Hi Denise..
Glad you are back to work and enjoying it. Although, it is part time, I know it does help with the healing process...just be careful to not overdo it. Hopefully, this appointment on Friday with the surgeon will help resolve this seroma, so you may continue to put this all behind you.
I am still on a "slow & steady course". Today is much better than yesterday...and I am looking forward to repeating this pattern :)... I have a dr appt tomorrow too, the site of one of the chest tubes is pretty bothersome...Dan & I feel they took the stitches out prematurely....steri strips sure are not cutting it! :( Looking forward to hearing about your appt with surgeon...
Connie T
On July 23, 2012...
Hi Denise, I'm glad you were able to go back to work, even if it is part time! I think it helps with the healing, being around "other" people on a regular basis!! I know how frustrated you feel, each day hoping that there is sign of less swelling and more healing! It will be interesting to see what the local surgeon says. Let us know! Great picture of you and Connie, I'm sure it made her day!! Hang in there!
Holly P
Yes it is good to be back at work. Everyone was so happy to see me looking well and rested and I was glad to see all of them too! I too am interested to see what the local surgeon has to say on Friday - I moved my appointment up because the pressure on my sciatic nerve has gotten worse and is causing tingling and numbness in my let from time to tme. Thanks for you comment on the picture of Connie and me. It was so nice to visit her and Dan - it was like we had always known each other - I was glad it worked out that I was there for my follow-up at the same time she was in for surgery. Take care. Denise
On July 23, 2012...
When I had my final checkup with my surgeon, we began discussing my groin incision and the techniques they used overall. He said they make their groin incisions higher, otherwise he said "you can get a lot of sernomas" with a lower incision. No proof on this (DVB) is our facts guy.
Tom, I am sure will this too, and I forgot to tell you this the other day.
Hmmm, that is interesting about the placement of the incision and the occurrance of seromas based on that. I will have to ask my local surgeon on Friday what her thoughts are on that - of course it is a mute point as the damage is done - right?!? Thanks for the info. Take care! Denise
On July 20, 2012...
Hi Denise, Glad your seroma is going down. Hope it keeps going down for you and that is all over. Sexy pic of you and Connie.lol I called her last night and we talked for about an hour. It was just like talking to my sister also. She sounds like a lot of fun. Keep doing good.
Getting there
LInda H
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda, Thanks for the encouragement on the seroma. That is nice that you were able to talk to Co ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda, Thanks for the encouragement on the seroma. That is nice that you were able to talk to Connie. I have her phone number and am going to try to call her this evening. When I met her at the hospital it was like we had always known each other - so strange how that happens with certain people you meet. My husband and Dan really hit it off right away too. Take care of yourself and I will keep you posted on my annoying seroma - lol! Denise K
On July 20, 2012...
Denise,
Great to hear the seroma is on its way down.
I love the picture with Connie. Amazing to hear how you call her your "HVJ Sister". Love that!!!
And, thanks for the kind words about this website.
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
On July 17, 2012...
Hi Denise, thinking of you and wondering how that seroma is doing? Have you been back to the Dr. and what do they think? It's frustrating and a nuisance, but things could be so much worse, right? Hang in there, will be watching for an update!
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly, sorry I have not posted in a while - been busy with family birthdays and and a bridal showe ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly, sorry I have not posted in a while - been busy with family birthdays and and a bridal shower for my niece. My seroma is still there - going to CC for my scheduled 6 week post op checkup tomorrow and they will most likely try to drain it. I have a referral from my cardiologist to a vascular surgeon here in Dayton for follow-up on it so I won't have to go back to CC anymore. Yes, I agree things could be worse - this is just a minor inconvenience but still frustrating all the same. I want to get started with cardiac rehab but they will not allow me to do that until the seroma issue is resolved. I will keep you posted on what happens at CC tomorrow. Thanks so much for checking in with me. Denise
On July 12, 2012...
Hi Denise-
I am sorry to hear that your seroma is not resolving itself. I think you've got the right idea to contact your local doc for referral so you can remedy this sooner rather than later.
It would be nice to get this fixed so you can continue your walking and get to cardiac rehab.
It's a nice time of year to give our bodies the time to fully recover and you don't want to be spending it laid up on your recliner.
Keep us posted after your contact with doc.
Karen Campo
On July 10, 2012...
