Patient Pictures of Naomi Gray

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Naomi Grayposted a photo

919 days ago

Joe Tarango, Dan Baltazor, Rose Madura and 7 others reacted to this

7 months post-op since my double OHS for aortic valve replacement. I'm back in action as a volunteer ski patroller at White Pass Ski Resort in WA in time for the season opening.

Adam Pick Love it Naomi!!! I'm going skiing with my family this vacation!!! Can't wait!!!

Marie Myers Nice!

Ana Brusso Great going Naomi! I don’t even ski but glad you’re healthy and strong enough to continue your vo ... Read more

Ana Brusso Great going Naomi! I don’t even ski but glad you’re healthy and strong enough to continue your volunteer work. YEAH

Jennifer Winslow Wow, that's impressive! Well done!

Naomi Grayposted a photo

949 days ago

Frank Giovanniello , Rose Madura, Shannon Gray and 4 others reacted to this

Hiking in the sun with my husband to celebrate my 6 months post-op anniversary of OHS to replace the aortic valve. We went to Manastash Ridge (18,000 ft vertical to the top), 15 minutes drive from home in Washington.

Frank Giovanniello You are tough!

Nicole DuPont It’s so great to see how well you’re doing!

Mike Roskowinski That is awesome. Glad you are doing so well!

Tracy Fallu Great way to celebrate!

Naomi Grayposted a photo

1007 days ago

Ann Crone, Susan Lynn, Rose Madura and 3 others reacted to this

3 months post op. I participated in a paint out competition in Whidbey Island, WA, in late August. It rained that day, but I did oil painting on this deck for several hours. I was still taking Tylenol for chest pain occasionally, but it's getting better.

Susan Lynn You are a woman of many talents, Naomi!! Absolutely beautiful!

Naomi Grayposted a photo

1007 days ago

Elaine Cutri, Susan Lynn, Frank Giovanniello and 6 others reacted to this

For my 12 weeks post op anniversary, my husband and I joined a five-day camping trip of Plein Air Washington Artists at Mt. Rainier in August. We hiked from Paradise Visitor Center (5,000 ft MSL) to Glacier Vista (6,500 ft MSL). I also did some painting t

Susan Lynn Great couple! Fantastic scenery!

Naomi Gray Thanks, Susan! This picture doesn't show it, but this trail was actually rated as advanced hike trail ... Read more

Naomi Gray Thanks, Susan! This picture doesn't show it, but this trail was actually rated as advanced hike trail, and it's a lot steeper above here. It was at least a good one hour of climbing one way.

Naomi Grayposted a photo

1007 days ago

Joey Hardee, Susan Lynn, Rose Madura and 2 others reacted to this

For my 8 weeks post op anniversary, my hang gliding friend, Russ, took me for a flight in his Glasair around my town. I was able to get in and out the cockpit by myself fine.

Naomi Gray I know I'm behind posting my updates, but I've been really busy enjoying my normal life again!

Naomi Grayposted a photo

1110 days ago

Tim Saint , Joey Hardee, Rose Madura and 3 others reacted to this

For my 1 month anniversary of Open Heart Surgery to replace aortic valve, I attended a 2-day landscape painting workshop last weekend in Bainbridge Island. I drove myself for 2 hours and took a ferry from Seattle. My painting rehab trip.

Naomi Gray I realized that there were so many little challenges as a post-op patient: driving and parking around ... Read more

Naomi Gray I realized that there were so many little challenges as a post-op patient: driving and parking around city, carrying my luggage and painting gear, holding the door open, walking around the hills, standing and painting outdoors for several hours. All these thing are what I normally do as a professional artist, but it made me feel like a novice in many ways. This plein air painting workshop in Bainbridge Island, WA, was taught by my favorite artist/teacher Mitch Baird. This trip was just like a rehabilitation for my painting. Now I'm home, feeling sore and pain in my chest and tired. I'm recovering from this intense adventure for a couple of days, and I'm going to paint more at home. And walk more...

Joy Vera Sound like just the kind of rehab you needed, Naomi. Congratulations on another step!

Naomi Gray Thanks Joy! Yes, it was just what I needed to jump start as an oil painter. And it was also a good re ... Read more

Naomi Gray Thanks Joy! Yes, it was just what I needed to jump start as an oil painter. And it was also a good reminder of my limitation for this phase of recovery. The pain in my chest wall (probably from overworking) is bothering me so much that I'm skipping my daily long walks for a few days.

Kate Watson That's such a lovely idea! Bainbridge is so beautiful too, so I'm sure it was healing in multiple wa ... Read more

Kate Watson That's such a lovely idea! Bainbridge is so beautiful too, so I'm sure it was healing in multiple ways. Best wishes on your continued recovery.

