Christine's Journal

Well, it is almost two years since by surgery and I am doing great. My cardiologist says, that as long as my echocardiogram is good, I probably won't have to see him again for a few years. I occasionally have a bit of soreness in my chest--but it isn't really a problem. The other day I was playing with our grandchildren (5 and 7) in our pool and I raised them onto my shoulders to throw them into the water. I felt a bit of soreness that night. I suspect it may be those wires moving a bit???? Anyway, the soreness only lasted for one night. Even though I am retired, I am as busy as ever on a number of Boards and Committees--and still enjoy my favorite past-times--swimming and gardening--and babysitting my grandkids! Thank you to Adam and this website and the stories of fellow HVJ's.. The information and reassurance provided --both during the years when my heart valve was deteriorating and then when I faced surgery and the recovery from I--was invaluable. It helped me prepare and reduced my fears. Wishing the best to all those who are now on the same journey.

It has been one year since my surgery and I am doing great. I still have some soreness in my sternum if I twist or over-exercise and often when I wake up after sleeping on my stomach. I read elsewhere in this journal about the possibility that the wires can play a role in causing that soreness. Regardless, it is a minor issue. Wishing all my fellow HVJ's well and special thoughts to those who are heading into surgery. Chris K

Hi All: I have been very negligent in not updating my journal more frequently. I guess it is a sign of doing well and getting back to a busy life. My biggest pleasant surprise is that I can do 20 laps in a pool without getting out of breath. Before my surgery, I could do 10 laps but then would have to stop to catch my breath before continuing. Other improvements:-- I no longer have palpitations and I can shower without feeling dizzy when I do my hair. I still have soreness in my chest, around the scar, but no longer experience chafing (thank heavens). I had a baseline echocardiogram in December (to develop a baseline for ongoing monitoring of my new valve). It looked good but also showed a small mitral valve problem (that has been showing up on the last couple of echos)--and I hope that is not a sign that the mitral valve will need replacing down the road. I wonder if my aortic stenosis had a negative impact on the mitral valve? My cardiologist wants to see me in June and I will ask him then. I continue enjoying my cardio rehab and find it helpful and reassuring. It is supposed to be a four month program but I have missed many sessions due to traveling. Wishing all my fellow HVJ's well and special thoughts to Judy who just posted on my guest book and is waiting to have her aortic valve replacement surgery rescheduled. It looks like she had a similar experience to me--being prepped for surgery and having it cancelled because of another emergency. What a disheartening experience! Regardless, it was all worth it in the end!

Aloha from Maui. We are enjoying the sun and beaches of beautiful Maui for 4 1/2 weeks. Can't think of a better place to recover. Have been swimming in the ocean regularly (except some high surf days). But I have to take it easy. I do the sidestroke pulling with my left arm only, because it still hurts on my right side. On rough water days, it still hurts on my chest when I get slapped by the waves. I would say that I am holding at 95% back to normal, It is just the tenderness and soreness around my incision that still bothers me--although it is slowly getting better. Twisting to my right still hurts. Clothes on my upper chest still chafe--so it make it hard to keep my scar out of the sun. I usually look for a covered cabana. I checked out some videos of open heart surgery and saw the big metal clamps they use to hold back the skin and muscles and tendons so that the surgeon can access and work on the heart. Knowing that those clamps are doing their work for 1 1/2 hours in my case, no wonder my chest is still sore! I have also struggled with yeast infections on and off since my surgery and that takes it out of you as well. It has been hectic for me--busy with projects and issues pretty much every day--making up for lost time from my surgery--and still trying to get to the beach every afternoon. Some days I find it tiring and don't seem to have enough energy and motivation (like Ernie said) and have to push myself. I have to remind myself that my body has been through a major traumatic event and it has had both a physical and psychological impact that takes time to recover from. I go to the gym here and am using the instructions that I was given to continue my cardio rehab on my own. Right now we are watching the Canadian Football League final Grey Cup Game. For any of you who follow it, or even know about it, we are rooting for the western team, the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Go Riders Go! Miss my grandkids--but had a wonderful phone conversation with them last night. Both asked me how my heart is doing. So thoughtful for them--they are only 4 and 5! Wishing all of my fellow HVJRs a Happy Thanksgiving. And continuing to worry about Rachel and wishing her success.

