Nancy's Guestbook

Nancy D  Thanks Terrie! I hope our triplet sister a year younger is doing well too! I did post a reply on my rambling anniversary post, but when I clicked to post it, the screen went blank and I haven't been able to reconnect for an hour. I have worked a long hard difficult week and am too tired to try to recreate my post from tonight. I will do so tomorrow. Early to bed for me tonight, I am worn completely out!
((HUGS)) to you!
n

Terrie Syvertsen  Nancy- I hate it when I do that!(Lose a post midway). Please take it easy at work and get to bed on time so you can catch up. By the way, I am glad you are working but hope you will pace yourself and keep up your immunity and stamina! Hugs back at you! Wish you lived near me so I could introduce you to Rylee! He has soooo much energy! Later!

Nancy D  Rylee is beautiful!!! I wish I was closer in miles to you as well!! I am trying to pace myself at work- am really only Parttime/relief, but they like me full time. The clinic and surgery center had a major computer software update that completely changed how we chart and it rolled out live on Monday (WAY before it was tested and completed on our side!) and so they asked me to work a full week to help them through that! Next week I should be back to my more normal 2-3 days a week......so I can continue my neglected walking, and pacing myself in life! ;-) It all averages out....slept soundly last night, thankfully!

Terrie Syvertsen  Nancy D Yes the little guy is a handsome fellow! Gary is home today and it is his first day off with Rylee as I pushed the two of them out to play in the back yard while I went in to finish painting another section of the bedroom the beautiful aqua color we chose. My biggest problem now is I have to move the King size bed so I can paint behind the headboard and move the bureau with mirror too! Then.......Ta da! Another room is completed and then ah, to sleep and wake up in our new fish bowl! I know now how the fish feel, ha ha . Take care not to work too hard kiddo. Have a great day!

Nancy D  Hi Terrie!! I hope you are doing well too! Big celebratory July 4th plans made yet?
I haven't been on too much since end of April when I started my new job. It has been an adjustment and a learning curve for this old girl! LOL....I hired on as Parttime/relief, but have been working Full time as they are short staffed, and I need some time to learn all their processes. Now that summer is here the FT nurses all want summer vacation, so I will be working mostly FT through this month and hopefully in August!! Sure cuts into my computer time....and leisure. I wasn't sure I could do the active fast pace full time-- I have yet to walk under 2 miles in my 8 hour day at work and that doesn't count standing during procedures assisting the doctors. Very little sitting with this job. But, I hold my own, but come home tired, but not exhausted! Not bad for 58 yrs young! No time for projects, but catching up on bills etc that came from being off work a year!! ;-) I am looking forward to a bit slower pace and know that 2-3 miles in 8 hours isn't the same as 2-3 miles in under an hour, so I do try to walk that on the weekends.
Thanks so much for checking in with me! I am a wee bit out of touch with the heart family, but do read more than I post, but hopefully after school starts again and vacations are over I can have some time around the house too! Going to enjoy my 3 day weekend on my deck watching my husband smoke ribs and chicken!!
How are YOU doing? Still noticing some changes and improvements?? We are approaching our anniversary and I am looking forward to counting this in years instead of weeks and months!
Take good care!!!! ((HUGS))

Terrie Syvertsen  Nancy D- Gary, Hunter and I are on our way to YOUR house for the 4th...smoked ribs and chicken! ooooh! Gary and I are planning on eating pretty light as we planned just grilling chicken, green salad, fruit and steering away from ice-cream which is our weakness! This 95-105 heat makes it hard to eat much anyway. The neighbors nextdoor are having a huge family party and they have a pool so if we are lucky we will get splashed over the fence! We are going to pick peaches tomorrow as Gary has the day off and can reach them easily. We will take an early walk with Hunter in the park as his meds have kicked in a bit and he can walk a little less stiff and it is his 14th. birthday on the 4th. It is going to be a kick back weekend and hopefully one with no fires due to all the illegal fireworks! Have fun and enjoy your job and I wish you well with it. I am hoping to find part time next Jan. I miss being around people and I know of several retail stores I would enjoy doing merchandising in. There are a lot of
part timer Seniors in this town so it would be fun. Don't wear yourself out! Happy 4th.

