Recent content by Les Hazelton

I should be here to give back to this forum from time to time. My surgery was 4-25-2012 for a St Jude size 25 aortic valve with a replacement length of aorta, at the Mayo in Rochester, MN. I "soon" felt at 100% or better and feel great nearly 10 years after! I live 4 hours away from Rochester...

Dear "not an idiot", For myself, I would (did) rejoice after a good cry knowing it was a beneficial coping tool. Better than a pill. Emotional is GOOD. There are some things we can't do very well with our rational "adult" self. We have built-in mechanisms for this sort of stress. Maybe your...

Interesting to read your question. My post yesterday was asking about maybe a similar thing. I wasn't aware they can become detached! Maybe that's what I have going on. I don't have pain, just popping and clunking around in there especially when rolling over in bed or shampooing. Best of luck...

Very reassuring. I love this website. Thank you. Greg a - no connective tissue or sternum?!?!? What's the story?

Feeling well. Walking a lot. Started rehab this week. I have less sternum sensation every day it seems. I remember the surgeon the day of my release (day 5) holding two fingers a-straddle my sternum and having me cough to feel for any possible loosening of the wires/staples and all was secure...

I had a sleep study years ago and have used a CPAP ever since. No morning headaches. More rested. I found it to be more embarrassing than uncomfortable. And my loved one adapted easily not to mention she appreciated the white noise that replaced the snoring. Sleep apnea is a real ailment and...

I had not made up my mind even as I went to bed the night before surgery! I woke up realizing that if I chose tissue, that I might start counting the days down to a future surgery. So I decided I can more actively deal with the anti-coag regimen. It's only been 3 weeks tomorrow since surgery...

I've been posting in "Post-Op", so my apologies if anyone was looking here for post-surgery update and saw none of the good news I've had to share. Surgery was good, great, recovery has been mostly bump-free. I am so blessed and fortunate and grateful. And a giant thank you to VR.org. Trying to...

P.S. I had round the clock help in the hospital room from my significant other and I strongly believe this played a huge role in my early recovery at the hospital. I was double-fortunate.

I experience the exact same sensation and it does not worry me. I also get the rib cartilage subdued "clicks' rolling over at night. Dr had me cough with his fingers on the sternum before discharge to make sure my wires were tight and I'm trusting that would not change unless I'd abused it or...

Recovery: What is "overdoing it"? How soon is too soon? I am 2 weeks post-op. I am looking to challenge myself but wondering what happens when one over-reaches. Will my body warn me before I set myself up for a serious setback? On April 25 I had surgery for my ascending aortic aneurism...

I am through!! Surgery & ICU were last Wed. Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun each with their own challenges, all surmountable. Monday (today) the discharge and ride home. Thank you Valvereplacement.org for the comfort-in-numbers along the way. Hindsight - I'm glad I didn't spend more time worrying. My care...

Thank you for sharing you concerns here. I may be checking out today and am well-informed on this subject thanks to you. I was given no stitches. When the surgical dressing was removed on day 3 (I think) the right-hand one was gapped open maybe 1/4" and obviously just at the point of clotting...

Angio was a breeze as predicted, nice dinner out with the family. Got pretty good sleep the night before. Surgery went well. the ICU was more challenging than I liked but less than I feadre. Nothing was beyond my ability to cope. Many ups and downs. Steady help of Beth, the woman in my life. The...

Angio was a breeze and no blockage anywhere. 6:30 am tomorrow. Here we go. Feeling blessed and confident. Nice dinner tonight with family. Ah Family.