I just reached my 12 week "mark" and am about 95% recovered. This past week I have managed most days without any pain medication. My sternum is healed, my scars are fading near the top, but my upper chest on either side still feels bruised. My friend, who is a nurse, said that the soreness could be due to the fact that they use clamps to hold back the top part of the chest after they open you up, so they can work on the heart. So, it is not surprising to have bruising and tenderness that takes time to heal. It also may explain the surface blotches across the top of my chest that looked like the and the Hawaiian Islands. Only the big island of Hawaii is left!!! The prickly, chafing feeling from my clothes is still there, but not as bad. I have actually been able to dig up some of my dahlia tubers to store away for the winter. We are now preparing to go to Maui for 4 1/2 weeks and am looking forward to some R&R--but also have a lot of Board and Committee work to do over there. Have one more cardio rehab before I go. The cardio staff will give me a plan to follow at our gym in Maui. On Halloween it was so much fun to see our grandkids all dressed up and to see their awe-struck faces when we took them to a haunted house display put on my a neighbour. Hope that all of you had an enjoyable Halloween. Will be especially thinking of Jim who goes in for his surgery as I am flying over to Maui!

I continue to improve--but it is still slower than I would like. (Need more patience!). My incision area is still a bit tender and I still feel some chafing from my clothing but it is getting better. My energy level is almost back to normal. I saw my cardiologist for the first time post surgery and he says that I am doing great.. He wants an echocardiogram done to create a baseline for my new valve and, barring unforeseen problems, he will see me in 8 months. He said the chafing prickles that I feel may be coming from the nerves and may continue for a long time for some people--hopefully not for me. He took me off off of the beta blocker medication--Atenolol. Yeh!!! I showed him Adam Pick's report of the longevity study for the Perimount valve (that is my tissue valve)--that they last an average of 17 years for those under 60. This is am average and the length will vary by patient. He said that by the time I need a new valve the technology may have improved to the point where they can do the operation without opening up your chest. As a result he is encouraging more patients in my age group (I just turned 66) to consider the tissue valve. I have completed 5 cardio rehab sessions and am doing well--they are slowly increasing the levels on each machine and I have had no problems keeping up. The trainer continues to customize the weight program for me because of the soreness in my chest. I continue to value all of my fellow HVJrs journals and guestbook comments. Wishing all my fellow HVr's well and lets keep on ticking and talking!

I am continuing to feel better, but my incision still hurts with activity. I am about 90% now back to normal but am frustrated that it is taking so long. I am back driving, although it hurts to turn my head too far. I did a Thanksgiving Dinner with the help of my daughter last weekend. (Columbus Day in the US is Thanksgiving in Canada). We had a wonderful family dinner, enjoying my two little gandkids. I had my third cardio rehab session on Wednesday and am doing well. They increase your levels each time and I have had no problems handling it. Heart rhythm and blood pressure were good. My chest still hurts with activity, and it was particularly sore after the cardio rehab. But it is getting better. I try to minimize the use of pain meds because of fear that it will negatively impact my kidney. Early on I had an itchy rash, probably from the combination of the Lasix (which I am no longer taking) and the narcotic pain meds. That scared me because I worry about the impact on my sole kidney. It is interesting how much my focus has been on managing the pain from the incision, to the point of almost forgetting that all of this was to fix the heart. My "Elsie" still reminds me from time to time with annoying thumping. Fortunately, this is happening less frequently. I continue to follow fellow HVRs' journeys with appreciation for the daily challenges we all face. And I am thankful for the support and encouragement from them as well as from my family, friends and colleagues.

I had my first cardio rehab class yesterday and it went well. I was a bit apprehensive because my chest is still sore--so I fortified myself with 2 Tylenol a couple of hours prior and a 5 mg. oxycodin just before the start. It was a relief to find that they start you out at a cautious pace. it was reassuring to be hooked up to a monitor to track your heart rhythm and rate and to have blood pressure checked during each segment of the class. \"Elsie\" and I did great--just had to slow down a bit on the recumbent bike when my BP got a bit high. This is unusual for me as my BP is typically on the low-normal side. The nurse said that this often happens on that machine and that, with adjusting to the new class and machines, the combination may have played a role. I was fine on the treadmill and had to have the level increased on the upright cycle. There are only 5 of us in the class, with two staff--an exercise specialist and a nurse--so lots of individual attention. Interesting how they use Wi Fi methodology to track your heart on a monitor. Afterwards my hubby and I went to a nice restaurant on the waterfront for sunset and a candlelight and wine dinner to celebrate my 66th birthday--and put all the pounds on that I lost at cardio-rehab. But it was lovely! My thoughts and wishes to all of my fellow HVJ\'rs!

