Barb's Heart Valve Journal

Civita Fahey posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb so nice to see you are doing well. I noticed that your surgeon was from the Brigham in Boston. I am in Boston and will be facing AVR in the near future. I have been looking for a doctor that I would feel comfortable with. I have been referred to the BI and Mass General but, am not really happy. I have since done more research and realized that the Brigham is #4 in heart hospitals in the country and has an amazing reputation.. You mentioned Dr. Aranki as your surgeon? did you like him. Could you share your experience? also do you have a mechanical or bovine valve? was there any chance of having a mini sternotomy vs OHS. I would appreciate any input. if you like you could email mail me directly at formia0711@gmail. com..thanks in advance. Civita

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Barb, this is a wonderful update! And I love the cats! Glad you are back to work and doing so well. Keep er up and happy holidays!

(what are you buying your recliner for Christmas?)

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Great progress Barb. I have been using a heart rate monitor for a few years now when I work out at the gym. Mostly for cardio but it is very useful in the rehab period for even the upper body weights. I am pretty careful to keep my heart rate about 140 or below but have seen it spike to 150 after a vigorous workout. It is very handy to keep doing the right things while minimizing the risk of heart rate getting too high.

Keep healing and keep us posted.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: You hold your boob when you sneeze? That's interesting. I hold my balls when I sneeze. And often I hold them when I don't sneeze. Sometimes I hold them when I'm watching TV. Sometimes I hold them when I'm driving. It doesn't really help stop the pain in the chest, though.
:D

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Barb that says: So glad you are full steam ahead Barb! I also feel like I am missing something by being turfed out of cardiac rehab but c'est la vie! Mind your chest for a few more weeks:)

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: Thanks for posting photos, Barb. Glad to hear you are doing so well, keep it up.
Happy holidays to you and continued good healing.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
Good to hear you are doing so well and back at work. Interesting that the cardiologist and the surgeon both said you didn't need rehab. Actually due to my diagnosis code,cardio rehab. said that my insurance company would not pay for rehab, so I paid for 8 sessions for a total of $260.00. They could have submitted it to insurance but if they wouldn't pay, it would have been a lot higher price for me. (like $200.00 per time!) I guess I really wanted to gain more confidence to actually workout instead of just walk.If I had to go back to work( I use to teach) it would have been hard to make it to rehab.
Isn't it wonderful to be able to sleep anyway you want?! I just love it. I have really changed since my surgery....I really like getting cozy in bed and going to sleep. (esp after not sleeping much for 2-3 weeks!)
I hear you with the groceries. I have had to ask them to resack a few items because it's just too heavy.(like 6 canned goods in 1 sack!)
Always enjoy hearing how you are doing!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
Oh the vacuuming doesn't sound very good. I still have trouble lifting heavy dishes into the microwave. i also have trouble bending down and trying to get pots/pans out of the bottom of the pantry. I think it is just the angle of the arms that causes pain in the chest.
Glad to hear you are doing so well. Plus you are getting to work from home.
Tart cherry juice helps one to sleep and an added feature ...it helps get rid of a headache.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: Boring. Just healing. Got a bit lax about working out and put on some lbs. But, thankfully cardiac rehab is getting the momentum going again. I'll post an updat soon.

Heal well.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: Thanks for the update. Glad to hear things are going well. Continued good healing!!

Jenn posted a note for Barb that says: So great to hear you are doing so well barb!

jeff o posted a note for Barb that says: I felt better and decided to clean up debris from a bad storm....went back on pain meds for about 4 days. Ouch! Hope you're feeling better. BTW whatever you do, don't try to move a metal swing set in your back yard...just saying. : )

Debbie posted a note for Barb that says: I think we all have done something stupid in recovery. We are just so happy to be feeling better. Glad you are feeling good otherwise. I am sure the Dr. will let you drive baring nothing else is wrong. Keep up the good work

Jim. Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Barb
Great report and ouch with the vacuuming! Glad you are making such great progress. Looking for a real positive report next week when you travel to Boston. Keep healing!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: Barb!!!!! What's going on? How are you doing/feeling?

Update?

Have a good Thanksgiving. Hope you are doing well.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. I had trouble sleeping also. I also had night sweats. I really didn't sleep very well until 3 1/2 weeks. I finally started taking Melatonin, 5mg(which they gave in in hospital but I kinda forgot about ), took my dose of Tylenol and also had a shot of tart cherry juice. Since week 4 I have been sleeping through the night....and I think I have been catching up on my lost sleep ever since!
The pain in my back was helped by gentle adjustment from my chiro and I also did a "chair massage"
I was using Vit. E on my scar but stopped after your comment. So glad you said something.
Look forward to your future updates.

