Hi Susan, Thanks for your support, advice and for having a journal. It all helps. Kaia

Hi Susan
Sounds as if you are settling in really well. I hope you are keeping a journal of your progress. Sometimes little thins pop up and if you write it down you won't be forgetting what you might want to ask questions about at your follow-ups.

I'm on Warfarin (same as Coumadin) and I find I'm now getting my INR checked about every two weeks. The numbers are up and down like crazy so I like to keep checking, especially as the numbers get near the low end or high end of my scale which is between 2-3. I'm on 2 1/2 pills per day. I'm told eventually this should regulate itself that I might only have to go monthly. It is a pain but oh, well. Take care. Enjoy being home. Sounds as if your support team are fantastic. Cheryl, Ontario

Wonderful news, Susan. Sounds like you're making excellent progress. Did you have a sternal incision or minimaly invasive surgery? I'm having 2 valves done and will have the big incision. My concern is not the pain so much as being on the heart lung machine for several hours. On Adam's blog, have read about several people who got "pump head" Keep up the good work of healing and rest whenever you can. My surgery is not till March 18th.

Hey Susan! Sounds like you are doing VERY well. If the pain isn't too bad, that a good sign.



Sounds like your body is telling you to get lots of rest...I found myself taking a few naps a day and I think my body appreciated it! Your body will also let you know when it is OK to be more active. Be Patient, it does take some time to recover.



Hats off to Jerry! Primary caregiver is a LOT of work - it certainly was in my case!



We're sending healing thoughts!!



Jack and Kathy

Susan... if you have a Target store next to you ... maybe send your loving hubby or a friend down to see if they have a LARGE 2 x 3 foot heart shaped pillow. I was looking for a bean bag, kids size, as suggested by someone and could not find one so this will have to do. Tried it and it seems to give good support to the entire back and shoulder. Not sure until I try. Going in on Friday, Jan 29th. Looking forward to this and taking it all in from the entries that have been entered into the journals. (I know... every case is different)

CONGRATS on being home. You have passed two major hurdles... surgery and the hospital stay...

I look forward to your posts.

Janet - Mitral Valve prolapse (hopefully repair over replace, tricuspid tweak, oblation (sp) to help prevent A-fib

Wondered what happened when we didn't get an update after surgery day. Glad you're home and doing well. I have been on coumadin for 14 years due to afib. Will have 2 valves replaced in March and Dr Gillinov says he plans to use tissue vales and do a maze proceedure which will get me off coumadin. I have my own testing machine and do a finger stick weekly and stay in line with the INR at 2-3. Might want to look into that. Keep posting and keep healing!!

Yeaaaahhhhh Susan!!!!

Congrats on your homecoming!!!

:)

Keep on tickin!

Adam

Welcome home, Susan! I pray you keep progressing. Thanks for trailblazing for me. My surgery is next Thursday.

Duane in FL

Hi, Honey
We just talked a little while ago but want to tell you again how proud Dad and I are of your courage, your upbeat attitude, and your acceptance of the events of the past month or so. Please tell Dr. Borkon we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for giving us back our healthy beautiful daughter.
We love you always, Suz
Mom and Dad
P.S. Jerry has sure been a trooper!

Hi Sis-
I know that you got your pacing wires removed today, so can't wait to hear the Dr. update. I sure hope you can go home to your lounge chair and your kitty tomorrow. That's when things start to feel more "normal" again. Each day is a day closer to feeling better than you have felt in a long time. Love- your sis

Fantastic news about your surgery! We are so thrilled to hear how well you are doing! Since no indication of coronary artery concerns, we would like to bring over some deep fried chicken, cheese curds, and some of those extreme deep fried Twinkies for dessert. Seriously, we want to bring in dinner some day when you are ready/needing something, so we will be in touch. Again, GREAT job on the surgery!! PS Is having the new valve more like getting a carburetor rebuild or a complete overhaul? Prayers for continued recovery, Daryl and Jane

Susan,

I'm so glad to hear that everything is going well. You are in my thoughts ...if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. You are strong! And now it should just get easier. I'd love to talk to you when you are feeling up to it.

