Cheryl's Journal

Robert Osmachenko  Hi Cheryl. I remember you! My date was August 8th, 2014. Merry Christmas and best of the season to you.

Kathleen F.  Hello! Year 6 and I’m checking in with my fellow heart sisters. Happy anniversary month to us! I hope you continue to be well! ❤️

Steven A Husted  congratulations on your one year anniversary and a very merry christmas and happy new year to you and your family from your heart brother steve (popeye)

Kelly Weisgarber  Congratulations! Happy for you. I'm only a month post aortic valve repair. Can't wait till I can last through a 1.5 hour exercise session! Merry Christmas!

Sophia Ridley  Congratulations on your anniversary! And an impressive level of exercise! Merry Christmas and happy new year!

Lilly Black  Cheryl, congratulations! such a great feeling isn't it? and such a great accomplishment. Awesome that you are doing so well! Happy Holidays!

Elaine Foster  Great news Cheryl! The year flew by didn't it? Have enjoyed hearing your good reports, and your helpful input here on this site. You are a blessing to many people! Merry Christmas ! God Bless you

  Congratulations, Cheryl! I had AVR with Dr. Brinkman at the Heart Hospital at Plano a couple of weeks ago! Had a great experience and happy with my progress in recovery so far.

Cheryl Batzing  Thanks to all for your kind comments and support! And to my heart brothers & sisters before, with, and behind me! And Laura L, you will need to join us Heart Hospital Plano heart recoverers...we need to have a local Dallas celebration soon!

Kimberly Biddick  Happy anniversary Cheryl!!!! Glad you're doing so well. We need to do lunch and get caught up soon! 😃😃

  Yes, I have been fortunate enough to have met Kimberly on the site (not in person yet but we are working on that). Would love a get together!

Catrina Glover  Cheryl...thanks for posting to my journal. Nice to have some heart sisters closer than I knew! I saw the pic of you doing American Heart Assoc walk in Sept. I did as well in Fort Worth. I live in Burleson.
Dr. Hebeler did my 1st surgery in 2011 as well. None of this going on now is anyone's fault. Just very unexpected. I guess just one of those things that can happen. I truly wish I had gotten more time with the pig valve. Not overly excited about taking coumadin but ready to not face anymore surgeries. Its nice knowing I've got people who understand all this craziness so close.

Terrie Syvertsen  Praying for Kristin and Ernie that their surgeries/procedure go smoothly and that both of them make it to recovery in good time and home to heal thereafter. Bless you as well Cheryl for supporting them at this important time in their lives.

Bob M  I pray that Kristen's and Ernie's surgeries will be textbook and their recoveries will be uneventful! Monday will be a new day for Kristen and Ernie with their fixed hearts. God bless and rise up!

Joan Napier  Cheryl, That is wonderful news and prayers have been answered, I know the tremendous sense of relief you must feel. I was put on oral amiodarone which is one of the best meds for controlling a fib, and I must say it is working well. Do you know if you will be on coumadin, at least temporarily? I will say prayers that you get to go home tomorrow. Keep hanging in there, sister, you're doing great!

Cheryl Batzing  Joan, as far as they are telling me I'll go home on amiodarone for about 4 weeks. They have not mentioned coumadin yet. Guess I'll find out tomorrow. Thanks for your support Joan! Can't wait to get home.

Joan Napier  Yes, to be in the comfort of your own surroundings and your own bed will feel wonderful! Keep us posted on how you're doing!

D. Carol Moore  Cheryl, I'm so happy that "All is well" with you. Home, home for Christmas. Keep us posted on your progress. Merry Christmas!

Teresa Wild  Hi Cheryl Thank you for answering my post. I sort of feel bad that I am on this web site. I know it is for the patient and not the family. I keep trying to find a family support group but have not be able to. How should I use this site as I am not sure. Did you read the book and was it helpful. As far as my job there have been a lot of things going on with me taking time off. So they sort of fired me , instead of that happening I am going out on disability as I suffer with a lot of anxiety and depression. I am not worried as I was trying to find a way to leave the place I worked for. Teresa

Terry Shermeister   Hi Cheryl: Thanks for your comment and support. They did my cath. via my wrist. Went by fast with no issues.

