Look who came to cardiac rehab today👏🥰‼️Bear is a therapy dog and visits the rehab every other week! He was so sweet, I hope to see him again 😉👏‼️ ...Read more
Look who came to cardiac rehab today👏🥰‼️Bear is a therapy dog and visits the rehab every other week! He was so sweet, I hope to see him again 😉👏‼️
Pamela Gregory Nothing is more uplifting than a therapy dog!!!
Amy Berger So cute! hoping your recovery is going well!
Richard Munson I’d bring shadow but he would tip over the treadmill.
Ana Brusso Hi Richard, how are things. Donna, is good to hear from you.
Donna Casaletto Lol that would be hilarious Richard! I agree Pam everyone’s heart rates went down after petting Bea ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Lol that would be hilarious Richard! I agree Pam everyone’s heart rates went down after petting Bear! Amy and Anna recovery is going well as they took me off my diuretic it was causing intense shoulder pain …blood test revealed dehydration.
Grace Mason Glad to hear you have progressed to rehab!
STEPHEN MORRIS Awesome..recovery seems slow..but it is amazing the progress..I remember being the last person out of ... Read more
STEPHEN MORRIS Awesome..recovery seems slow..but it is amazing the progress..I remember being the last person out of the rehab sessions. I also remember some people doing absolutely nothing....or as little as possible
Adam Pick You just brought back some great memories. I have to admit, cardiac rehab was a pivotal point in my... Read more
Adam Pick You just brought back some great memories. I have to admit, cardiac rehab was a pivotal point in my recovery. I went from feeling emotionally and physically exhausted to completely empowered. So glad to hear you're loving it as well!
Donna Casaletto Thanks Grace! Too funny Stephen about some people doing nothing! My copays are too pricey, I need to ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Thanks Grace! Too funny Stephen about some people doing nothing! My copays are too pricey, I need to make sure each session counts!
Marie Myers Rehab was a good way to get your confidence back and build stamina…
Donna Casaletto Thank you Adam! It is so true what you and all the other heart warriors have said about cardiac rehab ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Thank you Adam! It is so true what you and all the other heart warriors have said about cardiac rehab!The confidence to raise your heart rate and stamina in a safe and supportive environment…priceless 🥰‼️
Donna Casaletto Marie, we must have been typing at the same time! You literally took the words right out of my mouth! ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Marie, we must have been typing at the same time! You literally took the words right out of my mouth! Great minds think alike 😉‼️
Andrew Dial Wonderful job, you will love everything rehab gives you and will feel so much better afterwards :)
Kath Duggan Great job…can’t wait to hear reports about rehab! I hope some day to do half as well❤️
Pamela Gregory Awesome! It was the most helpful part of recovery for me!
Susan Lynn Yay! Good for you, Donna! I loved cardiac rehab. Enjoy!
Patsy Stewart Sounds like you had a great first day! I loved cardiac rehab! Enjoy every moment and be proud of ever ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Sounds like you had a great first day! I loved cardiac rehab! Enjoy every moment and be proud of everything you accomplish while you're there. It definitely gives you a boost of confidence. Go, Donna!~🏃♀️👟⏱
I have a question for the zipper club members about products to use on the incision. I have received permission to use Mederma but during my hospital stay a ...Read more
I have a question for the zipper club members about products to use on the incision. I have received permission to use Mederma but during my hospital stay a nurse suggested coconut oil. Which products have you used and were you pleased with the results?
Rose Madura I used Vitamin E until I started to get a rash so I stopped. You can barely see my scar, just a thin ... Read more
Rose Madura I used Vitamin E until I started to get a rash so I stopped. You can barely see my scar, just a thin white line.
Donna Casaletto That’s so great to hear that you can hardly see it! How long has it been Rose?
Rita Savelis I never used anything on my incision. It's important to not expose your scar to sunlight for at least ... Read more
Rita Savelis I never used anything on my incision. It's important to not expose your scar to sunlight for at least a year after surgery. The color of the scar should then blend in with your skin color. Take care.
Marie Myers I was from the “class of 2017” and my scar is barely visible also. I did not put anything on it, ... Read more
Marie Myers I was from the “class of 2017” and my scar is barely visible also. I did not put anything on it, but you should keep sun off it like Rita says. It does take time for the scar to settle down, so be patient.
Rose Madura Hi Donna, I had my surgery in May of 2017.
Donna Casaletto 2 from the class of 2017! I love it and so glad to hear your scars healed without any issues!
Donna Casaletto Yup, I’ll be covered up and loads of sunscreen!