Love,

Heather

HI SUSAN. HURRAY, IT IS OVER AND SUCCESSFUL TOO. I AM GLAD THAT JANE AND THE PARENTS GOT THERE FOR YOU AND I AM SORRY THAT IT DIDN'T WORK OUT FOR ME ALSO, BUT THEY KEPT ME IN TOUCH ALL THE WAY. WE ARE ALL ANXIOUS FOR YOUR RECOVERY TO BE SPEEDY. I AM SURE THAT YOU AND JERRY ARE SO GLAD TO BE AT THIS STAGE NOW AND I WISH YOU THE BEST RECOVERY POSSIBLE. I AM SURE WE WILL BE TOUCH SOON. WE ALL LOVE YOU AND PRAYED FOR YOUR HEALTHY RETURN HOME. YOUR BRO-IN-LAW CORT.

Hi Sis-
only one word fits...unbelievable! After seeing you day before yesterday and talking to you today- we are amazed at how well you are doing! You are a very strong woman and we are so proud of your graceful way of handling this ordeal. Keep up the way you are- Love you- Your sis

Wow Susan! What a way to start 2010! New Year, New Heart, New You....Here's hoping the recovery process is a speedy one. We'll be praying for you to be back on your feet soon.
Love, Judy Wolfe

Great news. It's 2 more months before my surgery, but all the success stories I read about are so encouraging. Thank God for Adam giving us this venue to communicate. Get stringer every day.
Fran

Go Susan! Go!!!

So great to read that your surgery was a success!!!

:)

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

Hi Susan
Glad to hear your surgery was a success. Talk to you soon. Cheryl, Ontario

hi this is jessica. i miss you so much as well as megan and gramps. i'm glad that you're well, and you guys are getting more active in church. it is really something huh? anyways i hope you have healthy lifestyle to keep you going strong and happy! :)))) loveyouu

Susan-So glad to hear that everything went well. I hope you are back home soon and feeling much better.

Love,

Michael

Susan -- I'm one of Adam's former mitral valve replacement followers, having had surgery similar to yours in 2008. Just wanted to add my note of encouragement to you during your recovery. The waiting, which it sounds like you've done a lot of, is so difficult. My best wishes for your strong recovery. Adam can give you my e-mail address if you ever want to chat.

Hi Grandma Susan,
I am very relieved that the surgery was successful. I hope you recover quickly! Love you very much.

Mandi Murphy

Here's to a quick recovery. Hope to see all of you very soon.


Larry & Mollie Houns

Whew! Glad that's all over. Now for a speedy recovery.

We told you you'd be just fine. And now that they've fixed everything you'll be better than ever.

God loves you Susie and so do we.

Aunt Pat and Uncle B

Dear Susan,

Glynis and I heard that the surgery went well and were very happy to get that news. I know you are in good hands at St. Luke's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a smooth recovery from the surgical procedure.

Rory

HI Susan
So happy to hear the good news. Take it easy and let everyone spoil you for a while.
Betsy

Dear Susan,

So thrilled to hear that your surgery went very well and you are now recovering. I will continue to send you healing energy .....Marin healing energy of course! Wish I was there to visit with you in person, but you know I am out here thinking of you; it is great to know you have your beloved family there for support during this time.
love,
Arlene

Hey Susan,

I was thinking about you and wanted to wish you well. I know you're undergoing the surgery right now, but I want you to know that my thoughts are with you. I'll be calling Gramps later tonight to see how it went.
Love,
Max

Hi Susan,
You were on my mind and even though you won't get this until you return, I wanted you to know you are in my prayers and thoughts. This time tomorrow night it will be all over and you'll be strung out on drugs and hopefully managing the pain in la la land. Friday you'll be on the road to recovery. Can't wait to see you back on this site. Good luck Susan. Cheryl, Ontario

Susan,

You have been in my thoughts all day. I imagine that today must have been a tough day with the surgery date growing so close, but I'm happy that soon you'll be feeling better than ever. I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks, when I come to help out a little and keep you entertained.

Much Love,

Heather

Dear Susan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. The "farm" and turkeys await your presence once you are fully recovered and ready to share a glass of wine!! Have Dad call if you guys need us to do anything while you are in the hospital. Here's to a good and speedy recovery,
Love,
Rory, Glynis, Max and Amanda (Toby and Dixie!!)