Sorry, I keep forgetting to sign, that was from Holly P
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly, thanks for thinking of me. I know the seroma is a minor bump in the road - not complainin ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly, thanks for thinking of me. I know the seroma is a minor bump in the road - not complaining just frustrated that I cannot exercise more. I am going to see the PA at my GP's this afternoon for a sinus infection and will have him look at the seroma and advise whether I need to see a general surgeon or just wait till next week when I go back to CC and have them look at it again. Last night I decided to make my own compression bandage and taped a styrofoam block over the seroma to try and compress it and I think that may be working, the swelling was down quite a bit this morning. I will keep you posted. I hope all is going well for you and that the problems you were having have all finally resolved themselves. Take care! Denise K
On July 10, 2012...
Hi Denise, I wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and am sorry you're having to deal with the seroma issue. It can be frustrating, but you are doing the right thing by seeing the surgeon, each day that passes, could be a day toward getting it healed!! I had to remind myself over and over that there are so many other complications that one could have, we are fortunate this is a "small" one. One piece of advice, try not to do too much surfing on the internet about it, you will drive yourself crazy!!!! You have a good support system in Tom, and the rest of us here on HVJ!!! Keep us updated!
On July 9, 2012...
Hey Denise. Sorry to hear about the seroma. Was really hoping yours would get better and reabsorb. Unfortunately it sounds similar to my case. After the third time we drained it, I laid on the couch with a dumbell on top of the area, hoping I could stop it from coming back, but the dead space between the skin layers just filled up with serous fluid as soon as I moved around. The vascular surgeon here in TX explained that these seromas form capsules and as a result reabsorption takes a long time, or may never fully occur. I recall reading that over exptended periods of time, the seromas can harden or calcify. Makes sense to get it fixed sooner than later.
Let me know if you have any questions and hope you find a surgeon quickly and hear some good news. Would be interested if you do hear a different opinion on the next step in resolving "the bulge".
-Thomas Hunt
Denise Kirchner Thanks for thinking of me Tom. I took matters into my own hads last night and made a compression ban ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Thanks for thinking of me Tom. I took matters into my own hads last night and made a compression bandage by taping a styrofoam block over the seroma to compress it and I think it is having an impact - the swelling was way down this morning. I do have an appt with my GP today for a sinus infection and will have her look at my seroma and advise accordingly. I will keep you posted. I sure hope you are at the end of your issues with your seroma - that was a lot to go through - hopefully I won't have to go down the same path. Take care. Denise K
On July 9, 2012...
Hey Denise...
I cannot believe it has been almost 6 weeks for you, but I was so hoping your seroma was going to heal itself!...
Good news is that you are feeling so well....bet that wonderful vaca in HHI had a little to do with it too....how I love that place!
Keep us posted on your seroma.....praying that will be resolved sooner than later!
Connie T
On July 9, 2012...
Dear Denise,
I am also Denise, from Washington state, sitting in my hotel room in Cleveland nervously awaiting my surgery for mitral regurgitation at 5:15 am tomorrow. I found this site today while waiting in between appointments at the Cleveland Clinic and enjoyed reading your journal...I related to a lot you said when you were at this point a few weeks ago...especially the fact that you can fall asleep, but staying asleep is a challenge! The middle of the night times have been a challenge, to say the least. Anyway, I am sure I will refer back to your journal frequently on the other side of tomorrow...thanks.
Denise B.
Denise Kirchner Hi Denise! I will be praying for you starting now for a safe and successful surgery. Who is doing y ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Denise! I will be praying for you starting now for a safe and successful surgery. Who is doing your surgery? Have you registered on this site so you can start your own journal? I have made so many friends who have helped me so much on this journey to a mended heart. You are in good hands at Cleveland Clinic and will receive the best of care while you are there. Just think tomorrow at this time the surgery will be behind you and you will be on the road to recovery! I will be up at 5:15 tomorrow morning on my knees praying that you feel at peace as you go into this surgery - you will do just fine. Take care and God bless you! Denise K
On July 2, 2012...
Hi Denise-
Sorry to hear you had such a long day, but glad to hear that you had this checked, will follow the advice and watch it. Please keep up posted and take care.
Karen Campo
On July 2, 2012...
