Kate's Guestbook

Meg posted a note for Kate that says: Kate, I can tell you are smart and strong. Three years since my surgery and life will never be the same. My journey has been a hard one and I cannot find the person I use to be. Knowing that my hear issues have been resolved is comforting and I am grateful for that. But other parts of my life seem to have a continuous shadow that
does not lift. So I am also trying to embrace the new normal
PEACE

Jeany Clarke posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate, welcome back! I experienced many of the same emotions and feelings u battled with following my OHS for mitral valve regurgitation and afib. Had 2nd surgery for septum separation 6 months later. Thanks so much for sharing your story which has helped so many more deal with the postoperative emotional depression and mental trauma that the medical folks do not tell you about. I had thought I was alone until my husband and I were told by my primary care provider that this is often a side effect to the OHS. Took me two years to get back to the me I know even though I will never be the same person I was (which is ok). I am a retired RN and have decided to help our local rural community mental health needs by joining our hospital’s “patient and family advisory committee” . This has helped me too along with some antidepressants, ha. My docs know that I am always available to spend time with someone who is pre or post OHS. Also, I have tried to enlighten my own docs regarding need to listen to their patients postop healing complaints as it took me many months and a scan to convince them that there was something wrong with my “septum” healing and they just chalked it up to usual postop complaints. Finally took 2nd visit to my cardiologist that he finally ordered a scan that showed my septum had never fused back together and wires had completely penetrated the bone. Help me remind docs and patients who have had past radiation therapy to breasts or chest , or history of osteoporosis that plates and bands may need to be used instead of wires to reconnect the sternum halves during open heart surgery. Will close this long note and wish you continued positive experiences and healing with a bright future. Thanks, Jeany Clarke of North Dakota.

Edward Kokkelenberg posted a note for Kate that says: You sound great and life is going well for you. Everyone's journey through this heart maze is indeed different. As we survive and have years added to our lives, I remember those who did not live in the era of high tech heart surgeries and treatments. We probably will have those who follow us say the same. But is it not great?

Carol Moore posted a note for Kate that says: Sorry, my Journal is listed as D. Carol Moore

Carol Moore posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate: I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. I, too have had two OHS...Mitral & Aortic Valve Replacements (1994). I've been on Coumadin since 1976 - INR checked at the Coumadin Clinic once a month; for peace of mind, I purchased a machine and monitor my INR weekly at home. Please read my Journal -- it's always good to connect to others traveling the same Journey.

Be blessed, continue to do well and 'keep moving to keep moving.' Enjoy life to the fullest, even while tickin.

Denise Bilas posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate, good to see you are doing better. I myself had biscuspid aortic valve replacement June 24, 2016. Was doing well until last fall Oct 2018. My heart was fluttering and we don't know why. Been to ER a few times. They just sent me home with a heart monitor for a month. And my cardiologist didn't say much. Said it was ok. Then 4 months past...it flutters again and more frequently. So tomorrow I'm going to the Cleveland clinic. Hope we get to the root of it. It's been making me anxious. I know I need to calm down. Everyone tells me so. So I guess it's a journey that we all have to go thur. So wish me luck.

Tim from Australia posted a note for Kate that says: G'day Kate, I am preparing for my 4th ohs in the coming months to replace my st jude medical heart valve which has a severe leak. I have the CT , TEE & angiogram all in the next few weeks. It has been 12 years since my last aortic valve replacement. Researching what valve I should consider I stumbled upon this site and have gained huge insight in reading people's experiences. I just read your journey & found it very honest and raw & have great respect for your strength and resilience. All the best for a long and healthy life ahead.

Emily Rowley posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate,
I hope you had a lovely Christmas, taking it easy 😊 How have you been going? I'm thinking of you 💕 Thank you for your lovely comment on my recent post xx

Petey Bello posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate, how are you feeling these days? I hope you are doing and feeling better. Happy Thanksgiving!

Anju Jamwal posted a note for Kate that says: Hey Kate , hope you are doing fine . Haven't read your post since a few months . Just wanted to make sure you are doing alright . My prayers are with you always . Cheers

Petey Bello posted a note for Kate that says: Kate, I haven't been on this site for a long while. In the beginning & for many months after my surgery, I had desperately check the site everyday as my life line. It was a huge support thanks to the wonderful people! Life catches up & gets busy. I am so glad I took the time today (my 1 yr. surgery anniversary day) to once again check Adams site).

