Hi Fran,

thank you so much for your interest and support!

With regard to your question: as I didn't have open heart surgery but minimally invasive surgery (just one scar under the right breast) I guess I had a much shorter recovery period - I just had some physio exersises every day in the hospital plus the breathing exercise thingie - and I've started doing gentle yoga exercises again and am feeling just a slight tightness under the breast but no restriction in movement or anything. Still could do with more energy - but noticing a steady progress.

Best wishes
Ros

Hi Fran. Yes, the exhibit in Austin was very cool. I love learning about anatomy - probably missed my calling having been an office worker for 30+ years, but now teaching yoga serves that interest. Pete was particularly interested in seeing how large the aortic valve opening is supposed to be vs. what mine is. The whole thing was interesting to me. Thanks for the note & take care - Joy

Hi Fran

Thanks for the e-mails. As you know I've had trouble with my internet so now that I'm up and running I'm having to get caught up. Our temps here are wickedly hot and have been thinking of you Florida folks. I'm not complaining because last year we didn't even get a spring and summer so I'm just enjoying. Will log into that article you told me about. Thanks for thinking of me.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Fran,
Oh I definately am making strides. Each week is a little better then the next, most of the time. The band I'm experiencing feels like muscle and skin tightening. Not angina or anything like that.
Yes, I promised my Mom before she died that I would take care of my Dad, and I'm doing just that. Dwight understands completely, and doesn't expect anything less. Which I am blessed in that regard. I know that we will marry one day, and in the meantime, we are committed 120% to each other. I'm very blessed to have him in my life.

Diana

Hi Fran,

I hope you had a great 4th of July. Mine was wonderful, although very very busy. We had a picnic for 40 people. Fortunately, I did very little. It was great. Everyone else did most of the work. I am expecting to hear from the Cleveland Clinic sometime during the middle of July. So I am chilling for now.

Hello, Fran. Thank you for your long and thoughtful response to my message. We have something in common-my surgeon also did the MAZE procedure because when I first came into the hospital, I was in a-fib.It did me a lot of good to read that your procedure was at best a "limited" success and you seem perfectly content with what could be done, and accepting of what couldn't. And don't worry-I still hate coumoudin, but I will not be skipping any more doses. I do not want any worse problems than the ones I have, and I accept now that is not a solution to my problems.

You are not the first person to suggest that I have underestimted my loved ones. On the day of my discharge from the hospital, I was in tears at the prospect of being, even for a few weeks, a virtual invalid, dependent on others to do almost everything for me. The chaplain at the hospital came and sat with me for a while, and I felt better. And truthfully, there was never even the slightest hint that they were tired of doing for me, and I did my best to get as well as possible as soon as possible and I think they know that is the kind of person I am, that I am not somebody who would just take advantage of the situation. So I read your message very carefully, and I read it several times and I know you are right. I will decide on one to confide in and trust in the "giving" I know is in their heart. And when anybody asks me how I am doing from now on, I have the correct answer-it is that "I am on the right course, and making progress." Because I am, although I've come to realize that the "dramtic" progress of the first few months (remember that first long walk, or the first time I could carry my own groceries in from the car)is not the kind I am going to see six months out. So I can easily feel frustrated at what remains.But I already feel like I am not going through this alone anymore since I have gotten so many kind responses from people like you.
At this point, the cardiologist has doubled my medication to hopefully help my heart's effectiveness and is content to give that up to six months to work. Then we will do another echo and frankly, I haven't asked him where we go from there. Maybe that would hurt more than help while i am still trying to get my bearings in this new life. Right now, I am just going to try to do what you are doing, Fran, which is to be grateful that I am better than I was before the surgery-MUCH better and be glad I can do what I can do. I will stay in touch and let you know of my progress. You have helped me a lot.
Thank you , Theresa

