Sherry's Heart Valve Journal

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, gee its been a long time. Like you, I just celebrated my 5 years out in Sept. It has gone by so fast. Doesn't seem that it has been that long. I am doing ok except I now have a new ugly friend, his name is Arthur. My right leg was exrayed and it showed it was there. Now my left knee is doing the same thing but worse, so this is scaring me a little bit. I'm glad you are doing good. Well stay strong and keep it up friend. Until later

Chris K posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry: Thanks for the 2 year update. Glad to know you--and your heart--are doing well. I remember reading your journals when I was preparing for my surgery just over a year ago and finding your experiences and advice very helpful.
I too find it hard to keep the exercises up when there are so many competing demands for my time--but I keep going at it. Some weeks I am better than others and I count all the little things that add up--even walking around the kitchen to cook a meal, up and down stairs for laundry, gardening, and parking in the lot farthest away from the buildings--all count. Have fun in San Diego!

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, Wow what a post. Did you go to a doctor to get all checked out? I think that is something we all fear. But glad you are ok. You take care and be careful. Happy Easter.

Susan Smith posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry did you go to a doctor to get checked out after your fall. Reading your post I am sure we all flinched and cringed. God watching out for you and yes life is precious each and everyday. Do take care and keep up the good progress.

Kathryn Waymire posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry, what I want to know is,how is your energy level now compared to before?
Thank you for sharing.God Bless You !
Grateful , Kathryn

Chris K posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry: Thank you for the one-year update. I am about 9 months behind you and have followed your journal carefully, learning lots from your experience and wisdom.
Like you, I appreciate the challenges of getting enough sleep and exercise to keep me healthy going forward. I am retired, but I do a lot of volunteer board and committee work and babysitting grandkids. It is always a juggling match to free up time to exercise (although, actually the grandkids are great for keeping up the exercise) and then to slow down enough at night to get a good nights sleep. But, keep up the struggle to juggle!!!
Take care!

Jean Trausch posted a note for Sherry that says: Dear Sherry-
So glad to hear that you're doing well! Keep it up and have a great holiday season :)

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, Happy to hear from you. Sounds like you are doing really good. I think getting a new love Mr B in your life is probably just what the doctor ordered. Animals know how to win our hearts over. Just wish they could do better so we wouldn't have to go thru all the surgery stuff. I still have a little nerve pain but it is starting to feel a little different. Once in a while I will get those shooting little pains that make me stand right up. I guess it just one nerve yelling to the other one wondering where shes been.lol. Or can I say it love at first sight when they meet and the hug is so much it makes us take notice. Just pasted both of my birthdays and I have been going around 1 year down 14 to go before I can start this all over again NOT. Unless something happens before I get into my 80's. I don't want to live until 200. Well friend you take care and keep in touch. Until later

Rebecca S posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry, at rehab I was told as he nerves start healing I would have sharp little pains and they could be even a year from now.

Ernie B.S. posted a note for Sherry that says: Thanks Sherry for your post. It's very encouraging for those of pre-op. Hope you continue to heal well and get sronger every day.

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Sherry that says: Hey Sherry, Speaking of vertigo.I get it to but not to your degree. I thought it might be my bp meds as it does cause dizziness. I got off my bp meds for about a week and I still got a little dizzy and loose my balance often. So now I am going to be telling the doctor this month when I see him. Do you get ringing in your ears? I do off and on. When I got off my by meds Elsie started to beat real hard. I could hear it. It sounded like I was drilling for water. I got back on them and it isn't so bad, so guess Im doomed for that but I take it at night now instead of the morning.
Well until later.

Chris K posted a note for Sherry that says: Hugs to you Sherry for sharing so many of your ups and downs as you recover from your surgery. My turn is coming--July 29th. I find myself going back and re-reading your journal as I prepare for the big day and as I try to plan for what it will be like after. I expect that you won't want to update your journal as often as time goes on--but it is most appreciated when you do!

Lynn E. posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,

I enjoy your blog so much...it has given me a lot of reassurance as well...I am similar to you in age/diagnosis and will have an AVR in October. I have no symptoms so it was hard at first to wrap my head around this but I accept what is real, even if I cannot feel it. I am having a cardiac cath in a few weeks. I hope I do as well as you post op!

