Emily's Journal

Janette Rehua  Em was so worried about you. You vanished for so long but great to see you are back. Hugs Janette Perth WA

Ron Broadhead  Hi Emily - that was a very nice post. Hope you are doing well. I haven't been on in a long time either.

Ron

Emily Rowley  Hello All, I know I haven't been on here in ages!! Thank you for your wonderful messages. I'm doing okay (almost another year older soon) and I really hope you all are too. I know most on here are from America 🇺🇸 which has been undergoing rapid change whether it be political or health wise with this terrible COVID-19 Virus. May all your hearts be healing back together to beat again 💕 I'm continuing to think and prayer for you all 🙏💓💞

Susan Lynn  Wow, Emily! You've certainly been through a lot. Hang in there! I am hoping our heart warriors will reply to your questions. We have had multiple valve folks here! Wishing you all the best! 🙏❤

Mike Roskowinski  Wow that is a lot to take in. I wish I could help you answer your questions but I don’t know. I am sure there are some people on here that can and will help you out. Good luck and hope you get out fast and back to normal.

Catie B  Oh my. Emily, I'm so sorry you're going through all of this! So much to cope with! A friend had costo and I've understood it to be extremely painful. My heart goes out to you very much over all of this. I hope you will feel far better soon and hope you'll keep us posted when you can.

Joey Hardee  Wow, Emily! So sorry you have to deal with all this. I know its hard. You are quite strong. Very inspiring. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Tracy Fallu  I’m so sorry you are going through this Emily. I had Costo and it is quite painful. Slowly but surely you will begin to feel some relief . Hang in there kiddo. ♥️

Anna Jones  I am sorry you are going through this too. I had a leaky MV and have a leaky tricuspid valve. Both valves were leaking at the same time; but, my surgeon said that a leaky tricuspid valve wasn't a worry as the pressure on the tricuspid is less than on the mitral valve. I had asked him to repair both at the same time, but he refused and said it wasn't protocol.

I hope you will feel better soon, and that you will rest and take it easy, and continue to follow dr's orders.

Steve Farthing  My cardiologist mentioned that 75% of the population have a leaky tricuspid valve which is why they don't worry as much about it.

Emily Rowley  Thank you both Kate and Dan. May you too enjoy personal success Dan in your journey 😁 I tried to find your email address Kate so I could email you again - I hope all is well with you ❤️

Janette Francis  Lovely to hear from you and that you are doing so well. Things in Perth are chilly and wet but after a house move 12 months ago -back to the city - Im loving 'doing up' our home and upcycling furniture as well as gardening . Heart surgery changes us there is NO denying it. I try to find joy in even the bleakest days (not too many of them thank goodness!) but the gratitude I feel towards the surgeon and medical staff who cared for me and my supportive friends and daughter and family, and of course God, has never changed. Im as thankful now as I was that first moment I opened my eyes x All heart people share a bond we have faced a sometimes daunting experience but to those waiting for surgery please know you are prayed for and in great hands and a blessed recover to all of you. Its never as bad as you think x

Sophia Ridley  Hi Emily, wow! What a positive recovery and a good tonic for all! You’ve been in my thoughts, so good to hear from you.

Barbara Laurie  Hi Emily!! For months I clicked on your name in from my own journal but couldn’t find your page! I’ve wanted to say hello and how I missed you😄 Now, to see your pics and we’ll..wow! So glad you are SO WELL💕 what a joy you’ve been and are. ❄️ Enjoy your new found revival.. 💕 God Bless.

Linda Richards  Im going on two years, husband and I followed you ... email me if you wish ... pinkdice777@yahoo.com. you look great

Emily Rowley  Kate - I hope you too are doing well. How is your newish house (one you moved into)?

Sophia - Aww such lovely words. You're in my thoughts too. I hope your AFIB is settled. How is your repair going?

Gina - Be lovely to keep in contact I have email, do you?

Linda - Thank you, good description I'm tiny but zip around as fast as I can with a repaired heart (still get out of breathe) although I do feel alot healthier and not sure about getting the flu shot this Winter... How do you go getting around? Yeah I am young, I have family with heart problems and my little 3/4yr old Cousin needs OHS soon for ASD Holes in the heart like me, god bless her, she is so strong running around (very much a Tom Boy). Hopefully you don't get out of breathe. Thanks Linda, I will email you soon.

Barbara - Oh no, that's so strange why the website wouldn't follow onto my page, I'm glad you were able to post here. I have an email address I use more, would you like to talk to each other over email? May GOD Bless You and Dave.

Ron - Thanks Ron, I'm doing another Charity Fun Run this August plus I cycle to Uni. I like your profile picture.

I'm very blessed to have all you Heart Family in my life. Thank you for taking the time to reach out and write to me xoxo 💓

Linda Richards  Ha, keep zipping around Emily! I will be turning 55 ... I may seem old you you but I am not .... Flu shot? I never got one and will never ... My idol .... Mick Jagger! Find an exercise thing that you like and keep doing it. I just discovered Bar Method. Women of all ages and sizes ... My heart thing was just something oddly out of place for me

Janette Rehua  SOOOOOOO super happy you are doing great....would expect no less from you hun and I pray for you so much ! Im also doing fine my heart stuff is all good and the tumor in my neck is benign -has to be removed in case-but thats a walk in the park after OHS!!! Looks like I can come off warfarin YAY had a heart monitor on for 24 hours and all was great so my GP is going to have me stop taking them GOOD! All fine in WA we hope to move in a couple of weeks closer to the city which ia help with the few remaining visits and upcoming neck surgery but piece of cake that one -not at all worried. Stay well and keep in touch you have my email xxx

Barbara Laurie  So happy to see your post and read you are well Emily! I was just telling Dave I hadn't seen you lately and we hoped you were okay. 💖

Robert Osmachenko  My heart goes out to you my heart granddaughter. You are making great progress! Thoughts and prayers.

