I am a little over 4 wks post aortic valve sparing aortic root and partial ascending aorta replacement. (David procedure) Performed at Cleveland Clinic by ...Read more
I am a little over 4 wks post aortic valve sparing aortic root and partial ascending aorta replacement. (David procedure) Performed at Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Roselli via sternotomy. Left appendage clip done as well. I am very fortunate my aortic valve was spared. I am s/p Robotic mitral valve repair 5/2022 which was done locally. I ended up getting a total of 4 opinions for this surgery. Getting extra opinions is definitely overwhelming, but will provide much needed clarity on what is the best route. I needed to be in a high volume aorta center and a center that performs more second open heart surgeries. We live about 10 hrs from Cleveland. It is definitely more challenging to do a surgery far from your hometown, but it is doable and feels good once all the moving parts are figured out. My family stayed at the Residence Inn which was .5 mile away. Easy walk. I even walked to hospital on my surgery day. (I was afternoon case). CC has a shuttle that can take you to nearby hotels, so leaving the car at the hospital some of the time was a cheaper option than hotel parking. I had excellent care at CC. Only in ICU around 16-18 hrs. Had some arrythmia issues on back end of admission so ended up inpatient 11 days. Traveled home by plane that night. Very little pain. Airport wheelchair on departure and arrival ends were vital. This surgery is definitely tougher in some ways. More restrictions till the 6 wk timeline when sternum is considered fused. Although my robotic surgery was longer from start to finish. I returned to work 3 1/2 wks s/p robotic surgery in 2022, but it was definitely too early. We all recover at different paces so my advice is listen to your body. It will be ok. It takes energy even if you primarily work at a desk. This week has been so much better for me. Making slow progress w/ walking, but progress always feels good. Compression socks helped w/ post op swelling and circulation. Used medium which seemed to be best. High grade socks would have been too hard to get on and off first several days. Oversized button up shirt is easier to get on and off for first couple wks following discharge. I also had the pain in the back that others have spoken about. Felt like a golf ball size knot by my shoulder blade. Heat and massaging it seemed to help. Nearly resolved at 4 wks. I am fortunate and have not needed to sleep in a recliner. I figured out at about day 5 or 6 post surgery that I could lay down w/ a couple pillows pretty comfortably. The first few days are a little rough bc of tubes and needing more help getting out of bed/walking. But it wasn't as bad as I expected. Having tubes pulled and temporary pacemaker pulled weren't bad either. The provider talks you through it. I do remember being extubated in the ICU but it was not traumatic. I was told to breathe out as they pulled it out. Went fast. My first surgery I was extubated before leaving the OR. Nausea, vomiting, and a parched mouth/throat were my biggest problem in the ICU this time. N and V resolved in a few hrs or so. I am so relieved to have this surgery behind me. Waiting is the hardest part. I did not know about this community and website till several months after my first surgery. Can not echo enough how valuable it has been to me. I am humbled by others (especially those that are much younger) and have found strength in journeys others have been on. The webinar educational opportunities on this site prepare and empower us and help ease the fear that sometimes creeps in. I hope some of my experiences can help someone else. Be well.
Anna Ma Thank you for sharing, I'm so glad to see you are recovering well Patricia!
Valerie Allen Thank you for describing the process you went through. It helps to kind of imagine it beforehand. You ... Read more
Valerie Allen Thank you for describing the process you went through. It helps to kind of imagine it beforehand. You sound relaxed and relieved! ❤️
Grace Mason Glad to hear you are doing well Patricia❤️. Your story of traveling for surgery brings me back a ... Read more
Grace Mason Glad to hear you are doing well Patricia❤️. Your story of traveling for surgery brings me back a few months, to my own journey. Wishing you well in your continued recovery!
Rose Madura What a great synopsis. Glad you are doing well and making progress.
I am a couple wks away from my aortic root aneurysm repair. Hopefully aortic valve sparing. Met Dr. Roselli and cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic 12/29/24. ...Read more
I am a couple wks away from my aortic root aneurysm repair. Hopefully aortic valve sparing. Met Dr. Roselli and cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic 12/29/24. Left with reassurance and clarity that I made the right decision to go there. This is my second OHS in less than two years. Robotic mitral valve repair first time. Sternotomy this time. I will be happy to share the differences for those who might be contemplating the two options. (if there is a choice) We live 11 hrs from Cleveland. Booking flight home, but uncertain how many days post op to book it for. I know a lot depends on how things go. I was told 5-7 days inpatient. I have arrythmia issues already and know a pacemaker is a possibility. So I'm expecting 7 days inpatient. For those who had to travel home by air, how many days post op did you book it for? How uncomfortable was the flight? Any suggestions? I know I have to stay in the area 3-4 days for a final check up before traveling.
Valerie Allen Hi Patricia, I just booked my flights and purchased refundable tickets as schedule changes can occur ... Read more
Valerie Allen Hi Patricia, I just booked my flights and purchased refundable tickets as schedule changes can occur and as you say there may be recovery factors. I am getting there 2 days before and staying 2 weeks (minus one day) after if nothing changes. As others recommended, I am flying first class home and applied for wheelchair assistance.
