Mar Polacci posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Hoooooray! So glad you are doing so well. Bet you can't wait to get home where you can actually sleep. I know I was always so tired in the hospital because ...Read more
Hoooooray! So glad you are doing so well. Bet you can't wait to get home where you can actually sleep. I know I was always so tired in the hospital because just when I got to sleep they would wake me up to take my vitals, etc.
You are an inspiration Mary.
Love,
Mar
Mary you continue to wow me! You are truly a badass!! (ooops, sorry. My enthusiasm got the best of me).
Bert came home from the hospital last night and said ...Read more
Mary you continue to wow me! You are truly a badass!! (ooops, sorry. My enthusiasm got the best of me).
Bert came home from the hospital last night and said you were doing great. We are so happy that everything went so well.
We love you and can't wait for you to be out of the hospital and back home where you belong!
Kisses
Mary Ellen Doherty Mar darling, This will be very short but wanted to answer you myself. I'm doing great. Lisa, Lu ... Read more
Mary Ellen Doherty Mar darling, This will be very short but wanted to answer you myself. I'm doing great. Lisa, Lucca and Paloma came by today. Best surprise ever. Brought some beautiful flowers which are on my windowsill so everyone can enjoy. Was wonderful to see Bert on Monday (?) and his beautiful orchid is keeping the roses company. Will possible be home tomorrow or Friday at the latest unless I fall out of bed or something. Looking forward to seeing you then.... Xoxoxox,
Mary
Hi Terrie
thanks for keeping us posted re your Mom, she is lucky to have you there to rally her on. Please give her my best wishes for a good recovery, be ...Read more
Hi Terrie
thanks for keeping us posted re your Mom, she is lucky to have you there to rally her on. Please give her my best wishes for a good recovery, be patient and moderate in physical activity.
You live in one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. at least it was way back when I lived there
keep ticking
sounds like your Mom is doing really well, and being a model patient. I know she will feel better with the chest tubes out and gone. Little by little equipment ...Read more
sounds like your Mom is doing really well, and being a model patient. I know she will feel better with the chest tubes out and gone. Little by little equipment and tubes disappear and before you know they will be taking out the IV and the pacer wires, and she will be released. I wish her much continued recovery. Another patient,
Chris Petrucci posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Hi auntie Mary Ellen!
It was GREAT seeing you yesterday! You look fabulous!! Keep up the great work and remember...No lifting with the arms! :)
Love you! ...Read more
Hi auntie Mary Ellen!
It was GREAT seeing you yesterday! You look fabulous!! Keep up the great work and remember...No lifting with the arms! :)
Love you!
Chris
Hello Terry. I am Terrie. I wanted to tell you how kind your Mom was to me just before She headed in for her surgery. She took the time to reassure me of the ...Read more
Hello Terry. I am Terrie. I wanted to tell you how kind your Mom was to me just before She headed in for her surgery. She took the time to reassure me of the Kaiser Team I have and Kaiser Permanente in general. It helped me head into pre-op more confidently and gave me the peace of mind to ease up on any anxiety. I am headed for surgery for the same thing as your Mom and want you to please tell her I am very pleased to read from your posts that She is doing well in recovery.
Nice that you are able to post for her.
Thank you both. -
Mary Ellen Doherty Hi Terrie!
Glad to hear you went into your pre-op appointment with added confidence! My mom has had t ... Read more
Mary Ellen Doherty Hi Terrie!
Glad to hear you went into your pre-op appointment with added confidence! My mom has had truly amazing treatment from beginning to today through this whole process. All of the nurses have been amazing! I know you will be in excellent hands as you get "your show on the road."
We all wish you only the best on Wednesday.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you!
Terry
??
Hello Mary Ellen,
Terrie here from across the Bay!
Just read of your progress and want to tell you how happy I am to read that your surgery went well and that ...Read more
Hello Mary Ellen,
Terrie here from across the Bay!
Just read of your progress and want to tell you how happy I am to read that your surgery went well and that you will be up and walking shortly. I will be going into my surgery at Kaiser Santa Clara on Wed. Hope to share recovery stories with you soon.
Thank you Terry for your posts letting the heart community know about your Mom.
Every day, a little bit of progress, walking and sitting up, and hopefully getting some anti-nausea meds. I am one month out of surgery, and feel great. I ...Read more
Every day, a little bit of progress, walking and sitting up, and hopefully getting some anti-nausea meds. I am one month out of surgery, and feel great. I hope the same for your Mom, and thank you for keeping us posted, and her company. Another patient,
Mia (Mary) posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Good morning Mary Ellen and family!
Wow its hard to believe that your surgery is finished. Now you are on a new journey that will bring you many years of life ...Read more
Good morning Mary Ellen and family!
Wow its hard to believe that your surgery is finished. Now you are on a new journey that will bring you many years of life with a healthier heart.
I have been chuckling that since I received my new mitral valve that I wake up every morning about 2 a.m. Kind of like a newborn.
I want you to know there will be days that you are full of energy and days in which you will feel less energetic. The good news is your strength will improve daily.
I am on day 18 post op and am feeling great!
