Cheryl's Journal

It's been 2 months since my surgery. Early Sunday morning I found myself in the ER. It was extremely painful to take a deep breathe. Everything checked fine, which I am grateful. They couldn't find any reason for my symptoms. Gave me Motrin and sent me home. The Motrin worked. It's now Wednesday and I'm having the same issue. I also get the chills and feel achy. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm leaving to fly from CA to MI next Wednesday and now I'm nervous.

I'm very ready, willing and think able to start rehab. Who scheduled your rehab? I'm getting the feeling each doctor (thoracic, cardiologist, pulmonary) are waiting for the other doc to do something. I just want to get back to normal!---/-whatever that was for me. Sometimes I feel like I fell off a cliff after surgery and non of the doctors care anymore since they've billed my insurance. Ok, I am cranky today.

Here are a few things that worked for me and I'd thought I'd share. They may or not work for you. 1. I bought a cheap zipper a duster 2 sizes bigger. I used it to cover my behind when walking the halls. It's capped sleeved so it fit nicely over the hospital gown. 2. Week before surgery I got my hair cut short. The ICU nurses thanked me. They hate cutting hair that sticks to the adhesive. 3. Bought cheap slippers at IKEA. Have them on each level. 4. Recliner lift chair. I was excited about this darn chair. Kept thinking about it all the while I was in the hospital. Came home and I'm not so much in love with it. But my dog loves it. 5. Little picnic side table. Couldn't live without this. A TV tray would work just the same. It has everything I need within reach. 6. Don't leave the hospital without your paper pain script. 7. Something I didn't do but wished I did----brought thank you cards for those special people who gave me extra care. 8. Brought "My Pillow" to the hospital. I asked my hubby to put a distinctive pillow case on it so we could tell it from the hospital's. He did, it was beige instead of white. 9. Wished I would have brought my own toothpaste and brush. 10. Get 2-3 front closer bras. I came home in one and then bought one on Amazon. In the beginning I felt comfortable with the surgical ones. I'm in my old bras now. Sending hugs and quick recovery wishes to all who are about to take this journey. It does get better everyday. ❤️

Well, I made to the other side, so to speak. My surgery went well. They replaced my ascending aorta (John Ritter had what I had, only I'm lucky they found it before it ruptured) and it looks like my my bicuspid valve will be with me for awhile. These past few weeks were no picnic and I'm glad they are behind me now. The good news is I won't have to worry each morning if today is the day. Each day I'm getting better. Looking forward to driving again, wanting to put make-up on and curl my hair. Thanks to everyone who text, sent cards, flowers and visited. I am truly blessed. Looks like I'll be around until I'm 109. Special thanks to all the fabulous nurses at SRMR, especially Jillian. My personal nurse Keri and my beloved nurse Mario. Suzee you've been a gem to watch movies with or just napping together. ❤️

I was released late Tuesday evening during a shift change. I was told that all of my Meds had been called in to my pharmacy. So home we went and feeling pretty good. Got home, picked up scripts and discovered the hospital neglected to give me the paper script for Norco and a couple of others. Needless to say first night was rough. Slept like a baby last nite, with a little chemical relief. God bless those who are starting their journey.

I have my pre-op today. I'll learn what exactly will be done. Right now I'm only certain they will repair my aneurysm. Since I have a bicuspid valve that may need to be replaced, but they seem to think it is functioning well. I have the upmost trust in my doctor. He's one of the best in the Bay Area. It seems like I'm writing about someone else. I'm feeling anxious, of course that's normal. Can't wait for it to be over. I'm having trouble finding the perfect bra. I've purchased sports and regular bras that snap in front. Non seem like they'll be any easier to put on than my regular bras. Ladies any specific brand you can recommend?

My surgery is in 2 weeks. I've purchased a slightly used electric recliner lift chair. Looking at sport bras, got my slippers and a robe. Next week is my pre-op appointment where I will learn more about what will be done. I wish I could get my anxiety in-check. Thank goodness for Xanax, even if it's once a day. Next, I plan on writing my husband and children notes. Not because I think I don't think I'm going to make through the surgery, but to take this opportunity to let them know how much they are loved and have enriched my life. Can't thank everyone for sharing their stories.

I'm 21 days away from my aorta root aneurysm, possibly valve replacement surgery. I have a 5.1mm aorta arch aneurysm, along with a bicuspid valve. The aneurysm was discovered in 2008, at that time it was 4.8mm. It's time to repair it. Of course I'm anxious. Had my angiogram last week. No blockage. Today I just stumbled upon this site. I wish I would known about this year's ago. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences.