On July 5, 2011...

Christy, you mentioned weight issues - is that from fluid retention and do you know what causes the fluid retension ... and is this fluid retention just a normal side effect.

My surgery is a week from today. I thought I had all my questins lined up for the Doctor but new ones keep croping up.

So happy you are doing so well, wow, 3 weeks that is amazing...and yes, we do have an AWAZING GOD. Thanks for sharing your faith and positive thoughts

Emilyrae Helfen

Christy Naughton Hi Emilyrae,

I had fluid build up a year before surgery. I was on 80 mg of lasix a day. My heart h ... Read more

Christy Naughton Hi Emilyrae,

I had fluid build up a year before surgery. I was on 80 mg of lasix a day. My heart had to work harder due to 2 valves leaking in severe category. This created extra fluid in my lungs and body. I had a horrible cough to.

My first 2 weeks out from surgery, I did gain 5 pounds due to excess fluid. They insert drainage tubes during surgery to help with the excess fluids in your body. The tubes will be take out a few days after surgery. NO BIG DEAL!!! I promise! I actually ended up losing 10 pounds since then. BUT, I needed to! I need to lose 15 more! HA!

Don't be worried about this! It takes a little while for your body to get back to normal! I would forget to prop up my feet while sitting- and would look down to see puffy feet. Just take care of your body. They should go thru with you everything to do while recovering and things to look out for. I learnd a lot in my cardiac class in the hospital, during my stay, and also all of the reading material they gave me.

When in doubt, ask on this website. Someone always responds back. I will be more than happy to share things too!!! ANYTIME!

You can do it, Emilyrae!!!!

:)

Christy

On July 4, 2011...

Hey Christy,

Its great to hear all the good news of recovery. Our prayers are with you!
We are leaving for Greece on July 6th for 10 days on our mission trip. All of you take care and keep improving. We will look forward to the next bit of good news.

Al

Christy Naughton Al, I love you man!!!!!!! Your posts in my journal have meant soooo much!!!! Good luck on your missio ... Read more

Christy Naughton Al, I love you man!!!!!!! Your posts in my journal have meant soooo much!!!! Good luck on your mission trip!!!! That's awesome that you are going!!!!!

Be safe, Al!!!!!!!

Christy

On July 2, 2011...

Hi Christy!!!!!!! So glad to hear all of your good reports!!!!! Can't wait for u and Matt to visit. Lee says he wants to go to see Zookeeper with us!!!!!!! My nice long driveway will be perfect for late afternoon walks!!! You r a great inspiration to all of us!! Love, Mama.

On July 2, 2011...

Christy, ...did my 10 minute mile on the "dreadmill" yesterday, that's 6 mph. You gotta do that to catch me, but I expect you will be catching and passing me before too long...keep up the good work, Lady! ...Barry on the mtn in NM

On July 2, 2011...

Hi Christy,
Two weeks post-op and you walked a mile? I hope I'll be able to say the same.
8 more days until I get my new valve!!

Sheila Garrison

Christy Naughton Go Sheila go!!!!!!! :)

By the way, my surgeon did prescribe a few zanex for me to take at night, a w ... Read more

Christy Naughton Go Sheila go!!!!!!! :)

By the way, my surgeon did prescribe a few zanex for me to take at night, a week before surgery. They were very helpful.

Christy

On July 2, 2011...

Hey Christy... did some research and figured out what might be slowing me down. I was put on prednisone for the inflammation and fluid around my lungs. Well...very common side effects of coming off are: fatigue, muscle weakness, low grade fever, dizziness and wouldn't you know it but I have ALL of them. So... I am only on it for 3 more days as I taper and then I should slowly start feeling better a few more days after that. Sort of sucks but I just have to wait this one out.

You are doing awesome!!!
Take Care
Mari :)

Christy Naughton Mari, hang in there!!!! Golly, you went thru some major stuff!!!!!!!! And, medication in general is N ... Read more

Christy Naughton Mari, hang in there!!!! Golly, you went thru some major stuff!!!!!!!! And, medication in general is NO fun!!!!!! Grrrrrr!!!!!!

