atom's Heart Valve Journal

2 night of almost sleeping through YEAH! what a difference.
He's stopped complaining about all the pills he had to take just in time to start the Vitamin D today.
Last night he had a giggle that just killed him, we have two male cats that were great with my daughters 3 cats and we have a little female that stays in my part of the house. I let the boy cats drift into my room thinking they would behave, alas as soon as I sat down in the bathroom they were on the attack poor little girl. Atom said it was like they had it planned and laughed, but couldnt get them away from her. His heart was racing he really sounds like the crock in Peter Pan : ) Everyday is a little better.
He is still using the walker and has moments of extreme crankiness. But all in all it is better.
He is eating better but watches a lot of tv which is sort of annoying for me but I can live with it. I just have to get him walking, the heat is coming so he must start soon.
Thats all for today..holding you all close..recovery forward!
Love Janet

Hi Everyone...Its the Mom, Janet just thought I'd pop in Atom had a terrible, terrible night last night but he's great today..Im walking into walls but he's good..Im having trouble with the up and down-ness of his moods & phy. recovery..he even sat outside for a bit.
Ive read some journal and there is such a wide range of recoveries, I wish his would have gone more smoothly but it hasnt. I'll be glad to see the PC on Thursday this breathing thing is making me nuts and really hindering him. I think if I can get some reassurence from the PC I might be able to start giving him a little push, right now I just cant.
I am ever so thankful for all of you, holding you all close in your recoveries and your care givers as well.

Love The Momma/Janet

I guess Atom just over did yesterday, he was ever so excited for his Big Sister to arrive, bringing gifts of special homemade cookies, and a custom made penguin. He hit the hay early but was up at least 3 times. He's on the oxygen concentrator this am and is resting still, 11 am.
His sides hurt, is that from the breathing exercises? He ate better yesterday but Im having trouble/worry about any fat, chicken strips are his favorite, blotting the oil or is it just juice. I feel like I question everything I do.
He's has only been outside to go to the Doctor and today is windy and it appears a storm may be headed this way.
I was short with him yesterday he doesnt like to take the iron pill but he did take his blood thinner on time by himself. His sister suggested we start that and its a good idea in case Im ever not around. He has a cool new phone, timing was perfect for an upgrade and he sets the alarm. He weights himself daily and tells me when he's had a bm.
Although he's 22 he is still very young with slight learning disabilities. His heath now is a huge responsibility. I found out the reason his surgery was bumped up was because a lady who had open heart surgery 5 weeks before was back at the hospital with a heart attack, a blood clot, perhaps she wasnt watching her blood thinner meds? Scared me and him so I think he'll keep on track with it.
I wish I could feel he's being a baby abput some of this but in my heart of hearts I know he is not this is huge, so much bigger than we thought it would be.
With his older sister here maybe I can get a break. Her boy friend is a gem and the hugs from him yesterday were a comfort.
Well this is starting to sound whiney so I'll sign off for now. Thank you ever so much for all the words of support it means so much to both of us.
Much Love to all of you, The Momma

So sorry it been so long with an update, so Atom had the surgery on the 25th of March and came home the 1st today is the 10th. We were to the PCP on the 7th, chest tube incisions look yucky and his breathing is bad. He tires very easily, no nap today and he was wiped out by 9pm. PCP put him back on breathing treatments here at home to help expand his lungs. He has excepted that he must take his pain meds to sleep and do his breathing excercises.
He still hasnt slept through the night yet, perhaps tonight?
This is a really slow go. He has bruises, bad ones everywhere.
He is however so thankful for every little thing. When I get really tired I just look at him and know how close I came to losing him and Im thankful too.
He's still using the walker but we're still adjusting meds. His coumadin was just raised on Friday so Thursday we have another blood draw. We can hear the valve clicking its kind of cool but strange too.
So Atom is home and on the mend however slow it may be.
Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
G'night The Mom