Hi Joy,

Thanks for your last post. I am starting to feel so much better lately. I was still thinking that I shouldn't be as tired as I am at night but then realized that if I'm ready for bed after being awake 16 hours, that's probably about right. Can't believe we're coming up on 4 months already! How are you doing now? Take care,
Kellie

Joy:
Thanks for your advice on cardio-therapy. I read your entire story and journal, and I must say it is an amazing story. I can't believe you went home after just 2 days! How strong you were! I was also amazed that you did all that with the total number of procedures and the complexity of them. Makes me feel like I had it easy. Keep improving. I'm calling the cardio to see if he will let me do the therapy on Monday.
Terry Chase

Joy,
Thank you for your responses in my guestbook.
One of the things I find amazing about this blog is you can read the experiences of those who have already gone through stuff. This gives you strength and hope. Then you read the experiences of those just starting and you feel confirmation. Then you receive notes from others at different stages and another layer is added to the process.
It is bitter sweet...you look forward to the day when you and others move on but you miss (or anticipate missing) the kinship that developes.
No matter what, I am a changed person; physically and emotionally.
Amy Szalony

Hi Joy, thank you for your kind words of encouraagement, you well know how important and helpful the heartfelt concerns are as we experience bumps as well as celebrations. I assume since you have not posted for a few months that you are doing well and cont with teaching Yoga
Susan V

Hi Joy,

Thank you for stopping by and validating my fears about the fatigue. Most of my day at work have still been fairly physicall light but that's not going to last much longer. I'm hoping I can just make it through the day as work becomes more demanding. I'm impressed that you're able to go back to teaching yoga so quickly. I don't practice myself but I know there are a lot of difficult poses. I'm happy that you're fluid issues have all been resolved and you're pretty much back to "normal". Best of luck to you as you continue forward.
Kellie

Joya - I'm so glad to hear that you're back at yoga, and the fluid troubles are over. I hope it's smooth sailing from here on. I'm going to yoga tonight, and I'll be thinking of you.

Namaste!

Franka

Hi Joy

Your life is slowly returning to pre-surgery routines and I am really happy for you. It seems as if I've been reading your journals for so long in anticipation of your surgery date and now you are so far past - wow. I agree that rehab is the best post-op activity we can participate in. We need to know at what rate to exercise safely by. I'm really proud of how far you have come. Cheers.

Cheryl, Ontario

It's good to hear you are doing so well, Joy, and almost back to normal although the bike situation sounded a little scary. You have always been ambitious, but this time it got you into trouble. Ha!

I will sort of miss reading your journal entries, but I am glad they are becoming unnecessary.

Continue to take good care of yourself and enjoy your yoga once again,

Love,

Diana

Good Saturday Morning Joy
Sounds like you are well on your way. Your encouragement to the rest of us is deeply appreciated.
Susan V

I'm SO GLAD you're back to teaching yoga, what a gift to your students! I hope we can get together soon.
Love,
Cheryl

Congrats Ma'am, you was able to go back to your work, I'm happy to know that your doing better... Take care always.
andro d.

Hi Joy~

Thanks so much for the information with the vision issues. I have been reading all the comments from many others that have gone through the same thing. We still have not found the cause, but it does make me feel better that I am not the only one. Sending me that link has been very helpful to me. Thanks again
I am glad to read that you are getting better. Rehab is nice being able to meet and talk with others that are going through the same thing. I get to graduate next week and will miss the people there. Enjoy it and take care

Tina (WI)

Hi Joy, Thanks for your advice over the past few months. I forgot you were a yoga instructor. One of the things I have to give up is weight lifting but I was told after 3 months I could start yoga and pilates. I'm looking forward to it actually. If you know of any books or good beginner DVDs out there let me know. I am glad to hear you are doing better by the way.

Hi Joy,

Thanks for writing in my guestbook.
I appreciate the detail in your journal. So glad to hear of the progress you are making.

Happy yoga-ing!

Don F.

