paula's Heart Valve Journal

Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12 posted a note for paula that says: Hi Paula, I to had the same problem, but mine was in the hospital. After I got out of ICU they drained 2 litres out of my lungs. He did tell me it was very common. I was ok after that. Glad you are doing good. Life is good and God is even better than life. Take care

Jackie keys posted a note for paula that says: Your story sounds just like mine. I to read Adam's book, so I knew what expect which really helped me. I also developed water around the lungs, which you say us common. Nt surgery was two weeks ago tomorrow. My only problem is getting the Meds adjusted. They gave me a diuretic pill which lowered my bp down way to far. My walking has not been good, the shortest of breathe stopped me from doing a lot, but thus week I am going to kick butt and ,ove on.

Hi, Paula --
Be gentle with yourself, okay? it's absolutely normal to have bouts of inexplicable sadness or tears...I'm 2 months out and just yesterday I felt like weeping. It just happens. We've been through a LOT -- I call it a full body hard reset! It'll take time before everything gets back to normal.
Just do what you can and listen to your body.
Selma Kaplan

Paula,

I had a bout of something similar in the hospital. An overwhelming feeling of anxiousness and "get these ***** tubes out of me and get me out of here" on about the third day. With the help of better living through science (drugs) and just accepting my situation I finally calmed down and went to sleep. Just letting you know that everyone has their rough patches..

Trent V

Hi Paula-

Please try to stay positive. It is normal that we may cry for no reason. You don't go through something so traumatic everyday, or sometimes never in your life. It is both physically and mentally exhausting and challenging.

My first couple/few weeks found me napping 1-2 times daily and really not doing much of anything except light cooking and dishes.

The next couple/few weeks have found me doing more; vacuuming, light gardening and cardiac rehab.

At nearly 7 wks out I still do not feel 100% better, but in following up with the docs, controlling my exertion and being patient I am sure it will come.

Take care, stay positive.

If you need to post thoughts that aren't always upbeat that is what this site is here for-venting and support, not just the good feelings.

Karen Campo

Paula, please try not to be discouraged. You have been through a BIG surgery. The pain of surgery is not an indicator of just how big it was! Hang in there, each week gets better. I am 4 months out and I still get "weepy" some days. This is normal as long as there are positive days thrown in there too, lol. Just remember how fortunate and blessed we are that we could be "fixed". I will keep you in my prayers. God bless!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

Hi Paula - don't expect too much out of yourself - this has been a very big deal. Hang in there - I hope you see improvement every day!

Take care,
Vicki D.

Hey Paula, Just hang in there. With any kind of surgery it is rough getting back. I havent been to this place yet, except a hysterectomy 11 years ago.That was horrible recoverying from that also. You will do fine. Everyday will get better. Just listen to your body and dont over do cause you will pay for that. Just go slow but a little more everyday and then you will be there. One day at a time. Good luck to you.
For the long haul
Linda H

Hi Paula..
I am not scheduled for surgery until next Tuesday, so I cannot relate just yet to what you are going through with OHS. I do know, however, from previous surgeries that it is very hard to be as weak as a kitten. But this too shall pass. You will find yourself becoming stronger & stronger day by day. From the other posts here it seems like week 3 is a real "turn the corner kinda week".....stay strong as you take this hurdle one day at a time. The end result will be well worth a few weeks of being weak & uncomfortable...and feeling totally helpless. Your family loves you.....they want you to be well....to do that requires time and much healing....I will pray God keeps his loving arms around you as you continue your journey to a healthier life.....We are all here for you!
Heres to a better day tomorrow, and the day after that.....and the day after that...and so on....and so on!
Remember...slow & steady....slow & steady...
Keep the Faith!
Connie T

Happy Birthday! You are almost over the hump. Late Thursday or so, when you wake up you will be so happy. Time to start getting excited. -- DVB

Happy Birthday Paula and will be thinking about you as you go through this. I can't decide if I wish it were time for my surgery so I would feel better or just glad I don't have to do it yet.
Take care,
Vicki D.

Happy Birthday Paula. May you have many many more of them. Now you will have a new birthday so you can celabrate twice next year. You will do just fine. It will be harder on the family. I have been there and its know fun. I found just say prayers it works. Hang in there and stay strong.
For the long haul
Linda H

My fingers were going faster than my brain. I think they were dancing around on the key board. Anyway wrapping the cane around someone is better than killing him. You might need him after surgery to help out a little bit. Have a good day.
For the long haul
Linda H

Hi Paula, Good going. People who have not been there just dont know. I experienced it thru my daughters surgery 3 years ago. Im with you on your husband but think I would have said it would wrap it around him. My cardio doctor kept saying to quit worrying. Evne my husband was chiming in with them. I told him the next one that told me to quit worrying, I was going to punch them out. Enough is enough. Im not worried about what I am facing at least not yet. You have a good day and dont listen to those people. You wil be fine, then a whold lot of people will be eating their words.
For the long haul
Linda H

