Hello, again! I've been back home from the hospital for one week. Been meaning to post but just not up for it until tonight. For those of you new to my story ...Read more
Hello, again! I've been back home from the hospital for one week. Been meaning to post but just not up for it until tonight. For those of you new to my story I was scheduled for a mitral valve repair, appendage closing, and MAZE procedure, but a few days before surgery my angiogram showed I also needed a triple bypass. Surprise! I made it through surgery (6 hours) and then spent 8 days in the hospital. I'm not going to lie, it was hard. Hardest thing I've ever done. But I'm alive, and so grateful to be here.
Cedars Sinai Hospital was amazing. I can't say enough about my surgeon, Dr. Chikwe. Really just the best. So smart and her bedside manner was so warm, and reassuring. We spent actual quality time together each day and this helped me feel more comfortable each day.
I'm not gonna lie. I was very anxious. I couldn't imagine going home - I wanted those doctors and nurses to move home with me, LOL. And for this, it was the Nurses that got me through. I can't say enough about the Nurses. They were there night and day to keep me comfortable and calm the anxiety. I was really nervous about post surgery pain and I can honestly say there wasn't much surgery pain. For me it was mostly my back that hurt so I became the crazy pillow lady and my nurses my teammates in the nightly pillow shuffle to keep me comfortable. I ended up sleeping in the reclining chair every night except the first.
I was in the ICU for basically my entire stay because I had some ups and down with blood pressure and some other numbers they were not happy about. I didn't feel any different but the numbers said otherwise so they kept a close watch on me -- which was great for me. I felt better mentally with one to one nursing and I think my husband did too.
And then I came home. It's been a week now and I have visits from a home health nurse, occupational therapist and physical therapist throughout the week. I like the structure it provides my week as I'm not doing much most of the time.
I do walk 3x every day and am up to 10 minutes for each walk though it really is more of a shuffle. Visits from family and friends keeps my spirits up most of the time, though there is that emotional element that often sneaks up on me and sometimes I'm weepy - but lets be honest, I've always been weepy so no surprise here.
The support I received from everyone on this website was so helpful. It really prepared me for different things that might have worried me. A couple of ocular migraines, the ridge of my sternum incision, etc. I didn't freak out because I had read about them here. So helpful. Plus those who reached out personally and talked to on the phone - invaluable support.
I'm slowly recovering ... like molasses slow. But someone told me to just find the 1% improvement each day and that really works for me. In this way I know I am moving forward. And I'm still the pillow lady and sleeping in the recliner, but hoping for nap this week in an actual bed!
Thanks for all your support and listening to my story. I'm now here to help anyone else on their journey - just reach out and I'll be there. If I can get through it... you can too!
Peter Linn Great message. So glad to hear you doing better.
Marie Myers Glad to hear you are on the recovery side. It is a slow, steady process, and you will notice small im ... Read more
Marie Myers Glad to hear you are on the recovery side. It is a slow, steady process, and you will notice small improvements day by day. Try to stay positive , and rest as you need to. You have been through a big surgery, and recovery will take time.
Susan Lynn Yay!!! Glad you're home! Slow and steady definitely wins the recovery race. You'll be surprised ho ... Read more
Susan Lynn Yay!!! Glad you're home! Slow and steady definitely wins the recovery race. You'll be surprised how much better you feel in another week or two. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the incremental progress, you'll definitely notice differences over a bit of time. Be well! ❤
Craig Atwater That's great! It really is slow, steady progress. Not every day is an improvement -- plenty of days ... Read more
Craig Atwater That's great! It really is slow, steady progress. Not every day is an improvement -- plenty of days feel like no change, and sometimes even a small step backwards. But week-over-week, you'll notice the difference. Stay focused on your future health because the really tough part is now in the past.
Ken Ferber so awesome of you for sharing this. Please keep us posted
Cameron Peek It is so helpful to hear everyone’s experience. I was also scared to death to leave the hospital. I ... Read more
Cameron Peek It is so helpful to hear everyone’s experience. I was also scared to death to leave the hospital. I had a full mini melt down when my nurse came in unexpectedly asking me to sign forms about going home. I am so glad you have made it through the hatdest part and are focusing in each day.
E Taub Right Cameron. I mean you are surrounded by nurses and doctors and monitoring devices - then suddenly ... Read more
E Taub Right Cameron. I mean you are surrounded by nurses and doctors and monitoring devices - then suddenly it’s you are on your own. A little disconcerting if not downright scary.