Nancy D  I too plan for more relaxing than working this weekend. Just walked 5K in 55 minutes in 1,000% humidity. Will shower then go to the store for the last minute things. There will be salad and fresh from hubby's garden tomatoes too, so won't over indulge too much. Will probably freeze some but will eat ribs one day and the chicken the next, unless kids and grands stop by... ;-) The majority of the weekend will be spent on the deck in the yard watching the big smoker do it's magic! He is prepping the meat now, and will cook tomorrow. I might as well be outside as the A/C is being replaced (again) today and will soon be quite hot in the kitchen! Will have to do the dessert- individual mini cheesecakes, (helps me with portion control!) tomorrow. Was planning to bake today but not with A/C out!
I enjoy working again, and look forward to August when I can begin to not be Full time all the time again! It isn't a sedentary job either which is good for me as well!
Happy 4th to you and yours!

Nancy D  Hi Laura, how are YOU doing?? I am glad my experience helped you some! It's why I keep stopping in from time to time, to see if I can jot down an experience I had that is similar or answer a question for those waiting or not as far out as I am. I still find at 9 months out that things improve or disappear. I am now working again, at a new position, so trying to learn all the new routines. It isn't easy, but I am confident I will learn it and be successful here. I am working Full time for a couple more weeks for training, and I am pleased with my stamina, which was one of my concerns going back. Its not a desk job for sure, I have yet to log less than two miles in my days there. I try to walk on weekends, and have a goal to walk once home from work twice this week as well. However, the Texas weather hasn't cooperated as we have had record rainfalls this spring. I will however resort to the treadmill if necessary! ;-)
Hope you continue your forward progress, and you continue to feel better each week!!
Keep in touch, so I know how you are doing!
((HUGS))
n

Nancy D  I feel the same way!!! I might have to for a son's wedding, but I would ensure I went first thing in the morning(things may be cleaner then!); and because I wouldn't want them to clip cuticles, or cut the nail down both sides, I would have to find a nail tech that speaks English, so I could be sure they knew my requests and the fact that I needed to avoid cuts and bleeding at all costs. I think I will paint my own toes this weekend! They aren't as pretty, but they will look better than they do now!
Good to hear from you, hope all is well!
((HUGS))

Mary Myers  We have some nail techs in Michigan that speak English, so I may consider it. You also can reserve your own tools and they keep them in a cubbie for the next time you visit.
What else is new with you? You can email me anytime at kidsjunction@gmail.
com

Nancy D  Mary- as an update, I received a gift certificate for Mother's day and I used it for a pedicure for myself. I requested no clipping the sides or the cuticles, for infection reasons and also for bleeding as I am still on a full strength aspirin and bleed rather well now! ;-) Overall, I am doing well, found a new job and am in training- which I am learning slower than I would like, but, am working fulltime hours during training and happy to say my stamina is there for 40+ hours. I was concerned about stamina, I feel that is still somewhat behind where I would like it, but I have held my own at work, and it isn't a desk job- I have yet to walk less than 2 miles in my daily routines. I still notice improvements, so I am guessing we take about a year to fully recover from this. Hope you too are doing well, and gaining grounds with each passing week! My email is: zizzr@hotmail.com
Take good care....
((HUGS))
n