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,
I just read your latest post about memory issues and sleep, and it reminded me of my dad. Last October, at age 85, my dad had emergency mitral valve replacement. He was not in good shape going in, but he did survive the surgery. At four months out, it was very apparent to me that he was more tired than he should be......he was sleeping for about 20 of the 24 hours every day. and the hours he was up, he was extremely tired. His memory was also declining, but it wasn't good to start with. Anyway, at five months out, his doctor sent him for a sleep test. Turns out he has sleep apnea and was waking up 50 times an hour! He now wears a sleep apnea mask at night, and he is like a whole new person. He is literally at least ten years younger both physically and mentally. He is now up and actually working most of the day, and his memory is better than before surgery. It is pretty amazing. So, it might be worth getting a sleep test (especially if your deductible is used up...they are expensive). I'm considering getting one for myself, as I have never been a good sleeper, and after seeing what a transformation it made in my dad, it sure can't hurt!

Just thought I would pass that along. Hope you continue to improve.

Bill Bard posted a note for Sherry that says: Just saw your journal today as I am just two weeks away from the Big Event. I agree that this supportive community is really helpful, and I think that blogging these last few weeks has relieved most of my pre-op anxiety.
Your writing about courage with such passion and honesty was inspiring. I have a similar diagnosis as you did, and really had no choice but to proceed now. And I intend to follow your progress as I hope that we both reach the best new normal possible! Thank you for sharing your experience so eloquently.

Michelle Wanke posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,
I just read your latest post and wanted to let you know that you are not alone with the memory issues. I have sticky notes everywhere and the timer on my phone set to remind me of when to take my medication or appointments. I still struggle to get words out of my mouth and sometimes forget where I am going with a story right in the middle. It's so frustrating. But I survived and so did you. If I have to have sticky notes around forever it was not a bad price to pay for a healthy heart and a longer life. Don't get down on yourself for your feelings. Everyone recouperates at different rates. I have to remind myself of that. Take care and remember that you are not alone.

Ron Wilson posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry, God Bless You for taking the time to write what you do and help others. I'm four months out and you have helped me tremendously. Vertigo is at night and the Lipitor makes my muscles ache a little. As a macho and loving Grandfather, depression is something I never, ever worried about before, at 62 now. Doing great for what this body has endured, no regrets, no complaints. Sure am looking forward to, as you say, "Normal" again, or close to it. Please keep writing. God Bless. Ron

Lee Castro posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,

Yup, I have short-term memory issues as well. I've changed my routine at home where I try to keep everything in it's place (like my keys!!!). And......although I didn't like using them in the past, I use those yellow post it notes to write anything down, or I'll forget. I also try not do do too many things at once. Perhaps my memory will improve, but these strategies help a greatly. Congrats on your recovery!!!!

Regards,

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,

Glad to hear you are doing better overall, but I know it is not what you were hoping for at this point. After reading your symptoms, I was wondering if you are taking Amioderone. I know that can cause all the symptoms you are discribing. Many surgery patients are sent home from the hospital on Amioderone, but usually only for a short time. It is usually used for treating Afib.

I hope you continue to feel better. I would say it took me a whole year before I felt more normal than not. Still can't say I'm 100%, but I'm good enough!
Take care,

Connie T posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry..
It was great to see your post & know you are doing better... I have been wondering how you were doing.
I too still have memory issues, vertigo, dizziness etc...etc... I was sure hoping by now that would be all behind me...but......not all of us are so lucky. The neurologist I saw tried to tell me my vertigo dizziness & loss of sight in one eye (TIA) had NOTHING to do with my AVR!... Reading the many journals here I found others suffered from the same, but when I tried to tell him about this site and others experiences...he said "I don't know what those people are feeding you".....so you guessed it...I never went back to him! lol.... anyway...another doc said it could be 1 yr to 18 months before the memory issues are resolved....yikes...like you said ...it can be a little embarrassing....I am sure my two major surgeries in 1 year didn't help that cause....he states it was from the heart-lung machine...so until my 18 month anniversary....I guess I will try not to worry about it!.....thank goodness for this site....otherwise... I really would have thought I was losing it!
Continue to keep your posts "real"....I am sure you have no clue how many you have helped along the way feel "normal"...
Thinking of you!
Connie T

Adam Pick posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,

Great to hear you are feeling better!

Hey Sherry, Well said. You said some things in here that fit me to a T. Thank you, made me feel a litle better as I have been having some of the depression, and that is not me, but I am fighting it by myself. Guess its time for another little blog as I havent't done so for a little while. You take care.
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/1

Thank you for your sage advice--and especially the reminder that it isn't over just because the surgery is over!

