Fran's Heart Valve Journal

Well, finally got some news from the TAVR team at the Cleveland Clinic and not what I wanted to hear. In spite of several phone calls, someone dropped the ball for almost 3 weeks. They did not get the request for the procedure until 8/6. Now am told it will be 2-3 weeks for them to review everything and will then get in touch with me with a date. Apparently there are 2 TAVR doctors who only do them three days a week and each of them do several a day. My hope they triage potential patients and I get an early date. Well, at least I finally have some info. Now patience is what I have to learn.

Not anxious about my upcoming TAVR procedure, but getting impatient with waiting to hear from the TAVR team with a date. It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I was at the Cleveland Clinic for testing and a cardiac consultation. Hopefully will know something by the end of the week.

Well, it's been 8+ years since my double valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Hoped it wouldn't happen, but will be having the TAVR procedure there shortly. Dr. Gillinov will not be doing it as they have their own TAVR team. Spent the good part of the day there last month on the 23rd. All my testing confirmed I do have aortic stenosis. My local cardio confirmed the need for the surgery after my last echo in May. Have had shortness of breath with exertion since June. It has progressed and can only walk about 20 steps before it kicks in. As a result, spend most of my time sitting. I am on Entresto, and since it has valsartin in it I am concerned that it will be withheld since it does have valsartin in it. Since I have chronic kidney disease, the positive result of the Entresto has been to apparently give better blood flow to my kidneys and lowered my creatinine and BUN levels. So, waiting for that phone call with the date for the TAVR. Would appreciate any input from those of you who have had this done.

Today is the 6th anniversary of having a two valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Gillinov was my surgeon. As I age, there have been some bumps in the road, but blessed to be alive.

Those of us who have had our surgeries know the importance of cardiac exercise. This is an unsolicited and unpaid endorsement for Leslie Sansone walking tapes. I just returned from my 4 mile walking "class" where we walked to her video. We walk in place, move forward and back, knee lifts, leg kicks and some of it is accompanied with arm exercises. It's a great cardio and overall workout but can be done at your pace if you are a beginner. My surgery was March 2010 and have done this class 3 times a week since I finished cardiac rehab, about 1 1/2 years. I have beautiful weather here in south Florida but I get more out of this workout than walking outside. So, consider getting the tape and doing it at home. There is one that has 1, 2, 3 and 4 miles, so you can pick and choose. PS, I'm the oldest one in my class. Wishing all of you great health. I enjoy seeing my surgeon's smiling face on this site every time I sign in, thanks Dr. Gillinov and Adam.

Had valve surgery last year and am on coumadin (have been for 15 years). Need to have a colonoscopy and internist tells me I need to co-ordinate with my cardio and now that I've had valve surgery I may have to be admitted, put on heparin right up till the colonoscopy is done. Can anyone share their experience? Prior to surgery all I had to do was go off the coumadin for 5 days prior and then resume right afterwards. Will say, it did male me nervous to be off the coumadin that long. By the way, I am in a-fib, thus the need for the coumadin. Good luck to all who are having their surgeries, be positive, all will be well.

Got your message this morning (Sunday), but don't know how to reach you and can't find you in the journals. Please get back to me if you want info.

Since I awakened this morning I am constantly remembering that is was a year ago that I was in the operating room at the Cleveland Clinic where Dr Gillinov gave me a bovine mitral valve, repaired my tricuspid and performed a MAZE procedure. Hubby Pete and daughters Chris and Teresa waited in the family waiting room for the good news. Son Steve and family and friends were with me in spirit and I felt their presence. Like everyone else who has reached this milestone I am amazed how quickly it has passed.

My early recovery had some minor setbacks with fluid in my lungs which had to be drained in outpatient procedures with minimal discomfort and great relief in my ability to breath deeply. My blood pressure is not where it should be even with multiple drug changes. But we're getting there. Earlier this year spent four days in the hospital with shortness of breath and fluid retention. All tests showed my valves were working fine and the probable cause was a medication that has fluid retention as a side effect.