Joan Napier  Cheryl, Praying that the cardioversion works. Again, your tears are such a normal response and it's good to express your feelings. Hang in there! Your docs will figure out how to fix this and get you on the road to a smooth recovery. Keep us posted and I will be praying tomorrow morning.

D. Carol Moore  I've had 'venting' and 'crying pity parties' too Cheryl but I didn't stay there long. Try not to stay there too long as it will put you in a different state of mind/mood. Tomorrow is a new day so quoting Bob M: RISE UP! Try to have a peaceful and restful night. I know that it's troubling to you but everything will work out. Thoughts, prayers and blessings to you.

Kathleen F.  Cheryl, I've read your story and am so impressed by your strength and generosity to all of us here on this site. My thoughts, prayers and support are with you tomorrow and next week for a successful procedure and recovery. It is a spiritual, holy week and you've put great energy out into the world and to all of us. I pray it comes back to you this week!

  Hey Cheryl. I have had the same challenges as you somewhat I guess. I had to do a pacer too! Could you explain what "cardio conversion is?" whatever it is, does it always work and what if it doesn't work?
Merry Christmas and Best of the Season to you. Bob O.

Lenore Mitchell  Keep your chin up, Cheryl. It'll all work out. I'm amazed that you've given us such nice postings right from your hospital bed. You sound amazingly strong and courageous, and I agree with everyone that shedding tears is a good thing, and complaining if you need to is ok. This is all a journey, not a picnic, but sounds like you're doing fine.

Jason Leber  Hi Cheryl, I can hear your frustration as we all just want to get through the surgery and move on. I'm being followed up with an electophysiologist for arrhythmia and from what I've been told, Afib and other electrical issues are relatively common so we're all in this game together. Good luck with the conversion!

Jeff V.  Hi Cheryl, The A-fib is a downer, but if it is going to happen it is better to happen now while you are in the care of your doctors and not after you are discharged (at least that's how I tried to justify it when I had A-fib start in day 3 post-op.) They will get you converted and the extra day or two of monitoring will give you more confidence down the road. Good luck! Jeff V.

Nancy D  I too developed afib post op on day 3, I was given a medication for it, and a blood thinner as well. After about 8 weeks on the medicine the electrophysiologist cardiologist took me off the medicine for afib and it never returned. I hope to stop the blood thinner in two weeks when I go back to see him. This is a fairly common post op bump in the road, but hopefully you will straighten out and move on down the recovery road. I understand the tears and frustration.....hang in there and take good care!!

Cheryl Batzing  Thanks to you all....wish I could give you all hugs. I know my Lord is with me and try to focus on Psalm 46:1-2:--"God if my refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, I will not fear." Robert O-cardioconversion is shocking you with the paddles to get your heart out of afib into correct sinus rhythm.

Jeff V.  Cheryl, The cardioversion will be a walk in the park for you as compared to the surgery. I understand that your heart is given low-energy shocks probably by electrodes placed on your chest to trigger a normal rhythm. You will be put to sleep before the shocks are given and won't feel anything. Good luck! Jeff

Tammy Pilcher  Cheryl, I'll be praying for you tomorrow that this will work and you will be able to go home. You have a strong spirit and faith. That will get you through this sister! Love, Tammy

Linda Crawford  Hi Cheryl, Since people frown on taking our frustration out on the furniture, I'd say a good cry was in order. Bless your heart -- hang in there. You have shown remarkable strength so far. My surgery is a few weeks away yet and I hope I am as strong as you 😊

  I hope it works and you can leave this behind you. You do sound really, really good. I could barely type during my stay and had no interest in TV. Sending positive vibes your way. You area very strong woman.

Tammi Gunwall  Cheryl you are a rock star! You've made it through heart surgery!! You will no doubt get through this bump in the road too! Like many others have already said, tears are good...it helps release the pent up stress and negative energies. Praying for a restful nights sleep for you and a quick conversion out of aFib!

tina fluhrer  One thing I know. The challenges are managed head on by the talented team committed to your every well being. I am praying and agreeing with you. Rest easy.

Elaine Foster  Lord, I come to you now agreeing with my sister that you would supernaturely touch Cheryl's heart and cause it to beat correctly as you created it too. Thank you Jesus.
Don't feel bad for the tears, they are an outlet of stress. I had one afternoon in the hospital that I was weepy, and I really had no reason to. Hang on to your faith. Keep us updated, as we stand with you.

