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Jen, My husband, Derek, and I had those same exact fears. We even had those thoughts during his heart cath!! The important thing is to honor your fears, give them a hug, and let them be. Derek is in post-op day 3. It's been a rocky mountain for us these past few days, but each day is new - and...

T, My husband Derek is in post-op Day 3 (aortic root + mechanical valve). I wish you both the very best! Derek is just over 30 yrs old, and is having the toughest time with all the meds... but each day is a brand new day, and if you take it one shuffle at a time - you'll see improvements in even...

My husband, Derek, is on post-op Day 3. He was prescribed Metropolol also, 25 mg, 2x a day. In layman's terms, what does a beta blocker do? If Derek's heart rate can be controlled, will he still have to take it when he's discharged from the hospital? They just did an EKG to check for...

I love your article. I read it to my husband, Derek, last night, while he lay in his hospital bed. He's day 3 post-op. Thanks so much for sharing! ~Jen

Happy healing, Amber! My husband Derek is in post-op day 3, and it definitely has been a roller coaster... but our friends on this site are angels, and they help us get through it all. Please keep us updated! ~Jen

It's the end of Day 3, and I swear - there were miracles all day long! I'm vocalizing all the goals he's been achieving... thanks for the tip, Chris ~ "Wow, you walked all the way THERE?!" (>400 ft each time, 5 times today!!) "Yay, no more Foley!!" (he really hated that catheter) "Don't you...

Hi Chris, that's helpful to know that you went through the same. I think it's also because of all the pills + pain meds (they started him on beta blockers, blood thinners, diuretics, potassium, and stool softeners all at the same time). Unfortunately, they would give him anti-nausea AFTER he...

Thanks so much for the replies - all of your advice and insight is wonderfully helpful. Derek was just transferred to Telemetry yesterday. His vitals are pretty stable, but he's been vomiting every day since surgery. Has anyone had this problem? He still tries to eat, bless his heart, but now...

Hi everyone, this is Jen - Derek's wife. Yesterday, his surgery went a little longer than we thought... they couldn't stop the bleeding, found a leak underneath his aorta, sutured it up, and problem was fixed. Thank goodness. We have a nice photo of his graft + new mechanical valve. Day 1 was...

Best of luck to you, Ken! Your fellow May 2011 valve pal, Derek

I've always felt that with my family health history that I have a loaded gun, so to speak. But you make a good point: aside from this heart issue I AM in great health. And this operation will help insure that it stays that way. Thanks for encouragement!!

I'll definitely heed that reminder. I want to get back to business-as-usual so quickly...but you're right. I'll be patient. As far as keeping a positive outlook, that shouldn't be a problem as I'll be surrounded by a lot of love!!! We WILL keep you posted.

This is good news! I'm eager to get there!!! =) Thanks for the thoughts and wishes.

Thanks, Jason. It seems your surgery wasn't too long ago. How is your recovery been?

Hi Chris, Eeek!! Tomorrow is only a few hours away!! It's been a little hectic making final preparations. But I've been with my wife all day...you can't beat that!! Thanks for the good vibes! I'm feelin' em!!

Steve, I'm grateful for your reassuring words. I've been mostly concerned about the stress this whole thing has put on my wife. She is amazingly strong and a trooper but even then, it hasn't been easy. Thankfully, her brother and sister have come in from out of town for emotional support. Now I...

I'll be having my aortic valve replaced AND my aortic root (currently at 4.5cm). Because we only discovered these issues this past January, there's no telling what the rate of my dilation was. I hope that answers your questions. Thank you for the wishes for a speedy and smooth recovery. I'll...

I love the attitude, Ken!! I want to git'r done too...but I occasionally have flashbacks of seeing my late parents struggling through similar things. But I have to remember to focus on my recovery and not the worst-case-scenarios. I'm wishing you the best in your own recovery!!

Thanks for reading my blog. Truthfully, I was inspired to write it by this forum. I thought by sharing my story that I may be able to help someone in the way that this forum has helped me. I'll be thinking of you and your surgery while I'm shuffling down the hallway in my hospital gown! Good...

Thanks, Renee! And what a lovely family it is!! =)