The plus side is increased stamina, no shortness of breath and over all better health. Even got to walk around at 6000 feet elevation at Yosemite last October. Something I never would have been able to accomplish earlier. Even my cardiologist was surprised. I walk at least ten miles a week, eat healthily and stay positive.Life is good.

I am thankful to God for His presence in my life. Pete, my children, family and friends played an immense role in my recovery and I am truly blessed.

I have met so many wonderful people on this site (thank you again, Adam) and have met Capt'n Bill and Duane and Peggy twice,( two nicer people you could never meet).I still read some of the journals and follow a few people and even reply every now and then. You will always be part of my life and those of you awaiting your surgeries, know that there are great days ahead, be positive, it goes a long way. Love you.

Fran

A heartfelt wish for a wonderful 2011. For those of us who have had our surgeries this will be a year of improved health and the assurance of longer lives. Those of you who are waiting, will realize how much better life can be after you heal from your miraculous surgeries. I thank God for the year that is past and look forward to this new year to unfold. Happy 2011.

Fran

Wishing all who access my journal a very happy Thanksgiving. For those of us who have had our hearts repaired, we have a lot to be thankful for. I am especially thankful for family, friends, excellent doctors and especially God's graces.
Fran

I have been asked for the name of the walking DVD that I mentioned.Have been asked on this site, by email and on the phone. So, without further ado and no kickback, the name is "Walk Away The Pounds" by Leslie Sansone. I do the 3 or 4 mile walk, but there is a combo DVD that has a 1, 2, 3 and 4 mile walk. Amazon has it and probably any store that sells exercise DVDs. Great for those of you who live in the northern, wintery weather. Even though I can walk outdoors here in SW FL,I will continue to use this as it cross trains instead of just walking. So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Stay healthy.

For those of you with faulty valves, you know altitude can be a problem, shortness of breath, angina, etc. Well last month we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary and as part of a wonderful 2 week trip, we spent a few days at Yosemite National Park. Something I wouldn't have ever been able to do before getting a new mitral valve and a repair to my tricuspid valve.

Have also joined a walking video class that meets 3 times a week, so much more vigorous than the treadmill or walking outside. Walk in place with kicks, side steps and arm movements, no stopping for 3 or 4 miles depending on the video. Feel myself getting more fit each time. I am probably more fit than I was the past several years before my surgery. Still have a small amount of fluid in my right lung, but the cardiologist is not concerned. My heart is still enlarged and I will always be on warfarin due to a-fib, but I can live with that to have my repaired heart.

It'll be 8 months on the 18th since my surgery.It has gone by quickly and some aspects of it have faded already. Like many others after me who have gone to the Cleveland Clinic I am thankful for my surgeon, Dr Gillinov and the excellent system they have in place.

I am happy to see so many new faces on this site. Still say we need to have some kind of a reunion. Maybe in Adam's back yard? For me, being informed,having a support system, lots of prayer and faith, is what helped me get through.I will continue to write in guestbooks as I can and encourage others to see this as a step to better health. Thank you all, especially my dear husband,family and friends (that includes HVJ friends) for supporting me through this journey. Love you.

Duane has written the most beautiful tribute to Lori and to all of us. I'm not as eloquent but I will try. I will not elaborate on the sadness we all feel regarding Lori's untimely death. Adam wrote that he had taken their daughters to Mt Bonnell (in Austin)to discuss their Mommy's condition. He said it was Lori's favorite place. When we lived in Austin it was also my favorite place. Climbing those stairs to a lookout of the Colorado river, the trees, the sky and the birds. I hope he will return to that place again for peace.
Now for the hope part of my title. It has to do with Kimberly. She has had some permanent problems since her heart surgery that have affected her life forever. None of us could really begin to understand her pain, frustration and sadness. However, Lori's death has given her the courage to face her problems with renewed faith and hope that there is a lot to live for. We are praying and rooting for you. I am so blessed to have found this site and the wonderful people who are on it and who are willing to share their deepest worries and joys with each other. (Thanks again to Adam for making this all possible).