Enrique K  Hey Emily, great results I haven't posted in a while but I am back. This is great news keep on healing! Take Care! Everything is going well on my end no complaints.

Emily Rowley  Thank you so much for all your lovely heartfelt message. I feel bad I haven't been on here or replied to your messages you've spent time.

Jan, aww hun, I pray for you and my Heart Friends-I've started going to Bibble study. 🙏🏼 I'm glad your heart is doing great too! I'm getting out of Health Insurance since April 1st price rise! Oh no, when does your tumor need to be removed? Yay you're off Warfarin. 🙌🏼 Have you heard all QLD cyclone Debbie+Floods? That has been dreadful. I went to email you but your address wouldn't show up, any chance you could please resend it? I am well, but my Nan I'm really close to hasn't... Talk soon Jan xox

Barbara, I'm so happy to hear from you and you've been thinking about me. How have you been? Do you have an email address so we can keep in contact more-I check my emails regularly. I am well, stressed out with everything happening to my Nan, I've always been really close to her so it's hard seeing those we love in pain. How is Dave going? You would be going into Summer season soon? Talk soon Barb xox

Kate, I'm really happy to hear from you, thank you for thinking of me-I feel very blessed to have you my Heart Sister. I sent you an Easter message via email. I hope you have been keeping well, you have been through alot esp pain, having to manage Warfarin levels constantly and hearing double sound-has this eased for you? How is your new home you've settled into? Last time we spoke you were heading off to a much deserved holiday with lovely views-love to see your holiday snaps. Talk soon Kate xox

Robert, those are very beautiful words which have touched my heart 💕 Yes, I can finally feel more at ease-although I still wonder if certain symptons are heart related. I will reply to your previous message! 😃

Enrique, that is great you are going well 😀 I'm like you, I too haven't posted much and going well. How's your snow/skining going?

Robert Osmachenko  Hi Em. December 1st/16 had a minor infarction (2.9 troponins) and went to hospital. Cardio can't figure out what brought this on. I was taking one Eliquis a day and my hemoglobin is 20 pts above normal. Anyways, went to see my local internist instead of Cardio and he prescribed a Phlebotomy because my blood is too thick (high hemo and high red blood cell). Because we still don't know what brought this on we doubled my dosage of eliquis to twice a day. So far, so good and we'll monitor. I think the blood letting did the job but we'll see as time goes on.
Be well.

Emily Rowley  Hi Robert. I apologize for my late reply. I'm so sorry to hear you had a heart attack. Has your heart recovered from this? Do you know the cause of your high Hemoglobin levels? There are a few main reasons why levels can be high. Mine were way too low, so my Cardiologist in Hospital organised for me to have Iron Transfusions. My Iron was good, I think now it could be abit on the low side. Thanks, take care too Robert.

Robert Osmachenko  This is a new thing for me ie: having thick blood. One thing may be my use of decongestants for stuffy nose. These pills have a rebound effect if not used regularly and I didn't see it. It is the same thing with nasal sprays. I left those pills and my sinuses are clear. Go figure. So far, my blood is thinner and blood work in two days will confirm. Two weeks ago my blood work was close to normal and my iron levels are now normal w/o supplementation. Can you believe it!! The future looks bright and I feel confident.

Emily Rowley  Oh no, I used alot of decongestant sprays for my stuffy nose esp sinus at night and hayfever. I have a friend who swears by taking olive leaf extract-it helps her alot so I'm going to give it ago, it might help your sinus too. All meds have side effects unfortunately. That must be a relief having your blood thinned out now, I hope all your tests come back good. 😃 Let me know how it goes for you. Has your blood been thicker/clotting since surgery? I still feel very tired alot, I don't know why...

Robert Osmachenko  Decongestants seem to be habit forming, so beware. It takes two to threee days to rid yourself of the effects. Olive leaf extract sounds interesting and I will look for it. It may emulate similar effects to that of tea tree oil (grown in the Brown Land). My blood has been thicker since surgery and that is not good except for of course for recent times. Have you been cleansing at all. I find it really helps fatigue symptoms

Emily Rowley  Yes, downfall if Decongestants! Make sure it's pure natural Olive Leaf-comes in 3 strengths usuallly. Ah tea tree oil, what would be a good way of using it? Brown Land, where abouts is that? Oh, perhaps the bypass machine took affect on your blood, I can see why blood thinner used. What do you mean by cleansing?

Robert Osmachenko  Hi Emily. Good to see you out and about.
1) I'm not sure if olive leaf oil is genetically modified (GMO). I prefer the real deal (organic) more so today as GMO food is creeping into our food supply and I would like to have a choice about what I am eating and using in and for my body. Let me look around here for the tincture and see what we have.
2) Tea tree oil ( species melaluca) (essential oil) is anti inflammatory, antiseptic and antibiotic. Great stuff! One can burn it in a lamp with water, apply it directly to sores and burns, but not sure if it can be taken internally and to what amount. Australia is well known for its tea tree oil.
3) Australia is the Brownland. slang usage.
4) I don't think my heart suffered much for damage after this heart attack but the Internist believed it to be caused by having high red blood cell counts and high hemoglobin. This makes the blood run thick. Underwent a phlebotomy (blood letting of 2 cups or 500ml). Secondly, I was only taking one blood thinner pill in the morning. Not in the evening. He suspects that the blood was bouncing up and down daily with this regimen. So, to even things out we went to b.i.d. (twice daily) of the blood thinner pill. These solutions appear to be simple but so far it seems to be working( 5 months now). My numbers are now "in range" and my iron numbers have shot up w/o supplementation... go figure. I feel great and am sleeping better.
5) Cleansing is a many faceted word. Fasting is a form of cleansing. A juice diet is a form of cleansing. Cleansing (detoxifying) is elimination of toxins and waste from your body in a complete way. I use a herbal product over a period of one month to help me eliminate better and it works. I do this twice a year along with copious amounts of fibre and pure water. See book by Bernard Jensen. "Body Cleansing and Tissue Management". Barbara O'Neil (sp?) is a natural healer in Australia and has some excellent tips for cleansing as well. Look her up, she's fantastic!
Be well, talk soon.