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Everything sounds normal. I remember every normal thing seemed to pull on the incision or be more than I should have lifted. I carried the pillow for about four weeks to keep from doing anything I should not. One of the keys for me was to insure I got a good nights sleep. Whatever it takes, Xannax or a cocktail, use what you have. Also, I found that taking ibuprofen daily and even now, 12 weeks later, it still helps with the inflammation of the tissues either from surgery early on or the pulling from the weight work in cardiac rehab. I can tell the difference when I skip a day of two of it. I figure it really takes about four to five months to get everything really settle down but after the fourth week, it seems pretty well close to normal, just some small things you notice like sneezing still can get your attention but all moving well towards full healing and one of these days even forgetting we even had it down. I know there are times I forget even now and have over the last three to four weeks. Keep healing.

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Barb
Thanks for your concern. The drive back could not have been better. Our contact requested a good driver and he was. It was a Lincoln Town car. Big and smooth. Weather was perfect. We stopped at Merritt parkway and route 90 rest stops. Door to door 4 hours. Home at 230pm. Was a wise decision. The Acela train would have been hard for me and longer.

You have a good weekend and tell me how that goo gone works for you! Make sure you don't use super glue by mistake. Ciao!

Sharon Madden posted a note for Barb that says: I just found your journal. It sounds like you are doing great. My surgery will likely be mid January. I am learning so much from all of you that had AVR before me. Thank you for your entries. Please take care of yourself and continue the healing.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: Barb!!!!!!

Glad you're doing well and taking it slow like you should. Thanks for the update.

I used Q tips and alcohol to get glue off various parts of the body. My scar didn't hurt much and I was able to get most of the glue on the chest off with a rag and my fingernail right after I got out of the shower.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Barb that says: Thanks for the update Barb, it gives me something to measure as you are 10 days ahead of me. I'm glad your biggest complaint is about hair and glue! I am on schedule, I think and have no complaints. I did feel dizzy/faintly yesterday while out walking and that gave me a fright, steve was with me to help and it made the pug behave for 10 minutes, other than that no other effects. This sitting around is so boring...TV is beyond bad, I can't read my books yet, don't want visitors, at a bit of a loss! Stay well!

Rebecca S posted a note for Barb that says: Barb, it may seem slow at times, other times it's fast. I think of the Tortoise racing the Hare. Slow and steady wins the race.
Take care.

Tara M posted a note for Barb that says: So glad to hear that recovery is going well for you!!!

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: I tell you, Barb, this is wonderful news, given that you are a bit more than 2 weeks post op. many positive trends here. So glad your cardio went well. For us high energy types ( if you allow me to put the both of us in that category!) slow is not our desired state. I have the thought that at some point we will be moving around faster than ever with much less effort. delighted you have a new laundry service! Lise paid $10-20 for laundry in NYC. Do not get overcharged! Best.

Brian Walsh posted a note for Barb that says: Glad to hear you are recovering well. I sympathize with those boring house circles, my surgery was in December and it was too cold to be outside so I did the same. My kids enjoyed following me around in circle though.

As for the glue and the scar I would just leave it alone. I tried not to mess with mine at all. At the 4 week mark they went in and took tweezers to it and pulled it all off. I could not believe how good the scar looked. It changed everything for me cause I could see that it was actually healing. I used to work for the company that makes the glue, it is strong stuff and can just be peeled off if you must, but keeping it on there ensures the wound stays free from any type of infection. All the best with your continued recovery.

Susan Smith, warm in Florida posted a note for Barb that says: Terrific update, but don't wait so long. I didn't hear about the cats, so expect they are doing good and lap sitting. I am original from Connecticut, born in Hartford. I have a cousin in Middletown and I am familiar with your state. Freezing weather is not my cup of tea. I have lived in FL or ever and don't think I would survive up North. Keep doing what your doing, cause it is working. Keep us all posted.

Jackie keys posted a note for Barb that says: Your story sounds like mine, had my surgery on the 29 of Oct. My glue has started coming off, just some now at the top where they put it on heavy. My energy level gets zapped from the Meds I am taking, bp goes below 100 and then I am done. I also developed a cough, so hoping my dr has an answer about that today. Without a cough and low bp I could rock!!!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: Update? (I know--I've been bad about it lately, too.)

Kathy & John Gregory posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,

Glad you're home. When you are up to visitors give me a call and I will stop by and see you. Hope you get more rest and relax now that you're home.

