Couldn't be happier to read about the great news. What a difference a week makes, eh? Now hurry up and get that incision better so rehab can begin (if you haven't started already). I am in my 4th week and quite pleased with the progress; already running 15 out of 20 minutes at rehab. With your positive attitude, you will do great. FYI, my seroma incision is almost healed completely; maybe one more week of wet to dry dressings.
Yes, a week can make a difference! My incision is doing much better this week so I have started walking on my treadmill (15 minutes at 2.0) to prepare for cardiac rehab which starts Monday - finally!
Glad to hear that your seroma is almost healed and that your cardiac rehab is going so well. I am not a runner, but was used to 2+ miles of brisk walking on my treadmill 5 times a week before surgery and really miss it.
Thanks so much for all your advice regarding my seroma. It helps to have someone to bounce things off of that has been through it.
Take care! Denise :-)
On August 13, 2012...
Excellent news.
Trent V
On August 12, 2012...
Fantastic news!
Enjoy your rehab and build up your strength.
Jerry V.
On August 11, 2012...
I'm so glad to hear this wonderful news. I'm sure that many of us were praying for you...even if we weren't posing. I know that I was. My son Steven is facing the same situation with a possible residual leak on what was called a perfect Aortic repair. Please pray that he gets the same great news.
My continued prayers and thoughts go out to you and the HVJ'es
Yes it is great news and yes God is awesome and merciful. He heard my plea for a miracle and answered me!
I am waiting to hear from my rehab coach - put a call into her yesterday to tell her I could start on Monday afternoon.
I hope all is going well with your recovery Connie. I try to call you on Monday - I did not have a good signal in the clinic yesterday when we talked.
Denise
On August 10, 2012...
Hi Denise, That is such wonderful news. Made me real happy to read it,as I was thinking about you today and hoping for something good to come out of this. I am so happy for you. Best of luck for the rest of the time and in rehab.
Getting there
Linda H
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda, thanks for thinking of me yesterday - my prayers were answered - God is good! Take care. ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda, thanks for thinking of me yesterday - my prayers were answered - God is good! Take care.
Denise
On August 10, 2012...
Denise,
Just thinking of you; you have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. I hope your day went as well as it could have; know your "HVJ Family" is thinking of you and pulling for you. Kind regards, Kate R
Thanks so much for thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers. If you read my most recent journal entry you will see our prayers were answered and I am soooo thankful!
Take care, Denise
On August 9, 2012...
Denise - Thank you so much for all your prayers. Charlie is in surgery as I write. They made his first incision at 2:30 p.m. We fell in love with Dr. Roselli. Also, you are also in ours and we both look forward to meeting you tomorrow! Will enjoy that cup of Java with you and Ric. God Bless you on your journey and know roadblocks happen and it is discouraging, but as I keep telling Charlie God has a reason for that too! Until tomorrow my friend...Julia...Charlie's wife :-)
Denise Kirchner Looking forward to meeting you and Charlie tomorrow - take care and God bless! Denise
On August 9, 2012...
Dear Denise...
So glad the seroma issues are going in the right direction..
I think about & pray for you everyday as you face this new hurdle in your journey. I wish I had a miracle in my pocket that I could share with you to make this all better....but I know God will be with both you & Ric as you meet this challenge head on. Please know Dan & I will be thinking of you as you travel to CCF & have yet more tests to get the answers you certainly need. I know you will keep us all posted....Take care & find comfort in the fact you are loved, not only by your family & friends,(& HVJ sisters & brothers) but also by a good and loving God!
Thinking of You,
Connie T
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers - and yes a miracle would be nice about now! I will try to call you on our way back from Cleveland tomorrow afternoon. On top of all this I had an intestinal bug for 2 days this week that really knocked me down. I have been having some shortness of breath but think it is anxiety over all of this - will discuss it with Dr. Roselli tomorrow.
I hope all is going well with your recovery. Take care!