Deena Z E, you have been through the world wind of heart procedures. -- more than most of us. Isn't it such ... Read more
Deena Z E, you have been through the world wind of heart procedures. -- more than most of us. Isn't it such a relief to know that it is over with and you are on the mend?!! The first two weeks are the hardest at home, because the heart is still pretty weak. -- You're incision is healing (wait until the glue comes off, so much better.) You're constantly wondering about your heart rate & blood pressure, your incision staying clean, your pillow placement, your ( NOT coughing or sneezing (please); whether you can get by another day without washing your hair; is your husband going to be exhausted from taking care of you (NOT! :) and how much you should "push" yourself. So...hang-in-there. Inhale- Exhale. Every day gets better and then one day you realize you don't feel "debilitated" any more. Cardiac rehab -- bring it on!
Lisa Coombe I’m almost 6 weeks post op, I have managed to sleep in my bed from second night home, I still can ... Read more
Lisa Coombe I’m almost 6 weeks post op, I have managed to sleep in my bed from second night home, I still can’t sleep on my side but I’m managing up to 7 hrs most nights, it will get better
Paula Romero Hi Elisa - I also was not prepared to leave the hospital, but here I am at home a week tomorrow. I se ... Read more
Paula Romero Hi Elisa - I also was not prepared to leave the hospital, but here I am at home a week tomorrow. I seem to get around pretty good, and last night and today have been the first time I’ve had a bit of pain around my incision. My incision still has tape on it even though I shower every day. I’m sure it will come off by itself. I’m still sleeping in the recliner, but am switching to bed on Saturday. Can’t really lay down, but we have one of those back pillows with the arms. Trying to do as much as I can without over doing it. Walking, breathing, etc. I plan to go out this weekend for just a little bit. Will let you know how that works out….❤️🩹💜
Dylan Kempers Elisa, glad to hear your surgery went well and that your recovery is right on track!!
Debbie Freed I am glad each day gets a little better
Well the adventure has officially begun! I had my angiogram yesterday and it turns out I have blockages (90%!) so they will be adding a triple bypass to my ...Read more
Well the adventure has officially begun! I had my angiogram yesterday and it turns out I have blockages (90%!) so they will be adding a triple bypass to my mitral valve repair, MAZE and atrial appendage surgery this coming Tuesday. I was prepared for this as I suspected it would be the case. So no robotic side entry for me - full sternum cut instead. But glad they will be fixing everything at once, in hope that this is a one time deal.
Surprisingly after the news I felt better. I how know exactly what will be done - anxiety has dissipated and I'm feeling good and ready to get this done. I'm having my surgery at Cedars Sinai with Dr. Joanna Chikwe who I love and have complete confidence in. She is so kind and has spent ample time with us answering our questions and concerns. Her staff is also amazing. Nice thing about having the angiogram there a few days before, is that I am now familiar with the hospital, admitting and prep department and this will help keep me calm on the day of the surgery).
So this weekend I am taking it very easy - with 90% block I want to make sure I get to the big show, LOL. Organizing things for the family and packing my hospital bag. Lounging around the house and watching movies.
I'm ready and feeling strong. Whatever happens next, happens. I will update here when I am able to. Thanks for all the support here, with a special shout out to Dylan and Cameron.
Jill Boroniec Best of luck to you - you are going in with a great attitude!
E Taub I'm trying Jill. I'm trying... Thank you for your support.
Deena Z E, thinking of you. You’ve got an outstanding surgeon and hospital. The statistics are way in you ... Read more
Deena Z E, thinking of you. You’ve got an outstanding surgeon and hospital. The statistics are way in your favor. You got this!! Cant wait until you get to recovery.
Kim McGee Thinking of you sending positive vibes , I have my surgery Thursday to replace aortic valve with mech ... Read more
Kim McGee Thinking of you sending positive vibes , I have my surgery Thursday to replace aortic valve with mechanical valve
Lisa Coombe I had sternum fully cut, just listen to what they tell you. It hurts but you will get through it. It ... Read more
Lisa Coombe I had sternum fully cut, just listen to what they tell you. It hurts but you will get through it. It’s been 3 weeks tomorrow and I’m slowly doing more every day. I’m here if you want to ask any question at all
Marie Myers You have an admirable, positive attitude! That will help you a lot. Best wishes for a smooth journey ... Read more
Marie Myers You have an admirable, positive attitude! That will help you a lot. Best wishes for a smooth journey through surgery and recovery!