Hello, Fran. This is Theresa from Chester, VA, new to the site and I wanted to thank you for your kindness in responding to my first journal.It certainly makes me feel better to find out that everyone's recovery takes a while. I guess because this problem came on me so suddenly, I was under the false impression that it would go away as suddenly after I had the operation. I think most of the emotional issues I have now are connected to still trying to get past that false idea. Ever since I left the hospital, all I have wanted to do was put this whole thing behind me. I was back to walking my 3 miles a day in less than a week.I went back to my own home (I live alone) in two weeks and back to work in about 5. I was in a hurry to recover! But then I had to keep my follow-up appt. with the cardiologist and he has now done two echos on me and is not satisfied that my heart is working as well as it should be. I think that was when I started to feel this anger inside that I had done everything right and this everything should be perfect. I feel like I would like to give this heart of mine a good talking-to! I also feel guilty for everyone who had helped me so much during after after the surgery. They deserved to have a perfectly healed person who did not need to rely on them again. now I'm just scared that this thing is never going to be all right.
I have also had a lot of problem with the coumoudin medication I have to take every day. It interfers with other problems I have and the medication I have used to treat them. It is a scary medicine to be on. I hope that with your valve being repaired instead of replaced you did not have to be on it, or at least not for long. I have to admit that I had high hopes for my valve being repairable and when I woke up and found it wasn't, that was a major disappointment.I knew that medicine was going to be trouble, but I had underestimated even that. So when I titled my first journal "the new normal", it was a tacit admission that that was what I was going to have to come to terms with.

Thank you for listening. I'm sure as I read more of the journals and hear more kind words from people like you, I will do just that.

Best regards,
Theresa

Hi again Fran,
No, no date set yet. We've been engaged for 1 1/2 years and we will be together 6 years the end of October. Right now, I split my time between being with Dwight and taking care of my Dad. So, probably won't tie the knot until my Dad passes on.
Diana

Morning Fran,
Yes I did surprise myself. After dealing with the symptoms for so long, its hard to believe that I don't have to deal with them anymore. You almost expect it. Other then being a little winded, it was so nice to be able to enjoy going for a walk up a hill and not be worried how in the world I was going to get back home. I can imagine it will only get better. I'm so anxious to get going on the rehab part of my recovery.
My MS symptoms are tolerable without medication. The TN is there, but not too bad. I'm hoping it stays that way and doesn't get any worse. I'm completely off the pain meds now. Other than some tenderness at the incision site and some numbness and tenderness just above my breasts, I feel pretty darn good. I still get pooped by the end of the day, but I've stopped taking naps during the day. I sleep really well at night now. My followup with the surgeon is July 13th when I'm hoping he OK me to drive again. Just another step to reach.
Enjoy your 4th.
Diana

Hi Fran,

Wow, you certainly do have a drive to rehab.
However, all that really matters is the benefits of rehab and the progress you have made. It is apparent that your determination has helped during your recovery.

Take care and stay well.

Elaine

That's wonderful news Fran. And I pray you continue with good health on your new journey. Keep up the good work.
Diana

Good Morning Fran -

I appreciate you sharing your progress report. It gives me a goal to reach for. Take care

Tom Schrage

Fran,

It is so good to hear that your recovery continues to progress. I am glad for you and your family. (But having been there, done that, mostly for you)

As you have found, staying positive and celebrating the little victories makes this whole "heart valve thing" much easier to endure.

Personally, I want to thank you for all the selfless encouragement you have provided to me, and all our little HVJ family here over the last few months. God only gives us what we can endure, and ultimately there is a reason for everything that happens in our lives, so thank God for putting you in our path..

Best wishes...

Mark
Keller, TX

Thanks for giving us a three month picture. I was wondering the other day how things might look in three months. By then it seems you have a better perspective looking at all you have been thru in relation to where you are now. A week at a time is a good thought.
Thanks for the words of advice and encouragement through the weeks.
Mary Ann

Hi Fran. Good to hear that the memories of the more difficult days of your recovery are beginning to fade. I'll remember that week-by-week advice once I've had my surgery. You are so right - life is good!

Joy

Fran,

Great news from FL!! So happy for you. You sound like such a motivated, positive, and tough woman. Those factors must be what got you through the surgery and recovery. I love your advice about measuring your progress by weekly increments, instead of days. I got a little frustrated a couple of times when I would feel quite tired one day, most likely due to the over-exertion from the day before. If I looked at my weekly progress, it's much more encouraging. Great advice by you.

