Hmm, so this is how it's supposed to feel...

[TenPly]

Whoo! I'm back!

Well, technically I got home yesterday after 5 days at Loma Linda. Here I am, over the mountain (which now seems like a mole hill) and I'm feeling so good. When I came out of the anesthesia, I felt my heart and noticed how much better I felt. I said to myself, "So this is how it's supposed to feel!" Dr. Razzouk @ Loma Linda did the Bentall procedure on me in addition to replacing my aortic and mitral valves. All the way up until the day of the surgery, I was never nervous or scared. I actually had a smile on my face, I was so grateful for this opportunity for a new life!

Quick rundown: The procedure lasted 6 hours -- woke up in ICU 2 hours later where they were about to yank the breathing tube out -- breathing tube was removed -- I was placed on the cardiac floor in a comfy room -- about 4 1/2 hours later, I was walking back and forth (just baby steps within my room) with the nurse's assistance and a walker.

That was all on the day of my surgery.

People were telling me that it's because I'm young or whatever -- I know it's because I had the prayers of my family and friends and you all here at VR.com. God was truly watching over me, and I came through, and now I have a story to tell!

Now that I'm home, I'm just resting, walking and doing breathing exercises until I recover. Once again, thank you ALL for your prayers, thoughts and support! Here's a smiley face from me to you: :)

PS: I think the sound of my new clicking valves is awesome.

[Nancy]

Well--

Good for you!!! You did just fine, like we all thought you would. It's your attitude, I swear. You went into it with a positive attitude, and you're home now with the same terrific attitude.

Congratulations!

[Mary]

Bryan,
You sound great! I'm glad that you immediately felt better! You will continue to improve, so get ready for a real surge of vitality!
Once again, congratulations to you and your family.
Mary

[geebee]

You will do fine with such a great attitude. Keep finding wonder in what you have been given and you will be back beating on those drums in no time.

[Chuck_S]

A true story, no less. I thought my experience went really well, I cannot imagine walking that same day. MY AVR began at 8 am and took about 5 hours, I was still loopie intil 3 AM. They managed to take my breathing tube out 6 hours after surgery.

How is your slleping going? It took me about a week to sleep through the night, hope you do this quicker too.

Cheers,
Chuck S

[KAJ]

Bryan,

You have a terrific attitude! You sure helped me to put things into perspective. I need to readjust my attitude about my valve. I sometimes get annoyed with the ticking of my one mechanical valve.

Karl

Whoo! I'm back!

Well, technically I got home yesterday after 5 days at Loma Linda. Here I am, over the mountain (which now seems like a mole hill) and I'm feeling so good. When I came out of the anesthesia, I felt my heart and noticed how much better I felt. I said to myself, "So this is how it's supposed to feel!" Dr. Razzouk @ Loma Linda did the Bentall procedure on me in addition to replacing my aortic and mitral valves. All the way up until the day of the surgery, I was never nervous or scared. I actually had a smile on my face, I was so grateful for this opportunity for a new life!

Quick rundown: The procedure lasted 6 hours -- woke up in ICU 2 hours later where they were about to yank the breathing tube out -- breathing tube was removed -- I was placed on the cardiac floor in a comfy room -- about 4 1/2 hours later, I was walking back and forth (just baby steps within my room) with the nurse's assistance and a walker.

That was all on the day of my surgery.

People were telling me that it's because I'm young or whatever -- I know it's because I had the prayers of my family and friends and you all here at VR.com. God was truly watching over me, and I came through, and now I have a story to tell!

Now that I'm home, I'm just resting, walking and doing breathing exercises until I recover. Once again, thank you ALL for your prayers, thoughts and support! Here's a <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=29&k=smiley%20face" onmouseover="window.status='smiley face'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">smiley face</a> from <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=29&k=me%20to%20you" onmouseover="window.status='me to you'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">me to you</a>: :)

PS: I think the sound of my new clicking valves is awesome.

[Karlynn]

Your story just shows that many times the waiting is the hardest part. I'm glad things went so well for you.

[LLJ]

Perhaps you should rethink you career choice and be an inspirational speaker! (Or how about joining me in the field of Physical Therapy?) A spirit like yours is a gift and I hope that even if you have moments of self doubt, you will always come thru wiser! Happy recovery! Thank your mom for posting and keeping us informed!
Laura

[Cris N]

So happy to hear you're home & doing well. Just don't rush your recovery (too much) ;)

I only have 1 mech. valve so I wonder, do yours click on the same pitch?

Hug your parents & thank your mom for posting after you got out of surgery.

Cris

[Phyllis]

Congratulations, Bryan- I think you must have set a VR.com record- walking on the same day of surgery! :D Keep up the positive attitude and we wish you a continued superb recovery.

[PJmomrunner]

What a fantastic attitude you have! I'll bet there's a song or two in "valve time" in your future! :D

[knightfan2691]

Excellent news, Bryan! Welcome home!

And, your attitude is wonderful!