I just read your recent journals. Happy (belated) 1 yr anniversary & congratulations on your hike. I am sorry you had such a rough time this past year, but so glad you are finally feeling better. You are a brave & strong person. I will keep you in my prayers that you continue to get better each & every day! I pray you have only smooth days & leave the rough bumpy ones behind you. God Bless!

ps. Great pictures & love the shirt :)

Anju jamwal posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate , I am so glad to see your beautiful pictures and read your post after such a long time . I always used to wonder why am I not seeing your post ( and secretly I used to pray and wish everything is alright ) . I so so glad to know that you are doing good after a tough time . My prayers are with you and with all the other buddies here who are or in the process of surgery . May the force be with all .

Alina FH posted a note for Kate that says: Happy valversary, sweet Kate! I hope you found your happy place today. Many hugs. 💕❤🍾🍷❤💕

Enrique K posted a note for Kate that says: Hey Kate, how is everything on your end? Glad to see you are doing really well.
Keep in touch and take care.

Bob Fessler posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate. I haven't seen anything that you have written recently. I hope you are doing well. As a fellow Washingtonian, you have been any inspiration for me. Dealing with the issues that ineviteably come up with a good attitude and a sense that you will win. I am planning on being as optomistic as you when my time comes.

Emily Rowley posted a note for Kate that says: Hey Kate,
I wasn't sure if you had recieved my last couple of emails. I understand it is a very busy time of the year esp having children. 😃 If you could please send your home address to me via email that would be great, if not I understand. 🎄 Take care sweetie, lots of love, blessings and Christmas joy 🤶🏼🤶🏼🎅🏼 Em xx

Amy Dorsey posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate! I'm responding here because I just saw your response on my page and I wanted to make sure you saw my response to your response!
To answer your question, I have had a ton of anxiety about my heart rate being so high! It has been exacerbated by the nurses in cardiac rehab. I tried to go into work a half a dozen times within the past couple weeks just to check in because I'm not back yet and having Cardiac Rehab after those times my heart rate was extremely elevated. Mind you, my work environment is a loud, fast pace, very busy, highly stimulating gym environment. I work in high-pressure sales and just being around that environment was really stressful for me the few times I went in. The nurses at rehab were really concerned about that and not even wanting to work with me on those days because my heart rate was starting to high. That gave me even more anxiety because I need to get back to work! My doctor prescribed me some anxiety medication which helps with my anxiety… Not sure about my heart rate yet but at least I'm not full of anxiety like I was. The upper management at my job knows my concerns now so they are working on something for me but I won't know yet until later this week. I'm hoping for a less stressful position possibly… Crossing my fingers. They have been so supportive through all this and I've been there a long time so I'm hoping and praying on this issue! I am on my two month mark now with recovery and still can't believe I went through that let alone made it through that! I think all of us are heroes for being able to go through that trauma and survive it and deal with everything afterwards we are dealing with! I am trying to up my exercise and just got cleared by my cardiologist for a higher heart rate during exercise so that's actually making me feel better and more human again. I also got cleared to start lifting weights again as long as I listen to my body I can lift more than the 2 pounds they are keeping me at at Cardiac Rehab LOL! For me that's a big part of my life that's been missing for eight weeks so I know once I get back into my weight training it will make a big difference in how I feel mentally and physically. Although right now I'm having a lot of shoulder issues on the right side. How did you handle any shoulder discomfort? Did you have any? Everything for me is on my right side. Thank you so much for checking in on me and keep me posted. I can't wait till I'm at the five month mark!

Bob Fessler posted a note for Kate that says: Kate,
I'm looking at surgery with Dr. Barnhart for AVR. If you had a second chance, would you go somewhere else like the Cleveland Clinic? I like you, live close to Seattle so it would be so easy to go to Swedish Hospital. But I also can make the effort to go elsewhere. What are your thoughts now a few weeks after surgery. Thanks for any thoughts on this. Bob

Amy Dorsey posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate! Thanks for all your sweet posts on my threads. How are you feeling? In response to your question about the beta blocker...they told me it was to help my heart rate go down and that I'd probably be on it up to 6 months. My Cardiologist wants me off it ASAP because he thinks it's causing all of the dizziness and blackouts and keeping my blood pressure too low. I'm not exactly sure why I was put on one when I have such low blood pressure already. When I was in the hospital they kept me in ICU longer because my blood pressure was so low we couldn't get it out of the 50s. Now I am in the low 80's over low 60's. I'm hoping I feel better off the beta blocker. My PCP had also mentioned it's probably causing some negative issues. I've started weaning to half dosage and noticed right away my BP go back up. Who knew?!?

