Guestbook of Cheryl Smith

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Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3360 days ago

Chris Vereb posted a note for Cheryl that says:

Just a quick Hello...☺

Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3404 days ago

Robert Frederick posted a note for Cheryl that says:

Cheryl: How are you doing? I am back at work and at rehab. They keep turning up the settings at both each week :)

Cheryl Smith I am doing well. I go back to work on March 21. 4 day week then Spring Break for a week and I will ... Read more

Cheryl Smith I am doing well. I go back to work on March 21. 4 day week then Spring Break for a week and I will have April and May. Then out for the summer. I think I can... I think I can. I am going to the gym or walking in the neighborhood everyday. We have traveled some while I have been off. Thanks for checking in. How are you?

Denise Campbell Funny, I work in school system too. I'm a para and will probably be out till mid May. If not the re ... Read more

Denise Campbell Funny, I work in school system too. I'm a para and will probably be out till mid May. If not the rest of school year.

Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3464 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Robert Frederick posted a note for Cheryl that says:

Nice to talk with you on the phone this evening. We are glad that you are progressing well after your surgery. Bob and Lynn Frederick

Cheryl Smith Thanks Bob and Lynn. My husband, girls and I were all so happy ya'll called. Very sweet gesture.

Robert Frederick Are you back home now?

Cheryl Smith We got home Monday about 3 PM. Yesterday and today have been puppy days. Feed, walk, water and nap ... Read more

Cheryl Smith We got home Monday about 3 PM. Yesterday and today have been puppy days. Feed, walk, water and nap. Repeat. These girls are the best caretakers.

Robert Frederick The first week at home was a little lost for me. I was with it but getting settled down at night to ... Read more

Robert Frederick The first week at home was a little lost for me. I was with it but getting settled down at night to sleep started out a little rough but quickly got better.

I hope that you are getting better each day and getting settled into a positive routine at home.

Cheryl Smith Ditto on what you said about the first week home so far. Guess have to get in my own groove. Sweet ... Read more

Cheryl Smith Ditto on what you said about the first week home so far. Guess have to get in my own groove. Sweet daughter and 23 mo grand girl left today. They have been excellent helpers.

Robert Frederick My 14 year old was my 15 minutes twice a day walking buddy during my first week home. It was nice to ... Read more

Robert Frederick My 14 year old was my 15 minutes twice a day walking buddy during my first week home. It was nice to be with her.

Phase 2 at home was walking a little inside on my own usually followed by a nap two times per day.

The first time I did not have to take a nap or two after some physical or emotional exertion marked the end of this phase for me.

Cheryl Smith Robert did you decide to do cardic rehab? Did you go for post op visit yet?

Robert Frederick I am starting cardiac rehab in February. Will give me some accountability to develop good habits for ... Read more

Robert Frederick I am starting cardiac rehab in February. Will give me some accountability to develop good habits for the future.

Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3464 days ago

Robert Frederick posted a note for Cheryl that says:

Nice to talk with you on the phone this evening. We are glad that you are progressing well after your surgery. Bob and Lynn Frederick

Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3468 days ago

Enrique K posted a note for Cheryl that says:

Dear Cheryl, We’re all thinking of you during this time and hope your recovery is a speedy one. Best wishes for a successful surgery.

Bob M I pray that your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. Tomorrow will be a ne ... Read more

Bob M I pray that your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. Tomorrow will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!

Cheryl Smith Well I'd say it's pretty much being a text book one. Each drain that comes out it helps. Thanks for ... Read more

Cheryl Smith Well I'd say it's pretty much being a text book one. Each drain that comes out it helps. Thanks for the well wishes. I may go home tomorrow. I sure hope so.

Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3481 days ago

Melinda Queliz posted a note for Cheryl that says:

Hi Cheryl! Looks like you and I will be having the same procedure done. My surgery is 3/3/16. Just wanting to wish you well and a wonderful Christmas season ...Read more

Hi Cheryl! Looks like you and I will be having the same procedure done. My surgery is 3/3/16. Just wanting to wish you well and a wonderful Christmas season with your family. Stay strong because I know I am looking forward to reading your progress :) I will keep you in my prayers. Please keep us updated because I learned quickly this is a wonderful community.

Cheryl Smith I will share every step of the way Melinda.

Cheryl Smith Well Melinda it goes down on Wed. I will fill you in as soon as I can.

Melinda Queliz I just posted your last entry but I just got finished praying for you and your family and your care t ... Read more

Melinda Queliz I just posted your last entry but I just got finished praying for you and your family and your care team. I appreciate you reaching out to me :) I look forward to hearing more of your story. I also look forward to having my own surgery behind me and being able share my story and hopefully help others as well.

Cheryl Smith Surgery later in the day Wed. They finished about 6 pm. Was in CICU in until 10 ish the next morn. ... Read more

Cheryl Smith Surgery later in the day Wed. They finished about 6 pm. Was in CICU in until 10 ish the next morn. Thur was mostly rest day and keep pain managed. Fri morn I was uncomfortable until the took out chest tube 1. And the catheter. I was almost 100% percent better from that moment on. There have been a few rough spots with coughing and back aches. Husband and daughter have been ultimate care takers. They daughters pass the batton today. I could possibly go home tomorrow. I am counting on it. So ready. None of it easy but doable.

Melinda Queliz I am so happy to hear from you and beyond ecstatic you may be going home soon! You know chest tubes a ... Read more

Melinda Queliz I am so happy to hear from you and beyond ecstatic you may be going home soon! You know chest tubes are a HUGE fear for me....how bad are they coming out?

