Susan's Heart Valve Journal

Hi Susan!

What a year you've had. You have an amazing attitude considering all the challenges you have faced. I hope 2012 will be a much better year for you!!

Thanks for letting us know how you're doing.
Ricki Shine

Susan, my HVJ Green Bay Packer cohort, happen to be in Rock Hill, SC this week, you left me many messages last year, I too have not posted since Christmas 2010 but feel great. I am so sorry you have had all the issues but am unbelievably impressed at your attitude! Maybe we can meet up someday and swap heart stories.

Take care, Go Pack, all the way to two in a row and one for the thumb!!!!

Joe Fresch
Milwaukee

dear Susan,

I appreciate your attitude! And I am so thankful that you continue to hang in there.

You are an encourager, whether you know it or not. I feel so blessed to be able to do all I can now. Swimming is going so well. (I have been concentrating on technique rather than speed, and my speed has increased without increase in effort.) And I have quit complaining about not being able to run much.

I am always concerned when someone is on so many drugs. (Now you are back on statins - I hope you take lots of coenzyme Q10 [liquid form is best]). I will pray for wisdom on the part of your doctors.

love, Don F.

Hi Susan,
I have just been reading your in depth response to your surgery. I have a heart valve replacement due in the next few weeks. I just wondered - on the very trivial side of things. Could you wear a bra after the operation, When could you sit in a car or drive a car. When could you cuddle and lift your grandchildren again.Did anything particularly help in your recovery? Have you recovered fully? Did the nerve damage heal eventually?

Oops, that was from Joe the Cheesehead!

Hey kiddo! Thanks for the post on my blog, the Pack did it, in the playoffs, now anything can happen, they will beat the Eagles, mark my words, then go into Atlanta and beat them, you heard it here first, but don't bet the house payment! :) Hope all is going well for you, take care.

Hi Susan!

I so appreciate your attitude, espec. after so much adversity from your heart (and in one case, from the medical community!). I almost feel guilty about how well my recovery is going, while you have to start rehab almost from scratch.

I doubt if we will ever be in your area, but if we ever are, I hope we can look you up. I consider you a valued friend. Maybe we can swim together!

Don

Hi Susan!

I'm so happy to hear you're feeling better, you've started cardiac rehab again, and that your mysterious shoulder issue has been diagnosed and will resolve itself.

Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. You're right about the laughter thing . . . sometimes it still hurts to laugh but it's worth it!

I hope your Christmas is as wonderful as Thanksgiving.
Ricki

Glad to hear from you again, and thankful that your recovery is back on track. I think your husband is right about your major strength. (Of course he would know better than any of us!)

I'd sure like to meet you in person.

Don

Hi Susan
Thanks for the update, you are an inspiration to many people. So many new people have signed on, seems like there's an epidemic of bad heart valves out there. Your holiday sounds wonderful. Family is what it's all about, isn't it? Keep healing.
Fran

Susan, great to hear from you again! I too have not posted in a while and will dial one up soon. I am so glad to hear you are on the mend, and you are right about so many things, laughter is key and family is priceless, keep on tickin' as Adam says, you have many fans, also, Go Pack!

Joe
Cheesehead

Hi susan,
I want to hear how you are doing. How long before you can get back to rehab?
I sure liked the hugs you sent.

Don F

Hi Susan,
Thanks for signing my guestbook. I don't know what this pain is. Has the doctors baffled because it comes with a fever. Cardiac nurse in rehab thought it might be a pinched nerve, but that doesn't explain the fever. I don't know.
If you love the mountains, then you would love where I am. I'm smack dab in the middle of the woods. Deer, bear, racoons, occasional mountain lion, possums, turkey, porcupines and other creatures are my neighbors. I just love it. I'm in Central PA.
Sure hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Try not to do too much, and if you do, make sure that you rest enough.
Diana

Hi Susan!

Thanks for the nice note. I hope you're doing better . . . a collapsed lung is no fun.

Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Ricki Shine

Hi Susan,
hope you are better and better each day!
Just wanted to thank you for reaching out to me and for your kind words of support.
Peace and progress!
Nancy H.

Hi Susan,

I am sorry you had a set back, but know that everything happens for a reason. I know what a set back can do, been there. But I also know that with God, all things are in order, even if we don't understand them. Praying for your quick recovery.

