Naomi's Heart Valve Journal

Diane Esposito  Naomi, you look great! Well and relaxed and the chicken is adorable, I’ll bet she missed you while you were away. You will feel even better at 3 weeks, I ... Read more

Diane Esposito  Naomi, you look great! Well and relaxed and the chicken is adorable, I’ll bet she missed you while you were away. You will feel even better at 3 weeks, I noticed a big difference between 2 and 3 weeks, though I’m still dealing with body aches which began in the hospital ( can’t figure out what’s causing them) I hope your nausea goes away soon!

Mava Reif  I struggled with nausea too. I had no appetite and my sense of taste changed. Sweet things upset my stomach, and the food I loved just didn't taste appetizing. ... Read more

Mava Reif  I struggled with nausea too. I had no appetite and my sense of taste changed. Sweet things upset my stomach, and the food I loved just didn't taste appetizing. For me, the nausea gradually subsided over the first 5 weeks. My appetite didn't come back until about the 12 week. I'm now at 14 weeks & while most things taste good now I'm still not back to eating sweet things. I do feel much better in every way now. It's not an easy time, but so worth it! God bless!

Naomi Gray  My nausea seems to be caused by the pain meds, especially narcotics, even with Zofran, anti-nausea med. I mainly switched to Tramadol/Zofran a week ago, but ... Read more

Naomi Gray  My nausea seems to be caused by the pain meds, especially narcotics, even with Zofran, anti-nausea med. I mainly switched to Tramadol/Zofran a week ago, but those make me feel nauseous, dizzy and affect my vision. I'm taking just Acetaminophen 500 mg and edible CBD today, and I feel so much better that I was able to take a short walk on the street by myself.

Thomas Brusstar  I had a big itchy red stripe wherever any adhesive touched me! The worst redness when I left the hospital was all these squares and stripes of skin irritation. ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar  I had a big itchy red stripe wherever any adhesive touched me! The worst redness when I left the hospital was all these squares and stripes of skin irritation. And then rash from the antibiotics causing red reaction to the least bit of sun. And then it all gets better!

Naomi Gray  I had some palpitation during the day, but it went away after sitting back in this recliner. So nice to be able to hug our pet chickens. It was rainy, but my ... Read more

Naomi Gray  I had some palpitation during the day, but it went away after sitting back in this recliner. So nice to be able to hug our pet chickens. It was rainy, but my husband and I drove to a supermarket as a part of my daily walk. Pushing the small shopping cart works like a walker. It helps me feel stable. The shower bench arrived from Amazon, and I took shower by myself. The bench makes me feel more secure and stable in the shower. I'm still dealing with mild nausea and headache, but it's been managing with med. The biggest trouble right now is the skin reaction to the adhesive on my chest. Everywhere they used adhesive turned red, and it's been itching like crazy.

Susan Lynn  Sorry to hear you're not able to go home. You, and Puffy, need to hang in there. You'll feel much more confident at home once your nausea is resolved. Think ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Sorry to hear you're not able to go home. You, and Puffy, need to hang in there. You'll feel much more confident at home once your nausea is resolved. Think positive thoughts - the worst is behind you, the good stuff is ahead!

Jeremiah Erez  I only had nausea immediately following surgery, as soon as I woke up. They gave me something in my IV to settle it down and I wasn't bothered by it again. ... Read more

Jeremiah Erez  I only had nausea immediately following surgery, as soon as I woke up. They gave me something in my IV to settle it down and I wasn't bothered by it again.
Hope yours goes away soon Naomi.
That strawberry yogurt should help. Yummy Yum! 😀

Naomi Gray  Thanks for encouragement. I managed to have some bites of grilled cheese and tomato soup, and haven't vomited even after brushing teeth. I switched to mainly ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Thanks for encouragement. I managed to have some bites of grilled cheese and tomato soup, and haven't vomited even after brushing teeth. I switched to mainly Tylenol. I'm still taking anti-nausea med. Hopefully I can make it tonight without throughng up.

Catie B  I'm glad you've kept some food down! Hang in there, Naomi, you'll get past this. I ate a lot of yogurt parfaits and fruit at first. At one point French fries ... Read more

Catie B  I'm glad you've kept some food down! Hang in there, Naomi, you'll get past this. I ate a lot of yogurt parfaits and fruit at first. At one point French fries were attractive. I had to not get too warm physically and avoid physical postures that made me feel more ill. Try Jello or more soup or whatever sounds good to you!

Barbara Wood  You look good! Have they given you anything for the nausea? I had a problem with that too & was given a teeny tiny little pill that relieved it almost instantaneously ... Read more

Barbara Wood  You look good! Have they given you anything for the nausea? I had a problem with that too & was given a teeny tiny little pill that relieved it almost instantaneously - sorry can't remember the name. Crackers & ginger ale helped too! Cute little chicken! Best wishes ...hang in there:).

Catie B  Naomi, they used several different nausea medications with me. Reglan was one, I believe. I'm sure you let them know the Zofran's not effective for you so they ... Read more

Catie B  Naomi, they used several different nausea medications with me. Reglan was one, I believe. I'm sure you let them know the Zofran's not effective for you so they can try another med. Sometimes changing physical positions helped me, as did cooling down a bit. Hope the nausea eases soon!