Denise, good news on the seroma and good luck tomorrow at CCF. Stay strong. Just so you know, when I was in CCF ICU, the morning following my surgery, they allowed Stephanie Cole (fellow HVJ sister) to come in and meet me. I'm sure if he is stable they will let you in for a minute to meet Charlie. I am STILL having computer issues, so please tell him I have both of them in my prayers. Keep us posted on what Dr. Roselli has to say.
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
(May be easier for me if you email me )
lindathetiger@yahoo.com
Denise Kirchner Thanks Linda. I don't know what I would do without all my friends at HVJ - your support and encourag ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Thanks Linda. I don't know what I would do without all my friends at HVJ - your support and encouragement mean so much. I will give Charlie and Julia your message. Take care and will try to email you Friday night or Saturday.
On August 9, 2012...
Denise,
Very happy to hear the good news regarding the seroma. Avoiding the wound vac is a great thing. Hoping for even better news this Friday. My whole family will be praying for you...my mom is following your journal religously and often asking me if I read your latest updates.
Have a safe trip to Cleveland and know that there are many here on HVJ, and that you have never met, that are thinking of you.
I so appreciate your prayers and those of your family, and your mother's concern for me - that really touched my heart. Ric or I will be doing an update on the blog as soon as we can. Take care! Denise
On August 8, 2012...
Hi Denise, I want you to know I think of you every day. I'm glad to hear your seroma is healing, and no wound vac for you! We are all anxious, as I know you are, to hear what your test results show on Friday. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, the mental part might be the hardest!!! Praying for you and for strength and peace with the days ahead. God has a plan, we just don't know what it is.
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Holly: You are right the mental part is so hard - I know God is watching over me but I still have an ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Holly: You are right the mental part is so hard - I know God is watching over me but I still have anxiety over all of this. Just when I thought I was on the road to full recovery and now the possibility of another mountain. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers1
Denise
On August 7, 2012...
Hi Denise-
I am sorry to hear of the challenges/confusion you are being dealt right now. I hope everything works out. You seem like a strong woman and you will be OK. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and please keep us posted.
Thanks for thinking of me. I am trying to stay strong but it has been hard - I was just starting to feel better then the surgery on the seroma and now the not so good echo report. Not sure I am up for the TEE on Friday. I have yet to begin cardiac reahab and probably won't be any time soon if my repair has failed - what is the point?!?
I hope all is going well for you. Take care. Denise
On August 7, 2012...
Denise - Hey there girl....hang tough...hope you get great news on Friday. Looking forward to meeting you....even if we just have a cup of java together. Julia (Charlie's wife)
PS...you are in our thoughts and prayers too...thanks for all your cheerleading!
Denise Kirchner Hi Julia, thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I will call you after I finish with my testing to see ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Julia, thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I will call you after I finish with my testing to see how much time we have before our meeting with Dr. Roselli at 11:30. A cup of java sounds good - hopefully my throat has recovered from the TEE by then. Take care and tell Charlie my thoughts and prayers will be with him on Thursday. Denise
On August 5, 2012...
Hang in there Denise.
You will beat this thing!
Jerry Vernhout
AVR and double bypass 5/31/2012
On August 4, 2012...
Hi Denise, Sorry you are having so many problems. I have been thinking about always. I hope somebody read the echo wrong and it will turn out good this time. You have been through to much, time to have a blessing. I will keep you in my prayers also. I hope for the very best for you. Good luck at CC.
Getting there
Linda H
Denise Kirchner Thanks for thinking of me LInda and for your prayers. I will try to keep everyone posted.
Denise
On August 4, 2012...
Denise, sorry I have not "written" sooner, but I seem to be having some computer issues. I read your response to Connie and you know..."Lord help me" is all you need to pray...He knows your every thought and prayer, and reads your heart (even a wonky one, lol). Seriously, I so wish you weren't having these issues, I can only imagine how you must be feeling. I still find myself wondering "if I am really, really fixed" even after my all clear echo last month. I am convinced that mitral valve work is much more complicated than aortic. Things happen, I know you know that and you are dealing with the absolute best at CCF. I continue to keep you in my prayers. Stay strong, God has your back!