Melany, NC

Susan, I am most definitely following your progress, I am so sorry all this happened to you, but you are living proof that attitude is everything and cheeseheads rule!

In all these problems you are having, you still find time post to others and offer us encouragement, wow!

You are an amazing woman and you have so many pulling for you.

Joe
Cheesehead

Hi Susan
I am sorry to here that happened to you. How are you feeling now. Ever day it read about peoples problems and set backs and am thankful i am doing well, i wish everyone could be healing as good and fast as i... i feel guilty..lol.. weird uh.. hope things are better for u. thank you for thinking of me, and keep dodging those bullets..

Adios
Dawna

Hi Susan,
So sorry to read about your complications....I don't know what else to say except that it sounds like you are back on track after the ordeal and I wish you all the best during your recovery.
I really liked your writings interpreting the whole process everyone is going through....it's a whole world unto itself and you captured it brilliantly!
Be well....
Nancy H.

Hi Susan
Why oh why do these things happen? Must have been especially scary with your husband out of town. Sorry for the setback and the fact that you will miss your get together. Next year will be an extra special celebration when you do attend. Prayers to you from FL.
Fran

Hi Susan. What an ordeal, but you handled it with grace & patience. I'm glad to know that you are being taken care of now. Take care, Joy Vera

Susan, wow you don't deserve this stuff :-( Hang in there and know your in my thoughts down south.

Jerry H in Louisville

Oh, Susan! I find it hard to accept that this has happened to you on top of all the other things. You are so brave and non-bitter! I admire you.

I am praying that you will get back to where you were very quickly.

love, Don

Hi Susan,

Was just thinking about you and wondering how you're making out. Hope all is well.

Kellie

Susan, thanks for your great thoughts. I appreciate the notes of encouragement. I am pretty scared about tomorrow's happenings. I am going into Univ of Pittsburgh's Presby Hospital. I hope I selected well. It was neat to read about you because my brother and his family are all living throughout North Carolina. I hope you are continuing to make great progress. You look great. Take care. God Bless you and your family. Sharon Harsh

Susan, thank you for the kind words, and for being there for us newbies when you are still on the mend!

Us fellow cheeseheads must stick together but perhaps we need to layoff the cheese for a bit! :)

Take care and I am staying up to date on your progress.

Joe Fresch
Cheesehead

Susan, thank you for the kind words, and for being there for us newbies when you are still on the mend!

Us fellow cheeseheads must stick together but perhaps we need to layoff the cheese for a bit! :)

Take care and I am staying up to date on your progress.

Hi Susan,

Thank you for stopping by and easing my mind about being so fatigued. I seem to forget that this was such an invasive and major surgery, most definitely because I feel so great aside from the fatigue. I am glad to hear how well you're doing also. You are truly an inspiration to us all and I am so fortunate to have met you!! Keep it up!
Kellie

Hello Susan....Happy Birthday to you and may you have many, many more. I am happy that you are able to start Cardiac Rehab. I remember that I started my program 10 weeks post-op....I did it on Mon.,Wed.,and Fri. afternoon. The following week, I returned to volunteering at the Heart Center at the same Hospital....so on Mon. and Fri. after I complete my volunteering....I would go to the other side of the Hospital and work-out.
I am so thankful that I went those 3 months for it restored my strength and my energy returned. When I graduated, I was doing a 24 min. mile on the treadmill.....I would remain on it for another 6 min....so I did 1 and 1/4 mile in 30 min. I was stunned....and very happy.....because at this time after my Jan. birthday, I was 80 yrs. old and could do this.....wow....lol..
I know you will be successful as you continue with your rehab. I hope that your nerve issue in you left arm improves with treatment...........take care.....will be happy to learn of your progress...........Dixie

Hi Susan. Happy birthday this weekend! Your rehab program does indeed sound in depth. Mine is just the machines & monitoring by the nurses, but I enjoy it & feel the monitoring is what I need the most anyway. Glad your recovery is coming along & I hope you enjoy both your birthday & future rehab sessions. Take care, Joy

Hi Susan,

I am glad to hear rehab seems to be going well so far. I haven't been able to go at all this week and already I miss it. Happy birthday!!! My BD was 6 weeks after surgery and like you I never thought I'd be so happy to see that one:) Have a safe trip and great weekend with your family.

