Hi Carla
So good to hear from you. Wondered how your parathyroid surgery went and hoped you would journal about it--and you did. Seems you are doing well and loving life. They are still trying to get my blood pressure under better control.I was doing fine until several months after surgery, but we will get it down to an acceptable level. Stay well and yes, we give thanks to God for what He has done in our lives.
Fran

Hi Carla!Phew!What a year you have had! So sorry to read what you have gone through, but SO glad to hear and see how well you are doing now!! You look wonderful and I can't tell you how much joy it brought for me to see the pictures of Heidi and Jennifer and their beautiful families with you and Randy.Sorry that I had lost touch with you,I was actually fortunate enough to stumble upon your website as I tried to goggle for your current address while writing xmas cards. We think of you all often!Please tell the girls that we send our love and hope that they have babysitters for their children as wonderful as I had. Of course, with you and Randy, I am sure that they do not have too much of a need! Continue to do well! Love, Barb, Wade, Cory, Trev, and Alec

Hi Carla,

Congratulations on your successfull recovery! Sounds like you are doing great. I am also a So. Floridian (originally from NY) about to undergo Mitral Valve repair sometime next month. How exactly did you prepare emotionally and mentally for the special day? Anything you might share would be very helful.

best regards,

Terry T.
Boca Raton

Hi Carla, my prayers are with you tomorrow(and always)I know that everything will be fine. You are still in our prayers at church too. A lot of friends are pulling for you here in Wisconsin. Randy you take care too. Love, Sharon
P.S. I am calling your Mom every day. She is doing quite well.

Hi Carla,
I'm MiMi to my Grandchildren as well! I had robotic (Da Vinci) surgry to repair my mitral valve and also ablation surgery for atrial fib. I also had a leaking tricuspid valve, but when the mitral was repaired the tricuspid followed suit and at that time functioned normally. But not now, it is leaking and the mitral valve (three months after surgery) has gone from mild to moderate to severe. I will have to have a replacement valve. So when I read that you had two repairs I was encouraged that I may be able to do the same. We are waiting for three months and then after another echo we know for sure how we will proceed. My surgery had complications, and, I still have problems with my voice from the tubes. Will see a ENT in the coming week. Anyway, I was thankful for finding you and your journal.

Hi Carla, so happy to hear that everything is going fine. Grandkids are so wonderful, they bring a song to your heart. So happy that you had such a wonderful time with them. I saw your Mom the other day-She seems to be doing fine now that the humidity is down. Take care of yourself and tell Randy Hi. Love Sharon

Hi Carla

How's the rotator cuff? Pete had a problem with his and he went for acupuncture and has never looked back. Hope you've been enjoying your summer. This year has to be a record hot one for us so I've been enjoying every minute of it. Just this last couple of days the evenings have started to cool off a bit but the days are still in the 80's.

Did you heart rate settle down to a more normal rate? My resting rate has gone down to 50-52 because of a beta blocker I'm on. Still, as long as pillss can control our symptoms or things that bother us then what do we have to complain about?

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Carla

It was nice to read your journal entry and know that you are doing well considering the other little things that have cropped up. omorrow is my last rehab class. Originally my class was going to last indefinitely but our health system just threw us a curve and has put a six month limit on rehab. Some people in my class have been attending for over 8 years so I was just settling in nicely when the bad news came. I'll have to make sure I continue on my own.

ove the pics of your very large family. Isn't it wonderful that you are here this year to enjoy them all? I never fail to give thanks.

Enjoy your summer.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Carla and Randy,
What wonderful news. So glad you are doing so well.
Who is Jim from church? Anyone we would have known?
Missing you both,
Pat Sitton

Thanks for the update, Carla. Looks like you didn't need rehab after all as you did it all on your own. What a happy gang of grand kids. Sorry about your friend, the motto of living each day--is so true, isn't it? Hope we can meet some day. Hope to be in PBG one day soon to visit my sister. Take care.
Fran

Carla, Glad to hear things are going well and that you were able to spend time playing with your grandchildren. I had a relapse the middle of June and had to be hauled to the hospital by ambulance,etc. When I came home my potassium was 2.5 even though they gave me IV Potassium in the hospital and my blood pressure was 70/32. I require more oxygen also. I felt pretty rough. I was well enough to enjoy the beautiful wedding of my son and Pollee on July 31. I'm now resting alot to make up for my big days with the wedding. The U of M called last week to ask me if my suitcase was packed and if Sean and I had our cellsphone with us and on 24hrs/day. So my transplant could be coming soon. My numbers have increased so I'm nearing the top of the list. Sean and I were interview by a crew that is going to make a documentary regarding Organ Procurement and Liver Transplants and we have been accepted to be part of the documentary. The U of M chose me because of all I've been through and my always positive attitude. So I have some things to look forward to. Hope you continue to improve and I'll keep you posted about me. Nancy Parnell