Cheryl Smith Chest tubes coming out has yet to hurt the PA so he said! I just breathe and it's over. not bad at ... Read more

Cheryl Smith Chest tubes coming out has yet to hurt the PA so he said! I just breathe and it's over. not bad at all. The JP drain out today. it was about the same. you will be so glad to get them out....

Melinda Queliz You are such an inspiration to me, you really have no idea. Rest up at home and I will catch up with ... Read more

Melinda Queliz You are such an inspiration to me, you really have no idea. Rest up at home and I will catch up with you soon. So happy you are on the road to recovery.

Cheryl Smith Melinda. I'm 5 weeks out. The recovery is fine. The first week is the hardest. If you have any qu ... Read more

Cheryl Smith Melinda. I'm 5 weeks out. The recovery is fine. The first week is the hardest. If you have any questions call or message me.

Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3482 days ago

Emily Rowley posted a note for Cheryl that says:

Hey Cheryl, If you have any questions about Open-heart Surgery, please feel free to ask. I wish you all the best in your upcoming Operation. Emily.

Cheryl Smith Thanks Emily. The plan is to do mine robotically. Thanks for the well wishes.

Emily Rowley Okay, sounds good. Let me know if you have any queries, I might me able to help. You're welcome Chery ... Read more

Emily Rowley Okay, sounds good. Let me know if you have any queries, I might me able to help. You're welcome Cheryl 😊

Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3487 days ago

Cheryl Batzing posted a note for Cheryl that says:

Cheryl, thanks for your post to me! I totally understand your nerves! I had been diagnosed with mitral regurgitation at age 30, and worrying about my surgery ...Read more

Cheryl, thanks for your post to me! I totally understand your nerves! I had been diagnosed with mitral regurgitation at age 30, and worrying about my surgery for 23 years....and so glad it's over! I'm the biggest baby in the world, and have very low pain tolerance. And I'm great now! Feel free to email me at pcbatzing@att.net. I had the option of robotic repair, or portal access....two different surgeons. I went with the surgeon I felt the most confidence with and who listened well to me. They were both highly recommended. I think I would have done well with either...but I asked for God's guidance and went the way I felt led! Will keep you in my prayers....and please ask any more questions you have.

Cheryl Smith I am sure I will pick your brain. Tomorrow is my last day of school until after my recovery. How lo ... Read more

Cheryl Smith I am sure I will pick your brain. Tomorrow is my last day of school until after my recovery. How long was your recovery (time off work?)

Cheryl Batzing I was able to work from home on a laptop at 2 weeks post surgery, and went back to work part time at ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing I was able to work from home on a laptop at 2 weeks post surgery, and went back to work part time at 3 weeks. Wasn't driving, and drooped by early afternoon, but had very flexible work situation that was a huge blessing. Went back full time at 4 weeks...but I think that is unusual. My nurses told me my side entry "minimally invasive" surgery was more painful up front, but healing would be quicker than other types. I found that to be true. Had trouble with pain for first 5 days in hospital, but once got that under control, I pretty much rock and rolled other than dealing with fib! You'll do great!

Cheryl Smith So this ole girl will take 8 and maybe more. :) Going to make sure I am ready to deal with 8th grad ... Read more

Cheryl Smith So this ole girl will take 8 and maybe more. :) Going to make sure I am ready to deal with 8th graders!

Cheryl Batzing Take all the time you need! I was self employed at the time and am a workaholic....but did enjoy gett ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing Take all the time you need! I was self employed at the time and am a workaholic....but did enjoy getting back at it from my laptop! Will keep you in my prayers!

Cheryl Smith Thanks Cheryl!

Cheryl Smithgot a new guestbook post

3506 days ago

Emily Rowley reacted to this

Meredith Bray posted a note for Cheryl that says:

I'd be surprised if you wrote, "I'm really amped up about this surgery! I've got all the answers and everything is under control!" I'd actually be wondering ...Read more

I'd be surprised if you wrote, "I'm really amped up about this surgery! I've got all the answers and everything is under control!" I'd actually be wondering if you were human, really. I'm sure you've got a jillion questions, and a million more you haven't thought of yet. Please ask any question you think of, there's sure to be another person who is looking for the same answer. My best advice to you regarding the catheterization is to expect to use a bedpan in the recovery room. Being ready and willing to do that will make your experience a bit more bearable. What else? -Meredith

Emily Rowley
I feel the same. I too can't say I'm really amped up about surgery or I've got all the answers. Alth ... Read more

Emily Rowley
I feel the same. I too can't say I'm really amped up about surgery or I've got all the answers. Although I'm scared, I'm ready for OHS in a way. I want to be on the other side recovering.

As Meredith was saying, you will find more questions to ask-even after you visit your Specialist. I did!

Will the Catheterization tell you if you need Mitral Valve Repair soon? Sorry I'm not too familiar with this procedure.

Any quarries, please feel free to ask :)

Emily.

Cheryl Shute Walter Hi Emily. I had my heart cath last month, and it was a breeze. They went in through my femural arte ... Read more

Cheryl Shute Walter Hi Emily. I had my heart cath last month, and it was a breeze. They went in through my femural artery in my right groin. I was vaguely aware of what was going on but felt nothing. This procedure will let the doctors know if you have any heart disease such as needing a a stent or bypasses prior to your valve surgery. I was in a dream like state and could hear my cardiologist saying that I didn't need any stents or bypasses, and that everything looked great, let's get out of here. They put a bandage on it, and let me go home a few hours later. That really eased my mind, and I hope it is the same for you. Prayers for you for a successful procedure and surgery.