Barbara i read your story on this blog.
I'm a big fan of Adam's work.
I wish you a speedy recovery from this set back.
I showed my Mother your story,she ...Read more
Barbara i read your story on this blog.
I'm a big fan of Adam's work.
I wish you a speedy recovery from this set back.
I showed my Mother your story,she will be saying a few decades of the Holy Rosary for you.
Jamie from London,UK
Jeannette McLaughlin Hello! Barbara - I sent you a note in your Guestbook, but am not sure if it went through since I don' ... Read more
Jeannette McLaughlin Hello! Barbara - I sent you a note in your Guestbook, but am not sure if it went through since I don't see it. It's about the "Conquering Cancer Summit" featuring medical doctors, naturopaths, scientists, and cancer survivors. This 9-day free event will take place from May 18-27, 2021. You can sign up here: https://bit.ly/3sPQWze. Best of luck!
Barbara- i was sorry to read that you are now battling metastatic breast cancer. You have been so kind and helpful to everyone on this site, despite your own ...Read more
Barbara- i was sorry to read that you are now battling metastatic breast cancer. You have been so kind and helpful to everyone on this site, despite your own challenges. Prayers to you in your fight!
Barbara Wood Thank you Marie, that's so kind. Yes, it came as a shock several months ago. I can report that my hea ... Read more
Barbara Wood Thank you Marie, that's so kind. Yes, it came as a shock several months ago. I can report that my heart is still in fine shape :)!
Rose Madura Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear this. My prayers will be with you. You are very strong and you were a ... Read more
Rose Madura Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear this. My prayers will be with you. You are very strong and you were a big help in my recovery. God bless you.
Susan Lynn Barbara - I am sad to read your news. You've been through so much already and your strength and res ... Read more
Susan Lynn Barbara - I am sad to read your news. You've been through so much already and your strength and resilience will carry you through this. You will be in my prayers. Please keep us posted. ❤
Lynn Loudermilk Iam so sorry about your diagnosis. Strength, love and prayers.
Dylan Kempers Barbara, I'm sorry that you have to go through this. By reading your journal, I can tell you are an o ... Read more
Dylan Kempers Barbara, I'm sorry that you have to go through this. By reading your journal, I can tell you are an old soul and a beautiful person.
Barbara, I am lifting you in prayer for God to touch you with his healing hands. God bless you
Barbara Wood Ana, Dylan,Lynn, Susan and Rose, thanks for your kind words, your thoughts and prayers are very much ... Read more
Barbara Wood Ana, Dylan,Lynn, Susan and Rose, thanks for your kind words, your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated ! xo
Rita Savelis Oh dear Barbara, you don't deserve this. This is awful. I feel for you. I had 2 cancers this year and ... Read more
Rita Savelis Oh dear Barbara, you don't deserve this. This is awful. I feel for you. I had 2 cancers this year and still haven't figured out which is worse - heart problems or cancer. Treatments for both are shitty. Sending you big hugs.
Barbara Wood I'm so sorry to hear that you've had your trials as well this year Rita...thanks for your kind words ... Read more
Barbara Wood I'm so sorry to hear that you've had your trials as well this year Rita...thanks for your kind words and I send you all my best wishes...xo
Cheryl Mann So sorry to hear that you received such difficult news. I hope you find comfort in the encouragement ... Read more
Cheryl Mann So sorry to hear that you received such difficult news. I hope you find comfort in the encouragement from this group. I’ll be praying for you.
Civita Fahey Barbara.. I missed the news. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I will keep you in my prayers. ... Read more
Civita Fahey Barbara.. I missed the news. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I will keep you in my prayers. I am a firm believer in prayer. Let me know if you need anything, I'm not that far from NH. Civita
Barbara Wood Cheryl, thank you so much, I'm happy to see you're progressing so well in your recovery - best wishes ... Read more
Barbara Wood Cheryl, thank you so much, I'm happy to see you're progressing so well in your recovery - best wishes going forward:).
Civita, thanks so much, your prayers are so welcome! Enjoy the Spring weather!
Adam Pick Barbara, My heart is going out to you. If you need anything, please let me (us) know. Love, Adam
Barbara Wood Thanks so much for your kind words Adam...this forum is the best:)!
