Thank you for sharing your progress. I've been rooting for you from the beginning. The process is slow, but soon you will be running like the gentleman from ...Read more
Thank you for sharing your progress. I've been rooting for you from the beginning. The process is slow, but soon you will be running like the gentleman from last week.. you got this!!
Adam Pick James, Thanks for being such a great member of this community. Your support and encouragement of Hea ... Read more
Adam Pick James, Thanks for being such a great member of this community. Your support and encouragement of Heather is fantastic!!!!
Sweet Heather. I glad to hear that things are getting better. You have been fighting hard to get through all of this and I can’t wait to see what God ...Read more
Sweet Heather. I glad to hear that things are getting better. You have been fighting hard to get through all of this and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you down the road. Remember you loved and being prayed for , Keep smiling ! We love you and your family. Kudos to mom. ❤️
Heather Heap Thanks Beverly I don't think I could have done it without my mom here She has been so helpful.
Hi, Heather... sorry, that I am just now getting on your blog..we have been in Tennessee without a computer to catch up.... I'm so sorry that it sounds like ...Read more
Hi, Heather... sorry, that I am just now getting on your blog..we have been in Tennessee without a computer to catch up.... I'm so sorry that it sounds like you have really been through the wringer washing machine!! I had no idea how long and difficult this process was (my mom and ex boyfriend both had heart valves but it isn't something you talk about often, I guess?) I hope you are feeling MUCH better and that each day will get easier and easier. If there is anything you need, I am here... and would love to do what ever you need help with!
Heather the pain will slowly subside. I've had 4 OHS, age 10, 34,44 and 56 (I'm almost 70 now). I don't remember much when I was 10 but with my other operations ...Read more
Heather the pain will slowly subside. I've had 4 OHS, age 10, 34,44 and 56 (I'm almost 70 now). I don't remember much when I was 10 but with my other operations the doctors and nurses did there best to control my pain after surgery using Percocet. Under the current climate about opioid abuse they may not make this available. I couldn't imagine not getting through the recovery with out it however. It worked for me and after I was home a week or two after surgery when the pain had eased off I stopped taking the Percocet without any issue. When you think of having your sternum opened and then physically spread back with a retractor you are going to be uncomfortable. If you have any questions I'm glad to answer them for you.
Heather Heap Ken, I just reread your posts. Thanks for motivating me.
Hi Heather!
I have been thinking about you and praying for you! I'm so glad to read these updates and know that you're making progress. We miss your big, ...Read more
Hi Heather!
I have been thinking about you and praying for you! I'm so glad to read these updates and know that you're making progress. We miss your big, sweet smile around work, but you're students will be well taken care of until you return.
See you soon!
Heather Heap I miss you so much Lisa. I can´t wait to see you all.
Woo-Whoo!!! So great to hear that you are going home today!!! Loved reading that!!! And, I can COMPLETELY related to your thoughts about the incentive spirometer. ...Read more
Woo-Whoo!!! So great to hear that you are going home today!!! Loved reading that!!! And, I can COMPLETELY related to your thoughts about the incentive spirometer. I experienced much of what you describe. For the new patients in our community or for those patients getting ready for surgery, here's some educational information about the incentive spirometer. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/incentive-spirometer-benefits-lungs-surgery.php
Laura Lee is getting ready for her valve surgery. In anticipation of her recovery, she asks me, "Would you please tell me how to use the incentive spirometer so
Adam, are you suppose to increase the breath intake? I’m at 2000. I still use the incentive spirome ... Read more
Adam, are you suppose to increase the breath intake? I’m at 2000. I still use the incentive spirometer at almost 6 weeks post op.
Heather Heap Ana, I could see myself using this for a long time. For me, it provides back relief as well.
Heather Heap Ana, I could see myself using this for a long time. For me, it provides back relief as well.
Hi Heather, so glad you’re doing well. Yes I still use this spirometer and over 7 weeks post op. I ... Read more
Hi Heather, so glad you’re doing well. Yes I still use this spirometer and over 7 weeks post op. I think I am attached to it. LOL keep up the good work
I’m proud of you Heather . Keep looking forward to each day being a bit better ! God will give you strength for every struggle . Hugs to you and your ...Read more
I’m proud of you Heather . Keep looking forward to each day being a bit better ! God will give you strength for every struggle . Hugs to you and your sweet family
Robert O'Brien posted a note for Heather that says:
Oh, dear, we all wish we could envelope you in our inadequate but stretched out arms. As you say it is not just the pain--it is the unbelievable intimacy and ...Read more
Oh, dear, we all wish we could envelope you in our inadequate but stretched out arms. As you say it is not just the pain--it is the unbelievable intimacy and vulnerability. It is....heart-wrenching, to your core. You have tasted this before as you say---but no, not like this.---and it is the helping of your nursing staff that means everything--along with the pain meds--and as you know intellectually they will all assist you in healing and help you heal yourself--as you will do. Still, the emotional healing is--ongoing, slow, SLOW, surprising, scary at times--and it is hard to give oneself all the time one needs--but---my brilliant, driven, talented friend--you will have to, once again, envelope yourself in loving and healing yourself--to the exclusion of all other relationships and human endeavors if necessary, as long as it takes. And you will succeed. But---hard, hard, hard, hard, hard.
Heather I am very sorry you are experiencing such pain . My prayer for you today is that your pain begins to lessen and that you are able to do well with pt. ...Read more
Heather I am very sorry you are experiencing such pain . My prayer for you today is that your pain begins to lessen and that you are able to do well with pt. Say God surround you with a great presence today ,
It sounds like things are progressing well. I am praying for your continued recovery. Try to get enough rest and not rush yourself too much. :) Thinking ...Read more
It sounds like things are progressing well. I am praying for your continued recovery. Try to get enough rest and not rush yourself too much. :) Thinking of you!
Hey Heather! Monday will be a great day!!! You are in great hands with Dr. Swanson. Please let him know that I say "Hi". We filmed this video together awhile ...Read more
Hey Heather! Monday will be a great day!!! You are in great hands with Dr. Swanson. Please let him know that I say "Hi". We filmed this video together awhile back. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbe4Quy9KM8
https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com -- Dr. Jeffrey Swanson Discusses Mitral Valve Repair & Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery Indicators From Echocardiograms &...
Heather Heap Thanks Adam. You are such a hero of mine. Your book is so informative. I am so grateful to have y ... Read more
Heather Heap Thanks Adam. You are such a hero of mine. Your book is so informative. I am so grateful to have you in my life. Hope to stay in touch after the surgery.
J. Ryan Moses posted a note for Heather that says:
Praying for you and your entire family, Heather! Also praying for the surgeons and all of the health care professionals who will work with you before, during, ...Read more
Praying for you and your entire family, Heather! Also praying for the surgeons and all of the health care professionals who will work with you before, during, and after your procedure. Continued prayers for your full and speedy recovery, as well as complete restoration of your health!!
Hi Heather,
I just sent you a note on your school email. Sorry we didn't have a chance to talk before you left. I'm resisting giving you advice on tools ...Read more
Hi Heather,
I just sent you a note on your school email. Sorry we didn't have a chance to talk before you left. I'm resisting giving you advice on tools to deal with the fear that have helped me. They are obvious. Have faith in your team of doctors and US heart medicine. Americans have given heart surgeons/cardiologists lots of practice. Have as Merry a Christmas as possible. Enjoy your family. Have faith. Your friends are all thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way.