Hi Cris! Chris here!...☺ I read through your journal and its very inspiring. I know this might be a personal question, what is the name of the mechanical ...Read more
Hi Cris! Chris here!...☺ I read through your journal and its very inspiring. I know this might be a personal question, what is the name of the mechanical valve you have?
Christine pittelli posted a note for Cris that says:
Hi Cris. Thanks for sharing your journal. I am five months post op and having to see a Chiro as well for ribs that are still sore (lower and upper) but I also ...Read more
Hi Cris. Thanks for sharing your journal. I am five months post op and having to see a Chiro as well for ribs that are still sore (lower and upper) but I also had some issues prior to surgery. Something that caught my eye in your post is that they tested for a connective tissue disorder. Can you tell me did your cardiologist order that test, what test was it, and why did they feel you should be tested? Thanks. I am five months post op- I feel great heart wise, but pericarditis and just inflammation in general is something I am trying to address asap.
Rick Holan rholan3@sbcglobal.net posted a note for Cris that says:
Hi Cris,
Great to hear you are progressing well. I had Bicuspit replacement in October of 2010. It does get better everyday. I follow and have met Adam. This ...Read more
Hi Cris,
Great to hear you are progressing well. I had Bicuspit replacement in October of 2010. It does get better everyday. I follow and have met Adam. This web site is a a great outlet of help and information. My best to you in a successful recover. I am thankful for my family doctor and the great surgeons and staff at Northwestern Hispital in Chicago.
Take care. Rick
You have done well, and have been an inspiration for all of us recovering, and I imagine for those still awaiting surgery. Already back to work! I've loved ...Read more
You have done well, and have been an inspiration for all of us recovering, and I imagine for those still awaiting surgery. Already back to work! I've loved your updates with your signs, and the fact that you are always outside and active. It is too cold now in northern Virginia (15 degrees), but I am finishing up cardiac rehab. I had surgery in July. I was wondering what you do to "break up scar tissue". Sounds interesting and I'm curious, please let me know. Meanwhile, keep up your healing. I imagine your coworkers will be delighted to have you back at work. Best wishes, Eleanor
Elaine Foster I, too wondered about the scar tissue issue. Also have enjoyed your posts.
Ken and Joy Young posted a note for Cris that says:
Way to go Cris,,,,, now take it easy!!!!! You are doing great and we're proud of all you have endured with very few complaints! This new year will truly ...Read more
Way to go Cris,,,,, now take it easy!!!!! You are doing great and we're proud of all you have endured with very few complaints! This new year will truly be a new beginning!!!!! Best Wishes!
Hi Chris
I did not have any pain or hardly discomfort from sternum surgery aortic valve replacement, but I am in cardiac rehab and started 3 MONTHS poor surgery, ...Read more
Hi Chris
I did not have any pain or hardly discomfort from sternum surgery aortic valve replacement, but I am in cardiac rehab and started 3 MONTHS poor surgery, and do not have an active healthy young family to take care of, I help you will get some assistance at home and not overdo chores and errands, did not drive for almost 2 months.
Merry Christmas and hope you get some good restful moments
Geri Frank post not poor surgery, forgot how to edit posting
You are doing so great!!!! Know you had a great time with the girls!! and, shall I make you a pillow with handles on it?? gotta be comfortable!
Love ...Read more
You are doing so great!!!! Know you had a great time with the girls!! and, shall I make you a pillow with handles on it?? gotta be comfortable!
Love you, Joy and Ken
So happy you are doing well. It is much harder for a young active person to sit still, but just remember, this too shall pass. When the new year rolls around ...Read more
So happy you are doing well. It is much harder for a young active person to sit still, but just remember, this too shall pass. When the new year rolls around I am sure you will find yourself well on the road back to your old (but improved) self. I read about your "clicking" and as I am still in the decision mode for type of valve, wondering how you feel about being on coumadin and what valve you had. Thanks for any input you could give. My surgeon suggest the ON-x valve at my age (58) even though many younger than me have recently had tissue valves.
Cris Dykeman Hi Elaine!
They replaced the tricuspid aortic valve w the On-x. I went with the metal purely becau ... Read more
Cris Dykeman Hi Elaine!