I returned home from Maui several days ago and wanted to do an 8 week update but have been too busy. I had thought that I would be recovered at 8 weeks and am disappointed that I am probably only at 80%. If it takes 8-12 weeks, I am thinking that I will be closer to the 12 week mark--and I know that from other HVJ\'s that it can be up to a year to fully heal. I just had my 66th birthday and probably age plays a role in recovery. The first day home from Maui I overdid it--unpacking and tending to our yard--so was quite sore the next day and needing pain meds throughout the day. Yesterday I got through the day, and enjoyed babysitting our grandkids and taking them to the park which is good exercise for me--but, by the end of the day, I needed some pain meds. Today, I am much better. Generally I don\'t feel sore if I am sitting reading or watching TV--and even forget about the incision. But, with activity and exercise, my incision area still feels sore, especially my upper right area is still tender to the touch--feels like they knotted the wires there or something. The last few days it has also felt prickly, making it hard to wear clothes that chafe the area. That, hopefully, is the final stage of healing. I am still careful about lifting, pushing or pulling anything over 10 lbs. Thank heavens for my hubby who has to take care of this kind of work for me, including our suitcase and carryon bags on our trip to Maui. My discharge instructions say to wait 9 weeks--but it is hard to wait when there is so much you want to do and you feel so helpless! Thinking of all my fellow HVJs and am again reminded that it is not a straight line upward improvement. I am thinking especially of Sara who, after 5 or 6 months post surgery and doing so well, had to go back in for surgery because some of her wires in her sternum were sticking out--something that is rare but can happen. Fortunately it isn\'t as drastic a surgery. And thank you all for your wishes and support. Chris K

I am in Maui for meetings and project work and am now enjoying some R&R before heading home. At the 7 week post surgery mark, I felt like I turned a corner. Maybe it was just thinking about and getting ready to go to Maui--but there were actually brief periods when I almost forgot about my sore chest. I even headed off for meetings the past few days, forgetting to take any pain meds with me. That being said, after the two days of meetings, I am exhausted and my chest is quite sore.Still need the pain meds for these times. And it is a reminder that recovery does not occur in a straight upward line. I feel for those who have to go back to work after 8 weeks--must be hard. My chest still hurts getting in and out of bed and it feels like my ribcage is pulling away from the rest of my body. I wonder if others have the same feeling. I have been doing a fair bit of walking here on Maui--and can do a couple of miles easily. I start cardio rehab next week. I am a bit anxious about it but am relying on the positive experiences of fellow HVJ\'s that it is worth it. Thinking and feeling for all those who are going into surgery and thanking all for their thoughts and wishes for my recovery. Chris K

It has been just over 6 weeks since my surgery. I am doing better this week than last. I am back to 75% of my former activities--just can\'t do anything to lift, push or pull over 10 lbs. I chaired a non-profit board meeting, did a conference call, and have been preparing reports for various boards and committees--so I am getting back into the groove of my volunteer work. Fortunately I can spent time on the computer without any ill effect. The worst thing is the thumping in my heart--which is just something I have to get used to. But it does force me to take regular breaks. And I continue to enjoy visits with friends and family--and the special joy of helping with my granddaughter\'s 4th birthday party yesterday. I had an orientation class and an interview with a cardio-rehab nurse a week ago and a cardio stress test on Thursday. I \"passed\"--yeah!--which means I am now eligible to start a cardio-rehab program. It was reassuring to get professional and ECG confirmation that my heart is doing well. My chest is still sore and tender with activity and after meetings where I can\'t relax.. I can usually get by without pain medications in the morning. Mid day I take one or two Tylenol (acetaminophen) 325mg depending on how sore I feel and what activities are planned for the afternoon. I can usually get through until bedtime. Occasionally I need to add a 5mg oxycodone. I finished most of the temporary meds that I was on post surgery. I still take Atenolol 12.5 mg/day (a beta blocker) to regulate the heart and hope that this will not be needed in the future as I don\'t have blood pressure problems. I still find my chest is the most sore when I go to bed. I still have to lie on my back and use a wedge pillow and that helps, with cushions around me. I suspect that it is a combination of the stress on the sternum during the day and taking off my bra and lying on my back that also puts a bit of stress on the sternum. There is a little tender spot midway down my scar that hurts the most--maybe it is the slowest to heal or maybe that is where the most surgical work was done. I continue to value the stories and experiences of other fellow HVJ\'s and am wishing the best for those who are just behind me in the journey.