Here's hoping you'll be a Laker fan soon...

xxoo,
Amanda F

Fran,

I'm so happy things are going so well for you! And that you're enjoying rehab. I'm anxious to start! About my comment that rehab doesn't work well for working people, I guess I wasn't thinking about my "special" circumstances . . . my rehab center does have a 6am class but that won't work for me because I have to be at work by 7:45 if I want a parking space (even a handicapped space) anywhere near the building where I work, and I work 1 hour from where I live. So even a 6am class doesn't work. I'm sure I'll be able to work something out when the time comes . . .

I hope you have a great holiday weekend!
Ricki

Hi Fran,
So glad to hear how well you are progressing. I agree card rehab does so much for our confidence. I am almost done...and it is bittersweet..I will miss my class members and the monitoring, but I will not miss driving there. Great to hear from you..Happy July 4th!
Theresa

Hey Fran!

Congrats on the 3 month mark! I'm glad you're finding cardiac rehab so helpful. Peggy and I just got back from our cruise trip last night at midnight. I hit rehab at 8:00 this morning. Wow, was that a tough one! I didn't back down the amounts from before, but I sure felt it! Today, I'm reeling just starting to get back into things, so I'll be in touch soon. Again, congrats and I thank God for the healing and strength He has given you!

Duane

Hi Fran,
Thanks for checking in on me. I suspended my cardiac rehab 10 days ago since I only have about 12 sessions total with my insurance. I loved it but it was not doing my shoulder any good. It took about 2 weeks for the cortisone injection to fully kick in so didn't want to iritate it more. The Dr. said there was a lot of inflamation. I sent for some stretching exercises to decrease pain and regain range of motion for rotator cuff injuries so have been doing that and then riding my bike about 3.5 miles in the early morning and walking about 1.5 miles. The grandkids come in 10 days so we'll see if I can keep the pace! :) I really am feeling quite good. I've been working the last couple weeks about 3 days a week, playing in the worship band the last couple of Sundays and giving about 5 piano lessons/week in addition.
I finish my Multaq tomorrow...then I'm on my own and hope I won't have any visits from a-fib. Thats another reason I want to get back to rehab so they can monitor me w/o the Multaq while I exercise.
Just when I think my sternum is healed some sore spots pop up...hm...but I am so thankful this recovery has really been quite uneventful. Yes, as I've read the journals lately my heart goes out to all those who have had such a time with numerous challenges...my first surgery went that route.
Hoping each day gets you closer to running and playing with your grandson! :)
Blessings,
Carla

Hi Fran,

The seatbelt bothered me before surgery so I'm sure it will bother me when I am cleared to drive. However, being able to drive again will give me some independence.
Tuesday I'll find out about cardiac rehab. Do you get tired after rehab?

Hope each day finds you feeling better and stronger than the day before.

Elaine

Hi Fran,

Thanks for the encourgaging words. I work for a dermatoligist office as a nurse. I used to be a paramedic on an ems unit until I started having my heart problems. I think a few hours on Tues and Thursday for a few weeks would be ok, most of what I can do for them while I am not full time, I can do sitting down and not rushing. I may change my mind once rehab starts, we will have to see.

thanks,
Melany

Hi Fran,
Thank you for the birthday wishes and other note you wrote:) I hope rehab is helping and you are feeling better with each day.
Prayers and thoughts are with you,
Kimberly S.

Fran,
Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. Are you psychic....how did you know??? This year was so special...I am sure everyone feels this way after all we have been through. I am enjoying every minute of it...and all the love that is pouring my way. I went out to dinner and to the movies....Saturday..my Mom and sister are coming down for a celebration. Yes I am a year older but I AM ALIVE!!!
Thank you,
Theresa

Hi Fran. You lived in Westlake Hills? Such a lovely part of the Austin area. I occasionally go to a yoga studio near that area & have a friend who lives nearby. You are so right about the humidity - yuck. When those gulf winds decide to head this way, I head indoors & stay there. Luckily, I have access to an indoor walking track here. I hadn't given it much thought until you mentioned post-op walking & the heat, but now I will - thanks for the idea! I'm also considering some Qi Gong classes post op. I'm told it is gentle & does not involve getting up & down. Actually, now I'm thinking I should check those out before I have surgery. You've given me some ideas....

