Dear Fran,
So sorry to hear about your setback. Hopefully will be a short one and you'll get back into the swing of things real quick. Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Diana

Hi Fran,

Sorry to hear about your setback. I am sure it will be short as they are usually able to get things back on track once they know exactly what the cause of the shortness of breath is. Keep your spirits up. We are praying for you.
Tara

Fran,
I am so sorry about this news...BUT God is in control and ALL things are possible with Him. You have been such an inspiration and encouragement to me and everyone on HVJ. Keep the faith and keep trusting the Lord to turn things around. Will be looking for more posts and progress!
Praying for you,
Carla Hansen

Fran

You have been so supportive to so many people. Hopefully, your positive attitude and caring heart will progress your recovery. My prayers will be with you!

Sincerely

Michael Bartlett
Knoxville, TN

Hi Fran

Can I say - crap!? This diagnosis is definitely NOT what the doctor ordered and certainly not what you wanted to hear. I'm sure the drugs will clear it up soon but I'm sending in an extra prayer just in case. Are you being asked to do anything special such as stay off your feet or be on your feet? Did the doctor say why this may have happened? I'm just so disappointed for you. Well Fran, it just means your recovery is being delayed a little longer than you were hoping for. You are in good hands and have many prayers being said for you.

Hugs and warm wishes.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi. Just read your story. I am soooo short of breath, it's killing me. Had mitral valve repair and maze surgery 12-7-09. Was told everything went well. My ejection fraction dropped, and I still have moderate regurg. At a new cardiolgist and he has me on 5 meds, since like 3-20-10. Not much difference. Going to him tomorrow, and will have an echo. Would love for you to email me.

From Michigan Shariwest@aol.com

Dear Fran,

I am so sorry to hear about this setback. If anyone can move mountains to reverse a situation, I believe in my heart it would be you. You are such a kind, inspirational person who will have the prayers and support of many people. Please keep us updated and I will be praying for you. Did the cardiologist say that he/she feels positively it will be reversed? Remember your friend Duane who overcame so many obstacles, you too will overcome them.
Take Care,
Theresa Callanan

Dear Fran - I know congestive heart failure was not what you had hoped for and I'm disappointed for you. However, you are in good care, have new valves that appear to be working fine, and I know these professionals will be seeking the best next step. David and I will continue to pray for you and for them!! Stay strong. I enjoyed seeing you on Friday evening and hope my visit did not tire you out. I'll bring a meal again soon.
Love, Julie

Fran,

I am so sorry to hear about what you're going through. As I've gotten to know you through these journals I see what a strong person you are, and your attitude is the best possible. You have my continued prayers as you go through this pot hole on the road to recovery. You have many friends here who are all pulling for you, and we will help get you through this with our healing thoughts and prayers.

Susan Murphy

Hi Fran,
That fluid retention is really a big deal with me also. I have been coughing as much as possible without blowing up my chest to clear it out. My Cardo took me off Lasik and says it will work itself out, but I'm kind of wondering about that. My feet look like watermelons. They must pump some really wicked stuff into our bodies for this surgery that they don’t tell us about. I’m walking almost a mile a day and working half days, so I guess I’m doing very well. My heart functions and valve are doing great; I’m low on Iron and vitamin D and have gained too much weight. I am ready to slow down on some of the medications and get my life back. Hang in there; it’s just a bump in the road. We will say some prayers for you. Hugs…
Happy boating
Captain Bill

Hi Fran,
I know everybody told me it was nothing, but I guess the fear of the unknown takes over. It really was absolutely nothing to get myself worked up over now, and boy do I feel really silly that I did get so worked up.
My surgery will be performed at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Its considered one of the best hospitals in the area. I'll keep everybody up to date. Thanks again for all your encouragement, it means a lot to me.

