Sara 's Heart Valve Journal

John Morales  Hi Sara , sorry I cant speak on that as of yet , but that scar looks like its healing great and my not leave much of a mark, maybe you had an allergic reaction ... Read more

John Morales  Hi Sara , sorry I cant speak on that as of yet , but that scar looks like its healing great and my not leave much of a mark, maybe you had an allergic reaction to the adhesive from the bandage I'm sure someone will chime in here with an answer in the meantime hope your recovery is going well and all the best to you and your family.

Kim Boardman  Yes I did! Had allergic rash start in hospital from tape on stomach were drain tubes were. They gave me some cortisone cream in the hospital to help, which ... Read more

Kim Boardman  Yes I did! Had allergic rash start in hospital from tape on stomach were drain tubes were. They gave me some cortisone cream in the hospital to help, which it did some. Soon after I got home the rash had turned to hives and my family doctor put me on steroids. He said it was from my histamine kicking in from the allergic reaction to the tape. The steroids helped within two days of starting them, but they caused my heartrate and blood pressure to sky rocket. I hope you have relief soon!

Thomas Brusstar  Yes, I had itchy red rashes from every bandage and EKG sticker. My chest looked like a stripey nightmare because of it, but if itching and redness was my biggest ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar  Yes, I had itchy red rashes from every bandage and EKG sticker. My chest looked like a stripey nightmare because of it, but if itching and redness was my biggest problem, I was doing fine. I found just discontinuing bandages was the only way it got better.

Barbara Blackwell  His Sara. YES, same thing with me. Mine started right in the hospital though. On either side of my incision, long red marks down the front, and even on part ... Read more

Barbara Blackwell  His Sara. YES, same thing with me. Mine started right in the hospital though. On either side of my incision, long red marks down the front, and even on part of the boobs. Has subsided somewhat, but surgery was 4 weeks ago today. My incision looks much better than I thought it would, an am using something they sell here in England called Biio Oil which is applied twice a day. Supposed to be the #1 scar healer. I do notice my incision feels a little bit burn-y sometimes. Just don't like to have anything touch it sometimes. I'm sure this will clear up for you. xxx

J H Mattingly  Yes, I had a bad rash from the surgical soap?! Wherever they washed me, I got a rash...a lot of fun. Went away after about a week or so.
Btw...we had the ... Read more

J H Mattingly  Yes, I had a bad rash from the surgical soap?! Wherever they washed me, I got a rash...a lot of fun. Went away after about a week or so.
Btw...we had the same surgery. I am now 7 years out and doing great. You will too. The hard part is over!!! Congrats!

Jeremiah Erez  Hi Sara!
I see you got your battle scar!
You are now a bonafide, official, registered, tried and true Heart Warrior!
You look well Sara.
I pray you have a full ... Read more

Jeremiah Erez  Hi Sara!
I see you got your battle scar!
You are now a bonafide, official, registered, tried and true Heart Warrior!
You look well Sara.
I pray you have a full and complete recovery.
Peace and blessings to you and your family!

John Morales  Congratulations Sara you look amazing , and give us yet to go inspiration, we all wish you the best and hope you go home im sure your family is happy this is ... Read more

John Morales  Congratulations Sara you look amazing , and give us yet to go inspiration, we all wish you the best and hope you go home im sure your family is happy this is behind you and you are now in the recovery stage , I cant wait to also have it behind me as the thought terrifies me but seeing you make me feel better all the best and God's speed so great to see you .

Bill Pollard  Congratulations Sarah. I was in the same position almost three months ago. I felt a little better every day. I feel the same way about my chest scar. Hopefully ... Read more

Bill Pollard  Congratulations Sarah. I was in the same position almost three months ago. I felt a little better every day. I feel the same way about my chest scar. Hopefully you will be able to tell the difference with the new valve. I wasn’t able to tell a difference until I was able to exercise. I can now run and exercise without having to stop every minute to catch my breath. Prayers for a strong recovery.

Sara Colosimo  This is Sara’s husband Andrew. Sara is 24 hours into her post surgery journey. Dr. Said her surgery went perfectly! She is in a good bit of pain but all tubes ... Read more

Sara Colosimo  This is Sara’s husband Andrew. Sara is 24 hours into her post surgery journey. Dr. Said her surgery went perfectly! She is in a good bit of pain but all tubes are out and she is trying to rest. Her biggest complaint is her shoulder and neck pain. Dr. says that this is most likely from the position they had her in for the surgery.

