Well, it has been a long time. i missed my 6 month check up due to being busy at work. The Cardioligist thought that was a bad sign of taking care of myself. ...Read more
Well, it has been a long time. i missed my 6 month check up due to being busy at work. The Cardioligist thought that was a bad sign of taking care of myself. I made it to my 7 month check up and all is well. I cant believe December will be one year. I wanted to post today because I walked up a little incline at work that last year I woud have to stop on at least once and pretend I was looking at something. Today, I cruised up it. I have no pressure in my chest. I do have issues carrying work trays, then my heart races but I chalk it up to excitement. Swimming this summer was hard as my chest was so tight but I was so happy to be in the water! I am also so happy I had my aortic valve replaced. Actually, wished I had done it sooner. Praying for those who are anxious and waiting for surgery.
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Annette. Terrie from Calif. here. I am wondering how long it took before you were able to start ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Annette. Terrie from Calif. here. I am wondering how long it took before you were able to start back into swimming and if you were given any restrictions as to how much and which strokes were safe to do. I am a lap swiimmer who prefers the breast stroke as the main one but incorporate using the side stroke, back stroke and crawl to keep going for 40 laps(one way) of the pool as my norm. Of course, I haven't been swimming since 2012 and have just recently had my Valve repaired (4 wks an 3 days ago so I am really excited to think of getting back in the water! Congratulations on being near the 1 year "Celebration" and continued progress in the Healing! Terrie
I finally felt all systems go. Sure, tired after a long day and night of work last night but I was not winded during work and not dizzy or short of breath. ...Read more
I finally felt all systems go. Sure, tired after a long day and night of work last night but I was not winded during work and not dizzy or short of breath.
I have had some great treadmill and biking efforts. A few brave flowers are trying to stick their heads out of the frozen ground so there are positives every where I look.
Cardiologist released me until end of June. Off of coumadin and onto baby aspirin. thanks for all the prayers and tips.
Your patient advocate is your key to success!!!
WOW! Can't believe I have not created a journal since
Jan 24!
I have read up on others and time is flying by.
I'm a quarter of the way through Rehab and ...Read more
WOW! Can't believe I have not created a journal since
Jan 24!
I have read up on others and time is flying by.
I'm a quarter of the way through Rehab and my fellow rehabers and the nurses are great. Rehab is a good safe place to not only work out but share fears, failures, and progress with people in similar situations.
Still trying to balance work and play. Keeping everyone close in my thoughts and prayers.
Im very happy to report that my meeting with my cardiologist went well. Yesterday was 4 weeks post op.
Metoprolol...is keeping my heart from being in A flutter, ...Read more
Im very happy to report that my meeting with my cardiologist went well. Yesterday was 4 weeks post op.
Metoprolol...is keeping my heart from being in A flutter, eventually I will be able to be weaned off of that but for now we can manage that dosing. It is working and alowing me to sleep and not be rocking!
One more week of no driving...just allow the sternum to heal...
Approved to start cardiac rehab next week! That I am thrilled about. I will have my heart monitored during the sessions and be able to make some strides...pun intended
Released from Home Health visits so I will have I&R blood work done monthly at local hospital.
So, slow and steady can now be a little faster:)
I went out for lunch with my current driver Boo and I felt like I was on vacation!!! We were the only people in the restaurant so it was perfect!
Long day, so I was happy to return to my warm home and into PJs.
Grateful, to everyone who has sent cards and has kept me in their prayers.
Chest xray and ultrasound met with approval. One Iv still connected but no juice is flowing. Have a nuisance cough today. Can't wait to get home and get back ...Read more
Chest xray and ultrasound met with approval. One Iv still connected but no juice is flowing. Have a nuisance cough today. Can't wait to get home and get back on my spirometer.
Never Did get my shower. Sue Bee will be glad I'm required to ride in the back seat. Still hoping to be home by 5
My day nurse Anna is back today and she was as frustrated as I was that I.didn't get conversion yesterday. She indicates she is going to coordinate it all in ...Read more
My day nurse Anna is back today and she was as frustrated as I was that I.didn't get conversion yesterday. She indicates she is going to coordinate it all in my room today. Then Its lay flat for 2 hours,then some water and hopefully they will disconnect my Ivs and I can shower. My kingdom for hot water and shampoo!
In the meantime I'm off to take s few laps. I have some chest congestion...coughing last night and this am
TEE went well, I was a little whimpy but they helped me through it just fine. No blood clot.
The mix up was I signed consent for TEE but no one saw me from ...Read more
TEE went well, I was a little whimpy but they helped me through it just fine. No blood clot.
