You might also want to bring ear plugs and an eye mask for when you get to sleep between midnight to 4:00 am. The nurses come in and take vitals except for those hours. Also Chapstick, baby oil for the adhesive left from the heart monitor leads if you will have those), my skin itched terribly! slippers, feminine protection (if you still menstruate) the pads at my hospital were useless. I brought my laptop, knitting, magazines and I actually kept busy after about day 4. I was in for 15 days because mu coumadin levels took a long time to reach therapeutic
levels.. If you have Adam's book I think there's a list in his book.
Good luck.
Lori
On April 27, 2010...
Hi Diana
Forgot one most important item for the hospital (specifically for discharge) is a pair of elastic waist pants. They pump you full of fluids and you may have a weight gain for discharge. I weighed 15# more than my admission weight. No way I would have fit into regular slacks.
Fran Z
On April 27, 2010...
Great question Diana! I was planning to ask that as I got closer to surgery.
I think the hospitals should supply a list of stuff to bring (or not bring) like summer camps do! It would be very helpful.
I'll keep reading your guestbook to see what people suggest.
Hope your infection is getting better.
Ricki Shine
On April 27, 2010...
Good question. I also brought pajama bottoms which I wore with the hospital gowns for hall walking. A notebook and pen, you will think of questions to ask and will forget them of they're not written down.
Eye mask & ear plugs, an MP3 type player loaded with your favorite music or relaxation info. Chapstick, especially when the vent tube is in. Body lotion. Forget reading material, never heard anyone say they could concentrate long enough even though you will have the time to read War & Peace.The Cleveland Clinic supplied many of these things in a lovely kit but didn't know that ahead of time. Maybe a deck of cards, Pete and I did play a couple rounds of Rummy.
Fran Z
On April 26, 2010...
Diana:
Take earplugs...they were a lifesaver for me. I also wish I had brought an eyecover. Those hospitals are noisy and bright!
Jim in Tucson
On April 26, 2010...
Hi Diana
Glad you caught the infection early and good the doctor isn't too concerned. You are in my prayers. Good luck.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 26, 2010...
Hi Diana! I'm glad it wasn't a serious infection! It sounds like you have a wonderful doctor! Can you put anything on it like neosporin (don't know if thats spelled right :) or anything to keep it from getting infected? Let me know if you need anything!
Love,
Trace
On April 26, 2010...
Hi Diana
If there is an infection, you caught it early and if antibiotics are needed that should take care of it, try not to worry, let the doctors do their job.You have till May 14th, right? Wishing you well.
Fran Z
On April 22, 2010...
Hi Diana
Thanks for dropping by my guestbook. I'm really pleased you have found a wonderful partner with which to share your life and very soon you will be able to get about doing just that. Like I said before, this will be a great audition as to how he makes out in the caregiver role! With your house being in such a lovely setting you will have great joy in watching nature while you recoup.
Perhaps once the surgery is behind you, you'll be able to settle down and get your big day planned. Keeping you in my prayers.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 21, 2010...
I'm so glad you sent me an invitation to your heart valve journal. I will reading it with interest and be praying for your complete recovery.
Ruth Krebs
On April 21, 2010...
Hi Diana
Reality is setting in once a date gets put into the datebook. So you've got about a month to get things in order. Keep focused. You'll be okay. When are you planning your wedding for?
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 21, 2010...
I meant here for you...oops
theresa
On April 21, 2010...
Diana,
So glad to hear you are nearing your surgery date to get this behind you. I remember before my surgery I just wished it was here so I could be on the road to recovery. Just keep your positive attitude and soak up the support on this site. We are all hear for you.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ
On April 19, 2010...
Sis, Just thinking: If you can feed the wild bears and 'ride your Harley', I'm sure you will go through this with no problem. It's ok to cry some but "I know how brave you are". It's all in God's Hands and you should be excited about that. You'll be a teenager again!!!! After you recuperate, your yard will win 'Yard of the Month" all season long, too.
I'm so glad you have so much support from others who have gone through this procedure. It reminds me of old times you helped me so much when I had no idea what was going on with me. It was fate that we met on line; was it in 1996 or 97?? and you've been my Little Sister ever since - YOU HAVE A TRUE 'HEART OF GOLD' - AND KNOW YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS. Wish I could be there with you to help in any way and so glad you have Dwight. Love You So Much - TALK SOON, Big Sis
On April 19, 2010...
Diana
Earlier you had said your surgery most likely will be scheduled shortly after meeting with your surgeon. So you should have a date today. Don't be afraid, the sooner the better to get this behind you and go on to a healthy heart life. You have so much to look forward to. I had to wait from January 3rd till March 18th, a long time. But God did teach me patience and gave me time to meet some wonderful people on the HVJ who are so supportive. Let us know.