Louanna Miller  Sara, you look great for post surgery. I don’t think my husband posted mine. I was in iCU for 2 days. My pain was extreme at 10+. At about 10 hours post ... Read more

Louanna Miller  Sara, you look great for post surgery. I don’t think my husband posted mine. I was in iCU for 2 days. My pain was extreme at 10+. At about 10 hours post surgery they got it down to an 8. Still tough. Several of my MDs and cardiac nurses have since told me that younger women tend to have more pain and need more pain medication for management. Take what you reed to feel comfortable.

Hang in there. It will get better.

Tracy Fallu  You look great Sara. I’m sorry about the pain. I too was in quite a bit of pain. The nurses made sure to let me know to stay ahead of the high pain level ... Read more

Tracy Fallu  You look great Sara. I’m sorry about the pain. I too was in quite a bit of pain. The nurses made sure to let me know to stay ahead of the high pain level and not wait to take the medicine.
Hoping you are able to get rest and feel better each day.

Sara Colosimo  This is it. Tomorrow morning I report by 6am. Looking at an 8:30 start. I’m laughing one minute and crying the next. Today was definitely rough and I’m ... Read more

Sara Colosimo  This is it. Tomorrow morning I report by 6am. Looking at an 8:30 start. I’m laughing one minute and crying the next. Today was definitely rough and I’m ready to get this done! Love you all. You’ve helped me more than you know. Thank you from my old heart to my new for the words of encouragement and well wishes. I’ll post my recovery pic as soon as I’m able! ❤️

Bob Guzzo  Hi Sara, tomorrow is your Big day!.... & Finally, you will be able to put all the pre-surgery worry to rest. I can identify with you as being emotional before ... Read more

Bob Guzzo  Hi Sara, tomorrow is your Big day!.... & Finally, you will be able to put all the pre-surgery worry to rest. I can identify with you as being emotional before surgery. It's totally normal. Just let your emotions flow... Before you know it, your surgery will be behind you and with that you will feel a BIG RELIEF, knowing you're on the recovery side of the journey. I had my Aortic Valve replaced 11 days ago & all has been moving forward in a good way. I'm sure the same will be for you too! My thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. Bob

John Morales  Hi Sara we are all wishing you the best we know you will get thru this and we are all cheering you on so go in and we will see you on the other side of the ... Read more

John Morales  Hi Sara we are all wishing you the best we know you will get thru this and we are all cheering you on so go in and we will see you on the other side of the finish line Gods Speed and gentle hand guide your surgeons

Rob Sparling  Take the leap and they will catch you! Go in positive and be infectious about it! Kick it’s butt while basking in the love of those around you and applaud ... Read more

Rob Sparling  Take the leap and they will catch you! Go in positive and be infectious about it! Kick it’s butt while basking in the love of those around you and applaud your team on the way in. Then focus on waking up! You’ve got this!

Jeannette McLaughlin  Looking good, Sara! In answer to a recent post with regard to appetite, mine did not diminish at all. I was sure glad I had brought those healthy treats to ... Read more

Jeannette McLaughlin  Looking good, Sara! In answer to a recent post with regard to appetite, mine did not diminish at all. I was sure glad I had brought those healthy treats to the hospital as I never had enough to eat. Best of luck with your recovery. Take care.

Rob Sparling  Keep doing what you are doing, Sara! You don’t know it yet, it you’ve got the hard work done already. Beautiful pic! Visualize it and other images as ... Read more

Rob Sparling  Keep doing what you are doing, Sara! You don’t know it yet, it you’ve got the hard work done already. Beautiful pic! Visualize it and other images as well as a successful procedure and a swift recovery. Stay focused and positive (like you are) and it will all fall into place! ❤️💪

John Morales  Hi Sara we are all wishing you the best we know you will get thru this and we are all cheering you on so go in and we will see you on the other side of the ... Read more

John Morales  Hi Sara we are all wishing you the best we know you will get thru this and we are all cheering you on so go in and we will see you on the other side of the finish line Gods Speed and gentle hand guide your surgeons.