Debra Keife I'm in your corner, girl!! I have my surgery this Tuesday and can't wait! I was also very nervous and ... Read more
Debra Keife I'm in your corner, girl!! I have my surgery this Tuesday and can't wait! I was also very nervous and the anxiety level was through the roof but, once I got my date and had all the pre ops done I felt much calmer. I will be having a partial sternotomy to replace the aortic valve with a bovine and repair of my ameurysm at the same time. I am so grateful for my surgical team and support from friends, family and you all. I am excited for your new journey!! Keep us posted.
Adam Pick E, Great post. Thanks for sharing. You are in GREAT hands with Dr. Chikwe and the Cedars team. Fyi, ... Read more
Adam Pick E, Great post. Thanks for sharing. You are in GREAT hands with Dr. Chikwe and the Cedars team. Fyi, I just filmed this new video with Dr. Chikwe and I thought you might enjoy it. Thoughts are with you!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNBglVf8oio
https://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com - Patients with mitral regurgitation, also known as a leaking heart valve, have many options for treatment. As a result,...
Dylan Kempers Thank, Elisa! You got this! Everything is gonna go well!!
Paula Romero Good Luck Elisa!! Can’t wait to see your post after Surgery! 🙏🏻🥰💜
Scott Kinghorn Best of luck. You've got a great surgeon. I'm sure you'll do just fine.
Craig Atwater This isn't about luck. You have a great attitude, a great doctor, and a great hospital. Like you, I ... Read more
Craig Atwater This isn't about luck. You have a great attitude, a great doctor, and a great hospital. Like you, I had the full sternum cut ... it's painful, but as Lisa C. suggested, follow their directions and you will get through this. I am 11 weeks post-op today, and feeling better every day. Best wishes for your surgery & recovery!
E Taub Thank you everyone for your support. Nerves have returned today but I'm ready.
Just found out having mitral valve repair or replacement in three weeks. Crazy. A lot to think about. Reading through feed here for tips and tricks. I've ...Read more
Just found out having mitral valve repair or replacement in three weeks. Crazy. A lot to think about. Reading through feed here for tips and tricks. I've had several other surgeries non-heart related so hoping that will help me prepare and not be too freaked out. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Also, anyone have any info on hypoallergenic electrode pads used before and after surgery for heart monitoring. I get horrific welts/rashes when pads are left on during and after surgery. Almost like burns. Would love to know if anyone has had any solutions to this problem.
Thank you in advance.
Else Reed Take mental pictures of fun stuff you are doing. Store them in your brain and focus on them when you ... Read more
Else Reed Take mental pictures of fun stuff you are doing. Store them in your brain and focus on them when you get stressed. Walk. Get comfy shirts and pants. I have a cut in my groin and love soft pants. I also used a shower chair in the shower for a few weeks.
I get irritated skin with those pads also, but so far I have never found non irritating ones. Good luck with everything! Keep us posted!
E Taub Thank you Else. Trying to remain calm. I'll keep you posted.
Hi Elisa, wishing you a successful procedure on your mitral valve. Stay positive and focus on things ... Read more
Hi Elisa, wishing you a successful procedure on your mitral valve. Stay positive and focus on things you need to prepare for before it. God bless you
Dylan Kempers Hi Elisa, I had MV repair robotics surgery at the same hospital (Cedars in LA) just 6 weeks ago. Let ... Read more
Dylan Kempers Hi Elisa, I had MV repair robotics surgery at the same hospital (Cedars in LA) just 6 weeks ago. Let me know if you'd like to chat on the phone (it's easier than writing). :)
Cameron Peek I have the same very severe allergy to all adhesives including ekg leads. I had very good success dur ... Read more
Cameron Peek I have the same very severe allergy to all adhesives including ekg leads. I had very good success during my surgery on 5/21/21 but had to be diligent to make them get the correct materials. Mt Sinai had a sensitive skin lead which I wore for 6 days with no problem. When I did a halter monitor test I had to quit because the blisters were so bad. I also had to insist they use sensitive skin pads for my IV and my incision. They tried changing my incision bandage on day 3 with a non sensitive and we had to remove it after about 2 hours. I was able to use paper tape and gauze for the many many blood draws. My email is cameronpeek@yahoo.com if you would like to discuss further. I have also been successful using Cavilon barrier pads. Every unit I was on had to adjust and be reminded over and over about my allergies.
Paula Romero Best Wishes on your Surgery - mine was delayed till the 28th. You will do Great! Post after for us… ... Read more
Paula Romero Best Wishes on your Surgery - mine was delayed till the 28th. You will do Great! Post after for us….💜
E Taub Paula - glad they are being safe and delaying surgery. I will definitely post after. Be well.