I am almost 15 months post op--and doing great!
This website has been a fantastic source of information and support for me. Thank you, Adam, for all of your work to keep this going.
On August 9, 2014...
Lynn Quast posted a note for Christine that says:
One year!! That's wonderful and thanks for sharing. I'm 4 months out and just feeling ok to exercise which feels great!! I was not in great health before so I expected to take a little more time but am feeling better and better and healthier than I ever have . So now it's building strength for me . I took care of my 5 year old grandson the other day by myself and did great!! Now that's amazing to me:) anyway it's always good to hear about people doing well after a long time Thanks for sharing !
Christine Kline hi Lynn: it still surprises me as to how quickly we recover from such major surgery. It sounds like you are doing well for 4 months! I found that cardio ... Read more
Christine Kline hi Lynn: it still surprises me as to how quickly we recover from such major surgery. It sounds like you are doing well for 4 months! I found that cardio rehab really helped with building strength and confidence. Good luck in your recovery.
Chris K
On August 9, 2014...
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Christine that says:
Hey congrats on being one year out. Next month I will be 2 years out Hardly can believe it. I to still have that annoying little pain and wonder if its the wires. Guess Im getting use to it. If it bothers me to much I just take a Tramadol. Its my new buddy. Take care.
Christine Kline Hi Linda; Glad to know you are still doing well. You were one my mentors! I had hoped my sternum soreness would be gone by now, but I guess, like you, it ... Read more
Christine Kline Hi Linda; Glad to know you are still doing well. You were one my mentors! I had hoped my sternum soreness would be gone by now, but I guess, like you, it will continue to be there--maybe a gentle reminder as to what we have been through--lest we forget?!!?
Chris K (and Elsie)
On August 9, 2014...
Bill Bard posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Christine
I too am just over a year post-op and doing great as well. Except that after losing 60 lbs (and 60 more to go!) I have developed gall stones that are giving me grief. Isn't it amazing what heart surgery can give you back. Keep up the good work.
Your neighbor just south here in Oregon.
Christine Kline Hi Bill: Congrats to you--60 lbs is amazing!
On April 17, 2014...
Clare Auten posted a note for Christine that says:
Sounds like things are going well for you. That is great. I had AVR surgery 1/9/14...about 3 months ago. I feel itchy around my scar and can barely wear some of my tops as they are uncomfortable. Good to know I am not alone. At first I thought it was all in my head.
judy posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi again Chris. So glad you still check your journal. I felt as if we had a lot in common when I read your story. No I have not yet set up a profile, brand new here and still figuring it out. I am having the valve done at RCH in new west as I live in Coverdale.
I was interested to read about your lift chair, shower stool and tips like that. If I may, perhaps I will ask you more questions at another time. Pretty tired right now ...did not sleep much last night.
Judy posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Christine ... great to read your story. I am also from Vancouver, also have stenosis due to bicuspid. Like you I have been pretty active and I was quite surprised that I need the surgery so soon. It seems to have progressed more rapidly than cardiologist originally predicted. I am almost 60. Also like you, I was just cancelled ! earlier this evening, I got a call ... with only 12 hours to go ... cancelled and rescheduled for 2 weeks down the road. disappointing mainly due to all my family members having taken time off work and flown in to be here. we have much in common .... I hope you still check your guest book sometimes and see this. would love to "chat".
Christine Kline Hi Judy:
Yes-- I do check my guestbook and would love to "chat". It is nice to have a fellow HVR'r who lives in Vancouver. In which hospital are you having ... Read more
Christine Kline Hi Judy:
Yes-- I do check my guestbook and would love to "chat". It is nice to have a fellow HVR'r who lives in Vancouver. In which hospital are you having your surgery? I know how disappointing it is to get all psyched up for such major surgery and then have it cancelled at the last moment--especially with all of your family taking time off work and/or flying to Vancouver. Do you have a journal on this website? I looked but couldn't find it. Anyway, keep me posted.
ChrisK
On December 1, 2013...
Arlene Carey posted a note for Christine that says:
I was glad to hear you are getting in some swimming and enjoying your stay in Maui.
Think it is all going to take time before you feel up to par again, Chris. Hope you aren't working too hard and are making sure you get enough rest.
Look forward to hearing from you when you get home. "Hi" to Gord for me as well.
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Go Raiders go! Good luck with the game. Chris, you sure have been busy. 95% is certainly encouraging. Keep up the good work, Chris! Enjoy the ggod weather as you heal!
Dan Sinclair posted a note for Christine that says:
Christine,
Congratulations on your 12 week!
I sincerely wish you a great time in Maui I know for a fact you will have a wonderful time, what a great place to continue your recovery. 4-1/2 weeks will put you in a fully recovered better than before mode, and yes I am jealous, I only got to stay there for 7 days.