Friday was my last day for rehab and I will honestly say that I will miss it. The staff was excellent and my fellow patients were a varied bunch. It's been 5 months since my new bovine valve and my repaired valve and time has gone by quickly. I will continue exercising on my own at our fitness center with the treadmill and elliptical trainer (that takes a little getting used to). There's also a twice weekly water aerobics class that I will join. I'll become one of those "noodle" ladies. Remembering back to the first several weeks I realize how time does heal, physically and emotionally.

My prayers go to those who have had complications post op and hope that doesn't frighten those of you in the sidelines who are waiting. Almost every one of us has had a glitch here and there but the end result is a healthier heart. Won't post again till late September after my 6th month cardio visit and echo. Thank you to all of you who have encouraged me through the months. God bless.

Great to realize how far I've come from the first several weeks when I suffered from shortness of breath and had fluid removed from my lung cavities twice. This week I had my cardio visit, he's pleased with my progress. I just finished my 12th cardiac rehab class and what a difference that has made. Being monitored as I exercise has made me more confidant. My a-fib is not going away and I can push myself without negative effects. Life is good. As everyone else has said, it's amazing the progress we make as we recover. As I've told so many, gauging my progress by the week instead of the day was beneficial to me, especially early in my post op period. Some of the difficult periods have already begun to fade from my memory as I look forward to a healthier heart and life. Supportive family and friends and prayer have made it possible. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gillinov, Adam and the HVJ friends I have met.

To all of you who have had your valve surgery, at what point did your cardiologist order an echo to determine how well your valve(s) is functioning? Thanks.There's been a rash of emergency visits lately, stay healthy.

Well, it finally got the okay for cardiac rehab 10 weeks after surgery. Don't know that I would have been ready before. Will be going M-W-F at 9am for one hour. I am the last to join at that time and glad they had an opening. They have 16 monitors available. Guess because FL has so many seniors, the rehab centers fill up fast. Of course, I'm one of those seniors. Went a couple of days ago to learn what I'll be doing and am glad it's a combination of upper and lower body, which will all provide a cardiac workout. Will admit that I have not pushed myself since my surgery and even being a nurse didn't help me to feel safe about exertion. Having a constant irregular heart beat (a-fib), was my main concern. But, being constantly monitored as I exercise, that fear should diminish. Still have some fluid in one lung and it sure is taking its' time disappearing, but have learned that patience is the name of the game. Everything can't be done yesterday. It's been quite a journey this whole heart valve thing and reading just about all the journals, everyone's recoveries have been different. Lately seems like there's been some emergency hospital admissions, hope that doesn't frighten those who are waiting for their surgeries. You will notice that after treatment they all had a positive outcome. The bottom line is everyone says they feel so much better than before their surgery. I was not too symptomatic prior to my surgery so my recovery has not been as dramatic. What I do know is that the surgery has added many healthier years to my life. All my love to my hubby, children, family and friends (including my HVJ friends) for your care and prayers.

Another thank you to Adam who made this Heart Valve Journal possible. It has been an incredible way for us to communicate with loved ones and with other heart valve patients. During my journey with the HVJ that started in January, I have met the most extraordinary people who have given of their time and prayers to help me. I have tried to reciprocate. No matter what has happened, seems there's someone who has dealt with same issue or is currently going through it. Have corresponded with people all over the world and we all have one thing in common, hearts that need(ed) fixing and a willingness to share our experiences and encouragement. Thank you again to all of you! Am starting cardiac rehab this week, YEAH!!!!!

