Jennifer's Guestbook

Jennifer Pyles  Hi Linda - no pericarditis. As silly as it sounds, I pulled a muscle in my chest, which after open heart surgery, HURTS!!!! LOL! So rest is the order of business. Rest and anti-inflammatory meds. They say that atrophy is an issue due to the long surgical process and hospital stay so those muscles can be stressed that way. It is ok though - NOTHING serious, just painful and that is ok by me!

I hope you are doing well. I know this next week is your week and I can't wait for you to just get it done! Then you can get back to your life and waiting for that grandchild!! Please keep me posted!!!!!

Linda McHugh  I have such good news...my 2nd Granddaugher was born at 3:32 am ... 6lbs 6oz, 18 1/2 " long. She is perfect. I was able to be in the delivery room. I do hope you are starting to feel better. I'm really getting anxious now and pretty exhausted. I've been watching my 1st gtanddaugher since yesterday am..I left the house this am while she was sleeping and was back before she woke up. I think it's going to be a Disney cartoon/ movie day!

Jennifer Pyles  CONGRATS!!!! YEA!!! That's great news and a positive note to take you into your surgery! I'm so happy for you!!!!! PLEASE keep me posted as you can. You are in my thoughts!

Jennifer Pyles  Hi Linda! I am doing pretty well. It is a slow process but at least it is a process!! I am up each day, walking and enjoying my yard. The pain is much better (almost 2 weeks post op) and I'm feeling good about it all. I really appreciate you checking on me! When is you surgery date? Is there anything I can do to help you prepare?

Linda McHugh  My date is July 7th... I have stupid questions, like what under garments to bring...sorry so personal...but it seems all these little things for prep are on my mind. I'm concerned about keeping my house clean since my husband doesn't have a clue and I'm hoping he will at least water my outside plants if I can't. I still an hoping to have a speedy recovery. I am going to my aerobics and strength training classes 4 x a week and a 4.75 group walk on Fridays. I'm hoping this will help in the other side. I must admit tho that the in the aerobics I hold back and don't get my heart rate much above 120. I am really scared and really emotional but I have been listening to meditation music on Pandora! Thanks for your response. :-)))

Jennifer Pyles  I took some regular underwear and it was nice to put those on after they removed the foley cath. It felt more like I was human again! I also put on regular PJ's with short sleeves and button front and shorts. It just felt better than those gowns. Again, that was after they removed the cath and the chest tube. YES - do your relaxation stuff. I would suggest those two books I wrote to you about earlier. They REALLY helped me prepare and stay calm and focused on the positive outcomes. YOU WILL BE FINE - it is all good stuff.

Jennifer Pyles  I think yesterday was better - but I also think there are good days and bad. It's all progress. I have a blood pressure issue right now and that is something we are trying to figure out - medications or too much weight loss or both?? I'm on a diuretic too so I have to stay hydrated. I would be walking more but it's so hot and can't be outside - and with my dizziness - oh well...laps around the house! Thanks for checking on me, Linda!

Jennifer Pyles  I had the thoracotomy. Did not have access to robotic. Plus I love my surgeon. Where are you going for your procedure?

Linda McHugh  I'm going to Cedar Sinai. The surgeon is the head of surgery at the hospital and performs about 300 a year. I feel stupid because I do not know what the procedure is that you had...going to look it up now. BTW I love the fact that you are already trying to get back your ex cerise routine. I'm keeping mine going until the day before surgery.

Jennifer Pyles  Linda you will be fine. I would suggest that you prepare mentally as well as physically. If you do any spiritual work, I would suggest that increases. (I hope that doesn't sound weird but it was important) Meditation and counseling were wonderful and necessary. Honestly (and I'm a nervous ninny) I was totally calm up to surgery time based upon the work I did for MYSELF in my head. There is a great book that someone recommended to me called Prepare for Surgery; Heal Faster by Huddleston. It is excellent. Order the relaxation CD too. You will heal quickly with the Divici - I'm guessing NYC?

Linda McHugh  Thank you Jennifer for the suggestion. 21 years ago I was diagnosed with a muscle disease and so I do have quite a bit of meditation and relaxation music.

Jennifer Pyles  Then I am telling you things you already know! If there is anything else I can help with, please ask! Our dear friend actually work with DaVinci training and you will be pleased with that method.

Jennifer Pyles  Pamla I just can't wait to be honest. I am ready to roll! Thanks for the kind words and I will join you in recovery tomorrow!

Jennifer Pyles  Thanks, Adam. I have actually been following and learning for months. I just now created my page as I prepare for my surgery. THANK YOU for all of the information. I feel better being prepared and knowing what is ahead than I would going in uneducated.