Fran's Heart Valve Journal

Those of us who have had our surgeries know the importance of cardiac exercise. This is an unsolicited and unpaid endorsement for Leslie Sansone walking tapes. I just returned from my 4 mile walking "class" where we walked to her video. We walk in place, move forward and back, knee lifts, leg kicks and some of it is accompanied with arm exercises. It's a great cardio and overall workout but can be done at your pace if you are a beginner. My surgery was March 2010 and have done this class 3 times a week since I finished cardiac rehab, about 1 1/2 years. I have beautiful weather here in south Florida but I get more out of this workout than walking outside. So, consider getting the tape and doing it at home. There is one that has 1, 2, 3 and 4 miles, so you can pick and choose. PS, I'm the oldest one in my class. Wishing all of you great health. I enjoy seeing my surgeon's smiling face on this site every time I sign in, thanks Dr. Gillinov and Adam.

Had valve surgery last year and am on coumadin (have been for 15 years). Need to have a colonoscopy and internist tells me I need to co-ordinate with my cardio and now that I've had valve surgery I may have to be admitted, put on heparin right up till the colonoscopy is done. Can anyone share their experience? Prior to surgery all I had to do was go off the coumadin for 5 days prior and then resume right afterwards. Will say, it did male me nervous to be off the coumadin that long. By the way, I am in a-fib, thus the need for the coumadin. Good luck to all who are having their surgeries, be positive, all will be well.

Got your message this morning (Sunday), but don't know how to reach you and can't find you in the journals. Please get back to me if you want info.

Since I awakened this morning I am constantly remembering that is was a year ago that I was in the operating room at the Cleveland Clinic where Dr Gillinov gave me a bovine mitral valve, repaired my tricuspid and performed a MAZE procedure. Hubby Pete and daughters Chris and Teresa waited in the family waiting room for the good news. Son Steve and family and friends were with me in spirit and I felt their presence. Like everyone else who has reached this milestone I am amazed how quickly it has passed.

My early recovery had some minor setbacks with fluid in my lungs which had to be drained in outpatient procedures with minimal discomfort and great relief in my ability to breath deeply. My blood pressure is not where it should be even with multiple drug changes. But we're getting there. Earlier this year spent four days in the hospital with shortness of breath and fluid retention. All tests showed my valves were working fine and the probable cause was a medication that has fluid retention as a side effect.

The plus side is increased stamina, no shortness of breath and over all better health. Even got to walk around at 6000 feet elevation at Yosemite last October. Something I never would have been able to accomplish earlier. Even my cardiologist was surprised. I walk at least ten miles a week, eat healthily and stay positive.Life is good.

I am thankful to God for His presence in my life. Pete, my children, family and friends played an immense role in my recovery and I am truly blessed.

I have met so many wonderful people on this site (thank you again, Adam) and have met Capt'n Bill and Duane and Peggy twice,( two nicer people you could never meet).I still read some of the journals and follow a few people and even reply every now and then. You will always be part of my life and those of you awaiting your surgeries, know that there are great days ahead, be positive, it goes a long way. Love you.

Fran