Malama Pono!
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
You're killing me Chris! What is it with HVJ folks and Maui??? You, Dan, then you! Next Ernie will be there!
On a serious note, so glad you are continuing to heal. We too enjoyed seeing the little children last night for Halloween. Safe travels and full healing!
jjones@firstwellesley.com posted a note for Christine that says:
Hey Chris:
"You are doing great!" It is so good to hear those words. I look forward to the day when all the irritating and annoying things are finally gone for you. That will be a great day indeed. It does take some time it seems for the body to fully recover. We need a magic wand to speed things up for sure. But, I am so glad to hear how well you are doing. Keep it up. Best.
Christine Kline Thanks Jim:It is reassuring to hear the positive comments from HVJrs like you.
Today, so far, my chest has been feeling good--not much prickling. Thre is hope!!!! ... Read more
Christine Kline Thanks Jim:It is reassuring to hear the positive comments from HVJrs like you.
Today, so far, my chest has been feeling good--not much prickling. Thre is hope!!!!
Maybe it wasn't the magic wand, but the magic comments from everyone!!
Good luck with your surgery on Nov. 5th.
On October 25, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Christine that says:
A couple of shots of tequila and you won't even feel the prickly chafing! :)
Christine Kline Ok ok--I will try tequila tonight instead of the gin!!!!
On October 25, 2013...
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Chris, Good to hear from you. Your doctor is right, I am 13 months out now and still have that prickly pain you mentioned. Its usually not all that bad just annoying. It is all on the right side of my incision. So last night I tried not to sleep on my right side, today was great. I think it helped and I have started wearing my bran to bed again and I think that has helped to. So I hope you are lucky and get rid of it real soon. My daughter who had surgery 4 1/2 years ago said occasionally she will get a little pain even now, but it doesn't last. So you take care enjoy rehab.
Christine Kline Thanks Linda:
Your experience is so helpful for me.
It is reassuring that it becomes annoying rather than painful. I can sleep on my left side, but it is ... Read more
Christine Kline Thanks Linda:
Your experience is so helpful for me.
It is reassuring that it becomes annoying rather than painful. I can sleep on my left side, but it is still too sore on my right. My friend is a nurse and she reminded me that, during the surgery they peel back the top layer of your chest and use clamps to hold them open while they work on your heart. No wonder it is sore for some time after. And that sure can affect all those nerves.
I too tried wearing my bra to bed one night. I think I will try it again.
From my Elsie #2 to your Elsie #1
On October 25, 2013...
Phyllis Scrimgeour posted a note for Christine that says:
So pleased to hear that you are doing so well. Even though you think it seems a slow recovery, it is a process that takes the time it takes. Isn't it a miracle that"Elsie's" even exist.
Thanks for visiting my dad.
Love, Phyllis
Christine Kline Thanks Phyllis:
Glad that Arlene, Gord and I were able to visit Uncle Ron before we head off to Maui again.
What a good idea to have visitors note their visit ... Read more
Christine Kline Thanks Phyllis:
Glad that Arlene, Gord and I were able to visit Uncle Ron before we head off to Maui again.
What a good idea to have visitors note their visit on his calendar. I know with the dementia that it isn't easy for him to remember everything. In spite of it all, he is looking incredibly good at 103!!!
On October 19, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Christine that says:
You are paving the road ahead of us for those of us behind you on the recovery train. keep smiling, and keep up the good work.
Joe posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Christine,
Happy Thanksgiving! I lived in the Buffalo area a few years ago and one year celebrated with a Canadian friend. That year I had 2 Thanksgivings and believe that is the way it should always be.
Isn't rehab great? I too em enjoying it. The chest pain turns to discomfort and little by little you feel it less and less. So keep up the rehab and activity and remember to enjoy life every day. You are doing great!!!
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Hey Chris:
Good morning to you. So glad to read your post. I understand the feeling of wanting more progress and hope in the next several weeks you close in on the remaining 10%. After that, I expect you have more gains that will have you in a place even better than your pre-surgery condition.
On a lighter note, you have beat the pants off of us in the US. We STILL haven't celebrated Thanksgiving. Yeah, I know, I don't get it either! Have a great weekend. Best.
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Chris, Happy Birthday, and Happy Rehab. I really did enjoy rehab in fact I miss it. You can just see yourself improve each time. Dinner sounded wonderful too and well deserved. You and Elsie enjoy. Until later.
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Well Chris:
Happy birthday to you! So glad you were able to have a celebration (and refuel after your exercise.) And congrats on your first day of rehab. Hope you have a great day today. All the best.
jeff o posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Christine, I was recently asked where I am in my recovery at 8 weeks, 80% was my answer too. Good to hear you are doing well.. the over doing it is a common occurrence for all of us. Take care.