Well, it's been 2 months today that I had my heart surgery and got a new mitral valve and a repair to my tricuspid valve. After a few bumps in the road I am doing so much better!! Visit to my cardio yesterday went well. Only need to take my diuretic once a day. Best of all, chest xray of last week shows small pleural effusions (small amount of fluid in lung sacs). My body has decided to absorb the fluid instead of creating more. As a reminder to those of you who will soon be recovering, make your spirometer your best friend. After the first few weeks I was only using it a few times a day and in my case, I wonder that it may have helped contribute to fluid build up. For the past few weeks have been using it 8-12 times a day. Really think I'm addicted to it now. Other good news is that I am cleared for cardiac rehab. Will learn details soon. I remain in a-fib and take coumadin, those two conditions most likely will not change, but have lived with this situation for 15 years, so no biggie. Have been praying for all of you with upcoming surgeries and those of you who are now in recovery. You will soon be posting your own positive journals.Prayer certainly has been what has helped me through!!

What a wonderful day to celebrate our repaired hearts for those of us who have had our surgeries and best wishes for those who are still waiting. It will all be worth it.

For those of you who have had your surgeries, did any of you have pain in your back between your shoulder blades? My surgery was March 18th and since discharge have not had any incisional pain to speak of. This back pain starts late afternoon and is relieved when sitting upright with no pressure on that area. Leaning back in a chair or in bed makes it worse.Taking Tylenol/codeine does relieve it.Any help from my HVJ friends would help. Have a great day.

Saw my PCP yesterday for a chest xray and some lab work after being awake most of the previous night with a very congested cough and laryngitis. Am on an antibiotic and am hoping things clear by next week. My chest seems to be pretty well healed and am glad all this coughing didn't occur sooner in my recovery. So, am plugging along slowly and thankful for good doctors, tests and medications.

One of these days I'm going to report the best news ever of my healing, but not yet. Good news is blood pressure and heart rate are good. Heard slight heart murmur but nothing unusual. Discouraging news was the sound of fluid present in both lungs. Mind you, one of these lungs was just drained less than a week ago. So, a wait and see, but most likely will be having more fluid removed until it finally decides to subside or stays minimal enough to be reabsorbed on its' own. He says my fatigue is due to the trauma of the surgery on my body and is not unusual. Did tell me it would probably take 6 months to finally recover. Not what I wanted to hear, but am thankful that there is a solution to remove this fluid build up. I thank you all who have expressed your love, prayers and concern for me, you'll never know how much it means to me. With Pete at my side and loving children, I am very blessed.

Sorry I didn't post earlier today especially for those who have been praying for me.Today, they withdrew only 1 quart from my left pleural cavity !! After some confusion, did learn that last Wednesday they drew off over 1/2 gallon from the right side. Had been told a lesser amount. After the procedure they do a chest xray to make sure they haven't punctured the lung,etc. They did tell me that the xray already shows a small amount of fluid in my right area again.God willing, it will remain small and be reabsorbed. I don't know why this is happening but am thankful this procedure relieves the shortness of breath.So, back to walking again with more vigor and recovering.Thank you all for your kind thoughts, prayers and concerns for me.

Saw my cardio this afternoon. He has once more doubled one of my meds to get my heart rate down. Also, apparently when I had the fluid drained from my right lung cavity last week there was also fluid (and still is) in the left cavity. The radiologist chose the one with the most fluid to drain. Wednesday morning I return again for specific xrays to determine if there's enough fluid that it needs to be drained. I am becoming an expert in an area that I do not wish to be an expert.I would appreciate prayers that this be the final time and i can get on with my healing. Thank you all so much.

