It\'s been quite a while since I\'ve been on this site. My husband updated my journal during my surgery and I couldn\'t bring myself to read the updates. ...Read more
It\'s been quite a while since I\'ve been on this site. My husband updated my journal during my surgery and I couldn\'t bring myself to read the updates. I\'m happy report that my surgery went well and it\'s life back to normal for me!
Some people on this site have reached out to me to get information about the surgery itself. I just want everyone reading this to know that I am more than happy to provide any information regarding my experience. Please do not hesitate to contact me! I\'m on facebook as well!
I was just informed that Kirsten was taken off the heart and lung machine and the doctor was able to save the valve. They are currently checking for leakage ...Read more
I was just informed that Kirsten was taken off the heart and lung machine and the doctor was able to save the valve. They are currently checking for leakage and make sure everything else is working properly and I\'ll be given a call when they will be closing her up. After that is done, I should be seeing the doctor. Still too early for me to relax, but great news just the same.
Continuing to think happy thoughts.
Kirsten has been on the heart and lung machine for almost 3 hours now. I got the update call an hour ago and the nurse said that she would most likely be hooked ...Read more
Kirsten has been on the heart and lung machine for almost 3 hours now. I got the update call an hour ago and the nurse said that she would most likely be hooked up for over 3 hours, but under 4. This is definitely the toughest time, knowing how long she\"s been under. The nurse assures that everything is going well; I just wish I could see her. But I know that this part of the process will be over by this afternoon and it\'s for the best.
I do have a question for those who have gone through this. When I was going over the rehab process before today, I came across the deep breathing exercises. K recalled hating doing that and it made me realize there could be a time when she has to do these exercises and doesn\'t want to do them. How can I encourage her to do these if she pushes back? Any thoughts on what I can say when I can\'t relate to how tough these breathing exercises are?
Thank You
Continue to keep thinking happy thoughts.
Just received the update phone call and everything is going well. Kirsten was just placed on the heart and lung machine and will continue to be on it for the ...Read more
Just received the update phone call and everything is going well. Kirsten was just placed on the heart and lung machine and will continue to be on it for the next 3 hours. This is the part that is the toughest for us because we know how critical the next few hours will be for Kirsten. She is so strong, so I know she\'ll get through this. Continue to think happy thoughts.
Kirsten started surgery at 8:03AM CT today. Now it\'s just a matter of waiting and getting the update phone calls from the nurse in the OR. Kirsten\'s parents, ...Read more
Kirsten started surgery at 8:03AM CT today. Now it\'s just a matter of waiting and getting the update phone calls from the nurse in the OR. Kirsten\'s parents, her brother and my parents are just trying to swap stories to pass the time. I can\'t imagine what this waiting room will look like after 8 hours, but it doesn\'t matter to me as long as everything works out. Continue to think happy thoughts.
Wow! I feel so lucky to have such a large support group. My friends, family, Jon\'s family have been so great. Not to mention that the support I\'ve received ...Read more
Wow! I feel so lucky to have such a large support group. My friends, family, Jon\'s family have been so great. Not to mention that the support I\'ve received on this site has really meant a lot to me.
I must admit that I was doing really well the last two days. I\'ve been distracted today with my family in town and lots of calls from family and friends. However, that last couple of hours have become increasingly difficult and I\'m guessing it will only get worse as the night goes on.
I received a call from the hospital and was told to arrive at 5:30 am. Way to early for me, I\'m NOT a morning person. :) I guess I get to sleep all day tomorrow so it really won\'t matter. My husband will update this journal while I am unable. Until then...God Bless!
A letter to my husband:
How do I begin to thank my best friend for all of the support and love you have given me for the past few years? We\'ve been together for 3 years and married for less than 6 months and so far life sure has been a roller coaster. Even though we knew this surgery would be part of our lives we certainly didn\'t expect to deal with it early in our marriage. While most couples start their marriage planning for the future we\'ve had to put life on hold waiting for this dreaded surgery date. Not a day has gone by when I don\'t realize that you have been put in a position to deal with more than the typical husband of your age. I don\'t have the words to thank you for your patience and never ending love. It gives me confidence to know that if we can get through this time in our lives, we can get through anything. I love you with all my heart!
I started this journal in hopes that it will calm my nerves. It\'s certainly NOT an exciting read but I think keeping my thoughts and photos of the experience ...Read more
I started this journal in hopes that it will calm my nerves. It\'s certainly NOT an exciting read but I think keeping my thoughts and photos of the experience this time around will be a great reminder to me of how precious life is and how grateful I should be!
I have a few days off of work before the surgery. I didn\'t think it would be a good idea to work since I\'ve been too anxious and emotional. Yesterday Jon and I put up Christmas tree and went to church. I\'ve tried to spend some of the day today cleaning and preparing for my brothers arrival. I\'m so lucky that my brother, Matt, will be here from Florida for the week.