My groin incision is doing almost the same thing, not bad and no more tingling in the left leg. Still a little numb-ish, but surgeon said that was normal from the bypass procedure and would get better (and it has). GP said the same thing today and wasn't concerned.
I find the incision gets harder the longer I am on my feet, so relaxing in the recliner and elevating my feet seems to really help.
I goo in for my first follow up next week, and should be fine till then.
Hope all continues to progress smoothly (mostly).
Trent V
On July 2, 2012...
Hi Denise, That is very good news! My cardiac cath at CC was not totally easy, but no seroma. Happily you will avoid more treatment.
Tracy
On July 2, 2012...
Hi Denise, Welcome back from vacation. You probably had some pretty hot weather here in SC, not fun. Glad you live not to far from CLE even though its far enough.Hope that goes good for you and its nothing serious. Good Luck
For the long haul
Linda H
On July 2, 2012...
Hi Denise-
I bet you are happy to be home, despite the need to travel 3.5 hrs tomorrow to have the seroma assessed. Hope you had an enjoyable vacation with your family. Please let us all know how you make out tomorrow.
Karen Campo
On July 2, 2012...
Denise,
Glad to hear that the beach trip with family went so well, despite the long drive. Clearly you're doing the right thing - staying on top of the condition, and making the trip back to Cleveland today. Take care, and let us know how this turns out
- Jim Smith
On July 1, 2012...
Welcome home Denise!
So glad you enjoyed your vacation!
I know the drive to CCF is a distance after your long trip home from HHI, but I also know the relief you will have when you are examined and this problem is addressed..(and finally healed). I will pray this is resolved soon and your continued road will be a uneventful one...
Safe travels to Cleveland!
Connie T
On June 29, 2012...
Hi Denise, yes I am a nurse, have been one for 18 years. I work in the Medical and Surgical Departments, and also do OB, my first love! Things are going well, I'm adjusting to the long shifts, but they sure were hard at first!!! I had the robotic repair, but still felt very weak. I was under the impression that it would be a piece of cake to go back to work. WRONG! at least for me! Having fun???
Glad you're doing so well.
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly, you must be exhausted - I can't imagine going back to a job where I am on my feet all day f ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly, you must be exhausted - I can't imagine going back to a job where I am on my feet all day for 12 hours - bless your heart! Hang in there I am sure as time passes it will get easier. I am supposed to return to work on July 23rd, hopefully this seroma in my groin does not extend my leave. Take care - Denise K
On June 26, 2012...
Hi Denise, I'm so glad you decided to go through with the vacation and glad you made it through the car ride! Sorry to hear about your groin incision, does the size change or has it been the same all along? Did anyone look at it your first week postop? Keep it clean and dry, if you develop a fever call your doctor! Glad everything else is going well for you! Keep us updated and have fun!!!
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly, Me too, it has been very relaxing for me and I am really enjoying all the time with my 3 g ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly, Me too, it has been very relaxing for me and I am really enjoying all the time with my 3 grandchildren - just can't pick them up or get in the pool with them:( Regarding my groin swelling - it seems to get larger after I have been on my feet for awhile, then goes down some when I rest. It is hard, not soft. My iincision is completely healed and I have been keeping it clean and dry. I pointed it out to the PA at Dr. Roselli's at my 10 day post op check before I left Cleveland and she said that it looked fine and the swelling would go down as I healed. I also pointed it out to the PA at my local cardiologist last week and she said it looked fine. I think because I was laying down the bulge was not as noticeable. I am definitely going to call them when I get back home. Tom Hunt sent me pictures of his seroma and mine looks the same, maybe not quite as large. My husband thinks I will probably need to have it fixed since it is not getting any smaller. I hope all is going well for you now that you are back at work. Are you a nurse? - just curious since you work 12 hour shifts. Hope all is well with you! Take care. Denise
On June 26, 2012...
Hi Denise-
I am on my 3rd cardiac rehab session and really enjoy it. I think this program will be the final jump start I need to get back to good. I forget do you work and if so what is your planned time off? My tentative rtw date is 7/17 which is just a couple of days over 7 wks. Enjoy your family vacation!
