Hi, everyone, on Tuesday it will be exactly 9 months from the date of my AVR. It has been some time since I posted an update so it seemed like a good time to do it now. I've been back at work since last November and for some time have done whatever I feel like doing. In case anyone is wondering, here is the a photo composite of my scars as they have changed:
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In the last six weeks I've actually encountered my first "bumps" since surgery. The cartilage connecting my ribs to the sternum became inflamed and has been aching if I forget to use an analgesic. My GP checked to make sure there was no infection and the diagnosis was costochondritis which should disappear in a few more weeks. As well, a few months ago, I developed a Klebsiella infection for which I had to take antibiotic for a month since it could cause endocarditis and damage my tissue valve. For those of you now anticipating the future with an artificial heart valve, I would suggest you exploit your relationship with your family doctor. I have had all of the records from my Surgeon and Cardiologist sent to her. The result is she has reviewed them and been a wonderful source of information. As well, it has been a lot better having one person managing medication instead of three. I have now stopped using the additional medications I was given after surgery and am back to a much shorter list. Like most with a tissue valve, I take an aspirin every day but that is no big deal since I had been taking one of those for several years already.
There really isn't too much more to say. I work, I ride my bike, I feed my animals and care for the yard. I play with the kids, the dogs and the cats and share a beer or a glass of wine with friends every week. I walk up hills without any shortness of breath and I can bend over without getting dizzy. All in all this experience has been pretty routine. When I recall the anxiety I felt before surgery, I cannot help but wonder that recovery has been so uneventful. So for those of you waiting, please, consider the likelihood that you, too, will find your own experience much less exciting and much much less traumatic than you can imagine it to be today.
What I cannot imagine is how I would have done this without the support of all of you here. Yes, I know that many other people have said the same thing, but I have to say it again. Thank you all.
Larry
View attachment 8573
In the last six weeks I've actually encountered my first "bumps" since surgery. The cartilage connecting my ribs to the sternum became inflamed and has been aching if I forget to use an analgesic. My GP checked to make sure there was no infection and the diagnosis was costochondritis which should disappear in a few more weeks. As well, a few months ago, I developed a Klebsiella infection for which I had to take antibiotic for a month since it could cause endocarditis and damage my tissue valve. For those of you now anticipating the future with an artificial heart valve, I would suggest you exploit your relationship with your family doctor. I have had all of the records from my Surgeon and Cardiologist sent to her. The result is she has reviewed them and been a wonderful source of information. As well, it has been a lot better having one person managing medication instead of three. I have now stopped using the additional medications I was given after surgery and am back to a much shorter list. Like most with a tissue valve, I take an aspirin every day but that is no big deal since I had been taking one of those for several years already.
There really isn't too much more to say. I work, I ride my bike, I feed my animals and care for the yard. I play with the kids, the dogs and the cats and share a beer or a glass of wine with friends every week. I walk up hills without any shortness of breath and I can bend over without getting dizzy. All in all this experience has been pretty routine. When I recall the anxiety I felt before surgery, I cannot help but wonder that recovery has been so uneventful. So for those of you waiting, please, consider the likelihood that you, too, will find your own experience much less exciting and much much less traumatic than you can imagine it to be today.
What I cannot imagine is how I would have done this without the support of all of you here. Yes, I know that many other people have said the same thing, but I have to say it again. Thank you all.
Larry
