Cheryl's Heart Valve Journal

Today marks one year since my surgery and I want to officially sign in one last time before saying goodbye. I have met some absolutely wonderful friends on this site and wish to thank each and every one of you for your kind journal entries and e-mails offering support, advice and encouragement. I kept my journal private from my friends and family, only giving out access most recently. This was my own little battlefield where I felt free to air my doubts and concerns without worry of upsetting or instilling fear in those closest to me. I already share e-mails with many of my friends here and will continue to do so. I will continue to follow some friends here through their recoveries as well. The caring never stops.
Adam was just starting this site when I first signed on so there weren’t nearly as many members with which to correspond. I feel very fortunate to have had this resource available to me throughout my surgery and recovery. The support I found here was instrumental in helping me understand and accept what I was going through. I wasn’t alone.
I wish to thank my dear husband Peter (who never touches a computer) for his continued love and support. He has been my champion. My sons and family have always been here for us and readily offer help. Most of my friends live out of town but they still made time to see to our needs. My girlfriends Jonny, Bonnie, Rosie, Christine and Linda saw we had a freezer full of meals and sweetbread treats. My daughter-in-law Christa remains to be the best ever, always taking on my responsibilities as if they were her own. Friends sent flowers, fruit and treats until I had to say stop already – the fridge was full. As you all know, it’s when the times get toughest that you find out who your real friends are and Peter and I are so blessed with so many. I also thank Pete’s Rotary Club, his countless friends and of course his golf for helping to keep him grounded and occupied during this past year.
I consider my health restored even though I am a work in progress. The cardiologist is tweaking my meds. My next full cardio check-up is in December but I don’t expect any bad news. I have learned so much from others here that I will attend that appointment loaded with questions seeking technical answers to so I can better monitor my heart health. I walk and exercise regularly. I am grateful for the health I have and thank God every day for giving me the ability to continue to enjoy my life.
I am one of the very lucky ones and feel my surgery and recovery were relatively smooth with none of the major obstacles some here have suffered. Lori B was a devastating loss and a lady I won’t soon forget. Kimberly continues to fight with poise and courage and I will be keeping her and her family in my prayers. I will never, ever forget the poignant journals written by David as he sat at Kimberly’s bedside pouring his heart out. He wrote the very thoughts that go through every spouse’s mind at such a time. I have to thank David for sharing his most private feelings and say again how lucky Kimberly and he are to have found each other. David and Kimberly I shall keep you in my prayers and hopefully your future will be much brighter soon. Please stay in touch.
Adam, you are amazing. I close by thanking you for the privilege to be a part of the Heart Valve Journal family. I wish you and your family all the best and will keep everyone here in my prayers. I pray for your continued good health.

Reality has struck a serious and terrifying blow today. I've been trying not to read between the lines in Adam's postings but it was becoming very evident that Lori, one of our HVJ family was in serious trouble following her surgery Friday. I have been constantly getting back into the journals watching for an update and praying for her recovery but sadly it just was not to be.

It is impossible for each of us here not to relate to the fear and doubts we went through ourselves facing surgery and as each new patient and family comes along, we so easily can identify with what they are going through. Now sadly we will share in the tears, loss and grief Lori's death will cause.

Somehow we will have to accept this tragedy and remember to keep Lori and her very dear family in our thoughts and prayers. This truly is a sad day.

Finally, today I called the surgeon's office to ask about my continuance on Warfarin. Dr. Latter was good enough to get right back to me saying it was long past time. Obviously there was a breakdown in my general physician's office in reading Dr. Latter's discharge letter. Oh well, no harm done in taking the rat poison for an extra 5 months. My daily pill box may yet be put out to rest! It pays to do your own follow-ups according to your surgeon's letters when you are dealing with more than one doctor. When in doubt, ASK.

Hi Everyone - just wanted to share my 8 month post-op visit with my cardiologist yesterday. I haven't had an echo or any other form of testing since December so based upon that and what I have or haven't been feeling, I'm in good shape. The doctor isn't concerned with my existing pvc's, missed, double and triple heart beats. He told me to not be concerned with the leaky tricuspid - that lots of people have those, nor to worry about the little bit of aortic insufficiency or the trace regurgitation left by my repaired mitral valve. He doesn't expect me to be further bothered by any of this. My next visit in December will be a technical one.

I asked how much longer I'll be on Warfarin and he asked me who prescribed it. Well, it was the surgeon so he suggested I contact the surgeon and get permission and advice on stopping. I had a repair but am still plagued with an irregular heart beat so I thought that had something to do with my continued use. I'll see what he has to say and then perhaps run it past my family doctor. I don't mind taking it but now that summer is here and my extremeties are more exposed, my husband isn't looking too good when it comes to all of the wicked bruising I am exposing.

The doctor recommends I remain on the Beta Blocker as it gives my heart a break and my body is getting accustomed to it, meaning, I don't always feel quite so lathargic. He wants me to continue rehab until December. That is something he provides within his office and is being paid for by our health system.

About once per day I still get a reminder of the extreme palpitations that still exist but it beats the 15-18 per day I was getting. My scar is fading and I think, hardly noticeable when I wear a "v" neck but yes, lower than that it is definitely a big pink crooked mark. The tube hole scars are also pretty significant but then, no one is seeing all of that.

I am feeling what "normal" people must feel like.

Thank you once again Adam for writing your book, your blog and this HVJ site. Being able to get a patient's perspective of surgery and recovery went a very long way in how I perceived the process. The work you have done is truly amazing.

Thank you as well to my husband, my family and friends and to my friends here on HVJ.

Wishing you all happy mended hearts.