Diana

Hi Fran,
I know exactly what you mean when you describe trying to breath through a straw. It was so frustrating knowing that exercise would improve my lungs and breathing but physically finding it impossible to do. Last week was the turning point for me when I found that I could finish 30 minutes on the treadmill, breathless yes but do-able, and that with fantastic spring weather now in the highlands that I could walk HILLS for more than an hour over the weekend. Following on from Duane's post, I had blurred vision for a month post op and I was told that it could be due to fluid retention and I also experienced one dizzy spell a week ago which was really scary, lasted for 30 minutes and I felt as if I was drunk or drugged - the room just kept spinning. My BP and heart rate were normal. The Dr said that the duiretic I take (Furusemide)could be responsible but I have no option there - I have to take for at least another 3 months to keep the fluid off my lungs. I was also on amiodarone but came off 2 weeks ago because of skewed liver results. I do so dislike taking pills, I always feel that we are guinea pigs for the pharma companies. You take one pill for this and then you need to take another to counteract the side effects. Steve, Georgie and I all wish you a steady recovery. It's hard not to get despondent at times but you have been such a fantastic support for all of us on HVJ - I hope that you can feel the love flowing back to you. Hugs from Penny xxx

Hi Fran-
Thanks so much for the kind words of encouragement in my guestbook. Sounds like your situation is/was as complicated as mine. It has been a real blessing to know that others have gone through this type of surgery and have been blessed enough to share with those of us just starting down this journey.

Steve (Minnesota)

I forgot to mention in my last entry that I have experienced some diziness and vision issues on occasion. My cardiologist did not seem overly concerned since the few episodes have been short lived. I have been on two medicines that often have diziness as a side effect--amiodarone and celebrex--and I have just attributed it to that. I'm totally off amiodarone now and am down 1/2 of my celebrex dosage. Had a dizzy spell just 3 days ago.

Duane

How are my good friends, Pete & Fran?

Sorry to hear about your shortness of breath, but glad the cardiologist is all over it. I remember feeling like I was improving virtually every day for the first couple weeks home, even saying to Peggy, "I feel a whole lot better at this point than I expected to feel." But then the third week home seemed like some regression or at least a plateau. Was very discouraging after so many steps forward. Then there were all the tests--echo's, chest x-rays, CT scan, labs. Fran, you're doing great! You're in good hands with your doctor. And better yet, you're in God's hands. Bumps and setbacks are part of the journey. It doesn't always help to hear that or know that. But it's unfortunately true. I do thing it helps to know that you're not the only one and that others have experienced similar (though custom) bumps in the road. We are thinking of you and praying for you and that the shortness of breath eases so you can walk in this beautiful weather. Call if we can ever be of encouragement.

Love & Prayers,

Duane & Peggy

Fran,

Sorry to hear about the breathing issue. The heart rate issue is common...I have had a fast heart rate since surgery. The surgeon and cardiologist feel it is the trauma of surgery and with medication changes and time it will correct itself. Keep us updated on your test results. I hope you feel better real soon.
Theresa Callanan

Hi Fran

Great comparison of sucking air through a straw and that is exactly how it feels. Let's pray the drugs kick in and do their job quickly so you can get back to your exercise. Besides being important, it's just nice to get a change of scenery. Are you finding it humid there?

Thinking of you.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Fran,
Oh how I remember that breathless feeling. I felt pretty good 1st week home (1998) then gradually the fluid got the best of me with a pleural effusion, which I had to have drained. What a relief! What was your presurgery heart rate? I wonder why it increases in so many people after surgery?
Randy has been sick this week with a cold-cough thing. I have been taking airborne to boost my immune system but will have to stop in the next day because it contains echinacea (among other things).
We'll be staying at the Wyndham (about 2 miles away from Cleveland Clinic). We'll be getting up very early Monday and Thursday mornings to get there on time. We will leave for home 4/27.
My last warfarin is Saturday, April 10th...I called to check this again this week...and then off we go...up, up, and away on Sunday.
Did you have an IV drip of antibiotics while in the hospital? This time with Jennifer there I want her to keep a journal like your daughter did so I can look back and see the Lord's faithful hand in this journey.
I hope your breathing gets better and you can start walking again. Thanks for sharing your experiences..
Praying for your complete recovery!
Carla Hansen

PS...any pump head?

Hi Fran,

I am so sorry to hear about the shortness of breath you're experiencing. You don't need that discomfort and added concern when you're trying to recover from your surgery. I'm anxious to hear what your doctor says, and am praying for you to have the most boring recovery possible from here on!