Take care, Joy

Fran,

It was a hard fought game, kind of ugly, and the Lakers just barely did it. Well, if it makes you feel any better, the Red Sox are beating up on my Dodgers.

How are you doing?

xxoo,
Amanda

Thanks for the note, Fran. You are right about being fortunate to have our parents still (3 of 4, that is). They've been in pretty good health although my dad's starting to decline more. Tough to see. Take care, Joy

Good Lord, Fran, I'm losing what's left of my mind. Yes, indeed, I did have an echo a couple months ago. And, yes, it showed the valve was properly placed and doing fine as I am sure yours will.

Pray for the Celtics tonight!!!!

Barbara from Boston

Fran,
I had a hospital exit echocardiogram on May 16th. My next one is scheduled for June 28th just before I meet with the surgeon. It was to have been done one month after the valve repair then it was rescheduled for one month after the second surgery. I had an EKG today when I visited my cardiolgist. Didn't get the results.
Mary Ann

Hi Fran,

I had an echo 4 days after surgery. I'm guessing I will also have one when I visit my cardiologist on June 28th. I think they give you one when they close you up, too.

Have you had one yet?

xxoo,
Amanda

PS Your Celtics are going down :)

Fran, my cardiologist did my first echo 2 months after surgery. My surgeon told me he recommends 3 months, 6 months and one year echos for the first year and then annual after that. My cardiologist told me last month that he will do the second echo 6 months to one year from that visit--meaning about 9 to 15 months post op. Hope this helps.

Stay strong for us!

Loves and hugs,

Amy Machtay

Hi Fran,

I've had 3 echos since my surgery, all three related to pericardial effusion. The first was in the hospital 8 days post-op and was followed later that same day with the pericardial window procedure. After returning home, I had a lot of pain deep breathing, which led to the 2nd echo showing more pericardial effusion. The 3rd echo was about 3 weeks or so later to check again--still a little effusion. Every time the doctors said the valve looks good. I'll be curious when the cardiologist wants another echo. Take care. We look forwarding to connecting with you and Pete in July.

Duane

Hi Fran

Gee - thanks for that very uplifting e-mail you sent me. I forwarded it onto all my girlfriends for a good laugh.

I had my follow-up echo 3 months post-op.

Have you not had one yet? If not, it's probably because of all the little deviations you took from the recovery course. Perhaps you might have to mention it to your cardiologist and ask. I probably won't have another one until this coming Dec because in the various appointments I've attended, another was not offered. I keep thinking maybe I'm better now than then but I guess I'll just have to wait.

Hope you are well.

Cheryl, Ontario

I had my AV replaced on 5/21 and my local cardiologist wanted to get a new baseline echo and we had that done on 6/4.

Hi Fran,

After my first surgery, my cardiologist wanted to wait a few months. After my second, emergency, surgery it was two weeks and I had one. Hope this helps.

Melany

Hi Fran,

How's Rehab?

I saw my cardiologist a month after my surgery and she scheduled, what she called a baseline echo. I didn't question her since out of all the cardiologists here, we like her. I would guess it not only has to do with patients needs, it's and insurance issue as well, etc.

Hope this helps.

Sandy

Hi Fran,
My echo is scheduled for September and my surgery was in March....6 month point. I know some on this site had it at three months. I do not know how doctors decide the time period.
Theresa

Hi Fran,
Yes, I'm on Coumadin. don't know when this developed. Dwight had said that in the hospital the same IV site was giving me a lot of trouble in the beginning, got very swollen and the PA and nurse was arguing about removing it or not. Maybe that's when it started, which would have been before they started me on the blood thinner.
In answer to your question, I'm suppose to go see my cardiologist in about 1 month for an Echo and checkup.
Diana

Fran,

Yes, I was watching the Lakers whip your Celtics in my recliner but, sadly, I did not have my leopard jammies on. I sweat through those last night. It's another attractive side effect of the surgery, but I just wake up drenched. Had to switch shirts twice last night. Did you have that?

