Laura's Guestbook

Laura Riggin  I was very emotional because I did not feel like I was healilng fast enough. I was anticipating being back at work and routine much faster than was possible or logical. However, I tend to be very impatient and expect immediate results (type A personality). Luckily, my family and friends were very patient and understanding which mad it much easier to be patient and let my body heal. I was treated well in the hospital, but, of course, I wanted to go home right away. My pacer was installed on the last day of my stay because I kept passing out. Once it was installed, I was able to walk around and sit without a black out. The pacer doesn't bother me at all. I hardly know it is there. I find it so interesting that I don't even have to go to the doctors office for a reading. I have a device that reads data to the hospital via phone line. I feel really great and I know you will too. Just try to be patient and you will see that every day gets a little easier. Next thing you know, all of the discomfort and anxiety will just be a memory and you will be back to enjoying your gift of life. I wouldn't worry about anyone turning off your pacer. If they did that, the clinic wouldn't be able to collect your health insurance payments :)

Laura Riggin  I will go to your site Carol. Your surgeon sounds awesome. Keep warm on Minnesota and keep on healing. It is nice to be able to communicate wit people who have gone/are going through the same things.

Laura Riggin  Hi Carol,

I had my surgery done at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, PA. My surgeon was Dr. Thomas Gleason. He was fabulous. He truly has been given a gift from God with his precision and expertise. I had an aortic rood and valve replacement as well as a bi-pass and a pacemaker. My surgery was on September 24. Where was your surgery done?

Laura Riggin  Jim-
You are so right. I often wonder why my surgeon didn't fill me in on some of the "weird" things that happen during healing. Then I realize that there wouldn't be enough time in a day for that. Ha, ha.

Laura Riggin  Hi Carol,

What you are seeing at the bottom of the scar is how my scar started out like. Then, the whole scar looked that way. I went to the plastic surgeon on week 10. He is a personal family friend so I was able to get an appointment right away. He said the sooner a scar is treated, the better the results are. I have to send him a picture of the scar in 2 weeks so he can determine if another round of treatments will be needed. Right now, it looks pretty good. I will be praying for beautiful healing for your scan.

Laura Riggin  Thanks Tom,

I hope all is going well with you. Rehab has been very good for me. I hope you find it to be equally helpful. God bless you as you build your strength back up and heal.

Laura Riggin  Thanks Ernie,

I have a hard time taking it slow. Luckily my job isn't physically demanding and most of the time I am sitting at a desk. I hope you are recovering rapidly.