Lisa's Guestbook

Lisa Guinan  Hi Sara, I had an echo at 6 months and the one yesterday. I’d definitely ask for one. Hope you are safe and well.

Lisa Guinan  Hi Jill. We lucked out and were in FL for a long weekend when the storm came. Still had to dig out last night when we got home. As for my recovery, it’s going great. I went back to work Jan 2. No issues there. I can tell I’m getting stronger at rehab. I think they told me I could start some upper body weight work when my lifting restrictions are over-12 weeks. I started driving after 3 weeks. The only issues I noticed once in awhile when I had to make a sharp turn it hurt my sternum. My heart rate finally corrected itself . It was about week 6 when resting rate was constistenly in the 80s. Getting my Warfarin dosage figured out has been a challenge. My nurse said we’ll probably get it figured out just in time for me to go off it. Incision looks good. I’ve still got knots at the top and bottom of my sternum. It’s not yet comfortable for me to sleep on my stomach. I do notice going up 2-3 flights of stairs isn’t as easy for me as before surgery. Still some room for improvement there.

Here’s a new one: I got my hair cut today. My hair dresser says I’m losing hair. Did some research and found that can be a side effect of Warfarin. Sure hope it grows back.

Jill McDonald   Hi Lisa,

I read that! Here is the weird thing, I was not given any blood thinner except a 325 aspirin for two weeks after surgery then a baby aspirin every day. I did have AFIB when they started my surgery. I will be curious about the hair loss thing. I really need a haircut as well. For a while there I felt like hair was falling out like crazy. I guess I will see what my hairdresser says too. I finally found a bra that seems to work. I think?! The jury is still out. I am starting to think about work as well. Did you go back part-time for a bit or right in to full time? I am contemplating part-time for a week or so if possible.

What do you mean by knots on the sternum? The bottom of my incision seems very hard/thick but the top is not. Also, if I sit too long I noticed that I feel like the sternum just zips up. Then I have to get up to stretch. Is that something you experienced too? I just started rehab as well. I didn't know we couldn't do any type of arm work until 12 weeks. Yikes! I didn't expect that. When you drive do you use a small pillow or is it not needed? I felt a little uncomfortable when I drove today.

I am happy where I am based upon where I was, but golly this sure does take a long time.

Lisa Guinan  I talked to my surgeon's nurse last night. She said she has only had one other patient who lost some hair. I was supposed to be on Warfarin for 12 weeks, but she said I could quit now at 10 weeks. Yay! No more blood tests.

I didn't go back to work until 8 weeks after. I felt fine enough to go earlier but it was at Christmas time so I decided to wait til the new year. If you have the option to go part-time, that would be a good idea.

I also asked by nurse about my knots. She said he just used extra sutures at the top and bottom of the sternum and it'll take a while for them to disappear. I also had some times when I felt my sternum needed a good stretch. All part of healing. Rehab should help you loosen up. I use the arm bike a lot but just can't lift any weights.

Just start out by driving short distances where you don't have to turn much. I live in the country so that was easy. I did us a pillow at first so the seatbelt didn't hit my incision. Just do what you feel like doing.

Step by step. I saw a friend today who I hadn't seen since I was in the hospital. He was amazed.

Jill McDonald   All great to hear! I remember what life was like before my surgery. All the worry anxiety. So geat to be on this side! Snowstorm coming to Northern Illinois this weekend!

Lisa Guinan  Surgery was Tue morning and I was on my way home mid afternoon on Sat. I never really had much sternum pain after I got home.

Lisa Guinan  Just saw you’re from Bloomington. Love me some Avanti’s. I go to Prairie Heart in Spfld. I’m very happy with the drs there. My cardiologist is leaving at the end of the year and going to Northwestern.

Susan Lynn  Awesome! Thanks, Mona! I also thought those ice chips were the greatest. Please give our regards to Lisa!

Susan Lynn  That's fantastic news!!! Thanks so much for the update, Mona! Please give our best to Lisa when she wakes up. ❤

Lisa Guinan  Hi Terry, thanks for reaching out. What a rollercoaster we're on. I'm fine most of the time, but panic does creep in from time to time. Doing lots of deep breathing exercises. My sister just went through this a month ago, so that has me pretty prepared for what to expect. Prayers and peace to you.