I don't know how you are doing this with twins!!!!! I have sooooooo much respect for you!!!!

Have a good night!!!!

Christy

On July 2, 2011...

Christy, it was just awesome to see you out and about with Dennis and Matt. When you walked in my office, I was a bit taken back. to see you out. You looked great! You should be so proud to have come so far so fast. Take care and get plenty of rest, Janice

On July 1, 2011...

Christy...the website does not alert when there is a response to a guestbook comment. Might be something worth mentioning to see if they can add that feature.

I am impressed with the fact that you have started working on chores. I feel like my process is slow...not there yet. I weighed 93lbs going into surgery and have lost some weight since then. I think that is my problem. I just don't have the energy and am trying to force my appetite back. There really isn't much pain, just low energy. My HR is still pretty high but the nurse today said it is normal and will calm down once it adjusts.

Take Care Christy...
Tell your son Happy Birthday. My twin boys are 8. I will post a picture of them tomorrow

Talk to you soon
Mari :)

On July 1, 2011...

Hi Christy,

I've been following your journal and think I remembered that you're a band director, right? Do you have a plan as to how to build or get back your upper body strength/movement? Has this been discussed with your doctor or cardiac rehab nurse?

Sheila Garrison

On June 30, 2011...

Hey Christy... Just curious what your resting heart rate is. Mine seems to stay around 115 but then shoots up rapidly whenever I do anything. I know this is all part of the normal process but just wondering what others are experiencing.

Take Care and Talk to You Soon
Mari :)

Christy Naughton Mari, I took my resting heart rate today...it was around 82. BUT, the second I change positions, it ... Read more

Christy Naughton Mari, I took my resting heart rate today...it was around 82. BUT, the second I change positions, it goes a little crazy. My firsts week home, I thought as though my heart were a race horse! It was nuts! I could feel it especially in my neck. My cardiologist and surgeon told me that it would calm down over a few weeks. My valves are working now- so my body has to get used to it.

It has calmed down a little this week.

Christy

On June 29, 2011...

Hello Christy...I try to take at least 1 nap each day and that seems to help. It is funny how you feel good in the mornings and evenings and those are my 2 rough times. It is so hard to get out of the recliner in the morning and I am just completely exhausted by the end of the day.

I am trying to now work on my exercise schedule each day so that I can get stronger.

Take Care
Follow Your Heart
Mari :)

Christy Naughton Mari, think about sleeping back in your bed. I prop up 2 huge pillows, plus a smaller sofa pillow at ... Read more

Christy Naughton Mari, think about sleeping back in your bed. I prop up 2 huge pillows, plus a smaller sofa pillow at night on my bed. My recliner reminds too much of the hospital bed. I rarely slept in the hospital due to the bed. :( That might help your mornings go smoother. I don't know...

Hang in there, Mari! You're not alone!!!!

:)

Christy

On June 28, 2011...

Hi Mrs. Naughton!

Feel better soon! You are amazing. I can't wait to help my mama make you lemon bars :)

-Amber Roth

Christy Naughton Hey Amber! I'm on medicaion that makes me have a metallic taste in my mouth all of the time. I don' ... Read more

Christy Naughton Hey Amber! I'm on medicaion that makes me have a metallic taste in my mouth all of the time. I don't want those preciouse lemon bars to go to waste! :) I should be off meds in a week and a half! :) I'll keep ya'll posted! :)

Thank you so much, Amber!!!!!

Christy

On June 28, 2011...

Hello Christy...thank you for writing to me. I am thrilled to know that someone who is also 39 went through something similar and has an inside understanding. Sorry to hear that it was both of your valves. My surgery was the aorta valve with ascending aorta repair but I am sure all outward symptoms are similar.

How are you feeling? Sometimes I still feel like I have been run over by a truck, especially first thing in the morning. I guess I am still a little worried that I will end up back in the hospital. :( I keep trying to remind myself that it is early days yet

I too am grateful for my future potential...haven't seen it yet although everyone tells me the bluish tint around my eyes is gone. Never knew I had that. My new valve is a little loud and sometimes it freaks me out. I sleep with white noise to help take my mind off it when it is quiet. Did you get 2 mechanical valves?