Tammi Gunwall  Prayers going out for you Cheryl. I'm sure it's an emotional time. We all have your back!! This will get fixed! :)

Jeff V.  Hi Cheryl, My MV was repaired on 12/4. On day 3 of post-op I started a 5-6 hour session of A-fib. I knew immediately when it started because I have had short runs of it in the past but always converted by doing a vagal maneuver (cough, clearing my throat, bearing down, etc.). I had never been diagnosed with A-fib but was actually relieved when it happened while in hospital so it could be officially diagnosed. I was told that 30%-40% of isolated valve/heart surgeries will result in an A-fib complication following surgery (and often in day 3 post surgery). I was given Amiodarone (an antiarrhythmic medication) and was advised that if I did not convert on my own by "tomorrow" they would convert me. I eventually converted on my own following a nap after about 6 hours. I have since had a couple of very short runs of A-fib lasting less than a minute. My sensation is a faster heart rate, maybe 30% -50% faster than normal. My blood pressure does not change. Try not to focus on the A-fib and relax and nap if you can as you will likely convert. Otherwise, they will get you back in sinus soon enough and you will be on your way. You will likely be put on Coumadin for approx. 60 days because of the A-fib as they do not want a clot to form. I've been on it for about 2 weeks and have been working with my local GP to maintain my INR at a therapeutic level. This has been a slow process but it will be under control soon. What is most important is that your doctors are pleased with the repair. The A-fib won't be a big setback though it may feel like one today! Best wishes to you - Jeff V.

Joan Napier  Cheryl, Hang in there! I know exactly how you feel because that is what was told to me when I returned to the ER 3 days after getting home. I was readmitted to ICU for a-fib. I received IV amiodarone, and they talked about the possible need for cardioversion if I did not revert to NSR. I had the same reaction that you did; I just started bawling. Felt overwhelmed, vulnerable and scared. I just wanted to have a normal recovery and get on with things! Even if they do have to cardiovert you, your doctor will know exactly how to handle it. You will be okay! Especially with MV surgery, apparently a fib is such a common scenario for at least 30% of us. So take a deep breath, realize your docs will get you over this bump, and you can focus on getting stronger and healthier every day. Love and prayers for you, Joan

D. Carol Moore  So sorry to hear of your setback Cheryl. It's well with you! As you know, I've been in chronic A-fib since 2001 and do take meds to control my heart rate. Do I like it? No, but there's nothing I can do about it but trust and thank God. I live a very active lifestyle and sometimes I think I do too much. I refuse to bow or fall to this chronic condition for "Greater is He that's in me than he that is in the world." Be strong and of a courageous mindset and be blessed, my dear heart sister. My prayers are with you. God is faithful!

  You have just been through a lot and your reaction is not a pity party. Get it all out, as it will help you regroup and become stronger. I pray for you your heart beat converts on its own. Hang in there. You are doing great so far. Have faith all will be ok.

Cheryl Batzing  Thanks everyone for continued encouragement and prayers. I didn't understand what afib was, but now I do as I see it on the monitor. I don't feel it still. They just tell me I'm in it. D Carol, I do know have it chronically and still are able to live life abundantly and fully as we are called to do. Joan, I know you got through a cardioconversion. Blessings all.

Kathryn Waymire  aw I know how you feel. I could feel mine palpitations' and didn't like it. Don't know if it was afib or not. I converted BUT I haven't had heart surgery YET. God Bless you . Your going to be fine. There are other options .

Tammi Gunwall  Great news! Glad you are getting better and stronger with each day! Keep it up! Praying your aFib goes away and you get to return home soon to your own bed!

Joan Napier  Cheryl, I agree that It was such a relief to get those chest tubes and wires out! Glad to hear you're doing so well. Wishing you all the best in your recovery!

Meredith Bray  Make sure you have excellent posture while walking and standing! Our tendency is to curl inward and protect our chest. Head up, shoulders back, as straight and tall as you can. That simple move will do wonders for any back pain you are experiencing!

Joan Napier  Thanks for the reminder, Meredith. At 5 weeks out I have to be very mindful of my posture and keeping my shoulders back. If I don't, I get very hunched over and stiff and sore.