Karen
I have not heard from the cardiac rehab group yet, but hope to get started in the next week or 2. My scheduled date back to work is 7/23 which will be 7 weeks post surgery - same as you. I am looking forward to rehab to get back to walking again. I was walking 2 to 3 miles a day 5 days a week before surgery and have just not been able to get back to that yet. Take care - happy to hear all is going well for you. Denise K
On June 26, 2012...
Hilton Head! good for you! I hope you enjoy yourself to the max!
My husband and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary next week and will be going away for a couple of days. We'll be leaving our boys home with our four dogs...hoping to come home to a house all in one piece!
hope your swelling resolves and doesn't turn out to be a big deal.
Nancy B
Denise Kirchner Hi Nancy,
Congrats on your 25th anniversary - enjoy your get away trip! I know what you mean about l ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Nancy,
Congrats on your 25th anniversary - enjoy your get away trip! I know what you mean about leaving the kids to tend the pets - scary thought but I am sure they will do just fine. I too am hoping the swelling in my groin goes down so I don't have to have it drained - I am just starting to feel really good now! Take care. Denise K
On June 26, 2012...
Well hello yourself and welcome to sunny (usually) and humid (always) South Carolina! Enjoy your stay, Hilton Head...what a great place to recover! Hope your groin issue resolves itself soon.
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Well, we had sunshine until yesterday and now tropical storm Debby is rearring her ugly head in the form of rain on HHI yesterday and today - but that is okay - we will just make our sunshine inside today:-) It is supposed to clear up the rest of the week. We will be leaving on Friday morning. I am hoping my groin issue resolves itself and I don't have to have it drained. Tom Hunt went through a 1 1/2 hour surgery to drain his earlier this week. I will keep you posted. Take care!
Denise K
On June 25, 2012...
Hi Denise...
I am new to HVJ, although I have followed your journey from the beginning.
I am so happy you were able to travel to HHI and vacation with your family! Nothing like HHI to make you feel better! Have a safe trip home to Dayton...and may you get some anwers regarding your possible seroma upon your return.....until then....enjoy the seafood!
Thanks for following my journey. We are enjoying our vacation and I feel pretty good - am tired at night but down to just ES tylenol during the day for discomfort and a vicodin at night. We are getting a taste of tropical storm Debby in the form of rain the last 2 days but it should clear up by this evening. We will be headed home on Friday. Take care.
Denise K
On June 19, 2012...
Hey Denise! You sound like you are doing great. I think you should be ok to make the trip, especially if you'll be in the back seat. You may feel exhausted by the end of the trip, but I am sure the enjoyment of being with your fmily and satisfaction at pushing yourself will make up for it.
I am off Metoprolol myself and happy to have one less pill to take. Looking forward to the day when I am pill-free :-)
Keep up the great work and if you are ever in the Dallas area, let me know and maybe we can finally meet up!
-Thomas H.
Denise Kirchner Hi Thomas - yes I am doing great for 3 weeks out - saw my cardiologist today and he cut my Toprol dos ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Thomas - yes I am doing great for 3 weeks out - saw my cardiologist today and he cut my Toprol dose in half to just 25 mgs per day - I am hoping when I see Dr. Roselli on July 19th I will be taken off of it completely. I am looking forward to the trip - we are splitting it into 2 days on the way down and the way back so I don't get too sore or too tired out being in the car. It will be fun to watch our grandkids (5, 3 and 8 months) splash and play in the pool and ocean even though I cannot indulge in swimming yet:0) Sounds like you are doing great - maybe one day we will have the opportunity to meet - by the way - my hubby is a Detroit Tigers fan - he was jealous that you got to see that game while in Cleveland - lol! Take care - Denise
On June 16, 2012...
Denise, I really think you will be fine. I didn't have mitral valve surgery (I think that is rougher than aortic valve) but I think some MVR people are driving at just a couple of weeks. I know it's a long drive, but it's not like you have to hurry, lol. If you get too tired, you can always stop. I say if you want to...you can do it. Besides...beautiful Hilton Head is calling your name...I can hear it!!!
Linda THE Tiger, AVR 3/13/12
On June 16, 2012...
Wow Denise, I think that is fantastic that you are considering a 12 hr driving trip. Sounds like you must be doing exceptionally well.
If you think you can handle the drive, I say go for it; however, I'm still on the pre-surgery side so I'm probably not the right person to ask.
Whatever you decide, enjoy your summer with your family and continued healing to you!!
