Daneen's Photos

Sue Maize  Now THAT is one well organized classroom!! I’m so glad to hear things have started out well with this class—what grade do you teach Daneen? I taught high school French and History for 31 years and I’ve had great classes and not so great, but being a semestered system I only had them for half the year…I assume you have yours for the whole year? You could wear a tshirt that says, “I just had open heart surgery so try it at your own peril!” 😆

Daneen Douglas  Thanks Ladies!  I teach 3rd graders, basically 9 year olds! That’s awesome Sue!  I can’t speak French but do speak Spanish! 31 years is a long time!  I still have some years ahead of me myself.  I worked for 5 hours today!  And brought a little work home for tomorrow.  I’m relaxing and enjoying the evening! It’s all about balance!  

Darrell Malone  It certainly incredible what can be done by these amazing doctors and their teams. Also nice to have a clear understanding of what was done.  But back to work on a Friday? That was my original return to work but now it was pushed to the 29th. They said start back on a fresh week. 👍🏻
Keep up the good work with recovery. 💪

Daneen Douglas  Thanks Darrell!  It is definitely incredible what technology exists and blows my mind that a surgical team can perform operations such as these so easily.  

I know! 🙄 Our teaching contracts begin on the 26th, lol! They have teachers report back on weird days for professional development prior to students returning.  The first day of school is August 1st, so I may be coming in on my own time earlier that week before the 26th. 

Good luck on your 1st day back!  We are on a similar timeline!

Matthew Allen  Hey Daneen, glad to hear you’re doing well!  In Another 5-7 weeks you won’t believe how good you feel! Take it easy - back to work part time is a good idea! I’ve just turned 9 months, am back cycling and walking in the hills and am going great.  Take care and do the rehab! 

Marie Myers  It is truly miraculous what the surgeons can do! I am thankful everyday that these technologies are available.

Tim Carpenter   Hi Daneen my question is do you notice a big difference on how you feel now than before the surgery? I was born with bicuspid aortic valve and never seen a cardiologist until last year . I do notice being short of breath when I exert myself to much does that go away after surgery? Thanks Tim 

Darrell Malone  @Daneen ahh that makes sense. Yes we are on about the same time line.  I feel very fortunate that I have work benefits and I can concentrate on recovering. I think I will enjoy retirement when that day comes LOL. Today my wife and I saw the dietitian and it was excellent.  It really opened our eyes. I would recommend it. Now we are checking all the labels. 👀

Daneen Douglas  That’s great Darrell!  I’m checking all the labels now…did a lot of research before surgery…but I’m sure a dietician will help.  We have free dietician support at our cardiac rehab.  I will make Sure to meet with them.  

Daneen Douglas  Thanks Matthew!  I wish I could start back part time.  I will be off of work 3 months by the time I start back, and luckily we comeback a week before kids return!  So happy you are doing well and looking forward to getting to that point too!  Joining a gym close to work that I pass by every day on my way home from work!  Love to hike too! May get back into cycling myself!

Daneen Douglas  Tim, I have noticed a lot of differences after surgery. My ankles are swelling much less. They would be 100% skinny but I have lymph edema and venous insufficiency so I’m afraid I’m a bit stuck with it. But it is WAY better, especially when I stick to low sodium.

I have no more angina, my heart beats softer, and my heart rate and blood pressure has come down a lot. Although I am only at 2 months, my shortness of breath is way better and when I exercise my heart rate doesn’t spike, but is at about 105 at this point but haven’t bumped up the exercise level yet. My heart rate really drops back down to the 60’s really quickly.

I’m hoping when my stamina has fully returned, my heart is healed completely, and I’m off of the anti afib meds, my shortness of breath will be totally gone when doing daily activity and normal walking.

Daneen Douglas  The news article would read, “Recent heart surgery patient missing after husband alleges accidental fall during episode of sudden vertigo.” 😂😆😂😅

Daneen Douglas  Thanks All! I know Harley has a hard time relaxing!  That’s funny Rose!  Yes, Harley’s had a lot of activity lately. Harley is also tired from our morning walks which he loves!

Susan Lynn  Love Harley! You've more than deserved a rest after four hours with the grandkids - that would wear anyone out. Relax and continue your healing. You're going to need your energy for their next visit!

