Penny's Guestbook

Penny McIntosh  hello Muriel,
I'll be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way. Post as soon as you're able so we all will know you're ok. Take one day at a time and keep your mind as calm as you can. Love and hugs.

Lisa Giaccone  I wish you all the best Penny! My mom is 1.5 weeks out and the days before was the hardest on all of us. I just wanted time to stop but yet I felt like it went by quicker! It was almost best that way. You will be fine. Honestly, she was off all pain meds day 2. Still no pain, thank God! God Bless on your journey.

Penny McIntosh  Hello Muriel,
I wouldn't think it is because of your age, it must be to do with the problems in the NHS but I went into Papworth as a private patient and they still cancelled me the first time so I wasn't any better off.I do hope they don't let you down again, it is such an anxious time. You sound savvy so here's question time: Are you able to get out and about? Do you have family that you are in contact with living nearby? Are you on any medication? I found this site so reassuring before and after surgery and my husband and daughter received so much support post op recovery. My daughter continued posting while I was in recovery until I could get online again. Stay positive.
warm wishes
Penny

Andrea Smith  Hi. I'm waiting for a date for an AVR redo at Glenfield in Leicester The waiting is difficult, as it's hanging over me and we are unable to plan anything. My original op in 2004 was cancelled twice (the second time I was woken up from the pre-med to be told they couldn't do it.) However, on the third date they said that they would have to do it as they are unable to cancel more than twice. Hopefully this is still the case, Muriel and the surgery will go ahead. I agree, this is a great site. Best wishes to you and Penny

Maggi Turner  I don't think they cancel because of age, but because of the problems in the NHS and no intensive care beds available. I thought I was going to be cancelled for my AVR in January, but it was just postponed from morning to afternoon. Even the anaethetist thought it was going to be cancelled and I actually went down to theatre without having a pre-med. This site has been such a comfort.

Maggi Turner  Forgot to say - my surgery was at Derriford, Plymouth, UK. Anyone in the West of England waiting Heart surgery at this hospital it was the greatest. No complaints whatsoever.

Penny McIntosh  Hi Fran, it is SO good to hear from you! You have a fantastic memory for names, Georgie is doing great thank you - she moved back to S.Africa last year and is loving it. I miss her so much as you will imagine. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing some deterioration in valve function, are you still in permanent AF? You remember that I was drug free for a couple of years but when I went for my annual 2 years ago the cardiologist insisted that I should start back on beta blockers and anti clotting. He said the risk of stroke was too high (they use a formula over here to determine risk factor) and my BP had started to elevate from normal high to high. So I gave in! Must admit no side effects to this regime so no big deal but I'm banking on 10 more years of good quality living if the valve repairs hold out that long! (they guessed the repairs should last 10+ years). That will put me at 78 - I can't imagine it! I believe I'm in my 40's, how old do you think you are?
Stay upbeat my dear friend, we still may get that reunion going one of these days! Love & hugs Penny

Penny McIntosh  Hi Muriel, thanks for posting! I am sure that you will get to keep the next date for your op. You reminded me about my first date for surgery. Me, my husband and daughter flew from Scotland to England, after making all arrangements for our dogs in kennels, our business, my daughter's work, booking accommodation for Steve and Georgie to stay for the week post op - you know the drill. I was really poorly by then BUT when we arrived, they told us sorry, staff shortages - come back in 3 days time...it was more traumatic for Steve & Georgie - I think I was in a pre op daze and zoned out (in a good way). We laugh about it now and whenever we think we may miss a deadline (not too often!) we say - 'if they can do it for heart surgery it's not going to kill anyone if we don't deliver on time!'
Stay upbeat and I'll be thinking of you and sending positive energy your way on 5th.

Penny McIntosh  Hi Liwen,
Thank you for posting! I had a quick peek at your journal, You and your Mum look amazing in your photo! I was 61 when I had my operation and made sure I was fit & healthy as I could be before surgery, even though walking by then was a struggle because of heart failure. The MAZE procedure wasn't successful for me at the time - when I came out of surgery I was still in AF. They did warn me that it doesn't work for everyone but i was willing to try anything to get my life back as I had it. Electro cardio version also didn't work immediately after valve repair surgery but 6 weeks later, for no good reason, my heart reverted to normal rhythm and stayed that way more often than not. If the photo is current then your Mum looks too young to believe she is too old to get fixed. The biggest risk for her is the same as for all of us - anaesthetic. I can't imagine what it would be like not to be able to communicate in the language of the medical and support staff around me so I would recommend that you, or another family member who speak english, be with her as much as possible as translators until she is back on her feet and she tells you that she is fine and doesn't need help. I am usually a very calm person but even I had the occasional panic attack and needed help or reassurance while I was in hospital and during recovery for at least 2 months after. I am 68 now, still a lot younger than your Mum - but I would definitely go through surgery again if I had to. With AF the heart always beats very fast and irregular but it's possible that your Mum doesn't feel it. It will show on the ECG. I'm not sure if this post as been of any help to you but please feel that you can ask me anything at all and I'll reply truthfully.

wen li  Penny, Thank you for the details and tips. Yes, my mom has decided to go through surgery, and she is pretty calm so far. What is the anaesthetic risk? By the way, the photo was taken about one year and half ago. She will turn 75 next month.

Penny McIntosh  Hi Paul,
I am so sorry that I only saw your post today when I went in to write my 7 year anniversary update. I feel so selfish! How are you? I'm going to check for your journal now to see if your are doing all those things that you said you would...

Penny McIntosh  Hi Theresa, it's so good to hear from you and it's great to know that you too are doing brilliantly. I was in New Jersey in April, next time I'll email you to meet for a drink!!! Lots of love Penny

Penny McIntosh  Hi Paul,
You are doing brilliantly! I am sure that I was nowhere near your level of walking at 4 weeks. Now I find it hard to remember what it was like to be a heart patient but we belong to the best club in the world. When you go for your check up please give Frank a huge hug from me. love & hugs from Penny in Scotland

Penny McIntosh  Hi Theresa,
Thank you so much, it's so great to hear from you and congratulations on your one year celebration! Time does go fast but doesn't it seem like another life as well? Can you believe that 12 months ago we were just out of intensive care and oh so slowly recovering? Stay well and healthy and bring us all up to date now and again!
Love and hugs
Penny