sharlene's Heart Valve Journal

Well I am almost 16 weeks post surgery and boy oh boy what obstacles my family and I have faced.Pneumonia,atrial fib,collapsed left lung.... Saw the cardio again today and the lung still doesnt have good air entry,my blood pressure is markedly raised so have to take it daily and record it for the dr.my INR was 4.8 so the Warfarin dose has been decreased from 6mg to 5mg and still have the a-fib. I try to see the silver lining of the dark clouds every day and know I have many blessings...my husband is a saint and needs a huge medal for all the anxious moments I have given him. Fortunately or unfortunately not sure which one but our children dont have the full impact of this on their lives as our daughter lives in South Africa and our son is studying at uni in Pennsylvania.I will continue to soldier onwards and upwards and thank each of you for sharing your journal. Have a happy day.

As most of you know I am 14 weeks post surgery and would like some advice. I still have a tenderness around the top part of my scar and a pulling feeling in the same area when I move in a certain way or turn over in bed at night....does anyone have any advice or suggestion? This has been like this since day 1 and there was some redness around the area but that has gone. Are any of you using any vitamin E oil or anything else to rub on the scar? I am on the mend again from my lung/heart failure setback. Will be seeing the dr again tomorrow....yes it is Sunday and as we live in a strict Muslim country we have weekend on Friday and Saturday....does take a little getting used to. Thank you to all for the lovely emails and words of encouragement and support....keep them coming as they are very much needed and appreaciated. Have a good day all. xxx

Hi all

Thanks so much for all the postings....my favourite thing in the morning is to make a cup of tea and to come and sit in front of the computer and go through all the postings....they are all so encouraging and some people have such a beautiful way of writing...that it makes me feel like I have know you for ever and that your right by my side encouraging me every step of the way. We are about 8hours ahead of the USA so usually when I am reading you guys are sleeping or getting ready for dreamland.

My wish is for all to have a great day full of love,peace and blessings no matter where you are in your recovery or in the waiting stage.

Sharlene

Saw the pulmonologist and cardio today....nothing new....still have pneumonia and collapsed lung...this will take time to heal and I am so used to it as it is the story of my life....my family and I try very hard to be as normal as possible as we find this way easier to deal with the bumps in the road.Rest is the order of the day and not to come into contact with people who are sick....a little difficult when you have spent 5 hours in waiting areas in the hospital and live in a country where people spit anywhere and anytime....all part of lifes lessons I guess....