Lilly Black Barbara, I'm sorry about your cancer diagnosis and to hear that you are faced with another life chall ... Read more
Lilly Black Barbara, I'm sorry about your cancer diagnosis and to hear that you are faced with another life challenge....I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you! As Marie said, you are generous with your time to help others! Thank you! may you have the courage to go through the journey you are currently facing. :(
steven a husted posted a note for Barbara that says:
hi Barbara just a note i saw your note and took notice because of your name i have a cousin who is Barbara wood and read your story to see if you were her hope ...Read more
hi Barbara just a note i saw your note and took notice because of your name i have a cousin who is Barbara wood and read your story to see if you were her hope you and your family are doing fine my cousin lives in delaware so i guess there are several Barbara woods in the USA this heart valve journal is a very hard thing to go thru but thank the lord it was not as bad as i thought it was going to be with friends on this site and the lords help we can all make it thru this best of luck in your future from a friend and heart patient steven a husted (popeye)
Barbara Wood Thanks for the note Steven! My family & I are doing well & I hope that all is well with you & yours t ... Read more
Barbara Wood Thanks for the note Steven! My family & I are doing well & I hope that all is well with you & yours too! We are both " old timers" on this site & we have both benefitted so greatly from the knowledge & support offered here...it is so wonderful & helpful. I look forward to your updates & am happy that you have recovered so well. Thanks Steven, & take care:)xo
Hi Barbara. I hope you are doing well. I wonder if you know anything about Janet Skinner. I've wondered how she is doing.
She hasn't posted for a long ...Read more
Hi Barbara. I hope you are doing well. I wonder if you know anything about Janet Skinner. I've wondered how she is doing.
She hasn't posted for a long time and I can't find her on the site anymore - like it's been deleted.
Barbara Wood Hi Rose, I'm doing well, coming up on one year soon! I haven't seen a post by Janet in a few months i ... Read more
Barbara Wood Hi Rose, I'm doing well, coming up on one year soon! I haven't seen a post by Janet in a few months it seems. I do hope that things are going well for her, she's had a tough recovery. It's funny that you asked, I was just thinking yesterday about Keith - do you remember him?, he had his surgery right around the time we had ours...his comments on my posts show up, but without a name, so he must have deleted his account. Did you have any comments from Janet on your posts, if so does her name show & is it clickable? I think sometimes people who have had a rough recovery or outcome hesitate to post, thinking they'll scare those who are waiting.
Let's hope that Janet is still coming back, is doing well & lets us know.
I think you were about a week after me, right? So your one year is coming soon too. I have to wear a holter monitor for 24 hrs next week, then see my cardiologist about a week later- hoping to get off the Coumadin & metoprolol...we'll see!
Take care Rose, hope all is well with you:)!
Janet Skinner Hi ladies! I'm back. (I took a break because of some privacy concerns.)
I've been following the posts ... Read more
Janet Skinner Hi ladies! I'm back. (I took a break because of some privacy concerns.)
I've been following the posts, just not posting myself.
I've rewritten my story so you will see that I've been in sinus rhythm since December 28th. Yay!
I'm off of the amiodarone as of April 3 ... crazy thryoid function PLUS intense gruesome nightmares and trouble sleeping - both are side effects of the drug - trust ME to be the one to experience these!
I'm in an exercise class twice a week and I am back enjoying life and activities. I even dug up my small garden plot last night and experience only mild shortness of breath.
My cardiologist is following my closely and I also have the best pacemaker tech in the city! She's simply amazing. As is my cardiologist. I have a fabulous family doctor as well so I feel very blessed to have these folks on my team.
So good to hear from you two. Barb, I will have a 24 hour Holter in two months time, a reading of my pacemaker history and then will see my cardiologist who specializes in electrophysiology. Sounds like we have good care!
Civita Fahey Glad to hear you are doing well Janet.. I still like to see people who were in our "class of 2017" on ... Read more
Civita Fahey Glad to hear you are doing well Janet.. I still like to see people who were in our "class of 2017" on here.. Barbara I too have been wondering about Keith.. I hope he is doing well.