Kellie

Dear Susan,
Thank you for stopping by and writing in my journal. A Happy Birthday to you this weekend....enjoy it...it is certainly a well deserved celebration. Glad to hear you are doing well in rehab...I loved the experience.
Take care,
Theresa C.

Hi Susan,

Thank you for your encouraging words. I really think the mental recovery is as bad as the physical one. Each of us has different obstacles physically, but the mental is what is hardest. I have lived for ten years with the gradual decline in my physical abilities, and although right now they are more than before the surgery, I have such hope that I will be back to maybe where I was about 5 years ago, which would be terrific. I was able to do much more at that time. I am going to scrap the idea of bowling until maybe the end of November. That is going to give me 3 1/2 months recovery time. Then I will see how I am.

I really feel for you for the nerve pain. I have been dealing with it in my right thigh. I must say it is much better, but still semi numb. No more intense pins and needles. I sure hope your's resolves itself soon. Did your doctor tell you if your valve is leaking and if so, how much. Mine is 1+ post surgery, but it was 4+ prior. I still have a leaky tricuspid 2+, but that is due to their decision to leave it alone. They said my heart could handle it. THey are the experts. I do have to take a beta blocker and a water pill. Same as before the surgery. I do seem to handle stress much better now than before. Linda Stahl

Hi Susan~

Thanks for stopping by and signing my guestbook. I know you had asked about the pain in my arm. After my Valve and Aneurysm replacement my heart did not beat on it's own. I also ended up needed a permanent pacemaker implanted. I could not lift or use my left arm for about 4 weeks because of this. Other than that no extra arm pain. I read that you also had your first surgery when you were 30. You continue to have more throughout the years. That is something I am not looking forward to. I am told my pacemaker will need to be replaced every 8 years and my valve maybe 10-15 years. I also read that your child has gone through some issues at a very young age. I was told that what I have I could also pass on to my future child. It is scary to think about that. I wish you and your family health and happiness. Good Luck with the rest of your recovery.

Tina (WI)

Morning.
I know, i read back a Dr. report i have and it did state changes, but he never said anything and that was 2005. that doesn't matter now, it is getting done and hopefully on Dec.11/10 i will be on that plane to Mexico. can not think of a better place to recoup. Take care and thank you for all you support..i am sorry, where are my manners. how are u doing? hope thing are going well for you.
Adios
Dawna

Good morning again, Susan. I started this a few minutes ago and my computer got a little out of sorts and all disappeared...so here I am starting again....I hope that your current issue with left arm responds to the current therapy. I did read your story and am amazed that you have done so well with each surgery. Do you think that being a Nurse has helped or hindered? I think that my Cardio Docs get frustrated because I research proposed tests.....drugs prescribed...and share my opinion with my Cardio Doc before accepting the test or telling him, I do not need the dose that is prescribed because of how my body reacts..I present documentation of my response (B.P. - and other symptoms - so often the medication was for hypertension) If I am not scheduled for an appointment when I am having an issue, I write him a letter. I am a firm believer that the Doctor and the patient are a team....working together for a common cause. Right now, I want to stop my warfarin. I was left with a mitral valve that will eventually fail (it couldn't be removed)....I thought that I was taking the warfarin for possible A-Fib. I did have a MAZE procedure done at surgery time and 11 months latter, I still haven't had an "A-Fib. event"....Now I learn, I need warfarin because I have the diseased mitral valve in.
I see the Cardio Doc on October 15th and we will discuss this in depth. I know if I go in to A-Fib.....I could throw lots of clots but with the Maze procedure which is effection, I won't have A-Fib....that is how I see it. My last conversation with him was that my valve will fail and that would be the end. That I can handle but I "hate" the warfarin...it is now affecting my shoulder joints....hey, I am sorry, it sounds like I am complaining.....and I guess I shouldn't....right....well I should close. Thanks for listening to me....I will say a prayer that your treatment for your arm will be successful....have a great day........Dixie

