Guestbook of Sue Tom

My Guestbook

On October 28, 2018...

Chris Purvis posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue haven’t seen anything from you-how are you doing post op?

I’m sure your doing great and would love to hear from ya!

Like | Mark Wilbur likes this

On September 18, 2018...

Mark Wilbur posted a note for Sue that says:

Our best wishes for you here on day 2. We wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts as you recover.

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On September 16, 2018...

Dan Vechiola posted a note for Sue that says:

Hey Sue! You are going to do great tomorrow. Visilualize a successful surgery and hispital stay. Put your fate in the hands of your surgeon and hospital and let go. Tomorrow all of this will be in your rear view mirrow. Stay positive!

Like | Mark Wilbur, Nancy Luth likes this

Mark Wilbur Dan's right, Sue. Remember all of the people who have shared their experiences and let them reassure you of your own success. Our prayers for you and your family, as well.

MARIE PICUN Sue,my prayers are with you

Rob Sparling Go get ‘em Sue! Wishing you a smooth surgery, speedy recovery and am praying for both for you!

Sue Tom Thank you Dan, Mark Wilbur, Marie Picun and Rob Sparling.

On September 16, 2018...

Judy S posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue,

I’m thinking of you today as you get ready for surgery. It has been just about six weeks now since mine, and I can tell you that all of the things I was worried about never came to pass! It definitely helped to hear all the stories here and learn from people who had been through the same circumstances. I feel like these exchanges really helps to get us mentally ready for surgery. I was so happy in the end to have it done so I could move on!

The morning of surgery I was ready to go and the hospital staff was efficient in getting me to the OR fast which actually gave me little time to stress. I said hello to the team and was out. My family was talking to the surgical team by 10:30 am to hear the great results. By 3:30 I was awake and ready for recovery. The nurses were great and took care of anything I needed, and they will be your rock. Other than a couple of brief bouts of Afib, everything went according to plan.

People have been shocked to hear that I went out to dinner the day of discharge and to the movies that first week. I think the expectation everyone has is that we will be completely incapacitated! While of course we may not move as fast initially, and we do need to take care of our sternums, each day really does get better. Having friends and family visit is a nice diversion when you’re home bound, and it feels great when you can drive again (I started last week). Now I am enjoying running basic errands and going shopping for fall clothes. It’s part of my daily exercise!

Sending you lots of good wishes for tomorrow and have a safe and speedy recovery!

Judy

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Sue Tom Judy, thank you so much for such an encouraging post and good wishes. So glad your surgery went so well. Hope mine goes as well as yours!!

On September 10, 2018...

Daniel Kung posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue:

After I fully recovered from my OHS for my aortic artery aneurysm, I had a lot more energy as if I was 10 years younger. Keep that possibility in mind while you are preparing for your surgery. Believe me, you will have a happier and healthier life after the surgery. Your heart friend, Daniel

Like | Dan Vechiola, Mark Wilbur likes this

Sue Tom Thank you Daniel.

On September 7, 2018...

Anna Jones posted a note for Sue that says:

Sending best wishes for your surgery, Sue. I know you won't believe this now, but it is going to go very smoothly for you. Your surgeon and his team do this every day. The hospital will control any pain. After a few weeks you will get used to the changes in your body and have more energy. Measure your improvements by week instead of by day. Remember this is all about baby steps. Also, keep yourself busy prior to surgery to help with the nervousness.

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Sue Tom Thank you Anna for your always positive encouragement! I appreciate them very much.

On August 29, 2018...

Anna Jones posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue, sending best wishes for your surgery. I bought the Cough Buddy Teddy Bear and he has been helping to keep the seat belt off of my incision. I love my bear. He is very cute and was comforting in the early days after surgery. One day soon I won't need him any more and I will miss him.

http://teddy-tech.com/product/cough-buddy/

Cough-Buddyâ¢ - Teddy Tech

http://teddy-tech.com/product/cough-buddy/

“Cough Buddyâ¢” is a specially designed post-operative pillow with a firm, yet flexible back to serve as a splint for...

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Sue Tom Thanks Anna! He's so cute and serves dual purpose as a cough buddy and a seat belt protectant.

On August 12, 2018...