J Alexander Lassally I stayed in Cleveland 14 plus days which was a minimum for me. But, I rented a home and was very com ... Read more
J Alexander Lassally I stayed in Cleveland 14 plus days which was a minimum for me. But, I rented a home and was very comfortable and happy in it. The flight was uncomfortable due to bumps but not painful. It really is a personal choice. Some people do best at home. I preferred being "in recovery" in Cleveland as it was somehow more emblematic of a special time in my life and I had a support system around. Good luck.
DeWayne Adamson They may let you leave on day 10. Don't do it. Chill in the hotel for at least another week.
Pamela Gregory Hi Patricia, I had Dr Roselli for AVR and root replacement. He was wonderful. I was in the hospital ... Read more
Pamela Gregory Hi Patricia, I had Dr Roselli for AVR and root replacement. He was wonderful. I was in the hospital for 7 days released then readmitted because of fluid around my heart. All in all 2 weeks in and 5 days in the area before flying home. I had a changeable airline ticket and went 1st class so I could get on and sit. Flying was totally fine for me. Better than the ride to the airport. Either way just make sure to walk every hour so no blood clots! Also walking right before you get on is good. If you call the airline ahead of time, they will get a wheelchair for the airport on both ends of the flight. I would highly recommend that. Good luck!
Valerie Allen FYI based on J Alexander and DeWayne’s comments I might default to a few days more at the hotel. I ... Read more
Valerie Allen FYI based on J Alexander and DeWayne’s comments I might default to a few days more at the hotel. I have a connecting flight which adds time and energy.
I am looking at a second OHS due to increased aortic root aneurysm. I am post robotic mitral valve repair 5/2022. It is daunting to say the least, but certainly ...Read more
I am looking at a second OHS due to increased aortic root aneurysm. I am post robotic mitral valve repair 5/2022. It is daunting to say the least, but certainly feel far more prepared and educated going into this one. After getting 3 outside opinions, I am going to Cleveland Clinic. Was very fortunate to be offered a slot mid January 2024 with Dr. Eric Roselli. David procedure (aortic valve sparing) vs Bentall (includes tissue aortic valve) procedure. I have pre op tests, echo, ekg and consult w/ Dr. Roselli the end of the month. Working on logistics around surgery and being far from home. I have been noting all the suggestions and experiences others have shared on this board. We are probably going to book a suite at the nearby Residence Inn. I know I will learn more at the consult appointment, but generally how many days should I expect to be inpatient? (Barring no "bumps" in the road). How many days will I need to stay in town before being discharged to home? I have a friend in Cleveland area, so will recover there some of the time. Those who travel post surgery, when did you see your local cardiologist for follow up? Is there a later follow up appointment at CC?
Susan Lynn Oh, Patricia, I'm sorry you have to go through surgery, again, so soon. You're going to be in exce... Read more
Susan Lynn Oh, Patricia, I'm sorry you have to go through surgery, again, so soon. You're going to be in excellent hands with Dr. Roselli at the Cleveland Clinic. Wishing you all the best!
Marie Myers Wow, not the news you wanted to hear! Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery. Prayers for a pe ... Read more
Marie Myers Wow, not the news you wanted to hear! Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery. Prayers for a peaceful waiting period.
Jennifer Fuller I’m so sorry you have to have another surgery so soon after your first. I just had an aortic valve ... Read more
Jennifer Fuller I’m so sorry you have to have another surgery so soon after your first. I just had an aortic valve replacement and I’m worried about my aortic aneurysm growing larger. Hoping your surgery goes well. It sounds like you’ll be well prepared and in good hands.
Lyle KIMBRELL Best wishes Patricia. Roselli will be fresh off vacation by the time of your surgery. Well rested a ... Read more
Lyle KIMBRELL Best wishes Patricia. Roselli will be fresh off vacation by the time of your surgery. Well rested and ready to do his best work for you! Will keep you in our prayers!!
Valerie Allen I can answer a couple of your questions as I have been up there twice from S.C. though my surgery is ... Read more
Valerie Allen I can answer a couple of your questions as I have been up there twice from S.C. though my surgery is not until March. I am having aortic valve replacement, aneurysm and root repair. He told me 5-7 days in hospital and maybe 3 or so days in the area to come back for the first follow-up. We have booked a stay for a total of 2 weeks incl surgery as I think I’ll feel a bit more confident. Of course depending on recovery that could change. He said come back at 3 months. You have chosen an excellent surgeon.
Rose Madura Patricia, I can't imagine what it feels like to have to go through another OHS especially so soon. Go ... Read more
Rose Madura Patricia, I can't imagine what it feels like to have to go through another OHS especially so soon. Godspeed.
