Deborah Hudson - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

four months post TAVR

Journal posted on March 4, 2017

Just got back from 5 days at Disney. I was afraid to go. Didn't think I could do it. I had worked my way up to being out and about for five hours without getting wiped out. I had a scooter. I walked and rode. Sat in the shade when I needed. Enjoyed my trip very much. Things are getting much better. I am finally getting over being afraid I will fall over dead at any minute. Saw my counselor . Anxiety level is much better. Blessings to you all.
Deborah Hudson

Like | Matthew Russo, Melissa Houser, Cathleen DeWitt and 3 others like this

Matthew Russo Wonderful update Deborah! Congratulations on the improvement you have achieved.

Rita Savelis I hear you Deborah, and am glad you made it through your fear. It can definitely take a while to feel "safe" again. My first vacations were emotionally hard for me as well...

Lynne Nind Hi Deborah, Sincere apologies for not replying to your question on my page many month ago. I have only just read it. I guess you don't need to know my details ... Read more

Lynne Nind Hi Deborah, Sincere apologies for not replying to your question on my page many month ago. I have only just read it. I guess you don't need to know my details now. I hope you got reassurance from my comments. I'm 77 now and my age has definitely affected my progress. I used 6 months as my milestone for full recovery but one doctor assured me it would be at least a year so to kindly have patience. It's coming up 8 months and I have forgotten all about my op. In fact, if my cartilage hadn't been torn I would have bounced back much sooner. Forgive my ignorance but what does the "T" stand for in TAVR? My aortic valve was supposed to be replaced as well as my mitral so I guess I will have to face up to this all again. At least I now know what to expect. I hope you feel like me now and it is all behind you. Kind regard, Lynne Nind

Update posted on...

January 6, 2017

Now that I have read a lot on this site I think maybe I can go to sleep. Some times I just get too tired to sleep. Thanks for all you posters out there who take the time to face and write about all your cares and concerns. So many times they are the same things I am wondering about. Hang in there. God is on your side.

Like | Phyllis Petersen likes this

One month checkup

Journal posted on December 22, 2016

Just got back from Emory Midtown in Atlanta and Drs. Thourani and DeviReddy. Passed all tests. Doing great. Got orders for cardiac rehab. Am excited to get started in a week or two. Going to my house after Christmas. Can't wait to be on my own again. Daughter has been a true blessing. If I can get my energy back I will be fine. Thank you Jesus and my doctors and team. Blessings to you all.

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Deborah Hudson Forgot to put my name. Deborah Hudson

Phyllis Petersen I'm glad to hear your progressing so well. It's hard to be in anyone else's home when you're used to your own. I get energy, but then I do anything and I have ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen I'm glad to hear your progressing so well. It's hard to be in anyone else's home when you're used to your own. I get energy, but then I do anything and I have to rest. I'm sure in time we'll both get our energy back.

Deborah Hudson Let me know when you do. It seems like this is forever but I know it is not. I just read some reports from people who have had valves for one or two years. ... Read more

Deborah Hudson Let me know when you do. It seems like this is forever but I know it is not. I just read some reports from people who have had valves for one or two years. I just get focused on one thing and cant see the forest for the trees. God has been really good to me.

Phyllis Petersen The cardiac rehab will make you more tired right after, so be prepared. But, over time, you'll have more strength and energy and be amazed at how quickly you ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen The cardiac rehab will make you more tired right after, so be prepared. But, over time, you'll have more strength and energy and be amazed at how quickly you progress. I'm worried now that I'm paying $50 co-pays again that I will have to cut back or quit. I'm trying to continue at 3 days a week for as long as I reasonably can.

One month and getting better...

Journal posted on December 15, 2016

Today is 4 weeks since I got my aortic valve replaced with TAVR. I'm doing great. I get tired some days. When my energy runs out it's gone. It's easy to overdo. My eyes have been doing this weird funny thing. Don't know if it's low blood sugar or something else. I've had detached retina before. it's nothing like that. Last night at the store I bought a candy bar and a bottle of water and rested. I was fine then. Now my daughter is making me go to the doctor for my eyes. On Monday and Tuesday next week I will be back at Emory with Dr Thourani and Dr. DeviReddy for my one month checkup. I'm ready to go home to my house. Hopefully the doctors will tell my daughter that I can go home. Otherwise I will just have to insist. I hope you are all doing well. Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. Deborah Hudson

Like | Phyllis Petersen, Lila Richards, Robert D'Aurora and 4 others like this

Update posted on...

November 25, 2016

Today was one week and one day since I had TAVR aortic valve replacement. I think all the medicine must have worn off by now. I was able to take short walks for the first five days after surgery. Now for the last three it seems I am shorter of breath. I read that some days are good and some days are not as good. I did not believe the thing about not doing laundry. I tried just a few pieces. Getting the wet clothing out of a great big washer was an issue. Putting the clothes in the dryer was trying. Havent done it again.