Susan Murphy

Hi Fran

Just wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow with your follow-up. Maybe you'll get to the bottom of the auras while you're at it. That was a great article on the Vit D. Talk tomorrow.

Cheryl, Ontario

p.s. Good luck with your cardiologist appointment tomorrow. The E seems to be working okay. It takes about a year for it to go away I am told.

Barbara

Fran, funny you should say that about the zig zag lines/aura. I had it daily for 3 weeks and still occasionally get it. I would guess it is the beta blocker 'cause that is the only pill I am taking different than before surgery.

Week eight just happened on the third. Weather is lovely in Boston today.

About the "E", I believe I started it 4 weeks out. My surgeon had said don't put anything on the wound other than simple soap when showering and nothing else. I followed his instructions. My cardiologist had said to start the "E" when I saw him the second week post op, but I waited.

Best,
Barbara from Boston

Fran, thanks again for all the support. It all seem surreal. No, never had the pleasure of an angiogram but am looking forward to see if my arteries are clean.

Both of my boys live in Florida, one not too far from you in the Tampa area. The other one lives in Ft. Lauderdale.

Again, you are an inspiration.

Sandy

Hi Fran,

I had open heart surgery on 1/4/2010 and have been experiencing Ocular Migraines much more frequently than before surgery. For me, my Ocular migraines start out with a small silverish squiggly line that appears in my vision and grows for about 15 minutes, then disappears and then I am left with a dull headache. I have been having these since 2000 and while in the hospital recovering from having my mitral valve replaced, I experienced 5 in one day. I am now 13 weeks post op and still experience them much more frequently than before. I think I mentioned it to my cardiologist and I don't think he knew what Ocular Migraines were. I have also seen a neurologist and mentioned my frequent episodes and again they didn't seem to think there was anything to be alarmed about.

If you hear something from your doctor, please post it so those of us experiencing them, will have an idea of why they seem to be more prevalent post op.

Thanks and keep on healing!
Lori

Hi Fran,

I'm pretty sure the person Patrick was referring in the previous post was me. I contacted him about my symptoms soon after my surgery because he had expressed concern about the migraines he was having and he was worried about how it might impact his surgery and recovery.

I had a very similar thing to what you describe--visual auras, with zig zag lines followed by a dull headache. When I was still in the hospital following my heart surgery I had three of these episodes in one day. I mentioned it to the cardiologist who happened to be on rounds that day, and he said it was most likely due to stress and lack of sleep associated with the surgery.

I'm now about 10 weeks post-op and I still get these visual zig zags and dull headache. Not every day and not excruciating pain like a full-blown headache would be, but they're frequent. I am definitely going to mention this to my cardiologist when I see him in the next week or so. I can't help but think they are heart surgery-related! In the past I'd had visual migraines occasionally, but nowhere near as frequently as I've had recently. I also recall that Jan Mickelsen who had open-heart surgery before I had mine in January recalled having a similar type of experience.

Just wanted you to know that you're not alone in having these symptoms. My episodes are not physically painful really, but a disturbing nuisance--I can be in the middle of reading or writing and all of a sudden the weird visual stuff happens. In my case tt usually disappears after about 10 minutes or so.

Sounds like you are doing well in general, despite these post-op glitches. Keep the faith, Fran! I will stay closely tuned.

Susan Murphy

Fran,
There is someone, a long time ago, on here that did have the zig zag lines. I remember, because I get them before migraines and I was asking her questions. I can't remember who it was and I didn't have the old emails. She said she didn't get the headache either, just the aura.

Of course I haven't had the surgery yet, but I am familiar with the auras with headache. I get them because of diet and change in sleep patterns. It could be what you are eating (or not eating) but probably safe to bring it up with a doctor.

Patrick in STL

Hi Fran

I can't say I saw lines or anything but I had a couple of instances of where my eyes weren't able to focus at all and it really scared me. My first thought was it was a side affect of the Warfarin or something so I immediately made an eye appointment and the doctor didn't see anything unusual and said it was probably just a body adjustment. I think that is what they say about all the little things that happen that are unexplainable. It eventually went away but now I find my eyesight is changing, especially distance. I have an appointment again in June and then I'll see what has happened.

