Frances Halley - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

August 16, 2017

I am now 20 months post AVR. I have a porcine valve and have begun to notice increased fatigue, shortness of breath and episodes of bigeminy. These are the symptoms I felt before the valve replacement. I had been experiencing significant improvement until these symptoms slowly creeped up. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms so long after AVR? Are these valves ever known to fail so soon? I would like to hear from anyone who could shed some light on this.

Like |

Marie Myers What does your cardiologist say? There could be some other cause of these symptoms, but I would check in with your cardiologist first. Hope all is well with your valve!

Frances Halley I haven't been able to see him because I have been without health insurance since January. Fortunately my new insurance will start on September 1. I just hope ... Read more

Frances Halley I haven't been able to see him because I have been without health insurance since January. Fortunately my new insurance will start on September 1. I just hope the symptoms don't get worse before then.

Catie B Frances, I'm so sorry you're suffering and that no insurance has been a hindrance. I hope things will hold steady and that you'll be able to be seen quickly.

Cathleen DeWitt Hmmm I'm glad you'll be getting checked out soon. In the meantime, you can check your BP and HR at most pharmacies now. That would be a good start.

Gregg Nissly Hi Frances, I'm sorry to hear about this news. I haven't heard of this, but please make sure you get to the cardiologist as soon after 9/1 as you can. I'll ... Read more

Gregg Nissly Hi Frances, I'm sorry to hear about this news. I haven't heard of this, but please make sure you get to the cardiologist as soon after 9/1 as you can. I'll keep you in my prayers.

I think you should also call Dr. Bailey's office and at least talk to the nurse or the PA. You know they were both very knowledgeable and helpful, and I'm sure they'd talk to you gratis.

Gregg

Clayton Mcarthur Are you taking any medications that would make you feel that way

Dizziness

Journal posted on April 6, 2016

I am now 3 months and 2 weeks post AVR and have had a generally uneventful recovery. But lately I find myself having a lot of dizziness. I keep myself well hydrated and drink very little caffeine and no soda. My BP is normal. Has anyone in the valve replacement community experienced anything like this? Your input would be much appreciated.

Like |

Damian Kudelka Hi. I didn't experience dizziness, but post op I experienced. arrhythmias. perhaps its irregular beats? sorry to hear the upset, but stay strong. I'm 1 ... Read more

Damian Kudelka Hi. I didn't experience dizziness, but post op I experienced. arrhythmias. perhaps its irregular beats? sorry to hear the upset, but stay strong. I'm 1 year post op and doing things I never thought I would.

Rosemarie Carroll Yes I get dizzy at times & I am at the same stage as you , had my op 23 Dec, I think it might be the medication I am on Beta Blockers, only a low dose

Barbara Adams I am 3 months post op. and just called my cardiologist to report some dizziness..haven't had any previously but my blood pressure runs low due to low dose of metoprolol. I haven't heard back yet.

Another bump in the road

Journal posted on February 16, 2016

Another day, another unexpected setback. I saw the cardiologist for a follow up appointment today and was in an irregular rhythm again with episodes of dizziness.I am now wearing a 7 day monitor to determine whether or not I may need a pacemaker, I sure wasn't counting on this. 🙁

Like |

Sophia Ridley Oh Frances, I hope it settles.

Best wishes, Frances.

Wanda Mroz Oh gosh... Hoping things get better for you soon.

Frances Halley I am back at work for the first time today. The 7 day monitor showed some irregular beats but nothing sustained, and no prolonged pauses. I will not be needing a pacemaker!! YIPPEE!!!

Wonderful news, congrats!

Medic Alert bracelets

Journal posted on February 12, 2016

I'd love to hear some thoughts on Medic Alert bracelets after an AVR? Do you think they're a good idea even if you're not taking blood thinners?

Like | Emily Rowley likes this

Robert Osmachenko That is a very, very good question and oh, I love the joke.
We were just talking about maintaining my prepaid cell phone plan for emergencies and for travel ... Read more

Robert Osmachenko That is a very, very good question and oh, I love the joke.
We were just talking about maintaining my prepaid cell phone plan for emergencies and for travel and trying to justify the small cost per year and the 1.00 dollar per minute cost for long distance. I'm retired and I don't have a small business so it is just for emergencies and the like and I barely use it. However, I am not the one that is probably going to use it.

