Alice Williams - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

308 days ago

I'm 12 weeks out from aortic valve replacement and aneurysm repair. I really only feel about 70% well. HR continues to be high even though they started me ...Read more

I'm 12 weeks out from aortic valve replacement and aneurysm repair. I really only feel about 70% well. HR continues to be high even though they started me back on Metoprolol. I am often short of breath with normal activity. The loud pounding heartbeat is incessant. I have had a slower recovery than most, it seems. Has anyone else felt this way, and did it eventually resolve?

Mike McKenna Hi Alice, I'm sorry things are not 100% for you, yet, hopefully soon and someone can answer your ques ... Read more

Mike McKenna Hi Alice, I'm sorry things are not 100% for you, yet, hopefully soon and someone can answer your question. I won't have surgery until 8/30/23.

Marie Myers Sorry your recovery has been slow. Everyone is different, and will progress at different rates. Did y ... Read more

Marie Myers Sorry your recovery has been slow. Everyone is different, and will progress at different rates. Did you do cardiac rehab? That helped jumpstart me back to my active lifestyle. What dose of metoprolol are you on? The other thing that comes to mind is hydration. Are you drinking enough water and other fluids daily? And did your hemoglobin (blood count) get back to normal. A low blood count can cause fatigue. The prominent, strong heartbeat comes with the corrected valve. My heartbeat is much stronger, especially When taking a deep breath. As your heartbeat slows down to normal, you may notice the strong heartbeat less and less. Have you spoken to your cardiologist/internal medicine provider about this issue?

Klara Čičić Dear Alice, I felt 100% only after 7 months! Maybe give yourself more time, 12 weeks is still so ear... Read more

Klara Čičić Dear Alice, I felt 100% only after 7 months! Maybe give yourself more time, 12 weeks is still so early. I couldn't have imagined working after 12 weeks, I felt a little bit short of breath after stressful day or some activity, my heart rate was still higher, I just wasn't myself, yet after 6 months it was totally different and way better. Now I am 8 months and doing great. I hope with time, you will, too. Some people need even a year. If your cardiologist says everything is ok, maybe it is really just time....

Kathy Ozio Hi Alice. Definitely give yourself some time. Ignore all the stories you see on the internet about... Read more

Kathy Ozio Hi Alice. Definitely give yourself some time. Ignore all the stories you see on the internet about recovering in just a few weeks. I was so upset I wasn't feeling better because all I read were people walking and hiking after just a few weeks. Everyone is different and you will get there. I am almost 4 months out from my surgery and finally have just had a few days where I felt almost 100%. But then I work a long day and am reminded, I'm not 100% even yet.

I just went back to work full time this week. When you are tired, rest. When you feel good, don't over do it. Just don't be hard on yourself. And be thankful you found this forum. It is a true Godsend!

Rose Madura Alice, I feel for you because I also had a long recovery with tons of complications and readmissions... Read more

Rose Madura Alice, I feel for you because I also had a long recovery with tons of complications and readmissions to the hospital. At times, I felt I'd never get better but I did and you will too. Marie always gives good advice and the others have too. I'm glad you voiced your feelings here. You are not alone in this. God bless you.

Rita Savelis I was definitely short of breath after surgery. And still am today. My heatbeat was loud. This is s ... Read more

Rita Savelis I was definitely short of breath after surgery. And still am today. My heatbeat was loud. This is standard after surgery. Your recovery is yours and very singular and personal. There is no standard. 12 weeks is very early. Many patients downplay how long recovery takes. It's not a competition. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Surgery is quick, but recovery takes time. Your body has been through a lot. Take care.

Alice Williams Marie Myers: My insurance only covers cardiac rehab for CABG patients. I'm taking 25mg of Metoprolol ... Read more

Alice Williams Marie Myers: My insurance only covers cardiac rehab for CABG patients. I'm taking 25mg of Metoprolol twice a day. I've been working on hydration, but could do better. And I am definitely still anemic. Had several pints of blood in the hospital. Taking Floradix. My cardiologist is not interested. Says all my tests are fine and I need to see my primary care about any complaints. Thanks for your input!

Alice Williams Klara Čičić : That's really encouraging. Thank you!

Alice Williamsposted an update

380 days ago

I'm two weeks out today from open aortic valve replacement. When will I feel safe being left on my own for a whole day?

Debie Nervina I know you are fiercely independent and strong Alice. That being said take it slow and allow your ... Read more

Debie Nervina I know you are fiercely independent and strong Alice. That being said take it slow and allow your friends and family take care of you for the time it takes to heal. It will happen in good time girlfriend.

Marie Myers I think that depends on you. I felt safe by myself after the first week and a half. By then, I was w ... Read more

Marie Myers I think that depends on you. I felt safe by myself after the first week and a half. By then, I was walking down the driveway and back, and was starting to do more meal prepping. Just don’t try to reach for stuff on high shelves like I did… Learned that little lesson!

Rose Madura I'd say not until you are ready because each recovery is different.