So glad you get to start rehab. Is that about the average time? I guess we go when we feel ready. I'm really looking forward to it.

Back to the Lakers vs Celtics. I will see YOU Thursday night.

xxoo,
Amanda

Hi Fran,

I just finished reading your journal in entirety. Your story is so inspiring and I really admire the positive outlook you maintain throughout it all. How uplifting!

Kellie

Hi Fran,
Yes, I do love getting the information that everybody is giving me. It all helps a great deal. I just love this site and everybody on it. It helps enormously.
Diana

Hi Fran,
Thank you for your kind words on my brother-in-law's death. I just wanted to wish you good luck on your cardio rehab class. The reasons you stated for going to the class are the same reasons I had. It is comforting to know the nurses are monitoring our bp and hr. It allows me to push myself, but stay within the limits the cardiologist set for me. I am so happy you have finally reached this stage in your recovery....you have certainly had your share of setbacks. I am sure you will post your experience in your class, as I would love to know what you think.
Good luck,
Theresa

Fran,
Yes to your question of being an RN. I worked for 45 years in hospital settings, just retiring in 2007. The last 25 years I worked at a local hospital in the womens center (formerly known as OB) I looked forward to many things in retirement but this was not one of them. First it was a knee replacement and now this.
Knowing your made it through a difficult recovery period gives me hope. I don't know how you breathed at all with a half gallon of fluid pushing on your lung. I had only a couple of days of Atrial fib after surgery then it resolved itself. I was put on Lo Pressor after the second surgery as my pulse and blood pressure stayed high. I may be able to come off that when I see my surgeon on June 28th. I think the recovery piece of heart valve surgery was higly underestimated
It has been a lot harder than I was ever led to believe. I don't think I am depressed just a bit impatient and disappointed that progress has been so unsteady. I am glad for this journal to air my feelings to people going through some of the same difficulties.
That's therapy in itself
Mary Ann

Hi Fran,
Unfortunately, I didn't have a laptop to take with me to the hospital. That's why it took so long for me to get back with everybody. I was under the impression that my Aunt was updating, but I guess she couldn't figure it out. She is 76 yrs old, so, I understand.
Had a bit of a rough night last night. Couldn't get comfortable and had a little more pain then usual. Think because I was up more during the day. Go see the family physician tomorrow afternoon.
Diana

(Oops, I'm using my phone so the first one was sent by accident) on my headphones and I'm able to manage my pain or nervousness. Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you and I am a believer.

Xxoo,
Amanda Freeman

Dear Fran,
I think I've already mentioned this but the guided imagery, which you recommended to me, has been the difference for me. I listened to the tapes and went into the surgery so calm and focused. Also, when I hit bumps post-surgery, I put

Congrats Fran on progressing to your next phase.
Diana

Yes, I would have taken all my Snuggies with me if my surgery was in Wintertime. Chances are they would be in the cars in case of emergency. For the record I purchased two red and two navy blue versions. Fran, you are very perceptive.

Tommy Schrage

Hi Fran,

Thanks for all you info. I am hoping that I will get some results this week. I sent a pretty powerful email to my doctor today. If I do not hear soon, I am going to have my daughter get the records for me. She is a nurse nearby and will know what to say to them to get the results. I am currently staying in Ohio until October and going to the office is not something I can do. I really feel good about the Cleveland CLinic. What troubles me most is why do some doctors want to wait until you are an invalid before fixing the problem. Linda S

Fran:

I saw Linda Stahl's journal entry today, and right away decided that I might be able to help her with information.
First I checked her guestbook to see what others had said, and saw your note to her about me.
So, you may want to look at her guestbook and see what I wrote.

Hope the rehab works as well for you as it has for me!

Regards,

Jim Patrick