Update

[TIM W.]

Hi All,
Met with my Surgeon on Tuesday. My TEE showed that my heart muscle is getting thicker and become enlarged. Doing stairs is becoming real tough and walking the shop floor any distance is getting hard too. My valve area is down to 0.8cm. He and I agreed on a bovine valve. He said some indications witnessed by himself and lots of other surgeons are that these valves are lasting 20 years or more.
My in-laws are coming from Florida to be with the kids during my surgery, son 11 and daughter almost 2. So I got my surgical date changed until March 21st to give them more time to make plans and arrangements.
Not that I'm bragging, but my son has not missed a day of school since he started in kindergarten!!! Almost 7years of perfect attendance!!! My wife and I are very proud of him. So this new date helps with that a bit too, as he will be able to come over and see me on Saturday and Sunday.
Got a little good news, if you can call it that. Because I'm in a salary position at my job (production supervisor) and as long as my surgery is scheduled before the plant closes, I will continue on my regular weekly pay, (because of my salary continuation insurance benefit) until I am released to return to work from my cardio after the surgery. So I'll have about three more months of paychecks before I have to start collecting unemployment.
I would be interested in hearing back from anyone on when they were released to return to work following this type of surgery. Is three months about the norm?
Thanks to all and I'll update again soon.

 

[Ross]

Hi Tim

I guess being salaried has it's perks. You may possibly be able to return to work well before 3 months is over, not that I would, but it's a possibility. I've seen people go back to work in as little as 4 weeks and as long as 6 months. It just depends on how things go and how you recover. I certainly wouldn't be in any rush to return knowing what you know now. You might as well milk it for what it's worth. I guess it's a matter of your work ethics though.

The waiting is the killer. Try not to stress, but do get things in order. If you need help with anything not answered, ask away and we'll help you with that.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Tim-

Well, you're on your way to better health. I know the next weeks will be stressful, but you at least know the date and can now make plans. It will be good to get it over with, I bet, especially since you are getting symptomatic.

That's good news about your insurance. You have some wiggle room and it takes a little burden off.

Wishing you the best.

 

[mainframe]

Tim,

I'm a hourly contract programmer. I came back to work after 3 weeks. If I was salaried, 3 months would sound about right.

 

[marywoody]

I'm returning to work tomorrow at 11 weeks and 2 days post op. I never thought I would be out longer than 8 weeks, but I'm just healing slower than I expected. I really feel like I need another week or two, but my company disability runs out effective tomorrow, so I kinda have to go back. Don't rush it! Every time I've tried to push it a little too much, I've been sorry. Listen to your body. If it complains about something, pay attention! Don't just ignore it or try to "work through it". The really good part is that you will get well. I can tell some positive changes in my body already. That wretched cough I've had for a couple of years is nearly gone! No more palpitations (well, almost none) and my heart rate is nice and low and my blood pressure is doing better than it has in ages. I can tell this whole thing is going to be worth it!

 

[ccrawford]

Good Luck

Good Luck

Hey Tim - I'm still in the waiting room, so can't give you a great deal of advise re post surgery, but I know a lot of other folks on the site that can. Sounds like you have a lot of support at home to help through a tough period-that's great. It you have questions or concerns about pending surgery, this is the place to get some answers. I oughta know, I'm an expert on anxieties, and these guys can answer them. Its important to know that you have a lot of folks caring and praying for you as you go forward and over the mountain. I'm just one of them. Chris.

 

[shana23]

going in together

going in together

Hi well we will be in the same boat at the same time..hahaha I'm due to have my mitralica valve repair/replacement on the 14th of March just a bit ahead of you Wishing you all the best and while I'm recovering I'll think and prayer for you All the best,Shana

 

[Don]

Bovine Tissue Valve

Bovine Tissue Valve

Hi Tim,
Glad to hear that the bovine tissue valves are lasting up to twenty years. Latest data I had from Cleveland Clinic was 17 years and still counting.
I received my bovine tissue valve on 04/12/2002 and am doing very well at this point. My AVA was at 0.8 cm2 at the time of my decision to have surgery, and at 0.7 cm2 at the time of my surgery.
My heart was also beginning to thicken, but has improved since the surgery.
Can't help you with the return to work bit since I am retired, but from my experience I would think that 8 weeks should do it.
Best wishes,
Don
AVR; MI; 04/02; CCF; Cosgrove; Bovine Tissue