I would love to hear how you are doing so please write back...

All the Best
Follow Your Heart
Mari :)

On June 27, 2011...

Hey Christy and Dennis,

You have been in my prayers. I can't wait to see you Christy; hang in there and get that infection under control. Let us know when you need a little visit or some help around the house.

Much love,

Mary

Christy Naughton Love you Mary! We are doing fine. Praise the Lord for my awesome, spectacular husband!!!!! :) I a ... Read more

Christy Naughton Love you Mary! We are doing fine. Praise the Lord for my awesome, spectacular husband!!!!! :) I am about to go nuts though....due to not being able to drive yet. :) Just enjoy your summer!!!! Thank you for the notes that you post here! They make my day!

Love ya, M!!!!

Christy

On June 27, 2011...

Christy, I give GOD the glory that Drs. found the problem and can treat it!!!!!! I know u r on your way home as I write. I know a little boy that is going to be SO HAPPY to be with his Mom!!!!!!!!!!!! Give Matt a kiss for me tonight ,as he says his prayers. Love u lots, Mama.

On June 27, 2011...

Hi Christy!!

Hurry home, I have my oven ready to make you
lemon bars. Call me if you need any help, I am home all the time, trying to learn algebra.

Take Care,
Elizabeth Roth

On June 26, 2011...

Hi Mom, I am so happy u r going home in the AM!!!!! I can't wait to see u and Dad!!!!! Love, Matt

Christy Naughton Matty!!!!! I love you sooooooo much!!!!!!! I can't wait to see you tomorrow!!!!!!!! I missed you so m ... Read more

Christy Naughton Matty!!!!! I love you sooooooo much!!!!!!! I can't wait to see you tomorrow!!!!!!!! I missed you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know you had a blast with GMA!!!!!!!!!!!!

On June 26, 2011...

Whoops, forgot to tell you who that message is from - it's Audrey Murphy :-) Hang in there!

Christy Naughton Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for your post!! That meant a lot to me!!!!

I hope Charlie had a great bda ... Read more

Christy Naughton Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for your post!! That meant a lot to me!!!!

I hope Charlie had a great bday!!!!

Christy

On June 26, 2011...

Hi, Christy - I am sorry to hear that you are back in the hospital. I'm sure it's just a minor setback. Thinking about you and sending positive energy your way!

Christy Naughton Thank you so much!

On June 26, 2011...

I was sorry to read you were back in the hospital. I hope you are doing better and will be back home soon. I will keep you in my prayers.
Tia Phillips

Christy Naughton Thank you so much Tia!!!! :)

On June 25, 2011...

Good night, Mom!!!!! Love u, Matt.

On June 25, 2011...

Hi Mom, Lee and I loved the movie!!!!!!! We like Cars 2 better than Cars 1. We all hope u r feeling 100% better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love GMA, LEE,and Matt

On June 25, 2011...

Dear Christy,
Your Mother wrote me that you were back in the hospital and I don`t like that one bit. Remember I am still praying for you and will continue to pray for you so get well soon.
Blessings,
Jane Gaston

Christy Naughton Thank you so much Jane! I'm feeling better every day! Keep the prayers coming!

Christy :)

On June 25, 2011...

Hi Matty!!!!! How was the movie?

Love,
Mama

On June 25, 2011...

I am glad that Dennis told me about this site. My daughter Sarah was on colorguard last year, so I got his email baout your surgery, the day before my mother in law went in for hers. She had her aortic valve replaced yesterday with a cow valve. Her surgery started at 8:30 and she came off the vent and external pacemaker before 3:00 in the afternoon. She was eating ice chips and drinking that evening and today she has spent most of the day up in a chair. They have removed her swan and arterial line today, and will remove the chest tubes this afternoon. He biggest thing right now is nausea after being up for so long and pain meds. She is doing great. I hope that your stay is short and that you continue to recover at a fast pace. - Kim

Christy Naughton Hi Kim! I hope your mother is doing well! I'm so glad things went smoothly! Please let me know how ... Read more

Christy Naughton Hi Kim! I hope your mother is doing well! I'm so glad things went smoothly! Please let me know how she's doing.

