Melany's Guestbook

Hi Melany, Thanks for signing my guestbook. Yes, My rheumatologist did run the CCP test and it was negative. My Ferritin was high, so something is going on. Just have to find out why. Time will tell I suppose. Otherwise, I\'m feeling very good right now. Diana

Hi Menany Great news on the echo and bp being under better control without medication! Too bad it took so long to diagnose the fibromyalgia. Usually they test your trigger points and if most of them are positive, that\'s another way to come up with a diagnosis. Hopefully the treatment will work and you\'ll feel 100% with your active life. Fran

Hi Melany Hope the next echo gives he doctor a clue as to what treatment will be best for you. On my one year anniversary (last month) I re-read my journal and 90% of my guest book. It is amazing to realize how far we have come and remind ourselves how blessed we are. I also realize a lot of the issues have faded from my mind. Right now am especially praying for Ruth who had her surgery last week and is having a complicated and serious recovery. Wishing you a beautiful spring. Fran

Hey Melany....I am so sorry about this new problem. We did put you on the prayer list at church last night. God can answer prayers as you well know. Just wanted to let you know that you guys are in my thoughts and prayers....Love, Pam

Melany, It is so great to hear from you. My blood pleasure was low after the surgery for quite awhile, but I had no symptoms so it was not considered a problem. I hope yours is a medication issue as others have stated. Your family sounds happy and healthy. Happy Easter and let us know how this works out. Theresa C.

Hi Melany! Good to hear from you, but sorry to hear you have some residual or continuing issues. I think the Heart Valve Journals have now been around long enough for us to follow enough patients to see that many of us have issues after heart valve surgery. Seems like everyone\'s issues are different. Thankfully there are those with no issues at all post recovery. I have not had any blood pressure issues, though mine tends to run on the low side (say 90/60). BP has never been an issue for, well, so far. 13 months post-op (mitral valve repair) I developed pericardial effusion symptoms, and an echo revealed that sure enough I was a pericarditis repeat customer. Even more surprising was now I am having some aortic insufficiency and am under watch for that. Echos every 3 months. So I am also in the camp of those with issues. Your doctor is on track to do another echo on you but it could just be a medication issue. I\'ll be praying it\'s not a big deal. Glad your family is growing and doing so well. Happy Easter to you guys! Duane in FL

Hi Melany! I\'m happy you checked in but not happy to hear you\'re having blood pressure problems. Are you taking any BP meds? Other than having very low BP for about a week after surgery, I haven\'t experienced this problem so I have no words of wisdom. I hope they figure it out soon. It sounds like the kids are doing great and other than BP issues, so are you! Big difference from a year ago. Please keep us posted on what happens. Ricki

Hi Melany Good to hear from you but sorry to hear of your ongoing blood pressure problems. What is your blood pressure? Do they have you taking it every day. I take mine twice a day per doctor\'s orders and after many changes in my meds, it\'s finally in a great range. Hope it stays that way. Wonderful news about the kids and your schooling. You are a busy wife and mom. Don\'t wait so long to write again. Fran

Melany & Family, Beautiful post. All of us HVJ family members know exactly how you feel. I am so thrilled for your recovery. Enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your beautiful family! Duane in FL

Hi Melany Yes, I have the hair loss problem. Apparently from what I\'ve read, it\'s fairly common after OHS. Some of my medications also have this as a side effect. Can\'t say I have any new hair growth---good for you that you are. I guess the trade off is my heart is healthier. Will be curious to see if anyone else chimes in. Wishing you the most blessed Christmas. Fran