The mix up was I signed consent for TEE but no one saw me from anesthesia so in recovery a nice Dr had to come and tell me since I was already in twilight I couldn't sign now for the cardioversion. I tried to show him I could explain the procedure etc but no go...disappointing as now I have to wait until tomorrowand they will shock me in the room. Then they need to observe me over night
As I was walking off some pre game jitters I heard a female voice say we can stop in and see Corbett she is in 45. Then I heard Dr Malaisrie say if we catch ...Read more
As I was walking off some pre game jitters I heard a female voice say we can stop in and see Corbett she is in 45. Then I heard Dr Malaisrie say if we catch up to her we can talk to her right here.
he is so confident and reassuring. He said so you are having your cardioversion version today.I said my heart was all a flutter to have Its new valve. He said will watch you today and you should be able to go home tomorrow. He said this usually happens before you leave the hospital not when you have gone home. Still it is not unusual.
Hi, had a good day today. My cousin Sue visited and boost my spirit. She also purchased a phone charger so I'm in touch again. It is a little difficult to text ...Read more
Hi, had a good day today. My cousin Sue visited and boost my spirit. She also purchased a phone charger so I'm in touch again. It is a little difficult to text as when I hold my phone in my left hand for a while I set off one of my IV alarms. I have learned to reset it myself it's just annoying.
tomorrow I will have a TEE in the morning and then if all looks good I will have electrical cardioversion. That should get me back into normal sinus rhythm. I recognize you will have toGoogle those terms.
I'll post tomorrow afternoon to let you know how it went
My sister said Adios Chiberia and wheels down in Atlanta!
She was telling me last night that her parish council had to hold a conference call so everyone ...Read more
My sister said Adios Chiberia and wheels down in Atlanta!
She was telling me last night that her parish council had to hold a conference call so everyone would not have to go out in the "bitter cold" It was 20 degrees!
Thank you for praying for her safe trip home. I certainly miss her but more grateful for the quality time we enjoyed ...under the circumstances.
So a few current personal records= 7 hours flat out in bed last night, 5 hrs were actually sleeping! I also had a 3 hour nap yesterday.
I can fend for myself ...Read more
So a few current personal records= 7 hours flat out in bed last night, 5 hrs were actually sleeping! I also had a 3 hour nap yesterday.
I can fend for myself unless you put everything on a high shelf. My blood pressure and temps are all good. Still need to walk more. I did get one 20 minute walk in today. The rest of that story is I only had one other walk today.
My wonderful sister leaves tomorrow,so if you could turn your prayers to focus on her safe passage to MDW and on to Atlanta, I would be grateful. She barely left my side in the hospital and has been instrumental in my speedy recovery.
Well, I enjoyed having mjc post for me but she says I need to post for myself! Perhaps, I don't have as much control of my kingdom as I thought. It was quite ...Read more
Well, I enjoyed having mjc post for me but she says I need to post for myself! Perhaps, I don't have as much control of my kingdom as I thought. It was quite fun to know some people thought it was my humor or sentence structure and it was my sister.
We were very lucky to get out of Chicago on a clear night and not the next! Required to ride in the back seat of the car,better than I thought. Hugged my heart pillow.
I wish I could sleep in my bed but I'm having problems with laying flat and still being able to breathe.Picked up about 3 hrs sleep the first night. Maybe 5 total last night. I'm drinking lots of hot tea,room temperature liquids,but still loose my voice within a few minutes of talking. Able to walk inside only. Took three 12 minute walks and 4 rounds of up and down my one flight of stairs.
praying for all to have a very heart healthy New Year.
Greetings to the support team,
Up and at it early today. 0600 imaging at main imaging center.Dr Malaisrie visited at 0745; said "good recovery". No plavix, ...Read more
Greetings to the support team,
Up and at it early today. 0600 imaging at main imaging center.Dr Malaisrie visited at 0745; said "good recovery". No plavix, no aspirin. Just need echocardiogram today with a read of results. All lab results good. Eileen,PT, worked with me on flight of stairs- up and down; no problem. Cardiologist DrRosenthal said everything sounds good. Gerry,volunteer from Mended Hearts, visited. ABC received her going away gift- heart pillow. Very blessed to have such an excellent medical team. As this Sunday's gospel proclamation stated, Let the Peace of Christ heal your hearts. Wishing all a very Healthy New Year. Slainte! mjc
G'day mates, off to the races 0515. Rn lizzie let Abc sleep last nite. Very nice. Up in chair early. Did #1 walk today feeling the best so far.cheerios with ...Read more
G'day mates, off to the races 0515. Rn lizzie let Abc sleep last nite. Very nice. Up in chair early. Did #1 walk today feeling the best so far.cheerios with heart on the box for chow.
all labs in good range. Switching to plain Tylenol for pain. Keeping the focus on increased activity and good nutrition. Goal today: 4 good walks and a nice shower. Voice still garbo-ish. Working on clearing lung dust bunnies. Resting up before the big dog fight. Had to refuse the wedge shaped pillow when offered; thought bad karma- no cheese! gsh boys need all the help they can get. Stay warm. Go bears!