Judy Shaw posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue. I had anxiety up until a few days before my surgery then it seemed to wane. I barely had any the morning of my surgery. I think Iwas resigned to the fact it had to be done and could not be put off.

I dealt with anxiety by getting things done at home I wanted done since I knew I couldn't for a while after ohs and spending time with my children and grandchildren.

Take a deep breath, relax and have faith. Keep telling yourself you're going to be fine. All of us here that are in recovery understand what you're going through because we've been there. We're here to help. You're going to be fine.

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Sue Tom Thank you for your encouraging message. I am very thankful for people like you and our heart brothers and sisters who continue to give support, encouragement ... Read more

Sue Tom Thank you for your encouraging message. I am very thankful for people like you and our heart brothers and sisters who continue to give support, encouragement and tips after OHS. You folks are speaking from true experiences that are priceless and that doctors cannot provide! Also many thanks to those who are on the sidelines like myself in supporting each other.

Louanna Miller I agree with Judy that you have to tell yourself you are going to be fine. Allow yourself to think about what your thoughts and feelings are, but don't allow ... Read more

Louanna Miller I agree with Judy that you have to tell yourself you are going to be fine. Allow yourself to think about what your thoughts and feelings are, but don't allow yourself to dwell on those for too long. Then remind yourself again, that you are going to be fine.

Being productive has really helped me the last week. Getting things done at home before my surgery.

I also try to read, meditate and rest on scripture that comforts me. Having faith helps me more than anything.

Get plenty of rest so that you are not at risk for exhaustion. I tend to be more anxious and prone to have negative thinking when I am tired. I have to sleep more now than before, and I want to be rested when I go into surgery.

Take care of you each day. Now is a time you must focus on your needs and getting stronger.

Sue Tom Thank you Louanna. I'm going to try to be more productive as there are many things I need to get done before surgery.

Debbie Chatzky It’s hard not to be anxious. Allow a certain amount of time to worry. Then make a list of everything you need to get done and a list of everything you are ... Read more

Debbie Chatzky It’s hard not to be anxious. Allow a certain amount of time to worry. Then make a list of everything you need to get done and a list of everything you are looking forward to after you recover. Finally let go and know that soon you will be on the other side and you won’t be waiting for surgery.

Diane Maher I agree, Louanna. You and I seem to have been 'preparing' in a similar way. As well, I am walking 2 1/2 - 3 miles most days, breathing exercises and listening ... Read more

Diane Maher I agree, Louanna. You and I seem to have been 'preparing' in a similar way. As well, I am walking 2 1/2 - 3 miles most days, breathing exercises and listening to my Preparing for Surgery, Heal Faster visualization/relaxation CD...both on a daily basis. Reading everyone's posts has been extremely helpful and confidence building, including Susan Lynn's excellent journal posting, 'creating your own story'. Stay focused and in the moment.

MARIE PICUN Thank you so much. I am at the start of my jouney.

Sue Tom Thank you to Debbie Chatzkky and Diane Maher for the great support!

Jennifer John Keep the Faith and trust the science.❤️🌺

Sue Tom Thank you Jennifer. Love your postings bringing me a smile!

On August 6, 2018...

Mark Wilbur posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue, being able to understand and control fear and anxiety isn’t always easy. You may already be aware of my suggestion, as several people on this site have used and recommended a program called “Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster” by Peggy Huddleston. Based on their comments, I bought it (with the accompanying CD) from Amazon. More recently, Adam Pick added a page here about it: https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2018/07/19/5-steps-to-prepare-peggy-huddleston/
I believe in the mind/body connection and I know this will help me. You may even check your local library; ours has it. You still have time to benefit from what she teaches. As the days go by, embrace the good from what the others are sharing about their experiences, knowing that the outcome is life saving and life-giving. If you are a person of faith, trust in God’s love and know that the fog will lift and the “bubbly” person you are will return, full time, soon.