Rose Madura I'm so glad to hear from you Janet! And really glad to hear you are in sinus rhythm. Wonderful new ... Read more
Rose Madura I'm so glad to hear from you Janet! And really glad to hear you are in sinus rhythm. Wonderful news. Barbara, sorry you have to wear the holter moniter. I feel so blessed that once I got through all my complications, I'm feeling great. We walk daily and today we jogged a couple times around the track. But jogging is hard on my knees. And Civita, I agree, we feel closer since we were all around the same time.
Barbara Wood It's good to hear from you Janet & I'm so pleased that you are in nsr...nsr is not over-rated! Glad w ... Read more
Barbara Wood It's good to hear from you Janet & I'm so pleased that you are in nsr...nsr is not over-rated! Glad we're all doing well...yay for the class of 2017!
Barbara,
Who was your surgeon at Maine Medical Center? My cardiologist, Dr Michael Lemieux, recommended Dr Paul Weldner as a surgeon. Dr. Weldner was a ...Read more
Barbara,
Who was your surgeon at Maine Medical Center? My cardiologist, Dr Michael Lemieux, recommended Dr Paul Weldner as a surgeon. Dr. Weldner was a heart surgeon at Maine Medical Center for 18 years before going to Central Maine Heart & Vascular Institute 4 years ago (he also performed heart by-pass surgery on my cardiologist, Dr Lemieux at Maine Med 12 years ago!!). Dr. Weldner has been doing open heart surgeries for 22 years+ so I'm confident he's a super-pro, though as a human being, I'm still nervous and scared. My surgery is this Friday....
Dave Dionne
207-240-3012
Barbara Wood Hi Dave,
I used Reed Quinn, had my surgery at Maine Medical, but I did check out Paul Weldner ( he t ... Read more
Barbara Wood Hi Dave,
I used Reed Quinn, had my surgery at Maine Medical, but I did check out Paul Weldner ( he turned out not to be in my network). I remember watching a YouTube video on Dr Weldner & I'm pretty sure it was him who said he had worked or interned in pediatric surgery in London & had escorted Princess Di through the children's cardiac ward! I know he is a highly capable & respected surgeon ( & that he performed surgery on your cardiologist speaks loads of his talent:)!), you made an excellent choice for sure!
Prayers for Friday, I'll be thinking of you - know you'll do well!!
Hi Barbara.
I hope all is well. I saw in your post today that you mentioned you had 2 leaflets repaired. Is that the same as Barlow’s valve? That’s ...Read more
Hi Barbara.
I hope all is well. I saw in your post today that you mentioned you had 2 leaflets repaired. Is that the same as Barlow’s valve? That’s what I had which I understand is the more complex type of situation.
How are you doing and feeling? My surgeon said my mild leak isn’t anything to worry about so that made me feel better. I do have a 3.5 month post op echo scheduled for the end of February so I am hoping everything looks good and the same.
Does your surgeon / cardiologist think your repair could last a lifetime? My surgeon says the data that they have is that after 10 years, 90 something percent of people don’t need to do anything. After 20 years, 25 percent of people may need to have something done. Have you heard anything similar? What are your thoughts? I try not to think about this stuff too much and just enjoy each day.
Barbara Wood Hi Bill, yes mine is Barlows too. The mitral repair is extra tricky, we were lucky to have such talen ... Read more
Barbara Wood Hi Bill, yes mine is Barlows too. The mitral repair is extra tricky, we were lucky to have such talented surgeons! My surgeon commented that I looked like a mitral patient- small & slim, strange but I guess there is a mitral valve regurg body type - who would've thought! I'm doing very well, almost 8 months & feel back to normal, in fact a little better than previously!
It sounds like you are coming along great. I think the statistics you quoted sound pretty good for us. It's hard not to worry when you've been through something as major as we have...but, like you, I have a new appreciation for my life & just try to enjoy each day:).
Glad to hear all is going well for you, hope your echo in Feb brings good news, bet it will! Take care & btw, we lived in Houston a few years- have a soft spot for Texas!
Bill H Hi Barbara,I know what you mean. I am tall and slim and heard my body type sees this a lot. I’ve a ... Read more
Bill H Hi Barbara,I know what you mean. I am tall and slim and heard my body type sees this a lot. I’ve also had other issues in the past that fit my body type (collapsed lungs, etc). I don’t think I have Marfans, but who knows.
Nice! I went to HS in Houston. Where do you live now?
