Petey's Guestbook

Petey Bello  Hi Kate,

I'm sorry he was so cold and rude to you. It is uncalled for, especially in his field. We are stressed enough having to deal with OHS and all the unknown to begin with. He could have been more sympathetic to your situation. I didn't have that experience with him, even though he wasn't a warm and fuzzy guy. He was all business which was fine with me at the time since I needed a high volume surgeon and I couldn't wait for an opening at Cleveland Clinic. I do know he is an excellent surgeon. I pray CC gets back to you soon because they are known to be the best in the country. With that being said, there are a lot of excellent surgeons out there. 

I am broken hearted for you that you are going through this for the third time. I will be praying for you & your husband as you go through this journey. Please keep in touch. 

(My actual name is Pierette Wesley, I used my nickname & maiden name back in the day when I joined this site because I thought it was easier - lol) 

Kate Watson  Thanks, it was pretty brutal on me. I'm sensitive yes, but it was over the top. Maybe he didn't want to take on my case, I really don't know. I found another local surgeon who was really kind and caring and has tons of experience with complicated cases like mine. He's just at a smaller hospital so I have to think if that's a problem. Should be hearing  from CC on Monday, but they are in no rush it seems. Pierette is such a pretty name! I love the name Petey cause our old kitty had that name, our sweetie Petey.  Thanks for checking in. Will keep everyone posted. 

Petey Bello  I'm so glad you found Dr. Castro and feel comfortable with him. I read the response on the other page and it's nice someone had a great experience with him. I didn't find Dr. Woo to spend much time either but I thought all surgeons were that way since it was my first time having major surgery. I loved his team. It's interesting because Dr. Woo gave my husband an update after my surgery in the middle of the night and was very chatty with him. Maybe the pressures during the work day keep him in a different zone (no excuse though) or you could be correct and he didn't want to take on your case. I've been praying for you!  

My nickname was Petey growing up and it's easier then using my real name - lol (which means Peter) Please keep us posted!

Petey Bello  Hi Kate, I am still having a problem with my cough & breathing but it has gotten much better. My doctor doesn't seem to be worried. He said some of the meds can cause this problem. I won't have another CT scan for a month or so which will show if my lungs are clear. My last scab fell off my main incision this morning! (So no more infection at the incision site!) I do still get dizzy which again could be from the meds.

I got an energy burst last week, still have days in between where I get exhausted. Which I think is all part of the healing process. Thankful to have my energy return! I now feel like I turned a corner in my recovery!

My husband & I are campers so we really enjoy nature. Looking forward to planning a trip once I get through rehab. I start cardiac rehab on the 14th. Can't wait, I've been stretching & walking in the meantime!

I am so glad you got your dog out! It must have brought a smile to your face! Our pups bring us so much love & comfort!

My dog will go back in for her 2nd surgery tomorrow. I hope it's successful. 😁 I'm a lil worried since the first one didn't turn out.

I hope you continue to get stronger each & every day. So you can walk your dog once again & gain your independent life back! (That has been a hard one for me, having to lean on someone else. I am so use to being independent)

Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers! Thank you for checking in on me!

Kate Watson  That is great! Glad to hear things seem to be moving in the right direction. I think the turning point for me started to happen around weeks 6-7, where I started to have bursts of energy and wanting to do regular activities again.
The coughing seems to be a common side effect from some of these cardiac meds, I'm hearing. I'm only on a low dose of metopropol and have been on it for years, so don't think it's the cause for me.

Good luck on your sweet doggie's surgery tomorrow. I know it's hard not to worry about our babies when they are going through these things cause we can't explain any of it to them and they can't tell us how they feel. I hope it all goes well!

Keep me posted on your progress. I'll let you know how cardiac rehab goes.

Petey Bello  Hi Kate, I was going to send you a note to see how you were feeling!

The past two days I have had more energy so I hope that is a good sign. I still feel as though I am 'water logged' when I breath & I cough more then I like. It's only been a week on the meds with one more week to go then they will check me again. I think this type of infection last a little longer. Fingers crossed I'm on the mend though!

How are you feeling? Have you been able to balance out your Coumadin & diet? I hope you are doing better each day!

Kate Watson  I'm glad to hear you have more energy and I think you are right that it must be a good sign! I hope each day finds you stronger, and once you get past this infection, it is smooth sailing for you. Are they going to do another ct scan to re-check or an X-ray? I guess at least you know it's not your new valve causing problems so there's some reassurance there hopefully.
I'm doing ok, thanks for asking! I had a few bad pain days though, probably over did it on the weekend. It's frustrating cause it sure isn't like I'm doing anything crazy. Just walked more, went to a store and did some light housekeeping. I'm still working with trying to get the Coumadin right, not quite there yet though. This sure is a process!

Petey Bello  You sure have been through a lot. I hope it gets easier for you! It can be frustrating wanting to get back to a normal life. Then when doing to much, it sure puts recovery back into perspective.

Yes, they will do another CT scan, not sure when. I go back to my family dr on Thursday and hopefully she can answer some of my questions. I just stopped my Amiodarone today so I'm a little nervous about my heart functioning without it...

It is such a process ...One day at a time!

Kate Watson  Oh you were on amiodorone too? How long were you on it, just during the hospitalization? I know that drug can cause lung issues and lots of other problems, which is why I was eager to get off it. I was luckily only on it a few weeks and hope to be able to stay off. Just know that your heart rate may go higher after stopping it- it happened to me after being off for a week and it freaked me out but the dr said it's normal. You've been through a lot too and I hope you feel better each day. I look forward to a day when I feel "medically stable" because most of the time I feel fragile still. I'm waiting on a call from my surgeon's office this morning actually cause I felt I should call them due to this stabbing pain and periodic shortness of breath. Ugh.

Petey Bello  Marcia thank you so much for your concern. I am trying to take one day at a time & my husband has been great! Today is the first day I am feeling a lil better. They changed my drug for upset stomach last night to another one. And it seems to be helping.

I will keep you in my prayers for your upcoming surgery. I'm not sure if you are going to Stanford Hospital, but the hospitals in this area are impressive. Top Notch - I can't say enough good about Stanford!

Thank you for you offer, thoughts & prayers!
God Bless