So relax let the nursing staff spoil you and focus on healing.
Will look forward to hearing from you once you are feeling like journaling!
Hugs from your heart sis,
Mary (mia) posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Mary Ellen and family,
Thank you for letting your heart family know that surgery went well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Looking forward to talking ...Read more
Mary Ellen and family,
Thank you for letting your heart family know that surgery went well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Looking forward to talking to you once your up to it.
Remember ask for pain meds when you need them and drink lots of water.
Relax and focus on positive thoughts.
Love your heart sister,
Whoopee Mary Ellen! Hello Terry. My name is Terrie and I am in Manteca, Ca. and your Mother has been kind enough to give support and advices to me lately regarding ...Read more
Whoopee Mary Ellen! Hello Terry. My name is Terrie and I am in Manteca, Ca. and your Mother has been kind enough to give support and advices to me lately regarding my own surgery at Kaiser Santa Clara on the 20th. Please tell her how happy I a to hear that She is in recovery mode and that things went well. Let her know that Terrie in Manteca is planning on following her example! Tell her to Sleep Well, Gather her strength, and have a smooth recovery! Thank you.
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Hi Mary Ellen and family,
I had an AVR at Kaiser with Dr. Melikian last November and did really well with no post op complications! I wish you the same. He ...Read more
Hi Mary Ellen and family,
I had an AVR at Kaiser with Dr. Melikian last November and did really well with no post op complications! I wish you the same. He is an excellent heart surgeon but don't get attached…you will only see him one more time where he will tell you to go live and try to forget about the surgery!
Chris Petrucci posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Auntie Mary Ellen,
Good luck this morning!! I'll be thinking of you. Mom, Jessica and I hope to see you Sunday after our 7 mile walk we mapped out in Golden ...Read more
Auntie Mary Ellen,
Good luck this morning!! I'll be thinking of you. Mom, Jessica and I hope to see you Sunday after our 7 mile walk we mapped out in Golden Gate park. When your up and feeling better, maybe we could all do a walk together.
Love YOU!!
Chris
Best wishes to you today on your surgery. I hope for the very best outcome, and speedy healing for you. I had the same surgery over a month ago, and am feeling ...Read more
Best wishes to you today on your surgery. I hope for the very best outcome, and speedy healing for you. I had the same surgery over a month ago, and am feeling great. I wish the same for you, and for all of us. Another patient,
Geri Frank posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Hi Mary Ellen,
good luck and God Bless you with a good recovery, I am close to four weeks post op, so far I had a wonderful recovery, feel tired but I'm certain ...Read more
Hi Mary Ellen,
good luck and God Bless you with a good recovery, I am close to four weeks post op, so far I had a wonderful recovery, feel tired but I'm certain with time and healing it will will slowly be gone
one must be confident and positive with having the surgery, it took me five years to finally commit to it
best of luck
Mia (Mary,) posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Mary Ellen,
Thinking of you today as you. start the first day of your new healthy life.
You will do just fine. All of your heart family are praying for you ...Read more
Mary Ellen,
Thinking of you today as you. start the first day of your new healthy life.
You will do just fine. All of your heart family are praying for you and here for you.
During the next few weeks you may need to chat, just let me know and I am here.
By day three. you will begin to feel better. I found the first two days to be the hardest.
Will look for posts about
your wonderful recovery.
Hugs from my new healthy
heart to your new healthier heart.
Mary Ellen,
I am up having a cup of coffee this morning and it dawned on me I needed to thank you once again for the reassurance you provided to me about the ...Read more
Mary Ellen,
I am up having a cup of coffee this morning and it dawned on me I needed to thank you once again for the reassurance you provided to me about the wonderful professional people at Kaiser.
I had a couple of unexpected things come up that might have postponed the surgery on the 20th but for being able to get in to Kaiser yesterday and this morning to turn things around. I continue to have confidence in the Kaiser "Thrive" mentality as it has been my experience so far that whenever needed the people step up to the plate!
Your shared confidence in your (our) health care "Team" has helped me move forward and I am looking forward to reading that your surgery runs smoothly and you are recovering well and that your family and friends can breath easier! The people here in this Heart Community will be praying for us all as we begin another phase of our Life Journey. I for one will be thinking of kayaking on the lake at Whiskeytown in Redding, Ca. someday down the line soon! Take care and tell Gerry we will be looking forward to an update on how you are doing. Thanks again.
I am having my coffee with you this morning. Glad to hear that whatever the issues you had these last couple of days have been resolved and your 20th O-Day is still viable.
Gerry and I had THE most remarkable pre operation morning yesterday, including two plus hours with the Cardia-Thoracic staff. Every question, every concern answered with patience, kindness and professionalism. All necessary business, paperwork, tests, exams, X-rays, EKG's, consultations, have been completed. We were so emotional charged following the appointments, that we decided to walk in Golden Gate Park, visit the California Academy of Science to view their new exhibit and have lunch. It was an amazing day.
My dearest friend Karen, decided that a gathering of friends was called for, so she and her husband have invited a few old and dear friends to join us at their home for a celebration tonight. With the combined efforts of our families and friends, we are "covered".
