Cheryl Shute's Guestbook

Cheryl Shute Walter  Merry Christmas to you, Mindy! Life here is also good. I've had to take it slow. Had some a fib right after I got home. I have also had a bit of a problem with my coumadin level. Just had my dose increased. Also let myself get very dehydrated, and all I did was sleep for a couple of days. But things seem to be back in track. Glad to hear things are getting for you and that your wounds did not get infected. That's the last thing you need. My sternum seems to be healing very well, and I'm thankful I haven't had near as much pain as I expected. Are you getting any home health care? I have a nurse come in once or twice a week, and that has been very reassuring. I go back to see my surgeon for the first time on Monday. I really just want to get my energy level back.
Keeping you in my prayers.
By the way, in addition to being moo buddies now, we are COWGIRLS!

Sophia Ridley  Good to hear that you're both through some post surgery issues. Here's to a smoother recovery going forward!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Sophia, I hope your a fib problems have settled down now. None of our health problems were exactly the same, so we will all recover differently. Happy New Year to you all! I am so glad my surgery is finally behind me and am so excited looking forward to 2016!

Cheryl Shute Walter  So glad to finally hear from you, Mindy. I was so worried about you. Only 3 days in the hospital? Good to hear that things have settled down for you. I have improved so much since being home the last two days. I have signed up for home health care to get my coumadin levels taken. Haven't had any problems with that yet. The hospital had a hard time getting it level, which kept me there 2 more days. The pain isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I had really psyched myself out prior to surgery. Most of the pain was from the pacemaker.
My cardiologist is Barry Feldman, at Parkridge, my pacemaker was put in by his wife/partner Jennifer Feldman. My surgeon was Reid Tribble in Suite 300 at Palmetto Health Heart. I don't go back to see him until 12/28.
I see you live in Lexington. I had an antique shop in the Old Mill, but closed it in May. Did you ever stop in there? It was called Lake Murray Treasures, and I specialized in antique and vintage clothing, accessories and jewelry.
Sending prayers for your continued recovery!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Thanks Enrique! Read your journal and sounds like you are well on your way to a healthier life. So happy for you.

Cheryl Shute Walter  Hi Mindy! The list shows that you and I are both having our surgeries on Wednesday, 12/2. I have heard good things about Dr. Yarborough and know you are in good hands at Providence. My surgery will be done by Dr. Tribble at Palmetto Heart. I will also keep you in my prayers and check with you as soon as I am able after our surgeries!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Thank you Lynn. Don't be afraid for yourself. Since hearing of my diagnosis, I have spoken with so many people who have gone through similar diagnoses and surgeries. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. :)

Cheryl Shute Walter  Judi,
I know what you mean about the waiting. It feels like I'm putting my life on hold. Yet you are right about improvements in technology and procedures improving over time. This additional reprieve will hopefully give me the time to get this extra weight off, and to work on improving my new shop. I realize there will always be things I want to get done before this surgery, but my priority is staying alive. Thanks for your comments!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Hi Sidney! Thanks for your comments. Glad everything went well for you.
Are you in Columbia now? If so, I was just wondering why you went to Duke instead of Palmetto Heart Hospital or Providence, etc. Feel free to email me at lakemurraygirl@earthlink.com.

Cheryl Shute Walter  Thanks Jim! While I know I will still need the surgery, knowing it is not imminent has taken a great burden off of me. As you know, I recently opened my own shop, and it has been such a success. This gives me more time to develop it and establish a good, regular clientele before being out of commission for a while. Life is good. I hope you are also doing well and getting on with LIVING the rest of your life!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Dora, I hope the meeting with your surgeon went well, and that all the preparations are being made for your surgery on 2/13. I have that date on my calendar to check on how you are doing. I will keep you in my prayers!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Hi Kevin, thanks so much for your comments. I'm glad your surgery is over with and everything went well. I have no doubt that it will be the same for me. I, too, just wish it was over.

Cheryl Shute Walter  Thanks for your support, Carol. I'll read your journal. I'm glad to use any help I can get, and am so glad I found this site. Everyone has been so supportive of each other. Best wishes for your continued recovery!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Jim, it is very encouraging to hear your recovery is going pretty quickly. I have already met with my surgical team twice, and each time they postponed my surgery 6 months. This time will probably be it. I really need to get this done so that I can get on with living the rest of my life! Wishing you and your family a happy New Year also!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Susan, thanks for your encouragement! I could use to lose at least 50 lbs. myself (which I gained after I quit smoking - doctor's orders), but have not been able to. I've had no such instructions from my doctors to do so. I was only put on Lipitor (?). Great job on losing your weight! If you can do it, then maybe so can I. With only 4 weeks to D Day, every little bit will help.

Cheryl Shute Walter  Thank you, Judi ! I just wish I was eligible for the VRS through the femural artery, Unfortunately, this isn't approved in the U.S. yet for people my age. It sure would be a lot easier to recover from. But I'm hanging in there. Yes, He is in control.
Best wishes for your continued recovery.

Cheryl Shute Walter  Hi Judi. I felt a very warm welcome from some "regulars" when I joined this week, and have been reading several journals for a while now.

Even though I am overweight, I still feel physically strong. After my annual echo last year, my cardiologist told me that my valve measurement was not at the point where we needed to consider getting ready for the surgery. I can't remember what that measurement is right now. It hasn't changed in the year since, thankfully. In February I'll find out more.

Do you have your surgery scheduled yet?

Cheryl Shute Walter  Hi Jim. You sound like a character :v I'll check out your journal. Glad you also found these journals and this site useful. My doctors didn't tell me about it, but I found it on Facebook. Best wishes for your continued recovery!

Cheryl Shute Walter  Thanks Ernie! I've been reading about a half dozen journals, and even though I haven't found anyone with my specific medical situation, the journals have been plenty helpful in preparing me for all kinds of post heart surgery situations. How long has it been since your surgery?

Cheryl Shute Walter  Hi Susan, thanks for your good wishes. I don't really have a surgery date yet, just another (3rd meeting) with the valve clinic doctors. Finding and reading some of these journals have really helped. Do you have any estimated time period for your surgery yet?