Did you see Adam's blog about the calcium? I've been searching around and so far I'm thinking the warning about calcium depends upon why the valve got damaged - ie, stenosis or disease. I really appreciated Adam's quickness in answering my question.

What's the name and manufacturer of your INR machine please? I'm having difficulty finding one here and might end up ordering from the States. How often did you get your INR done by a clinic? Would you have felt comfortable getting only monthly readings if you didn't own an INR machine? My doctor is telling me I can only go monthly now and I'm not at all happy with that.

Hope you get to the bottom of your eye problem soon.

Cheryl

Hi Fran! So glad you are home and doing so well. I don't know a thing about heart surgery, but do get the rare aura without a headache....ever since I was pregnant with Evan. I don't get a bad headache either, but always an aura. I wonder if your body is just adjusting? Hope you get it figured out quickly. I've always been thankful I don't get the headache, but the auras are weird!

Erin Gross

We're happy to hear you are back home.
Bill and Alleen

Hi Fran, Thank you for taking the time to write in my journal. Sounds like your doing leaps and bounds with your recovery. I hope that I recover as well when I have mine. A bit scary!!! Actually, I'm terrified! But, I will get through it and be good as new.
Keep up the good work, your an inspiration!
Diana, Honey Grove, PA

Hi Fran,
You are doing so well with your recovery and still managing to keep everyone's spirits up on HVJ! Duane posted a pic of the two of you on his journal - that is so cool! You haven't posted on your own journal for a couple of days so imagine that you are busy over the Easter weekend but I am looking forward to see that everything is still going ok. Thinking of you and wishing you a steady recovery. Love Penny

Hi Fran
I forgot to answer your question about things I still do or don't do. I'm pretty much doing everything again but thank goodness Pete had kicked in where he didn't used to before and now that he sees it's a lot of work, he more cheerfully lends a hand. We used to have a housekeeper and she had to stop because of health reasons and I just didn't bother getting around to finding someone else. I was going to but Pete just kept saying he didn't mind helping and once he did he then commented on how much work it was keeping this place up.

I'm being told no lifting weights over 10 lbs and perhaps that's to help keep the other two valves in good shape. I'm not sure and haven't thought to ask. I just know that my rehab nurse says she's seeing improvement and eventually she'll have me doing more. We'll see. I lift stuff but just not on a regular basis - like daily.

Take care.
Cheryl

Hi Fran

Thanks for the note. Look at my recent guestbook posting from Joe Minnucci and you'll see what he was told about the calcium and the tissue valves. I haven't heard anything back from Adam and definitely not Dr. Gillinov. I only know what you were told.

We are having a terrific Easter weekend this year - all days supposed to be in the 70's. Unbelievable for us for this time of year. Sometimes we still have snow or at least definitely cold. I've already had the grandkids to the park bikeriding etc. this morning (they stayed overnight last night). It was so nice to be outside walking and enjoying the nice weather. Pete has raked the grass and some spring flowers are beginning to pop up.

Have a great Easter. I'm glad your recovery is going so well.

Hugs.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Fran,

So glad that you are safely home, doing well, and you've even had a visit from Duane & Peggy! It's great you had a chance to meet in person. Even though you've encountered a few potholes already on the road to recovery, I know you'll keep the faith and continue to do very well. I think you'll find that the weeks post-op will fly by, as they have for me. I can't believe I'm heading into week 10 since I had my surgery.

Have a Happy Easter, Fran, and enjoy the springtime. The sense of renewal and rebirth that comes with the season has all the more meaning for those of us making our "comeback" from surgery.

