Diana,

Great news on the check up.. It is great to hear that all is going well for you and I hope it continues so.

Best wishes,

Mark
Keller, TX

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everything sounds so good!! I'm 8 weeks out (tomorrow) and I can't believe how good I feel. I just got home from rehab and I'm feeling so much stronger than before I started. I don't remember the last time I had energy. I'm sure you'll feel the same.

Enjoy driving. Freedom!
Ricki

Hi Diana
You are doing so well.I remember reading about your weak and fainting spells before surgery and here you are climbing a hill and doing well. The surgeries we have are truly amazing. You will progress even more with rehab. I am getting a lot out of mine. I'm looking forward to being able to walk outside again, but it will be a couple of months with the heat and humidity we have here in SW FL. Take care.
Fran

Hi Diana

That journal entry is wonderful. You have overcome your setbacks and are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Oddly enough I've found my incision to be a weathervane as well. Thank goodness it doesn't radiate light!

Take care.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Diana,

Glad to hear you are feeling a little better. I too stopped taking pain medication, but found myself needing some on Sunday. The incision is sore and tender, but I guess in time this will go away. Stay well and take care.

Elaine

Hi Diana

Thanks for writing in my guestbook. I've totally been following your surgery and recovery and you have had your share of roadblocks. I'm surprised and happy to see your attitude is still pretty good considering. You will get through this.

Keeping you in my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Diana
Remember my adage, measure your progress by the week, not the day and you
ll see you've made great progress. I assume this tight band feeling is all muscular and nothing else? If so, have you tried moist heat packs to relax the muscles? Also, may be worth a try to take a pain pill just before you know you will be doing a deed that you know will cause pain (bumpy road), etc. then it may keep the pain from worsening.Just a thought. Take care.
Fran

Diana,
So glad to hear of your progress......sorry you had so much pain resulting in the pain meds being utilized again. You have come so far, and I am sure will continue moving forward as the days go on.
Theresa C

Hi Diana

Recovery certainly can be a three step forward and two back kinda thing but the gains are outweighing the losses it seems. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi again
You both must be sure you're with the right person after this length of time. It is sad that an unhappy event will cause a happy event but sometimes guess that's the way things must be.
Fran

Hi Diana
Thanks for the note. Isn't amazing how quickly time heals our bodies. The whole process is pretty miraculous to think about. You went from passing out on exertion to incline climbing in a few weeks. Glad your MS is under control without medication. Personal question--any date been set yet? How great to be a healthy wife/partner. No looking back!
Fran

Hi Diana,

Happy to hear that things are finally going in the right direction. May all the coming days be great days.

Stay well.

Elaine

Very cool!!!

You sound so much better this week! Isn't it amazing how much difference each week makes?? I hope your MS symptoms are at bay as well.

I went into the office today and ended up climbing a bunch of stairs so I could go see our renovation project in our dormatory. I was off of breath when I got to the top but not as bad as I was pre-surgery so I considered it a success. I think once I start rehab I'll do even better.

Have a great 4th of July!
Ricki

Hi Diana
Amazing how time can heal! You really tested yourself with your uphill walk and apparently you really surprised yourself. There's no going backwards now, remember that. Is your trigeminal neuralgia under control? Hope you'll get permission to drive when you see your doctor. Rehab will be next and you'll be all "grown up" and able to drive yourself! That's when the real big steps get taken in your recovery. You are a strong woman and have overcome a lot, but the end prize, a healthy heart, is so worth it.
Fran

Diana, "how cool is that?". Extra cool, considering all you've been through. It's so good to hear that you're feeling some improvement now. Keep getting better!

Joy Vera

Hi Diana

Really sorry to hear you are receiving some unwanted communication from your MS. I'm keeping you in my prayers that it is just because of the stress you've been under and once you begin to really see progress, you'll relax and remission will set in. My girlfriend's daughter finds she sees more signs of her MS when she's overstressed and overtired.

My left breast was horribly painful for the longest time post-op and while I tried many things, in the end it eventually just went away but it took many months. For all that pain I would have expected "perky"!

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Diana,

You certainly have had your share of ups and downs. Hoping that all the days ahead are good days for you.