Thanks Joy for the pillow trick. I will try it tonite. Did you ever get a horrible pain on your side just below the sternum. That is what happens if I try the side for sleeping. Linda

Hi Joy!...I read with JOY your latest update and so thrilled that you will be able to get back to your mat soon!! I will miss your class this winter...but will keep up with some of you here online. Hugs and Cheers of support! Glorious Gloria

Hi Joy

Congratulations! I hope the yoga goes well

Paul Reiter

Hi Joy,

What good news!! I know you are anxious to return to your yoga classes and see everyone. They will be very happy to see you as well, I'm sure.

Have a super day,

Diana

Hi Joy,

I am so glad that things are finally moving right along for you! You'll be back at work before you know it; just remember to not overdo it. Take care.

Kellie

Thanks for signing my guestbook. You are right, after hearing yesterday from my doctor that anytime next week I will be able to get a schedule, I really felt better. My surgery should have been done earlier,only my surgeon had some important commitments outside the country, and besides mine is not an emergency case. I don't want another surgeon, I know trust to my doctor is an important factor to peace of mind. Thank you very much and I will ask my daughter to keep posts during my stay in the hospital. God bless!

Joy, I'm so glad to hear the good news! Sandra L.

Hi there Joy :-)

WONDERFUL news! So glad you are doing so well! And wooo-weee we get you back as our Yogi in a couple of weeks.

Look forward to seeing your warm heart and smiling face. Namaste' ~ Christine

Joy,

Wat to go !!! Keep up the good work and best of luck. So glad to see you are feeling well

Sean M

Way to go Joy
Isn't wonderful when progress and expectations are being met? I am so happy for you to be able to get back in the swing and back to Yoga and no more fluid or Lasix
Susan V

Good news that you now have a date to start Yoga again. Something very special to look forward to doing. So glad you are doing well. Unbelievable how we heal.
Take care, Melinda

Great news, Joy. Can I join you for Yoga? Bet you are a super teacher. Namaste.
Fran

Well Hello Neighbor, What about this rain we are getting? I want to thank you for writing in my guestbook and giving me tips.My big day at the Austin Heart Hospital is Sept 30th with Dr Stephen Dewan.He and your Dr Oswalt are together in the same office in Austin. I may be looking to you for "answers" as these days go by, hope you don't mind. Thanks again, Pat

Hi Joy,
Let's see, 6 weeks at 3 times a week = 18 sessions. That's plenty to get you started so you'll know how much you can do when you're not being monitored. It will give you the confidence to push yourself safely. I'm doing it on my own but I miss the comraderie of the others and the staff. Glad it has cooled off a bit, you're finally out of the 100's right? I was ready to return to Yoga this week, but my instructor is no longer teaching the class :( Have a video and will try to start up at home on my own. But again, I've always enjoyed a set class as I know it gets done then. Hope you also have a great weekend.
Fran

Hi Joy,

I am so happy for you. Is there any worse feeling than CHF and the helpless feeling it brings. I am also doing well, the lasix worked for me and so far so good. I won't begin rehab unti I return to Arizona. It will be about 8 weeks or so by then. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Linda Stahl

Yeah Joy! I was glad to hear the good news. Don't get impatient. The body seems to tell you when to slow down and treat it right. Now that you are on the real path to recovery, I know you will give it all you have in rehab. Miss you. God's speed. Kay

Joy,
I am so happy that you are feeling better and making good progress in your recovery. Your positive attitude is great. I hope that the rehab will also help a great deal.
Sandra

Joy it is great to hear you are ready to go to rehab. We miss you. Take care.

Vicki P

I am so happy for you, Take care!
andro

Hi Joy,

Congratulations on reaching this milestone! I am so happy for you. You will like rehab. I don't know if I will be able to continue on any scheduled basis once I return to work next week and I will miss it tremendously if not. Keep it up!