Civita Fahey I used Argon Oil and vitamin E. I did end up with a keloid that needed to have injections. Its flat ... Read more
Civita Fahey I used Argon Oil and vitamin E. I did end up with a keloid that needed to have injections. Its flat now.. just remember to rub and massage the scar as much as possible to flatten it out. its barely visible now.
Just came home from the hospital! My head is racing with the playback of my hospital stay! All I can think of was the unbearable back pain ….think HOLY BACK ...Read more
Just came home from the hospital! My head is racing with the playback of my hospital stay! All I can think of was the unbearable back pain ….think HOLY BACK PAIN BATMAN!! My surgery was done through OHS perhaps I was on the hard table too long or it was being in a flat position from the moment you check in to the time of your surgery and then in the CICU immediately after surgery🤷🏻♀️!! But please speak up once they had my pain meds figured out it was like night and day 😴!! Also not sure if anyone uses them but I brought my own Baby-wipes they’re really helpful in maintaining your hygiene and giving you that extra comfort 😉‼️
Ana Brusso Welcome home Donna. Glad your back pain was alleviated. The hospital provided my wipes every day. Ple ... Read more
Ana Brusso Welcome home Donna. Glad your back pain was alleviated. The hospital provided my wipes every day. Please take it easy and try to walk. Be patient with your body. Continued good health and recovery and God bless you 🙏❤️👍
Donna Casaletto Thank you Ana!! Lucky your hospital had them in stock and thank God I packed some 😂‼️
Glad you're doing better after some medication adjustments. If your back pain is the worse of the Surgery!!! Your heart team did a great Job, And you are a blessed person.
Hope it goes smoother from here. Take it easy Donna.
Greg Lewis Way to go!! I had severe back pain too. Your back is basically attached to your chest. When your che ... Read more
Greg Lewis Way to go!! I had severe back pain too. Your back is basically attached to your chest. When your chest expands, your back contracts, and vice versa. Some feel the pain in the back, some the chest, some hardly at all. Remember, they moved your ribs around, and split your chest, it affects your back. At least that's how it was explained to me. It was horrible, so I feel for you!! But it goes away. If it gets too bad, get someone to kick you in the knee! Your back won't hurt anymore. 😁
Klara Čičić Yes Greg! Not a happy visual but that's it. I also had back pain. And Jason said it - if that is your ... Read more
Klara Čičić Yes Greg! Not a happy visual but that's it. I also had back pain. And Jason said it - if that is your main problem then they did a good job :))) welcome home!
Grace Mason Yay, welcome home Donna. And thanks for the tips. Glad your back pain is being controlled now and yo... Read more
Grace Mason Yay, welcome home Donna. And thanks for the tips. Glad your back pain is being controlled now and you are in familiar surroundings.Greg's suggestion is an idea
Marie Myers There is no place like home… My upper back and shoulders bothered me the most , too…Would have pa ... Read more
Marie Myers There is no place like home… My upper back and shoulders bothered me the most , too…Would have paid anything for a chair massage….
Kath Duggan So glad you home. Hope you continue each day to get stronger. ❤️
Pamela Gregory Welcome home Donna!!! I also had back and shoulder pain. Greg definitely has a good idea! Glad they ... Read more
Pamela Gregory Welcome home Donna!!! I also had back and shoulder pain. Greg definitely has a good idea! Glad they got your meds to help out.
Amy Berger Yay - congrats on being back home!!! Doesn’t it seem so much quieter :) and that first shower feels ... Read more
Amy Berger Yay - congrats on being back home!!! Doesn’t it seem so much quieter :) and that first shower feels great! So happy for you!!
Roy Yoder What an awesome suggestion, Baby Wipes!! Spread the word! I am so happy that you are home Donna. My ... Read more
Roy Yoder What an awesome suggestion, Baby Wipes!! Spread the word! I am so happy that you are home Donna. My advise to you, is to get in rehab as soon as you are able. Ultimately, getting up and out of bed as much as possible, is the best cure. It helps so much physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Small strides forward mean alot.
I’m feeling good but still in CICU. I almost went to the step down floor this am but my blood pressure is on the low side so until I am off the stronger medication ...Read more
I’m feeling good but still in CICU. I almost went to the step down floor this am but my blood pressure is on the low side so until I am off the stronger medication I have to stay here. ….which isn’t bad my own nurse😂😉‼️No, that’s my boyfriend, John but a very good nurse too 😂‼️
Amy Berger Yay so glad to see your post and congrats on being a new heart warrior!! Gets better and better every ... Read more
Amy Berger Yay so glad to see your post and congrats on being a new heart warrior!! Gets better and better every day! I also had blood pressure that was too low that kept me in ICU for a second day. Love your pic - you look great!!!
