Carolyn Hilpert - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1727 days ago

Barbara Wood reacted to this

I’m set to have mitral valve repair on Tuesday. What do I really need to pack in my hospital bag? Any words of wisdom for me?

Susan Lynn Carolyn - I brought a robe and pajama pants. By day two, you'll be walking around the hallways and ... Read more

Susan Lynn Carolyn - I brought a robe and pajama pants. By day two, you'll be walking around the hallways and will want more coverage than those hospital gowns provide. ❤

Carolyn Hilpert Thank you Susan Lynn

Tom Everson A long cord to charge your phone , pen/paper to write down memories/ drug names / special Nurses name ... Read more

Tom Everson A long cord to charge your phone , pen/paper to write down memories/ drug names / special Nurses names. I brought a book ( never opened it) did not watch TV. Time went by pretty fast , you are busy learning about the new you and walking the halls Trust and appreciate all the people that come into your room, trust the process it works.

Rose Madura I keep saying it but the biggest thing for me was a travel pillow for napping in the chair.

Carolyn Hilpert Thank you Tom

Carolyn Hilpert Good idea Rose. Thank you

Rita Savelis All I needed was a hair elastic to tie back my hair. But looks like yours is short so you're all set. ... Read more

Rita Savelis All I needed was a hair elastic to tie back my hair. But looks like yours is short so you're all set.

Thomas Brusstar Bring chapstick. My lips were dry and all they had was a yucky Blistex tube (which they probably bil ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar Bring chapstick. My lips were dry and all they had was a yucky Blistex tube (which they probably billed my insurance $27 for). The long charger cord is good. Earplugs to sleep wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Dr. Thomas and Dr. McCarthy are my doctors at Northwestern, too! I had a mitral repair July 2018, and I just saw Dr. Thomas a few weeks ago for my 2-year update. My valve leaks 0% after two years, so that's a perfectly success repair. All my other heart valves have trivial leakage, so now my mitral is the best of them all! Good luck. They know what they're doing over there.

Carolyn Hilpert Wow! Thomas Brusstar congrats on the two year anniversary! 0% is awesome! I feel very blessed to hav ... Read more

Carolyn Hilpert Wow! Thomas Brusstar congrats on the two year anniversary! 0% is awesome! I feel very blessed to have Dr Thomas and Dr McCarthy. While I’m a bit nervous about my upcoming surgery I know I’m in good hands. Thank you for the tips on what to bring!

Shae Habersham Today is your day, and I’m praying that it goes smoothly. The PJ’s and robe suggestion was a grea ... Read more

Shae Habersham Today is your day, and I’m praying that it goes smoothly. The PJ’s and robe suggestion was a great one! I was told 5 days in the hospital, and I was there for 2 weeks. I wish I would have had more of my own comfy clothes. Please update us when you are feeling up to it. Oh, completely rely on your heart pillow. I thought it was silly at first, but sneezing and coughing really hurts. I still have my pillow 7 1/2 years later. Hugs.