Lisa Guinan  Hi Jill! I'm in Springfield so we're not that far apart. No, I don't have children. My sister has had her kids checked and nothing turned up. I don't believe MVP just shows up as you get older. I think the drs either didn't hear mine or just didn't bring it up to me. My cardiologist said I only would've worried about it longer if I'd find out about it earlier in life. I'm still hoping mine can be repaired but they won't know until they get in there. Are you have OHS or minimally-invasive? My dr. said there really aren't advantages to minimally invasive. It's actually more painful and has a higher risk of infection. My surgeon says he prefers to have a full view of what he's doing, and that makes sense to me. I'm glad you reached out to me. I'll be happy to keep you posted. You're right, I'm on an emotional roller coaster. I do look forward to having a fully functioning heart. I don't really have any symptoms that I notice. People tell my I probably just don't realize I'm slower than normal and will feel better afterwards. How old are you? I'm 54.

Jill McDonald   Hi Lisa,

I appreciate your words. I have heard the same thing. I go from completely confident in this to terrified. I am 53. My Dr agrees with the OHS decision. I feel the reality cones when you tell people as I am starting to do now. I am trying to exercise as much as I can to stay fit for surgery.

I have had migraines and I think it is related to this condition how about you.

Let's try to stay connected. We could be great strength for each other. I guess I never really thought this would happen. I never considered myself sick. I have had plenty of surgeries in my life but this one is completely different.

I am starting to make my lists.

Do you work? How are you preparing those at work for your abscense?

Lisa Guinan  Yesterday was a bit tough for me. It marked my one-week countdown. I'm much better today and already anticipating where I'll be a week from now. Should be getting my huggy bear Sir Cough-a-Lot. I've never spent a night in the hospital, so this will be new for me.

I haven't had any migranes but could see how the stress could bring them on.

I work for the legislature in Springfield. I'm close to retirement here so this break will be good to let new people start taking over my roles. I have been telling people who I come in contact with about my surgery. I think they are more worried about the procedure than I am.

I think our age will be a huge advantage for us. I was commenting how I was surprised to see so many people on this site who are around our age and then realized that the patients who are much older probably aren't online as much as us.

Also, I just noticed your tricuspid valve needs repaired too. My sister just had her mitral replaced and tricuspid repaired. She ended up needing a pacemaker but is doing great. She's 17 years older than me (71).

Jill McDonald   Yeah, I was surprised to hear that as well. The nurse said oh he'll put a stitch in it. Not sure what that means, but ok. I haven't been that open yet. I still have until 12/7. However, the waiting is hard. When did you decide to schedule your surgery? I decided about two weeks ago. Praying for a swift surgery and amazing health. What is the pillow from this site? I guess I didn't know about that. I hope you have peaceful days ahead and the mind is quiet.

Lisa Guinan  I got my surgery date set on Oct 8. Surgery is Nov 6, so I had a little less than a month to wait. They asked if I wanted to wait til after the holidays but I wanted to get it over with. My hospital uses a bear instead of a pillow to hug when you cough. Most pictures I see show people holding the heart pillow.

Jill McDonald   I like your questions to the group. I never thought the tube would be out after waking up. All the surgeries I have ever had it was always out after I woke up. I am collecting questions for the pre-op appointment. Did you have that already? I am sure you did. Chapstick and a water bottle are two that I put on my list. I also see ladies talk about a nice snug cami or t-shirt although I am puzzled how we will get that on. Better to be prepared. Try to get rest and ease the mind. Medidation music can help calm the mind. I am starting to meditate. Never been into that before, but the mind needs the stillness during these times. Stay strong, you got this!

Lisa Guinan  My pre-op appt is Mon. I'm taking chap stick to the hospital but not sure when I can use it. My hospital puts you in a special bra that you wear for about 3 weeks. Deep breathing exercises have helped me a lot. Have lots of people praying for me too which gives me comfort.