Take care!
Chris K

Hi Sherry
Today is my fourth rebirth day. In four years I find there was never a defining turning point. I look at it as a long gradual uphill course with lots of milestones along the way. There was the first walked 5k, marathon, triathlon, 5k, 10k, 2mile swim, gradually working full time on the farm, daughters wedding,new granddaughter and lots of other things. Oh ya there were a few molehills also, but you always get over them. Good luck on your blog, I always thought writing one would be interesting. I look foreword to reading yours. Last night my son and his wife took us out to supper and told us that without any medical intervention this time they are very unexpectedly expecting. Life and God is GOOD!!
I still get tired in the early evening and don't sleep so well, but the sleeping was a problem before surgery.
We just had our first shirt sleeve day yesterday(68degrees). Sure was better
than all that snow the previous weeks.
My surgery was before Adam started this so it is on caring bridge johnoneill
Good luck on your recovery. Time does fly.
John O'Neill

Your welcome Sherry, I'm always here. We are so close in our surgeries, it helps. The other dayI thought I was going to have my party lol. Elsie kinda quieted down and wasn't pounding so hard and the irritation pain was hardly there. I woke up as usual and I couldn't feel anything beating. Had to pinch myself to see if I as still living. Its been so long since I felt so normal. I d o think going to the Y is helping and the water. If I miss a week or days I feel it. The water feels pretty good cause I can do a little more stretching without the hurt. I have been doing 2 classes in water back to back but now I think that might just be a little to much as I feel kinda dizzy getting out and have to move slow. Its not a bad class just long as my rehab papers said not to go over 1 hour. I think the worse part is getting out of the water. I don't care what you weigh it is like 2 tons. When my daughter had her problem I thoght Elsie turned into a bull and was going to stomp right out of my chest. I know bp was kinda up there. Hope that never happens again, wasn't fun. Getting out and doing the exhibit that you went to sounds like fun. Maybe you should tell your doctor whats going on, I dont think you should feel tired like that. Maybe you need something to help you get over those feelings. If you feel tired when out and about sit down for a little while for a break. Maybe that might help. Oh well until later. We are getting there. You will see that silver lining again and soon. The weather is getting better except now everything is turning green with all the pollen. Oh well.
Linda H and Elsie

Hey Sherry, Your post was a bingo. I feel the vey same way. I dread going to bed so therefore I stay up late at night and still get up kinda get up early. But I do think how lucky I am now and dont have any of the problems I use to have. I here other people with other health problems and I think God for what I had, it could be worse. We just have to be patient.

I just heard Andre Bocelli on Dr Phil. He said you have to enjoy life to its fullest. He s blind and do you know he goes windsurfing? Wow. My doctors all have said it takes a good year to completely get over this and back to 100% normal. So hey kid we are getting there. Like you when I realize I have no more pain at all it will be a party. I think we all deserve it. Keep doing the good work.
LInda H and Elsie.

Take care Sherry! I guess it can be so frustrating some times -- that it takes so long to totally recover. I will bear that in mind when my turn comes. Thanks for sharing. Hope today is a better on for you.

Chris K

Well, I just read your recent entry.
You sound like me and I haven't even had the operation yet. I am going to meet my surgeon (Dr. Paul Hendry) for the first time April 8th, next Monday!!!. I am so mad about having to have this supposedly life saving operation. I feel great.... no symptoms of having any heart problems ..... but the cardiologist insists that I need surgery.
I Too keep a brave face, and I am sick and tired of being told everything is going to be alright..especially .After reading everyone's post surgery pain..... I wonder if I will ever be myself again afterwards also.... I must tell you, that your journal has brought so many smiles to everyone.... you are a great writer....I am so sorry that you are feeling down .... you have brought so much joy to everyone who reads your journal....
I tell you, next Monday, when I speak to my surgeon for the first time, I am telling him that once I am better, I am going to apply to see if I can be a guest on the tv show DANCING WITH THE STARS... AND I AM ASKING MY SURGEON IF HE WANTS TO JOIN ME. ....
SO MAYBE all of us can apply to the show too.... what do you think???
ps. I live in Ottawa CANADA, and my surgery will be at the OTTAWA HEART INSTITUTE, on April 24th - (Tentative date) we should all apply to the show, well, at least some of us.... the brave ones.
I am brave now, but I know, after the operation, I probably won t have big ideas of dancing with the star, but rather hang out backstage with them. KEEP SMILING, you got me smiling today after reading your journal. Love you for that, since I was so depressed yesterday.....DIANE XX

