HI Sheila,
How are you doing? I've been fortunate not to have any colds or sinus problems. I do sneeze frequently and in the last week, the discomfort with sneezing has eased. I often fold my arms over my chest when I sneeze, but lately, there has been no need to do so. I guess that's progress. I just got back from a 5 day trip to Utah, Colorado and Arizona. Walking around National Parks in the 7000 foot range and I felt no shortness of breath!! To me, that is real progress.
I see you have had a echo. I think I better remind my doctor about that for me. I have returned to my general MD, as I have no confidence in my cardiologist any longer.
It really sounds like you are doing well!! Keep up the good work.

Dan Cline

Hi Shelia,
It's ironic that I was just about to post a question about the pain associated w colds after surgery.It has been three months and two-weeks since my surgery and I ahd a great three-month Echo. My heart is functioning as if I had never had AV problems and I was taken off of all medication i.e.Toprol. I have had several sinus infections which cause inflamation and my ribs ache so badly that I went to the doctor, He mentioned that this is a condition for post-Op AVR and prescribed Mobic.

I try to just take X-Strength Tylenol but the Mobic really helped. Made me a little dizzy so I stopped taking it.

Pamela

Hi Sheila,
I am still pre op so I read your article to see if you were fit enough to be back in the work force. I can imagine that it will take a long time for everything to click back in place. There is such a lot of repair going on.
Best wishes - my father used to say that it takes 12 months to get over any major surgery!

Sheila,

FYI, I was turned down too. I decided to pay out of my own pocket to ensure that everything was okay as I returned to my pre-operative exercise program. I think it was like $350.

Regardless, I am glad to hear you are doing so well.

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

Hi Shelia,
The denial of access to Cardio Rehab must be related to your insurance coverage/contract.You and I have the same status " No pre-exisitng conditions or diseases; no complications from surgery yet I was approved for 12 weeks of CR. In fact my CR is in the Wellness Center of my hospital.
I know you need to move on but you may want to read your contract.
The real benefit of the CR is the monitoring of while I exercise. Thus far all has gone really well.
Pamela

Let attorneys deal with insurance and dr paperwork. U deal with getting better. Ins companies are NOT your advocate.

I was approved for cardiac rehab by my insurance company but have to pay significant co-pays. I'm not sure it is worth it since I have most of the equipment at home and use it.

Rob F.

Sheila,
Regarding cardiac rehab..... I think it depends on your insurance company and your coverage. With letters from your doctors and a lot of arguing with the ins. co. I'm sure youc an get it approved. Good luck. It is very whorthwhile. Ruth Howell

Hi Sheila, yes I was also refused by my insurance company for cardiac rehab. In fact. they refused everything I claimed; from the Heart Hugger Sternum Support Harness, to the cost of my surgeon completing the Attending Physician's Report, to the hospital bed rental. I had to make noise (squeaky wheel) but within a day, they approved everything. Don't settle for less. Good luck... Eric B.

The way I see it, if you are staying active you're in rehab. I went to rehab for a couple weeks, but didn't find it super helpful. I'm able to do a lot more on my own at the gym.

I'm glad you are continuing to feel better.

Your bionic-valve brother,
Kent

Hi Sheila. Your insurance company is seriously behind the times since cardiac rehab is known to reduce all-cause mortality by 30+% for heart patients. And they're not up with their competitors either:

http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/1_99/0021.html

http://www.anthem.com/ca/medicalpolicies/guidelines/gl_pw_a051170.htm (this is my insurance)

Here's an academic study referenced in the Aetna guidelines above that advocates cardiac rehab for valve patients:

http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/123/6/2104.full

Make sure your doctor declares it medically necessary then call them up and tell them to get with the program! -- DVB

Sheila,
You should make another request for Cardiac Rehab from the Ins Company. I have BC/BS and had no prexisting health problems before the AHV replacement. I was approved for 12 weeks of CR and it it very helpful. The most important thing is the monitoring during supervised exercise. Having a group of people that have a similar experience w Heart surgery is also helpful.
Pamela

Hi Sheila. Sorry I didn't have earlier words for you on the interval training. How is it going with your lung? I think a lot of mild cases resolve themselves so I fervently hope you are on that boat. -- DVB

Hey Sheila...nice to hear from you. I would love a reunion. Where are you located again? I read about your set back. I have to honestly say that I desperately want to run but am totally nervous of causing some reactionary problem even though I feel all is good and everything will be alright. I know how big of a surgery we all went through.

