Louanna's Photos

Thomas Brusstar  Happy anniversary! Glad you're doing well! My echo at 13 months post-repair still shows ZERO leakage at my mitral valve.

Jeff W  Hi Louanna, it’s Cathy. What a beautiful picture! I’ve read your story on here and have to say how much I admire you! Wear that scar proudly! It shows the world just how strong you are 😊👍🏻

Bruce Adams  Nice battle scar. I've been joking and telling everyone that I'll be wearing a one piece swimsuit this year like the kind men would wear a hundred years ago. You wear it well.

Dan Vechiola  You look great and happy Louanna! Congrats on the 6 months! Keep marching because I am right behind you!

  Louanna you look absolutely fabulous!
I am happy to hear you are doing well.
Best wishes to you as you continue on your recovery journey!

Meredith Geneja  Love your happy smile! I share the gratitude with where you are today. You've come a long way. Thank you, for your support given to others:)

Louanna Miller  Thank you both.

This can and will be all heart warriors as you face OHS and recover.
Again, I’m blessed and thankful!!

Dan Vechiola  Congrats Louanna. I am so glad to hear you are doing well. Thanks for the update and keep on keeping on!

steve pruett  THanks and glad all going well. Looking forward to consult this week with Dr. Thomas and McCarthy. With Barlow that makes it more complicated but hope they can repair using minimally invasive process. Will know more later this week as options.

How long were you in hospital? Did it take long to feel 100 percent? What if any rehab was involved.

THanks,

Louanna Miller  Steve, I’m not sure Dr McCarthy does minimally invasive. He will be honest and tell you the best treatment plan. I was in the hospital 10 days. I had issues with my blood pressure dropping, oxygen being too low, heart rate dropping, and fluid in the pleural sack. The fluid was causing issues with oxygen as my left lung could not inflate fully. I had a thoracentesis to remove the nearly 3 cups of fluid and immediately felt better. So, then was discharged a day or two later.

I had full sternum restrictions for 8 weeks. Was released to drive at 6 weeks, but waited until week 8. I had lots of sternum pain and soreness.

At 3 months I really noticed fetling much better. I’m able to do so much more and have greater endurance now. I’ve nearly completed 2 months of cardiac rehab, which is most helpful.

Let me posted. You will do grea.

Meredith Geneja  So happy for you! Louanna, you are a true encouragement to others. Thank you, for your posts, much appreciated. You've come a long way:)

Louanna Miller  Thank you all!!! I have not looked or felt as good as in this picture for a long time. Slow progress, but I can feel a little improvement about every 2-3 days. Stay encouraged as you proceed through the healing process. We all heal differently!!!