Elizabeth's Guestbook

Hi Elizabeth, I\'m just reading your post from March about over-doing it. This will be me since I\'m independent and am very active now. I\'ll remember your words, though, and try to not push it. I hope I can listen to my body post op. How are you doing now?? Sheila Apple Valley, CA

With all due respect, Elizabeth, why do so many people push themselves and allow themselves to overdue it after heart surgery often resulting in problems? I mean, this is OPEN HEART SURGERY!!!!!!!! You have waited and endured the heart symptoms prior to surgery, can\'t you just relax and allow yourself to heal properly now? Just MY opinion. Ruth Howell

Elizabeth: You\'ve probably figured this out for yourself. My cardiologist told me it takes 6 months for the sternum to heal to a reasonable level, and I know from experience (giant tumor on kidney years ago) that the sensations from the incision can surprise sometimes, but eventually they do go away. Back pains are quite in the normal range at 6 weeks. I certainly could not do all that you\'ve done at that stage. Might be best to take it a teeny bit easier for awhile. After all, nobody expects heroism, and it\'s unnecessary to impress anyone. Best of luck in balancing your new life. Terry C.

Hi Elizabeth, I am following your progress and it\'s great to hear that you have a new found energy level. I am so fatigued all the time that I just can\'t stand it. I sure hope that improves after the surgery. Since you had minimally invasive surgery, it was probably you posterior leaflet. Unfortunately mine is the anterior leaflet and requires a sternotomy. Ugh! Keep on feeling well and thanks for sharing. Ruth Howell

Congratulatons Elizabeth, I am glad things went so well for you and that you\'re feeling so much better. That\'s music to my ears because I too have been suffering with terrible fatigue for eight years. My surgery is scheduled for April 21 at the Cleveland Clinic. I am hoping for a repair. Did you have a repair or replacement? Anterior or posterior leaflet? Sternotomy? How was/is the pain level following surgery? Any info would be helpful. Ruth Howell Maine

Hi Elizabeth, I just signed up for this site, as I\'m having my surgery on Feb 17th. Just got the date today. I learned on Dec 17 that I needed surgery. I was also feeling shortness of breath, and was having irregular heartbeats, but fortunately, not atrial fibrillation. I\'m scared and excited at the same time. I want to get back to my old active self! Good luck on the 9th! Donna C

Hi Elizabeth, Good for you!! It\'s a tough decision to make, but once you embrace it as you have, you start making all sorts of plans for what you will do with your new good health and energy. That\'s very motivating and will be a great source of strength going forward. Good luck with your procedure, Nancy H.

Go for it, Elizabeth! As one of my nurses said \"Attitude is 99% of the battle.\" I went into my surgery looking forward to it and it paid off. Keep us posted and my thoughts are with you! Anne Shannon

Hi Elizabeth- I just had the same surgery. Good for you- you will be so happy when it is behind you. Feel free to contact me if you need someone to speak with susan