Yes it is a good idea to have a bracelet or a chain but I don't have either and I am on a blood thinning pill.
Does that mean I am a bad person?
I also have a pacer so does that put me at higher risk to society?
Things are going well and haven't had any issues and I won't subject myself to any risky activities if I'm not feeling well and so on. I just won't but I don't want to always have to explain to someone what my bracelet or chain stands for.
I am totally undecided and definitely don't want to add more fodder if it is not warranted. Maybe someone else can weigh into this and offer their opinion.

Tammy Pilcher I got a medic alert bracelet after my AVR and I'm not on blood thinners. If I'm unable to tell someone about my valve, I want them to know about it as soon ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher I got a medic alert bracelet after my AVR and I'm not on blood thinners. If I'm unable to tell someone about my valve, I want them to know about it as soon as possible. The seconds saved in an emergency situation could be crucial.

Emily Rowley
I think they are a good idea and you can get them personalised. If I had my Mitral Valve Replaced (I would have a mechanical one requiring life-long blood ... Read more

Emily Rowley
I think they are a good idea and you can get them personalised. If I had my Mitral Valve Replaced (I would have a mechanical one requiring life-long blood thinners+maybe Pacemaker) I would definitely get one. I've thought about one recently after having my 2nd Repair, I'm on Warfarin only for 6wks.

Sharmin Atker I agree with everyone. I haven't purchased one yet, though my IPhone has an Emergency App, that can be accessed when the phone is locked, where I keep all my medical information.

Whitney Nelson https://www.laurenshope.com/ This is the website I found and am getting my medic alert bracelet from. My surgeon encouraged me getting one regardless of valve choice.

Medical ID Bracelets and Medical Alert Jewelry | Laurens Hope

https://www.laurenshope.com/

Trendy medical ID bracelets and fashionable medical alert jewelry for men, women, and children with allergies, diabetes, and other medical conditions.

Frances Halley Thank you Whitney. These are really pretty. I wish you the very best with your surgery. I am now 7 weeks post op and was just cleared to go back to work in ... Read more

Frances Halley Thank you Whitney. These are really pretty. I wish you the very best with your surgery. I am now 7 weeks post op and was just cleared to go back to work in 3 weeks. I had no complications and I'm just beginning to experience the improvements the new valve is making. Hugs and hope to you for a speedy, uncomplicated recovery!

Jim Kelly-Evans Thanks for the link, Frances. I ordered a bracelet. I have a bio prosthetic aortic valve that has a metal stent. So the valve is MRI conditional. I put that ... Read more

Jim Kelly-Evans Thanks for the link, Frances. I ordered a bracelet. I have a bio prosthetic aortic valve that has a metal stent. So the valve is MRI conditional. I put that on the bracelet, and also that I am not taking Warfarin. Seems like a good idea!

Whitney Nelson Thank you, France's! It always helps the nerves to hear a success story!

Frances Halley Look at my cartoon and have a laugh! Keeping a sense of humor has been a big part of my recovery. I got a pig valve and the pig jokes around my house have been flying like mud!

Sophia Ridley I'm planning to get one as much to warn about medication (I assume that it's easy to alter it) as to warn about my highly irritating allergy to hospital gowns!

Frances Halley I think that might be my next cartoon!

Jean Raber I got one for my mother to indicate AVR (bio valve) and pacemaker. Will she wear it? Har.

Ed Miskovic I wore one for a short while ten years ago for non-heart related reasons. It seemed that wherever I went someone asked me what was wrong. It made them jittery, ... Read more

Ed Miskovic I wore one for a short while ten years ago for non-heart related reasons. It seemed that wherever I went someone asked me what was wrong. It made them jittery, and me very anxious. I decided not to wear one any longer for that reason. I feel comfortable without one.

Sophia Ridley Frances - i'm looking forward to that! To add to the humour, I was also allergic to the surgical scrubs so we all were kitted out in paper suits!

Frances Halley Thanks for all the input everyone.

Jean Raber Ed, I've had students in my class who have seized or had other medical emergencies that I was unprepared for, and without a medic alert bracelet, you're really ... Read more

Jean Raber Ed, I've had students in my class who have seized or had other medical emergencies that I was unprepared for, and without a medic alert bracelet, you're really flying blind. I'm a quick thinker and responder and everything, but I really appreciate those bracelets. I now ask students to please let me know about medical conditions and how I can best help.

Here's my newest picture!

February 5, 2016 Like | Adam Pick, Jan McClain, Kelly Weisgarber and 10 others like this

In addition to being a nurse, I am an artist who occasionally likes to dabble with cartoons. I drew this while I was home recovering from my AVR. I hope it brings everyone a little chuckle!