Naomi Gray  This was about 4 pm. Secound evenig. I actually shared the half of everything with my husband. I had pasta with salmon, brown rice, apple, banana, and apple ... Read more

Naomi Gray  This was about 4 pm. Secound evenig. I actually shared the half of everything with my husband. I had pasta with salmon, brown rice, apple, banana, and apple juice. It took me a while to do all the activities, but the nurse said it would be a good physical therapy as well. It is my second night in ICU.

Jeremiah Erez  And when you come out of your healing nest you're gonna fly and soar like an eagle Naomi.
Wishing you all the best as you prepare for your surgery on tomorrow ... Read more

Jeremiah Erez  And when you come out of your healing nest you're gonna fly and soar like an eagle Naomi.
Wishing you all the best as you prepare for your surgery on tomorrow and your recovery following.
Peace and blessings to you!

Susan Lynn  Naomi - Looks like you've created a very comfy space! You will be snoozing in between walks at home for a few weeks. I suspect with your pre-op activity level, ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Naomi - Looks like you've created a very comfy space! You will be snoozing in between walks at home for a few weeks. I suspect with your pre-op activity level, you probably won't need that recliner very long. All the best to you, tomorrow! We'll be here waiting for your updates!

Naomi Gray  I've been limiting to the Strength classes this spring, avoiding aerobic classes. Since I've been having chest pain this year, I kept using lighter the hand ... Read more

Naomi Gray  I've been limiting to the Strength classes this spring, avoiding aerobic classes. Since I've been having chest pain this year, I kept using lighter the hand weights, today I was using just 1 lb weights or nothing. Last Saturday, I was feeling light headed all morning, and I ended up not coming to this class. Yesterday, I was feeling tired just by walking around the corner to have lunch with my friend. At least I wasn't feeling shortness of breath like before. I feel like a broken car that needs to just coast down the highway to a nearest service station without stepping on the gas,... without raising my heart rate, without exerting myself at all. Until I get a new valve...

Naomi Gray  Actually, I've been practicing getting up and down on a chair with a chicken in my arms, training myself. In this photo, I'm holding Kiki, 9 year old Barred ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Actually, I've been practicing getting up and down on a chair with a chicken in my arms, training myself. In this photo, I'm holding Kiki, 9 year old Barred Rock hen. She has a cataract in her left eye and can see only through the right eye. I'm so grateful that my second cataract lens was replaced two weeks ago, and I can see almost 20/20 without glasses.

Susan Lynn  Naomi - If you're a skier, you probably won't have any difficulty getting to a standing position without the use of your arms, but I love the idea of the chicken ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Naomi - If you're a skier, you probably won't have any difficulty getting to a standing position without the use of your arms, but I love the idea of the chicken therapy! Also, I was worried about taking narcotics for pain management and found that regular strength Tylenol here and there was all I needed. You'll be just fine!

Naomi Gray  Hi Susan, you are right about skiing as advantage for strong legs. I still find holding a pet chicken relaxing and fun. A good way to forget about the pain. ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Hi Susan, you are right about skiing as advantage for strong legs. I still find holding a pet chicken relaxing and fun. A good way to forget about the pain. I'm used to take CBD oil as my pain reliever and does not affect my balance and mind. The nurse was actually fine with my choice. I also take Tylenol and Ibuprofen, as needed, and it's nice to have some options without worrying about side effect.

Naomi Gray  Thanks Catie and Barbara! I actually weighed several chickens, and Kiki is one of the lightest (5 lb), within the weight limit of what I could lift right after ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Thanks Catie and Barbara! I actually weighed several chickens, and Kiki is one of the lightest (5 lb), within the weight limit of what I could lift right after the surgery. I'm training other chickens to move up to my lap on demand.

Naomi Gray  Presurgical visit is complete at Swedish Medical Center Cherry Hill Campus. After 2 hours of driving and all day of different appointments, I was getting ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Presurgical visit is complete at Swedish Medical Center Cherry Hill Campus. After 2 hours of driving and all day of different appointments, I was getting ready for a nap. Now, the the final countdown began.

Naomi Gray  I'm trying to assume good intention. I think he'd better get attention in the public so that I won't get hit by a car, etc. LOL... He need's to baby the remaining ... Read more

Naomi Gray  I'm trying to assume good intention. I think he'd better get attention in the public so that I won't get hit by a car, etc. LOL... He need's to baby the remaining body parts so he can take care of me in a few weeks.

Naomi Gray  Thanks, Susan! Yes, he definitely needs to recover quickly. I'm doing most of the chore and yard work till the OHS with some help from our renters, then there'll ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Thanks, Susan! Yes, he definitely needs to recover quickly. I'm doing most of the chore and yard work till the OHS with some help from our renters, then there'll be the role reversal. I'll just sit back and relax...