Christy Naughton

On June 25, 2011...

Hi MOM, I love you!!!!!!!!!! Matt

On June 25, 2011...

Good morning,Christy, My sweet friend from Jax. Fla. has called twice about you!!!!!! U r known FAR AND WIDE!!!!!!!!!!! I am so thankful the Dr. saw you last night. PIEDMONT ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! Prayers r going up. You sounded chipper on the phone this AM. Matt and I r going to see Cars 2 @ 2:15 today. REST,REST!!!!!!!

On June 25, 2011...

Hang in there cuz! Feel better soon, we are thinking about you! Jeff

Christy Naughton Thanks Cuz!!!!! I just walked all of 3rd floor!!!! Wahooooo!!!!

Cuz

On June 25, 2011...

Hi Christy. Sorry about the setback. Hang in there and stay positive! Jon Farmer

Christy Naughton Hey Jon, thank you for your post! :)

Christy

On June 24, 2011...

Dang, Girl....you sure do know how to bounce out of the dips in the road fast! You continue to be an inspiration to me. Thanks.

Sheila Garrison

On June 24, 2011...

Hi Mom, Allie, Amanda, GMA,and I went to Pizza Hut for lunch. We did some shopping with the girls. Lee is coming to see me later!!!!! Gma and I r going to see Cars 2 Sat. Love u ,Matt

Christy Naughton Have fun today, Matty!!!! Love you!!!!
Mama

On June 24, 2011...

Christy, ...never really had any tummy issues related to the sugery. I can tell you not to drink chocolate milk at 3 or 4 AM and then go running at 6 or 7 cause, at least for an older GI system it causes gas and embarassing requirements to go to the woods. I do know some pain meds or other meds will cause tummy issues and usually the medical people know to prescribe a tummy calmer with them, or they just give the tummy calmer to you. A question for the doc...if you are on a pain med, it could be the cause....Barry on the mtn in NM...highly intimidated by tomorrow's 12 mile training run!

On June 24, 2011...

I'm so glad to hear that everything is going well with you--especially the Coumadin. Don't be surprised if one test it goes totally crazy--it happens. In a period of a week mine went from 2.5 to 1.2 to 3.6 and finally settled at 2.5 for the rest of the week. (Had a GI bug that left me dehydrated and that really messes everything up.)

Talk to your doctor about testing your PT/INR at home. I have been doing it for over a year and it is so much better than having to drive to the doctor's office (30 min one way) and spend 5 minutes in there and drive back home or work (add another 20 min).

Tim
Greensboro, NC

On June 24, 2011...

Christy, u will be so proud, I just called Dr. Jones and spoke to his nurse!!!!!! She is going to let him know his Gamecock's good news!!!!!!!!!

If anyone out there ,in ATL. land, needs a GREAT pediatric cardiologist, please see Dr. David W. Jones!!!!!!! He saw Christy thru college!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He ,now ,has even seen my grandson!!!!!!!!!!!! FABULOUS DR>!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christy Naughton Oh silly Madre!!!!

I hope you guys have a great day!!!!! Big day! Cars2 comes out!!!!!

Thank you fo ... Read more

Christy Naughton Oh silly Madre!!!!

I hope you guys have a great day!!!!! Big day! Cars2 comes out!!!!!

Thank you for everything!!!!! Love you!!!!

Christy

On June 24, 2011...

Hi Christy!
I love reading your post and I am so glad you are doing well. I've only met you once but I feel like I know you well. I work with Dennis at FBHS. He is a super nice guy! You can see his eyes light up when he talks about you. You both are truely so lucky to have each other. Good luck at the doctor today!
Continue the wonderful progress you are making,
Janice

On June 24, 2011...

Hi MOM , I had a GREAT day with Aunt Courtney, Lee ,his friend ,Wes, and Amanda!!! Allie spent night with a friend. Aunt Courtney took us to a park and I rode the train!!!! We swam in th lake and ate tacos for dinner!!!! Thank u,Aunt Courtney!!!!!! Mom, I will talk to you later.Have a GREAT day!!!!! Love, Matt

On June 24, 2011...

