Kristine's Guestbook

Kristine Schroeder  Hi Susan. sounds like a great plan with a surgeon you have confidence in, and that is more than half the battle!. Our surgeries sound very similar with the exception of the cyst. Going into the surgery I only knew of the ruptured cords and the posterior flail.  It wasn’t until the surgeon was in the middle of the operation that he discovered the anterior flap needed repair as well. My five hour surgery turned into an eight hour surgery. Of course, I knew none of it until I woke up in the ICU. I am doing really well. My right chest is still numb from the nerve block, and I occasionally have what feels like little shocks as the nerves begin to regenerate. I have resumed all normal activities and was driving about three or four weeks after my surgery. I would say the eight or nine week mark was the turning point for me with soreness. I also lost some of my sense of taste especially for sweets and that all disappeared as well around the eight or nine week mark. Time now to prepare mentally. If you have the opportunity to do any mindfulness training I highly recommend it. 😉 you will be sharing your own recovery experience very soon. Please reach out if you have any other questions.

Kristine Schroeder  10 day post op with surgeon today. They tell me I am looking good. Unfortunately, I have moderate pleural effusion of the right lung. Looks like an ultra sound next week and if necessary they will tap lung (after I am off the Elequis for 5 days). Going to do my best to keep moving to keep that from happening. Also, dealing with a small pressure wound, but I know how to handle those!!  I am almost completely transferring myself as of yesterday ….. thanks to God and my supportive husband. Tad bit emotional too! 
Onward I go!!!!

  Kristine! So glad to hear from you. You made it! I also had pleural effusion on both lungs a few days after surgery but Lasix and moving as I could resolved it. You will be fine. Glad your husband is there for you. Will keep you in my prayers, God is watching over you. Be well heart warrior 🙏❤️

Deena Elani  Kristin, you are doing so well! I know the pleural effusion is bothersome, but it can be handled effectively. Definitely keep moving, glad you did not have the full sternum cut, because you can already use your arms to move yourself around. God bless you.

Susan Lynn  Kristine - Sometimes the road to recovery is a little longer and more winding than we anticipate; but keep looking ahead. You're a rock star - you've got this!