Enrique K posted a note for Kate that says: Hey Kate, how are you doing these days? Hope all is well on your end!

Ryan Thompson posted a note for Kate that says: Hey Kate!! It is nice, as nice as can be, under the circumstances to find another double valve patient in our demographic. I am nearly 3 years since my second surgery. After awhile, you should get used to the clicking sound. I don't even notice it anymore.

Warmly,

Ryan

Petey Bello posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate, How are you feeling these days? I hope better! I started cardiac rehab this past week & so far so good... I counted all my incisions 'large & small' (including the wire & tube access points) & there were 18 in all ...I feel I have definitely turned in a positive direction in my healing process. My energy level has been really good, days of exhaustion are getting less. I hope you are finally able to walk you dog! My dog will get her stitches out on Monday! (They are driving her crazy - poor thing) ....
God Bless & keeping you my prayers :)

Aunt Anne posted a note for Kate that says: Remarkable progress, Kate. You make our day when we hear such good news. Only 8 weeks, and you are leading a more than normal life with both work and play. Our love and prayers continue ...

Sunny Powell spowell313@aol.com posted a note for Kate that says: Hope you are doing better. I had to have my mitral valve replaced in 1991 because of silent rheumatic fever that we determined happened in 1975. I have a St. Jude mechanical valve and I have been on coumadin all of these years. The blood testing is the worse part and watching how much green food you consume. I think you are going to start feeling better and better. It really takes six months to a year to start feeling like you are really recovered from the valve replacement, but you will feel better.
I will try to check back on you and see how you are. You are in my prayers.

Petey Bello posted a note for Kate that says: Kate, how are you feeling today? Did you heart rate come down? You have been through so much, I have been praying you get some relief & start feeling better.
God Bless!

Anju Jamwal posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate , I wish you a speedy recovery . Read all your posts and let me tell you you have inspired me so much in many ways . I have been diagnosed with Aortic Regurgutation two years ago . It appears that my Aortic Valve is damaged due to rheumatic fever in my childhood . I think now the time has come for surgery because I feel tired all the time and my back hurt a lot . I am not able to do anything . My professional as well as personal life has gone for a toss . The thought of surgery is fresking me out so much that I am shivering all the time .

Kristie posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate,
Barbara's sister Kristie again....so happy to hear your fabulous progress...read about your thrush and would like to suggest a home therapy treatment that really worked for my dad when he struggled with thrush after his surgery last year....coconut oil....yep...a tablespoon in your mouth...it will melt....swish it around and hold it in your mouth for a while...spit it out...do this a few times a day...good luck...looking forward to hearing further updates....keep feeling better...remember don't push yourself too hard...rest when your body tells you it's tired...take care Kate....😊

Paula from Dublin Ireland. posted a note for Kate that says: Every good and many blessings Kate
.

Cynthia Johnson posted a note for Kate that says: Dear Kate,
I saw your post for my sister Barbara and it's on my heart to immediately send my love and gratitude to you. This site proves you are with each other even as you struggle with your own surgeries. I'm so thankful for the mutual support. Barb would want me to have continued to support all of her heart friends....she's my big sister...I SO hope I'm not in too much trouble with her! :-) (but am looking forward to anything Barb has to say to me! ) Barb is better with words and much more knowledgeable and always knows the right thing to say ... and that extends to me...she'll know my heart is in the right place as I try to be her stand in for you today.
Today is your day. We are thinking about you and praying for you. When you are out of surgery and reading your journal, you will know that the sister of your heart friend was with you as you head into your surgery. Thank you for your support. Be at peace regarding Barb. It's time to let all the focus be on you, your family, and your care team.
God bless you from a grateful sister,
Cynthia

Joyce posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate, I sending prayers for a full and complete recovery. All the best for tomorrow!

Alina FH posted a note for Kate that says: Hi, Kate,
Thinking of you and sending good vibes. May you find the peace to be strong for tomorrow! The best of luck!!