Hi Carla
Since your face sits at the HVJ site and I see it every day, thought I'd take the opportunity to say hello. As I remember you were getting stronger to be ready for the grandkids when they came to visit in July. Hope you had a wonderful time and you could do all the activities you had planned. I just completed rehab session #25 and medicare will pay for 36, but the 45 minute drive each way 3 times a week is tiring, so may not complete it. Am doing well, looking forward to fall when it cools off a little so I can go back to walking outside. It's still too humid for me. Take care.
Fran

Hi carla
Just checking in to say hello. Hope your shoulder pain is better. Did they ever determine what caused it? Don't know, but seems your therapy may be over now. From what you described it is more of a "come in when you can and we'll work with you. No set time limit. Here in Naples it's very different, a scheduled time, I go at 9am and it ends at 10. There are 15 in my class and we all have our turn on the machines, rotating through them. They have it well planned so there is no waiting. I've gone 9 times already and it still tires me out, but know that will get better. I see my cardio on Monday and will find out when he plans to order a post op echo as I haven't had that done since my CC discharge. He tells me he hears a murmur, so am curious to know how these valves are working. If you follow the journals you must have noticed a rash of complications, some pretty serious. We just have to remind ourselves how serious these surgeries are. Take care.
Fran

Hi Carla,
I also have mitral valve regurg and pulmonary hypertension.
I am happy to hear you are getting energy back. I am waiting for the Cleveland Clinic to review my records ( I waited 5 weeks before I received them from my Doctor's office). I was wondering who your Surgeon was at the Cleveland Clinic. Linda Stahl

Hi Carla, I have been keeping in touch with your Mother to see how you are doing. I now have a new computer and love checking in on you again. I am so happy to hear you are doing so well. Don't overdue it. God and time are the best healers. Take care. Love, Sharon

Hi Carla! I was just going through my email and thinking about you -- how you were doing and that I hadn't heard anything for several days. Then I noticed that somehow I had missed your 6/10/10 posting! I'm so thankful for our answered prayers and that you are steadily progressing (and pacing yourself). Love to you and Randy. Mrs. B

Carla, It takes a while for the tired feeling to go away. I never could decide whether the symptoms I had were from my heart healing or from the medication. I did not feel very well before my surgery so I certainly improved dramatically after it. I exercise at the pool now. It is easier on my knee and I can encourage others. We are blessed with new hearts and lets embrace every second of it. Bev

Hi Carla

So nice to see your journal today and see that you are improving well. I think once our incision pain lessens we then begin to feel all the other pains from the twists and turns we've taken. Muscle pain can be excruitiating. Take it easy and enjoy the summer.

Cheryl, Ontario

Carla, it was so good to hear from you again and learn that all your recovery process is going so nicely. I know PATIENCE is hard to handle!!! However, I think of how much progress you have made in 7 weeks, a relatively brief period of time in the overall scheme of rehabilitation from such a major surgical procedure. I commend you for your faith which I feel is THE most important aspect of your Being, but also for your persistant, excellent care that you have given yourself!! I am so proud of you and am really looking forward to seeing you at Precepts when our next session begins. Thank you for the continued updates! Love you. Jo D.

Carla,
So good to hear from you. Also glad to hear you are in cardio rehab. I am enjoying it so much and feel it really helps in my recovery. I also had shoulder pain recently and it was excrutiating. I feel it was related to my work outs...possibly the rowing machine. It was real bad the first day, but seemed to get better over a 5 day period...my doctor said to take it easy on those types of machines.
Keep us updated,
Theresa Callanan

Hi Carla!

I'm so happy to hear you're doing so well!

I, too, have some thyroid issues - a node was found when I was having an ultrasound on my carotid arteries - so I'm having a thyroid ultrasound today. It feels like it's always something.

It's good to hear you like rehab . . . I'm hoping to start in a couple of weeks. I know I should walk more than I am but it's so hot and humid outside I avoid walking after 11 am . . . rehab will get me working more.