Cort, "Mr Road Trip" / soon2be ex-"Mr MC", 31swm/pig valve/pacer
MCfamily.models.HO.chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
MC Guide = http://www.chevyasylum.com/mcspotter/main.html
"It goes so fast" ... Jodee Messina ... 'Was That My Life?'

[Christina L]

I have been on VR.com for two years now and been over the "mole hill" myself - I am continually amazed at the bravery and the unbelievable attitude of those who go through this surgery, including you Bryan.

You are already an inspiration. Congratulations on your successful surgery - I am so glad that you are feeling so wonderful. You will just feel better and better as the days go by and life will be sweet.

God bless -

Christina L.

[TenPly]

Thanks again everyone! I can't say enough about you guys and VR.com. And I'll be around -- now, just like all of you who've conquered your own heart concerns, I feel like I have something to give back to people who are still waiting. I'm considering volunteering with the "Mended Hearts" group at Loma Linda now.

Chuck S -- Sleep comes only every couple hours right now. Last night, I woke up like every 2-3 hours. I just took that time to walk around the house a few times and then go back to sleep.

Cris N -- Y'know, I can't really hear any difference in pitch between the two valves. I like to finger-tap drumbeats on my desk to them though. :)


A true story, no less. I thought my experience went really well, I cannot imagine walking that same day. MY AVR began at 8 am and took about 5 hours, I was still loopie intil 3 AM. They managed to take my breathing tube out 6 hours after surgery.

How is your slleping going? It took me about a week to sleep through the night, hope you do this quicker too.

Cheers,
Chuck S

[gijanet]

Well, Bryan, Phyllis beat me to the punch. I do think you have broken a record here on walking four hours after surgery. I can gracefully attribute this honor to you as my daughter is the youngest artificial valve recipient on here and the youngest member to have 5 OHSes under her shirt! :D

You truly sound wonderful. I love the idea of your volunteering with Mended Hearts. Your upbeat outlook on life could only benefit those who are about to walk down that same path. Keep up the good cheer, but please don't overdo it. Are you taking anything at all for pain.........or are you grinning and bearing it?

Keep the good news coming. Many hugs. J. P.S. We can't hear Katie's valve at all, except when we put our heads up close to her chest. We have a Carbomedics. What did you get?

[TenPly]

Well, for my neck and shoulder pain, I'm taking Vicodin as needed. It's a little annoying. As for my valves I have two St Judes.


Well, Bryan, Phyllis beat me to the punch. I do think you have broken a record here on walking four hours after surgery. I can gracefully attribute this honor to you as my daughter is the youngest artificial valve recipient on here and the youngest member to have 5 OHSes under her shirt! :D

You truly sound wonderful. I love the idea of your volunteering with Mended Hearts. Your upbeat outlook on life could only benefit those who are about to walk down that same path. Keep up the good cheer, but please don't overdo it. Are you taking anything at all for pain.........or are you grinning and bearing it?

Keep the good news coming. Many hugs. J. P.S. We can't hear Katie's valve at all, except when we put our heads up close to her chest. We have a Carbomedics. What did you get?

[Marguerite53]

Bryan. You sound really great. I'm so pleased that your experience has been so positive. Your attitude most certainly contributes to your success.

I haven't been through the experience yet, but I do often lie in bed wondering what the improved heart will feel like. For me it will have been such a slow change for the worse and then such an immediate change for the better. I know it is something to look forward to.

Keep us posted on your recovery.

Wishing you continued success. Be careful not to overdo!!

Marguerite

[Gemma]

Hey Bryan, here's a smile right back at ya :) Welcome home!
Jim noticed the same thing about his heart beating normally after his surgery - said he could already feel the improvement even though he'd just been through major surgery. Glad to hear you felt it too :) .
Now take it easy, walk, rest, do your breathing exercises, write some tunes, and keep spreading that great attitude! :D
Gemma.

[catwoman]

PS: I think the sound of my new clicking valves is awesome.
Bryan:
That's the sound of being alive and well!! Ain't it great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gadgetman]

I like to finger-tap drumbeats on my desk to them though. :)

Bryan,

Gemma suggested you "write some tunes". Maybe you could get that beat into a song and dedicate it to your new and improved heart. Keep up that great attitude and make sure you continue to posts to those in the "waiting room". You are an inspiration to us all.

May God Bless,

Danny

[knightfan2691]

*chuckles*

Danny, your suggestion reminds me of the song that Jean (weekycat) did for the VR Reunion a few years ago ... he he he. She did an AWESOME job on the poem/song.

And, Bryan, that's an excellent idea to volunteer with "Mended Hearts". Chicago has a chapter, but the meetings are in downtown Chicago between 5p and 7p, such that I can't get to 'em due to work.... One of these days, tho ;).

[EVELYN]

Bryan....

WAHOO AND MANY CONGRATS!!! Boy do you sound great!!! Welcome home and to your new life. Keep on keepin' on, my friend. Best wishes for a continued easy recovery.

Evelyn

[bvdr]

Bryan, that is such wonderful news! I hope you continue to improve day by day. Don't try to rush it though since healing really does require time.