Janette Rehua posted a note for Kate that says: HI Kate sending hugs and healing and lots of prayers to you from Australia I see your surgery was today so may your recovery be swift and without any problems all the very best xx Janette

Adam Pick posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate! I'm thinking great thoughts for you tomorrow! Fyi, Dr. Barnhart is and the Swedish team is great! http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Glenn-Barnhart-Seattle-Washington.php

Emily Rowley posted a note for Kate that says: Hello Kate,
It's your Heart Sister Em here to wish you all the very best for your Surgery.
I hope that all goes well. You must be so busy preparing/getting ready for your big day. I know you are strong enough to get through this and come out even stronger!
Take Care Beautiful xox

Wanda Mroz posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate... Sending prayers and healing thoughts.... We're all here for you. Stay positive... You'll be on the other side before you know it. Hoping for nothing but good health after recovery for you. Hugs...💞🙏🏻

Mike Mo posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate, thinking of you for your upcoming surgery. Be thankful you found Dr. Glenn. He is the best at your surgery. I know you know that already. I'm 8 days since surgery and I feel so great. (Except the incision). I overdue my excerciae everyday because I'm so excited for how Good I feel. I loved the nursing staff...My favorites were Melinda, Maureen, and Chris in recovery...and Adam in cardiac ICU. They were so helpful and caring. I had some anxiety issues when my wife left to take care of our kids. Basically panic two nights in a row. The staff calmed me down, gave me the right medication...basically felt like a lifelong friend was assisting me through a difficult time. It was the best care I've ever received for any ailment ever! I'm so excited for you to be done with the hard part (waiting). You'll do so awesome! Say hi to Swedish, best of luck, you'll do great great G R E A T and back to normal in no time!!!!

Alina FH posted a note for Kate that says: Hi, Kate,
I will have a busy week next week, with more family in town, so I wanted to make sure I tell you: the best of luck and stay positive! I am praying that all will go well. You have been through SO MUCH. I hope next week is the beginning of a long road of health and much ease for you.
I have also subscribed for your updates, which will also give you my email address. Let me know if you can't see it, though.
THANK YOU for the Vitamin K help.

Ashley Cross posted a note for Kate that says: I had both my aortic and mitral valves replaced. I pray that you're surgery goes well.

Pino Correale posted a note for Kate that says: Hello Kate, try to take it easy if you can. With your message i gather you're an A personality type, like me. What i have learned all along is that there is nothing really wrong with it. It actually can work quite well, on the downside the price we pay is an extra headache or two. You know that right !!!! In any event try to rest and wish you all the best with your moving.

pino correale posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate, i have noticed you talked about Fibromyalgia and occasionally taking muscle relaxants. Are they part of the benzodiazipines ( valium-diazepam-ativan-lorazepam) or are they from a different classification. I have had Fibromyalgia for many years and what i have been taken is Anafranil at 10mg the lowest dosage. It acts as a pain management sort of thing. Since my OHS/ AVR last Nov.23/15 i have had quite a time with my sleep and for good measure a little anxiety. Most people tell me it's pretty normal after an invasive surgery like OHS. I appreciate anything you can throw back at me. Thanks and a great recovery to you.

Bob Cheffins posted a note for Kate that says: Hi Kate, my problems started last July 2015 when I was doing some work for my son when during the course of of the week I had three hart attacks the first two I worked through but the third one got the better of me so then the hospital took over, in the course of three weeks I went to three hospitals and had a triple bypass, a collapsed lung reset and pneumonia excommunicated, as I said in my journal I had the wires removed on Tuesday 16/2 and with them the chronic pain in my chest I had since I had them fitted, feeling great now, just waiting to get back to playing indoor bowls. I noticed that you mention visualization I have been using this for many years and found it to be a very powerful tool within the human mind, so cheer up Kate don't let them grind you down, think all good things. Bob, from uk.

Gail Magnus posted a note for Kate that says: Kate, we should talk after you meet w/Dr. Barnhart. I met with him, too. Call me anytime at 314-265-7557.

Artie Rubin posted a note for Kate that says: You will LOVE him, Kate. Oh, and I left out the best part about him and Swedish. The backstory is that I'd been holding off on getting my mitral valve fixed until I found "just the right surgeon." So last March I got very sick--thought it was the flu. But tests showed I had endocarditis, an infection of the heart which I got because bacteria from a bleeding gum had traveled down to my valve and made themselves at home there. I almost certainly wouldn't have gotten it if my valve had been repaired.

So, after seven weeks of antibiotics (7 hourly infusions each day!) to clear it up, I
was ready to jump on the operating table. And I jumped on Dr. B.'s table on Aug. 18. He fixed my aortic valve too, at the same time.