Timothy Andre Welcome to recovery Donna! Congrats on a successful procedure. You did it!! God bless you and may y... Read more
Timothy Andre Welcome to recovery Donna! Congrats on a successful procedure. You did it!! God bless you and may your recovery be smooth and uneventful.
Mark Buttell If your surgery was yesterday you are looking incredible! WTG heart Warrior! Wishing you all the best ... Read more
Mark Buttell If your surgery was yesterday you are looking incredible! WTG heart Warrior! Wishing you all the best in your recovery.
Susan Lynn Woo-hoo! You did it, Donna and you look terrific! Welcome to recovery!
Richard Munson Go donna, great smile, now the fun begins.
Ana Brusso Donna! Great to see your smile and your nurse boyfriend. You did it kid. Did you get Richard’s room ... Read more
Ana Brusso Donna! Great to see your smile and your nurse boyfriend. You did it kid. Did you get Richard’s room? Congratulations and continued good health. God bless you 🙏❤️👍
Deena Z Donna- congrats!!! The hardest part is over. You made it and will get stronger and stronger. ❤ ... Read more
Deena Z Donna- congrats!!! The hardest part is over. You made it and will get stronger and stronger. ❤️
Pamela Gregory So glad to see your post!!! You made it to the recovery side💗. Take one thing at a time and one da ... Read more
Pamela Gregory So glad to see your post!!! You made it to the recovery side💗. Take one thing at a time and one day at a time
Rose Madura Look at you and that beautiful smile! Congratulations. I had a male nurse in CICU. His name was Bill ... Read more
Rose Madura Look at you and that beautiful smile! Congratulations. I had a male nurse in CICU. His name was Bill and he was a great nurse. Then my husband (named Richard) took over at home and I had it made.
A sign from my Mom ❤️‼️Spilled water on my errand notes left a ❤️ on my passenger seat❤️🥰‼️
Amy Berger Wow - definitely a sign :) was thinking of you today - when is your surgery? In a previous post you a ... Read more
Amy Berger Wow - definitely a sign :) was thinking of you today - when is your surgery? In a previous post you asked about an incision shield. I ended up buying a post surgical Velcro bra through Amazon and have worn it almost every day. If you want a link to it, let me know. I also brought a charging brick to the hospital for my phone versus a charging. Cord and it worked great.
Donna Casaletto Hi Amy or should I call you Rockstar😉⁉️Love reading your posts you’re recovering so quickly! ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Hi Amy or should I call you Rockstar😉⁉️Love reading your posts you’re recovering so quickly!! My surgery is this Thursday 😳😬🙈. I was told my hospital doesn’t have incision shields but they do have the area protected etc.
Kath Duggan How special to receive that sign. You have been in my thoughts and send you positive thoughts, hugs ... Read more
Kath Duggan How special to receive that sign. You have been in my thoughts and send you positive thoughts, hugs and prayers this week.
Rose Madura How cool is that! It reminds once when I was having a bad morning and I walked outside and God left... Read more
Rose Madura How cool is that! It reminds once when I was having a bad morning and I walked outside and God left me a smiley face with two rocks and a smiling branch. Change the whole course of my day!
Ana Brusso Cute story Rose, Donna definitely a good sign. ❤️🙏
Amy Berger Thanks Donna :) I’ve got a feeling you are going to heal really quickly too - sending prayers for t ... Read more
Amy Berger Thanks Donna :) I’ve got a feeling you are going to heal really quickly too - sending prayers for this for you :)
Leona Resch Wow Donna!! Totally a sign! Wishing you good luck for your surgery! Think all those good healing thou ... Read more
Leona Resch Wow Donna!! Totally a sign! Wishing you good luck for your surgery! Think all those good healing thoughts! You’ll be joining us who are recovering really soon! You’ve got this!!
Amy Berger hahaha love this! I also tried to buy the shield from the book but no luck. I ended up buying through ... Read more
Amy Berger hahaha love this! I also tried to buy the shield from the book but no luck. I ended up buying through Amazon (of course) a post surgical velcro front bra thinking that may help. Would love to hear what other gals bought, if anything?
Joy Snyder I was about to make on inappropriate comment, but I don't know you guys. ;)
Donna Casaletto Joy go right ahead 😂‼️You can’t leave us hanging 😜‼️
Richard Munson I’m already blushing just contemplating an inappropriate comment. My poor chaste ears may not be re ... Read more
Richard Munson I’m already blushing just contemplating an inappropriate comment. My poor chaste ears may not be ready for this due to my sheltered life. I’m trying to picture greg in that outfit but not sure my repaired mitral valve can handle it.