Many Hugs and Take Care!
Follow Your Heart!
Mari :)

Girl! You're making us look bad!!!! Ha! I need to get back into running.

Take care of yourself, lil lady!!! :)

Christy

Hi Shelia, Please take it easy and be careful. We all love you!
Cheryl Thompson

Hi Shelia,
I also experienced unusual and painful intervals of limited lung capacity. This was after pretty intense Cardio Rehab and then I went to a wedding last Sat and danced like mad. I had AVR surgery on June 24 and had been doing great but then the reality of what my body has been through confronted me. I saw my primary doctor and he gave me a prescription for chest therapy. I start this later this week and will see how it goes. Some days I dread sneezing, coughing or laughing.I was given Mobic for the pain.
Looking forward to reading more about a reunion in 2012 even if it is in the virtual i.e.skype.
Pamela

would you send me your email?
mine is kitoldham@gmail.com

Hi Sheila. Intervals are the best. But start slow with something you know you can do. You'll be increasing the pace soon enough. Then you can do your Amazon Woman thing. -- DVB

Hi Sheila! This is Wade Clark's wife, Natalie. I just got on his valve journal to see if anyone had posted... first time in a couple of months. I saw your post and remembered Wade had told me about your surgery. Sounds like you are doing great! I know how wonderful it is to have this BEHIND you. :) I'm so glad for the blessings in your recovery... I'll keep your continued recovery in my prayers. :)

Hello

I will have my surgery next month in Upland California at San Antonio Community Hospital.
I was not sure about this hospital thats why I asked you.

Hi Sheila,

I think we are the same in the scar factor, the upper is hard to see but the lower is wider and tender, I can't stand to wear a tee shirt so I have cut a couple of my tee shirts down the front so it is not rubbing the scar, Told my daughter its my evening attire! LOL

Take Care

Bill

Hello Sheila

I live in Ontario California, where did you have ur surgery at?

Hello Sheila
thanks for you reply, I will have my surgery next month. Sheila did you have open heart surgery?

Yeah Shelia! I know what you mean about the incision. Whil I was at the hositpal and on monday a Nurse who had open heart surgery 5yrs ago sat and talked with me for about an hour and told me to use Vitamin E cream and it has really helped alot.

Take Care Bill

Hello my name is Marina and I am so glad to hear that you are doing great after surgery. I have a few questions for you, I work in a dementia unit ( assisted living) I don't lift the residents, I just have to walk the to the bathroom. I was wondering if I can come back to work after 7 or 8 weeks after surgery? this is my part time job, my full time is customer service. please reply to my e-mail.

Hi Sheila. That drug did the same to me and I was much happier once drug free. Was able to take it to the next level. So am waiting to hear where you take it to next! Did my first mile swim of the year the other day, usually that happens in the Spring, but well, this year stuff happened. You too stay strong, live long -- DVB

Your story is inspiring and I will keep you in my prayers for continued healing!

Sheila, congrats on getting back to work part time.

You're right, we've been through a lot and are very blessed.

All the best,
Matt Fountain

Hey Sheila, I don't get on here very often anymore....but very glad to see you're doing so well! Keep up the good work! Wade

i'm posting on F/B that you got your butt kicked!! hehehe...NOT...so Happy that you are up and going. You will be stronger than ever in no time....xxoo kit

Sheila, you are my hero! I can't imagine using the upper body strength that you use for your job. My hat goes off to you!

You go girl!!!! :)

Christy

Hello Sheila,

Glad you are continuing to do well. I was wondering if you are still having problems with your INR level? What seems to get it off track? I have my AVR surgery set for 9/8 and very nervous and still asking questions.

Take care!
Julie

I love the idea of us doing some sort of walk/run together...a 5K? Or the beach sounds fun too! Just let me know when and where, I will be there!