Linda Dixon
Denise Kirchner Linda, thanks so much fo the words of encouratement. It has been a really tough week to say the leas ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Linda, thanks so much fo the words of encouratement. It has been a really tough week to say the least. I have my down moments, but am keeping my mind occupied by reading as I said in my last post. The inactivity is so hard for me as I am usually in constant motion doing something. I hope I get some answers on Friday at CC. Take care and glad to hear all is well with you. Denise
On August 4, 2012...
Hi Denise...
Going back to Cleveland sounds like a very good plan. I am so glad that appt is on Friday & not weeks from now! I am sure you know, and as they explained to me, they have very "high tech" equipment. If there is a problem....or if there is not....and it was just a flaw in the past echo....they will know it! I wish, with all my mending little heart, that you did not have to go through this...but.I am very thankful Cleveland is involved in this process.
Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers constantly! Dan & I wish you & Ric the best as you travel back to CC for those much needed answers....
Always praying for you both!
Connie & Dan T
Yes, we think so too! One stipulation I did make with the nurse at CC was that we will not make the trip up there unless I can be assured of seeing Dr. Roselli. I told her I do no want an NP or a Fellow surgeon - I want to talk to Dr. Roselli. She said he will definitely be in the office that day and I will get to see him. That in itself is a big relief. I want him reading my tests and not someone else!
I really appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers - it helps to know others are praying when I can't seem to pray anything but "Lord help me!" Thanks so much.
Denise and Ric
On August 3, 2012...
Denise and Ric, you are in my prayers. Know you are not alone during this difficult time. Kate R
On August 3, 2012...
Thinking of you Denise. Praying for strength and healing!
Holly
On August 3, 2012...
Denise,
My thoughts are with you....feel better.
Nancy B
On August 3, 2012...
My Dear HVJ Sister.....
Take your time.....when you are ready... I (we) your HVJ family will be here!
Continuing to Pray for you!
Connie T,
On August 2, 2012...
Denise,
Thinking about you and hope you get feeling better and some resolution on your echo results.
Trent V
On August 2, 2012...
Dear Denise,
Continuing to send calm, healing vibes your way (I'm from Woodstock -- we're the Mother Ship of calm healing vibes!). I hate roller coasters and wish you off of yours ASAP!
Selma
On August 1, 2012...
Great to hear from you Denise! I will pray that the echocardiogram results were misinterpreted by the technician and Dr. Roselli's team confirm the leakage is minor.
Wanted to let you know I was able to get the wound vac removed today. Surgeon said the wound closed up sufficiently and there should be no chance of the seroma coming back. It's quite a relief to be rid of that darn pump, but if you ever have to go through getting one, its not that bad.
Really hope your swelling is just post surgery inflammation and no more fluid shows up. Also hope your recovery goes well and the pain is minimal. If you have any questions about post-surgery seroma recovery, don't hesitate to ask.
Take care and good luck Denise!
-Tom H.
On July 31, 2012...
Hi Denise...
I have been trying all evening to get on the blog as well.....was anxious to see if there was any news from you. Glad you have an appt tomorrow, as well as Cleveland reading the echo & reports. Will be watching for your posts.
Stay strong my HVJ sister! God is holding your hand!
Continuing to Pray!
Connie & Dan T,
Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers - this is tough, but somehow I will get through it. I hope all is going well with your recovery Connie - take care! Denise and Ric K
On July 30, 2012...
Denise, I'm glad you got the pain medicine figured out, and hope you don't need it for very long....I'm praying that the incision will heal quickly and the seroma issue has been resolved. It's good you'll be off this week and can take it easy, don't over-do it!
I'm sure you must be very upset over the echo report, we all have that fear every time we go to the doctor. You know that we are all here for you, and as LInda said, God is in control. Praying for you, for strength for today and all the tomorrows. Keep us updated, and take out your frustration on us too! Sometimes it helps to write them down.
Holly P
On July 30, 2012...
God Bless you and Ric I have you and your family in my prayers. I am 57 yrrs old with three adult children and two grandchildren. Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and mitral valve regurgitation I see the surgeon 8/1/12 and planned a second opinion at Cleveland Clinic. Thank you and Ric for your candid HVJS it has answered so many questions. I read Adam's book and am new to this website. God bless you as you meet this challenge I will continue to pray for you and your beautiful family.
On July 30, 2012...
Glad to hear Denise is home and relatively comfortable.
Will keep her in my thoughts and hope for good new Thursday.
Nancy B
On July 30, 2012...
Denise, I am so sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. I will keep you in my prayers. Stay strong, God is in control, even in the tough times.
Linda Dixon
On July 30, 2012...
Oh, Denise, you must be so frustrated. I really hope that your pain resolves soon and if you DO require a re-op (I sincerely hope you don't!) Dr. Adams and his team are experts at that.
Selma
On July 30, 2012...
Denise & Ric..
Thinking of you both and praying Denise finds relief from the pain very soon!
Keeping you both in prayer..
Dan & Connie T
On July 29, 2012...
Denise and Ric,
So sorry to hear this disappointing news. Was shocked to hear about the valve and can't imagine the frustration.
It sounds like the post-seroma surgery issues are slowly coming around, and I think it was a great idea to stay an extra day in the hospital. Hopefully Denise has a calm and pain free night, and you guys can find a pain med that works better. Will pray that once you get past the pain issue, that the seroma heals quickly without any leakage. It will take a few days to confirm that issue this is resolved for good.
As for the valve, that really sucks. It is something I was aware was a possibility (~3%), but hate that you had to be the unlucky one. Once you find out the details of what happened (have heard SAM, or systolic anterior motion is a common cause) and what they recommend to address it, it may help reading other patient journals that have gone through this. One HVJ patient I know of is Chris Hansen, who Denise may have already corresponded with. Another is Barb, who has posted quite a bit on valve-replacement.org. Maybe they can give you some advice, or point you in the right direction regarding the next step.
WIll say a prayer that you will hear some good news soon. You have a lot of friends here on HVJ that can provide tons of support. Don't hesitate to lean on us a bit during this rough stretch in your journey. You will get there, it just may take a bit longer than expected.
-Thomas H.
On July 29, 2012...
Hi Denise...
I have been unable to get you off my mind all day. I am wondering if he had results of your old echo instead of the most recent one?? That, of course, is my prayer!! It seems so odd he would take the liberty to give you such news... You are a very strong lady, with awesome support. Whatever, this new hurdle is, I know with your faith & support you can handle this.....but I also know, you need time to absorb this news first... Be selfish...and be your determined self to beat this as well.....Stay strong....You are not alone....When you are ready..... if Dan & I can be of help...let us know....even if you just need a hug from your HVJ sister....Dan will take me anywhere you say.....Thinking of You, & keeping you close in prayer..
Connie T.
On July 29, 2012...
Wow, thinking of you guys... Vicki D.
On July 29, 2012...
Denise and Ric,
I was hoping to hear good news on the seroma repair today. I'm so sorry it didn't go well and am so hoping that the info you received about still having severe mitral regurg is somehow wrong. I can't believe you'd have an echo on 7/9 and not hear back a result (especially if it's not good) until August. maybe it's a misunderstanding.
Will keep you in my thoughts and hope for better news.
Nancy B
On July 29, 2012...
Hi Ric and Denise,
Denise, I am so sorry. I have followed your journal from time to time - I , too, had surgery in May; also have residual issues. God bless and hang in there. So many are thinking of you and praying for you. One day at a time. Kind Regards, Kate R
On July 29, 2012...
