Deb's Heart Valve Journal

A couple of weeks before surgery.

First of all, I loved this site and would visit often prior to my surgery. But then in recent weeks, it was harder to find time and I prioritized getting organized for my Jan. 21 AVR and ascending aorta replacement. So, color me 'shocked' that I haven't even done a journal update until today!!! I swear I did one in the hospital, but evidently my drug addled brain didn't follow through....or something. Didn't even take the "required" selfie. <sigh> I'm sorry. But there were a couple things I hadn't planned on. I thought it would be easier than it was to check in here from the hospital, but didn't account for the tubes, wires, leads, IVs, etc. that were constantly in my way making it difficult to do anything. Guess I hadn't thought that part through - but there were many other thing in that category - and you know what? It all came out fine.

So here's a little bit of what went on (although I won't be able to do this all in one sitting and will (wisely) save some for other times that I have the energy.)

The surgery went well. I was very calm and focused on God through music the night before. The day of surgery, I got to select any music I wanted - nice surprise. I chose Fernando Ortega, and the surgical assistant hit the perfect, calming songs and hymns of his. I thought - WOW, listening to Fernando before they open me up - this is pretty cool. I remember the safety check with the surgical team, handing out my gifts* to them, the anesthesiologist talking, then before I knew it, I was on the flip side.

I don't remember the intubation tube being taken out, and not even sure if when I woke up it was still in. Even now, I'm trying to remember ICU. There are some things (the curtains!), but I didn't bother to journal anything, so most things weren't important enough to remember! It did take extra time to get to the step down unit as there were 5 people ahead of me who were waiting as well. Finally transferred the evening of the second ICU day. Of course I was antsy and wanted out of ICU. It was so noisy with the adjoining rooms separated only by curtains and I wanted peace and quiet. Was sure I'd feel better once I got to my private room.

Well, I needed to be a patient patient, and was AMAZED to find out I got one of the very BEST rooms they have! The patient before me just left after a 4 month stay! Thanked God for His perfect timing! It was well worth the delay in order to have the beautiful view that I did. Oh, and my room number was J62-12. One of the churches I attend is 62:12 Ministries. How cool was that! Of all the rooms I could have been put in, I was constantly reminded of all my dear friends who were praying for me.

I'm going to rest now and pop in another time with more of the story...

I got tired of planning and packing today - just would love chill and relax today. I think I have everything packed and ready. There were a few items left on my to-do list, but I don't care at this point. Reporting for surgery tomorrow at 5:15 am! This is it!

All the tests are done and I spoke to the gastroenterologist yesterday who cleared me for Monday's TEE and surgery. Friends have been wishing me well and praying earnestly for me. It was amazing to hear from old friends, too, as they messaged/texted encouragement and verses.

Still a bit stressed about bras! I bought and tried some front-opening ones, but could barely get them on now let alone after surgery! There was one that was soft but so little support that I couldn't even get it hooked in front. Wondering if there is a big Velcro wrap type thing or something I should get. The girls are large and I'm afraid to go without something because I don't want my incision to be pulled.

Have been knocking things off , but also adding to my to-do list and trying to find time to just relax and chill - perhaps tomorrow !

I'm getting a bit frantic - so much to do before surgery! There are things that must be done and those I'd like to have done. I spent Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic for what I had hoped would be the final clearance appointments, but ended up having two additional tests scheduled. Which sounds easy, except they weren't able to schedule them both at one location, so I drove an hour (one way) today for a 15 minute test. I didn't have that extra time in my schedule... if it wasn't for the fatigue that I'm dealing with these days, I wouldn't be so frantic. Can't make it too many days without a nap.

In any case, the cardiologist told me yesterday that my arteries are pristine! Hooray! Thankful for that! He showed me the image of my ascending aorta compared with the back side - quite a difference in size!

Back to editing my "To Do" list!