Naomi Gray  Scott, he already had the backpack for his work (teaching Econ at CWU), and also ski patrol pack and jacket are red. So when he was given color choices for ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Scott, he already had the backpack for his work (teaching Econ at CWU), and also ski patrol pack and jacket are red. So when he was given color choices for the cast between red and pink, he picked red. :-)

T.C. Sayles  I didn't need a recliner. I found it a bit uncomfortable after a while. But I'm short so reaching the side of the chair or the controls was not in my favor. ... Read more

T.C. Sayles  I didn't need a recliner. I found it a bit uncomfortable after a while. But I'm short so reaching the side of the chair or the controls was not in my favor. If you find you do need one or want one, go on craigslist or Nextdoor and see about a used one. I found that the back support was not great.

Naomi Gray  Hi T.C., I'm 5'2" and stretching on this chair is not super easy, but can be done with practice. It's comfortable enough to take a nap. I know some guy after ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Hi T.C., I'm 5'2" and stretching on this chair is not super easy, but can be done with practice. It's comfortable enough to take a nap. I know some guy after open heart used this chair for sleeping everyday. Where did you sleep at night? On your regular bed? Any modifications?

Helge Volden  The challenge after open heart surgery is standing up with out using your arms and sleeping with out rolling over on your side. If your legs are already in ... Read more

Helge Volden  The challenge after open heart surgery is standing up with out using your arms and sleeping with out rolling over on your side. If your legs are already in good shape that will help a lot. You will really want to observe all sternal precautions. I had access to a very good recliner that virtually put me in the standing position. It was comfortable enough to sleep in everyday for two or three months

T.C. Sayles  Naomi, we are the same height!! lol After a 6 days in the hospital and so used to the adjustable bed, I was happy that my friend whom helped me recover, had ... Read more

T.C. Sayles  Naomi, we are the same height!! lol After a 6 days in the hospital and so used to the adjustable bed, I was happy that my friend whom helped me recover, had a sleep number type bed. (I live in FL and surgery was in CA and I have a ton of friends in CA.) After staying in LA a week and a half after being released and being cleared to fly home, I was so sad to leave her bed!! lol Back at home I have a regular bed, comfy, but regular. I thought of renting a hospital bed, that would have been perfect! I recommend that!!! But I didn't know I could until I was pretty used to my set up in my bed. I just stacked pillows (still do) and have them make a wedge. And used a step stool to get in and out of bed. I sound like an old lady! Another option is to buy on Amazon a wedge! I wish I had done that!! I still sometimes think of it, but again, I'm doing good with up and down out of bed, though I still sleep on my back and maybe an hour here and there on the sides. So, 1) find out the cost to rent a hospital bed and if your insurance covers it as #1 choice....maybe you'll need it for 2 months or 2) buy a wedge...I suggest start shopping for it now so you can see if you like it or not and get one really wide so you don't fall off edges, or 3) get a electric recliner because using your stomach muscles to move around in that chair may prove to be hard....but I suggest figuring it out now rather than later. BTW, it is really hard to stretch completely flat still at 10 weeks.

Marie Myers  I agree with Helge and Steve...Post sternotomy, it is not easy to get up and down without using your arms to pull or push. I rented a recliner for 1 month, ... Read more

Marie Myers  I agree with Helge and Steve...Post sternotomy, it is not easy to get up and down without using your arms to pull or push. I rented a recliner for 1 month, and it was well worth the $150. I could get up and down myself, and the recliner was comfy to sleep in, while only sleeping on my back. Look into rentals from medical supply stores.

Naomi Gray  FYI, I have BAV and I'm scheduled for OHS in two weeks to replace the valve with bovine valve. That's why I'm wondering about the recliner. Is the powered recliner ... Read more

Naomi Gray  FYI, I have BAV and I'm scheduled for OHS in two weeks to replace the valve with bovine valve. That's why I'm wondering about the recliner. Is the powered recliner better than the manual one? What about renting a lift chair? Would it be overkill?

Mike Roskowinski  Naomi I bought a power recliner for pretty cheep $250.00. Look around and see what is out there. I did not want to spend too much money since they can get ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski  Naomi I bought a power recliner for pretty cheep $250.00. Look around and see what is out there. I did not want to spend too much money since they can get pretty expensive. Also I tried to find the best one possible since you are not supposed to push off with your arms find something that is not to comfortable so it is hard to get out of. I went to stores and tried out a ton of chairs and practiced without using my arms to get up. I also talked to a friend of mine and he said that I can write this off in my taxes next year for medical expenses since that is why I bought it. Make sure you look into that kind of stuff that can help ease the costs of some of this stuff we need to purchase.

Naomi Gray  Today I went to a medical supply store here, and reserved a rental lift chair for my size (5'2"). They are going to deliver/pickup and rent the chair for $150/mo. ... Read more

Naomi Gray  Today I went to a medical supply store here, and reserved a rental lift chair for my size (5'2"). They are going to deliver/pickup and rent the chair for $150/mo. Insurance won't cover the rental, but the purchase up to $200. My husband broke his leg ski patrolling 2 weekends ago, and I have to do everything for my surgery preparation. I've already spend several days shopping around and contemplating about the recliner. I just wanted to get it done. I'm not interested in keeping it after recovery, and it's nice to have it removed from our house.