Greg Lewis Come on now Joy! Inappropriate are the best kind! Comment away! I mean if Richard can try to picture ... Read more
Greg Lewis Come on now Joy! Inappropriate are the best kind! Comment away! I mean if Richard can try to picture me in that thing, and have it turn him on to the point of his heart exploding,...well..
Amy Berger Joy - hope you share your comment w us :) and Richard there must be something more you can add ??
Rose Madura I received a Velcro surgical bra that was perfect for me. Didn't need the shield. I also went brale ... Read more
Rose Madura I received a Velcro surgical bra that was perfect for me. Didn't need the shield. I also went braless with large t-shirt 👕 around the house but then put the surgical bra of someone came to visit or if I went out.
Joy Snyder Was thinking back to 50 shades of gray...
Klara Čičić Wow what an amazing gift. My kids kindergarten teachers are so amazing, now I want to buy this for th ... Read more
Klara Čičić Wow what an amazing gift. My kids kindergarten teachers are so amazing, now I want to buy this for them :) Good luck Donna, you can do this!
Donna Casaletto Aww love that Klara!! Lol Greg it was a piece of cake and glad it’s behind me! Patsy it’s a small ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Aww love that Klara!! Lol Greg it was a piece of cake and glad it’s behind me! Patsy it’s a small toiletry/makeup bag it photographed larger than it is but just love the message! Thank you everyone for the well wishes! Now trying to make sense of the CTA report!
Greg Lewis I can do part of it...the bottom means you gotta go back to where the test results are...your welcome ... Read more
Greg Lewis I can do part of it...the bottom means you gotta go back to where the test results are...your welcome!
Has anyone failed their dental clearance so close to surgery? Thank God my dentist took a panoramic X-ray! Oral examination everything looked great but the ...Read more
Has anyone failed their dental clearance so close to surgery? Thank God my dentist took a panoramic X-ray! Oral examination everything looked great but the panoramic showed an abscess on a previously treated root canal tooth. So yup, had to be treated again and was warned it could be painful! One more treatment to go!
Richard Munson Good they found it ahead. Tooth and gum infections can affect the heart my surgeon said. Probably did ... Read more
Richard Munson Good they found it ahead. Tooth and gum infections can affect the heart my surgeon said. Probably did not hurt as tooth is dead. My dentist said root canals are prone to abscess, who knows. Now when i go for a cleaning i take an antibiotic prior to. It never ends until the end. Mgh here you come.
Klara Čičić I did fail, but it was on time, few months before the surgery... It was all clear by the due date. G ... Read more
Klara Čičić I did fail, but it was on time, few months before the surgery... It was all clear by the due date. Good luck!
Marie Myers I had to have a root canal several months after having my heart surgery. Needless to say, I was a bit ... Read more
Marie Myers I had to have a root canal several months after having my heart surgery. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous about infection also. All went went, thank God!!
Kimberly Eisenhut No root canals for me ever! They always leed to other problems. Rather just have tooth removed and go ... Read more
Kimberly Eisenhut No root canals for me ever! They always leed to other problems. Rather just have tooth removed and go from there. Root canals are always going to, at some point, turn into an infection. I have researched this topic at length, and it is just never a good option. They will tell you it is better then pulling the tooth, but they know it will eventually cause more problems, and for heart health, it just is not worth the risk.
Deena Z Yep, I had a root canal as well three months after surgery, just like Marie. All went well. Stay ... Read more
Deena Z Yep, I had a root canal as well three months after surgery, just like Marie. All went well. Stay away from hard candy.
Marie Myers Kimberly, Trouble for me was, my root canal tooth was one of the anchor teeth for my bridge.. If not ... Read more
Marie Myers Kimberly, Trouble for me was, my root canal tooth was one of the anchor teeth for my bridge.. If not for that, I would have no teeth on the entire bottom right side of my mouth. Unfortunately, my parents did not believe in dental care, and I lost several permanent teeth by the time I was 18…
Donna Casaletto Yes, Richard I was pretreated before appointment and after with 2 different antibiotics! As for MGH g ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Yes, Richard I was pretreated before appointment and after with 2 different antibiotics! As for MGH going Monday for CTA and preop testing 😳🙈😬‼️Klara thank you I had an appointment in December but rescheduled 🙈Marie thank God it went well for you 😉👍. Kimberly I never realized it could lead to further infections and yes, very scary for our heart health.
