Carolyn's Guestbook

Melissa Bridge posted a note for Carolyn that says: Hi Carolyn!
I’m three months post-Op from my MV replacement and it took over a month for my bump to go away. But everyone heals differently.

Congratulations on your walk and feeling better.

Melissa Bridge posted a note for Carolyn that says: Hi Carolyn!
I’m three months post-Op from my MV replacement and it took over a month for my bump to go away. But everyone heals differently.

Congratulations on your walk and feeling better.

Judy Hinman posted a note for Carolyn that says: Congratulations on your surgery! I hope you have a quick recovery. I remember I was concerned about the bump as well. I used scar away pads over my entire scar which helped. I am now one year out on my surgery, it went very smooth, and the bump just one day was gone, I would think about 6-8 weeks out. I slept in my own bed first night home or four days after surgery. I started sleeping on my side about 2 weeks out. Wishing you well.

Rich Murdock rmurdocksr@gmail.com posted a note for Carolyn that says: I developed several keloids (lumpy scar tissue) along the healed incision. It troubled me for 2 years, until I found a dermatologist who injected the keloids with a form of cortisone, and it totally eliminated the lumps. Not sure if this is what you are experiencing, but if it persists find a good dermatologist. Best to you!

Jim Harvey posted a note for Carolyn that says: Carolyn, looking forward to hearing from you about how it went. You'll do well and you have a great team caring for you after the operation.

Dave Dionne posted a note for Carolyn that says: Carolyn,


You'll be fine, best of luck!!! I'm almost 6 weeks post-op, feeling great!!!


Dave Dionne

Susan Lynn posted a note for Carolyn that says: Good luck and speedy recovery, Carolyn!

Lisa McLaughlin posted a note for Carolyn that says: Sending you positive thoughts and energy s you prepare for tomorrow!

Steven Perrotta posted a note for Carolyn that says: Hi Carolyn. Good luck tomorrow and wishing you a quick recovery.

Civita Fahey posted a note for Carolyn that says: HI Carolyn It was a pleasure talking to you last weekend. I want to wish the best of luck on Tuesday and know that my prayers are with you! You will do just great and be posting your road to recovery before you know it.!

Steven Perrotta posted a note for Carolyn that says: Hi Carolyn, I didn't get your email, but you can call me at 774.218.2834.

I am in RI so I am available for a call until about 9 PM EDT. Thanks and I look forward to speaking with you.

JoAnn Lenhart posted a note for Carolyn that says: Prayers for you

Jim Harvey posted a note for Carolyn that says: Hi Carolyn,

The first thing I can tell you about St Vin's is it's so nice to be home again...but that's not an indictment of anything there (except the phlebotomists who start their days at 5am, so try to get your nurse to put a sign on your door to not be disturbed until after 6 at least).

After ICU I stayed on 8 west. Best care anywhere. But you don't get to pick, you'll either be on 6 or 8, depends on where the next bed opens up.

Let me try to do this as a Top 10 list.

10. Food is OK but bland as you might expect. Remember to plan for constipation from pain meds so make your food choices accordingly. If I could do it over again I'd probably order the prune juice with meals from the first day, that's what seemed to work the best for me. I almost got them to give me bacon!
9. Each room has both a door and a curtain. Ask them to close the door when you want to catch a few Z's, curtain all other times.
8. Nurses are busy and are required to help you get up from bed or chair to do anything. When you press the call button and the desk replies, "someone will be right there" that could mean up to 30 minutes. (One time I was getting a bit frustrated so turned up the volume on the TV really loud. They were there about 3 minutes later.)
7. Make sure your cardiologist team and surgical team are communicating about your case. Seems straight forward but I found it frustrating that I was getting mixed signals from them on their rounds the first couple of days.
6. I think from what I saw of other's responses to your questions on what to bring you have a good list. The longer phone charging cord was the best thing I bought in advance. I bet if the hospital sold it, it would go for around $525. I got 3 for $10 on Amazon. The dry shampoo is good too, that helps if you aren't into wearing baseball caps.
5. Appreciate all that those wonderful people do for you while you are there. Nurses, Aides, PT, OT, housekeeping, dietary. I had the ones who worked with me more than once sign my heart pillow. I also grabbed a handful of forms from the nurses station on the way out so I can send them personal notes. If you meet a nurse named Helga, tell her Jim says "it goes to Eleven."
4. Ask for an air mattress for the bed. Much more comfortable and they are quite willing to do it. And wet wipes.
3. Be ready for changes from the average case. My case had lower blood pressure, A-fib and some missed heartbeats. Probably extended my stay by two days at least. Think in advance about what that might mean. In my case, it was pacemaker, then no pacemaker, finally monitor before being released.
2. Try to be active, especially if your pain meds are working. Let PT take you for walks, sometimes a nurse will. Activity is your friend, just don't overdo it.
1. Did I say prune juice?

You can come through this even if it seems challenging in the moment. I think you seem well-prepared in all ways.

Steven Perrotta posted a note for Carolyn that says: Hi Carolyn. If you would like you to talk here is my email address steveperrotta@outlook.com. We can exchange phone numbers and talk if you want. I have plenty of time these next few weeks.

Wendy posted a note for Carolyn that says: Hi Carolyn, my partner is having a valve replacement surgery on 9 April and we too are facing the same tough decision. I wanted to share that when we asked the surgeon about the on-x valve, he wasn’t comfortable with the ‘lower’ prescribe INR levels. There was another lady on a different forum valve replacement org who had a bad experience with maintaining a lower INR. Just thought I share as e ar in a similar situation and my partner is aged 52.

Adam Pick posted a note for Carolyn that says: Hi Carolyn! Welcome aboard! Great to have you as our newest member! I hope educational information and wonderful people help you along your journey. By the way, Dr. Swanson is a great surgeon and very nice guy. Many patients from our community have had excellent results with him and his team at Providence! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Jeffrey-Swanson-Portland-Oregon2.php