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Hey Chris
Anytime I read a journal entry that begins with "I just returned from Maui" and "I have been too busy to write my 8 week update" I know the person is doing fine and dandy!
So glad you are doing well. I understand the frustration of not being at 100% now, I will be the same way. ( remind me)
But I am really pleased at how well you are doing! Best.
Love, Arlene posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Chris. Glad you were able to make it to Maui, and you are now back safe and sound. It sounds like you may have overdone it a little in Maui, but I am sure you feel it was worth it! Hope now you are back home you make sure you take some time to rest. Look forward to hearing from you, or seeing you soon!
Christine Kline Thanks Arlene! Yes--I tend to overdo it sometimes and pay the price. Looking forward to talking to you or seeing you soon.
On October 2, 2013...
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Chris, Wow Maui cant think of any place to be to recover, that's nice although Vancouver is beautiful too. I was there when I went of a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska. It is beautiful there too.. I'm lucky I didn't have to go back to work as I am retired. I think it would be hard to do it. You will find rehab to be very helpful. I really enjoyed it and it really did help. After that so I could stay active was joining the YMCA. It has helped a lot and when I miss a day or two I really know it. Keep up the good work.
Christine Kline Thank you from my Elsie to yours!
Your comments on rehab are so reassuring for me.
On October 2, 2013...
Aubrey posted a note for Christine that says:
Great the hear. I do have a question though. How did you manage the heavy luggage. I have a scheduled trip to South America at about 10 weeks post with almost a city a day and not sure if the three month healing time for the breastbone will limit my ability to manage the luggage in and out of cars, hotels, airports, etc. Keep up the good work and keep posting.
Christine Kline Hi Aubrey:
Actually, my hubby went with me to Maui, so he did all the heavy luggage lifting. We took only one suitcase, my computer case, and one carry on ... Read more
Christine Kline Hi Aubrey:
Actually, my hubby went with me to Maui, so he did all the heavy luggage lifting. We took only one suitcase, my computer case, and one carry on so he could manage.
We went to South America--did a 30 day tour--several years ago and it was a wonderful experience. The challenge is to pack a range of clothes and shoes for the various climates--hot & wet Amazon, beachwear for the coastal areas, nice clothes for the cities (they are more formal than we are), and warmer clothes for the Andes.
My post surgery instructions from the hospital say to not carry, push, pull anything over 10 lbs for the first 9 weeks. So, hopefully you will be ok if you are going to SA 10 weeks post operation. If you are on a tour like we were, most of the bags are taken care of by the bus driver or hotel valets--so you won't have too much heavy lifting to do.
Hope you can do some journal updates while on your tour!
Chris K
On September 30, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Good for you, Chris! You know where to travel for recovery. I suspect you will find rehab easier to begin than you think. Your energy seems high with work and walking. Keep up the great progress. Best!
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Chris, Sounds like you are doing really good. Yay ;) My valve still thumps around too. Its not all the time thank heaven. Sometimes when I don't feel it for a long time I pinch myself to see if I'm still alive. I take Bystolic and that keeps it a low thump. Well keep up the good work. Until later
Aubrey posted a note for Christine that says:
Keep,posting. It is great to see your progress. I am hoping at about 5 to 6 weeks allows me to go back to work half days to get back to normal. It sounds,like you are there as well. Congratulations and keep leading us through here.
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Hey Chris:
Great update! So glad to hear of your progress. You are proving that Canadians heal fast and play hockey really, really well!
I am amazed at your activity level 6 weeks after. I am looking forward to your rehab reports to learn about the benefits of supervised cardiac rehab. Have another strong week of recovery. Best:
Aubrey posted a note for Christine that says:
Keep up the progress. I am only out of surgery a couple of weeks so I will be trailing you for a while. Keep showing the way.
Christine Kline Thanks Aubrey:
I appreciate your comments. I learned so much from those who were ahead of me and shared their experiences on this website.
Chris K
On September 14, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Hey Chris:
First, ouch! Damn June bug!
Second, I can see you are feeling better. Us guys, even healthy, would not see things around the house that needed to be done.
I hope next week will be a week of improvement for you!
Best
Christine Kline Thanks Jim--you made me laugh--and it boosted my spirits--even though it hurt a bit!!!! I am feeling better already.
Chris K
On September 13, 2013...
Phyllis Scrimgeour posted a note for Christine that says:
Sorry to hear about your setbacks, and it wasn't nice of that bug to startle you. Recovery is always two baby steps forward and one back, isn't it? Keep resting frequently and I'm sure you'll get better soon.