Christy

That sounds like fun! I'm not a runner...so I vote beach. Plus its too hot in Dallas in the summer...or I would say come see me. Keep me posted. My job is crazy in the summer but if I plan it in advance, it shouldn't be a problem. So glad you are doing so well.
Tammy Golchert

I still love the idea of a class reunion. If we do it we need to invite Adam Pick! Terri and I are fairly open all summer.

Kent Kersey

Sheila - what an example you are providing. I can only hope to improve half as rapidly as you but I will be watching your progress and cheering you on.

Rob Fairchild

Wow Sheila... 4 miles a day of walking and or jogging is amazing!! I guess having my twins I don't seem to have the time to get out that much and for that length of time. I am however, going to join the gym this week. Yeah!!!

Yes...God does pick the right people to take care of his children. I must say that God did give me my boys to take care of their mother. They are sooo good to me Sheila and I am so blessed to have them.

Funny story...When I was pregnant I found out that I have a split uterus and both boys were on just my right half. So...essentially I carried both boys with half a uterus. My doctors were expecting me to go only 27 weeks or less. I started reading and discovered that at 27 weeks it would be very bad to deliver....many complications and just way too early. I got nervous but then had this sense of calm out of the blue and what I thought was a voice in my head tell me... "I didn't give them to you to take them away." I knew right then that my boys were going to be fine and were given to me as a special gift. It was a defining moment in my life...kind of like making it through OHS.

Take Care and keep up the good work....Hugs!!
Follow Your Heart
Mari :)

Sheila, thank you for the encouraging posting in my husband's journal, Kevin F. The progress you've made is great but your activities are truly amazing! You keep going girl!

The blessings we receive from God ... that's where the "amazing" things that happen to us come from!!!

May God continue to bless you Sheila.

Linda (Kevin F)

Hi Sheila. Had my mv repair surgery 26 April this year at UCLA. Don't have a journal, just lurk in the guestbooks. Too much red tape. Kayaking: I've enjoyed the Kern for a number of years, worked up to Class IV. But prefer to play in lower classes where I can be more graceful and not so upside down! Haven't gone a day yet without reminder of surgery, but it isn't nearly as 'present' as it used to be. Now more matter of fact. Stay strong -- DVB

WOW! You put the rest of us to shame with all yor physical activity. You're really amazing. Keep it up! :-)

whopee!!!! Go Girl!! So very Happy for you!!
kit

Hey Sheila,

Incredible update. Congratulations!!!!

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

Hey little lady! You asked what instruments I played a while ago...I'm sorry that I'm just now responding. SAD!

My main instrument is flute. I try my best to play all of the others. WHEW! It's not pretty on tuba!!!!! HA!

Sounds like you are doing GREAT! WAHOOOO! All of us summer surgeries should try to get together next summer for a reunion somewhere!!!!!! :) I still can't get over how fast things flew by!

By the way, I was switched from Warfarin to coumadin. Warfarin wasn't strong enough for me... Bizarre stuff!

Take care Sheila!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't forget to practice that beautiful harp of yours! :)

Christy

Hey Sheila... 4 weeks goes by fast. I just celebrated my second 4 week chunk. I can't believe how good I feel. I saw your comment about running to try and make yourself out of breath but it doesn't happen. I totally know what you are talking about. Crazy huh? I didn't realize what I was missing until recently.

It is so encouraging to hear that you are doing so well. I actually haven't gotten the courage to paddle in our kayak yet but I guess that should come sometime soon. :)

Keep it up
Follow Your Heart
Mari :)

Hi Sheila. Glad to hear you were back on the water. Isn't it amazing a few weeks or months ago it seemed so far away? Just did a little flat water myself and it felt great. Now I need to find some moving water and play a little in it. Keep inspiring us by living life to its fullest! -- DVB

Thanks for your great news!!
xxooxx kit

5.6? Wow that's some thin blood. I hope it thickens up quickly. Does the thin blood intensify the nuttiness?

Keep strong,
Kent

Hi Sheila,
I too am having my ups and downs with the meds. I wonder if it will ever level out? Hope so. I'm really getting tired of taking it easy. But I know I'm not ready to return to the hard work I was doing before surgery.
Dan Cline

Great news! Glad to hear you got out with the family to the lake.......good stuff all around.
Conni