Okay, fast forward to the evening of Friday, Jan. 15, 2016. After eating dinner, I tasted a little blood in my mouth--must have cut a gum on a tortilla chip or something. I got really scared: am I going to get endocarditis again? So I called Swedish around 7:30 pm, which has a 24/7 contact desk in the Cardiac section. A really nice guy said he'd pass my message on to the on-call doctor for that night. And if I didn't hear back in 30 minutes I was to call back.

I thanked him and hung up. TWO MINUTES LATER my phone rang and the on-call surgeon went over my file and told me he wouldn't worry about it, I should just swish with some mouthwash.

As I listened to him, I detected a soft southern drawl. (Dr. B. is from Virginia.) "Is this Dr. Barnhart?" I said in astonishment. "Yes," he replied. I couldn't believe it. I got the chief heart surgeon at Swedish on a Friday night within two minutes of my calling the hospital!

In a youtube clip, Dr. B. says he tells his patients: we're only a phone call away, 24/7/365. It's true! Kate, once again: you've got the BEST! Don't worry about a thing now, just do it. Artie

Artie Rubin posted a note for Kate that says: P.S. Kate,

If your last operation was 11 years ago, they've improved things so much since then. Of course there are no guarantees of what you'll experience or not post-op. I was very anxious, pre-op, about the breathing tube and catheter in my urethra. But by the time I was conscious again, they were both gone. The caregivers at Swedish really keep on top of things. I truly feel you won't find a better surgeon (and explainer) than Dr. B. and his team, nor a better hospital than Swedish. (And no, I'm not related to them or work for them, lol.)

Pino Correale posted a note for Kate that says: Wow Kate, what a story. Well after i finished reading it, i thought you must possess some super mental powers. Obviously you are a very strong person and that is great indeed. Having said that, your mind must have processed a lot during this time, and i can only symphatize especially when you were having those anxiety- thoughts and i call it ""vicious cycle of the emotions"". You also mention the word ""visualizations"" in your story, and that brings back to me a lot of memories at a point in my life when i was going through an anxious state(not pretty) but luckily i have survived it, but it required a lot of work (mental&spiritual). One of the tools i used was indeed ""visualization"" that i learned it from a yoga teacher. I share a similar experience with my diagnosis as well. Worth mentioning that at 14yrs old i had rheumatic fever. But it wasn't t'ill i got to be 56 yrs.old and training for my very first marathon, that a doctor (friend of mine) discovered my valve aortic stenosis !!!!!!!! I am asking where was my family doctor in all of these yrs. and having gone to him for my usual annual check-up every single year.?????????????? I was really shocked. Anyway my life went on with the valve problem and by the way during my running days i completed two full marathons and did a bunch of half marathons, 10 km races and 5 km. races. Would you believe that i was totally asymptomatic.....none at all. !!!! But last Nov. 23/15 i had OHS/AVR and minor repair on my mitral valve. My recovery i must say is going well, physically brilliant, not so much on the emotional side of things as i had problems with my sleep right after i was sent home from the hospital. Finally i had to reach for my doctor and he put me on a sleeping pill to alleviate the problem. I guess we all deal with OHS differently and end up having diverse experiences. Anyhow back to your story.... my heart is with you Kate, but keep strong always. I really wish you the very best and much good luck in the future.

Most Sincerely

PINO CORREALE TORONTO-CANADA

Artie Rubin posted a note for Kate that says: Kate, if you've got Dr. Barnhart, you've got the BEST! I went to him for a second opinion because I wasn't happy with the way my original surgeon was communicating with me. But I was really auditioning Dr. B. when I went for his "opinion."

I was astonished at the large amount of time he gave me--as though I were his only concern. He went over everything with me and I knew pretty quickly that he was the one. So when I said, "When you . . ." (rather than "If you . . .") he said with surprise, "You want me to do the operation?" He still thought, after an hour of his time with me, that I still wanted just his opinion! I said, "YES!!!"

Besides his wonderful manner, he's incredibly skilled. Read his profile in "Surgeon Finder" on this site, and you'll also see my testimonial. He's also got a solid number of clips on youtube and on the Swedish website--well worth watching. Another thing, he has a very gentle manner--not an arrogant bone in his body.

As I was looking at Dr. B.'s photo and credentials in his outer office during my consult, a woman passed by (she wasn't a worker there) and said to me, "You're in the best of hands." She was absolutely right and I say the same to you.