Natalie's Journal

Hello everyone, I am doing great with my recovery. I stayed 7 days at the hospital, only 1 in ICU. Wow! What a ride! My days at the hospital are mostly a blur. All the different ppl that come in and out of your room is unbelievable. I had a little extra attention bc I was asked by my surgeon it be in a blind study regarding kidney function and possible Acute Kidney Failure after heart surgery. I said heck yeah sense I only have one kidney I wouldn\'t mind a little extra attention to that precious organ too. So that meant that I had to give a lot more blood and had extra X-rays and a ECG. NOW, as to the immediate pain after surgery…..I was A-Okay with my surgery site but as to my back and shoulder pain…wowza! Thank you Flexeril! I stayed just two day with my parents. So, I am home now with my little guy. I still need lots of help from my fam and friends but I am so happy to be home! I know Owen is too. Once I got home, I still slept a lot. Now I am forcing myself to start exercising more. Today was a good day. I helped Owen get ready for school, had lunch with a friend, went grocery shopping AND cooked dinner!!!! Yeah, today was a good day. Tomorrow will be my first doctor appointment with my surgeon and the list goes on with other doctor appointments I will be going to in the next four weeks. I promise to post more often now. And again please forgive me for not writing sooner. Take care!

I am all checked in for tomorrow\'s surgery. Yesterday was very emotional....I had to drop my 10 year old son at his dad\'s for the week. Owen and I have never been apart more then two day\'s. I think that is the hardest part so far. Later this afternoon I will be getting my angiogram and hopefully something to eat. I am feeling very upbeat and positive today Last night, sleep was a no go for me. I\'m sure they will give me something tonight to rest. That\'s okay with me! I am looking forward to talking and moving towards recovery. My mom (my best friend) is here with me which gives me peace of mind and in spirit. God bless to everyone in recovery and to upcoming surgery\'s. I\'ll try to sign in as soon as I can!

Quick question, I heard that I shouldn\'t have nail polish on my toes/fingers. Is this true? Also, I am a big breasted woman and I am worried (only a little) about my scar? How do they keep things.....how do I say this.... Even? Do you wear a bra straight away for support? I am not a very vain person. I\'ll tell you one thing, I\'ll be wearing my scar proudly and loudly! Thanks ahead of time Girls!

I can not tell you how grateful I am for this website and all of you that have shared your life with me. Thank you, each and every one! Please excuse my lack of words and correct grammar. I have found that during this my short term memory and communication is not very precise. Again, thank you! Thank you Adam!

I feel very positive about my decision on getting a tissue valve over a mechanical. I admit that making this decision was the single hardest, most difficult decision I ever had to make. I spent hours searching the internet, contemplating the benefits of both valves. At first I thought it was a no brainier....mechanical valve of course. I mean who wants to go thru this kind of trauma twice in their life time. But then I learned about the side effects of Coumadin. I just don\'t think I\'m ready to take this medication for the rest of my life...I\'m only 42. The benefit of a tissue valve is newer technology, I hope in the next 10 years. I asked my primary and surgeon but neither would give a clear answer. As my surgeon put it \"I\'ll put either one of the valves in you but you have to make the decision\". Last week I met my new cardiologist. He was very friendly, I loved his bed side manners. He was very thorough thru the examination. Once he checked over my CT scan and the rest of my chart we talked about what is happening in my heart and why I developed a aneurysm. I was very glad that he was so patient. I asked him what type of valve did he think I should get. He explained all the facts about tissue and mechanical valves....which I knew of course. But I felt a huge relief when he said \"I believe you will do good with a tissue valve and most likely in the near future technology will expand to better options/surgery\". I agree completely. OK, good I\'m glad that decision is over. Now I just have to stay positive and wait 3 weeks for my surgery. Its going to be a roller coaster of emotions.

Hello, I have to say I am having a very hard time deciding which kind of valve to have. In fact, I have become consumed. Can anyone help with facts, life experiences and such.

how to start.....I can\'t at the moment...I need more info. I\'m terrified....I\'m a bit angry....I am terrified! And still this will happen. So I will find a way!