Love,

Dave & Sherida Palmer posted a note for Barb that says: Barb, Thanks for keeping us posted on all the events of your surgery & recovery, so far! They are so interesting - I look forward to each post! I'm so sorry to hear of Lucy's illness - that certainly wasn't a good 'welcome home Mom!!' I'm glad she's also in recovery & has been a constant companion. Please know that we are praying for a complete recovery for you. God is ABLE! Love you & Don!!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: I didn't have much of an apetite either when I got home because I always felt so bloated. I made sure what I did eat had plenty of protein for healing and fiber for keeping things moving. I drank (and still do) BOOST drinks with good protein. Good luck on the road to recovery. Remember you have to take it slow to heal quickly. Walk, and use the hell out your spirometer.

Aubrey posted a note for Barb that says: He was right about the container store. Take it slow and steady and walk a couple times a day and slowly increase your minutes walking every one to two days. They are right, eating well is a key too. Take you pain mess and we are rooting for your great recovery. Really glad to hear about your progress and getting home to keep your healing going.

Susan Smith posted a note for Barb that says: Glad both you and Lucy are recovering. I have a Frances (cat) who likes my lap and likes to walk on my pillows while I am trying to sleep. Like your Lucy, my Frances is waiting in the window when I arrive home from work and if not there, it is usually because I have locked her a closet or the garage unknowingly. Hope the days are less hectic for you, but you are really doing GRRrrrrrreat! Keep it up, but don't over do...

Carol Foster posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb,

Are you crazy? Stopping to shop on the way home from the hospital? Hahaha your body thought otherwise :) Fu ny how that works eh? Happened to me a few times too. Be careful! Glad your home with your kitties to snuggle with and you aren't out shopping just yet!

Forgive me if you mentioned this already but I didn't see where you said what type of incision you ended up with.

How'd you like BWH nurses etc.?

jeff o posted a note for Barb that says: Getting home is the best. Hope Lucy is better.

Carol Foster posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,
I've been on my cruise so I haven't had any internet access which I admit was nice with the family not so distracted :) I have had you in my prayers though. So glad to hear everything went well and you are doing good. I agree, being clean and wearing your own pj's make a difference. I was just posting on Jim's guestbook that the one hour drive home was not pleasant for me feeling every bump! Also, the traffic rose my heart rate and stress level, so maybe sleep or keep headphones on and rest your eyes? Hope this helps. It must've been a little nerve-wracking having to change surgeons at the last minute like that! It's over now and you are now on the other side of this thing! YAY! Best wishes!!!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: Great to hear how well you are doing. You are now on the other side of surgery!

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Barb, great so far. Take it easy and at a slow increment per day or two. You will have some days of being tired so rest and go again the next day. Best thing that helped me was the planned increase of how much to do per day. I think avoiding the temptation of doing something because I felt good and only did what Tammy and I agreed on as the small increments kept me from losing ground and have a great recovery. Also, take your pain tabs so you can stay active and walk. Keep up the good work

jeff o posted a note for Barb that says: Great to hear how well you're doing! Keep healing.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: BARB!!!!!!!

You are doing GREAT. Keep it up.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,

What a thrill I had reading your funny post op post! You are an amazing woman! So happy to hear you are up and almost out already! Next time you decide to have OHS, don't do it in Boston at the same time the Sox are battling for the series,lol!
Keep asking for back rubs!

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,

You sound great in your post and we are so happy that everything is going well. How is your energy level, you sound like you are ready to go jogging?
I think you made a lot of people smile with the itchy dance along the bathroom door comment, that was great!

Thanks for sharing!
Dan

John & Kathy Gregory posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,

This is so great to hear how well you are doing. Sounds like Don and the staff at the Hosp are taking great care of you. Hope you are home soon and we get a chance to visit with you.

Love

Mary Clare Skopek posted a note for Barb that says: Glad you are doing well! The back pain was by far the worst part for me...I was told it was from chest tube...it did feel a little better once that came out. Praying for a fast recovery!

Tom Huskisson posted a note for Barb that says: Barb:

It is good to hear that you are proceeding along so well. See if they can put some patches on your back for pain ( that worked for me although back rubs are good too ..... :-) ).God bless you !

Tom

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Barb:

I could not have read more wonderful news! This is terrific. So glad everything is working out so far. If your most immediate need is a back scratcher, I'd say things are going pretty well. I hope today is another solid day of recovery. All the best.

Aubrey posted a note for Barb that says: Thinking of you and hoping the outcome is easier than you thought and you are doing well. Look forward to hearing about how your doing soon.

John & Kathy Gregory posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,

Hope all is going well and you are out of ICU and in your room. Feel better. Thinking of you

Love

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb:
I hope you are in step down now. I hope things are progressing well for you. Continue to think of you. All the best.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
I hope you are on the mend! Looking forward to an update!