Sue Maize  Happy Memorial Day Deneen! 🎉 🎇🇺🇸 Our long weekend was last weekend—Victoria Day—not sure why we still celebrate someone 5 monarchs ago but no one’s about to give up a long weekend either! 😄
How are you doing? 

Daneen Douglas  🩷😂Sue, that’s funny!  Well glad you had a long weekend and you have to keep the traditions alive! Doing well.  We are grilling some chicken with a couple salads, watermelon,  and corn on the cob.  Family is coming to our house!  First family gathering!

How are you hanging in there?  Everything still set for your surgery date?  How’s the prep going?

Sue Maize  Sounds like a lot of fun! So glad you’re feeling strong enough to host a get together, just make sure you pace yourself. 💕
I’m doing pretty well overall, 2 weeks to go, which I’m sure will fly by! Friends helped me stock up on heavy stuff from Costco this weekend, have a few things to do and get still like having my hair cut this week, pre-op is on the 5th and then it’s just waiting for the big day. Can’t wait to be where you are! 

Daneen Douglas  Sue, You sound super prepared!  It is almost here for you.  Just cross off each item on your to do list until there are none left! Then you will be recovering. ❤️‍🩹😄

I did pace myself and Rob did most of the cooking. Others brought sides and desserts and helped clean up.  I was tired that night and super tired after taking the grandkids out and about.  I overdid it a bit.  I have been taking it a lot easier yesterday and today.  Still feeling good, though! 

Have a great week!  It’s almost June!

Valerie Allen  That interesting, Daneen, about keeping the scar soft. I haven’t heard anything about that. Maybe I’ll ask. You are doing so well!

Sue Maize  You’re a super star!!! 🙌🏻👊🏻🤛🏻💪🏻Honestly I can barely do that amount of walking now! Your posts are so encouraging Daneen—love this update!! 🙌🏻💗

Sue Maize  Yes you are Valerie!! Strong gals, these heart hiccups are no match for the two of you! 😁💗🙌🏻💪🏻

Christine Maiorano  Think I’ll try the Vitamin D oil, I’ve been afraid to use anything on it! I’m actually surprised how good it looks😊

Christine Maiorano  Think I’ll try the Vitamin D oil ! Although my scar looks pretty good! So happy to have met such a strong group of ladies! Keep it up gals!

Daneen Douglas  Vitamin E Christine.  Vitamin D is good to take orally though!  I’m doing both vitamin e in the morning after showering, and silicone strip afternoon to morning. 

Daneen Douglas  Vitamin E Christine.  Vitamin D is good to take orally though!  I’m doing both vitamin e in the morning after showering, and silicone strip afternoon to morning.  

It is amazing to see how strong every one is!  I second that, Christine!

Luke Rodriguez  Mine does NOT look that good....plus three weeks out I could barely stand anything touching it...even a shirt. 

Daneen Douglas  Oh wow Luke I’m sorry.  Wonder if there was a different type of incision closure that was done on yours.  Or maybe it has to do with our skin, elasticity, etc.  How far out of surgery are you now? 

Colette Crotty  Wow that looks great! I’d imagine you won’t even see the scar in a years time. Great job by the surgeon.

Susan Dunne  Congrats on your recovery.  MIne is now 13 weeks out from surgery.  soon you will be where I am.  Feeling great.  Sending love👍🙋

Sue Maize  Awww, Daneen, I was thinking about you this weekend—thanks for the update. I’m so happy to hear about the progress you’re making. Ever notice how people never say, adult steps? We have lots to learn from babies! 😁💕

Daneen Douglas  Sue, Well it did until this morning right after I posted this, of course!  Then I had the worst vertigo ever with vomiting, tingling, sweating, headache.  I just woke up from a 3 hour nap.  Still a little dizzy and very nauseas.  Follow up is Tuesday so hope to have some answers! 

Sue Maize  Vertigo is horrible—I used to have bad bouts of it too, but never vomiting…you poor thing! Praying for it to be completely gone and you to feel better. Hang in there Daneen, you’re a strong lady! ❤️‍🩹💪🏻👊🏻🙏🏻

Pam Dahl  Right there with you, end is in sight.  Daves aflutter stopped after 24 hours.  Is now back in the 90’s while on IV drip.  Today will see what happens when IV is out.  He was able to walk a lap yesterday which was good! Have you been getting cardiac rehab in hospital?