Janette Rehua  Wonderful Em ! how fast the time goes by bet it feels like yesterday in some ways. Im so delighted to have found your help and friendship via this site of Adams glad you are doing well you are always in my prayers x

Emily Rowley  You are so right! Sometimes it only feels like yesterday. This date holds significence to me, but I wonder if our Surgeons think of their past patients they have operated on? I am too. Thank you Jan xoxo You are always in mine too 💕 I would like to hear how the cancer tumour of yours went hun, when you are ready to talk about it. I hope you are doing well. I am, my Nan hasn't though..

Kate Watson  Yay Emily, congrats on this big milestone! So glad to have gotten a chance to know you and to have your friendship and support during this tough year :)

Barbara Laurie  Emily, I'm so sorry I missed this post! I am so touched by you and your attitude of gratitude 💕 God Bless and I pray you are enjoying life, what a wonderful anniversary!

Lisa Ferguson  Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! You really have something to celebrate! I look forward to mine in May and have already starting planning. Thank you for sharing your story and many blessings as you start a new year :)

Emily Rowley  I have just seen all your beautiful messages, sorry this is late! I love all touching words and how you've touched my life too 💕 I'm blessed to have your friendship and support 💗 I hope you all are well. Wishing you all the best for your upcoming Operation Lisa, where are you having it at and what procedure? 💟 I have an upcoming Cardiologist Appointment in late March-I shall post an update re how my echo goes. 😀

Janette Rehua  HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY hun sorry been a bit quiet and busy!Had a few family dramas but also turned the big 50 last week :) hope you are well will email in soon. Sadly our Aussie day fireworks were cancelled as there was a plane accident in the Swan river very sad x

Emily Rowley  Hey Jan, no need to apologize! HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY 🎁 I'm so sorry I have not sent you a Birthday message before this. I hope you had a wonderful time with lots of fond memories 🎈 I am really well, thank you. How are you? We have been busy with my Nan (who turned 99 yrs old last Monday 23rd Jan) recovering in Hospital from dislocated shoulder joint and broken scapula bone. We didn't have any Aus Day fireworks here (only kids letting of crackers). Oh that's a shame! 🎇🎉 Oh no, what happened? I didn't hear about the plan accident. 😮 Tomorrow will be exactly 12 months/1yr since my last OHS-I can't believe it. How long has it been for you? Talk soon honey xoxox 😘💕

Janette Rehua  Oh thats good news hun :) My friend had a triple bypass in her late 30's and she had trouble with the scar and needed further surgery it was very messy and looked like a slug but she is well healed now. Is your sternum a problem because of so many surgeries? Mind you you are such a delicate girl you must have tiny bones !
xx

Barbara Laurie  Hi Emily, thanks for posting! Miss you😄Glad to read your positive post, though sorry you're still in pain❤️💕❤️ 🌹Hugs🌹

Kate Watson  So glad to hear this Emily, though I'm sorry you still have pain! Are you still getting a lot of migraines? Mine have been awful again, it's so frustrating!

Ron Broadhead  That's indeed good news Emily, in spite of the pain. Best wishes that this continues on the positive path.

Emily Rowley  Thank you for your lovely messages Jan, Linda, Bridget, Barb, Kate and Ron. It is great news I received and shows that things can and do improve after surgery despite initial hurdles. Gives me positivity for my upcoming visit to my Cardiologist. I'd rather give my body time to heal than go through another major operation soon after.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend Jan, did she have in done in Aus? After my 1st surgery (when I was a teenager) my Sternum didn't together as fibrous tissue tried to join instead of bone which no one told me about until my lovely new Surgeon did. So getting opened up second time is more shock to my body. Also having no fat layer under my skin around there means I can feel my bones, wires and ribs more.

Aww I'm here listening Barb, sorry to hear about what you are currently going through. What will the further surgery involve?

Not many migraines lately actually, thank you for asking Kate. Oh no I wish I could take your migraines away. Do you know what might be triggering them hun? I am allowed to take Aspirin now. One night I woke up with alot of chest pain, so I sat up for 15 mins, did some slow breathing techniques, took Aspirin and had some water which helped me. I think I may of had a bit of intagestion.

Barbara Laurie  Hey Em, firstly, you're a sweety who I want to by instinct feed you with tons of Italian food and baked goods😄😘 I have so many irons in the fire! But, if it cann be done any upcoming surgery to would be to amputate gangrene left toes, left & right finger sections and some nail beds and tips healing is the big issue. My vascular surgeon believes that OHS could have made this harder because there's not enough blood flow to the capillaries to help heal the surgical wounds.. Sorry if that was TMI🌹 Lots more going on, but to much to type😄😄Best!

Franklin Wyrick  I have always gotten migraines and they were always pre-empted by aura's that impaired my vision. Post op. I have noticed that when I would walk I got those same aura's and related it to low blood pressure. I was told to not take my metoprolol if my bp was under 110 and that seemed to help. I haven't had the problem since.

Sophia Ridley  Hi Emily, yes. Some aura migraines appear to be triggered by low blood pressure, drinking big glass of water raises BP as increases blood volume. I'm on beta blockers and blood thinner so could be meds related. I had a brain, eyes and blood vessel MRI earlier this week so I'll let you know more next week post consultation with neurologist. Off now to cardiologist for check up, fingers crossed good news!!

