Misti Blu's Heart Valve Journal

Thanks Adam Pick!

March 1, 2012

I can't believe how lucky I was to stumble onto this website and book. It really made me feel secure and prepared when getting this major surgery. Such a great support system! I hope everyone is recovery nicely!

Misti

Update! 7.5 Months post-op and Sternum wire removal.

February 28, 2012

Wow... You can imagine I was doing great considering I haven't posted in awhile. I started walking, which I could never do before. AND, I actually enjoy it! I apologize for not updating sooner! I hope all of you have speedy recoveries.

I am currently writing this from Florida Hospital. My sternum wires were bothering me so I went to see my Surgeon, Dr. Kevin Accola, and he asked me if I wanted the wires out and I said YES, PLEASE. So the next day, which is today, I did just that. I am slightly sore now but will go home tomorrow and will be pain free soon. For those of you that have to get this done, It wasn't too bad. It is nothing compared to open heart. I look forward to walking soon and breaking my 3 mile record walk. Before surgery, I could maybe walk a block. Go me!

6 weeks post op

August 19, 2011

Each day is better than the day before. I still have fatigue and shortness of breath and soreness, but considering I had open heart surgery 6 weeks ago, I don't have much of a complaint.

I am hoping that I can do cardiac rehab. I will find out sometime next week. I want to ride bikes and learn how to surf and exercise and get in shape!

A few days ago I bought a long pillow. It was the best idea! I usually sleep with about 5 pillows and toss and turn all night, feeling like I don't sleep at all. The pillow worked wonders and I slept through the night!

I did have a scary moment today. Thanks to the pillow I can comfortably sleep on my side. I was lying on my side and I gradually and accidentally rolled over onto my stomach. When I tried to get up..... I could not. I guess that I forgot that I had open heart surgery and when I did try to get up, I did suddenly and found myself in a lot of pain. Luckily my husband was on his way home from work and helped me up when he got home. Ouch.

My birthday is on Sunday. I am hoping to have a glass of wine and have not had a drink since before the surgery and I am really paranoid that my heart won't agree with it. I just don't want to get palpitations or have any problems.

Almost 1 month post op!

August 7, 2011

I can now sneeze without feeling excruciating pain! I am still sore when I get dressed and when sleeping. If I am out and about I get anxious after about an hour because my back starts to really ache. Sleeping is not easy. I am out of pain meds and I would really prefer to take one at night. I wake up several times throughout the night and changing positions is very painful after awhile. By the time I wake up, I feel like I haven't slept at all.

Just curious... Does everyone need Cardiac Rehab? I have not heard anything about this from my doctors. When are you supposed to start this?

Other than that, each days seems better than the last.

P.S... I have been using vitamin E oil for my scar. I might try cocoa butter too. I used that for my c-section and it really helped.