Rita Savelis You are singular and you will feel safe when you are ready to feel safe. You've been through a lot. E ... Read more

Rita Savelis You are singular and you will feel safe when you are ready to feel safe. You've been through a lot. Everyone's recovery is singular.

Alice Williamsposted an update

387 days ago

Grace Mason , Jeanette Davidson , Mark Buttell and 2 others reacted to this

It's been a tough recovery with nausea and fluid overload. But I turned a corner yesterday and will likely go home tomorrow.

Steven Methot Nothing like home! Safe travels.

Grace Mason Great news Alice! Happy for you

Jeanette Davidson Good luck getting home!!!

Ralph Williams Looking forward to having you home!

Rose Madura Wonderful news to hear you are making progress. Be sure to listen to your body. Take one day at a ti ... Read more

Rose Madura Wonderful news to hear you are making progress. Be sure to listen to your body. Take one day at a time.

Debie Nervina The world is a better place with you still in it girlfriend

Jason Hyrup Hope your recovery goes better, and you go home soon. Dont rush it and take it easy.

Deb Yednak Once you get home, you will start to feel sooo much better! Happy for you!

Deena Elani Sp glad it is over fast you. Have to admit, I had nausea too. That’s hard, but short lived.

Pamela Gregory Great news that you are feeling better. Take it easy and enjoy being in your home

DeLois Tweedy Praying for continued recovery. The place for it is home! I'm happy for you.

Alice Williams

390 days ago

Adam Pick, Susan Lynn, Rajan Parrikar and 1 other reacted to this

Feeling better than this now!

Adam Pick Woo-Hooo! Welcome to the "other side" Alice. So happy to hear you are feeling better now. Step-by-s... Read more

Adam Pick Woo-Hooo! Welcome to the "other side" Alice. So happy to hear you are feeling better now. Step-by-step. My thoughts are with you!

Mark Buttell Glad to hear from you Alice. Adam’s heart family was surely pulling for ya! Baby steps are key and ... Read more

Mark Buttell Glad to hear from you Alice. Adam’s heart family was surely pulling for ya! Baby steps are key and you will be recovering during the spring when everything starts over for the better just like you! God bless you!

Susan Lynn Alice - You'll be surprised how much better you feel in a week or two. Wishing you a speedy recove... Read more

Susan Lynn Alice - You'll be surprised how much better you feel in a week or two. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

DeLois Tweedy Alice, glad its over and recovery has begun. Wishing you all the best and thoughts and prayers are co ... Read more

DeLois Tweedy Alice, glad its over and recovery has begun. Wishing you all the best and thoughts and prayers are coming your way.

Klara Čičić Oh dear Alice, I remember feeling like you on this photo. Luckily this feeling is short-lived. I am g ... Read more

Klara Čičić Oh dear Alice, I remember feeling like you on this photo. Luckily this feeling is short-lived. I am glad you are feeling better! Wishing you all the best during recovery. Take it easy!

Grace Mason Glad to hear you are feeling better

Rose Madura Alice, your photo brought back memories for me too. You get better each day. Time to listen to your... Read more

Rose Madura Alice, your photo brought back memories for me too. You get better each day. Time to listen to your body and do what they tell you. Your husband will be a big help to you. God bless you.

Cheryl Vaughan Glad you are feeling better. I remember this feeling. Each day will get better. ❤️🙏

Ana Brusso Welcome to recovery Alice. You made it. Continued good health and recovery and God bless you 🙏❤� ... Read more

Ana Brusso Welcome to recovery Alice. You made it. Continued good health and recovery and God bless you 🙏❤️

Alex Sagan We’ve been there and sympathize! Congrats and welcome to after. Glad you are progressing.

Richard Munson Great

Deena Elani The hardest party is over! Yayyyy! Welcome to recovery. Thanks for posting.

Debie Nervina Wowzers! I am glad you are feeling better than this picture now. Blessings

Alice Williams

394 days ago

Amy Berger, Susan Lynn, Andrew Dial and 9 others reacted to this

Ready for take off.

Amy Berger You’ve got this!!!

Susan Lynn We'll be waiting to welcome you to recovery, Alice! You go, Girl!

Mark Buttell Prayers for you today! You got this!

Pamela Gregory Sending my best thoughts and prayers your way

Marie Myers Sweet dreams!

Angela Meletiadis Best wishes for a successful procedure and easy recovery!!!

Rose Madura Best wishes to you.

jonette kruk Godspeed!

Jason Hyrup See you in recovery Alice. You got this!!!

Adam Pick Thoughts are with you Alice!!!!

Ralph Williams Ralph, Alice's husband here. Alice's heart surgery went well. She's a bit nauseous presumably from th ... Read more

Ralph Williams Ralph, Alice's husband here. Alice's heart surgery went well. She's a bit nauseous presumably from the anesthesia and she is sleeping a fair amount. I have a playlist on Apple Music of "songs that touch my soul" and this morning as I'm eating breakfast the song Woman in Chains comes on by Tears for Fears. Then right after that was Sanctuary by Carrie Newcomer. https://youtu.be/HjOioWTVAl4 Thanks for all of your support and kind words.