Special Guest Post: 5 Steps To Prepare for Heart Surgery by Peggy Huddleston

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2018/07/19/5-steps-to-prepare-peggy-huddleston/

For years, I've heard about the fantastic, mind-body techniques of Peggy Huddleston. Many patients in our community, like Gina Fiorentino, have raved to me ab

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Sue Tom Mark, thank you so much for your most positive post. My daughter had given me the CD. I will purchase the book to go along with the CD for a better understanding ... Read more

Sue Tom Mark, thank you so much for your most positive post. My daughter had given me the CD. I will purchase the book to go along with the CD for a better understanding of the program. I wonder how cooperative the anesthesiologist will be in saying the Healing Statements during surgery on 9/18.

Mark Wilbur Sue, I hope others will see this and expand on their experiences. Yes, you need the book, too. The 4th edition is the most recent version. I bought the book ... Read more

Mark Wilbur Sue, I hope others will see this and expand on their experiences. Yes, you need the book, too. The 4th edition is the most recent version. I bought the book first, then realized I'd be better off if I had the CD too, so I'm now complete! I also wonder about the affirmations being made during surgery, but it's worth a try. I believe that if we properly prepare ourselves physically and mentally for surgery, that we will do better than if we didn't. I'm exploring meditation further this fall through a class at our hospital's Wellness Center as I believe it will be beneficial in all areas of life. Good luck on your journey and hope that this will help alleviate some of your anxiety.

Sue Tom Thank you Mark for your encouragement and comments. Very much appreciated.

On July 3, 2018...

Chris Purvis posted a note for Sue that says:

Hey Sue-checking on you. How was the cath? Should have been pretty straight forward but I was anxious as well so I totally understand the anxiety. I’m sure you are good to go though...

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Sue Tom Hi Chris, thanks so much for checking. Cath scheduled for next Wednesday. Will keep you posted. Have a terrific July 4th with the family and hope your Afib is resolving.

Chris Purvis Thanks Sue and Yes I’ve been out of A Fib since last Saturday night. Meds seem to be helping.

Sue Tom Great to hear Chris! Take it easy still!

On June 18, 2018...

Anna Jones posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue, I am 4 hours away from home by car but I flew here for my surgery on 6/11. The flight was less than an hour. If you have someone who can go with you, that will make it all easier. I rented an Airbnb for 2 weeks. I arrived 2 days before, bought everything I thought I might need and practiced finding my way to the hospital in daylight and at night. I also ate at great restaurants and went sightseeing.

The surgery and time in the hospital was just like it would have been at home. I was stuck in the hospital room either way. However, here I got a top surgeon and top hospital. I could not get that at home.

The harder part is after release. I had some problems and wound up being in and out of the hospital for the last week. In a few days my friend will return the rental car, we will take a taxi to the airport the next day. The airline will take me in a wheel chair onto and off the plane. I am still not clear if I can bring carry on luggage with me.

If you rent an AirBnb meals are easy since you can get groceries delivered

I think the biggest difference is the cost of travel between plane tickets, hotel, rental car, shuttle to airport, restaurants, sightseeing. It is expensive. So, you have to weigh the cost against if you are getting better care.

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Sue Tom Hi Anna, Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to write such a long response. It's been a week since your surgery and so glad to hear that you will ... Read more

Sue Tom Hi Anna, Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to write such a long response. It's been a week since your surgery and so glad to hear that you will be going home in a few days. Do you have a lounge chair at the AirBnB or using wedge pillows for sleeping semi inclined? Sending you best wishes for a smooth recovery and safe trip home. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts. They have a way of calming me down a bit. Take it slow & easy and take care.

Debbie Chatzky So good to hear from you Anna. Have been thinking of you all week!

Chris Purvis Me too!

Kim Lonergan You have been in my thoughts all week Anna. Hope you continue to feel stronger each day. Have a safe trip home and please update on your progress!

Judy Shaw Anna, you have been in our thoughts. Good to see a post from you.

Susan Lynn Great to hear from you, Anna! Welcome to recovery!

Anna Jones Sue Tom this apartment doesnn't have a recliner. I am using the bed and got 4 hours sleep by propping myself up with all the pillows here. I am seriously thinking ... Read more

Anna Jones Sue Tom this apartment doesnn't have a recliner. I am using the bed and got 4 hours sleep by propping myself up with all the pillows here. I am seriously thinking of having Target deliver more pillows! I found that the hospital air mattress wasn't much easier to sleep on even though the bed bent. I would get up every night at 2AM and roam the halls.