Hi Susan,
You are in our prayers, with a special message tomorrow morning as you go into surgery. We really admire your courage and keep you close to our hearts at this time. With so many family and friends wishing you well and giving you such great tips, we know you'll have positive thoughts throughout the process - although you won't remember any of them - ha.
Love, Shirley and family
(I leave for Italy on Sunday so will stay in touch from there).

Prayers are being offered on your behalf from Florida. My mitral valve repair surgery is scheduled for Jan. 28, so I am just 2 weeks behind you. May you feel God's peace and experience His healing.

Duane Hunt

Hi Again Susan
So the big day is almost here. I can feel again all of the emotions that must be running through your brain as if it were yesterday. Keep busy and you'll keep it together. I'm sure you will be feeling how surreal this all is. You are in my every prayer and thought and I will look forward to hearing from you in about one week's time. Keep positive. God Bless. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Sue
Just finished reading your latest journal entry and are happy for that you've finally arrived at the threshold and soon it will all be in the past, you'll be on the mend and hopefully saying"Now That wasn't too bad, was it,but I sure wouldn't want to do it again".
We'll say a few extra prayers on Thursday morning and check in with your Mom and Dad and Janie at the Hotel on Thursday nite.

Wish my buddy Bull a happy 88th hope I make it there in 2012.

Love you and God Bless

Uncle B and Aunt Pat

PS
Your going to come through just fine we guarantee it.

P& B

Hey Susan
Thinking of you every day this week and am sure you will do great. Then I think a vacation in sunny California is just the ticket for recovery.
Love,Betsy

Dear Susan,

Wishing you the best for a speedy recovery.

Love,

Michael

Susan: Things WILL go well thursday! Before you know it, you'll be out of the hospital and on the recovery path. Be patient with yourself as it does take several months before your energy picks up speed. Once tyou begin the rehab class, expect to notice improvement on a week by week basis - one of the neat things about the class is that it gives you benchmarks so you can actually track your progress.

We'll lok forward to your updates as soon as you are able to post.

Oh, one thing I did not mention...does the hospital have an option for you to go into an "after care/rehab" center where you can stay for a week or so before going home?? If so, that could be a good option because it will make the transition to home easier for both you and Jerry.

We're looking forward to talking to you in a few weeks!!:)

Jack and Kathy

Hi Susan,

Jane and I have been thinking about you and your upcoming surgery a lot. We think that it has to be scary and exciting at the same time to get your "engine" tuned up. We look forward to supporting you, Jerry, and Megan wherever we can! Prayers for a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery! We'll be over to go bicycling with you and Jerry in the Spring!

Love, Daryl and Jane Davis

Hi Susan,
Just finishing up the morning's work and am listening to how hungry my husband is! (He doesn't cook but does help greatly with the housework thank goodness.) Anyway, thought I'd take a minute and say hello back.

I was inwardly scared too Susan, plenty scared. I've had several surgeries over the years but somehow this one really hit home. To this day my husband doesn't know all of the preparations I put into place "just in case" because he and the entire family were beyond worried. Now, after the fact, while some fear is a normal reaction, I have much more confidence in the outcomes of these surgeries. I have found this site to be a huge help with my worries and recovery. I'm saying, don't worry yourself sick because like I said before, at least your doctor has a Plan "B".

I was being told my recovery would take 6 mos to a year and now I believe that really means for full heart recovery. I'm doing most of what I did before and anything above and beyond that, while I feel I could do it, I'm holding back waiting for the go-ahead from the doctors and rehab. By the time you come home you will be fully alert and wanting and needing to move around. You cannot lie down the entire time so if you are sitting you can type, answer the phone and work for a few hours each day. Take a rest, exercise and work some more. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how getting back to work will probably help your recovery along. If I worked outside the home and someone else was paying my time off then I probably would have vegged fully for at least six weeks!