Rita Savelis  I have had migraines for a long time and they still continue after OHS. Every migraine sufferer is different so one has to work with a neurologist to find out how to possibly solve one's migraines or alleviate them a bit. I also get pressure headaches ever since OHS (over a year ago). I have them everyday at some point but I can manage through them, whereas migraines require a day in bed mainly because of the terrible nausea.

Kate Watson  I've suffered from migraines for many years- they went away for almost 2 months post surgery and I was so excited that I thought I was cured from migraines! Alas, they have come back in full force. I don't always know what the trigger is, sometimes sunlight, sometimes chocolate, being near cigarette smoke, stress. It's interesting my auras are much more colorful than before surgery. But the last one I had lasted longer than any I'd ever had before so that was upsetting. Are you getting headaches you weren't having before OHS? I would also suggest to work with a neurologist, as Rita said, to get them evaluated and make a treatment plan if they are bothersome.

Emily Rowley  Thank you for all your responses 😁 It's comforting to know it's not unusual to experience them after Heart Surgery, but not nice at the same time. My blood pressure is great, it's always been on the lower side due to age, gender, weight, lifestyle etc and my Iron+Hemogolbin levels are great now, plus not on Warfarin so I am puzzled. I feel the top of my head pouding, it has eased off alittle, but for a week straight. My stomach is too well either. I am wondering if massages/physiotherapy might help? Rather than taking pain killers. Sound aggrivates them more. I never experienced them before Surgery, headaches yes. I don't smoke and try avoid when others do, hopefully they don't smoke around you Kate, it's not nice when they puff in peoples faces. I am waiting for my CT Scan results, perhaps body being out of alignment...

Paul Wells  Emily, I also have suffered from migraines. Mine started at adolescence, which is typical. At 60 they are less frequent. The headache is the result of blood vessels in your head contracting.
As the vessels contract blood to the vision centers is less and you experience the visual aura. As the vessels relax you experience the headache. (Sort of like the feeling if your legs have been crossed for a while then you uncross them. Pins and needels) start keeping a diary of what you were doing before the headache, also what you ate and drank and environmental conditions.
When you see a specialist about your headaches the Dr will want to review the diary with you , looking for triggers.
Some triggers are - caffeine, chocolate, nuts ,fragrances, medications ,Stress.
Until then try the usual things to calm the body. Rest ,hydration, less caffeine, lower stress try yoga or meditation, Naps
Walking.
Hope they go away.
Paul

Emily Rowley  Thank you for your response Paul.
That is very interesting about blood vessels contracting in my head. I find when I exercise/walk vigeruosly especially in the morning, I feel the pressure in my head which causes pain and me to slow down. Do you experience this too?
A dairy is a good suggested, I use to keep a record shortly after Post-Surgery for eposides such as chest pain, palpitations for my Cardiologist - they tend to ask "How many times a day or week do you experience this?".
My Surgeon said I could take Aspirin and Iburoprofren for my headaches+migraines (she didn't know what is causing it but I did mention I didn't experience them on Warfarin) when required. I am visiting my Cardiologist soon so I will mention this to him.
I like natural remendies so I try to avoid taking too much tablets. I use to do Yoga pre-op which I enjoyed. I don't have any caffeine, I have noticed in the past this triggers headaches especially in the mornings. Thank you for all your help.

Clare Auten  Congrats on this anniversary. Your post reminded me that we are in different hemispheres. ...my kids were talking yesterday about it being the longest day of the year!

Petey Bello  Congratulations Emily on your 5 year Anniversary. You are so brave to have gone through this more then once...God Bless you!

Steven A Husted  yes my second anniversary will be on aug. 19 boy times flies ha ha it is hard to believe they replaced the aortic valve in my heart with a valve made from a cow's heart tissue modern medicine is a wonder what they can do

Steven A Husted  yes my second anniversary will be on aug. 19 boy times flies ha ha it is hard to believe they replaced the aortic valve in my heart with a valve made from a cow's heart tissue modern medicine is a wonder what they can do

Robert Osmachenko  Hi Emily. How's my favourite heart grand daughter?
My heart anniversary is close to Popeye's (August 8th) 2014. I am compiling my top ten list of revelations and key learnings to share with all of my heart family in an upcoming journal.
Be well.

Emily Rowley  Thank you for all your replies and wishes.

Denise, yes down the road but I'm unsure my valve will last and need replacing. I'm having a CT Scan soon for my Sternum. How is everything going with you?
Clare, thanks hun. Where are you from? Well it's still same amount of hours in the day just less sunlight as the Earth tilts around the sun.
Jan & Petey, aww I've had two. I got through them and I know you will/can and others can too, it's doable ☺ I try to take it in my stride, didn't think I was brave, that's really sweet xx
Popeye, wow two years! ☺ How do you feel with your symptoms lately? I enjoy readibg your wise messages you post.
Robert, aww heart grandpa 💕 I'm going well thanks, how about you? I did think of you and was wondering how you were going, haven't heard from you in awhile. I look forward to reading your upcoming journal. Will this be your first Anniverary?