I too am still taking pain medication. Today is the first day I didn't take any pain medication during the day and find that the motrin didn't help much. Definitely will take something for pain before I go to sleep.

Take care and speedy recovery.

Elaine

Hi Diana
You're probably saying, what else? You've had more than your share. there's no answer to why some people sail thru their post op period and others have problems. When I kept having fluid problems in my lungs and had to go twice to have it removed, I thought why? Almost had to go a third time, but it never got worse. Adam did address his problems in his book, Vicodan addiction and depression. Even if we had a list of all the possible complications and the % of occurence, we'd still go thru with our surgeries, because we all believe that after we recover we will be healthier than before. I'm praying things get easier for you and no MS flareup.
Fran

Diana!

Where to start . . . MS?? I'm so sorry. I'm sure it complicates surgery and recovery. I hope you can figure out pain meds that help without making you woozy.

The incision thing is just annoying. No one warned me about that. My breasts hurt, the incision itself feels worse than ever . . . Tylenol and Advil do nothing! Like you, I can only wear soft, low cut t-shirts and the shoulder harness in the car kills me . . . even with a cloth between it and me.

I've had a tough week too (I'm not writing about it on my journal because I don't want mom to know . . .) I had an emergency CT scan of my lungs on Tuesday because they thought I might have an embolism (I had terrible pain in my left lung.) Turned out no embolism (ysy!) and the pain has gone away. BUT, I have pluresy on the right side. That was ok until last night when I got into bed. Suddenly I was in horrible pain and had trouble breathing. I almost had Ron take me to the ER when I took stronger drugs and propped myself up in bed. After an hour, I could lay down again.

I don't know about you, but I don't think I was prepared for these kinds of ups and downs. (I knew there would be good days and not so good days but I feel I'm on a much bigger (and longer) roller coaster than I expected.)

But the good news is I do feel stronger (most days) and I am looking forward to starting rehab next week.

I hope you start feeling better SOON!!

Ricki

Ok, I just saw that David signed right before me and I didn't realize it:)
Kimberly

Hi Diana,
Well not only did we go in surgery the same week but seems like we are both going through the ringer! I don't even want to know what happens next:) I hope you start feeling MUCH better soon and things begin to stay on a smooth path for you.
Prayers and thoughts are with you,
Kimberly S.

Hey Diana,
Sounds like things are going great for you so far. Though a few bumps, it all sounds positive.
Take Care

David and Kimberly Schlienz
Greenville, NC

Hey Diana! I can sympathize with all the ups & downs. I am very grateful I did not have any problem with my IVs or tubes. I can reallt relate with the things you are experiencing with your incision. Mine did the same thing (pulling if I laid flat, and my cleavage didn't help either - wearing a bra was murder for the first few weeks).
I think you will notice that the further along you are post-op, the less shortness of breath you will feel and you will also feel more energetic. When I first started rehab, I too was worn out after it. But now I am so energetic it's unreal. My poor hubby is having a hard time keeping up with me!
Keep doing well and hang in there! It does get better!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode

Hi Diana
Thanks for the update, so glad things are going along well. I'm 3 months post op and I'm trying to overcome the fatigue of rehab. It sort of tires me out for much of the day afterwards. One of these days I'm told the exercise will give me more energy, but hasn't happened yet. But am certainly thankful I can go to rehab and get stronger. I do believe when I'm done I'll be stronger than I was for years before my surgery. Don'y get that nasty cold.
Fran

Diana!

Never a dull moment for you. I'm glad the clot isn't serious but I know it's scary anyway.

Wishing you lots of dull moments in the weeks to come.

Ricki

I totally understand the ups and downs. Just when you thing nothing else can happen, it does - usually something you never even thought to worry about. It is scary but I notice most things that people struggle with seem to turn out OK in the end.
Wishing you well,
Mary Ann of Sioux Falls SD

Wow, Sis, Sorry for the scare!!!!! but thankful it turned out ok. I'm glad you keep up with those things. You are in my prayers. Love, Bis Sis

Hi Diana

Just keep on a straight course and don't be looking around any corners! You've been through so much and anything out of the ordinary at all will scare the ..... out of you and that's very understandable.