One thing I would recommend is taking pj's as opposed to nighties. As soon as I got to a room I was in my pj bottoms and used the hospital gown for my top for the first couple of days. Once I figured out the tubes then I was right into pj's. Wearing pj's afforded me much needed modesty for getting in and out of bed. You won't have the mobility and strength of using your arms to keep your nightgown at a decent level because you aren't to put any weight on your hands for getting in and out of bed. You can't use your hands to lift your bottom and straighten things out etc. Just a tip I found useful. Keep in touch. I'll be praying for you but I just know you'll be fine.

Wasn't Old Quebec lovely? I can feel for you walking up and down all those hills when you weren't up to it. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Susan
If your doctor is saying he believes a repair is possible consider yourself lucky in that at least there is a plan B if a repair doesn't happen! I too went in for a repair on Oct 1/09 and now three months later am well into my rehab and my life is back on track. Try and keep positive, get yourself prepared at home and then give yourself over to the competence of your medical team. I'm sure you'll be just fine. Better than fine. The pain is very short lived - honestly. I'll keep watching for further postings. Cheryl, Ontario

Hello Susan,
You're such a trooper to be 'waiting in limbo' for your surgery. It's not easy to live day to day with such anticipation. Waiting is one of the greatest challenges we have. It tests patience as we ponder on all the 'other things' we want to be doing.
Waiting may also be a blessing. It allows for time to consider what is truly important. And prolonged waiting distills something inside that remains with us forever. May you be blessed through this waiting process.
Love, Shirley

PS - I see that I should have signed my name on my 12/12 message - thought it was automatic. Sorry, I didn't know.

Susan,

I appreciated being able to learn more about what's going on with your surgery through this journal. Happy New Year! Love, Heather

Hi, Honey
I'll try again! Had a whole message ready to go and POOF, away it went somewhere! Dad and I along with Jane are looking forward to being with you next week and spending some family time before the surgery and a bit after. We are all feeling positive about it and know that your faith in yourself, your surgeon and in God will get you through this with flying colors. We are so proud to have you for our daughter, Susan, and we love you very, very much!
Mom and Dad

Hi Suz-
I finallly checked your journal again. It has been decided...your parents and sister will be there for your surgery. I think Mom and Dad would crawl through broken glass if they had to so that they can be there. Hmm...I hope it doesn't come to THAT:)I should be able to finalize the plans tomorrow. The next few weeks will fly by with the holidays and Matthews visit. I'm so glad you get to spend time with him before your surgery. LOVE YOU- your Sis

Hi Suze,
It was great hearing from you yesterday. I asked myself why I don't call this girl more. Then, you came out with the news. Oh boy. Leave it to you to take care of business in all ways. Amazing to me how you set this all up. I like it. It will be so easy to keep in touch. I'm so glad that your check up revealed this and now you can have it fixed. I will keep in touch.
Love you,
Millie

Hi, Susie
I just want to tell you how proud I am at how you are handling all these setbacks. It makes me happy and proud that you have such a great attitude about the whole situation. I am confident that you will come through this with flying colors. I wish I could be there with you but I know Jerry will take good care of you. I love you very, very much.
Your Dad

Hi, Honey
This will be my third try to send a message today! I seem to be hitting wrong keys all over the place. Anyway, Dad and I are so pleased at how you are taking all these darn setbacks. I can't believe how anything that can go wrong is going wrong!! But I believe, as you do, that there's Someone much more knowledgable than we are who is planning all of this for us. Dad says to tell you that he loves you very much. And you know that means the two of us!
All our love,
Mom and Dad

Hey Sue
I know a little about what your going through in these delays.

I was scheduled for surgery on little finger of left hand because it was locked down onto my palm (an old Bishop ailment that Grandpa Mac,Uncle Carl and Iggy all had too)

My Surgeon and Cardiologist couldn't agree on how long I should be off blood thinners before the surgery so till that battle was resolved I put it all on hold. In meantime I read a bulletin from Mayo Clinic that indicates there may be a ptocedure awaiting FDA approval to do the whole process with a series of injections So maybe I wont need surgery at all.

As you said in your entry,Susie, everything happens for a reason who knows what will come up in the next few days in the field of cardiac medicine. Hang in there.

We love you

Uncle B and Aunt PAT

Susan, this is wonderful and I'll be able to stay in touch with you. Please take the best care of yourself and enjoy more support from your family, as you did at Thanksgiving dinner.