Love,
Phyllis
Christine Kline Thanks Phyllis: Yes--recovery isn't a straight upward line. I need to remember:--two steps forward, and one back, but it is still progress. And I do still ... Read more
Christine Kline Thanks Phyllis: Yes--recovery isn't a straight upward line. I need to remember:--two steps forward, and one back, but it is still progress. And I do still tire more easily--so good advice to rest. The last few days have been better!
Chris
On September 13, 2013...
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Christine, Little slips do happen, It takes a long time on this road to recovery. It not all a paved road, it does have its little pot holes. But tomorrow always holds to hopefully be a better day. You are doing great, just keep up the good work, just watch those darn ole bugs. The weather there should be cooling off pretty soon and the ole bugs will hopefully be gone lol. Talk later friend hugs
Christine Kline Thanks Linda: Yep--we have to remember that there are a few potholes--and speed bumps--that get in the way of a smooth recovery. Tomorrow is my first cardio-rehab ... Read more
Christine Kline Thanks Linda: Yep--we have to remember that there are a few potholes--and speed bumps--that get in the way of a smooth recovery. Tomorrow is my first cardio-rehab assessment and I am looking forward to it. Reading about the positive experiences that you had with it, as well as other fellow HVJ's, I am looking forward to it. But, I think I will take a pain killer to be on the safe sid!
Hugs and moos!
Chris K
On September 6, 2013...
Ernie posted a note for Christine that says:
Lookin' good. You're doing great. Keep it up.
Christine Kline Thanks Ernie. How is it going for you. I recall that you are checking out possible surgeons. Hope it is gong well for you.
Chris K
On September 6, 2013...
Linda H and Elsie AVr 9/19/12 posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Christine, Sounds likeyou are really doing great. Yes just in a few days I will be one year out. hard to believe. My Elsie still does thump hard but not like it use to. My doctor said that I will probably get use to it. I tired getting off my bp meds. and it really started thumping hard and loud, so I started back on my bp med but at night. Now it is not so bad. I will tell you I still have a little pain not bad usually, Its just all those nerves trying to find their half. I might take a Tramadol pill maybe one every two weeks. I talked to nurse where I did my rehab and I told her. She said it take a good year for that to get better. So hang in there friend. At least we are alive and having a wonderful life. I will be posting very soon for my second birthday. Keep up the good work.
Christine Kline Thanks Linda. I am hanging in there. Appreciate the reminder that, even though they say 8-12 weeks for the sternum to heal, it really probably takes much ... Read more
Christine Kline Thanks Linda. I am hanging in there. Appreciate the reminder that, even though they say 8-12 weeks for the sternum to heal, it really probably takes much longer. It makes sense! A colleague of mine who had bypass surgery 11 years ago, says that he still feels protective of his sternum.
Chris K
On September 5, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Chris
So glad you are doing well! Here's to continued progress over the next several weeks.
All the best.
Jim Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Chris K
You are an iron woman! So glad to read your report today. A great deal of progress in a short period of time.
Keep up the good healing.
Wishing you the best
Aubrey Jones posted a note for Christine that says:
Congratulations Christine. I am so glad to hear your good results. it gives me more confidence than ever.
Mine is scheduled for August 28th here in Indianapolis IN and I will be getting a pig valve that my surgeon has had great success with for 17 years.
Like you, only issue is the valve and I too believe that my whole life, I may have been having to work a little harder for stamina than others but how would we really know the difference? I think that is about to change for the better and can not wait to see how good it will feel. The doctors say I have no idea how bad I feel. Maybe we just did not know any better, lol.
Christine Kline Aubrey:
I am thinking of you as this must be the first day after your surgery. Hope all is going well. The first few days are the toughest!
Chris K
On August 22, 2013...
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Christine that says:
Hi Christine, I would say having Elsie would be a nice contribute to your Mother IN Law.She will be alive always.
My Elsie still thumps around and it is almost a year next month. When I cant feel her I pinch myself to see if I'm still alive.. She doesn't hurt just gets a little annoying sometimes espically when she keeps it up. Mydoctor said it should go down it is just my body getting use to it, and someday I wont even know it. For the most part its ok. At least we are living and that is a blessing.
Its great being on the other side of the mountain and yes the grass is wonderful and lots of it. Its so much easier on this side of the mountain than the other side going up.
So from one Elsie to the other Elsie
Sherry Bradford, AVR 10/23/2012 posted a note for Christine that says:
Absolutely wonderful to hear of your progress! You are going to do so well! Congratulations and remember to sleep all you want and eat what you want these next few weeks. Let your body dictate for awhile and it will tell you just what you need to do!
Uploading your photo!
I am almost 15 months post op--and doing great!
This website has been a fantastic source of information and support for me. Thank you, Adam, for all of your work to keep this going.