Erin's Journal

Hey all. Had my year checkup on Thursday. Thought all would be well but it seems I’ve developed thrombosis on my on-x valve. Ct and echo showed blood clot on the valve. They are upping my warfarin from 2-3 to 2.5-3.5. Did cultures to make sure there was no infection. Focus on the warfarin and check again in 6 months. Gotta say I’m a bit scared. Anyone else develop this?

Last year at this time I was being prepped for my surgery. When I read my daily devotion this is what it said. Happy Anniversary to me! I’m doing well! I hope this brings some peace to others on this journey.

Hello all… 3 months ago today I had my aortic valve replaced with an aortic aneurysm repair. I’m just posting an update as around 6 weeks things felt so much worse for me. Had constant chest pain and aches and wondered if I did the right thing. I was told to be patient… it’s a big surgery…. And now… three months after surgery I feel great! It’s amazing! Just met with my cardiologist yesterday. All blood work looks good, INR in range and got a big old pat on the back! I am walking every morning before work and loving it. I can breathe again!!! My point is for anyone who feels things get worse…. Hold on! It will get better!!!

Hey all. I am still struggling with pain after 8 weeks. My primary did an x-ray to look at the wires and he said all looked good. He prescribed 1/2 pill of tramadol twice a day, which didn't help so he raised it to a full tab twice a day. I have to say, this comes and goes. I cannot say what brings it on, but I was fine Monday, and yesterday and today it's so much worse. I just finished Cardiac Rehab and am able to walk at a level and incline that would indicate I could do mush more physically. I do a half hour walk every day, my BP and Heart rate are good. I can breath fine, with slight pain/pinch in the right side occasionally of my back, my neck, if I stretch it or bend to the left will pull on my right side shoulder area. I have pain when I laugh, cough, mostly in the center or just right of center of chest and when I bend forward it also hurts and sometimes feels "heavy". I can move and use my left arm just fine, but my right arm has several movements that cause pain, and I do have pain in my right armpit. Has anyone else had similar issues at 8 weeks or so?

Today marks 4 weeks ago that I had my surgery. Thank you all for the well wishes. I didn’t feel like posting after surgery but it went very well and I was released on day 6. Started cardiac rehab last week and my INR was perfect last Friday. (I have the on-x valve) Let’s hope it is this week as well. Surgery at Mayo in Minnesota with Dr Pochettino and his team. Good people there. I was surprised how little pain there was when they removed all the drainage tubes. That was a huge fear of mine but y’all there was none… just a very odd feeling I can’t even describe. Make sure to use your pillow and cough… and use your incentive spirometer! If they don’t give it to you ask for it… it helps! I did have some issues with eating/drinking as nothing tasted good at all. That has gotten better but it took a couple weeks. Had to force myself to at least drink. All in all things went great and I’m now doing very well. Prayers for all who have upcoming surgeries.

Trying to navigate the FMLA paperwork and Short term disability in the digital age! Everything and every contact is all automated or you get a different rep every time you call with a question which inevitably never gets answered!!! Even our HR is mostly automated!!!

I was informed that I have to have an angiogram and truthfully that scares me more than the surgery! I understand I have to be awake for this procedure and am very “needle” shy!  Was hoping to avoid it! 

Yesterday’s visit to the surgeon resulted in scheduling surgery for my valve and aneurysm replacement. March 1 is the day!  I’m leaning toward mechanical but have not finalized my decision yet.