Mollie
Denise Kirchner I will not be driving as I have to ride in the back seat for another 4 weeks - just concerned about t ... Read more
Denise Kirchner I will not be driving as I have to ride in the back seat for another 4 weeks - just concerned about the long car ride, but really want to be with our kids and grandchildren on our annual vacation - afraid I might miss something - lol! I will keep you posted on how it goes. Denise
On June 16, 2012...
Go for it Denise! A little South Carolina humidity will do you good!!!!
:-) Linda THE Tiger
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda - I think your encouragement is just what I need - do you think I can handle the 12 hours in ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda - I think your encouragement is just what I need - do you think I can handle the 12 hours in the car at 3 1/2 weeks after surgery - I guess that is my biggest concern but if we make stops every 2 hours I think I will be fine don't you? Denise
On June 16, 2012...
Great news, Denise. Like you, I was also thrilled after surgery to return to Georgia and hear my doctor listen through the stethoscope and say, "no murmur," no "whoosing," completely normal sounds. Keep up the good work, and build on the walking, a bit more each day.
- Jim Smith
Denise Kirchner Thanks Jim - I will be sure to ask to listen to my heart when I go to the doctor on Tuesday! Take ca ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Thanks Jim - I will be sure to ask to listen to my heart when I go to the doctor on Tuesday! Take care!
Denise K
On June 16, 2012...
Very cool you are doing so well! Keep up the walking, increase it a little every day. Be sure to ask your cardiologist to let you listen to your heart, especially if you heard the murmur before. You will be amazed! -- DVB
On June 15, 2012...
Hi Denise, glad to hear you are doing well. Sleep is tough, I got so tired of sleeping on my back, but was able to sleep in the bed with several pillows, a small one under my right arm helped alot. It will get better, I'm finally able to sleep on my side! Keep walking, it will get easier.
Holly P
On June 15, 2012...
Hi Denise,
Good to hear your feeling well.
I've been able to sleep in my bed with lots of pillows...under my head and sides. I wake up sore but sleep a good seven hours straight.
I'm going to try a heating pad on my sore shoulder blade.
Are you still having problems breathing?
I had a pneumothorax, I'm not sure how much that's affected my breathing.
Nancy B
Denise Kirchner Hi Nancy! I am going to try my bed tonight - hopefully it works and I get a good nights sleep - Ric ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Nancy! I am going to try my bed tonight - hopefully it works and I get a good nights sleep - Ric too!
I have not had any breathing problems since I stopped taking the Tramadol - once in a while I will experience some shortness of breath upon waking, but once I am up and moving it seems to pass. Take care and have a nice weekend! Denise K
On June 11, 2012...
Denise, it will get better, hang in there. It's tough figuring out the pain medicine combination. Everyone is different in how they react and handle pain. I was able to get by alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours. I hope you find the right combination. Are the Lidocaine Patches still helping? Keep using your spirometer and taking short walks, listen to your body. My groin incision opened up a little too, it had a stitch work it's way out and started draining a little. It has taken 3-4 weeks for it to close up, I have had a skin reaction to some of my sutures and am still dealing with it! Hope you get a good nights rest tonight!
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly. My groin incision finally scabbed over for which I am glad. Yes I am still using the Lido ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Holly. My groin incision finally scabbed over for which I am glad. Yes I am still using the Lidocaine patches - 12 hours on 12 hours off - they seem to help some. I am alternating Vicodin and Ibuprofen which is working for now - will eventually go to EXS tylenol and ibuprofen but am not ready to give up the Vicodin yet - it really gives good relief - especially at night.
On June 11, 2012...
Hang on you are getting better and in a few weeks this will be just a memory.Love and blessings.
On June 11, 2012...
Hi Denise-
I am still struggling with getting comfy at night(been on the couch for about 10 days now and should prob give my bed another shot. I am just worried with it being on the 2nd floor and taking the Vicodin/Tylenol at night that if I had to get up I might fall, probably paranoia. It is a long day at home with no one here. Tomorrow my daughter will take me to the store to get some more books to read. I have been trying to walk 3x a day also which is tough doing but I seem to feel better afterward. Glad to hear you post. Karen
On June 11, 2012...