Week 5 has been a frustrating week for me with ups and downs. Twice I inadvertently twisted my body and hurt my healing sternum. The last was caused by a big June bug that landed on me and scared the daylights out of me! The first time I heard a click and that scared me--but it has been fine sine. Each time I have had to increase my pain killers again. Other days, like today, I feel good. It is also frustrating because, as I feel better, and as time goes on, I see things that need to be done, but know that I can\'t do them yet. I hate asking my hubby to do more than he already is doing--and just have to accept that some things will have to wait. My doctor has placed me on iron pills to increase my blood count--so I am on even more meds than when I left the hospital. My kidney function tests are not good--and that worries me because I only have one kidney--but I understand that it is most likely caused by all the medications--especially the diuretics and pain meds. And I have a yeast infection to boot--but I am taking Monistat and thankfully, it is getting better. In spite of this, I am doing better and doing more things most days. I continue with my spirometer--it is a struggle to get three balls up, but I am doing it!!! Thank you all for your comments, encouragement, and best wishes. I appreciate them immensely. And for those of you who are going into surgery--my thoughts are with you. The short term pain is worth the long term gain!! Chris K

I can\'t believe that it was 4 weeks to today that I had my surgery! I have posted some pictures from my hospital stay. My worst memories of the time in hospital--aside from the awful food, was nausea (maybe it was not just the anesthetic!). And, getting the wires taken out of my chest hurt al lot. Aside from that the care from the staff and doctors was exceptional! I continue to do well. I am up and about, doing small chores and attending to my committee and board work via email. I can get all 3 balls up on my spirometer! That was quite a challenge--but I succeeded at last--much to my grandkids\' delight! My doctor says my blood count is low and has put me on iron pills. My uric acid is high but that is probably due to the diuretics and I will be finishing them soon. My weight is down--and slightly lower than when I went into hospital. Don\'t know why other than that the diuretics have gotten all of the excess fluid out of me! We have enjoyed visits from friends and family. I have managed to cut my pain pills in half--although occasionally I have to add some oxycodone to manage the soreness in my sternum. Sometimes when I am active, my \"Elsie\" thumps hard. I understand this is normal--and a good sign that all is working well--but it still bothers me. Glad for the info on this website--it is so reassuring. Best wishes to all who are recovering like me and--for those of you who are facing surgery--its not as bad as you might think.! Chris K

Today is the third week since I had my surgery. I am recovering well. After my doctor and lab visits and doing some other errands last week, I was extremely tired and spent several days napping. I also think that my blood count is a little low and will be seeing my doctor on Tuesday to go over the lab results. The last few days, have been much better. There are times when I almost forget my surgery--until the pain meds wear off! I am up and about--helping with meal preparation, light chores, dead-heading my dahlias. I have also participated in a couple of committee conference calls and am back attending to various issues and projects via email. I limit how much I do each day and balance it with rest periods. I am beginning to reduce my Tylenol and that works fine if I am not too busy. I continue to use my spirometer--not as often as recommended. But, if I am up and doing things, I don\'t think it is necessary since my lungs are getting exercised. I can get two balls up to the top, but not the third one--in spite of trying very hard. My grandkids are fascinated with it and keep checking on my progress!!! I am enjoying visits from friends and family--and that boosts my spirits! To those who are facing surgery--it isn\'t as bad is you imagine especially if you can get past the first couple of weeks. To those who are now on the other side of the mountain, \"Elsie\" and I are glad to be joining you! Thank you all for your helpful advice and wishes! Chris K