I cant sleep tonight. Don't know why. My body has gotten back on its schedule I was on before surgery. I should be asleep right now.

I absolutely detest the taste of salt. I have had turkey every year of my life for Thanksgiving. This year the turkey was detestable. So strange. Guess that is a good thing now.

My brain feels like it has come detached from my body. It seems it is floating like clouds. I am not worried about anything. I am simply at peace. Is this normal? Maybe I just gave up control and let God have it after I realized I couldn't do anything about what was happening any way.

I am amazed at how sweet my daughter has been to me. She took me to Atlanta. I am at her house. She is cooking, cleaning, shopping, everything for me. I am so touched. I do not want to be a burden on her. I try to keep my things picked up and put away.

I am really pale. I went to the grocery store today and rode the granny cart. It was good to get out. We had a list or I would have had to leave and sit in the car.

Just wondering is all this normal stuff that will pass? Will my brain remain turned off for life?

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Phyllis Petersen I've had moments like that. I felt pretty chill much of the first couple of weeks. A couple of days ago, I had a bit of an emotional crash. Thankfully, I was ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen I've had moments like that. I felt pretty chill much of the first couple of weeks. A couple of days ago, I had a bit of an emotional crash. Thankfully, I was able to pull out of it so I could enjoy Thanksgiving. I was also very pale, but that makes sense after surgery. Laundry is still a bit difficult. I'm trying to do smaller washes and if I need to stop and finish moving stuff from the washer to the dryer, that's okay. Although you've had what is a simpler technique in some ways, you're body has still been through a lot and will need time to recover. Try to be patient with yourself!

Meredith Bray Beta blockers can make you chill - At one point I was able to ignore an entire busload of 8th graders :)

But seriously, even though you had TAVR, your body ... Read more

Meredith Bray Beta blockers can make you chill - At one point I was able to ignore an entire busload of 8th graders :)

But seriously, even though you had TAVR, your body has been through some serious shock! I felt effects from the anesthesia for several weeks after, finding it difficult to concentrate on anything more than 15 minutes or so.

Keep an eye on the shortness of breath, it might not hurt to call your surgeon's nurse and inquire.

Sleep schedules? HA! Your body is using a lot of energy to heal and recover, so your sleeps rhythms will be off kilter for a little bit.

(I used barbecue tongs to do my laundry, one piece at a time.)

You are so fortunate to have a daughter that will help you recover! Keep breathing, keep walking, each day should be a little easier!

Lila Richards Deborah you have just pretty much described what's happening to me! These changes and symptoms can go on for a while but everyone is different. I'm in week ... Read more

Lila Richards Deborah you have just pretty much described what's happening to me! These changes and symptoms can go on for a while but everyone is different. I'm in week 5 after my aortic valve replacement. My appetite is just starting to come back. Post op I couldn't stand sugary things- even in tea! I had no appetite all these weeks until this weekend and now I want everything in site! Appetite will return with a vengeance! While not eating I had incredible bouts of nausea and got my Doc to prescribe Zofran and works great. If you aren't eating make sure you at least drink Ensure or similar. I've had strange cravings! Buttermilk being the biggest! I've drunk 2 gallons already!
Your sleep will get better. Maybe cut down on naps during the day. Learning to sleep on my back was my issue, but can do it now...
Your brain changes are completely normal! I wish I had your peaceful feeling! Instead I'm a bit depressed and weepy. I'm crying over Wal-Mart and Publix commercials!
You will have great days and not so good days. My surgeon said it can last up to 6 months. The important part is not to push yourself. I have overdone chores and be sore the next day. Just be careful! I can promise you things will get better, day by day. Like Meredith said, pay attention to your shortness of breath. I had a lot of that earlier on. Do walk outside if you can, but don't overdo. Just remember your body is in shock, and recovery will be lengthy. But life will get so much better for us once we get through this!! Best wishes on your healing journey Deborah!
Your Heart sister! 🤗❤️

Deborah Hudson Say it aint so. I don't want my appetite to come back with a vengeance. I have lost ten and a half pounds. It is a good thing. I am eating well. I just don't ... Read more

Deborah Hudson Say it aint so. I don't want my appetite to come back with a vengeance. I have lost ten and a half pounds. It is a good thing. I am eating well. I just don't really seem to care about that either. I do seem to want to sleep a lot. I breathe, take my temp, medicine, bp, etc. Then I walk outside or circles at my daughters house.

She wont let me drive just in her neighborhood. I was told in a week I could drive. She said I could when my energy is up for three days in a row. I am not asking to drive in traffic. Doubt I could do it very far any way.

I cooked a little today. Still cant stand salt.

All is well. I will keep thee in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusts in me. Love those Bible promises.

Keep on inspiring me. I need it. Thanks.

shareinea Hubbard Amen, I talk to the Lord saying He is in control of all things...Thank God.

