Recent content by Cococat

Hi Mike, I am POD #11 with bovine 2.1 cm valve for BAV/stenosis. I asked while I was in the hospital about the pounding/bounding sensation/sounds. They gave the same answer as they gave to AZ Don- the pericardial sac is not closed as it would heal with scarring and constriction if sewn...

Agian. Thank you. We belong to a special group. We sound like like we have similar aortas. What size is your valve opening? Claire

Thanks. It helps to know you are not alone. One more lasix day. I am now breathing easier. Claire

Hi all Thanks for your support and good wishes. Home on POD #4 and this is the first I have felt like writing. I thought I was so prepared ... well I was put into my place! The fluid retention and shifts were more than I expected. Pain is not that bad for me.. Surgery: went well and got...

Hmm. Migraines are awful. Stay hydrated. Go get a massage on those muscles. Thanks for the update

Keep up the positive attitude Keep up the positive attitude Tony, thanks for the updates. It is so very useful to see what others are going through. My day is Tuesday so your posts are so very timely!! Positive thoughts coming your way for an easy transition home!! Best, Claire

Will be having my bicuspid valve replaced this Tuesday Oct 8th at Lahey Hospital. I love my team and feel at home as I worked there for 20 years and have had my care there for 30. The surgeon, Dr. D'Agostino, spent a lot of time reviewing my tests and speaking with my doctors, and spoke with me...

It also may help to speak with your anesthesiologist. I know it helped me a ton. Claire

Welcome again. this is a wonderful informative site. every is helpful and it is so reassuring there are others sailing these waters with us

L, these are questions for your doctor, I believe. Medical jargon can be confusing. Even as a doc (though a pediatrician) I am not exactly sure what happened when your hgb goes from 8 to normal in just a couple of hours without a documented transfusion. Call back if no one has called you by now.

Hi Big L, sorry to hear you are having some issues but they sound manageable. Not having hypertension, I really cannot comment. However, I was wondering if you felt the relaxation book and tapes helped you? Keep up a positive attitude. I am convinced that helps, also.

Hi Big L, I am reading this book also. I just got my date- 10/8- and know this will help. like you, I am a scientist (pediatrician) but I am open to think that our minds and feelings are chemically driven and therefore anything that helps the parasympathetic and immune system is good enough for...

I hear you, pellicle. good advice. Dont think of the AS until I do my daily walks and get the pains. If I did not push the speed or do hills, I would not have symptoms. A diary is also a good suggestion. thanks so much for your input.

Thanks Steve. Glad your pain is gone now. I was told I could have surgery if I wanted it, but 2 of my 3 opinions suggested I wait. And they said it was up to me. I am continuing to observe and live my life each day

Hi everyone, Having known about my bicuspid, I got a little nervous about some chest pain last fall. Ended up getting a stress echo which I passed without pain, thought there were some ST depressions in recovery I was told. my cardiologist said that was due to the AS which he said was 0.8...