Diane's Journal

Seven weeks ago we brought our dog to the pet sitter knowing that we could not adequately care for her during my surgery and early recovery. Well, we got her home today! She was so excited and then promptly fell asleep.

Hello, my surgery was 12/23. My mitral valve leaflets were too thick for a solid repair, so after 30 minutes of trying, my wonderful surgeon, Saturo Osaki, at University of WI Hospital did a mechanical valve replacement. He is a super caring guy and came to see me 1-2 times a day, along with the PAs on his surgical staff. I had some Afib, which was scary and I even needed a blood transfusion. Things got better and I was discharged one week later on 12/30. BUT, the next day I started retaining urine and got really weird (delirious) and my husband had to call 911. I was readmitted through the ER. My mind and bladder cleared up but they were worried about possible infection and gave me a few days of IV antibiotics. Now, I came home for real on Jan. 6. I feel better every day and am up and around and doing as much for myself as possible. This is a very tough thing, but with the help of those around you, you can do it, just like I did!! Thanks for all the support. 😊❤️‍🩹💜

Well, I’m alive! This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I think today will be better. Yesterday brought nasty pain and A Fib but they’ve gotten a handle on it, thank you for all the support and merry Xmas!