Renee's Guestbook

Renee Radocaj  Hi Carol!! Sorry for my delayed response. Work has been super busy!! :) So - funny story. After my heart valve surgery, I don't seem to have any symptoms of WPW. My heart rhythm is basically normal. :) :) I used to get severe palpitations every few weeks or so. I would also get the PVC’s quite frequently. Before my ER visit and subsequent surgery, my Family Practice Dr. thought I had anxiety and panic attacks and put me on Xanax and anti-depressants. Maybe that contributed? I’m not sure but all I know is I am no longer on meds and my heart feels fantastic. I don’t feel my heart beating at all (something MOST people take for granted!!). My electro physiologist thinks the surgery may have jiggled the circuits just enough to correct it. I will still see him annually and definitely if my symptoms return. I hope you are doing well and the meds are working. I know it stinks to HAVE to take them but better than your heart beating out of your chest. Can you believe how far we have come from a year ago?!?! Life is great! Thanks for checking in and take good care of yourself!!

Carol Foster  That's fantastic! Yep I'm feeling great, so I'll keep on the meds. One thing I have noticed is that I don't seem to get the muscle cramps (charlie horses) like I used to. I would almost get them nightly and would keep me up half the night especially the ones I would get in my feet..ugh they were just excruciating! My Raynaud's seems better too so perhaps these are "good" side effects of the verapamil? I'm not sure about that lol but I'll take it! Nice to hear from you! Take care!

Renee Radocaj  Hey Jim!! Shingles are good/gone!! The new antiviral meds are awesome. I still have aches and pains but very bearable. Today I went for another hour walk with my chocolate lab and tackled some pretty good size hills. I then did some weightlifting aka vacuuming the stairs (and the entire house as well). From what I am reading this is just about time to begin rehab. Adam began his training at 10 weeks and so did a few others. That’s good news that I am not late. Although Rockstar Rebecca S. has already begun at 3.3 wks!!
Your surgery is in November correct? Ahhhh a whole month to think about it. Try not to. I’ll keep up with your posts. Feel free to reach out for anything. You will do great! Ttys.

Renee Radocaj  Hi Ernie. So sorry about your bad day yesterday. They will come and go for sure. I read you have been emotional too. That was the worst part. My poor children have taken the brunt of my mood swings. Then I spend hours and hours feeling bad about it. Anyhow - enough about me. YOU - take care and rest and don't get down on yourself. You are doing fabulous. I am amazed at your recovery, especially in the hospital. You had me beat by a long shot. I could barely walk by the 3rd day. Take care and ttys!!!!!!!

Renee Radocaj  Hi Rebecca - thanks for responding. You are my hero starting rehab at 3 weeks! Wow. I know I need to go. I'm walking very well but am scared/nervous about running/jogging, lifting heavy items, and anything that will really increase my heart rate. Keep up the good work!!

Oh no, bad news on the sharp pains. I had no idea!! But thanks for telling me. I couldn't understand why that was happening.

Take care!!

Renee Radocaj  Thanks Helen. Doing better now but still a bit tired and achy. I hate to complain but with what I have gone through I suppose I am entitled. haha (PS the rash never spread! I am so lucky!!)

Renee Radocaj  Thanks for your note Michelle. Thankfully I was able to stop the Amiodarone within a few weeks after surgery. I have a question on chest pain. How long was it before your sternum felt normal? I'm at 6.5 weeks post op which is early still. It just seems like I'm fine then I turn the wrong way, lift something I shouldn't or sit up incorrectly then I get an unfriendly reminder that I am still in recovery. I wonder how your progress was with that. Thanks.

Renee Radocaj  It never occured to me to ask. I would talk to the Dr. ASAP about getting it. If it's common after major surgery - I'm not sure why it was never brought up. It is a live virus so depending on your condition, it might not be feasible. Definitely ask. :) Good luck!!!

Renee Radocaj  Hi Rebecca - been keeping up with you too. I completely relate to feelings of uselessness. haha As Jim Jones reminds me - this is all short term pain for long term gain. We will be tap-dancing before long!! Hang in there.

Renee Radocaj  You are absolutely right. I'm trying to focus on that. Yes, you need a list for so many things after this surgery! It will all be fine.....for both of us!

Renee Radocaj  Hey there!! How are you?? I know – I have been so lame. I crossed the one month milestone yesterday and didn’t even post! Nothing to update other then I did just have my first official sneeze……yikes! I recommend postponing that as long as possible! Not pleasant. I was given the ok to drive so yesterday I drove the whole 8 blocks to the grocery store and back. Yikes again. I looked and felt like the exorcist when I got home. I think I’ll wait another week or so before actually getting on the road! I see your fan base is growing – you may have to start a blog of your own when this is finished. How does it feel to be sick AND famous?? (Wink) Not that you are sick, just ill, well, in need of repair. Ha! I can say that since I have been through it right?? As for post op pics…hmmm. I have always been proud of my cleavage just not sure I want it up for all the public to see. The fact that I’m talking about in a public forum will probably give my mom (and my boyfriend) a stroke. Hehe After surgery you just lose all sense of modesty!! You actually don’t care who see what as long as you get your morphine!! I should post a pic though….it’s amazing how small the line is; no bigger than a pen mark. The four holes where the chest tubes were is kind of creepy though. Hehe I hope you completely get over this cold and can proceed with surgery. I think the waiting is the hardest part. Reminds me of a song. Drink lots of water the day before. It will help with all the IV placements if you are well hydrated. Beer does NOT count. Sorry – I’m a beer fan too but it dehydrates you. I meant to respond to your comment about already having crazy psycho mood swings BEFORE surgery. Yep – I did that too. Just don’t be too hard on yourself, or that poor mother of yours. Take it easy and I’ll be looking out for you posts. You are going to do great. People who are positive (and funny) heal faster. It’s proven! Ttys.

PS The reocrding....I'll never tell! hehe

Renee Radocaj  Hi Rebecca - I'm so sorry about your previous surgery. As long as you stay on top of your pain meds, you will be fine. I would not let the nurse dictate this for you. If the pain is getting worse, and they do nothing, say they can't etc, demand it! They can call the Dr. at a moment’s notice. That is where I failed. Have you had your pre-op appointments? For me, speaking with the anesthesiologist was very helpful. He (and the respiratory therapist) went over what it's like waking up with the ventilator. Just relax and breathe, it's not nearly as scary as you might think. I could hear the nurse saying my name and directing me on what to do. She was like an angel. Before you know it, you will be in step down unit and on your way home! I’m praying for you.