Elaine Foster  So happy for you Cheryl. Going home is the best. Don't forget, it tends to be 2 steps forward, and 1 back. But, you will be amazed the difference just a few days make. When I first came home, I couldn't get out of bed on my own, but just a few days later, I can. I pray God continues to stengthen you and bless you.

Emily Shively  I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. I'm having surgery with Dr. Ryan as well in January so I'm glad things have gone well (except for the long wait before your surgery). I haven't given much thought to the tubes, but it sounds like they're uncomfortable!

Tammy Pilcher  That is wonderful Cheryl!!! I'm soooo happy you've got this behind you! Best wishes on your recovery heart sister!

Joan Napier  Cheryl, You're on the other side! Yay! Sounds like you're doing very well. When those chest tubes come out, it will make all the difference. Prayers ongoing for a smooth recovery.

Lilly Black  Cheryl, that's great news! Yes, first day is quite rough...the anesthesia really knocks you out. I'm so happy for you...sounds like smooth sailing from here. Good Luck!!!
Lilly

Elaine Foster  THe waiting is over, now on to the rest of our life. So happy you are doing well. I am well also. Rememer to take it a day at a time, and sometimes a step back, but it will all even out. I've had a couple of rough days, but today when i woke up I knew this was a better day. Getting home and sleeping is the very best thing. God is faithful!

Cheryl Batzing  Thanks heart sisters. Actually feeling much better today. Have been graduated from PT to cardia rehab....the cardia rehab gal said I could probably start after I get home...I told hr WHOA!

tina fluhrer  Elaine ~ I have enjoyed reading your updates. They are helpful to gain the great understanding of process............... SO HAPPY FOR YOU ALL TO BE DOING GOOD!

Joan Napier  Whoa is right! I was told that cardiac rehab starts between 4-6 weeks post-op. That sternum needs time to heal! Happy to hear that you're doing well.

Jim O'Brien  Glad to hear the good news so far Cheryl. The others are right, it's a wonderful milestone when the drain tubes come out. I'm in week 3 of Mitral Valve Repair, have had/and still have a few bumps in the road to deal with, but overall recovery is going pretty well. I hope your recovery continues to go well for you. Best of health to you and all our fellow Heart Valve Brothers and Sisters.

Melinda Queliz  I am so scared of the chest tubes and IV in neck. Please tell me truthfully how painful they are coming out?

Elaine Foster  Please give Cheryl our best. THank you for letting us know about her. I am a few days ahead of her in the process, so tell her it's going to get better. The ice chips are the BEST!

Bob M  It is a new day for Cheryl! Awesome! God bless and rise up! Popsicles and eating really helped my recovery

Nancy D  Fabulous news, and I know things will go great for her....sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! Take good care!

Linda Crawford  Your are in my thoughts today. I'm thinking how glad I will be when we hear that you are out of surgery and doing well.

Bob M  Cheryl, we are praying for you heart sister. Today is a new day for you. God bless and rise up! Tomorrow, you will be on your journey toward recovery. A cherry Popsicle and 3 meals in ICU really helped me the day after surgery

tina fluhrer  Lifting you up Cheryl. Joe is doing good going into post op day 1. I just called him and we talked over the phone...........how cool is that?

Tammy Pilcher  Cheryl, I said a prayer for you last night and this morning. I'm looking forward to a great report! You've almost got the hardest part behind you! Go sister go!

Gary Schott  Cheryl, you don't know me but me and my family wrote the book on sick hearts!! you will do this surgery and come out stronger and with a renewed vigor for life. I had 3 valves replaced a once. Mine was do or die. I had a wonderful cardiac team and surgeon. I'm praying a quick recovery for you. God Bless you.

tina fluhrer  Good to hear Cheryl. It is not an easy task to prepare for surgery. Phil. 4-8 is a beautiful verse.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Also, James 1 2-3. (count to three)Profiting from Trials

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. This last verse james 1,2,3, comes to my mind when I feel a trial..... I count to three. my go to verse for being patient. It is beautiful that we are being perfected in HIS TRUTHS. ~ I will be praying for you. Count on it. :)

Tammy Pilcher  Cheryl, I'm so glad Father God has given you that peace. He gave it to me for my surgery too. "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee.". Isaiah 41:13

Jim Hernandez  Send your anxiety and panic my way and I will burden it now, your time is slowly arriving so it's time for you to have peace and comfort. We are behind you!

