands at Duke! I can't recommend the food but everything else is top notch. :biggrin2:

Shoot me a PM between now and your surgery if you have any questions about Duke and/or what to expect.

P.S. howdy neighbor, I'm in Cary.

 

[Duffey]

I think you should be feeling pretty good by August 1. The humidity might bother you, along with the heat, so take it easy and don't over do. Best wishes going forward.
Mary

 

[MarkU]

Best wishes for a successful surgery and quick recovery.
If all goes well you should be up & around by August 1st, but probably not 100%. I found it took a long time to get my stamina back after my surgery, mostly due to the effects of the surgery itself.
Just listen to your body, don't push yourself too hard and rest when you need to. Sometimes your recovery will be two steps forward and one step back.
Mark

 

[ottagal]

My very best wishes to you, Coach for a successful surgery and smooth recovery.
We will look forward to an update when you are on the mend.

 

[joanpieroni]

Coach- You should be pretty good by August. I had Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis age 49. My valve was replaced 6 weeks ago and I feel pretty good now. The hardest part is waiting for the surgery day, & all the pre testing. The only info no one told me about my surgery was that when you are in surgery they put stuff in your eyes like Vaseline so they don't get dry, when I woke up in CICU the nurse was asking me if I could see before they wiped the stuff from my eyes so I was a bit confused. Other than that from all the info the hospital gave me before hand really helped my recovery. Good Luck to you!!!

 

[mbeard]

I also remember that Coach Fox of the Broncos was back on the sidelines very quickly, only he went to a cold sideline, and you will be going to a hot one. Duffey is right about the humidity and heat.

 

[Coach Kilby]

Thank you all for your encouragement and advice. It is very helpful.

 

[bluefields409]

Wishing you successful surgery and smooth uneventful and safe recovery.

 

[Marco]

Best wishes and all the best!

 

[TheGymGuy]

Those last 2 days will be the worst, but you know this is just the pre-game. Good luck in 2 days, and kick ass during recovery!
Keep us updated as soon as you are out.

Good luck Coach!