I had a few scares when I first came home and therefore decided to leave my suitcase packed just in case we had to end up dashing out of here. Nine months later and it's still packed because it's sitting in a closet I don't use so I figure out of sight, out of mind. Humph.

I'm glad though this clot isn't anything to really be concerned about. Happy thoughts!

Cheryl, Ontario

Diana,

I am so sorry you're not having an easy time of it. I continue to keep you in my prayers and will say an extra prayer that the rest of your recovery will pass by uneventfully.

Godspeed,
Kellie (MD)

Hi Diana
I am so sorry for your last incident. Am sure you don't want to see the inside of hospital again, especially an emergency department. Quick action on the medical team, however. I thought you were on coumadin post op as you wrote they were having difficulty regulating it. Did they say this was unusual especially being on a blood thinner. Sometimes life just isn't fair and you've certainly had more than your fair share. Will pray for an uncomplicated recovery for you.
Fran

Hi Diana

That's all good news. I also just slept propped up and eventually as I felt better I would slide a bit. I read at night so that's how I start out reading anyway so for me it was comfortable enough - well, you know what I mean. Take it easy - baby steps.

Cheryl, Ontario

Diana,

I'm so happy you got a good report. I'm a side and back sleeper and I find extra pillows for support are essential for a good night's sleep these days. Every time I change positions, my arms, shoulders, and chest yell at me!

I found that at about 2.5 weeks I really started to feel stronger and I no longer got short of breath. And every day (for the most part) gets better. (For some reason, this past Sunday I felt like a truck hit me so I gave into it and took a long afternoon nap.)

And at around the same time, my incision began to pull more and (the skin on my chest became very tender) I was somewhat surprised (it didn't hurt after surgery) but as a friend reminded me, they cut all sorts of nerves and now they're healing. So ouch!

Overall, I can't believe how good I feel. I can't walk outside very much because it's too hot and humid (yuck!) but when I walk indoors (the mall, Costco) I can walk so much farther than even a week ago. I'm pretty amazed. And you're not far behind me!!

Ricki

Hey Little Sis, so glad to hear about your progress. You are in my prayers. Love, Big Sis

Glad you had an informative doctor's visit. I imagine if you had know you would have tried to convert yourself to a back sleeper instead of a belly sleeper. Old habits are hard to break as you may know. Glad propping yourself up is helping. When you think about it, you don't need to eat as much food now as prior to surgery as you are less active. Make sure that what you do eat is healthy food. Don't you just love all the advice you get here? Keep dong well, you're on the way.
Fran

Sorry, Sis, you haven't been able to eat. You sound good, though and I know how strong you are. Before you know it, you will have the 'yard of the month' as much as you love working outside. You are always in my prayers and I pray you get stronger every day. Love, Big Sis

Hi Diana

Settling in for a full and uninterrupted sleep is a tough one so just don't expect too much or let it get you down. You might want to have something sitting next to where you sleep including a wee night light so you can read, do crosswords or something to just get your mind off of how you are feeling. It might help to get you tired out again and back to sleep. Any sleep at all eventually adds up. Baby steps.

Cheryl, Ontario

Diana,
Sorry to hear about your uncomfortable night.I hope it gets better. Thank you for the sweet comment you left in my guestbook. And I also still have the night sweats although I notice they have started not being quite as bad as in the beginning.
Feel better soon,
Kimberly S.

One good night is never a guarantee for the next one. It is a mixed bag and pretty unpredictable.My sleep pattern at one month still varies, pain being the usual culprit.
The night sweats were common for me for several nights after surgery. I think it is residual anesthesia etc.
All in all I think the recovery piece is underestimated. It has been a lot harder than I had anticipated. Patience is essential. Surround yourself with all things good.
Mary Ann

Hi Diana
Reading some of the notes from others on the HVJ, you must realize how concerned we were about you when we didn't read a thing about you until several days post op. Had hoped if your aunt forgot how to post that you (or someone) would have been able to do so. I had prayed for you several times a day and as time went by, had my bible study group pray for you also. Well, all is well and that's the best news. Losing 3 days of your life seems like a scary but maybe good thing I lost about the first 4 hours post op in the ICCU when my family came in to see me and I didn't know they were there. Guess it all depends on the amount of sedation you have. Now that it's all behind you, you won't have to worry about those scary fainting spells and get on with life. Prayers for an uncomplicated recovery.
Fran Z

Diana!