Take care of yourself!
Ricki Shine

Thanks for the continued updates Carla! Sorry I haven't responded much - we have been busy with THE WEDDING, which was beautiful and happened last weekend. Call me anytime -- 329-7723 You know I'm close by!
Kathy Daniel

Hi Carla
Thanks for thinking of me. I went to rehab yesterday to go over what I'll be doing. I'll go M-W-F at 9a for an hour. I'm glad I'm finally able to go as I'll be pushed to do more than I am doing on my own. Being in constant a-fib am never sure how hard to exert myself. Being monitored will give me the reassurance. Even nurses worry about themselves. Still have some fluid in one lung but it's not worse. Sounds like you have a pinched nerve, maybe in your neck? Any idea how it happened and what does your doctor say? Will you go to rehab 3 times a week also? I have a 40 minute drive as it's at the Naples hospital. Glad it's not "in season" or would have to add 20 minutes to the drive. You may be getting the afternoon showers on the east coast but not yet for us. We had 2 inches early last week and that's been it. They always seem to fall east of us. But, we'll get our share, I'm sure. Take care.
Fran Z

Hi Carla, I can't believe that it has been 6 weeks since your surgery. You are still in our prayers here and at church. We had the most beautiful weather for Memorial week-end. It has been an unusual year for weather--but I'll take it. Please don't take on too much. We don't want any set backs. Love you, Sharon

Carla (and Randy too),
You both were such a blessing to us and brought much joy to our lives. How I miss you both and wish we could chat for a very long time. Carla, John said many times how you were a very special right arm for him through the years of working with the music together. He appreciated you and all you did for and with him with the choir. God gave us two very special people!
We love and miss you both,
Pat (and John too)

Hi Carla

Can't believe it has only been six weeks when I read how much you are doing already. I remember at six weeks just being able to start driving but said that when I got to where I was going I didn't have the energy to get out of the car! You're amazing. Praying for your continued recovery. Good luck at rehab.

Cheryl, Ontario

Carla,
It has been a joy to follow your journey and to know you have been trusting the Lord with each new challenge and praising Him for each blessing. Ben and I are still praying for you as you continue the healing process and also for Randy in his supportive role. He must have felt extra loved and appreciated with your journal comments today...what a guy!
Mary Llew

Hi Carla
Glad to hear your update. I know you said in an earlier post that you had a goal to be more for when the grandkids come. Seems rehab will help you with that. My surgery was March 18th and I will start rehab next week. I don't have the stamina that you do and I know I will be pushed to work harder and my heart will need that. Have been reluctant to push too hard without being monitored. I am in a-fib and will remain that way, so that is one of my concerns in pushing too hard. But, it is time and I'll be going 3 times a week for an hour each time. Have gone out early in the morning to walk ocassionaly, the temps are lower but the humidity is miserable. Our weather must be similar between both coasts. Keep healing. I am still sleeping on my back with my head slightly elevated and will probably sleep that way forever. Had always been a right side sleeper, but back sleeping is better. Have a wonderful weekend. Congrats on being featured by Adam!!
Fran Z

Wow...you sound quite busy for still being in recovery mode! We love seeing you around at church, but please don't overdo and set yourself back! Thank you for sharing your journey, and story of God's faithfulness with all of us! It has done ALL our hearts much good! :o) Fondly, Bob and Pat Whitney

You deserved everything your familiy and friends were able to give you. I'm glad that things are better and glad that you're not pushing yourself too much. I'm doing okay. I have an endoscopy on Tuesday - it's only been 4 weeks since the last one - I'm hoping they don't have to do soo much cautery, but it seems they always do. I won't have my hemoglobin checked until the 14th so I won't know if I need a transfusion until them. I'm hoping not - but as you know walking around with a hemoglobin in the 8' doesn't make you feel real perky. Hope everything continues to go well for you and that cardiac rehab will be slow enough to allow you to slowly regain your stamina. Nancy Parnell

Hi Carla,

Thanks for taking the time and energy to share your experience with all of us.

In review of your journal, I became fascinated by your story and your ability to communicate so freely.

I am sure your words have and will help many, many, many patients and caregivers.

That said, I just made you our Featured Heart Valve Journalist.

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/journals/

Again, thanks so much!

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

Hi Carla:

I'm Shawn from Seattle, Washington. I just had my aortic valve replaced on May 7th and just finished my second week. What I read in your journal hit home with me. I'm going in to my 3rd week and even though I don't look like a heart surgery patient, I certainly still feel like it. I have to remind some around me I really still do need the help. :)

Blessings to you and your family. Thank you for your journal.

Hi Carla! I'm with you -- it sure doesn't seem like it's been 5 wks since your surgery. We're thankful to hear of your good recovery. Still praying for you:) Blesssings, Mrs B

Carla, How wonderful that you are able to discontinue some of your meds. Congrats on your first independent trip in the car. I felt like a whole new world was opened to me. It was very hard to give up driving for a while. Funny how something so simple becomes so important in ones recovery. Remember that recovery is something like driving. Once in a while you do have to put the brakes on. Love, Bev

Good Morning Carla

You are my second good news posting this morning. I can't believe you are getting ready for rehab already. Life is grand. Wishing you well.

Cheryl, Ontario

Good Morning, Carla. I was so delighted to read your journal and learn of your continuing healing progress. You have been in my mind and on my heart during this entire process, and I am in awe of God's faithfulness, protection and Healing Hand. So happy to hear that you are gaining strength each day. I am looking forward to keeping in touch through your journal and seeing you in our next Precepts class whenever it is scheduled. Thanks for being dedicated to this journal for I feel close to you even though I am still in the Bahamas! Love, hugs, and blessings, Jo D.