Nancy D  Jan, yes, actually just this week I started a new job. We must be at about the same age--I think I can but not sure if I really can. Not sure what else I would do though, so giving it the old nurse try!! ;-) Breathlessness is a concern early on. I would encourage you to use your incentive sprirometer OFTEN!! It really does make a difference. I put mine up too early and got it back out of the closet, and used it every time I thought about it.....If you didn't get one to take home the old hourly deep breathing and a cough do help expand the lungs and help prevent problems. My biggest issue was hypotension. I would stand up and almost pass out and this persisted and still does if I do not increase my salt intake and keep my water intake up- hard to do in a fast paced surgery center, but I am trying. If I was to guess I would say I walked only inside for about 2 weeks but a big change happened around 4 weeks with regard to energy level and feeling stronger. I really rested a lot in the phase you are in now. Your body is learning how to work with this new and improved circulation system you have had modified. The first week home I was doing well to get to the rest room and a shower every couple days. A shower and change of pjs was a full days activity! ;-) It gets better, I promise!! Hang in there! and just rest, eat well and BREATHE deep! Gentle ((HUGS)) to you!!

Nancy D  Glad to hear you are giving yourself time to fully recover. You ups folks work really hard and have heavy lifting on top of all that. At least you will not be returning in the midst of the Christmas rush season! All is well here, I have been on the hunt for work myself, I had the luxury of being between jobs when all this began, and so was not under pressure to return. Now, I am ready, just looking for the right job that I can do until I retire! (which I sort of wish was now, but it isn't!) Take good care, every day you will find progress!!!

Nancy D  LaDonna. so good to hear from you! I am doing fine! Walking 1-3 miles most every day, no A-Fib, no shortness of breath and haven't needed any 'asthma' meds or inhalers since day of surgery. I do think the 'asthma' diagnosis was a bit off the mark. I am actively looking for a job as well. I left my last job in March as I needed a change, and we were expecting 2 grandchildren with in months of each other. The one born in March 2014 had a heart issue and was being seen for surgical repair. She was cleared without surgery in July, prayer does miracles, and I was in the midst of my testing for my heart started in June, with my surgery in August. Life is good and we are blessed we live in a time where we can be repaired and resume our lives even better than we were. Praying your surgery and recovery process is smooth as can be and you too feel better coming out than you did going in!! Take good care and please keep in touch!

Nancy D  Terri, it is a uniquely personal path, none of us have done it the exact same way, and you will find your way, get your questions answered and find just the right doctor, hospital and team for you! The waiting, wondering and decision making was the hardest part for me. Even with what I call speed bumps along the way during recovery wasn't as overwhelming as the testing, waiting and decision making. No one knows you and your situation better than you and those closest to you. Once you find your way, go forward confidently knowing many of us have been there done that, and continue to do well! It is kind of a big deal, but you have support here. Don't hesitate to ask me or anyone any question no matter how minor it seems, we all have opinions and some will ring true for you and others may not. Hang in there!! I am 6 months post op today and feeling so good!!! ;-)
Take good care, one day, one test, one decision at a time!! You will do well too!!

Lenore Mitchell  I also have a-fib, it's a common aspect of MV problems. I wore a 2-week holter monitor so they could tell which arrythmias occurred and how often. I'm pre-op and on coumadin. Hopefully they'll do a maze procedure at surgery to stop the a-fib. Good luck to all.

Nancy D  Cheryl, yes, I developed A-fib on the 3rd post op day- apparently right on schedule, or normal timing post op. They immediately started the blood thinner and a medicine for the afib. About a month later, I was still having some low blood pressure issues even off the B/P med that they started routinely post op. So my afib med was decreased in half and less than a week later I was in Afib when I showed up for rehab- was sent straight to the hospital for cardioversion(shock), but my heart converted to normal rhythm on the way to the hospital. Med was increased back and have had no further episodes, including when they deemed the heart healed enough to get off the med. In January, if no further issues they may stop the blood thinner then. Since I had no pre operative history of A-Fib it is more likely than not, that a patient won't have it long term. Seems to be so for me! I hope yours resolves as well!! And, yes we are practically neighbors!! Take good care!!!!! Blessings to you too!

Nancy D  Lenore- I had some arrhythmia pre-op but they were mostly PVC's and occasional PAC's but no history of A-fib ever noted. Wishing you luck on your surgery and hope they do the Maze too, so you are done with the pesky A-fib!! Take good care, and keep us posted!!