Naomi Gray Thanks, Kate! I think seeing the beautiful places and friends (new or old) are great therapy.

Catie B That sounds like such a wonderful outing, Naomi. Awesome! And I hope the soreness eases soon.

Michael Harman Looks like you are doing great for one month, I am at 2 months and finally starting to feel normal wi ... Read more

Michael Harman Looks like you are doing great for one month, I am at 2 months and finally starting to feel normal with normal strength, so my recovery is going well.

Susan Lynn That's a big adventure for the first month! You rose to the occasion, Naomi, and probably are thri ... Read more

Susan Lynn That's a big adventure for the first month! You rose to the occasion, Naomi, and probably are thrilled that you didn't miss the opportunity. Take some time to relax and regain your strength. More great adventures are ahead! ❤

Naomi Gray I must admit, it was a little bit too ambitious to go on a demanding trip like this, and maybe a litt ... Read more

Naomi Gray I must admit, it was a little bit too ambitious to go on a demanding trip like this, and maybe a little too soon, at this point of my recovery. But for me it was well worth the price of more chest pain and recovery time. I made a decision and pursued it, and it does make me feel great, beside I had a lot of fun. Susan, you are right. I need to learn to be more patient, and take time to relax and heal.

Frank DeGrazia Getting back to doing what inspires you is an "elixir" they haven't been able to put in pill form yet ... Read more

Frank DeGrazia Getting back to doing what inspires you is an "elixir" they haven't been able to put in pill form yet. Well played!

Naomi Grayposted a photo

1119 days ago

Tim Saint , Joey Hardee, Elaine Cutri and 4 others reacted to this

26 days post-op since my open heart surgery to replace aortic valve. Peter, Puffy the chicken, and I had the first post-op visits with Dr. Ryan, surgeon, and Dr. Olsen, cardiologist, at Swedish Medical Center (Seattle, WA). It feels like a graduation!

Naomi Gray My doctors were happy with my progress, and also confirmed that there's nothing wrong with my lungs b ... Read more

Naomi Gray My doctors were happy with my progress, and also confirmed that there's nothing wrong with my lungs based on today's x-ray, and I can just let the coughing get better while taking antihistamine. They told me to stop taking most of those meds. This means that I no longer have to fight with those side effects like nausea, headache, dizziness, constipation, etc. I'm so happy. It feels as if I graduated from a major school. I can also start driving around town from now on!

Joy Vera Great news, Naomi. So glad you've graduated!

Rose Madura Sounds like a good report! Congratulations.

Nicole DuPont That’s great! It sounds like your recovery is going very well! I hope it continues to get better an ... Read more

Nicole DuPont That’s great! It sounds like your recovery is going very well! I hope it continues to get better and better.

Catie B I'm soooo glad things are going better and that you've been reassured about your lungs. Awesome news! ... Read more

Catie B I'm soooo glad things are going better and that you've been reassured about your lungs. Awesome news! It does surprise me that you're driving already, since I thought everyone had to wait six weeks. Enjoy!

Mike Roskowinski Great job Naomi. We are part of the same graduating week. I am jealous about the driving as they won� ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski Great job Naomi. We are part of the same graduating week. I am jealous about the driving as they won’t let me drive till next week. She said 5 weeks is good for me. Keep it up and let’s get through this recovery.

Alan Jamieson Awesome! Glad to see you moving down the road of recovery!

Susan Lynn Naomi - you and Puffy are looking well! Glad to hear you're off most of the meds - that's a huge acco ... Read more

Susan Lynn Naomi - you and Puffy are looking well! Glad to hear you're off most of the meds - that's a huge accomplishment! Continued success with your recovery!

Naomi Gray Thank you everybody for your kind words and support. Thank you Dr. Ryan, Dr. Olsen, and the Swedish M ... Read more

Naomi Gray Thank you everybody for your kind words and support. Thank you Dr. Ryan, Dr. Olsen, and the Swedish Medical team for taking care of me!

Naomi Grayposted a photo

1124 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Today marks 3 weeks post op. These are the meds I'm currently taking. Cough is still bothering me, and it hurts my chest so bad at every cough. Puffy said "Hi!"

Naomi Gray I'm taking one tablet a day: Aspirin 81 mg, Metoprolol 25 mg (1/2 tablet x 2/day), Potassium Chloride ... Read more

Naomi Gray I'm taking one tablet a day: Aspirin 81 mg, Metoprolol 25 mg (1/2 tablet x 2/day), Potassium Chloride, Furosemide. I'm taking as needed: Acetaminophen 500 mg, Tramadol 50 mg, Ondansetron (for nausea) and Benzonatate (cough).

Heidi Rockwood Naomi, are you still nauseous? I’m so sorry you are still coughing!