Dear Susan,
Thank you for your entry into my guestbook regarding my 20 year old son who had open heart surgery 7/1/10. Thanks for your empathy. Wow, I really felt your pain just having surgery yourself and then having to face your nine year old son having surgery. It almost seems too much for one person to bear. I feel a close bond to you for that reason and that you once lived in MI. Traverse City is sooo beautiful. I do know Dr. Bove and he was one of our choices for my son, Danny's, Surgeons. We decided on Dr. Hirsch because she was so kind and caring which was important to Dan and her credentials were impecable. I'm sorry to read about all the problems you are facing currently, however; with your positive attitude and strong determination, I KNOW you will overcome them. I have added you to my prayer list. I will read your journal to learn about your continued successful recovery. Thanks for understanding, as a Mother, what it is like for your child to undergo heart surgery. How is your son doing that had that surgery? They first suspected that Dan had a hole in his heart when he was first born but later diagnosed him with Aortic Stenosis. We are both lucky they were born with problems correctible by surgery. Take care of yourself. Sincerely Mary James

Hi Susan,
Thanks for stopping by and signing my guestbook. This journey sure has been an amazing one and I must say, very positive. I hope you continue on your road to recovery and your new journey, too.
Diana

Hi Susan. I hope your new pain medication helps you feel better. I am currently taking metoprolol (beta blocker), but my cardiologist told me he'd reevaluate whether or not I need to stay on it when I see him again in 3 months. So, I'm hopeful I can get off of it then. Anyway, I don't get the impression that it is intended to be a lifetime thing for me. I like that you are making every moment count even if you're not feeling 100%. Sure sounds like the right approach in my opinion. Take care & feel better, Joy Vera

Susan,

Thanks you for your response to my blog entry. I appreciate your empathy. And I am praying that the pain in your arm will cease, even without a nerve block.

DON

PS: I wonder if it would hurt anything to swim with the pain? Who knows; it could even help! (Maybe you already tried it?)

Hi Susan,

Sorry you're having such pain. I hope your new meds will help.

I'm on beta blockers (metroprolol) and my cardiologist mentioned I'll stay on them the rest of my life. BUT, I need a reevaluation of the drug, or the dose, or something. I'm lightheaded, having vision issues, my heart rate seems high (and loud) . . . I'm going to my internist next week for a checkup and I'm planning to discuss it with her.

Ricki Shine

Thanks for signing my guestbook. Yes, I'm getting a bit impatient, I've waited for the schedule for almost 3 months, but yesterday afternoon, my doctor told me maybe anytime next week I will be admitted for surgery. Hope it's not false alarm.

You are such a brave woman, your case is my inspiration not to worry about the surgery. Thank you very much and God bless!

Susan, A 3 X Vet, with a great attitude and a kindness and caring to give to others. You have been through a lot and must be one fine lady.Thank You for the encouragement and inspiration and if I may throw a few quick questions at you, I am wondering if your surgeon went back through your last incision and if it took longer to heal each time or scared worse. I am not vain but I can't help but wonder.Thanks Again....Pat

Hi Susan!

Thanks for your comments in my guestbook. You have had quite a time with your heart. But I am confident you will be swimming lots in a few months.

Don F.

Hi Ma'am Susan, Im happy to hear that it works well, btw, I had also my ASD repair and my mitral valve was replaced when I was 30yrs old... now I am in 3yrs of continues of healthy and good lives.. I wish you all the best and good health.. andro

Hi Susan,
After I had my 6 week checkup with the surgeon, I asked him when I could start rehab and he told me right away. So, I got the ball rolling when I got home and started a week later. Every doctor is different and every person unique, but I find the norm minus any complications, is about 6 weeks post op.
I just love rehab. I find myself getting stronger with each visit, plus its a lot of fun, too.
Best to you,
Diana

Good Morning Susan
You will find, the dates for rehab are all different for each of us. Four weeks for some and a couple of months for others. It was 2 plus months for me due to lung fluid which caused breathing problems. Your cardiologist will tell you when and most likely you'll go 3 times a week. Good luck.
Fran

Hi Susan,

I started rehab 6 weeks after surgery which was probably 1 or 2 weeks later than I would have liked. The delay was caused by scheduling issues at the rehab place, not for medical reasons.

Rehab has been very helpful . . . it has really helped my energy level.

Ricki Shine

Hi Susan,

Thanks for your message in my book. I am happy that you have such great coverage, but that is terrible news that you will not have your job to return to. I really hope everything works out for you. Please continue to keep us updated. Prayers and thoughts are with you!

Kellie

Hi Susan,
I have heard that alot of people who did not have any real complications started about 3 weeks out. I will be 3 months out this week and just got the ok last Friday. But I have to start slow even with that due to all my complications. I'm sure you won't have a problem getting back on track quickly!
Kimberly S.