Thanks Barbara. Very appreciative of your feedback. I am having an angiogram on 22 Jan, then will make a decision about the operation. Very nervous about making ...Read more
Thanks Barbara. Very appreciative of your feedback. I am having an angiogram on 22 Jan, then will make a decision about the operation. Very nervous about making this decision!
Barbara Wood You're welcome! Let us know how it goes...really, the anticipation is the worst part!
Hi Barbara, I thought I saw a post to someone in which you said you were on Amiodarone still. I know everyone is different (and I'm very symptomatic) but it ...Read more
Hi Barbara, I thought I saw a post to someone in which you said you were on Amiodarone still. I know everyone is different (and I'm very symptomatic) but it really messed with me. I was dizzy quite a bit and my vision became worse. On my last hospital stay in August, I had three doctors tell me that I needed to talk to my cardiologist about getting off this medicine. I did talk to him and he did take me off it. For about 2 weeks, they put me on Multaq (very expensive but you can get free coupons on line for several months) and it had very few side effects. I went to the eye doctor and my nearsightedness was much worse. I had to get a new prescription for my glasses. He told me he sees a lot of patients whose vision has worsened since being on this drug. Long term, I think, can be a problem. I just wanted to mention it to you so you are aware. Hope you are doing well.
Barbara Wood Hi Rose,, I really appreciate hearing your experience with amiodorone. I've been on it for about 4 1/ ... Read more
Barbara Wood Hi Rose,, I really appreciate hearing your experience with amiodorone. I've been on it for about 4 1/2 months now...I feel like my vision has definitely worsened since surgery, now I'm wondering if the A. is the cause. I have an eye appointment next week, I'll ask about it. Otherwise, I seem to be doing ok on it, but I do know it can have some very toxic side effects. I see my cardiologist in 2 weeks & am planning to be taken off it then, but I'm thinking I might call today & ask to go off now ...did you wean or go cold turkey with it? Thanks again & my best to you:)!
Clayton Mcarthur My cardiologist told me that on low doses of 100 to 200mg risk of side effects was greatly diminished ... Read more
Clayton Mcarthur My cardiologist told me that on low doses of 100 to 200mg risk of side effects was greatly diminished. Doc doesn't like the drug but it is very effective
Rose Madura I went off cold turkey but I went on Multaq immediately for 2 weeks.
Hi Barbara...How did surgery affect your abs and stomach area. I have a nice size hernia which gives me quite a bit of discomfort. Will it affect my recovery ...Read more
Hi Barbara...How did surgery affect your abs and stomach area. I have a nice size hernia which gives me quite a bit of discomfort. Will it affect my recovery at all...sometimes I have to walk hunched over...and it kind of burns my stomach...
Barbara Wood Hi Leslie, it really didn't affect them at all. They do put 2 drainage tubes in the upper stomach are ... Read more
Barbara Wood Hi Leslie, it really didn't affect them at all. They do put 2 drainage tubes in the upper stomach area ( take them out a day or so after surgery) that does leave 2 small incision scars, but I can't say that it hurt - I was one of those lucky people who had no real pain.
Have you seen a surgeon yet? And what does he think of your hernia? Does he feel it might cause complications in your surgery or your outcome, or recovery? It sounds like you have a lot of fears & questions that a good surgeon could answer &help you make a comfortable decision on how to procede. I had a lot of fear as well before my surgery. I had a history of breast cancer radiation that can make sternum healing iffy, & there was a chance that there would be more damage once they got inside, that it could be a tricky surgery. My surgeon just completely reassured me- didn't sugarcoat it, but assured me that he ( & I) could handle it. You need a guy like that!
Let us know how things go & if you haven't already, talk to a surgeon. Wishing you all the best:)
What negative side effects did you have on the metropolol Barbara? Did you have an ablation already? With your surgery?
Barbara Wood Hi Valerie, I had extreme fatigue, lightheadedness, some dizziness & shortness of breath when I first ... Read more
Barbara Wood Hi Valerie, I had extreme fatigue, lightheadedness, some dizziness & shortness of breath when I first started it- lasted about 6 weeks. My dosage was 12.5 mg/ day. Since my surgery I have been increased to 50 mg / day & told not to take a dose if my blood pressure is below 100 on the upper number. Mostly it's been ok- I've been on this for over a year now- but today I feel lightheaded, had a quick dizzy spell & see my bp has dropped to 94/65, so will skip this evening's dose.
