Guestbook of Barb Brooks

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Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

3382 days ago

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. ...Read more

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

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4381 days ago

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 ...Read more

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?)

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4381 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4381 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Barb Brooks Ernie... I truly believe you.

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4381 days ago

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 ...Read more

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:)

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4382 days ago

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.

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4382 days ago

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 ...Read more

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!

Barb Brooks Hi Carol,

My insurance does cover rehab, but I couldn't go without a doctor's order, and neither the ... Read more

Barb Brooks Hi Carol,

My insurance does cover rehab, but I couldn't go without a doctor's order, and neither the surgeon or the cardiologist would order it. Now that I'm working, it would be hard for me to fit that into my schedule. My insurance is only covering this 'event' until the end of the year, so at this point I don't think I'll worry about it. I figure they must have had a reason for not wanting me to go.

Yes, sleep is great! I'm sleeping through the night these days with a little help from my buddy benadryl.

Glad you're re-packing and not lifting heavy groceries. I probably won't do it for at least 6 months.

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4396 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooks I'll have to try that! Usually for headaches I put a little dab of Vicks Vapo Rub on my forehead and ... Read more

Barb Brooks I'll have to try that! Usually for headaches I put a little dab of Vicks Vapo Rub on my forehead and that does the trick!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4396 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooks I may start cardiac rehab next week. Hope it helps. Glad you're doing well.

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4396 days ago

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

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear things are going well. Continued good healing!!

Barb Brooks Ernie!!!! Seems you haven't posted an update for awhile... how's your recovery???

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4396 days ago

Jenn posted a note for Barb that says:

So great to hear you are doing so well barb!

Barb Brooks Thanks, Jenn. Hope your back feels better!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4396 days ago

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 ...Read more

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. : )

Barb Brooks I'm going to be much more aware of what I'm doing now. "Ouch" pretty much sums it up, doesn't it? L ... Read more

Barb Brooks I'm going to be much more aware of what I'm doing now. "Ouch" pretty much sums it up, doesn't it? LOL Glad you're doing well yourself!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4396 days ago

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. ...Read more

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

Barb Brooks Hey Debbie!! I'm doing better than I thought I would be at this point. I'm even going to work this ... Read more

Barb Brooks Hey Debbie!! I'm doing better than I thought I would be at this point. I'm even going to work this Saturday for 5 hours. We'll see how it goes.

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4396 days ago

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. ...Read more

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!

Barb Brooks Jim,

Didn't think a little vacuuming would do so much damage... guess I just wasn't thinking at all! ... Read more

Barb Brooks Jim,

Didn't think a little vacuuming would do so much damage... guess I just wasn't thinking at all! LOL

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4403 days ago

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.

Barb Brooks Wow - haven't been on for awhile... just posted an update :-)

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4411 days ago

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. ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooks Carol,

I've never heard of tart cherry juice... sounds interesting... what does it do? I found bene ... Read more

Barb Brooks Carol,

I've never heard of tart cherry juice... sounds interesting... what does it do? I found benedryl, so I've been sleeping through the night now... thankfully.

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4411 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooks Aubrey,

You're right about taking ibuprofen regularly. I skipped a few days and felt it. Glad you' ... Read more

Barb Brooks Aubrey,

You're right about taking ibuprofen regularly. I skipped a few days and felt it. Glad you're still doing so well, and continue to improve. It really does take several months to heal!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4414 days ago

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 ...Read more

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!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4414 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooks Hi Sharon... we are all happy to help, and will be monitoring your progress as well. Good luck to yo ... Read more

Barb Brooks Hi Sharon... we are all happy to help, and will be monitoring your progress as well. Good luck to you!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4414 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooks Ernie!!!! I think I would be standing there for about 6 months with Q tips and alcohol. They must h ... Read more

Barb Brooks Ernie!!!! I think I would be standing there for about 6 months with Q tips and alcohol. They must have used super glue on me! I wonder if I can use Goo Gone?

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4414 days ago

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 ...Read more

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!

Barb Brooks Lynn... I still get a bit dizzy if I stand for too long. Boring describes it mildly... I can't think ... Read more

Barb Brooks Lynn... I still get a bit dizzy if I stand for too long. Boring describes it mildly... I can't think of a better word, though. TV is awful... I even find myself tuning in to QVC and HSN. Haven't bought anything yet :-) I don't feel like reading, and don't want visitors yet, either. Just feel 'yuck', and not ready. Sounds like we're both on the same page. I'll let you know when I turn to the next one!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4414 days ago

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.

Barb Brooks Rebecca... "Slow" is the only pace I know right now. The race is going to take a long time. :-)

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4414 days ago

Tara M posted a note for Barb that says:

So glad to hear that recovery is going well for you!!!

Barb Brooks Thanks, Tara. I'm sure you will have a good recovery as well. Will be thinking of you... just a few ... Read more

Barb Brooks Thanks, Tara. I'm sure you will have a good recovery as well. Will be thinking of you... just a few more days!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4414 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooks Hey Jim! Nice to see you're back and doing well! Glad you made it home OK. I was worried about tha ... Read more

Barb Brooks Hey Jim! Nice to see you're back and doing well! Glad you made it home OK. I was worried about that long drive you had. Strength gets a bit better every day (a little bit). Everything in NYC is overpriced. I'm just thankful my laundry service is free... LOL!

Barb Brooksgot a new guestbook post

4414 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Barb Brooks The worse part is - I keep adding rotations to the boring house circles!

Thanks for the glue advice. ... Read more

Barb Brooks The worse part is - I keep adding rotations to the boring house circles!

Thanks for the glue advice. I'm not going to mess with mine either. I don't have any infections, and prefer to keep it that way :-)