Great news. Had a little over 1 quart of fluid drained from my lungs this morning. What a relief, I can now take a deep breath and not feel pain. There are a few "twinges" that will soon be over with as my lung is expanding after having been collapsed in that area. Took a nap today (a rarity for me) and will do my breathing exercises and plan to be back to walking again tomorrow. Lost almost 2 weeks of recovery will make up for it. Thank you all for your concern and best wishes. Wish I could reach thru cyber-space, but here's a "virtual ' hug.
Fran Z

Well, got the answer to my constant shortness of breath. Yesterday, felt a rapid heart rate and some heart "flip flops". Perfect time for my cardio appointment. After a quick EKG and looking over the chest xray and labs, I am officially in congestive heart failure.Before I go any further, not to alarm those of you awaiting surgery or in your post op period, this is not the norm, do not be concerned. I have been on heart meds for 30 years. So, have a long history of heart disease. Seems that the fluid retention is all over, not just my lungs. Medication doubled again and a few other tweeks as I monitor my weight and blood pressure and have a follow up visit next Monday. This is not what I wanted or expected, but will get through it and improve, albeit slowly.Thank you all, family, friends and HVJ friends for your prayers and support, please continue.
Fran Z

Saw my cardio yesterday (20 days post op). He doubled the dose of a new heart drug that had been prescribed for me in the hospital. That goal is to reduce my heart rate from 100 to a slower rate. Blood pressure is excellent. Dr.says he heard "diminished breath sounds", so went off for chest xray and lab work and return office visit for results on Monday. Breathlessness is slightly improved this morning. If it improves during the day, plan to get back to walking. Lost ground past 2 days as I couldn't walk without severe exertion. Kind of trying to suck oxygen thru a very narrow straw. Not a pleasant feeling. Blessing is hardly any pain, incision is healing well. Lots of love and support from Pete. 2cd installment to follow.

Am now 17 days post op and for the past 3 days am having visual auras (zig zaggy lines) as you would get before a migraine strikes. Don't get the headache (maybe just a dull ache). Did any of my HVJ friends have these symptoms post op? Know someone out there has the answer. Thanks.

My dear husband took me for a ride yesterday. Had not been off our street (where I walk) for a week. Drove along the beach area, but with the parking lots full, didn't get to see the Gulf. Things get a little quieter here next month when the snowbirds go home. Had planned to write tomorrow after my cardio visit. Glad I checked my calender as my appointment isn't till Thursday! So, not much new, still trying to sleep better and longer at night. This beautiful weather has certainly made me feel better every day. For those of you in the waiting pattern I pray the time goes by quickly for you.

First off must tell you that Duane and Peggy stopped by for a visit this afternoon. They are such wonderful people and it was my honor to meet Duane in person. For those of you who have followed his journals you know what he's been through.Wanted to let you know that I asked one of my daughters to keep a journal for me while I was hospitalized. Guess it was just the nurse in me, but wanted to know all the particulars I wouldn't be awake for or remember. I journaled during the 3 days of pre-op testing and Teresa took over at 5:15a on the 18th when the prepped me.finally got to read it and some of my comments are funny. She ended with my discharge on the 24th. I think I'll read it once a year on my heart anniversary! Am coming along, double dose of diuretic for past 2 days has removed 5 1/2# of fluid so shortness of breath is much better. Got a good dose of Vitamin D by sitting outside today. Walked outside twice. For those of you with upcoming surgeries, stay focused and calm and mostly have faith.

It's me, myself and I writing this time. Hubby Pete and daughter Teresa did a great job posting when I couldn't.Will do a brief summary for where I am to date.Went in to surgery on Thursday, the 18th. Expected to have my mitral replaced, the aortic replaced or repaired and my tri-cuspid repaired. Had not known anything about the tri cuspid till the day before the surgery, Also, a MAZE procedure to try to correct my a-fib which I have had for 14 years. Found out that I got a cow valve which is not really the cow's valve but is created from the heart tissue of the cow. The aortic looked better than any valve Dr Gillinov would implant so that didn't have to be done.