Today I saw my GP. She wasn\'t aware that she is responsible for my follow up. I don\'t see my cardiologist until October and I am not sure when I will see my surgeon. After sorting this out, she checked me out and said I was doing well. Scar looks good, lungs are good, BP is good. She has sent me for some blood tests--especially to check on my kidney function and potassium and sodium levels--as I have only one kidney and my creatinine was high. That is always a worry for me--the surgery and all the meds can be hard on my one kidney. I was relieved that my lungs sounded good. Never thought that post-surgery I would be worrying about more than just my heart!!! My heartbeat is strong and feels like it is thumping right through my chest. I remember reading about this on this website and in in other HVR\'rs journals. I checked and sure enough, there is a whole section on it. How reassuring to know that this is normal. Guess my \"Elsie\" is just making herself known to me! The trip to the doctor was my big activity for the day. My little grandkids also dropped by to make sure I was ok and to have a swim in our pool. They make all of the stress and soreness of the surgery go away! But now it is time to rest! Best wishes to all who are going through this surgery and thank you all for your thoughts and wishes. It is inspiring for me. Chris K

I am continuing to do well--though it sometimes means taking baby steps. I got a bit carried away yesterday--went out and cut a few of my dahlias to get some exercise--but was sure sore afterwards. I am taking it easier today. One thing I am glad that we did, is to rent a lift chair. (Got this idea from a fellow HVJ\'r). It is a lazy-boy type chair with an electrical control. Press a button and you can raise or lower the leg supports. Press another button and you can raise or lower the back. It can actually lift you right out to the chair if needed. It has been great for me this past week because I don\'t have to worry about hurting my sternum when getting up and down and I can rest in a variety of positions. I have also been using it to sleep at night. I tried my bed with the wedge pillow and it was very comfortable to sleep in but extremely painful to get up. I tried extra pillows on either side, but it was still painful the next morning. So, I will stick with my lift chair for a while. (Besides I can watch TV if I have trouble sleeping!) Chris K

Hi all! I have been home 6 days and it is the 12th day since my surgery. I can\'t believe how well I feel--most of the time-- and how tired I feel at other times. I am trying to alternate activity with rest and, as many have advised, to listen to my body (not easy for me to do!) I can hear \"Elsie\" (my cow valve) pounding away after exercise and meals and that is scary but much better than when my heart sounded like a steam engine. I went into the hospital with two meds (for thyroid and cholesterol) and came out with 11. Hopefully these will be reduced over time, but it is a challenge to keep track--especially when a bit groggy from the narcotic pain killer. Thanks to a friend\'s suggestion, I have developed a spreadsheet/journal to keep track. Appreciate all of your best wishes and will promise to update my journal more frequently now that I have some more energy! Chris K

I survived! I got home yesterday afternoon on Day 6 post surgery. (It was actually 7 days in the hospital, but apparently they don\'t count the day of the surgery.) It was a couple of days longer than expected because I developed fluid on my right lung (right pleural effusion) that they finally had to remove using a tap procedure (thoracentesis) that inserts a needle and tube into the lining of the lung and removes the fluid. I believe it was almost 700 cc of pinkish fluid--about 3/4 of a quart. It sure felt better afterwards. My hubby picked me up and had my lift chair all carefully positioned for me to lie in when I got home. I arrived home to my daughter making a delicious fresh halibut dinner and my precious little grandkids waiting to help make sure I was comfortable. Son-in-law arrived with flowers and we all had a wonderful dinner together. Even had a glass of wine (Dr. said it was ok)! it can\'t get better than that! As many have said, some days are better than others but I am gradually improving. The staff and care at VGH was wonderful. I never had a worry! Thank you all for your best wishes and thank you to my hubby and my daughter for updating the journal while I was in the hospital. And thanks to my sis who did my nails in the hospital a few days ago so I would look nice when I got home!

Mom is even better today. She was walking around with the help of a physiotherapist. Feeling a bit dizzy, the physio put her back on oxygen but she is no longer needing dopamine pain medication. They also removed the bandage over her incision. Her chest is a little bruised and swollen, but otherwise the incision appears to be healing well. We are hopeful she will be home on August 14 or 15th.

Just a short note from Christine\'s daughter to say that Christine is doing well. She has had some nausea and sickness from the anesthetic and pain meds but she is always very bright when I bring the grandkids into see her. They enjoyed learning how to move Grandma\'s bed up and down for her today and nurse Clara helped the kids put the pictures they made for Grandma up on the wall at the end of her bed so she can see them first thing whenever she wakes up.