Peace and blessings,
Susan Murphy

Hi Fran,
This is my last day of augmentin for this sinus thing. By last Saturday I was feeling much better but still feel some lingering symptoms. This has been an extremely busy week with Easter in a couple days. I am an organist/keyboard player and piano teacher and work as an assistant to our Music/Worship leader. Some kind of stomach virus is going around...the grandkids came on Monday and stayed overnight and our daughter Heidi picked them up Tuesday night. Last night I talked to Heidi and she said Reid (age 6) had started projectile vomiting. Several people in the choir are out with the virus also. Friends have been praying for a "hedge of health" around me. I will try to update my journal...
Hope you are feeling stronger each day! A couple quick questions. Did you use a robe at the hospital?...also, I think I read you took pj bottoms to wear with the hospital gown? I've taken your suggestion regarding bringing elastic slacks for after surgery.
Our flight home from Cleveland is a direct flight...but Randy didn't tell me this till yesterday...its a commuter flight..maybe about 50 seats. He hadn't specified a wheelchair so I will call the airlines the beginning of next week. I hope they have a jet-way to the plane and not loading from the field...up stairs. Oh my....hopefully it will all work out...this was the only direct flight to West Palm Beach.
Have to go by the airport this am to rent and pick-up a cello and then have an appointment for a haircut at 1:00pm...then work and a Good Friday service tonight.
Blessings,
Carla Hansen (PBG)

Hi Fran,

Glad surgery went well and you are starting to feel a little better. I had the bloating as well, and can tell you it goes down quickly, but my weight did fluctuate quite a bit the first few weeks after surgery. (Eating was inconsistent as well).

You had mentioned not being comfortable while sleeping. I am still trying to find position that works. Sleeping on my back is the worst, what works for me, is side sleeping until shoulder feels a little sore, the switching to the other side, then finishing night on wedge pillow. Seems to give me the most overall sleep as well as longest sessions between adjustments. It did get a lot better in last week or so, so hopefully you will get some decent sleep soon.

Hope Recovery Keeps Going Well!

Joe

Hi Fran

If Peter is returning to tennis and leaving you for a small period, then I take that as a very good sign indeed that your healing very nicely. It's hard when our loved-ones sit and watch us constantly so good for him for getting back to having some fun of his own.

It's amazing how quickly you heal once you get home and get to walking. Each day is an imrovement over the one before. Keep it up.

How are you making out with your meals? I would assume you have a ton of friends who are helping out.

Really good to hear you are dumping some of that fluid too. The water weight gain took me by complete surprise when I saw the figures. I thought they were weighing me in a different system because the numbers were so off! Quite a blow to the ego.

Praying for your continued recovery.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Fran,
Sounds like we are on the very same path to recovery. I was hoping to lose a few pounds and the complete opposite happened. I don’t like the Vicodan at night and I am trying to get an upgrade to something my body likes better, so I can get some much needed sleep. The problem is who do you call? My cardio says call my primary, my primary says call my cardio, Cleveland says to call my primary care. I think I will go into my herb garden and make my own. I am happy Duane and Peggy stopped by he is an inspiration to us all.
Happy boating
Captain Bill

Hi Fran,
Walked the beach today and prayed for your recovery. I bet you are glad to be home in your own bed and house and that it is all over now but the recovery. Thanks for all the updates on your progress.
Love Sharon H.

Hi Fran,
Glad to hear an update from you. It must have been so exciting to meet Duane and Peggy. I am glad you are finally home recovering....and I love your idea of reviewing the journals each year. These journals have been such a rewarding chapter in a sometimes difficult journey. Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Theresa Callanan

Hi Fran! It's so good to hear from you!! Yes, there were 7 arms that went in. One was actually the camera, and my largest incision (about 3 inches) is called the "working" incision because they use it to pass instruments, the annular ring, and other things through during the surgery. I have one small incision under my right breast towards the sternum where the camera was placed. The working incision is actually in the lower part of my right breast. About 3 of the arms are placed in this one site. On my right side through the ribs I have 4 incisions. Each robotic arm is 8 mm in diameter, and I learned today that one of the arms shared space with one of the chest tubes. No wonder they hurt!!

I usally walk 18 holes and carry my bag on my back when I play golf, but for this weekend we're getting a cart and I will play it by ear to see how well I can make a full swing. Dr. Chitwood thinks I should be able to do just fine. I will post next week to let everyone know. I am not expecting, however, to score very well this first time out. I'm just grateful to be able to play.

Hope your recovery is going well. I know you haven't complained of pain the way I did, and I am really glad for you! Interestingly enough, I saw one of my nurses this afternoon and the first thing he mentioned was how much pain I had after surgery. I must have been an outlier in the pain department!

