Thank you for the posting in my Journal Guestbook. I am sorry to hear that your lungs keep filling with fluid. Hopefully this will pass and you will be on to a full recovery. Be patient, you have a lot of people praying on your behalf.
God Bless,
John LaDisa
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
On April 24, 2010...
Happy Saturday Fran,
Checking to see how you are feeling after your second draining. I had to have my left side drained after my first mitral valve repair in '98. We've been doing quite a bit of walking and I've been using my spirometer but am feeling very full and winded. Both feet and ankles were very swollen last night. Did your feet and ankles swell? Was very comfortable in the bed here at the Residence Inn last night but woke up several times and found my heart rhythm to be very irregular. I didn't want to wake Randy to find the blood pressure cuff. My pulse this am was 116...very high for me...I think they may have to adjust the Metropolo (sp). Looking forward to going home..home. I wonder if things haven't improved if they could do the draining on Monday and we could still fly out Tuesday am.
Praying for you that the fluid won't build up again.
Blessings,
Carla H.
Randy got tickets for "Riverdance" matinee this afternoon. Hope I can sit through it :) Randy just got back from yet another CVS run...this time with a present for my heart he says...Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate mini bar! What a guy!!! :)
On April 22, 2010...
Fran,
Praying for you and hope this fluid removal helps and it stays reduced. Thanks for the updates.
Sharon H.
On April 22, 2010...
Hi Fran
Can't believe they are getting so much fluid out of those lungs. Does it hurt? What about using the spirometer every hour - would that help? Didn't the doctor suggest why you are getting all this fluid? How are you otherwise? How's the pain level and is your incision pretty much healed?
I'm just so sorry you are going through this delay in your recovery and am praying this fluid retention stops.
Take care and sending you a gentle hug.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 22, 2010...
Fran,
Deanna was my NP also. So many well informed professionals. We plan on getting out this afternoon for a walk. The driveway (walking up) will be the challenge. I'll keep you posted.
Sandy
On April 22, 2010...
Fran,
Your are such a trooper.
I will post later today but no direct flights to Albuquerque from Cleveland. I knew it was going to be difficult but didn't realize the toll it would take on my whole body.
Sandy
On April 22, 2010...
I will pray that this problem with fluid around the lungs will soon be behind you. You are a very brave lady. Take care. Linda
On April 21, 2010...
Fran,
thanks for the update....Hope this is it for the lungs. Will continue to pray for a speedy recovery for you.
Theresa Callanan
On April 21, 2010...
Fran, so glad things went well today. I was just getting ready to send you a message when I saw your post. Hang in there. You're doing great! We'll keep you in our prayers.
Virtual Hugs!
Amy Machtay
On April 21, 2010...
Fran,
Been thinking of you and praying for you all day, and eagerly await a report. Of course I understand if you just haven't felt like it. Did they have to drain the left lung? Let us know if there is anything we can do for you and any specific way we can pray.
Duane
On April 21, 2010...
Hi Fran
So? How did it go? How are those lungs? Certainly hope you aren't packing fluid still.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 21, 2010...
Will be praying for you, Ms Fran. Hope today's appointment went well.
David & Marjorie Heathcoat, TX
On April 21, 2010...
Hi Fran,
Thank you faithful one for posting in my guestbook and being part of the tag team duo backbone (Fran-Cheryl)of HVJ!
I will be anxious to hear about your day at the Dr. I woke up this am feeling very run-over. Had a few little eye issues today. One at lunch when one eye seems focused up and the other down...interesting...but I had experienced that first time as well. Also a little dizzy while typing here...will get up and walk some more soon.
I think it is the Dogwoods that are in bloom..we walked around the block around lunch time and the breeze was carrying the blossoms through the air...how neat!
Praying for you Fran!
Carla
On April 21, 2010...
Dear Fran,
I hope that your feeling a bit better. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Things will get better.
Diana
On April 21, 2010...
Fran,
How are you feeling today??
Thanks for all your support. I need to download the CD from the CC and start listening!! Thanks for reminding me about it.
Take care and let us know how you're doing.
Ricki Shine
On April 20, 2010...
Fran, I'm so sorry to hear thing aren't going so well right now. I hope Wed appt goes well. I was going to stop by after yoga but not sure if you will be home from doctors.
On April 20, 2010...
thinking about you : ) sure wish your lung problems would clear up. Atom's with you in your little walks about the house, he did however manage a small 10 foot walk to the fridge, LOL..I dont know what he wanted but I guess he's getting the hint I dont mind doing a lot of things but 24/7 waitress is not one of them!
Holding you close you are a very special lady.
hugs Janet
On April 19, 2010...
Hey there Fran! Hang in there and hopefully they'll get you all straightened out! Still praying for you!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode
On April 19, 2010...
You've got my prayers and best wishes. Complications are the bunk! They never did find the source of my bleeding. I think it was just that the blood was so thin. My new cardiologist is really keeping an eye on my INR numbers and I hope that I'll soon be off coumadin for good!
Hope you're feeling better soon.
Bev
On April 19, 2010...
Dear Friend
You must be getting exhausted as you wait for a fully good report but don't despair. I'm looking forward to the day I read a report that tells me all is well in Zilkoville. It will happen. I'm doubling my prayers to see this happens soon. The drugs should kick in faster with only one lung to battle with. Are you managing even little walks? And how's the pain level? Tell us something is healing please...
You are such a trooper and with such a great attitude. You are such a special lady.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 19, 2010...
You are always in our prayers.
Love,
Bill and Alleen
On April 19, 2010...
Hi Fran,
I am sending a big hug and prayer your way for this to be resolved. What medication do they have you on and what dosage? I hope this brings down your heart rate...I am also working on that issue.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ
On April 19, 2010...
