Recent content by Sevgi

Well, I hit a bump in the road. My echo report came back and Cardiologist said I have normal heart function and the valves look good. While at my primary care doctor for routine follow up, I asked if I would be able to tell the difference between a regular pvc and a dangerous rhythym. Since I...

Thanks everyone! Last year before the surgery, I couldn't even imagine being where I am now. I was always afraid to try any aerobics before my surgery and now I figure I've been given a second chance to be healthy and I'm doing everything in my power. I was walking outside 2 hours a day but when...

Today marks 1 year since I received my new aortic valve. It's been life changing in a lot of ways but mostly positive. After smoking for 30 years, I stopped before my surgery because my cardiologist said I would have a much easier recovery if I did. I had wanted to stop smoking for years but...

Thanks Eva! I failed to mention in my original post that Dr started me on thyroid replacement meds in March with 3 adjustments already. The 2nd dose caused my heart to beat like crazy after 6 days so I called the Dr and he said "We probably increased your dose to quickly" and he changed the dose...

I guess I've been very fortunate. following valve replacement surgery 7/12/10, I've had no problems until January. I have a tissue valve so the only meds I take is an 81 mg aspirin. All of a sudden, within 2 weeks, I gained 20 lbs (all around my midsection). I was scared that fluid was...

6 months ago today, I checked into Duke Medical Center and was being prepped for AVR surgery. I was beyond scared and was sort of numb. I had accepted the fact that I had to go through the surgery and I'd either die or I would feel better. I'm so happy today to tell everyone that the past 6...

I've used Scar Away silicon strips since August every day according to the directions. I don't think it has made much difference if any. My scar is still red but not raised. The directions say 8-12 weeks but I used them longer. I stopped using them last week cause they're kinda expensive and I...

I'm so happy for you Michelle! Don't stress out too much trying to figure out what happened because the stress may bring back the PVCs. I've just decided I'm going to have to live with some of them and I enjoy the times when I don't. It seems to be a little better that way.

Congratulations! Keep up the good work!

I was 12 weeks post op when I started rehab. I wanted to start sooner but I couldn't because of scheduling. Since I had already gone back to work full time, I could only attend 3 weeks of rehab but it really was worth every minute. I probably could have exercised on my own without going to rehab...

PVCs are driving me nuts lately. I had surgery 7/12 and was on Amiodarone for 30 days with little to no PVCs. I only take 1 81mg aspirin daily and no other meds. I've been in rehab for 3 weeks and work out 45 minutes in my target heart range 118-128 with no problem. Last week I started have more...

My surgeon was Dr. Glower @ Duke Hospital. He is the best doctor I've ever seen. Not only is he the best in his field, he knows how to treat patients. I'm so thankful my husband did the research that led me to Dr. Glower.

Aww, kitty was angry cause you were away from home? My 2 cats had never been away from me since they were born 7 years ago. While I was in the hospital (6 days), my female kitty pulled all the hair off of her tummy and refused to eat. She's getting better now. Isn't it amazing how our illness...

Congrats on going home! There's no place like home especially with all the goodies everyone brings over to help you recover. Neighbors brought over home cooked meal with baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and apple pie. It was the first good food I was able to eat in 2 weeks even...

Thanks y'all! I'm pleased with my scar since it's not near as bad as expected. I couldn't find any pictures of minimally invasive surgery scar before my surgery so I posted it here in case someone else is looking for a picture.