Enjoy this upcoming weekend. Looks like it will be beautiful weather. So glad you got to meet Duane and Peggy. He is such an inspiration to me. Take care and I look forward to reading your posts real soon!

Amy Machtay

Hi, Fran: So glad to hear you are doing so well and are on your way home soon.

Best of luck.

Barbara (from Boston)

Hi Fran

Welcome home. Have you ever appreciated home quite so much? You are back in time for the good weather so no excuses for not getting your walking done.

I'm really interested in what you said about the Vitamin D as well as the calcium supplements. I'm seeing my cardiologist tomorrow so will see what he has to say. As I take both I certainly want to be sure it's not something that was missed.

How did you manage the flight? I was curious to know if you found the altitude difficult.

Just wanted to say I'm so glad you have returned home well and healthy. Take care.

Cheryl, Ontario

Fran always thanks for the kind words and prayers. Starting to get a little nervous but still calm and cool. Yes, I am listening to the Guided Imagery everyday. It's nice to hear from you and Bill regarding the care, the team and everything about the C.C. Soon I will be on the other side of the operation and looking to share my experience with others. As you know my waiting time was pretty short compared to yours but I wanted to get this done and over. If there are any tip you can pass along, I would appreciate it. For example, which hotel did you stay at after you were released and do you have to follow up with another heart surgeon when you get home?

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Sandy Gilbert

Hi Fran,
So great that you are going home! I haven't posted on my journal yet - don't want to speak too soon - but my heart went back to sinus rhythmn on Saturday and is still beating regular! First time since October apart from 12 hours after cardio version. Apparently, with AF, the ventricals enlarge over a period of time to cope with the extra work and after surgery it is possible that they return to normal. I will stay on meds to help with the rhythmn for a while and also stay on warfarin until they are sure that I am fixed. My breathing is still a problem, sore lungs,wheezing and breathlessness but I did my 15 minute walk outside this morning and will repeat this afternoon. I am sleeping almost flat now (in the guest room) and reckon I'll be ready to return to our king size bed by the weekend. Wishing you a steady recovery, lots of love Penny

sO GLAD YOU ARE HOME AND WILL RECOUPERATE IN YOUR OWN HOME. Aren't you glad it is all over and now you are on the mend.
Take care and God bless.
Lv Sharon and Jim

Hi Fran. So glad to hear tht your ordeal is over and life is good. You are right. God is so good! I can attest to the fact that grandbabies are the best medicine in the world. Enjoy! Love Molly

Good for you! Sounds like you're right on track. The shortness of breath will improve. I don't even feel it now. The main thing that I have to remember and I'm sure it will be the same with you is "Take it easy". I do something, like going back to church today, and then I take a nap.
God bless you and your family.
Gentle hugs, Bev

HI Fran,
Glad to hear that you are ok. If I were to put my head near your chest would I hear a little MOO!!
Did you know that our Kevin had his sternum split the same way? They do wonderful things.

You are the $6 million dollar woman now (but then you always were).

Take care and get strong, we'll get together soon.
Hank

Fran, your journal entry was informative and fabulous to hear from you.
Cool that you and C. Bill have met and that you met Duane & Peggy. Interesting how this journal stuff works. I couldn't agree with you more that a reunion would be totally cool - I don't know how a group picture would be taken - showing your incisions (ha-ha).
You and Richard had similar problems while in the hospital - the cow's valve and the 30 heart rate, which of course, landed him with getting the pacemaker. He fortunately, 8 weeks later, as far as we know has not even been using his which is a good thing. People keep asking me if he can get it taken out if he never needs it but we have been told that once they put one in it stays forever as it is safer to leave it than to take it out.
Also with the breathing - Richard absolutely had the same problem and was worried that what he went in for "the breathing" would not get better. Alot did have to do with the small amount of fluid still in his lungs and the "still recovering", etc. His IS getting better with it, and seems to now be able to tell the difference in when he has trouble breathing because he has been inactive so long verses the results. I think he will also do much better once he starts his cardio. Your 5 minute walks will improve and that grandson will definitely help, but I don't have to tell you that part!
Glad you are up and about and enjoying that nice FL weather.
Richard's wife, Susan