Rita Savelis I couldn't eat anything sweet after surgery for a long time (months) and had no appetite for a very long time - I ate, but with no appetite.
There is no timeframe ... Read more

Rita Savelis I couldn't eat anything sweet after surgery for a long time (months) and had no appetite for a very long time - I ate, but with no appetite.
There is no timeframe for when you will feel "normal". There is no average time. It is personal and different for everyone. It can be very long.
And, yes, our brains react to the anasthesia we've been given and our bodies react to the trauma of surgery, so be good to yourself.
It takes time. It's no race. Take care.

shareinea Hubbard Glad you are doing better Debbie.

Deborah Hudson Thanks for your kind words. So I just need patience and willingness to let each day be enough in itself. The rest will take care of itself if I just keep believing ... Read more

Deborah Hudson Thanks for your kind words. So I just need patience and willingness to let each day be enough in itself. The rest will take care of itself if I just keep believing and trusting God to get me through. Deborah Hudson

Here's my newest picture!

November 17, 2016 Like | Adam Pick, Phyllis Petersen, Craig Gay and 4 others like this

Surgery, here I come.

Adam Pick Our thoughts and prayers are with you Deborah!!!

Lila Richards We'll be praying for a smooth successful surgery and speedy recovery! You got this! 🤗❤️

Ben Hyman Good luck heart sister! You'll do great

Catie B Best to you, Deborah!

Here's my newest picture!

November 16, 2016 Like | Corey Sines, Jim Whipple, Phyllis Petersen and 1 other likes this

Day before surgery. November 16th beauty.

Update posted on...

November 8, 2016

I just realized that I can put in the emails of my friends and they can see my progress and send me messages. How cool!!! I should have watched the intro video the first thing. Oh well. Thanks Adam for making this possible.

Like | Ed Miskovic likes this

Deborah Hudson How do you sign out of this site? I cant figure it out. Am I always signed in?? HELP.

Update posted on...

November 8, 2016

I am scheduled for aortic valve replacement on November 17th 2016. I'm getting scared now. I know God is with me. I will be fine. It's just the waiting is starting to weigh on me. Any suggestions for how I make it through this last week before my surgery.

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Phyllis Petersen Welcome Deborah! I was fortunate to find relief from guided imagery that Cleveland Clinic connected me to. Pretty much everyone goes through pre-surgery jitters ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen Welcome Deborah! I was fortunate to find relief from guided imagery that Cleveland Clinic connected me to. Pretty much everyone goes through pre-surgery jitters and has to find ways to calm down and divert themselves. Do something special for yourself. I scheduled a massage before leaving to Ohio. I also had a nice dinner after all the pre-surgical testing and again the night before surgery. Maybe visit a place near you that is special to you and will take your mind off things for awhile. Good luck!

Deborah Hudson Thanks for responding. I've been getting a massage the last two weeks. Will get one tomorrow. I'm leaving Thursday to visit my daughter in another town. Then ... Read more

Deborah Hudson Thanks for responding. I've been getting a massage the last two weeks. Will get one tomorrow. I'm leaving Thursday to visit my daughter in another town. Then we'll go to surgery City. I've got the best doctor. It's just been I've waited so long since September .

Phyllis Petersen It feels like a long time and then the time is gone. I also went a little early to spend a couple of days with family about and 1 1/2 hrs. from the hospital. ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen It feels like a long time and then the time is gone. I also went a little early to spend a couple of days with family about and 1 1/2 hrs. from the hospital. My cousin put together a big Sunday dinner with her family, her brother's family and my uncle. It was a wonderful send-off. I, too, felt full confidence in my doctor, which was a blessing. I hope you keep us informed on your progress.

Cynthia H. It will all be over by Thanksgiving, something indeed to be grateful for. Perhaps you can give me some in site when I go in December.

Nathan Howard I'm exactly two weeks post op today. I was jittery for 4 weeks leading up to surgery. I kept busy up until the day before. I also put it all in Gods hands. ... Read more

Nathan Howard I'm exactly two weeks post op today. I was jittery for 4 weeks leading up to surgery. I kept busy up until the day before. I also put it all in Gods hands. Amazing the sense of peace you feel. I'll be praying!

Deborah Hudson Thanks Nathan. That is the conclusion I have come to also. It is all in God's hands. Hr brought me this far. He won't abandon me now. I am in a study. I will ... Read more

Deborah Hudson Thanks Nathan. That is the conclusion I have come to also. It is all in God's hands. Hr brought me this far. He won't abandon me now. I am in a study. I will either get TAVR or open heart for my severely calcified aortic valve. Won't know which till I check in on Wednesday at Emory Midtown Atlanta. They are trying to prove TAVR is good for those with low risk for open heart surgery. THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING TO ME AT ALMOST AGE 64. THEY SAY MY VALVE LOOKS LIKE IT IS 85.Heart trouble runs on my mom's side of the family.

How are you doing? Was it as difficult as I have read?