Like I said before.....give it some more time. It really does take awhile to heal. And as John O'Neill wrote below, try to think of all the good things you have going for you. Did you know that it is impossible to be grateful and feel stressed at the same time? I haven't had a real smooth recovery either, but I have practiced being grateful for every little (and big) thing in my life, and it really does help to make to things easier. I remember a year ago being so sick of going to doctors and not feeling "normal", but now I am feeling so much better. So hang in there! Close your eyes and be glad you are on the other side of the surgery. Ask God to bring you His peace, and just try to imagine how you would feel if you hadn't had the surgery.
Godspeed and God Bless,
Deb Ziegler

Hey Sherry, First of all hope you had a Happy Easter. If it helps out, I am y6 monts out and still have pain. Thought it would be over by now. Dont really have to take pain pills very oftern but last week was a day. Guess I better put a new jornal in here and explain. You Connie T and I will all have to join hands and march on. We can do it together. Yes we can. Hugs
Lina H and Elsie AVr 9/19/12

Sherry, I feel your pain (literally). lol I am three months post op for BAV repair. I know how lucky I am to have been diagnosed and repaired. I know and hear of so many others that suffer from other alilments and are not as lucky as I am for recovery. But with that said, I agree with how you feel. I have felt that way many many times. I kept saying that I didnt want a new normal, I wanted my old normal back. If all that I read is correct, I think as time goes by we will feel the same way. Life is ever changing right?? All we can do is take the good with the bad.

Good luck, I have enjoyed reading your journal, it makes me feel less guilty when I am not feeling so so lucky.lol Take care and I will keep you in my prayers.

Kathy

Hi Sherry
Whenever I felt frustrated in recovery I would just think of all the positives. When the rehab team would ask about depression I would just tell them hey, I just survived major surgery, I have a loving wife taking good care of me, three succesfull children, three wonderful grandchildren, that I will be around to dance at their weddings. Why would I be depressed? Maybe I was just lucky, so list all of the positives and realize that the negatives will eventually go away.
Happy recovery,
John O'Neill

Hi there Sherry!
You took the darn words right out of my mouth! Some days it just sucks to be me! ;).....and a good tantrum & pitty party is just what I need...lol...then up I jump...and back on the recovery trail I go.... I am determined to be ME again....may take me a bit longer than others...with many more bumps along the way then I ever bargained for......but....we can do it.....take my hand....RECOVERY OR BUST!...
Thinking of you with smiles...
Connie T

Hi Sherry,
Love your pet stories. they bring so much love into your life, it's so sad to loose one though. I have 4 dogs that I love dearly. Three years ago my tiniest disappeared from our back yard. It's a long story but in short we never saw her again. I've always joked, she broke my heart (and therefore the need for OHS).
You make a great analogy to cage guarding and looking at our lives from a new perspective. I've been trying to do the same and need to constantly remind myself I'm lucky to be alive.
Take care,
Nancy B

HeySherry, Still lol.about the tatoo. That was to funny. I will be your first customer at the tiki bar. I would love to have a"fuzzy navel" drink or sex on the beach drink. Havent had the guts to order the last one yet but fuzzy navels are really good. We use to call that our office drink cause we all ordered it. It has peach schnapps in it yum yum. Take care.
Linda H and Elsie

Hi Sherry:
I tend to do the same as you, when busy,-- just cut back on sleep. I have read about research that shows the negative impact on one's mental health and cognitive functioning. So, I do try very hard to get a good night's sleep. They also say that exercise helps you sleep better.
I am still waiting for my surgery date and appreciate reading your regular updates so I know what to expect.

Chris K

Hi Sherry,

Thank you for sharing so much helpful and insightful information and personal experiences. My husband Steve is 6 weeks post op and is also experiencing low bp. We see his cardiologist on Monday. His stamina also comes and goes. His next step is cardio rehab. How long did you do it for? And what exactly did you do?

Aida and Steve Bond

Ps. Love the list...can I suggest that everyone gets a new birthdate?