Pamela Gregory Patricia, I had Dr. Roselli last October for AVR and Aortic Root Replacement . I am from DE. I went ... Read more
Pamela Gregory Patricia, I had Dr. Roselli last October for AVR and Aortic Root Replacement . I am from DE. I went to Cleveland about 5 days before surgery for all of the tests (angiogram, covid, etc). I was in the hospital for 2 weeks because of a complication but most are 5 days to 1 week. Stayed in Cleveland for an additional 3 or 4 days then flew home. We stayed at my sister in laws which was only 30 mins away and extremely comfortable for me! For my first visit we stayed at a Holiday Inn that is only about 3 blocks from the Clinic and has a shuttle (very easy, not fancy but convenient and just fine) They offer a discount to CC patients too. If you have any other specific questions I would be happy to answer them to the best of my recollection
Patricia Miller Thank you for sharing your experiences and recommendations. Very helpful.
I am reaching out for recommendations for an aorta surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I had a robotic mitral valve repair 5/2022 in GA and may be looking ...Read more
I am reaching out for recommendations for an aorta surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I had a robotic mitral valve repair 5/2022 in GA and may be looking at an aortic root repair in 2024. CT showed slight increase to 5.1cm. Aortic valve is stable at mild to moderate regurgitation. I have not seen an aorta surgeon locally yet, but probably will this fall. Getting through arrythmia issues currently and happy to say I responded to Sotalol the day before a scheduled cardioversion for atrial flutter. I did not do a second opinion w/ my first OHS, but will do so this time because of many who have recommended it on this site. Thank you in advance for any suggestions you can share with me.
Rose Madura Hi Patricia, I don't have a recommendation but you can do a search on this site and find several doct ... Read more
Rose Madura Hi Patricia, I don't have a recommendation but you can do a search on this site and find several doctors at Mayo Clinic to research. Hope this helps
Has anyone switched from Metoprolol to Coreg (Carvedilol)? Any side effects from it? Also, my aortic root has been stable at 4.8 cm since I was diagnosed ...Read more
Has anyone switched from Metoprolol to Coreg (Carvedilol)? Any side effects from it? Also, my aortic root has been stable at 4.8 cm since I was diagnosed last year. Had robotic assisted Mitral valve repair. Currently w/ mild- moderate aortic valve regurgitation. For those who have had the aortic root repaired, at what point did you consult a surgeon? Hopefully mine will stay stable, but I plan to get a second opinion elsewhere at some point.
Greg Lewis I was switched. So far the Carvedilol side effects are normal beta blocker issues. Get winded easily, ... Read more
Greg Lewis I was switched. So far the Carvedilol side effects are normal beta blocker issues. Get winded easily, and one you don't need to worry about. Lol 😉
The first time years ago when it first came out of trials I was put on a high dose and it made me diz ... Read more
The first time years ago when it first came out of trials I was put on a high dose and it made me dizzy. I was just put back on Coreg but a smaller dose and haven't had any substantial side effects this time. The dizziness lessened over time and was only problematic for a couple of weeks.
My family stayed at the Residence Inn which was .5 mile away. Easy walk. I even walked to hospital on my surgery day. (I was afternoon case). CC has a shuttle that can take you to nearby hotels, so leaving the car at the hospital some of the time was a cheaper option than hotel parking. I had excellent care at CC. Only in ICU around 16-18 hrs. Had some arrythmia issues on back end of admission so ended up inpatient 11 days. Traveled home by plane that night. Very little pain. Airport wheelchair on departure and arrival ends were vital.
This surgery is definitely tougher in some ways. More restrictions till the 6 wk timeline when sternum is considered fused. Although my robotic surgery was longer from start to finish. I returned to work 3 1/2 wks s/p robotic surgery in 2022, but it was definitely too early. We all recover at different paces so my advice is listen to your body. It will be ok. It takes energy even if you primarily work at a desk. This week has been so much better for me. Making slow progress w/ walking, but progress always feels good.
Compression socks helped w/ post op swelling and circulation. Used medium which seemed to be best. High grade socks would have been too hard to get on and off first several days. Oversized button up shirt is easier to get on and off for first couple wks following discharge. I also had the pain in the back that others have spoken about. Felt like a golf ball size knot by my shoulder blade. Heat and massaging it seemed to help. Nearly resolved at 4 wks. I am fortunate and have not needed to sleep in a recliner. I figured out at about day 5 or 6 post surgery that I could lay down w/ a couple pillows pretty comfortably.
The first few days are a little rough bc of tubes and needing more help getting out of bed/walking. But it wasn't as bad as I expected. Having tubes pulled and temporary pacemaker pulled weren't bad either. The provider talks you through it. I do remember being extubated in the ICU but it was not traumatic. I was told to breathe out as they pulled it out. Went fast. My first surgery I was extubated before leaving the OR. Nausea, vomiting, and a parched mouth/throat were my biggest problem in the ICU this time. N and V resolved in a few hrs or so.
I am so relieved to have this surgery behind me. Waiting is the hardest part.
I did not know about this community and website till several months after my first surgery. Can not echo enough how valuable it has been to me. I am humbled by others (especially those that are much younger) and have found strength in journeys others have been on. The webinar educational opportunities on this site prepare and empower us and help ease the fear that sometimes creeps in. I hope some of my experiences can help someone else.
Be well.