Paula, love, love, love what you told your husband about the cane! You will do fine with your surgery....too much spunk not to, lol. The only opinions that count = yours and the surgeons. Hang in there, the hard part (waiting) is almost over.
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

Yeah, smart to do it before symptoms start slowing you down. With symptoms it will be harder and odds not as good. Now you are strong and can be excited about getting it over with and recovered. But first let that cry come out. Don't worry about it, it seems to be part of the plan. Peace -- DVB

Hi Paula, Sounds like you are ready to get to the other side of the mountain. You will do fine. And its ok to get emotional. I think all of us have. I have and I am still waiting. I will probably get that way when I have stress test done on the 5th. lol. Just let it all come out as it will relieve a lot of stress. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Does your leader at weight watchers know that you are having surgery? The whold group will be there for you and support you. Good luck and keep us all posted.
For the long haul
Linda H

Hey Paula. Sounds like you are walking a well-trod path. Know that you are being smart in getting your surgery now, it's a gift of life to you and your family. Their perspective is different: they are in the throes of the day-to-day and you are facing heart surgery. Peace -- DVB

Hi Paula, just don't retreat too far into yourself. The next 12 days will fly by and I won't be surprised if you experience many different emotions, I certainly did. I was alone much of the time and sometimes you just want to talk about what you are facing, but even though they may have the best intentions, only those who have "walked in your shoes" truly understand. So...reach out to your HVJ family...that's what we're here for!
Linda Dixon AVR 3/13/12

Hi Paula,
I will be thinking of you on the 28th and before, as I agree the waiting is hard. I also feel a little uncomfortable receivinghelp but I'm so thankful so many kind family and friends are so willing and eager to help.
I will look forward to reading about your journal entries and pray you have a very smooth and successful surgery.
Mollie

Hi Paula-
Welcome to HVJ. Here I think you will find some great support to help you through this incredible journey. While we do have our family and friends by our side those friends we meet here know first hand the emotions prior to and after the surgery as well as the physical feelings.
I too found myself scared, apprehensive, optomistic. A lot of mixed emotions. For me everything I thought would be scary or bad did not turn out to be as terrible as I thought if that is all reassuring. I do think the recovery, for me at least, may be some time, but I will take that needed time having had pneumonia last month and severe congestive heart failure. I have a lot to build back up. Good luck and I will watch for your journals. Karen Campo

Hi Paula and welcome to HVJ. I am with you too. I joined Weight Watchers to loose weight for getting ready. You and I are in recovery before the big date. Nothing like doing things backwards. I have 4 more pounds to go before goal, then I wait. I have aortic stenosis/regurgitation and anuersym and am just waiting. So that is worse not knowing when this all will happen. I hope soon as I am tired of the symtoms that I have. But we will do this. I wish you luck. Where are you going to have your surgery? Keep us all posted and I will keep up with you. Good luck
For the long haul
Linda H

Hi, Paula
You will hear this over & over again: "The waiting is the hardest part!" But, it didn't mean much to me either until after surgery.

I'm 6 weeks shy of celebrating one year ago having my aortic valve replaced. It was was breeze. I was back to work doing massages after 8 weeks. (Don't tell anybody, but I was driving, kayaking and mowing my lawn at 4 weeks).

I look forward to following your journey pre & post op. Who will be there with you during your surgery & after?

You are on a great site and will get lots of support. Please keep us informed and please ask anything you want to know. We are a wealth of experience....now.

Sheila Garrison - Apple valley, CA

Hi Paula, welcome to the HVJ site. I had my aortic valve replaced 10 weeks ago. I can promise you that as far as aortic valve replacement surgery is concerned (at least for me) the waiting was much worse than the surgery itself. I did amazingly well, very little pain and that never got over a 6 to 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. They give you very, very good drugs. Even the dreaded breathing tube was not bad for me. I knew I would probably awaken while it was still present and I did. But I was prepared for it and therefore I was not afraid. Actually, it was sort of comforting, for I knew then that I had survived, lol. It seems like it was only minutes before they removed it. You will be amazed at how quickly you recover. I suspect mitral valve surgery is not the same as aortic, so I speak only of my experience, but I also imagine heart surgery is pretty much heart surgery. Try not to worry too much. Just remember...everyone says that the waiting is the hardest part and I completely agree. Take care and hang in there.
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

Hi Paula,
Some people say the anxiety waiting for the surgery is worse than the surgery itself...so it entirely possible you'll breeze through.
either way, you need it done, so there's no sense fretting about it.
I'll let you know....my surgery is Monday 6/4

nancy B