Denise, I'm not surprised about the Ultram! I took one (1) several years ago and spent the next 24 hours in a fog! I can't take it! I also had the dreaded neck/shoulder/back discomfort for weeks. I did find that using the travel pillow to help support my head seemed to help. Also an ointment called "Biofreeze" which I purchased from my chiropractor helped with muscle soreness. Try not to get too discouraged. Recovery is challenging to us all, especially those who normally are super active. It does turn around very quickly, mine seemed to be overnight. I just woke up one morning feeling better than I had felt in years! You will get there too, just keep the faith! God bless!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
p.s. I was instructed to take Pericolace daily while on the pain meds to prevent the dreaded constipation. That makes EVERYTHING worse!
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda - I am doing better now - alternating vicodin and ibuprofen and it is working for me for now ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda - I am doing better now - alternating vicodin and ibuprofen and it is working for me for now. 2 mugs of warm prune juice daily is working for me for the constipation. Once I am off the vicodin it will not be an issue. I can't wait for the day when I wake up and feel really really good again, but it does get better each day as long as I pace myself. Thanks for your encouragement and support. Take care and God bless you too!
Denise Kirchner, MVR 5/29/12
On June 10, 2012...
Hey Denise. It does get better week by week. Are you taking walks? Slow and easy but add a little every day or two. If you want to get some arm exercise you can carry a couple of water bottles during. If that sounds like much you can also do some simple exercises like sitting on a high stool and moving your legs around. Sitting in a chair and waving your arms around. Or doing similar stuff while lying down. With exercise always start well short of what you think you can do and add a little every day or two. Soon enough you'll be making good progress. By only adding a little at a time If you overdo it it will just be by a little and your body will let you know with some minor discomfort that will go away in a day or two. The 10 lbs limit is a real constraint - it's to limit the mechanical stresses on healing bone and muscle. You don't want to undo some of that healing so best to stay with the program on that score. Things are still getting knitted together - not the same as strengthening a muscle that's intact and healthy. Still lots you can do without resistance/weight training. Then when 6 weeks are up and proper blessings by the gurus and you're good to go. Something else to look forward to. You go! -- DVB
On June 10, 2012...
Hi Denise,
It is really difficult to get comfortable enough to sleep for any lenth of time after surgery. I found that proping myself up with about four or five down pillows made it okay to sleep in bed. Of course, you can only sleep on your back, so you still aren't comfortable for very long. It was much nicer than sleeping in the recliner though because I could adjust the pillows for my neck and back.
Good luck....hope your recovery continues to go well.
Deb Ziegler
On June 10, 2012...
I hear what you're saying, we all hit a few bumps on the road to recovery after surgery -- but it sounds like the big picture for you is highly positive, you have a perfectly repaired heart. I too have found the weight limits, and exercise limits, frustrating. This is my second surgery -- the first time, in 2005, I paid much less attention to lifting and pulling things -- figuring if it hurt me, I'd just stop. So then I began mowing the lawn about one month after surgery, and not surprisingly, my chest felt sore now and then. This year I've been much more careful with weights and pulling and pushing things. Be careful -- and know that you are moving the ball forward, even if doesn't always feel that way.
Peace and blessings
- Jim Smith
On June 10, 2012...
For sleeping I put pillows under my mattress near the head of the bed to create an extra incline in the mattress. It worked really well for me and I slept in my bed right when I got home (4 days post-op).
Steven Dean
On June 10, 2012...
Hi Denise,
I would suggest trying to ditch the Vicodin during the day and taking one at night to sleep if needed. I had a mini thoracotomy and have been home two days. I had my first full night of sleep in my bed last night and took only one Percocet before bed, otherwise I've been taking two extra strength Tylenol every four or so hours.
I'm not completely comfortable in bed either. I wake up very sore and it's painful to take a deep breath. I have a bed wedge that really doesn't do the job. Last night I put extra pillows on top of it and pillows under both of my arms . I also put a small pillow or rolled up towel under my chin on the side my head flops.
On June 10, 2012...