Take care everyone and wishing all well whether you have upcoming surgery or on the road to recovery 💖

Emily Rowley  Sorry I didn't add you Wanda, I just seen your comment. Wow, do you find the time has gone fast and how are feeling about 1yr Anniversary of your Repair? ☺

Wanda Mroz  Yes it has gone by fast even though at first it seemed so slow. I still find it incredible that I went through something like that... It's so surreal, still, and I feel pretty proud of myself for getting through it all. I'm stronger than I ever thought. Don't you find that also after two surgeries? I feel good and I realize everyday that even though I thought I had no symptoms, I had lots. I felt lightheaded a lot and had a lot of palpitations. I hardly ever feel that. I wouldn't say I'm quite 100% as I still tire by end of day, but that could also be the metoprolol. I'm hoping everything is functioning well.... Time and an eventual echo will tell. I wish I would have joined this site before my surgery, but I did read it a lot and am glad I joined later. I wish you nothing but the best Emily... You so deserve that after two surgeries under your belt! Hugs...💞

Janette Rehua  Wanda thats my experience right there I feel so WELL ! Aside from the odd palpitations and occasional 'strangeness' I get Im having hole in heart repair and maze procedure but all open heart. The pulmonary valve will just be poked at lol to open a bit more if needed. Im really interested reading your experience I love hearing all the positive stuff! x

Wanda Mroz  Janette you will feel a marked difference. I certainly do. I had a maze as well, mitral valve repair and tricuspid repair. It's not easy at first, but very doable. I was so terrified before yet all that terror seems like a waste of time now. But if I had to do it again, I'd probably be scared again. The breathing tube was horrible, but at the same time, of such a short duration, it's a small inconvenience that's gone... Same with the chest tubes. Feels pretty good when they come out. All doable. You will be fine because you too are stronger than you believe! 💞

Lori Phillips  Emily! Never know if my 'notes' get to you! Belated Congrats on your 5 years anniversary! Not glad you had to have surgery. But glad you're doing well 5 years later, and glad your on this site, cuz you've help me bunches! Much love, 💕🤗 Lori

Shannon Sullivan  Sounds like you have been busy Emily. I always find doctor appts and tests rather exhausting. Well I hope with some changes you can soon feel great.

Sameer Khan  its good to know that your heart is rhythm and blood level is good. Hope for the best will bring positive changes.

Kate Watson  I'm sorry to hear that you need more tests because I agree it's exhausting and often stressful. How are you feeling through all of this? Are you having pain in your sternum or more just a clicking sensation?
Ps what gift did you give your surgeon? Wishing you well, Emily!

Janette Rehua  well you busy bee so many tests!!! Just listen to the advice no heavy lifting maybe no more than a nice cp of herbal tea!!! Take care Blessings xx

Petey Bello  Emily sorry to hear you are still having some issues. I hope you feel better soon. Sending prayers to you that all will get much better soon! God Bless!!!

Emily Rowley  Yes I have been busy but thinking of all of you 💞 I have my upcoming CT Scan on this Monday for my Sternum, I will let you know how it goes. It's good to hear my levels are good, I can rule out that-I feel the iron transfusion really helped and would recommend it (if needed) Post-Surgery. Feeling stressed out lately, thank you for asking dear. Mostly Sternum cracking+clicking & more chest pain than Sternum pain. I gave her a Willow Tree Prayer/Thank You Statue 🙏🏼 Haha I won't be lifting anything heavy..oh I do love cuppa herbal teas, I have been drinking alot recently to help de-stress. My Cardiologist said about limiting my fluid intake. Thank you for your well wishes and prayers, I am very humble by them xox I am very thankful for this supportive community 💕 I hope you all are well and I continue to send my prayers.

Lori Phillips  Oh wow... you've got alot going on. I'm so sorry. I'll be praying for you and watching for updates 💕☝🐥👍

Janette Rehua  HOw are you today Emily? Your drink comment made me smile . I am on frusemine and when I went for a visit recently was all proud telling the Dr how I was drinking lots of water and he looked at me and said oh please dont do that small sips only !!! I felt like a twit hahahahaha So Im getting ready for the angiogram on weds now and have to self jab and stop the apixaban this will be hilarious too no doubt and not without issue there is ALWAYS some issue !!!
xx

Emily Rowley  Thanks Lori, I am praying for you too. Yes your messages have reached me ☺I would like to hear the next step for you hun 😘 I am well today, how are you? Naww I'm glad, yours did too ☕ Don't feel silly, I too had no idea we heart patients shouldn't excessively drink much (water/fluids) at all! I love drinking my cuppa teas, I don't drink alchocol. I am researching if too much liquid has negative effects on the Kidneys or Bladder. I am wishing you all the best for your Angiogram Jan, I look forward to hearing how you go. Oh no are you on blood thinners? I am preparing for my CT Scan today, which I was told to drink at least 1-2 L of water prior (trying to get through it) only to stop 1 hr proir & can have an empty bladder-so wondering what the idea of drinking that much fluid is?
Also I will post a photo of me at my Brother's Wedding on last Saturday xoxo
Take care girls 💕

Janette Rehua  Hi Gorgeous Em soooooo how did the scan go? Spill the beans !!! Going off to find this pic of you at the wedding soon too :) My angio of course was a little dramatic the Dr was as rough as guts! Consequently I ended up afterwards with a lovely nurse dealing with a 'bleeder' something I have never been before and she quietly told me word had got to her from nurses in the room that yes indeedy that Dr was ROUGH ! Anyway almost a week on now and Im sporting lovely yellow black and purple bruising all up my wrist , back of the hand (canular wouldnt go in so ended Up with it in my finger!?( WHAT THE!!) and three lumps in matching colours in my tum from the injections *sigh* ah well its done now phew! I had to take potassium pills too as the diuretics caused my potassium levels to plummet to nothing! Anyway trivial stuff.....MORE importantly my 2.5 yr old beautiful Grand daughter is finally being assessed for autism~ we have all quietly known this since the day she was born ~ so learning sign language which is actually very interesting.....xxx enough about me .....hows YOU ? <3

Janette Rehua  I agree with your lovely words Emily its been horrific for some of our states. Here in WA we had a gorgeous day but tonight its pouring we are all cosy inside so Id like to add a prayer for all the homeless people and all the neglected animals who are without love and shelter tonight x

Kate Watson  I know, it's very sad. How are you feeling these days Emily? I've been thinking about you and hope you are well :)

Emily Rowley  It is devestated, was lucky here to avoid the storm but alot of people and their families including their pets have suffered as a result of the recent events. Aww that is a lovely thing to do Jan. I'm feeling good lately, I have my good and not so good days, more concerned about other people who through harder times. I wish everybody's heart journey would travel along smoothly. I recently seen my Cardiologist and had more testing done and going back to Sydney to see my Surgeon this Thursday. How have you been going Kate? I have been thinking of you and will reply to your email darling, sorry it's late. Aww 😙 Love to you all 💕

Denise Campbell  Not here in Virginia, but I love tea. Black tea for me. My coumadin clinic said not to drink herb teas since the herbs can change my inr But I love black tea and here in the south cold sweet tea.