Hi Denise, Oh so sorry to hear all this news. I will be keeping you in my prayers as well. That has to be so hard to hear, just cant imagine. I know God will be there to help you and your family. Good luck to you and Gods speed.
Getting there
Linda H
On July 29, 2012...
Ric and Denise, you are in my prayers. So sorry for the complications, it sounds like there may have been some nerve paralysis/damage in the groin causing the numbness and hopefully that is resolving, although it may take some time. Just curious, was the heart cath done on the same side as the one for the by-pass? It's too bad about the pain medicine, too... everyone reacts differently to them. Use what works for you! Remember that an anesthesiologist is not a cardiologist, and had no right to tell you that information before going in to surgery. No wonder you are upset! At least you will get some valid answers this week. Try not to think the worst. Praying for both of you!
Holly P
On July 29, 2012...
Praying for you both.
Niki Dixon
Wife of Chris Dixon AVR 2/27
On July 29, 2012...
Hi Denise,
I have been asking Connie how you were doing and reading some HVJ updates myself. I was wondering how your surgery went and was so sorry to hear the results of your latest echo. I will be thinking and praying for you. We look forward, when you both feel better, to getting together for dinner. Please tell Ric I said hi. Dan T
On July 29, 2012...
I pray that your recovery continues and I hope the anesthiesiologist read the report wrong! I can only imagine how you must have felt hearing this information! Stay strong and we will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Debbie A
AVR 4/2/12
On July 28, 2012...
glad to hear you are getting this taken care of. Good luck! Also glad to hear you only returned to work part time. Hope you get to cardiac rehab soon. I really enjoy it.
Take care and keep us posted.
Karen Campo
On July 28, 2012...
Good luck on your surgery later this morning. Crossing my fingers and saying a prayer that you will be one and done!
It looks like I'm only a week away from removing the wound vac so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. In the big picture this is just our little, albeit extended, bumps in the road. I am sure you will do great and keep your focus on cardiac rehab. Once you start that you will feel great!
-Thomas H.
On July 27, 2012...
Denise, I'm glad you have an action plan now! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and anxious to hear your update! I know you just want to get this part of your journey over with! Take care!
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Hi Vickie, thanks for thinking of me, will try to post something later today.
On July 26, 2012...
Hi Connie,
Yes it has been nice to get back into a routine, although 4 hours a day is plenty - sure glad I did not have to jump right back into full time. I am not overdoinging. I feel great other than the seroma. I have more energy than I have had in a long time now that my heart is working properly again - I thought all the fatigue was just old age - no so! The fatigue had just become part of my "new normal" pre-surgery. I thank God we are alive at a time such as this when these things can be corrected.
I am glad to hear that you are doing well, one day at a time - and slow and easy wins the race - those were my mottos the first couple of weeks. Each day gets better!
Let me know what your doctor says about your chest tube site. I am glad you are getting it checked out.
I will try to call you tomorrow afternoon after my doctor appointment to let you know how things go and to see how you are doing after you appointment.
Couldn't be happier to read about the great news. What a difference a week makes, eh? Now hurry up and get that incision better so rehab can begin (if you haven't started already). I am in my 4th week and quite pleased with the progress; already running 15 out of 20 minutes at rehab. With your positive attitude, you will do great. FYI, my seroma incision is almost healed completely; maybe one more week of wet to dry dressings.
Take care and keep the good news coming.
-Thomas H.
Yes, a week can make a difference! My incision is doing much better this week so I have ... Read more
Yes, a week can make a difference! My incision is doing much better this week so I have started walking on my treadmill (15 minutes at 2.0) to prepare for cardiac rehab which starts Monday - finally!
Glad to hear that your seroma is almost healed and that your cardiac rehab is going so well. I am not a runner, but was used to 2+ miles of brisk walking on my treadmill 5 times a week before surgery and really miss it.
Thanks so much for all your advice regarding my seroma. It helps to have someone to bounce things off of that has been through it.
Take care! Denise :-)