Hi Christy, That is WONDERFUL news that u r not tired!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will be waiting to hear Dr. check-up report!!!!!!Love, Mama

On June 24, 2011...

Hey Christy,

These have been some great reports during the last couple of days! Please continue to follow the Docs orders and stay on the recovery path. Our prayers are still being lifted up for you each day.

Take care --Girl!
Al

Christy Naughton Thank you Al!!!!!! :). Will do!!!!

Cn

On June 23, 2011...

Hi Mom, I miss u!!!!! We r going to Aunt Coutney's house. We r going to IHOP first for breakfast. Love u, Matt

Christy Naughton Matty!!!!!! It sounds like you had another perfect day!!!!!!! I hope all of you have another great da ... Read more

Christy Naughton Matty!!!!!! It sounds like you had another perfect day!!!!!!! I hope all of you have another great day!!!!!! Have tons of fun!!!!!! Mama and daddy love you!!!!!

Love,
Mama

On June 22, 2011...

Your progress is a big inspiration. I go in next Thursday to replace aorta valve and part of the aorta, and I am a bit freaked out. Your story is giving me good vibes -- thanx.

Kent Kersey

Christy Naughton Kent, you can do it!!!! Did you read Adam Pick's book?

Take it one day at a time.

:)

Christy

On June 22, 2011...

Good for you, Christy...walkin the halls at the hospital and getting in walking at home. You are definitely the leader of the band, no doubt. Keep adding time/distance...and I hope you participate in a cardiac rehab program. These programs can do wonders for you....Barry on the mtn in NM

Christy Naughton Barry!!!!! Sup with you?!?!?!

I think of you everytime I go to walk!!!!! Of course I will do the car ... Read more

Christy Naughton Barry!!!!! Sup with you?!?!?!

I think of you everytime I go to walk!!!!! Of course I will do the cardiac rehab!!!! I feel like I already started. :)

Did you have tummy issues, Barry, after surgery?I will be 2 weeks out on Tuesday. Just wondering.

Christy

On June 22, 2011...

Hi Christy, It sounds like u had a very busy day!!!!! Good exercise. I know someone in that house that will not let you overdo!!!!!!!! Good night. Talk to u tomorrow. Love, Mama

On June 22, 2011...

Hey Christy! Things got a little crazy around here, but I have been checking your progress! Glad to see that things are moving in the right direction. Now relax, take it easy and NO STRESS so you are better soon!

Carolyn L.

Christy Naughton Oh Carolyn, I've been thinking about you guys!!!!! I hope all is well or ok. Thank you for posting! I ... Read more

Christy Naughton Oh Carolyn, I've been thinking about you guys!!!!! I hope all is well or ok. Thank you for posting! I take baby steps each day! I can't believe this happened last week!!!!! Take care and let me know how y'all are doing!!!! No stress!!!!! Amen!!!!!

Christy

On June 22, 2011...

Hi Mom, we got chocolate chip cookies!!! I liked the movie!!! Lee did , too!!!!!! We have already done our workbooks for today!!!!! We will read to GMA tonight!!!! I hope u have had a GREAT day!!!!!!! I love u, Matt

Christy Naughton Hi Matty! I'm so glad you had another great day!!!!! GMA rocks!!!!!!!! Remember to do all of the work ... Read more

Christy Naughton Hi Matty! I'm so glad you had another great day!!!!! GMA rocks!!!!!!!! Remember to do all of the work she asks you to complete!!!! Can't wait to see your workbook!!!! I love you lots Matty!!!! I'm working hard to get well!!!!

Love,
Mama

On June 22, 2011...

Hi Christy!!!! Hope u slept well last night. Know it is better than the hospital!!!!! Matt's arm is fine!!!!!!!! We r going to the 12:30 movie !!!!! Have a GREAT day!!! Love, Mama

Christy Naughton Thank you so much Mama!!!!!!! I hope you and the boys have a fun night!!!! I know Matty is having a t ... Read more

Christy Naughton Thank you so much Mama!!!!!!! I hope you and the boys have a fun night!!!! I know Matty is having a ton of fun!!!!! He sounds sooooo happy!!!!! Love you lotsMama!!!!!!!!!!!!!