Fran Z
On April 14, 2010...
Hi Diana
Loved your posting to Fran about the wild life there. You be careful. Good to hear the teeth are done so now another step forward. Keep your spirits high.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 14, 2010...
One more task accomplished with your dental clearance. Come to find out there are some hospitals that don't require it and it's so important. Back to the bears----do you actually feed wild bear(s)? Always thought wild animals should be left wild?
Fran Z
On April 14, 2010...
HAA It is Dean I am glad everything went well all you need is a littel more stress but I am glad they were good to you.Sorry I have not called crazy down here to much work maybe I need to move to florida into a condo so somebody else can do the work! OK talk to ya soon OFF TO WORK.
On April 13, 2010...
Hi Diana
Congrat's and now give yourself a pat on the back. One thing everyone here has in common is the fear we experience and it's nice to read how other people overcome or cope with it. I suppose the word "cope" is the true word because I don't think anyone on the HVJ has claimed they went through this fearlessly. The unknown is scary and imagining the pain is pretty frightful as well but in the end, after all is said and done, most agree it is all manageable. You will get through this and you are almost there.
You lucked out with them going through the wrist and I'm really happy to known your arteries are clear as well. One less thing to worry about.
Thinking of you.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 13, 2010...
Diana,
Glad to hear you have this behind you. I know I was glad to be done with the pre-testing. Keep us updated and I will be saying a prayer for you. As you know from this site, everyone has a different experience. So take the good experiences and hope for that outcome, but do not fear the experiences that had setbacks because they
too overcame them and are home recovering.
Take care,
Theresa Callanan
On April 13, 2010...
Great job Diana
No matter what anyone tells us, we have to really experience it ourselves. It was a relief to me to also learn the pipes were clear. Wondered why they went through the wrist instead of the groin? Well, you can put that behind you now. Good idea about the haircut. Mine is short and have been glad that it is. Will wait for your next update. Forgot, have you told us where your surgery is being done?
Fran Z
On April 9, 2010...
Hi Diana,
Like everyone else has posted, the heart cath, though it really is a major procedure, isn't very difficult from the patient perspective. I had my first one on 1/27, the day before my 1/28 mitral valve repair surgery. All of this was very new and scary for me too. I was--well I thought I was--healthy as a horse, running, working out regularly, until my doctor detected a heart murmur (first time) last 10/21. Life changing moments. Like the Bible says, life is very fragile.
The most bothersome things about the heart cath procedure for me were the IV installation (rough time), the groin shaving (nothing compared to the next morning for the heart surgery), and the holding still for 4 hours afterward. But all my family was with me and the time passed quickly. I have a big family and they certainly kept me entertained.
I remember entering the heart cath lab and a young man said "Hi, I'm Andrew. I'll be your bartender today." That's one of the last things I recalled. It was over and I was transferred to a room and started eating immediately. So the procedure was not at all difficult.
Praying for you in the days ahead. All the waiting and wondering is as difficult as anything.
Duane Hunt, central Florida
On April 9, 2010...
Hi Diana,
My mending heart goes out to you as you face the various procedures. I went through it all myself a few months ago. Had a mitral valve replacement in January of this year and am now feeling great and doing really well.
I also had a cardiac cath procedure, but in my case it was done a couple of months before the actual surgery. I was hospitalized for atrial fibrillation and mitral regurgitation (both of which were a huge surprise to me at the time) and the cardiac cath was one of the surprise tests they ordered. I was lucky that I didn't have time to prepare in advance because I would've worried myself sick thinking about it, but the cardiac catheterization procedure went very smoothly. It was painless (except for the IV and that wasn't bad)and they numb you up for the groin incision. They gave me good intravenous drugs that made me very relaxed, and it was all over in minutes. I got the good news that my arteries were completely clear, so that was one less thing to worry about.
After the procedure they don't let you move around at all for a few hours, but that was OK too. I had a couple of very nice nurses continuously at my side to talk to, and I felt good about it all. So, hopefully you will as well!
Good luck with everything, Diana. The anxiety we experience before heart procedures is the worst part of it all, at least in my own experience. I'm here to tell you it will be OK.
My best wishes to you,
Susan Murphy (Overland Park, KS)
On April 7, 2010...
Hi Diana, Please just keep the faith and God will see you through the surgery. He knows that your dad, your dog and Dwight love and need you. As far as the heart cath, you will be fine, hopefully they will give you some good stuff and you will not remember any of it. I know you will be on the mend in a short time and will be out riding your bike and enjoying your life. Stay positive. Love, Your Cuz, Pat
On April 5, 2010...