Getting ready to take walk#4. Anesthesia pump came out on walk#1 early today. Cardiac chest tube pulled this afternoon; chest xray clear. Yeah. Echocardiogram ...Read more
Getting ready to take walk#4. Anesthesia pump came out on walk#1 early today. Cardiac chest tube pulled this afternoon; chest xray clear. Yeah. Echocardiogram also today; results pending. Still having issues with orthostatic hypotension when moving from bed to standing, but med changes take time to adjust.
Had chicken and rice pilaf with peaches for dessert. Feeling stronger. Resp. therapy brought a new breathing exercise device. Getting a work out around the clock. Thanks for all of love and support; it really pumps me up. Now final lap and lights out.
Day two post op off to a good start. New pain control regimen is much more tolerable on gi tract. Norco was causing nausea and dizziness. Ultram or tramadol ...Read more
Day two post op off to a good start. New pain control regimen is much more tolerable on gi tract. Norco was causing nausea and dizziness. Ultram or tramadol is keeping things under control without other side effects mentioned above everytime Abc sits or stands. Note to incoming...ladies bring your own soft sports brassiere that hooks in front or back. Hospital issued one caused two cuts under arm. Ouch. Abc says the bodacious dolly partons are now free from torture. Also bring your own tea bags. Those little things make a big difference. Many thanks to Adam for including this about the bra in the book.love reading guestbook.thanks to all. Best to all fellow travelers on this journey. Every day is a gift. Mjc
Annette relocated at noon today. Challenging day today.
sitting up for over three hours and walking short distances. Trying to get hemodynamics and pain control ...Read more
Annette relocated at noon today. Challenging day today.
sitting up for over three hours and walking short distances. Trying to get hemodynamics and pain control stabilized along with advancing diet. Hard work. Dr said this day one post op is a rough day. Tomorrow goal is sitting three sessions alternating with walking four times. Need to rest up and get ready to rumble or zumba or a little jig. Thanks for all the great support.Mjc
Up in chair at seven am as sun is rising over lake. Looking great. central lines removed. Getting ready to move out of Icu. Working hard using incentive spirometer ...Read more
Up in chair at seven am as sun is rising over lake. Looking great. central lines removed. Getting ready to move out of Icu. Working hard using incentive spirometer ten times an hour.
Thanks for all the prayers and positive energy sent this way. Mjc
Officially determined at changing of the guard. Nurses proclaimed. Best in Icu. At least best one liners.
enjoying lake Mich ice cubes. Time for a little shut ...Read more
Officially determined at changing of the guard. Nurses proclaimed. Best in Icu. At least best one liners.
enjoying lake Mich ice cubes. Time for a little shut eye. tomorrow is a work day. Plan to be up in chair and moving to cardiac step down unit. Excellent nursing staff.
Ok,, back at it tomorrow. My arrival time at Northwestern is scheduled for 5:30 am tomorrow. Have enjoyed resting and repairing and I am ready...again.
For ...Read more
Ok,, back at it tomorrow. My arrival time at Northwestern is scheduled for 5:30 am tomorrow. Have enjoyed resting and repairing and I am ready...again.
For those of you who know me well, you know my heart was broken on Christmas Eve day. My sister and I took my dog Malachi,to the vet because he seemed very out of it when I returned home. Well, after xrays and tests it was determined that Malachi was a very sick dog. He was champion to me in every sense of the word. He was to be my walking buddy but as this was not about me I needed to make the right decision for him . I can tell you it came out of left field and I cant talk about it . Our vet said he had a small heart for a large dog, I know he had a heart big enough for us both. Some of you have heard so I wanted to clear the way for the awful truth.
Having said that, Thank you for those of you who have continued to pray for me. I needed those prayers! My sister will post after surgery is done and she has spoken to Dr M. I';m turning off my phone and going to bed.
Hello everyone-this is Annette's sister Mary Jo.
Had a great day yesterday. ABC went to sleep early; morning didn't go so great. ABC's GI tract woke up at 0100 ...Read more
Hello everyone-this is Annette's sister Mary Jo.
Had a great day yesterday. ABC went to sleep early; morning didn't go so great. ABC's GI tract woke up at 0100 and acted up until 1030 AM. ABC received the Sacrament of Healing from Fr.Bill at Holy Name Cathedral. ABC thinks the oils might have been mixed up. She felt as if the devil was coming out of her for about 7 hours. Happy to report that she is feeling a little better now. Just a minor setback. There's a reason these things happen. Keep her in your prayers.
ABC is clearly disappointed but Dr Malaisrie said that she must be in optimal condition to be cleared for surgery. will keep you posted. mjc
Dr. Christopher Mehta is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed thousands of heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
I am from: Michigan City, Indiana
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