Patsy Stewart I had an front tooth that was acting up. They had me go to the dentist. The one I saw had taken the p ... Read more
Patsy Stewart I had an front tooth that was acting up. They had me go to the dentist. The one I saw had taken the place of my regular dentist. He basically just looked in my mouth…. no examination and said he didn’t know what was wrong. 🤷🏻♀️I found a new dentist who put me on antibiotics and the abscess went away. They let me have OHS. A month after my second surgery, I had oral surgery to fix my gums where they had fallen loose from my teeth. They took skin from the roof of my mouth to sew onto my gums and kind of build a dam back onto my teeth. It was a disaster to go through all of that! I’m glad they are resolving your dental issues before your surgery takes place. Have I mentioned that I’m more afraid of a dentist than I am of the heart surgeon? True story! Lol!!
Ana Brusso Patsy, I’m with you about dentists. I have had so much work done in my mouth since childhood. Now I ... Read more
Ana Brusso Patsy, I’m with you about dentists. I have had so much work done in my mouth since childhood. Now I need a graph in my canine tooth. Maybe in February. Donna, glad you are taking care of yours now. Blessings
Richard Munson Wow ana, canine teeth, shadow is jealous. I had my wisdom teeth out and can’t remember much anymore ... Read more
Richard Munson Wow ana, canine teeth, shadow is jealous. I had my wisdom teeth out and can’t remember much anymore. Nancy says its old age but i think its those teeth.
Donna Casaletto Richard 😂‼️Thanks for making us laugh! Patsy, you went through a great deal of oral surgery s ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Richard 😂‼️Thanks for making us laugh! Patsy, you went through a great deal of oral surgery so sorry …sounds like OHS was easier for you! Kimberly it took me a second too 😉‼️
Ana Brusso Praying, that God restores him to good health. 🙏
Donna Casaletto I know Susan so young! He’s my daughter’s age Richard so many serious injuries just so scary! Pam ... Read more
Donna Casaletto I know Susan so young! He’s my daughter’s age Richard so many serious injuries just so scary! Pamela and Ana 🙏🙏🙏
Richard Munson Its football which is a tough sport. I recall a similar instance back in the day of a boxer getting p ... Read more
Richard Munson Its football which is a tough sport. I recall a similar instance back in the day of a boxer getting punched in the chest and his heart stopping. Freak occurrence i suspect.
Just curious if there are any teachers on this site? I’m wondering about informing my parents of my upcoming surgery in January. I teach special needs preschool ...Read more
Just curious if there are any teachers on this site? I’m wondering about informing my parents of my upcoming surgery in January. I teach special needs preschool ages 3-5 and it is a very physically demanding job. I’m not sure I’ll go back or even have the stamina to go back the remainder of the year.
David Pearl I teach volunteer in Thailand...I am looking for a job and have the same concerns)
Richard Munson Not a teacher but this is already mid october. I have teachers in my family and i know for the most p ... Read more
Richard Munson Not a teacher but this is already mid october. I have teachers in my family and i know for the most part that the well being of your students is a huge reason you do what you do. But in this case, you might consider putting yourself first , because as great as the new medical advances may be, this is still open heart surgery and you will be wiped for awhile. ( wait till you take your first shower) . Hard to believe a parent would not understand that and realize that 1. A sub par teacher does their child no good and 2. Given a normal recovery, you will be back in the spring or summer stronger than ever. Plus, by letting them know now, it gives them time to make other arrangements until you heal. Good luck with them.
Donna Casaletto David Pearl good luck with your job search! How exciting you volunteer in Thailand!!
Donna Casaletto Richard, the parents don’t know any details yet. I’m not sure how much I should share with them. ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Richard, the parents don’t know any details yet. I’m not sure how much I should share with them. As long as my symptoms stayed not emergent I delayed my surgery until January. I wanted to establish routines and just found out a dear coworker is coming out of retirement to take over my class🥰👏‼️
Richard Munson Great news. As far as sharing, thats a personal thing but you are having ohs, nuff said. Its not like ... Read more
Richard Munson Great news. As far as sharing, thats a personal thing but you are having ohs, nuff said. Its not like a hangnail.
David Pearl Donna--thanks I have also done remote teaching to China...Are you in America ? How are things there ? ... Read more
David Pearl Donna--thanks I have also done remote teaching to China...Are you in America ? How are things there ?
Donna Casaletto Hi David, I apologize I must have missed your question. Yes, I’m in America and we are back full ti ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Hi David, I apologize I must have missed your question. Yes, I’m in America and we are back full time in person with no Covid Precautions ( wearing masks, contact tracing, etc) We have had quite a few outbreaks with high numbers of students and staff out with Covid. Hope you’re job search is going well 👍😉
David Pearl Thanks Donna ! I just did a great month trip to Japan and Manila--no surgery yet !)
...Read more