My daughter Terry or my friend Karen, will keep this journal current in my temporary absence, but I will personally keep everyone posted ASAP.
My thoughts are with you and Gerry everyday.
I love you Mary. We both will be at the hospital Friday morning we won't see you before surgery, but we will ...Read more
My thoughts are with you and Gerry everyday.
I love you Mary. We both will be at the hospital Friday morning we won't see you before surgery, but we will be there to hear that you're okay.
Love you,
Barbara
I will be going into surgery at 7:00. Surgery should last 4-5 hours, that's the average. I will be taken To ICU and it will be another hour before anyone can see me and that would be for just a few minutes. I will be under the anesthetic for several hours following surgery. Knowing that you and Earl want to be here to support me and to confirm for yourselves that all is going well, is the best medicine ever. I hate for you to make that trip for just a few minutes, but I understand, because I would want to do the same thing. I do need you to understand that I will be hooked up to every devise imaginable and with a ventilator tube that is monitoring my breathing, which really looks horrible but is absolutely necessary. I will have wires and tubes running out of every part of my body. Gerry will be with me as will Terry, who I am going to entrust with the responsibility of handling this journal for a couple of days. I just want to fore warn you. If you would rather wait until I am out of icu and I the hospital, that's fine. Otherwise, know that your love and support is my strength.
Love, Laverne posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Hi ME:
Thinking nothing but good thoughts. I know everything will be OK and you will be back to your active lifestyle in no time. You have a great support ...Read more
Hi ME:
Thinking nothing but good thoughts. I know everything will be OK and you will be back to your active lifestyle in no time. You have a great support system to take care of you.
Mary Ellen Doherty Thanks Laverne, everything is proceeding. Gerry or Terry will keep you posted. I will take me a cou ... Read more
Mary Ellen Doherty Thanks Laverne, everything is proceeding. Gerry or Terry will keep you posted. I will take me a couple of days before I will be able to do that.
Love you,
Msry (mia) posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Mary Ellen, it is so good to hear from ylou! I felt just like how you are feeling . My thoughts were letd get the show on the road!
This is scarey stuff, do ...Read more
Mary Ellen, it is so good to hear from ylou! I felt just like how you are feeling . My thoughts were letd get the show on the road!
This is scarey stuff, do not worry as all our
heart family are here for you.
Try to think of all happy.thoughts and this will help you to prepare for after surgery.
I listened to softusic each night in my room at hospital.
I am still having some discomfort in the groin area. Other wise all is well.
Have a blessed Tuesday.
Thank you for taking the time out during your recovery to encourage. It is so helpful to hear from a fellow patient. I can't wait to begin recovery, and am looking forward to working for the return of my strength and energy.
Music has always been by emotional salvation in times of stress. Like you, I plan on using that to calm the spirit, so to speak.
Good health to you and I'll keep you posted thru this medium.
Msry (mia) posted a note for Mary Ellen that says:
Hello Mary Ellen,
I Mia (mary) from Michigan. This heart community of friends absolutely amazing.
The family has made such a positive influence .
My surgery ...Read more
Hello Mary Ellen,
I Mia (mary) from Michigan. This heart community of friends absolutely amazing.
The family has made such a positive influence .
My surgery was July 29th.
I will.remember.you and your family in my prayers.
Relax if you can and enjoy.the beautiful nature all around us
Write when you can. Have communicated a lot with Gimger and Terri since I found our heart family..
Buyterfly kisses and eskimo hugs are coming.your way!
Love your heart sister,
I was so pleased to hear from you and it seems that you are progressing well at this point. I am going in for all the pre=surgical testing, lab work and consultations this morning, surgery on Friday. To say that I am anxious to get this moving is the understatement of the year. I have been blessed with a huge support team behind me, family and friends, so, as they say, I Am Good To Go!
I send you our wishes and prayers for you continued recovery and look forward to talking to you again, soon.
Mary Ellen,
Thank you for replying as it was just what I was hoping to hear! Some positive input on Kaiser and someone who feels confident of their "team" ...Read more
Mary Ellen,
Thank you for replying as it was just what I was hoping to hear! Some positive input on Kaiser and someone who feels confident of their "team" about to mend their heart.
I wish you the best of outcomes so that you can continue to live your life fully! I will keep in touch as it will be great to give a boost to a fellow "Kaiser" patient.
I am sure there will be many who will want to here of our "Kaiser" experiences as they make their choices of where to go to have their surgeries performed. All the best, Terrie
One last comment if I may. You will encounter many who might be discouraging when it comes to the quality of care provided by the Kiaser family. This is something that each of us has to decide for ourselves. If it were not for the care of my primary physician, my valve problem may not have been discovered until I had suffered damage to my heart. Her perservance and observation detected the problem early on, and had me scheduled for all the necessary testing within two hours of her discovery. The diagnoses was made the following day and an appointment with a cardiologist done the following day. The surgical appointment arranged by the cardiologist the day I saw her. My surgeon, just as yours, is a highly regarded, skilled, experienced specialist, who I am very grateful to have. If you are comfortable with your care and your doctor, do not let anyone undermine that confidence.