Valerie Allen  Daneen, sorry this is happening. My own feeling, not necessarily others’, is that settling and not letting so many feelings hang on discharge is helpful. Getting the care you need when needed is key. Good luck and God bless!

Daneen Douglas  Well stated Valerie!

Aw man Pam… I guess you are! I just wish my heart rate was lower than in the 140’s. I had PT come in twice and have been walking.  Since the AFIb no real walks but still doing the spirometer.  We discussed getting set up for rehab but not set up yet. Good luck and prayers Dan!  We got this!

Laurent G  All the best for the next days Daneen. I also stayed 10 days because of Afib. It never came back since discharge w/o treatment. Good luck 

Yumiko Ishida  Glad things are slightly better, Daneen. Valerie is right, don't rush to get home. I wish I stayed a couple more days myself. Even with help being home was stressful, managing my meds, etc, and I ended back in the hospital four day later with a fever. Afib takes a while to control, because everyone reacts to the meds differently. Praying for you

Grace Mason   Sending prayers Daneen that all settles soon🙏🏼❤️‍🩹. Glad you were able to get some sleep. Hope you are able to get another good sleep in tonight. That definitely helps!

Sue Maize  I missed these last posts in my past few days of brain fog—Daneen, I’m so happy to hear you’ve turned the corner and are heading home soon! It makes so much sense to want to get home especially after 10 days in hospital, but Valerie is right…get what you need while you’re there so you don’t have to go back later! Continuing to pray! 🙏🏻❤️‍🩹

Deena Z  Best gift ever--- the love of others. Your "prep. basket" is incredibly thoughtful, plus cool gifts:).  You must be an awesome teacher!

Things to know:  You will get through and over this surgery. The stats are way, way in your favor. Focus on that.

You will wake up depleted of any energy, but the rate of improvement is remarkable each day. If you don't have much of an appetite in the ICU, which is usually the case, have someone go out and get you high protein shakes. You will need to get your hemoglobin up and the shakes will help with the exhaustion. Most of all, know to not hesitate to ask for ANYTHING, while in the hospital. Godspeed. You are almost there!!

Sue Maize  We’re right there with you Daneen! 💗 I’ll be praying for you heart sister, not just Monday, but in the days leading up that you would be at total peace, able to just focus on this and not other worries or distractions, that you’ll sleep well, and of course that your surgery will go as smoothly as possible and be complication-free. You have a strong support network both there and here. Don’t be afraid to lean on it. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Daneen Douglas  You all rock!  You are bringing me to tears, for real! I Think it’s all finally hitting me.  I am so grateful for you, heart brothers and sisters.  We are a group nobody else can understand and I feel so blessed to be called a heart sister.   Thank you for your encouraging words!❤️🙏🏽❤️

Sue Maize  Enjoy your last day at work teacher friend! Praying blessings of peace over you today and this weekend! One step, one breath, one moment at a time! “Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you!” 1Peter5:7 🙏🏻💕

Sue Maize  Thanks Daneen! Love this message! Hope you had a blessed Easter…it felt extra special to me this year! 🥰🙏🏻🙌🏻

Sue Maize  Btw, how are you feeling these days? I’m struggling with major fatigue, not sure whether it’s heart or anxiety or low bp (I have my own monitor at home). I spend a lot of time in my new recliner, which looks remarkably similar to yours! Lol

Daneen Douglas  Thanks all!  Love the John Goodman quote!  Cath went well but was painful in my arm. My artery spasmed they said. Have to keep my arm elevated and still for 48 hrs.  However, no blockages!  Funny but  the small blockage they found during my cath 2 1/2 years is now gone, lol! So nothing new to add to my surgery list.   

Daneen Douglas  Sue, I’m struggling with fatigue as well.  I’m sleeping 10+ hours per day and still tired, lol!  That’s too funny!  I’m enjoying mine as well.  Prob some anxiety too, but trying to walk my dog at least 20 min each day.  Thanks for asking!❤️

Sue Maize  Daneen, I can’t imagine working full time feeling like this—you’re amazing! I do a bit of substitute teaching now that i’m retired but rarely these days.