Hi Carla
Great news about your continuing recovery. Let us know how rehab goes once you get started. I'll probably start 1st week in June. We all have a lot of reason to feel blessed.
Fran Z

Carla, I hope everything is still going well with you. You are still in our prayers. Take care Sharon

Hi Carla
Thanks for your message to me. If hubby comes to Bonita occasionally on business, one of these days you may feel up to coming along. Hope you would give me a call and we can say hello and spend some time together. I may have told you I have a sister who lives in PBG and I would hope to do the same when I get over there to visit. My brother in law is from Ireland and still has a lot of family there so they go for a couple of months each summer and they have a home there. So, probably wouldn't be till fall till we get to your side of FL. I have an adjustable bed and sleep on my back every night with the head of the bed raised, very comfortable. Still have that nagging pain in my left scapula area and after 4pm or so am too uncomfortable on my back so have started to try to sleep on my right side but bursitis in my hip acts up. So many times I'm up between 4-5am and read or get on the computer. All this will pass with time. Have my xray in a couple of days and see my cardio on Monday, hope he has some answers. What a wonderful couple of weeks you'll have in July. Have looked at your photos and what a wonderful family you have! We have one grandson 6 years old and he lives about 45 minutes away, so we see him a couple of times a month, at least. He's the reason we moved from Williamsburg, VA to Bonita. Take care, don't push yourself too hard and keep in touch.
Fran Z

Hi Carla
Can't believe how much you are doing! Hope you are not pushing yourself too hard and then have to pay for it. I have been the tortoise in the tortoise and the hare fable. Didn't choose that, but that's the way it is. I will have another chest xray the end of the week before seeing my cardio next Monday. Apparently like you, still have some fluid at the base of both lungs and am hoping it has not become worse. Am not having the shortness of breath that I had before they drained both lungs, so I pray it is resolving. Using the spirometer 8-10 times a day has helped. Stay active, but please don't be superwoman. Will be interesting to see what the comparison of your earlier chest xrays show. Just got to stop that chicken farming in PBG--is it even legal there?
Fran Z

Carla, Remembering back after my surgery, nap time was a daily treat. I listened to audio books and always missed the ending. Do not rush your recovery. There will be plenty of time later for all of the new adventures. In weeks to come you will be amazed how much energy you will have. It is like having a new life. Bev

Hi Carla

That's an interesting development regarding your lungs. It's good they are going to look into it more in depth and hopefully get something resolved.

Each of us has to actually experience recovery to understand why you can't push yourself. It just doesn't work that way. Your body will tell you when you're ready for more and eventually your stamina will return.

You have so many friends helping you stay motivated so continue being positive. It will come.

Take care.

Cheryl, Ontario

Carla...Once again saw you at church this morning but you on one end of the isle and we are at the other end. Glad you are doing ok. I havent had heart surgery but the akle/foot surgery in Jan has slowed me down. I couldnt drive for 4mths and was soooo glad to get the "green light" two weeks ago. I'm in PT now and will be for another 4 weeks, so hang in there your will get to rehab soon enough. It was good to see you out this morning. We are still praying for you and Randy. Because of Him, Judy Z

Carla, I feel so bad that you are going through all these after effects. I pray that each day things will be better for you. Have a Happy Mothers Day. You have 2 beautiful daughters and a wonderful husband who love and support you, so I know your day will be filled with happiness. You remain in my prayers. Love, Sharon

Hey sweetie,
Be sure to call me to come pick you up next week for Precepts, and I'll bring enough 'dish to pass' for both of us!!! You just get YOURSELF out the door.

Will lift you up in prayer every day. Please take it easy on yourself and give yourself the time you need. What's the hurry?!

Love you,

Kathy

Hi Dear Carla,

It was so great to see you today at Chel's shower....you could have laid down in my bedroom with baby Gabriel for a while to rest up!

Will continue to keep you in prayer.....have been thinking about you alot....in many ways....was looking at our piano today and remembering the 7 years you taught Katie....what a great grace!!!!

love you!
Nancy

Hi Carla.......just checking to see how your doing?? and wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day.........love....ruthie..Minnesota

Hi Carla!

Thanks for your message yesterday. I really appreciate your support.

How did your doctor's visit go? Are the pleural effusions gone??

I hope you're feeling well today.

Ricki

Hi Carla

What a great day you had. It's good to have a nap and feel good about doing so. I'm just so glad your recovery is on target.

Cheryl, Ontario

Had a blooper in my last message. Sleep is something that I get very little of. Brain fart I guess. Nancy Parnell