Spent an extra day in the CICU due to the fact that my own heart rate was staying at about 30 beats per minute and the pacemaker had to take over. Once that was settled, I was moved to the step down unit, 2 doors down from Capt'n Bill. Being the gentleman he is, he made the first social call and we exchanged careful hugs. So wonderful to meet him after all this time. For those of you who are HVJ ists, you'll know what I mean when I say I had a median sternotomy. For the rest of you, they made an incision from the base of my throat to my bra line, split the sternum open and wired it shut at the end. There, that's more than you really wanted to know, right? Apparently I had lost about a unit of blood during surgery (not that unusual), so we agreed a transfusion would help me get back some energy.Guess it'd helped but not that much. Next treatment was to have a cardio-version to see if they could shock my heart back in to sinus rythm but it didn't work. Was not really disappointed because when my heart has beaten irregularily for this many years it's not easy to change. So, will be on coumadin forevever. Self test at home at home so that's no biggie.

Have been at my brother in law's home for a few days sleeping in a recliner and we will fly home tomorrow. A direct flight from Cleveland to Fort Myers, FL. Will look forward to being home and being able to take my 5 minute walks outside instead of wearing down their carpeting. Will also have to get into training for being able to run with my 6 year old grandson, Michael. That's my goal. Not saying how far I'll run, but will do my best!

Couple of extra things, pain is not bad at all, but what bothers me the most is the shortness of breath. Have still retained some of the fluid from the surgery, but assume that will get better with the diuretic. Doing my breathing ans coughing exercises 4-5 times a day.

Lastly, will not be able to write to each of you who have been so kind to send me your prayers and wishes thru all of this. It meant a lot to me and to my family. God is good. By the way, will get to see Duane and Peggy next Wed. they will be vacationing in our part of FL and will stop in. How neat is it to meet 2 of my favorite valve journal people. Like I said a couple of weeks ago we need to think about some kind of reunion. Should be good for a few laughs and trading of "war" stories. Bye for now.
Fran Zilko

Yes we were discharged Wednesday afternoon. Hurray! Spent the night at the hotel and went to my brother Tom's place in Wooster until we fly home on Sunday. Fran is improving daily, doing breathing exercises and walking for 3 to 5 minutes three times a day. Looking forward to Florida and warmer weather. Bless you all for your prayers and concern and good wishes. Fran is looking forward to personally communicating with all of you in the next few days as her focus and concentration improves.

Pete

INR level is up, but waiting for final INR to be discharged. Pain is still minimal, but not ready for a marathon yet. The hospital staff is pleased with me, however. In the next few days I hope to do the posting myself.

(Teresa, daughter) for Fran

Cardioversion didn't work. Fran is still in A-Fib, disappointed but been in it for 14 years. Expect a transfusion in about 15 minutes. Have been very fatigued and would take too long to get my strength back without it. Pacing wires will be out this afternoon. Expecting to been doing cartwheels tomorrow!!!!!

Thank you everyone! Pete

Today Fran is having EKG's, Echo Cardiogram and, since she is in A-Fib, will be cardioverted this afternoon (they'll try to get her back into normal rhythm). She's up and walking around in between all the activity. Hopefully a couple more days and will be out in the world. Pain is minimal!

Pete

No nausea, no pain all day today, only negative thing today was the hour spent digging for a vein. Capt. Bill came to visit me today.

I definitely think it would be great to meet some of the people we've journaled with. Those of you that are still waiting for your surgery, I'm sure you'll get through it with flying colors. They let me take my MP3 player into surgery so I could listen to my guided imagery. I really feel it made difference in my lack of pain after surgery and my positive outcome.

Been up all day and it's 7:38P. Tomorrow I hope to start reading all the messages you've sent. Thank you all so much!

Fran

Well, Fran has arrived in her new home for the next five days or so. It has a great window (a view of the other side of the building where we had been previously). Captain Bill has already come by for a visit. He says Lori didn't allow him to bring his thong and smoking jacket. Fran continues to do well.