Kate Watson  I like peppermint tea the most, it helps settle my stomach, which I often need :) No Morning Tea event here in Washington state that I know of. Hope you are well, Emily!

Emily Rowley  I too looovvvee tea Denise especially herbal tea. That is so true-when I was on Coumadin I was told to stay right away from Green tea, so now off it I am making up for lost cups of green tea... Peppermint tea is soothing Kate, my Nurse at Rehab suggested to drink Peppermint and Camomile tea (along with an antacid before meals) to settle my nausea/stomach. Thank you, I am well. How are you? Thinking of all of you, I just sometimes slow at replying 😕

Wanda Mroz  I like green tea and have developed a liking for the London fog latte at Starbucks. It's made with earl gray tea and no fat milk in my case. Very good!

Sophia Ridley  Hee! Here earl grey is drunk with sometimes a slice of lemon but definitely no milk. I'll have to look up this latte.
I'm on decaf English breakfast or peppermint. I was asked if I wanted milk in peppermint the other day, yuck!! We do tea/coffee mornings for cancer research. I'm presently walking the equivalent of a marathon over the month of May for British Heart Foundation, 2.5miles to go!

Enrique K  I like Winter Chai tea that is my favorite. Great cause, I also donate money every month to the St. Jude Cancer Research Hospital Foundation.

Emily Rowley  It certainly is a great feeling knowing so many will benefit from funding and research. Last year this event alone raised around $13.5 million dollars, I will post how much this year raises, it goes for the whole month of May.

Wow I have opened up a conversation about tea which is great cause I too love tea.

Yummy, do you have spearmint mixed with peach and mango Petey? I have spearmint & peppermint. London Fog Latté sounds delicious, I'm latté drinker myself. Is it frothy Wanda? So many different and interesting ways we drink our tea. Lemon in earl grey wow. I love green tea latté with coconut gelato l almond milk and a slice of lemon. I haven't tried milk in peppermint either Sophia I do place milk in camomile tea (honey & vanilla blend) which may sound strange. I have Twinning's (love to hear what brands do you drink in different parts of the world?) peppermint & liquorice but I was told heart patients need to be careful with having liquorice... Umm Enrique I too love chai esp latté with honey and cinnamon. Tea has so many good benefits for us esp herbal tea.

Cathleen Weed  They always send a new one with the "parts" listed within a few months after surgery. If you ever need a replacement card you can just call the 800 number and they will gladly issue you a new one :). I did that with my last one. The headquarters are actually about 10 minutes away from me here in So Cal. Kinda cool.

Wanda Mroz  Yes I received two cards actually. One for the two rings on my mitral valve and one for the tricuspid.💞

Dan Edle  Yes I also received this card... actually my surgeon gave me a temporary cardboard ID card before I left the hospital. I have made copies & have given to all doctors I have visited since my surgery... will give a copy to my dentist when I visit him in 6+ months

Enrique K  Hi Emily, I received my Medical Device Identification with my Medtronic valve model, serial number, position and implant date. I will order my medical bracelet next week. Hope you are doing well!

Sophia Ridley  I've received one too for the ring. I was expecting one for the atriclip that I have, which would be useful as I need to have an MRI shortly.

Steven A Husted  YES I HAVE ONE TO IF YOU THINK IT MAY HELP LAST LONGER YOU COULD HAVE IT LAMINATED TO GIVE EXTRA PROTECTION

Jean Raber  Laura, my mother was inundated with "literature" after her AVR. Reams and reams of papers with orders, med lists, hospital promotions, adverts for medic alert bracelets and personal care devices, charts for the telehealth gizmo, as well as the temp cards. It was all overwhelming ... and more stuff kept arriving in the mail. Not sure if others have been nearly drowned in paperwork after surgery, but fortunately the discharge nurse told her to look for the permanent card in the mail. Otherwise, it might have gotten lost in the shuffle. Paperwork, ack, don't get me started!

Stephen Doherty  Hi Emily .. What's this? They send cards to you after? Is there anyway to order the full video and picture album package too or what? lol :P

Jean Raber  Denise, it might take another few weeks, but you could call your surgeon's office and tell them you want one.

Emily Rowley  It has been some months, I was happy surprised when it arrived. I'm definitely going to laminate it ☺ It has both my Surgeon and my name on it and we both have the same name hehe. It doesn't have we had Open Heart Surgery. Would it be a good idea to buy a medical bracelet? That's good to know a replacement card could be arranged if needed-only problem number is from America. Yes you could ask your Surgeon to take videos+pictures of your Surgery Stephen-My Surgeon gave me mine 😁

Cathleen Weed  The card won't state OHS because they will know which heart procedure you had based on the parts listed (they aren't as interested in the route). Yes, I have a med alert bracelet for when I travel, but mostly because I had that aneurysm and that could be significant in an emergency out of town...plus nowadays we all have phones with an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact and medical professionals are trained to call for info just like they are trained to look for a med card or bracelet...especially if you have a scar down your chest lol...and John knows all my info. :) You can always use that ICE contact space to list your condition under the person's name if you'd like or use your personal info space or even list everything on the back of the card they sent if it makes you feel better...so many options! <3.