Hey Diana! The heart cath is a piece of cake. They give you good drugs so you won't feel too bad. Still praying for you. Let us know how it goes and God bless!
I totally understand about being out of breath & chest pain. It can be very scary, especially if you are active like me & not used to it. I can tell you after the surgery it was nice (when I started rehab) to be able to exert myself and not worry about passing out from being so short of breath! It does get better!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode
On April 5, 2010...
Thanks for the kind note Diana. I just read Cheryl's description of the cath/angiogram. This was my 3rd one and this time I slept thru it all. They gave me valium IV and that didn't seem to do anything. I heard them (the docs) talking as they started the procedure and then they awakened me so I could see my clear arteries. At the Cleveland Clinic they inserted a "plug" into the catheter insertion site in the groin. No stitches and no sand bag. Still had to stay flat for 4 hours, but it passed pretty quickly. Well, that's my 2 cents worth. Did feel i had to urinate during those 4 hours, but couldn't go in the bed pan, so, as soon as the 4 hours was up, they walked me to the nearest bathroom and relief!! Stay positive and you know this surgery has to be done and on the other side you will see what a difference it will bw with all your negative
symptoms.
Fran Z
On April 5, 2010...
Oh Sis,,,,,,, I know everything will be great..... I'm looking to the future - a GRAND FUTURE FOR YOU!!!!!!! Hope you had a Sweet Easter and God Bless YOU....... Love, Big Sis
On April 4, 2010...
Hi Diana
Hope you and your fiancee were enjoying a beautiful spring day today. I know your cath is fast approaching and do hope you've managed to not let the fear beat you. The entire process is a frightening time in our lives but take it a day at a time and know that this soon will be over. You are so lucky to have the support of your fiancee at this time as well. Tell him this will be a good test at how he does when you are in sick bay so for him to keep on his toes! Ha. Take care.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 3, 2010...
Hi Diana
Just came across your journal. Guess it all happened when I was hospitalized and after. Am on board now and will follow your journal and know there are so many of us who've been there with you. I had a mitral valve replacement (bovine) a tricuspid repair and a MAZE proceedure (you can Google that to see what it is). Had my angiogram 2 days before the surgery and no problem, they awakened me at the end so I could see my blood vessels. Did have to stay flat for 4 hours afterwards. As Cheryl mentioned, please get some relaxation/guided imagery tapes, they helped me tremendously in the weeks leading up to surgery and at the Cleveland Clinic they let me listen to it as they put me to sleep in the operating room. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and no fear. Lots of faith, prayers and wonderful family and friends. You will have so much support from the HVJ so sign up to receive journals from some people and ask questions, we are all here to help.Just know that when it's all over all those scary physical symptoms will also be gone.
Fran Z
On March 28, 2010...
Well Diana, sounds like you can't deny that you must go through this. My husband tried hard to deny it (same thing very difficult breathing), although once he was told he was going to have the operation he was told to do absolutely nothing until that day! Even just days before the surgery, I caught him on the phone one day saying to his cardio doctor "doc, are you sure I need this operation, I am really feeling better and brathing prety good." Naturally some of it was because he was not exerting himsself and the rest was the fallacy (in this case) of "postive thinking" (ha-ha).
I will be thinking of you as April 12th is my hsuband's birthday. Good wishes to you and remember it takes time even after the oepration, which is going to put you smack dab into the Spring season that you love so much - you will simply slowly have to enjoy it and little by little build up to it. You will be able to breathe and smell the roses though!
Richard's wife, Susan
On March 27, 2010...
Hi Diana
Thank you for dropping by and the kind words. I appreciate that.
Do you know the process for the heart cath? It's not a difficult test at all so don't be worrying overly much about it. I believe most of us have been awake for the test which really isn't a scary thing and if you are interested, you can even watch what is happening on a large TV type monitor.
You will be laid out flat in a very cold surgical room and the groin area (the crease between your thigh and body) will be prepared with an antiseptic solution. You will be given a local freezing there as well and shouldn't even feel the wire thin scope thing that gets inserted here. My hands were put into plastic tubes and held there so I wouldn't be apt to move them. It was not uncomfortable. Looking on the monitor you will see them moving the wire around inside of your arteries. It is not painful and I don't remember even feeling it.
When they insert the dye they will warn you that you are going to feel a warm sensation as if you need to pee and that comes and goes almost as fast as they say it. With me they also did the same thing through a second hole for my heart and again the dye went in and the warm sensation. That's about it.
