Sara 's Photos

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 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!

Catie B  So sorry for the itchies. Mine came much sooner, about 3 days into hospitalization, was allergic to adhesive on lidocaine patches. I hope things ease for you soon.

Rhonda Williams  Yes, from the EKG pads. It was very annoying. I just used hydrocortisone and it eventually went away.

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 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

Lisa Guinan  Are you sure there's not still something over your incision? My surgeon used derma-bond and it looked just like yours does. It stayed on for 2 weeks.

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!

  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!

Louanna Miller  Wow, you look terrific. I’m wearing my scar proudly and am glad you will too.

Get home and rest!

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 .

Jeannette McLaughlin  Hello! Sara – Great-looking scar! If you would like help in the healing process, I highly recommend DERMA E Scar Gel. This natural gel, which I used, is absolutely amazing!

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.

John Isham  Fantastic Sara....I feel your strength and encouragement in the pic.....thanks much for that. Looks like you are on your way to an incredible 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 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.

Joey Hardee  Sara! What an awesome pic!!! Praying you can rest and recover now. Thank you for the update, Andrew! Take care!

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.

Dan Baltazor  Thank you for the update Andrew. Welcome to the recovery side. Prayers for continued smooth healing.

Dan Vechiola  Way to go Sara! Welcome to the hard earned recovery side. Do everything they say and remember the physical and occupational therapists hold the keys to your discharge!

John Isham  You look Fantastic Sara! Save me some snacks in the recovery room as I’ll be there next Tuesday! You look MARVELOUS! U R in our Prayers!

Rob Sparling  Way to go! Excellent news, great pic! Thanks for the pic! 👍. Get moving as soon as they let you and do your lung exercises!

John Morales  Andrew the Heart warriors are so happy to see Sara out and on her way to recovery those of us who are waiting are inspired by those who we see congratulations and best of luck in her recovery.

Vicki Zimbric  I thought & prayed for you all day yesterday!! I was so happy to see your husband's post. You look fantastic Sara!!! I am so proud of you and will continue praying for your recovery!!

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.

Judy S  Congratulations Sara! My worst pain was caused by how I was positioned on the table as well. Just stay on top of the pain meds (I.e. don’t wait) and it will get better soon!

Debbie Moriarty  So glad to have you on the healing side! Let your nurses and therapists guide you through. They are super helpful!!

  Welcome to the recovery side Sara! Thank you Andrew for updating us.
Peace and blessings to you both!

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 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 Isham  Sara.....you are in our prayers for a extremely successful surgery tomorrow!
I’ll be joining you on the recovery side next Tuesday - 1/15!

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 your team on the way in. Then focus on waking up! You’ve got this!

Louanna Miller  You’ve got this Sara. We will be here cheering you on and praying for a successful surgery, excellent pain management and complete restoration of health.

Debbie Kelly  Praying for you, Sara. All will go well and you will have your beautiful girl back in your arms soon!

Dan Vechiola  We have your back Sara. Feel our strength and visualize a successful surgery, hospital stay and recovery. See ya on the recovery side!

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 well as a successful procedure and a swift recovery. Stay focused and positive (like you are) and it will all fall into place! ❤️💪

Dan Vechiola  Great way to distract your mind Sara! Staying active and distracting your mind play big roles going into surgery. See you on the other side!

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.

John Isham  Sara.....you are in our prayers for an absolute perfect surgery tomorrow! See you on the recovery side!

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!

Gina Fiorentino  AND feminine hygiene products (in case no one mentioned your monthly friend will visit 24 hours after surgery... Yay!)

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 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 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.

Judy S  What a lovely thing to do for your daughter while you’re recovering! They may not allow children at the hospital but maybe you could FaceTime with her so she can see what good shape you’re in!

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!

Lisa Guinan  Nobody told me about a period after surgery and it did happen. I wasn’t prepared. I’m peri-menopausal and never know what to expect.

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! 💪❤️

Vicki Zimbric  I don't want to be on Oxycodone or anything like an Opioid. What suggestions do you have for pain management?

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.

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 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 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 see me in the step down room and all the machines and cords make for a lot of interesting questions 😉.

Susan Lynn  Sara - focus only on the excitement. Don't worry about what may never happen - you'll go around those obstacles if you need to. Think about everything going exactly as planned! You'll be fine!

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♥️

Vicki Zimbric  I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to read all of the posts for Sara! I just found this sight yesterday!