Nancy D  yes, David, recovery is going nicely, cardiac rehab is really helping move things along!! I miss Canada and for sure my family, but not the winter! It was 27 degrees F this morning and that is plenty cold, and too early for that!!! Keep in touch, and take good care!!

Nancy D  HI Mike!..tomorrow marks one week from surgery date. I am making slow progress but celebrate each wee step, and they are adding up. Each day is better than before! I got behind on pain medicine in the night and spent today trying to get back on track then napped and got off again....so am quite sore but doing ok. Appetite is beginning to return, and so I do small frequent snacks of good healthy snacks, homemade soup and fruits mostly. ;-) every day is better. Managed a shower and wash my hair which was the only chore on my list today. Got my good and tuckered out but slept and feel better for it.
Hope you continue to progress and improve daily!

Nancy D  I am looking forward to this new beginning of a better stronger and more active me!! See you on here soon! Thanks for the encouragement!
n

Nancy D  Well Donna, mine was too far gone to repair, so it was replaced. I have done well, and should go home tomorrow- we can compare healing progress! Wish you the best!

Nancy D  Thank you for the prayers! I hope I am heading home by your surgery day and I pray for both of is to have successful repairs with no complications!!
More soon!
n

Nancy D  I do indeed feel unbelievably calm and I know it is all the prayers and I thank you for yours!!! About to hit the shower with hi bickers and then find my pillow for a quick sleep. More soon!
n

Nancy D  Hi again Terrie!
another thing in common our dogs. I have one and will take her to my best friend for her to keep until we get home from the hospital. On one of her visits here once home, she will bring our Molly back home. That is the last thing on my to do list before Wednesday morning.
Unfortunately, my hubby has so many folks on his to notify list, I will not ask him to post on here, it might make his head spin. LOL Can't have that happening, so I will post as soon as I can get my ipad in my hands and focus.
All this is new for me, both the heart thing and the journaling, so I am learning as I go.
I just want to maybe encourage someone who comes after me with the tips I learn in my experience.
We will both be doing our recovery together which will be nice and I thank you for welcoming me so nicely!
Take good care, and know each day after Wednesday is going to be easier. We just have to be patient with ourselves!!
n.

Nancy D  Thanks Mia....
I have never journaled/blogged before, but I also have never had heart surgery. I have learn a lot from this site and hope I can just help the next person in my position!
My husband has so many family and friends to notify, and the list is growing by the day, I think it is unlikely he will journal. I will hope to be back soon after the repair typing away...
Everyone needs goals right? That is one of mine.
Appreciate you peeking in on me and showing me it is possible to get through this- one day at a time!!
n

Nancy D  Hi Terrie!
Seems although we have the same surgical date, we have different procedures. I hope we both do better than expected and have a restored health soon after the procedure and our rehab!
I too am glad we are facing this in the new age of advancements and healthcare.
I am all packed and ready, just have to take my dog to my best friends tomorrow afternoon for safekeeping. Gives my husband one less thing to worry over.
Best of luck to us both!!
n

Nancy D  Thank you Julia for your well wishes, I feel confident I am in good hands and will do well! I will post when I can!

Nancy D  Thank you Mike, I am encouraged by your reply. I am praying its a min invasive repair and won't need replacement! I am also very hopeful that my recovery is as event free as yours was/is! Lots of stories here, some overwhelming in all the set backs. I am not in the best shape but not as bad as others are going in, so I remain positive. You give me hope! Thank you for that!!!

Nancy D  Just read your entire account of the experiences you went through, and I must say it made me feel more positive about the path I am on. I have had excellent care, and have faith in my medical team, and of course my prayer warriors on my side. It may not be the biggest, largest most well known facility, but it is well on its way to earning their place on the list, and it is so close to home which is important to myself and my husband. Wednesday is my day 0715 is show time- if you think of it, say a prayer or two on my behalf! Thanks so much for your reply!