You're done and wheeled back to a room where you will be told to stay absolutely still and flat on your back for about 4 hrs. They will probably put a sandbag type thing on the groin area to help pressure seal the openings that were made. The idea of staying so perfectly still is to not encourage faster blood flow past that puctured area. If you start moving or getting anxious, your blood tends to flow faster and they are trying to get this area sealed so you can go home same day.
I bled quite a bit so at one point was actually in a vice screwed to the bed. When I eventually was going to be let up, I sprang a leak and had to be still for another four hours under pressure.
Once you have been returned to a holding room you should be offered something to eat and drink while laying down - be sure to take it and get some nourishment going.
The doctor came in to see me immediately after the procedure and told me I was clear so I would expect you would know your results right away as well. Most of us seemed to.
Some people reported a stiffness or local soreness in the groin area and others felt nothing afterwards. I was fine.
There are always forms to sign of course that warn of some of the scarier stuff that could happen and that's going to be rule of thumb for this entire thing. I just wanted you to be aware of the procedure itself and help dispell any real fear.
If you have questions now is the time to ask. If you have questions of perhaps a more personal nature, sign up to someone's journal postings and by leaving your e-mail address there, only that person will see your e-mail address. You can then write in that person's guestbook that you've left your e-mail address, give them a hint at what to look for if it's not obvious, and ask them to write you back so you can begin a correspondence privately. With that you can then feel free to ask more personal type questions that you don't want to share here. Several of us have done that.
Hope this helps. Hang in there. Just think, you will be healing and recovering during the nicest most pleasant part of the year. That's a good thing. Try and stay calm.
Cheryl, Ontario
On March 26, 2010...
Oh, Sis!!! I'm so excited about all the support you are getting from all around the country, and from people who have or are now going through what you are. I'm so glad they found the problem early; but do take care of yourself. Let someone else mow the yard this year!!!! I know how tidy you keep things but some will wait til you get better.
So glad you are in your beautiful home now and sounds like it won't be long at all before you can enjoy all the activities you've always enjoyed. You know I love you. Tell Dwight I said hello and you both take care. God Bless YOU, Jackie
On March 26, 2010...
Hi Diana
I see you were talking of experiencing the shortness of breath and the heaviness on the chest and I wanted to tell you that I believe that is the symptom for almost each of us. It's the not being able to get a good deep breath or doing something and being short of breath. For me the heaviness on the chest was the worst of all and sometimes the chest pains were bad too.
As awful of each of those things are, honestly, my symptoms didn't show up all at once one day, they grew worse as time went by so I adapted to them and they became a way of life. The more I did the worse I felt but I always recovered. In the beginning when they really started showing up, almost 30 years ago - I did tend to react and panic and that is when I went and got tested and learned what was happening and figured out how to live with them. As time went by and the symptoms got worse and I was seeing the doctor annually, I would ask how I would know and I was told - "you'll know". That was never explained to me but I did make note of the fact the doctors never seemed to be worring about me having a heart attack so I figured it mustn't be that much of an emergency. A couple of years ago I was asked to see the doctor in 6 month's time and then I figured, this is going somewhere. Last spring more in depth testing was ordered and I knew we were heading somewhere but still, no one seemed to be saying "emergency" so I was still pretty relaxed except for the fact the word "surgery" was quite intimidating to hear.
By last spring it wouldn't take me long to get quite breathless and the very worst was the heaviness on my chest. I couldn't carry anything and even my purse was dragging me down. I couldn't walk very far without having to stop an sit. It dawned on me - "I know" - "it's time".
The point I'm trying to put across Diana is that unless you have been told you have to stop doing everything, I would wonder if some of your reaction to exertion isn't a little panic setting in once you get the shortness of breath. Not that it wouldn't be normal because it would be quite normal. Or, the onset of your severe symptoms is coming faster now and it's becomming evident it's time for you. I think the biggest scare and fear we can have is wondering how long do we have before something happens such as a heart attack. Never once was I told I would be in danger of a heart attack. I did not have congestive heart failure, did not have blocked arteries or any other dire symptoms.
Take solace and have faith in the fact the doctor isn't rushing and jamming you into the hospital right away. He is booking tests and getting ready. I certainly wouldn't want to presume what the danger is for you, and that is why you are waiting for the tests. Do make that one of your questions though and hopefully if you hear there is no immediate danger then perhaps you can relax just a wee bit.
Good luck.
Cheryl, Ontario
On March 26, 2010...
Hi Diana! I'm such a dork! I forgot to sign my name on my post. lol. The one from 7:57 this morning was me. :)
Love ya!
Trace
On March 26, 2010...
Diana, You are wonderwoman! Keep us posted, and remember that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. (I'll email you later :-) Luv ya, Ann & Jim C.