Sanctuary - Carrie Newcomer

Ralph Williams https://youtu.be/ny4fixBkYkA

Woman In Chains

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupWoman In Chains Â· Tears For Fears Â· Oleta AdamsRule The World: The Greatest Hitsâ 1989 Mercury Records LimitedRel...

Rose Madura Wonderful news. Now it's on to recovery! Thanks for updating us

Ralph Williams Alice's husband here. She's doing a bit better. She's off the morphine and didn't scream when they mo ... Read more

Ralph Williams Alice's husband here. She's doing a bit better. She's off the morphine and didn't scream when they moved her from the bed to the chair and back. At the same time her blood pressure is a bit low, so she's on medication for that and her hemoglobin is off so they are giving her blood. It looks like at least one more day in the ICU. She's also sleeping a lot which I suspect is a good thing.

Rose Madura Sounds like everything is under control. The doctors and nurses know what they are doing. She'll be o ... Read more

Rose Madura Sounds like everything is under control. The doctors and nurses know what they are doing. She'll be out of ICU in no time. God bless you both.

Susan Lynn Ralph - Thanks for the update! I'm sure you're exhausted - we know that OHS is a team effort! Gla... Read more

Susan Lynn Ralph - Thanks for the update! I'm sure you're exhausted - we know that OHS is a team effort! Glad that Alice is starting her recovery and getting some rest. All the best to you both! We're cheering for you!!

Ralph Williams I heard this song this morning and thought of people going through this giant transition and thought ... Read more

Ralph Williams I heard this song this morning and thought of people going through this giant transition and thought it might be helpful. https://youtu.be/CV8h27G-zh8

Chris Chickering - "Reinvent Yourself" (Official Music Video) - Inspiring Song

Enjoy this inspiring song. Download recording artist and solution-focused therapist Chris Chickering's #1 Best Selling Book for FREE at https://www.ChrisChic...

Mark Buttell Thanks for the updates. Everyone recovers at different levels and as long as she’s moving forward t ... Read more

Mark Buttell Thanks for the updates. Everyone recovers at different levels and as long as she’s moving forward that is all that matters. Continued prayers for both of you.

Alice Williams

401 days ago

Grace Mason , Rose Madura, Pamela Gregory and 4 others reacted to this

One week out, and I got this fortune:

Marie Myers OMG!! Good one….

Grace Mason Now u need your surgeon to sign it.

Rose Madura Sounds spot on.

Klara Čičić Hahah good one! :)

Susan Lynn Totally cool!!!

Leona Resch OMG!! There’s your sign!!💕

Alice Williamsposted an update

419 days ago

Rose Madura, Grace Mason reacted to this

Had appointment with Cardiac Surgeon yesterday. My aortic valve is bicuspid according to the latest CT! Who knew. Decided on open-heart surgery with a tissue ...Read more

Had appointment with Cardiac Surgeon yesterday. My aortic valve is bicuspid according to the latest CT! Who knew. Decided on open-heart surgery with a tissue valve and aortic aneurysm repair. Set date of 3/22/23.

Rose Madura The date is set! That's always a milestone. God bless you. Please keep us updated....

Frank Giovanniello That long wait is the very worst part. You'll be fine.

Susan Lynn Alice - Good for you! Glad you have your date. In a few weeks, your procedure will be behind yo... Read more

Susan Lynn Alice - Good for you! Glad you have your date. In a few weeks, your procedure will be behind you!

jonette kruk So happy you have a date. Although it seems like that date takes forever to come, it comes pretty fas ... Read more

jonette kruk So happy you have a date. Although it seems like that date takes forever to come, it comes pretty fast. I was excited when I got a date, because now I needed to prepare myself as well as my family. As Frank says, "...wait is the very worst part" some say it worst than the procedure itself. Every day I wake up, I am counting down, "one more day closer to surgery." I have now accepted my heart disease condition and am EXCITED to get it fixed. I never thought I would say I AM EXCITED FOR SURGERY. Don't get me wrong, I am also very scared.

Alice Williams I am strangely excited too! But I am sure the full range of emotions is on the menu.

Rose Madura I don't think it's strange at all.

Alice Williamsposted a journal

430 days ago

Brenda Mitchell, Klara Čičić, Grace Mason and 1 other reacted to this

CT and Pulmonary Function test went well. Appointment with surgeon 2/24. Will decide about open or TAVR procedure and mechanical vs bio valve.

Rose Madura Things are happening! Best wishes next week on your appointment.

Alice Williamsposted an update

441 days ago

Susan Lynn, Mary Enns reacted to this

Had an angiogram yesterday. It went well.

Results:

1. No angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease.

2. Heavily ...Read more

Had an angiogram yesterday. It went well.

Results:

1. No angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease.

2. Heavily calcified aortic valve noted by fluoroscopy.

Next is a CT and a pulmonary function test. Then, hopefully, a surgery date.

Susan Lynn Yay!!! Clean arteries! Excellent news, Alice! Good luck with the rest of your tests!

Rose Madura Wonderful news!