Emily Rowley  That is a good idea and smart thinking Cathleen 💡😊
True about the scar, I have been asked by strangers in the supermarket if I had a Heart Transplant and when people find out I've had Open-Heart Surgery they automatically look at my chest to search for my scar, does this happen to anyone else? Do you think it's a good idea to get a medialert bracelet for an Annuloplasty Ring in my Mitral Valve & anyone have one for this? That is great Wanda ☺ What company was yours from Wanda?

Emily Rowley  Wow and yours came laminated, when did you receive yours? With your repairs what parts did you have placed in such as Annuloplasty band? Mine's a Cosgrove band 28mm. Did you also decide to get a medical bracelet? I'm tossing up whether it would be valuable or not for me...

Denise Campbell  Thank you Emily. It's been a rough 5 months for me first a hysterectomy then 2 months later ohs. But we make it through and God has blessed me. I hope you're doing well too.

Janette Rehua  Lovely Emily!! as a Mum and Nanna I had a lovely day my Mum has been a big support as have my daughters Im totally blessed to have great people in my life and on my side hope all mums had a great day xx

Jean Raber  My son brought me a card with a nice note and a half caf ice latte he made at the coffee bar himself. I did some gardening and watched the bunny rabbits with their little ones in the hedge. My mom had a good day, too, and seems eager to get her ECG Wednesday and get a grip on the a-fib.

Robert Osmachenko  Yes, I did the honors. I also did an exercise with my ESL student from Macedonia on how we do Mother's day.

Petey Bello  Thank you Emily for sharing...What a lovely gift & sweet act of kindness "lavender scented hearts". It must have brought a smile to your face.

Emily Rowley  You're welcome :) It was-I layered them then the Nurse decided to do the same, now I keep them by my bedside which helps me sleep smelling the calming lavender smell. It was a lovely surprise and I got to learn about Heart Week <3 Take care Heart Sister xx

Lynee Casper  Emily, sounds like you are getting careful guidance along the way, glad they are watching things closely. I wish you well with your Holter Monitor test for A-fib, and that the docs can find an answer to help. I was actually in exam room for my first cardiologist check up post surgery, and was in A Fib. I knew something was wrong. They wanted me to get a cardioversion procedure right then and there and when I got to hospital and all settled in ready to go, it went back into rhythm. Sent me home! So far, it has been ok, with medication. Thanks for updating us. Good luck as you move along in recovery.

Janette Rehua  sounds very positive Em :) been wondering about the flu shot plan to ask about it at my 'big n special' meeting on he 27th lol

Petey Bello  Emily, it sounds as though you are in good care. Glad your test were positive & I will continue to pray your heart palpitations go away. Good luck with your continued recovery. God Bless!

Sophia Ridley  Great news that ECG and echo positive. Sorry to hear about AFib. During my run of it, magnesium IV converted me for a day so when I got out of hospital I've made a concerted enough to keep my Mg high. I was taking a supplement but now just on multi-Vit. I converted under rate management, said that it was due to the trauma of the op. Praying that you bounce out!

Kate Watson  I don't know if you saw that I was re-admitted to the hospital after surgery for Afib. It was a really scary feeling (I guess a lot of people don't feel it but I did). They seem to have gotten mine under control with a combo of meds. And the doctors tell me it is very common post valve surgery and is usually temporary. Hope you don't have to deal with it but at least it's treatable if so.

Wanda Mroz  Emily I wore a monitor for two weeks prior to surgery and showed a brief 8 sec run of afib so my surgeon did a maze to prevent any issues after. Afib is very common after surgery and I had a brief episode after. I was pur on metropolol and Coumadin for 3 months at which point I wore a monitor again for two weeks. Thankfully I showed no afib. I was taken off Coumadin but still take metropolol. Best of luck... Hope your afib gets under control. Hugs💞

Emily Rowley  Lynee-My Medical Team is excellent, glad I have a more experienced & caring Cardiologist that was there for my Surgery first hand. Thank you. How did they detect your A-Fib & has it come back? What is a Cardioversion Procedure? I was told blood thinners help A-Fib, is this what you're on?

Janette-I am staying positive 😊 I had it done last year but became sick after it. However there was a recall in Aus & now flu shot covering 4 strains. There is sooo much debate about immunizations. 💉 I thought I was coming down with flu 😷 but my Surgeon said I'll be fine to get operated on. Good idea.

Petey-Aww thank you so much xx I am praying for you for your upcoming operation and recovery.

Sophia-Hello, I haven't heard from you in awhile & was wondering how you are going. I remember you were experiencing A-Fib 😩 Is the Mg what is keeping A-Fib at bay? I stumbled along a website dedicated to people who experience A-Fib which I can send if anyone would like the link? I had ECG done & results are instant so my Cardiologist was looking at them on the computer, I was having my Echo when he walked in and asked if I was staying overnight close by & what was my plans-at this point I was thinking "oh no don't tell me something is wrong & I need an emergency procedure" (being just around the corner from the Hospital where I had my Op done. He wanted to monitor my heart over 24 hr period & concerned so I'm going to have a Holter Monitor soon.

Kate-I did see your post and as I was sending you a message internet exited. It definitely is a scary experience, and you have been through so much already! Something you definitely don't need heart Sis. The heart has it's own electrical supply which can easily be disturbed during surgery. Before my Op my Surgeon prepared me for possible Pacemaker but I was lucky not to needed one. That is true, what medications are you on for it? The Warfarin would help it too-how is your INR? I know it will take time for you to feel better but hang in there & know I am thinking of you xx 😊

Wanda-That is lucky they placed it on, alot of the time things don't show up when getting tested 😞 I was told they don't perform maze procedure unless previous A-Fib so I missed out on that. That is good of them to continue to closely monitor you, I had one on during my Hospital stay. How did you go having it on for 2wks, was it on 24/7? What is Metropolol? I'm still on Coumadin but that's okay I rather be safe than sorry. Did they give you an estimate of how long your valve repair should last? Aww thank you, hugs received & reciprocated. 💕💞 Take care.