On March 26, 2010...
Hi Diana! make sure to keep us posted on whats going on and like I said, if you guys need ANYTHING, let us know! I know that you are nervous about the surgery, but it's for the best and you will be fine! :)
On March 25, 2010...
Hi Diana,
I also had open heart surgery this year on Jan 4th to replace my mitral valve. I was scared to death prior to surgery, but very happy to report I am still here and that's all the matters.
I remember vividly waking up with the breathing tube in my mouth. I was screaming HELP - WATER!, but no one knew what I was trying to say. The next time I woke up the tube was out and I was drinking as much water as the nurse would give me. I was never so thirsty in all my life after surgery and it's probably because i was retaining 29 lbs of fluid. I was told that the fluids in your vessels will go into your tissues during surgery, so no wonder I felt like I was dying of thirst. Long story short, I have recovered with very few issues. I am on Coumadin for life since I have a mechanical valve, so I just need to stay on top of my levels and take extra care in not falling down and hitting my head. It sure beats the alternative!!
Take care and try not to over exert too much before surgery. God Bless! Lori lori_sobrero@yahoo.com
On March 25, 2010...
Hello Diana!
I just had my aortic valve replaced on Feb. 22nd of this year and already I can tell a difference. Like you, I developed shortness of breath & almost passed out playing my bagpipes. I too was scared of the breathing tube but it wasn't as bad as I thought - probably because I was so out of it from the anesthetic. The only problem I had was being nauseated from the anesthetic & not wanting to eat.
Now I just have to be patient as I slowly return to my pre-surgery activity level.
I also put every aspect of my surgery into God's hands & I made it thru beautifully.
I will add you to my prayers as your surgery gets closer.
Oh...my heart cath was a piece of cake. The only problem was that no one told me I would need to have a urine pregnancy test before so I went to the bathroom before I got to the hospital & had to wait 4 hours for them to read a blood test!
Good luck & God bless!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode
On March 25, 2010...
Diana,
I had my mitral repair surgery on March 2. Everything went as planned and I was released from the hospital on March 7 and am home recovering. I feel stronger each day and can not believe how fast the body recovers. I initially was apprehensive about the surgery, but with this site and Adam's book and all the other information I read, eventually I was very peaceful about the surgery. I had faith in my surgeon and I just told myself I could not control the outcome, so I accepted I was in God's hands whatever the outcome. I know this sounds easier said than done, but I agree with Cheryl if you look on this site you will read all the success stories even when there were complications. Good luck...if you have any questions do not be afraid to ask.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ
On March 24, 2010...
Hi Diana
Nice to meet you and welcome to HVJ. I had a mitral valve repair in Oct/09, almost 6 months ago. There isn't a soul on this site who hasn't experienced the fear in dealing with what is to come but know too we're all still here to talk about our experiences, even those who suffered through the unexpected. I strongly suggest you read through some of the journals and you will find lots of information and ideas, some of which will probably be quite useful. Adam sent out a blurb today about the usefulness of cd imaging available from the Cleveland Clinic. I know Fran Zilco who is just getting ready to be released from the hospital from her surgery used these and really says they're good.
Have you had an angiogram before? They are a piece of cake. Have faith you will be okay, better than okay when this is all over. Try and keep focused on when this is done and as you are engaged, you just keep dreaming of that wedding ahead. There will be one.
Take care.
Cheryl, Ontario
On March 24, 2010...
Hi Diana, I'm right here thinking about you and of coarse you are always in my prayers. I know that you are scared and you have every right to be but I also have faith that you will come through things just fine and hopefully feel better than you have for a long time. Even though we have never actually met you are a very dear friend and have really come to love you. I really do you know. Take care and I will talk to you again soon. Love Lloyd
On March 24, 2010...
It's me, Sis,,,,,,, You are ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS. I know God will bring you through these tough days with great success. I'm keeping up with you. You need to get well real soon and get down and relax in Florida.. I miss you and may GOD KEEP HIS GREAT HANDS ON YOUR "HEART". Love Forever and Ever, Big Sis
You might also want to bring ear plugs and an eye mask for when you get to sleep between midnight to 4:00 am. The nurses come in and take vitals except for those hours. Also Chapstick, baby oil for the adhesive left from the heart monitor leads if you will have those), my skin itched terribly! slippers, feminine protection (if you still menstruate) the pads at my hospital were useless. I brought my laptop, knitting, magazines and I actually kept busy after about day 4. I was in for 15 days because mu coumadin levels took a long time to reach therapeutic
levels.. If you have Adam's book I think there's a list in his book.
Good luck.
Lori