Sara Colosimo  Happy New Year! Today marks one week... let the countdown begin. One week this time, I’ll be on the road to recovery. I’m ready to rock this surgery, although ... Read more

Sara Colosimo  Happy New Year! Today marks one week... let the countdown begin. One week this time, I’ll be on the road to recovery. I’m ready to rock this surgery, although the anxiousness weighs more on my mind each day.

The holidays kept us so busy and full of smiles! Today was spent brunching with friends and the lucky pork and kraut dinner with family. Tomorrow, I head back to school to my first graders for just the remainder of the week and will be off until April or so. I’m nervous to send my letter of me being out home to the parents but know I’ll have their support.

I wrote out a few cards to the special people in my life because this reality check made me realize how precious waking up each day really is and want them to know how much they mean to me. I also found an adorable children’s book about being brave that I’ll read on audio for my daughter on the nights I’m not at home to put her to bed. We also borrowed a recliner from my grandma that I can use during the first few weeks; set up and ready to go!

I’m anxious, but (I think) I’m ready... or getting there!
What were some things you packed for your stay? I can’t imagine needing much (comfy pants, slippers, socks, book, laptop, phone charger, toothbrush...)

Happy New Year!

Louanna Miller  You’ve got this!!! Stay focused on the end goal...healing and restore health.

I took very little as I was told I would not need a lot. Hospitals are ... Read more

Louanna Miller  You’ve got this!!! Stay focused on the end goal...healing and restore health.

I took very little as I was told I would not need a lot. Hospitals are different, so I will share how it wasat Northwestern. They recommended I wear the hospital gown as to not get something on my own pjs. It makes sense because you hsvecmsny tubes for some time. Also, the gown has a pocket for the heart monitor and with the snaps here and there all of the wires and cords have a place. Once on the cardiac floor and getting up to walk frequently, the hospital provided a second gown to put on from the back to the front to keep you covered. I brought pj shorts to wear under the gown and later long pj lounge pants and did not need the second hospital gown.

I also brought some lightweight soft socks. Once I felt better I would put mine on and then when I got out of bed I put on the socks the hospital gave me over my socks. They have rubber on the bottom so you don’t need shoes in the room or hallways. The hospital floors were not very clean, so I took off the hospital socks when I got back in bed. Just wore my socks in bed. I didn’t want to get the floor dirt germs in the bed.

Bring a really good lip balm moisturizer. Give it to your husband to put on your lips as soon as the tub is removed. Your lips will be dry. I kept it nearby the entire time I was in the hospital, along with hand cream, face cream and whatever will help you feel pampered. I also brought hair ties as I have long hair, too. I didn’t get to wash my hair for the 11 days in the hospital. I brought dry shampoo and it did help some.

A friend made me a shawl and it was nice to put around my shoulders while sitting in the chair or in bed. I highly recommend bringing your own pillow. I brought two for the 3 hour ride home, but did not bring them into the hospital. The hospital pillows and mattress are plastic covered and I was hot most of the time.

I did not feel like doing much of anything but read a little and listened to some calming music.

Then brought something easy to put on for trip home. I bought several night shirts that button up the front. They instructed me to not raise my arms above my head for some time.

Diane Maher  As a former early childhood educator, I recognize all of your strong points...you are organized, prepared and focused.....all of which will help you in your ... Read more

Diane Maher  As a former early childhood educator, I recognize all of your strong points...you are organized, prepared and focused.....all of which will help you in your recovery. Stay strong, positive, focused and in the present .....have confidence in your ability to overcome any issues that unexpectedly arise as I am sure you do in your classroom. Very best wishes❣️

Louanna Miller  Northwestern provided toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, special body soap, and a gentle body lotion.

I also had a journal that I had my husband keep notes ... Read more

Louanna Miller  Northwestern provided toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, special body soap, and a gentle body lotion.

I also had a journal that I had my husband keep notes in from the time I went into the OR. I’m one who wants to know the timing of things like when the OR contacted him, my surgeon, what they said, when he got to see me. Who was there with him, how was I doing when he first saw me, when did things happen like tube out, etc. I had tremendous pain and the tube didn’t come out for 8 hours. I remember hearing voices I recognized and a nurse talking about pain management and changing my medication. My sister helped to document things as well. It has helped me to piece together the chain of events especially since I was sedated and droggy for 2 days. I was in ICU the day if surgery and the following. I went to the step down around noon on day 3.