Joy Vera Hi Naomi, your line up on the table looks similar to mine except for the chicken. I've still got the ... Read more

Joy Vera Hi Naomi, your line up on the table looks similar to mine except for the chicken. I've still got the cough too but had a chest x-ray to confirm my lungs were OK (either a mild pleural effusion or scarring from the surgery). Felt better knowing that & I'll be having an echo in a month or so which should provide a better look. Using my heart pillow when I cough helps in case you're not already doing that. Take care.

Naomi Gray Joy, I was told the similar thing when I went to the ER for persistent cough. Based on the x-ray, CT ... Read more

Naomi Gray Joy, I was told the similar thing when I went to the ER for persistent cough. Based on the x-ray, CT scan, and blood culture test, the ER doctor told me that there was a scar tissue in the lungs from the surgery, but no virus infection. It's nice to know that my problem is not that serious. But the meds to suppress cough are causing me to feel miserable in other ways, like nausea, headache, dizziness... I'm trying to use the pillow when coughing, but it's not always accessible, especially when I'm out and walking. I feel so exhausted from coughing and chest pain. Bit discouraging.

Alan Jamieson I'm sorry to hear that your recovery is a struggle. Hopefully, you'll start seeing improvements soon! ... Read more

Alan Jamieson I'm sorry to hear that your recovery is a struggle. Hopefully, you'll start seeing improvements soon!

Catie B For what it's worth, Naomi, I was told to hug my chest tightly if the pillow was unavailable (press a ... Read more

Catie B For what it's worth, Naomi, I was told to hug my chest tightly if the pillow was unavailable (press arms/hands against sternum to support during coughing). Might give you a bit of ease.
Sorry the struggles are persisting and I hope things will improve for you real soon!

Naomi Gray Hi Catie, I hug my chest tightly with my arms when I don't have a pillow. But I'm not sure if I'm hol ... Read more

Naomi Gray Hi Catie, I hug my chest tightly with my arms when I don't have a pillow. But I'm not sure if I'm holding on to my chest tight enough. The chest pain seems to be getting worse each dat. Am I the only one with kind of cough & pain issues?

Susan Lynn Naomi - I had to keep my drugs and dosages organized on a spreadsheet. Every one that is discontinue ... Read more

Susan Lynn Naomi - I had to keep my drugs and dosages organized on a spreadsheet. Every one that is discontinued over the next few months is a reason for celebration! You're on them for good reasons, but getting off them is sweeeeet!

Catie B Oh no! Sorry to hear the chest pain is increasing. Please let your cardiologist know. I don't think i ... Read more

Catie B Oh no! Sorry to hear the chest pain is increasing. Please let your cardiologist know. I don't think it should be getting worse and they may need to see you and check things out! Or maybe you can get seen sooner someplace else, since the weekend is nearly here?

Naomi Gray I went to see the PA at my primary care physician's office today about the chest pain. They did EKG, ... Read more

Naomi Gray I went to see the PA at my primary care physician's office today about the chest pain. They did EKG, and didn't find any inflammation in the chest. So the pain is mainly from the chest wall. That's a good news. But the side effects of these meds are interfering my daily activities and walks. The PA told me to talk to my cardiologists about the meds and activities at my upcoming appointments on Monday. I'm having constipation for the last 2 weeks off and on. She suggested taking Miralax.

Catie B I'm so glad you were able to see the PA! I ran by my GP's several times after my surgery with concern ... Read more

Catie B I'm so glad you were able to see the PA! I ran by my GP's several times after my surgery with concerns. Hope the Miralax relieves you greatly and that things go super well on Monday.

Naomi Grayposted a photo

1125 days ago

Joy Vera, Steve Farthing, Scott Ainsworth and 3 others reacted to this

Day 20 post op. Chance of thunderstorms/winds... I heard a little thunder in the distance as I was getting ready for my daily walk. I anticipated a rain shower in a half hour. I grabbed my jacket and hat. Can see the hails?

Steve Farthing Great progress. (Hopefully the CDB is helping?)

Naomi Gray Yes, CBD is helping with pains, but it doesn't work for cough. I'm taking a few more meds for cough, ... Read more

Naomi Gray Yes, CBD is helping with pains, but it doesn't work for cough. I'm taking a few more meds for cough, etc. Some of those meds make me so dizzy that I won't be able to walk like this without feeling out of balance.

Scott Ainsworth Sometimes I feel like adjusting to the meds post op is harder than some of the rehab! The side affect ... Read more

Scott Ainsworth Sometimes I feel like adjusting to the meds post op is harder than some of the rehab! The side affects can put a downer on recovery.

Mike Roskowinski Good job Naomi. Keep it up you are doing great. We are right around the same time for recovery and I ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski Good job Naomi. Keep it up you are doing great. We are right around the same time for recovery and I really enjoy my walks. I do 3 a day about 1 mile. It helps time go by.