Wanda Mroz  Metropolol is a beta blocker that controls the heart rate. I'm on a low dose. Lots of people on this site are taking it. Yes, the. Monitor stays on 24/7. The only time it's off is when you shower. Repairs last longer than replacements. Maybe 20 years... Plus? In the case of mitral valves a repair is preferred to a replacement so they really try hard to make it work.

Emily Rowley  Ah I've had beta blockers before. I was wondering who places it on after a shower? I've heard Surgeons try repairs before replacing if gives better result, how come they do that for Mitral Valves? Mechanical Valves are meant to last forever, there will be advances. I only got less than 5 yrs out of my mitral valve repair.

Wanda Mroz  Read below: my surgeon was highly skilled in fixing mitral valves... Especially those with dual leaflets needing repair. So hopefully it will continue to work!

When is valve repair recommended?
Repair for mitral valve regurgitation may be recommended based on a few things. These include whether the valve can be repaired successfully.

Repair is more successful if there is not a lot of damage to certain areas of the mitral valve flaps (leaflets) or to the tough fibers that control movement of the mitral valve leaflets (chordae tendineae).

Mitral valve repair is usually preferred if your valve is suitable for reconstruction and the surgeon has the appropriate level of experience and surgical skill.

The advantages of mitral valve repair include the following:

It preserves your natural valve and its support (chordae tendineae). In general, the more of the natural valve that can be preserved during surgery, the better the results of the procedure.
It prevents the need for lifelong anticoagulant medicine after valve replacement with a mechanical heart valve.
It reduces the need for repeat valve surgery later in life.
When is valve replacement recommended?
Examples of serious damage or complicated conditions that might lead to mitral valve replacement include:

Extensive ballooning of the mitral valve (rather than a single flap that puffs up).
Severe hardening (calcification) of the valve.
Prolapse (bulging) of the valve at an unusual location.
Damage to the valve from infection (endocarditis).
Replacement surgery is usually preferred if you have a hard, calcified mitral valve ring (annulus) or widespread damage to the valve and surrounding tissue.

Wanda Mroz  As far as the heart monitor, you remove it and put it back on yourself. It's not difficult just a little cumbersome and your skin gets tired of the stickers!

Emily Rowley  That is excellent you had a highly skilled Surgeon who specialised in Mitral Valve Repair. Have you got annulus ring inserted? And does the ring ever calcify?

Repair also eliminates your body rejecting the valve.

It depends on the individual person, their condition and age.

Thanks for the information 😊

Ah like the Nurses do in Hospital when we those slightly heavy ECG monitors on...

Wanda Mroz  Yes I have three rings... Both leaflets on my mitral valve and my tricuspid has one. I imagine they can calcify if you are prone to that but my valves had no calcification on them. Yes you put the monitor on like the nurses do but this one is smaller and lighter and uses only 3 stickers.

Emily Rowley  Wow 3, I wonder how they sew them into the leaflets. That's good yours had no calcification. Sounds even better monitor! :D

Wanda Mroz  i don't exactly know but do know they are made of a fiber that becomes a part of your own tissue over time and on an X-ray you can see them.

Emily Rowley  Oh I thought they were made of metal with silicon around them-that's the one my Surgeon showed me. Perhaps there are different types. that is a good thing to dissolve but would it come undone? Same with Sternum wires hehe I was searing for my ring on my Ultrasound....

Wanda Mroz  There are different ones but your tissue grows into the ring it doesn't dissolve... There may be some metal in it because you can see it on an X-ray. Sternum wire is metal And very fine. I have lots of Metal! Some metal in an ankle repair for a break. A shoulder replacement... That's titanium, and now my heart. Next time I fly, I'm going to light up the metal detector!, lol

Janette Rehua  Really interesting and as ,much as I am ever grateful to be in this beautiful country I cant believe how advanced new technology is in Russia~!

Emily Rowley  I too couldn't believe it either, I would've never thought Russia would be at the forefront of new medical advances. Perhaps well established/developed wealthy countries like England have too much red tape in trying new products/ways? I'm thankful for a good friend of mine spending me a link to this video.

Janette Rehua  when I think 'Russia' I dont think high tech medical techniques I actually think standing in a queue for bread, Black bears and snow!!!
!

Emily Rowley  Aww you're welcome 😊 I think some of it is futuristic planning...Wow I've never been to Russia before. Are they friendly bears? Imagine standing in a queue for bread while it's snowing and a black bear comes along 🍞 ❄ 🐻

Lisa Thibodaux  Thanks Emily, I have been keeping up with your post. Hope you are doing well. So happy to see you are getting better each day.

Jan McClain  Happy Easter to you, Awesome Aussie Pixie Fairy Princess Emily! When are you coming to SF for a visit? Weather is pretty nice here now---think of a big trip as rehab for the soul!

Tracy Simmons  Thank you Emily. I hope you and the rest of our heart brothers & sisters have a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful Easter. The sun has come out from behind the clouds here in Iowa and it looks to be a beautiful day.

Emily Rowley  Aww thank you for all your lovely messages, I am very humbled by them.
Is SF short for San Francisco? I think I need to dust the cobwebs off my broomstick before visiting/flying lol.

Janette Rehua  Happy Easter to you Emily :) I have read all your journal (I feel incredibly nosy!) but it is very reassuring to read about how well you are doing. Thank you for sharing it helps more than you may know xx bless you