Sara Colosimo  Thank you thank you! I made a list of all of the recommendations. I'll pack a bag although I know I won't need anything for at least the first day or two. ... Read more

Sara Colosimo  Thank you thank you! I made a list of all of the recommendations. I'll pack a bag although I know I won't need anything for at least the first day or two.
Gina: I will get my period 24 hours after surgery?!?!?!? Even if it's not due? I never heard of this!
Thank you again everyone. Taking the time to answer my questions, really listen (read), and give input keeps my spirits so high!

Rob Sparling  Chapstick! Get it right away after tube comes out. But that was already covered. Bring your eyeglass case for your specs. They may put stickers on stuff ... Read more

Rob Sparling  Chapstick! Get it right away after tube comes out. But that was already covered. Bring your eyeglass case for your specs. They may put stickers on stuff before they toss it into a big ziploc bag! Boxer shorts or PJs for under the gown, again mentioned above. Have a thermometer on hand at home before you leave for the hospital In case you wonder/worry you might have a fever. Pill box with morning/evening slots for drugs. You are in awesome shape, Sara! You are gonna do well! Keep us posted! 💪❤️

Sara Colosimo  Today was huge! We (my husband and I) were at the hospital for most of the day. CT Angio (rather than a heart cath), bloodwork, nasal swab, urine analysis, ... Read more

Sara Colosimo  Today was huge! We (my husband and I) were at the hospital for most of the day. CT Angio (rather than a heart cath), bloodwork, nasal swab, urine analysis, EKG, chest X-ray and one last meet with my team of doctors. Whew! I am proud to say I didn’t shed a tear, but sure was close. My confidence and readiness is still going strong but my nerves are jittering more and more each day.

My biggest fears at this point:
-waking up with a tube in my mouth.
-something not going as planned.
-my four year old not being able to see me for a few days and/or seeing me uncomfortable.

My biggest excitements:
-waking up and knowing I did it!
-becoming the best me I can be in 2019
-allowing myself to rest and recover

All tests are done until go time. January 8 here I come....

❤️

Rob Sparling  Way to go, Sara! Biggest fear #2 is a doozie, but the tests you just went through are intended to mitigate it all so they have a clear line of sight on everything. ... Read more

Rob Sparling  Way to go, Sara! Biggest fear #2 is a doozie, but the tests you just went through are intended to mitigate it all so they have a clear line of sight on everything.

You are on a good path! Stay strong! You’ve got this! ❤️💪

Lisa Guinan  I was also freaked out about the tube. I was really only aware of it for 30 min tops. It helps that you know it’ll be there and are prepared for it. Just ... Read more

Lisa Guinan  I was also freaked out about the tube. I was really only aware of it for 30 min tops. It helps that you know it’ll be there and are prepared for it. Just think about the wonderful ice chips they’ll give you once it’s out. You’ll do fine.

Louanna Miller  You have a wonderful mindset. Stay strong and focused on recovery.

My tube didn’t come out for 8 hours post surgery, but the anesthesia and pain medication ... Read more

Louanna Miller  You have a wonderful mindset. Stay strong and focused on recovery.

My tube didn’t come out for 8 hours post surgery, but the anesthesia and pain medication made me pretty much unaware of it. Not as bad coming out as I had expected.

Your little one will see you in the step down room and you will look fine.

Praying for a successful surgery and a complete recovery in health and strength.

Willie Radl  Best wishes! I barely noticed the tube when I woke up and it came out right away. Its not as bad as I was thinking in my mind. My 4yr old was very excited to ... Read more

Willie Radl  Best wishes! I barely noticed the tube when I woke up and it came out right away. Its not as bad as I was thinking in my mind. My 4yr old was very excited to see me in the step down room and all the machines and cords make for a lot of interesting questions 😉.

Mark Jaycox  Sara, I was in your shoes 1 month ago. All the tests gets tiresome. I remember being with my wife and daughter for awhile before being wheeled into the OR by ... Read more

Mark Jaycox  Sara, I was in your shoes 1 month ago. All the tests gets tiresome. I remember being with my wife and daughter for awhile before being wheeled into the OR by anathesiologist. Next thing I know I’m waking up 6 hours later in ICU with the breathing tube in my mouth. That was removed pretty quickly and it was pretty much clear sailing from there. You got this and before you know it you’ll be home recovering with your family♥️