Thanks to my family, friends and for all the good wishes and HVJ comments. Best to all of you. Pete

Fran is sitting up and very alert. We are waiting for a bed to become available in the step down unit so she can transfer over. Looks like that will be early afternoon at the earliest. She has eaten some jello and is drinking water often. Will let you all know when we transfer.

Pete

Fran is continuing to do well. She is alert and talking and smiling when she can. She's also taking water and will sit up later today. Her heart rate is a bit low (which is not uncommon) so they are using pacing assist to keep her at a good rate. Depending on how that goes she will move to step down later today or tomorrow if necessary. She looks great and as beautiful as ever. The girls are also here with me. Pete

Fran is out of the OR and in ICU. She has a new Mitral valve and a repaired Tricuspid valve and a MAZE procedure all done very successfully by Dr Gillinov. I'll be seeing her in about an hour (2:30P). Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. She should be in the step down unit tomorrow afternoon.

Pete

Dr Gillinov and the Cleveland Clinic are awesome, am sure I'm at the right place. Coronary arteries are clear, but found out from the good doctor that he will replace 2 valves but will also repair the tricuspid. So, a 3-fer! Plus the MAZE proceedure. I'll be good for another 30 years after this and will take me to 100!!!Need to be at the hospital at 5:15am and have my hubby and daughters with me. Am feeling calm and ready to go. Thank all of you for your love, prayers and support.
Love and God bless
Fran

Fran is lying flat after finishing her cath lab. She'll be that way for 4 hours. Her arteries are clear and that's a blessing. Will post again before surgery on Thursday.

Pete

Well, Fran's getting all her lab and tests done this morning. Arrived early on a rainy dreary day in Cleveland. It's in the 40's with a promise of warmer weather to come. Not sure about sunshine. Waiting to get her some food after the CAT scan and then move on to the rest of the morning's tests. I'm sure fran will have more later today.

Pete

Well, we're packed. Wish I could say we were going on a beautiful sailing trip in the BVI, but maybe another time. We fly early tomorrow for OH and start with testing on Monday. Capt'n Bill will be there roughly at the same time, so we're looking forward to seeing each other "face to face". Will post again before my surgery on the 18th. In the meantime thank you to all of my heart buddies, family and friends who have written in my journal and given me their love, prayers and good wishes.
Fran Zilko

Well, after waiting since January 3rd there's not much longer to wait! Trying to stay calm but busy, so it will pass easily. Thanks to all of you who gave me info treating post surgical scars. What a wonderful resource we are for each other. Here's the list in no particular order:
Vitamin E
Mederma
Scar Guard
Bio-Oil
Burt's Bees ResQ Ointment

Looking forward to meeting Capt'n Bill and his lovely bride in person at the Cleveland Clinic. Thanks to all who have sent me messages.

I know, am already thinking ahead since my surgery isn't till the 18th. What did you use to minimize your surgical scar after surgery? Have heard Mederma and Vitamin E. I know for you men, it's probably a badge of honor. I think for we women it's a lot of curiosity. Thanks in advance, my HVJ friends.

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to write in my journal. I've received encouragement and love. I have lots of good info on what to take to the hospital and what to expect. It's been a long wait since January 4th till the 18th of March. That time has taught me patience and allowed me to meet so many others who've been down the path before me and have been so generous in sharing the ups (and a few downs) of their recoveries. Just imagine I'm going to be in the hospital as the same time as Capt'n Bill, he'll make me laugh! Will write again before leaving for Cleveland. Thanks again.

To all of you who have already had your surgery, or are waiting, like myself. Are there any breathing exercises you would recommend? Seems logical to get those lungs more exercised before the big day.

Have been listening to the relaxation/meditation tapes from the Cleveland Clinic. Just wish I could keep those ear buds in during all my waking hours. As soon as I turn the calender page to March, the enormity of it all will probably hit. Have been surrounded with people who love me and are praying for me. Also, so many wonderful "friends" I have met thru this journal. More later. xoxoxo