Yes, I had a maze procedure ( an ablation) at the time of my valve repair. They have various ways they will go in to do them. I think some are out patient, or maybe just overnight.
Really hope this is all behind you soon Valerie, you've been through some frightening stuff! Lots of prayers & good wishes sent to you ...xo
Valerie Archual Oh-I know this could be a lot worse so I am very thankful for the successful surgery! Hopefully just ... Read more
Valerie Archual Oh-I know this could be a lot worse so I am very thankful for the successful surgery! Hopefully just some little kinks to work out!!! Why did they do your ablation? I'm not familiar with the procedure
What about double-vision Barbara? I am now home and had a weird double vision episode that scared me to death.
Val
Barbara Wood I did have a very short experience of double vision lasting only a minute or 2 in the car coming home ... Read more
Barbara Wood I did have a very short experience of double vision lasting only a minute or 2 in the car coming home from the hospital this week. I looked it up & see it is listed as a not common side effect of metropolol. I chalked it up to my dosage being upped & given the generic in the hospital- I always have immediate side effects from the generic that I have no problems with with the brand ( toprolxl).
I'm from a family of chemists, & one of my brothers worked as a lab inspector for the FDA. He advised me to never take a time release generic drug- there are too many problems with dose dumping- where the components are released all at once instead of over time. I pay about $100/ mo. out of pocket for the toprolxl that I take, but it is completely worth it to me as I experience negative side effects with metropolol that I don't have with toprol. It might be worth a try to see if you do better on the brand?
Take care...it is but a bump in the road to recovery:)
Barbara Wood One more thing. Metropolol dehydrates, always take it with a large glass of water & drink a lot of li ... Read more
Barbara Wood One more thing. Metropolol dehydrates, always take it with a large glass of water & drink a lot of liquid, esp. Gatorade,throughout the day.
Valerie Archual Thanks Barbara!! I was on the xl time release for one day and now I am back on the tartrate - have yo ... Read more
Valerie Archual Thanks Barbara!! I was on the xl time release for one day and now I am back on the tartrate - have you always taken the time release only??
Hey Barbara,
Thank you for your kind words towards myself and Amy Dorsey about our respective strokes. I'm doing well ( so far) and it sounds like Amy ...Read more
Hey Barbara,
Thank you for your kind words towards myself and Amy Dorsey about our respective strokes. I'm doing well ( so far) and it sounds like Amy is as well. We are both in good physical condition and don't have other issues which bodes well for a faster recovery and good outcome
Barbara Wood Ben, I'm relieved that you recognized the problem & acted so quickly & yes I think your basic good he ... Read more
Barbara Wood Ben, I'm relieved that you recognized the problem & acted so quickly & yes I think your basic good health & condition really contributes to your coming out of this relatively unscathed! Thanks for posting it, it's good for the rest of us to be aware of what might go wrong. Best wishes for continued good healing!!
Ben Hyman Thank you Barbara...knock on wood this will be the end of it
Hi Barbara, this is Barbara 1, just want to send you oodles and oodles of very best wishes and prayers for your speedy recovery, I will be thinking about you. ...Read more
Hi Barbara, this is Barbara 1, just want to send you oodles and oodles of very best wishes and prayers for your speedy recovery, I will be thinking about you. All my very best wishes, Barb. Xx ,. Ps Just think that when your op has been done and you are on the road to recovery....... there will be another Barbara shaking in her shoes!! Haha.
Marie Migliaro Will be thinking of you and praying for a very speedy recovery! I have no advice to give you as I ha ... Read more
Marie Migliaro Will be thinking of you and praying for a very speedy recovery! I have no advice to give you as I haven't had my surgery yet and have no idea! God bless.
Barbara Wood Thank you Barbara:)! & thanks so much Marie!
Barbara Helen Dance I'll be thinking about you and wishing you well, looking forward to hearing you are over the op, and ... Read more
Barbara Helen Dance I'll be thinking about you and wishing you well, looking forward to hearing you are over the op, and getting better all the time. Hear from you when you are up to it...........xx