Lenore's Journal

Well, after 5 extra days in the hospital thanks to AFib, Lenore was released to go home yesterday. She felt really good last night, and then another attack of Afib. Really stinks! Well, at least she is home now and can sleep better. That all important healing thing...sleep...was at a premium at the hospital. Hoping that she feels much better and better as the next few weeks go by. We expect nothing less! She will see the cardiologist this week and the surgeon next week for a follow up. Thanks again to all for your support, love and prayers. - Jeff

Just spoke to Lenore (mom) and she is doing better. She answered her own cell phone just now. She had a bout of Afib again yesterday and that made her feel bad again after feeling good. Today she feels much better and went for a walk down the hallway. She is going to get some sleep now and go for a walk again later. Thanks for all the well wishes, thoughts and prayers.

I was there to visit mom his morning and she was doing MUCH better. I had her listen last night to guided imagery affirmation messages on my iphone that I also used for my surgery recovery. I brought her a protein meal replacement shake of good quality and a multivitamin formula. She was doing great. Then I left and dad called me to tell me she had Afib again and felt terrible again. So, that's the latest. More later when I hear more. - Jeff

"Heart surgery a'int easy!" And the first 72 hours is typically the worst. As many of you know I went through this myself in March 2012. My story here: http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/journals/user/jeffreyshebovsky My mom, Lenore, had a bad night Sunday night overnight. Had Afib (Atrial Fibrillation), which as we know is kind of a common but risky complication, after OHS and usually on day 2-3, which is right where she was. They have that under control it seems. When I saw her last night she seemed much more herself and her voice was stronger. We are hoping today will be an even better day, now that she is past the 72 hour point.

Lenore had a rough day yesterday. But then again, its only day 2 and that is usually the worst. She is in her own room, flat screen TV and all but in pain. Chest pain, neck and upper back. Tried to get a massage therapist in there but she was not up to that yet. She did go for a couple of short walks so that is good. Hopeful her night was better last night. I will get another update later. As many of you know I went through this in 2012. The first 48 to 72 hours are the worst!. She will be at 72 hours at 2PM today. After this it gets much better. - Jeff

I just arrived at the hospital but can't get to see her yet. It's my understanding that they are now taking the chest tubes out. Another positive step forward

Her tube came out and we went in to see her. She was talking with us (though with a strained voice). She seems to be doing good and looks very well. She then kicked us out after a few minutes because she was tired and wanted to sleep. :) They are supposed to get her sitting up in a chair today. I will post later again when I have more info. - Jeff

We just visited with Lenore. She was awake and trying to talk to us but the breathing tube is still in. She actually seemed to have a smile on her face at one point. She seems to be in good spirits and doing well. It is 9:36 PM. They are doing one last breathing check right now and after that they are extubating her (taking her tube out)

This is Jeff ,Lenore's son. She underwent aortic valve replacement surgery with a bovine valve today performed by Kevin Accola at Florida Hospital. She did very well and is in ICU now. The surgeon said the surgery was a great success and all the numbers in ICU are looking good right now. We're going back to visit her shortly to see if her breathing tube is out and if she has awakened.