Elaine Foster  Cheryl, I am praying for you. Carry your chosen scriptures with you until the time the take you away from your family. If you keep your mind on our Heavenly Father, he will give you peace. I truly had no nerves or fear. I held on to Is. 41:13 Will be here cheering you on and waiting to welcome back a new heart sister.

Tammy Pilcher  Cheryl, I don't know if you've read my surgery experience in my journal but I wrote about the vent. That was my biggest concern as crazy as that may sound. I guess because if something happened during surgery I wouldn't have known about it anyway. But I knew I didn't want to be aware of anything bad when I woke up. If you haven't already, read my experience. Maybe it will help. Best wishes, Tammy

Tom Hahn  Hi Cheryl. I'm one month out from my Mitral Valve repair and doing very well. Your 'panic and peace' description caught my interest. Very well said! Go into this surgery with great respect for what you are facing, but great confidence in your care givers and your future. I've found tastes sweeter, relationships deeper and life more profound since I left the hospital. Invest in your early recovery one day at a time. I remember it well, but it passed pretty quickly. You will do great!

D. Carol Moore  Cheryl: Be strong in the Lord... "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might HE INCREASES strength." Isaiah 40:29
Meditate on the Word of God and you'll find peace and rest.

Cheryl Batzing  Tammy, Tom, Renata & D. Carol--thank you for your kind words and assurances once again. Blessings to you all as I try to rest in my savior Christ.

Ken Obermeyer  Cheryl, you may feel like a wimp at times. Perfectly normal. But the truth is, you’re an amazingly strong spirit. Right now, you’re going through an experience that would challenge the strongest of persons. Let’s face it: we all come face to face with our body’s mortality on this path. But we make this journey anyway—despite the fear, despite the panic, despite all the white-knuckle moments we encounter along the way. We just keep on keeping on, despite all this, because we’re on a mission, and it’s a heroic mission. We want our life back! We undertake this journey because we want to live, not die, and we’re willing to walk through the valley of death to get to where we want to go! What could be more heroic than this? And who’s the hero in your journey? Only you can take those steps. I and others may walk next to you and encourage you, but only you can take the steps. This journey reveals just how strong you really are. You’ll be fine. Know you’re not alone even when you feel alone. You are in good hands, both visible and invisible.

Joan Napier  Cheryl, what you describe about vacillating between peace and anxiety is exactly how i felt, too, one week prior to surgery. The ambivalence is very normal. I will continue to pray for you during this stressful time. Hang in there, this is the toughest part and you're going to do great!

Lenore Mitchell  Cheryl, I join the others in agreeing that we all vacillate between peace and anxiety. But your wait is almost over, so just remember that very soon you'll be on the road to recovery. It sounds simplistic, but taking slow deep breaths is helpful in relieving anxiety now and pain post op. Onward!

Cheryl Batzing  Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I do draw on everyone's experiences and my faith in my Savior. Trying not to worry all weekend before next Tuesday but enjoy what God has for me this day. "Do not worry about anything...instead, pray about everything." Philippians 4:6

Susan Ericsson  Hang in there. I was terrified of that vent (and everything else). I kept visualizing waking up, feeling it and being calm. When I did wake up there were so many things to feel all at once the vent hardly registered. And then it was out. I felt God's comforting presence so often during those first days, and you will too.

Bob M  Cheryl, see you on the successful heart surgery on the other side, heart sister. God bless and rise up!

Bob M  Cheryl, I had read about the vent here from other patients on this awesome site, and I discussed it with my wife who was there when my sedation was SLOWLY reduced and the lights were low. I could see my wife and the nurses talking. Given that, I was at peace. I could breathe no problem. After several minutes, it was time to pull the vent out: 3, 2,1 and it went out. I turned my head and vomitted some water. It was not a problem because of the prep from our Community. God bless and rise up!

Tammi Gunwall  Great advice here from some lovely and strong souls! Ken, you had me in tears. I am with you Cheryl, and still on this side of surgery yet. I wish you all the best this coming week as you prepare and complete your surgery. May peace surround you.