I was soooo happy to hear from you and that you're doing so well! Did you get a mechanical valve? (Is that why you're on warfarin?)

Every day gets better! Enjoy planning your wedding!!!

Ricki

Hi Back Diana

I can well understand how your aunt might have been confused in using the journal for the first time so not to worry. All that really counts is that you are home and going to be just fine. I'm excited that now you'll be able to spend some time thinking "wedding" in your downtime. You really have a great goal to work towards. Great incentive. I'm just so happy for you and Dwight.

By the way, how is he? He has been through a lot as well so I hope now that you are home safe and sound, he is able to rest a bit as well.

I had trouble originally getting used to the Warfarin but once that happened, it honestly isn't so bad. A small price to pay for your well being. My early readings were 5.5 but I eventually got it under control and you will too.

Be well.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Diana - so good to hear from you & know that your recovery is coming along. Thank you for the update & keep on getting stronger.

Joy V.

Diana,
Thank God you are ok....we were worried about you. So good to hear from you and know you are doing good. I hope your recovery is an easy one and soon you will be posting about cardio rehab.
Take care,
Theresa Callanan

Diane,
You mentioned using Ultram with good results. What dosage are you using? I have tried 5o mg of Tramadol ( another name for it) but without noticable relief.

So glad you are making good progress after all your presurgical hassles. May your recovery continue to go smoothly.
Mary Ann

Congrats on having the surgery behind you. Trust me--I know the feeling. It sounds like you are doing really well. Take care of yourself and make sure that your caregiver takes care also. Take it easy and enjoy the pampering--it doesn't last long.

Tim from Greensboro NC

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you are doing well!!!! I knew you would be fine!!!! I'm so happy for you that you can put all of the stress and worry of the surgery behind you and now concentrate on recovery!!!!! If you need anything at all, be sure to let me know!!!!! If you would like to, once you get healed up a bit more, we can start walking together to help build up your strength :) Congratulations again dear!!!!!!

Love,

Tracie Wickersham :)

(hehe, I sound like a dork, but I love writing my last name now. haha)

Hi Diana!

Welcome home! Ain't it great to be back home and to have that behind you?! So glad to hear you came through the surgery so well. As you start recovery, I encourage you not to think that every day will be better than the one before. It's a journey with ups and downs and twists and turns, and that's normal and okay. Just so long as there's an overall climb. Do take it easy.

Prayers from Florida!

Duane Hunt

Diana,

Great to hear you are doing well. Hang in there and hopefully life will be back to very normal, very soon.

Mark
Keller, TX

Hey Diana!

Wow...SO glad that you did well in your surgery and are doing well in your recovery. But we knew you would, as I wrote before your surgery!

Are you on amioderone for your heartbeat? That is what I was on to conrol any possible continuation of the atrial fibrillation that I had in the hospital, and that many of us heart valve surgery patients have.

I also had an impossible time getting my coumadin level right. After 11 weeks of trying to balance it, my INR was 4.8 one week, and 1.4 the next. And I had some ugly bruises to show how it did not work. Thank the Lord my cardiologist took me off of both amioderone and coumadin!

YOur incision pain will not be around long...the only thing that hurt for me after release from the hospital was sneezing. And
tylenol did the trick for me. Isn't it great to feel so good?

Diana, I'm sure I speak for all of your friends at HVJ who are SO happy that you are doing well and are back in contact. My wife just said she is also glad because I have been fussing about being worried about Diana.

Best regards,

Jim Patrick

Hi Diana

Thank goodness for today's posting. I was getting so worried. I've been praying for your safe return as I see all the others have as well. Nine days? Can't believe it. What did the doctor say about that little episode you had pre-op? I think that is what had me most worried that things were closing in. Anyhow dear friend, you are done, you are well and you are fixed. Have a great rest and we'll all be looking forward to the time you can post and share. Blessings.

Cheryl, Ontario