Laurie Luna - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

186 days ago

Any warriors out there with experience with a return-to-work? How much, how soon?

Richard Munson I love this lady. She wants to get back to work. Go laurie. I think the answer here is not too much t ... Read more

Richard Munson I love this lady. She wants to get back to work. Go laurie. I think the answer here is not too much too soon, and don’t over do it. Your body will tell you when its ready. A lot depends on your type of work. Bridge construction might take longer than computer programming. I recall my first shower and it was exhausting. I like your spirit however. You will do well.

Marie Myers Hi Laurie, it was important for me to get back to work also. I had an uncomplicated AVR and ascendin ... Read more

Marie Myers Hi Laurie, it was important for me to get back to work also. I had an uncomplicated AVR and ascending aorta and root aneurysms repaired. I went back to work part time ( in the operating room) at 8 weeks. My early days back were around 6 hours, one or two days a week, and i sure needed a nap when i got home. But I loved seeing everyone again, and loved doing my job . Just take it slow, and really listen to your body.

Rita Savelis I was in hospital 3 weeks and then in a live-in rehab for another 3 weeks. I went back to work 8 week ... Read more

Rita Savelis I was in hospital 3 weeks and then in a live-in rehab for another 3 weeks. I went back to work 8 weeks after surgery but part-time and in a non-stress office job. Everyone was very understanding. If there is any way you can go back to work progressively that would be helpful. The first days are tiring. But every body is different so it is really hard to tell in advance when you will feel ready to go back to work. I had no idea when I went into surgery at what point I'd feel well enough to work. Hopefully you can play it by ear and see how it goes. And make sure that you can rest after work and don't do too much those first weeks.

Laurie Luna Richard, Marie and Rita-thank you so much for your guidance on returning to work. I will definitely l ... Read more

Laurie Luna Richard, Marie and Rita-thank you so much for your guidance on returning to work. I will definitely listen to my body and take things slowly. Again, I appreciate your sharing your experiences with me!

Klara Čičić I took things extra slowly and returned to work after 5 months, I was fortunate that I could do that. ... Read more

Klara Čičić I took things extra slowly and returned to work after 5 months, I was fortunate that I could do that. My recovery was perhaps slower if you take my age into account but I didn't feel confident before let's say 4 months post-op. Take care and listen to your body, your heart went through a lot.

Grace Mason Klara, with your young children, I think you really went "back to work" much sooner.

I am thi ... Read more

Grace Mason Klara, with your young children, I think you really went "back to work" much sooner.

I am thinking I am going to try half days after a few weeks in rehab, to see how I'm feeling.

Laurie Luna

186 days ago

Grace Mason , Pamela Gregory, Rita Savelis and 1 other reacted to this

A little self reflection and a silent thank you to Mayo before heading home.

Valerie Allen A grateful moment ❤️

Stanley Cheong Wish you a speedy recovery! It's great to see you being outdoors

J Alexander Lassally Great. Lots of moments for self reflection here. Nice picture

Susan Lynn The day I was released from the hospital was one of the happiest of my life. Wishing you continued... Read more

Susan Lynn The day I was released from the hospital was one of the happiest of my life. Wishing you continued success with your recovery!

Laurie Luna

186 days ago

Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Now the real journey begins as I leave Mayo Clinic. So many hurdles seen and unseen await me. I am ready for them!

Pamela Gregory Wonderful! You will do great!

Just slow and steady, you will see big weekly improvements

Deena Elani Nice that you’re walking out with only a walker! Sinai insisted that I use a w/c and I didn't res ... Read more

Deena Elani Nice that you’re walking out with only a walker! Sinai insisted that I use a w/c and I didn't resist:)

J Alexander Lassally Hi Laurie - I can only imagine. Best of luck. I see you had surgery late September. Have you been at ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Hi Laurie - I can only imagine. Best of luck. I see you had surgery late September. Have you been at Mayo until now - so about one month? Best of luck and best wishes !!!! J

Laurie Luna Pamela, Deena, and J Alexander-thank you for your well wishes. I wish the best for you too.

J ... Read more

Laurie Luna Pamela, Deena, and J Alexander-thank you for your well wishes. I wish the best for you too.

J Alexander-I’ve been home 3 weeks, spent 1 week at Mayo. I just found the support group this week. So glad you’re all here to lean on!!!

J Alexander Lassally OK good. Glad it was a week in Hosp.

Laurie Luna

186 days ago

Grace Mason , Pamela Gregory, Valerie Allen and 1 other reacted to this

Anxiously awaiting my ride home from Mayo Clinic after mitral valve repair.

Grace Mason Congrats Laurie on your mitral valve repair! Wishing you all the best in your recovery 🙏❤️

J Alexander Lassally Great. So nice to be heading home !

Laurie Luna Thank you Grace and J Alexander!!! All the best to you.

Klara Čičić Congratulations heart warrior! You look lovely!!

Laurie Luna

186 days ago

Grace Mason , Deena Elani, Susan Lynn reacted to this

It’s tradition to place your daily sticker on this pole outside St Mary’s Hospital at the Mayo Clinic. I put mine there the day I was discharged after mitral ...Read more

It’s tradition to place your daily sticker on this pole outside St Mary’s Hospital at the Mayo Clinic. I put mine there the day I was discharged after mitral valve repair.