Naomi Gray Mike, 3 walks of 1 mile a day is pretty impressive. I just have one long one besides walking around t ... Read more

Naomi Gray Mike, 3 walks of 1 mile a day is pretty impressive. I just have one long one besides walking around the backyard throughout the day. I enjoy listening to Audible on my phone when walking alone.

Naomi Grayposted a photo

1126 days ago

Shannon Gray, Diane Esposito, Peter Eglinton and 1 other reacted to this

17 days post op. I walked for 32 min. on the paved road, and that was my record duration after my open heart surgery. I stopped by the cows to say 'thank you!' for the Bovine valve from a cow to replace my aortic valve.

Naomi Gray I'm still having persistent dry coughs, making it harder to breath, as well as causing sharp chest pa ... Read more

Naomi Gray I'm still having persistent dry coughs, making it harder to breath, as well as causing sharp chest pains. My chest wall hurts so much, and bothers me every time I move. So I've been taking pain meds. I feel so much better after stop taking Tramadol and Zofran which were making me feel dizzy and nauseous, and other side effects. I gradually replaced these with Cannabis oils (mainly CBD and THC, edible).

Catie B Hope you're getting enough relief from the pain, Naomi. I love that you walked over to greet the cows ... Read more

Catie B Hope you're getting enough relief from the pain, Naomi. I love that you walked over to greet the cows. :)
I don't know whether you're on Metoprolol, but when I first came out of the hospital, I was on quite a bit more of it than a few weeks later. It seemed to make me cough and it's a known side effect.

Naomi Gray Hi Catie, I'm actually taking Metoprolol 25mg (!/2 tablet twice a day). I wonder this IS causing my c ... Read more

Naomi Gray Hi Catie, I'm actually taking Metoprolol 25mg (!/2 tablet twice a day). I wonder this IS causing my cough??? I'm taking Coricidin HBP every day for over a week, as the cardiac nurse recommended. But my cough seems to keep haunting me, and it hurts my chest a lot.

Scott Ainsworth Hey Naomi, next time your near them cows, please pass my thanks on for my tissue valve as well. Great ... Read more

Scott Ainsworth Hey Naomi, next time your near them cows, please pass my thanks on for my tissue valve as well. Great to see you taking it all in your stride, I take metropolol twice a day and have for 4 years since my first heart attack and have had no cough but drugs are different for everyone. My cardiologist changed me a few months ago to another of the ‘lol’s and I did get a dry cough and giddy spells. They then returned me to metropolol.

Catie B Sooo sorry your chest is hurting much and I hope that eases soon! I definitely suffered the dry coug ... Read more

Catie B Sooo sorry your chest is hurting much and I hope that eases soon! I definitely suffered the dry cough for several weeks and in my own case, I attributed it to the Metoprolol, since I seemed to have no "reason" to cough and I had never taken that med before. They have you on a low dose... They started me a bit higher and eventually tapered mine down. Anyway, I hope your coughing eases!

Michael Andreas Naomi, I also had a dry persistent cough for several weeks after surgery. I tried everything in pill ... Read more

Michael Andreas Naomi, I also had a dry persistent cough for several weeks after surgery. I tried everything in pill and liquid form and ate so many cough drops, the enamel on my teeth was cold sensitive. One day after leaving a Chinese restaurant, I coughed up a cough drop sized piece of phlegm and my breathing and cough got instantly better. I was on 50mg Metroprol 3 months before and still on it after my cough

Heidi Rockwood Naomi, you look great! I am sorry about your cough and hope it resolves soon. I can’t imagine the p ... Read more

Heidi Rockwood Naomi, you look great! I am sorry about your cough and hope it resolves soon. I can’t imagine the pain from coughing after surgery! You are a true inspiration! Keep up the walks!

Joy Vera I had a cough after my 2010 surgery that got progressively worse & evolved into a pleural effusion. ... Read more

Joy Vera I had a cough after my 2010 surgery that got progressively worse & evolved into a pleural effusion. So do be sure to mention it to your cardiologist & monitor whether it gets worse. I’ve got one this time too but it’s not worsening. Still, I see the cardiologist’s PA tomorrow & will make sure she knows about it. Take care.

Naomi Gray Thanks Joy. I'm going to let the nurse know about my cough. It's frustrating that this is a long week ... Read more

Naomi Gray Thanks Joy. I'm going to let the nurse know about my cough. It's frustrating that this is a long weekend, and the doctors offices are still closed.

Rose Madura Hi Naomi - are you on Amiodorone (sp)? That will make you cough. I had a persistent cough and was r ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Naomi - are you on Amiodorone (sp)? That will make you cough. I had a persistent cough and was re-hospitalized with fluid around my lungs. You may want to talk to the doctor about it.