Hi sherry
One for your top ten. With my mechanical valve I no longer have to feel for a pulse, I can hear it if it is quiet and I lay the right way.
Happy recovery,
John O'Neill

Hey Sherry, Love your 10 strategies esp. number 1. Thought that was cute. Lets see my scars come in an upside down T with a little flag off to the side lol. From a hysterictomy years ago and the flag was a bypass for this surgery. No bikini for me lol.
I started going to the Y today. I think it is going to be very good. Now I am hurting a little after not doing to much after rehab of about 3 weeks ago. Silver Sneakers was good. Didn't miss a muscle but slow going. Then the next class was balance and strength. It was just what I did in rehab except something new for lower back and adomonal. She made sure I was'nt doing anything wrong. Next week think I might try the aorbics in swimming.
If it helps the YMCA here opens up at 500am. Im not a morning person either.
Keep doing the good work. Life is good.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

HI Sherry, I went to the Y and I think I am going to really like it and even get more out of it. I am goin to be doing Silver Sneakers and a balance and stretch. She said that would be real good for me since surgery. After I get a swimming suit, I will do the pool for arthritus and see where else it takes me. It would probably be real good for you too. They have all the equipment and can pretty much do whatever you want. Cant wait. Will let you know how it goes.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hey Sherry, Well said couldn't agree more. Since I have gotten out of rehab and not doing anything rigt yet, I feel pretty ansey(sp) Today I am going to check on the YMCA. It has been cold here to and I don't feel like going out to walk in a clold wind. I had to get my doctors blessing to go so now that is done along with paper I got from rehab to continue.
Can't believe its almost 6 months, how time flies. Well keep doing good. Talk later.
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi Sherry, I have an idea. See if you can find a relaxation CD. When I had my stress management class in rehab she gave us each one and I just played it tongight. It really works. I felt so relaxed afterwards, wow. I plan on using it again. Have you been getting blasted with bad winter weather where you live. That could make your bp go up to. Thats why we moved to SC to get away from the snow. I remember when I had to drive 5 miles just to get across the street to drive 3 miles to work. My bp was so high, I said that was it, but I was getting to retire anyway so it all worked out anyway. Hope everything will work out ok for you, spring is around the corner lol. Good luck
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi Sherry, well put: just a "bump in the road" to recovery. You are so dedicated that I know this will just help you find the right pace. Lots of love, Vanessa

Hey Sherry,
Well said loved your post. I am 5 months today and checking out Silver Sneakers program. Stay well Life is good
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Thank you Sherry for your wonderful insights. I am expecting surgery in May or June of this year and have been following your journal with interest. It is helping me know what to expect. I think that I too will cluster in the "middle" like you.
I found your comments about your symptons pre-surgery interesting. I too don't feel leel like I have any serious symptoms. But from what I have read, and what my cardiologist said, it sounds like it happens so gradually that maybe you don't notice it. My cardiologist said that I will feel a lot better after the surgery. So, on days when I question the need for the AVR, I will remember what you said here.

Chris K

Hi Sherry, you're doing great. My trick is to put exercise first. Not that I always can, but once I got in the habit, it became the default. So other things have to displace it, not the other way around. If you can make it social, that helps too as then you have a peer group and peer pressure comes to bear to get you over that hump of "do I really want to go?". Yes you do, and yes you can, and yes you will! After a few months of consistent exercise you will feel better (its also an anit-depressant) and look better. Someone is going to ask you "Do you work out?" And you are going to answer "Yes!". Now that will be sweet. Best to you -- DVB

Hey Sherry, I am proud of you going back to work so soon. I really dont know what you do but any job would probably make you feel that way. I am retired so really don't have to worry about it so I really dont get all those feelings. I think most of my pain is just all the healing going on. Some days are better than others. I think it depends on what I have been doing. And I have been trying to do a little more all the time. So that way I guess I am lucky. But I have been told that it takes months for it to heal. So just hang in there better days are coming, I think lol.
Linda H and Elsie AVr 9/19/12

Hey Sherry, I;ve been thinking about you. Reading your last post to yourself I say slow down girl. Take some time for yourself. Just like everyone told me around Christmas time when I just started rehab and decided to decorate the house, I wound up pretty sore. Well I was reminded that I just like you just went thru major surgery and it takes a long time to heal. The outside might look good but the inside is trying to catch up. You dont want to wind up back in the hospital. You are about a month after me and I still hurt. So friend dont go shooting yourself in the foot that hurts even worse lol. Keep up the good work. Talk later.Oh Elsie agrees with me. She is still a baby and getting use to her new home.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Sherry--
Diagnosed a year ago as a candidate for AVR, I soon stumbled onto HVJ, and have read 95% of the Journal postings since then. Those postings have done more to keep the puzzle of my life and re-hab together than has any surgeon, institution, or cardiologist.

About a week ago, I read your posting "Pieces of the Puzzle." It is a work of art, the most beautiful and touching post on the HVJ that I have seen. I re-read it often.

You are to be praised for your talent, understanding, and compassion.

Thank you very much.
John Teeftt AVR at CClinic 5/4/12.

So happy to hear that you are feeling better! Continued prayers coming your way!

Love you,
Harriet and David