Susan's Guestbook

Glad to hear you're doing better, Susan. Seems bumps in the road aren't that uncommon on our recoveries. I'm two weeks post op today, feeling ok and having some ectopic beats occasionally. Had several bouts of tachycardia. I think the important thing for all of us is to listen to our bodies and get to the doctor when necessary. Best to you, and here's to no more bumps. (from Lenore)

Just slow down a bit and you will be ok. It's been 3 months for me today since my AVR surgery, my energy level has increases bit I still get a bit tired especially after cardio rehab. Hang in there you will be ok, god bless and have a great evening

Hi Sue, I hope you're doing well today as you continue in your recovery, and that some of your "bumps in the road" have smoothed out! Question for you: You said you've been using a wedge pillow to sleep in bed. How many inches thick is your wedge? Is is the 12" or one of the bigger ones? Trying to figure out which one to purchase. Thanks! And may God continue to bless you in your recovery. Joan

It gets better. I had mitro valve repria last year 10/15/13. First surgury,anesthesiologist went thru the atery 4 times, I almost died. The surgeoh thru them out of surgery and did that repair, but could not do the heart surgery. I gained 40 pounds ion water, and had to wait to get better before I had the repair. What a mess! Could not walk or do anything, but thank GOd no pain. Was supposed to be min. invasive, but they could not bacuse of the DR. screw up. So 23 days later did the surgery. All this time in the hospital. No pain after, no drugs. Don't rememeber much, but THank GOd, no pain. One year laster I ride my bikle 15-20 miles a day. So hand in there, things will be fine!

Susan, yes, we are all different in dealing with our thresholds to pain, recovery, reactions to medications, and emotional outcomes. I was "Blessed" to undergo mitral-valve replacement, tri-cuspid valve repair, and the insertion of a pacemaker at the Straub Hospital in Honolulu (March 4). I was fortunate to be released from the hospital within nine days. I was walking on Waikiki Beach that same week. I returned to work on Guam (CDR William C. McCool EMS, US Naval Base) as a speech-language pathologist, the second week in April. I retired in June. Recently, I drove across the United States from Denver to Charleston, SC. If anything, I've learned to take each day one day at a time. Wishing you a speedy recovery. God Bless... Jim Renes

Glad you are getting through!! I tried posting quite a few times but either I was not doing it correctly it their were a few bugs in the system. I want you to kniw I prayed for you and will continue to. I am 8 weeks post op and just have started back to work. I go to cardiac rehab in two weeks starting with twice a week than three times a week then five days a week. I will feel glad to get that started as I know it will bill a lot more confidence in my body awareness. Concerning the surgery, supposedly all is going well, however I do have considerable pain with the ribs and throughout my right breast. I am assured that it's part of the healing process. I do think I pulled some muscles of couple weeks ago overdoing it. So Susan, make sure you let those good-looking boys and handsome husband really assist you at the house. Additionally, if your parish is a big part of your support system I sure hope you let them help you. My husband was remarkable --my kids have been helpful But I think you need every set of hands that you can. This is not a time to be proud so just enjoy the casseroles and your appetite --trust me --will come back. If the chefs are good you will tend to gain weight! I think I am the first part valve repair person that is actually gained some weight!!! I will be glad to start rehab. May you be blessed throughout your recovery. Erin. Mitral valve repair penn Philly

thanks for your blog, my surgery for aortic and mitral valves is scheduled for november 3. its good to hear what i need to know so it doesn't come as a surpirse and i know others have gone through it.