They replaced the tricuspid aortic valve w the On-x. I went with the metal purely because I couldn't bare the thought of doing the surgery again every 15 years. The anticipation time was worse than the recovery, so I know I made the right choice. So far Coumadin has been merely an adjustment. The weekly INR appointments are starting to lessen, and I'm starting to add back in done items (I had some Brussel sprouts and a glass of wine on thanksgiving). So fat I'm very happy with the metal decision. ... Although the clicking stl annoys me until the ambien kicks in)! Side note I have a friend who (because of a clotting disorder) used Coumadin for years and then switched. He's now switching back because he thought it was actually easier to manage.
Best of luck, prayers are with you, & keep me updated on your progress :)
Elaine Foster Thank you Cris for the info. I am still undecided. I think the idea of the clicking bothers me almo ... Read more
Elaine Foster Thank you Cris for the info. I am still undecided. I think the idea of the clicking bothers me almost as much as the coumadin. My Dr. says home monitoring is available for the INR. The thought of another surgery is most disconcerting! Praying for direction. God Bless you as you continue on the road to recovery.
Sooooo proud of you! And there are worse things than having to sit and knit all day! Hang on to the tunnel ...that light keeps getting brighter! Good old ...Read more
Sooooo proud of you! And there are worse things than having to sit and knit all day! Hang on to the tunnel ...that light keeps getting brighter! Good old peumonia!,, love you!
Merel, Kenny & Lucas Young posted a note for Cris that says:
So great to hear you're doing well Cris - you look terrific and love your attitude and posts!! Keep it up! We're continuing to root for you here from D.C.! ...Read more
So great to hear you're doing well Cris - you look terrific and love your attitude and posts!! Keep it up! We're continuing to root for you here from D.C.!
Love and hugs to you and your mom!
HEY you look great!!!!!! You look just like you did pre-op!!!! I am so grateful you are recovering so nicely....keep up the good work!!!!!! (great nail ...Read more
HEY you look great!!!!!! You look just like you did pre-op!!!! I am so grateful you are recovering so nicely....keep up the good work!!!!!! (great nail polish!) You are indeed an inspiration....bless you!!!! Much love to you and Linda....
joy and Ken Young posted a note for Cris that says:
sorry you had a less than you wanted day....tomorrow will be better, and the next day better yet! knowing you can beat those down days will lift you up. ...Read more
sorry you had a less than you wanted day....tomorrow will be better, and the next day better yet! knowing you can beat those down days will lift you up. You said you found strength in Psalm 23..... better than food for strength....but you need food too!!!!! My favorite comfort food is Egg Drop Soup....(at which you either stuck a finger in your open mouth, or you agreed)....whatever yours is...keep some on hand. Love you,,, take care,,, Ken and Joy
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. ...Read more
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalms 18:2
Even in the valley you are not alone!
You are just full of good news and definitely bring a smile to my face. Really glad or you......proud of you for being such a good patient!!!! Love, ...Read more
You are just full of good news and definitely bring a smile to my face. Really glad or you......proud of you for being such a good patient!!!! Love, Joy and Ken
Joseph Kopman-Fried posted a note for Cris that says:
Hey Cris,
I hope that you will heal fast, and feel to your best soon. I wish you a speedy recovery and a relaxing one. I know that you will kick its butt, ...Read more
Hey Cris,
I hope that you will heal fast, and feel to your best soon. I wish you a speedy recovery and a relaxing one. I know that you will kick its butt, as you keep saying. Best to you!
Joe
Hey gal, Thinking of you continually and adding prayers almost as often. Hope you're doing better than you expected.....and enjoying Halloween....remember ...Read more
Hey gal, Thinking of you continually and adding prayers almost as often. Hope you're doing better than you expected.....and enjoying Halloween....remember your grandma, she probably made sorghum molasses cookies!!!!
Hi Cris, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your surgery be completely uneventful (the best kind). Sending you healthy, heart-pumping wishes from Los ...Read more
Hi Cris, My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your surgery be completely uneventful (the best kind). Sending you healthy, heart-pumping wishes from Los Angeles! Adam