Denise - Glad to hear you are home and doing well. I am just at the point of selecting surgeons and Dr. Roselli is at the top of my list. It sounds like you have had a good experience with him and I will more than likely go with him for my surgery. I currently have an infection that I have to get rid of first and then have my testing done at home before I meet Dr. Roselli. Looking forward to August for surgery. I can understand your anxiety while waiting for the surgery. It is playing havoc with me...and I still have two months to go! Meds do the same for me too! But don't let yourself have the pain...you don't heal as quickly. Best of everything for your full recovery. Charlie Messineo
Denise Kirchner Hi Charlie - welcome to HVJ. You will be very impressed with Dr. Roselli. My husband and I really l ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Charlie - welcome to HVJ. You will be very impressed with Dr. Roselli. My husband and I really liked his laid back and calm bedside manner - also is very compassionate as well. I will keep you in my prayers as you wait for your surgery date in August. Take care and I wlll be watching for your updates. Denise
On June 10, 2012...
I'm with Nancy -- those narcotics gave me really crazy hallucinations. When I was in ICU I was convinced that some relative of a high mucky muck doctor was across the unit and everybody was looking after her instead of me. When they weren't making me feel like throwing up, the narcotics made me see and hear things that weren't there. I ditched them as soon as I could.
Hope Denise continues to do well.
Selma
On June 10, 2012...
Glad to hear Denise is doing well.
I can't stand taking narcotics during the day...I just can't function with them.
I think I was hallucinating and talking in my sleep while in the Hosp and taking narcotics regularly. I dreamt one night that the Hosp lost power or was having an evacuation drill. I kept waking up to see the lights weren't back on (it was night time) and wondering how they would get us all out of the Hosp. At one point I thought we were on a ship. :)
I'll stick to Tylenol during the day, thank you.
hope Denise continues to heal. I'll be alone tomorrow too.
Nancy B
On June 7, 2012...
Hi Denise - been praying and thinking of you each day and I'm so relieved you're doing so well. Be good to yourself, let everyone spoil you right now. Your job is to heal and nothing else!! I'm home beginning my new life's journey - great so far. Everyone at work was so awesome and generous - great luncheon and nice memories. Will miss everyone for sure. Take care - please stay in touch.
Joan Barga
Denise Kirchner Hi Jon - I am finally feeling up to sitting at the computer and trying to catch up on emails, etc. T ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Jon - I am finally feeling up to sitting at the computer and trying to catch up on emails, etc. Thanks so much for all of your prayers - surgery went so well and was very successful - thank the Lord! I am sure retirement is a bit more exciting than recoverying from Open Heart Surgery - LOL! I wish I could have been there for your retirement party - I am sure it was awesome. Each day gets a little better with my recovery - the inactivity is what is driving me crazy, but this too shall pass. Take care and keep in touch. Denise
On June 4, 2012...
Happy to hear your news. Love and blessings
Mary Jane
On June 4, 2012...
Hi Denise-
Yeah, you are finally on your road to home. Congrats. I can relate about the nurses and staff being so supportive. While I wanted to go home I was also apprehensive to lose that full-time care and med emergency stuff nearby. I too thank God for watching over me both prior to, during and now. Will continue to watch for your updates. Karen Campo
On June 4, 2012...
Great to hear from you Denise! So happy you are recovering so well. Just remember...slow and easy...there are no "blueprints" for recovery from OHS. Resist the urge to compare your progress to that of others. We are all different. Take care and welcome to the other side of that mountain. The trip down is much easier than the trip up was, lol!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
On June 3, 2012...
Denise,
I had MVR on 3/2/10 and am doing great. My only issue in recovery was a high heart rate. It kept me in the hospital an extra day. It was in the 120's....medicine was increased, and while at home was still high. When I went to the first appointment with cardiologist he upped the med. He was not concerned and said it is very common. I took my heart rate at home and paced myself. In time, it came down...not weeks but a few months or so. I never came off the med. But my rate is lower and stable today and I feel great. The high heart rate can definitely make you more tired etc.. Do not worry...it is a normal condition of valve heart surgery.
Take Care,
Theresa C.
NJ
Glad you are back to work and enjoying it. Although, it is part time, I know it does help with the healing process...just be careful to not overdo it. Hopefully, this appointment on Friday with the surgeon will help resolve this seroma, so you may continue to put this all behind you.
I am still on a "slow & steady course". Today is much better than yesterday...and I am looking forward to repeating this pattern :)... I have a dr appt tomorrow too, the site of one of the chest tubes is pretty bothersome...Dan & I feel they took the stitches out prematurely....steri strips sure are not cutting it! :( Looking forward to hearing about your appt with surgeon...
Connie T