Kellie

Very good news!!! I am so happy you are feeling better and have your appetite back. It must feel great starting to feel like your old self again.  Love Deb W. in CO

Hi Joy
Great news. You will love rehab. Being with people who are all working to get their hears stronger is a plus. Now that I'm working on my own i miss the chit chat of how we're all doing.
Fran

Hi Joy
I was so encouraged to hear of your report, since I had told you I had fluid in the past isn't a relief to breath and eat at the same time? I bet you cannot wait for rehab to begin and get back to life as you knew it.
Take care and know I am cheering for you
Susan V

Hi Joy,
What great news. I am so glad. Hope you're back to your old self ASAP.
Linda

Hey Joy

That is great news finally. Maybe now things will begin to progress a little quicker so you can get back to your yoga. It's really a good sign when you are cleared for rehab.

Cheryl, Ontario

Yeay!!!
I'm so glad you're feeling better! It's so definite, when you "turn the corner", you just know you're coming out of it.
Love,
Cheryl

Joy,
So glad all is successful and it finally feels successful. Great news!
Melinda

Hi Joy,
I hope you are feeling better with each day. I have been thinking about you. Thank you for the msg you left me. You are completely right about the therapist:) And I was happy they gave me the go ahead for rehab also. I have read so many positive things about it, that I really think it will help me in more than one way.
And please share all your yoga stuff with me. I truly find it very interesting to read and hope to learn it one day.
Have a great week!
Prayers are with you,
Kimberly S.

Joy
I really feel for you 13 yrs ago when I had my last surgery I too had a thoracentesis postoperatively, a very productive cough lasted for months. This time 3 wks ago with mech mitral valve due to history of lung issues, they left both chest tubes in 1 day longer and whether it was coincidence or not my lungs thank goodness are clear as a bell. Take care I hope each day is better
Susan V

Hi Joy,

I am very sorry to hear that you had to have this procedure again and an even more painful one! It would be good if you could avoid steroids because I have taken them a number of times due to my Meniere's, and they are no fun. I have difficulty sleeping, and I feel pretty emotional as well. I'm sure you are experiencing enough emotionally as it is. At least you are breathing better now so that is a good thing.

I think of you everyday, Joy.

Take Care,

Diana

Hi Joy,

Hope all is holding up for you. I was very interested in what has happened to you. I never got rid of the original fluids they pumped into me and they seem to want to stay with me despite the Lasix. I also had a scare with A FIB on Monday and was rushed to hospital for it. They increased my Toprol and the following day I went to The CC for my follow up They did xray, ekg, echo and bloodwork. My echo shows my tricuspid valve is leaking 4+ and they think it is because of the fluid build up in my body (not showing in lungs though). I am upset and mad that they did not fix that valve (it wass 2+ at the time of surgery but they left it alone). They said if I did not get rid of the fluid they were admitting me next week, so I am trying (no salt). I also cannot walk more tha 15 steps without resting. Linda Stahl

Joy,
I am so sorry for the pain you suffered during this procedure. I hope this does it for you. That really was a fast heart rate...wow..the metropolol should work..I take it for my heart rate and it has worked very well. I will be thinking of you and hope the next post is one informing us it worked!
Theresa C.

Hi Joy,
So sorry to hear of your setback. And the painful procedure was the worst part it seems. I hope that everything they did is what was needed for the final time and you will continue to heal with no more bumps!
Thank you for everything you have written in my guestbook.You never fail to give me encouragement:)
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers,
Kimberly S.

Hi Joy

Oh so not nice! When I was in ICU I watched a doctor teach a group of interns do that procedure but he was also cutting in between the ribs to make a large hole for a tube and the poor patient had to listen to everything the doctor was going to do and eventually just fainted! It was just like in the movies. A couple of days later they came for me and I was going for the same procedure until my surgeon happened by and saved me saying he thought we'd try the pill route first. I know you have suffered and I feel for you.

Let's pray this is the last. Thinking of you.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joy
Your story is starting to sound more like mine and I am sorry you had to go through this again. My amounts were reversed from yours and from both lungs, not just one. They told me they done the procedure 3 times on some people. Something I didn't want to hear. But for several weeks after the last procedure there was some fluid back in the first lung but it did reabsorb on its' own, thank God. Will pray that's the end for you, don't get discouraged, things will get better. Prayers for you from FL.
Fran

Joy, You are such a brave girl, thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. Stay strong, love Deb W. in CO