Fran,
You have gone through so much. It's time for ONLY GOOD news.
You are always in my thoughts.
Sandy
On April 19, 2010...
We definitely will be doubling up on our prayers for you and hoping this will be the last roadblock to your recovery.
All our love,
Amy and Matthew Machtay
On April 19, 2010...
Hi Fran,
I hear you about the ambient and since Bill said all those weird things that happened to him I was also reluctant. My friend at home had similar problems with ambient. Friday night at the hospital I asked the nurse about the sleeping pill with my concerns. I was never a good sleeper and I always avoided sleeping pills. Added to the fact that they were on top of me every 2 hrs. for blood or vitals, I was really reluctant. So, she gave me a pill about 9:30 PM and said that they would let me sleep at least 4 hrs. It worked, didn't feel grogie or spaced out but did get some deep sleep.
I don't know about you but post op I felt like I was lying on top of sleep and not falling into it.
I asked for a perscription before leaveing the Clinic. The first night at my brothers's I took one and slept through the night until about 6:30 which is later than I usually do. Not sleep walking etc. I took one last night and same results.
Now remember, our surgery is different but I am sleeping in a regular bed with lots of pillows proping my back and head also a pillow under my legs. I am usually a left, center, right kind of sleeper all night. Here I am on my back and am doing extremely well sleeping.
My cousins came over yersterday and I think it was a little too much talking so I had an uncomfortable afternoon. I guess you find your limits. It will be quiet most of the day while the kids are in school and my brother and sister-in-law are at work. The weather has been wet and cold over the weekend. The sun is out today so I hope to have two short walks outside, which I am looking forward to.
Fran, again I can't tell you how wonderful you have been during this time. Just stay focused on the road to recovery.
Sandy
On April 18, 2010...
The sleeping..Yes he is taking the pain pills but his breathing is much improved, we try to chat about the positive before bed and keep the stress limited. He is praying which gives him a lot of comfort I think.
Have a good Sunday, I will write more later..
Hugs Janet
On April 18, 2010...
Hi Fran..briefly about the girl kitten, she is spayed (sp). Its the law here in NV and the laws are getting more tight every year. The newest law is only animals that are registered for breeding are allowed not to be fixed..male or female..The girl kittens name is Kat she was my daughters until a few months ago now she lives here. She use to go outside, which is illegal here as well. So she lives inside, she is younger than my boys perhaps 8 months or so. She is lovely with people and dogs but growls and hisses at my boys. Its was an ugly sight the other night it was my fault. One of my daughters cats "sky" is female and was fine with the boys. Sky even tried to make friends, slow and calm, didnt work. Until I have the time to really work with the three she'll just have to stay in my part of the house.
On April 18, 2010...
Dear Fran,
I am so glad to know that you are feeling better after the fluid was removed. Thank you for your encouraging note to me. I like your journal, they are all so positive. Please take easy. You are in my prayers.
Jason,
Monterey Park, CA
On April 17, 2010...
I bet you are feeling so much better after having that fluid removed, and you are lucky it was a fixable problem. Take it easy and remember - slowly but surely! Cheers.
Thalia Faunt, Ballarat, Australia
On April 17, 2010...
Happy weekend Fran
I bet your niece would much rather have you at home recovering then risking a set back with travel. You are blessed to have an awesome family and you will be able to see them soon…..you can’t rush perfection! I am back on Lasix and this time it is working really well. Lori is getting tired of being my driver and she needs a break. I am trying to arrange a spa day for her! Ambient only works for me for maybe 4 hours then I’m wide awake, so I think…………I write more later
Happy boating
Captain bill
On April 16, 2010...
Hi Fran,
It was so good to hear that you're feeling better. No wonder you felt like you were trying to breathe through a straw, with all that fluid.
I hope your recovery path will be much smoother from now on.
Warmest healing wishes to you,
Susan Murphy
On April 16, 2010...
Hi Fran, glad to hear you are back on track. You and Bill have been in my thoughts since coming to the CC. You have gone through so much but I know you are going to get better soon.
I feel so fortunate since my surgery was minimally invasive and I only have a 3" cut. Dr.Gillinov is amazing. My native aortic valve was small, so he enlarged my aorta with peracardium tissue to accomodate a larger valve.
I tried posting in my journal yesterday but could not log in from the Clinic. I will post again when they release me - maybe Saturday. We decided to stay at my brother's house since the cardio rehab therapist incouraged me to walk up the stairs to the bedrooms.
Again, I can't thank you enough for your prayers and good wishes.
Sandy
On April 16, 2010...
Fran,
Thank you so much for posting on my celebrity status...LOL!!!! I do hope future patients will consider all their options in their approach to surgery. It is amazing how far heart surgery has progressed. My daughter had open heart surgery at 20 months old, and none of these options were available then. She is now 23 years old.
I was so sorry to hear about your setback. I hope you are feeling better with the fluid being extracted from your lungs. Keep us posted on your progress. You are an inspiration to all on this site. I think you and Cheryl are amazing in your tireless quest to help everyone on HVJ's.
Love,
Theresa Callanan
On April 16, 2010...
Hi Fran
Glad to hear you were able to get out and do a little walk yesterday. I can see where you'd be weak. I'm praying you see a better day today and thereafter getting stronger hour by hour. Did the doctor say why this happened? Do they ever have answers for these complications such as was it something we did or didn't do? Or is something not quite working right? Gee, I suppose those are tops on Duane's list.
I had a growth removed from my tongue on Wednesday and I'm still only on fluids until the swelling goes down and the pain subsides. Goodness I never thought it would be this darn sore. The surgeon offered me pain meds and I stupidly refused and Tylenol doesn't cut it at all. I'm a little better his morning as some of the pain in my face is gone and my teeth aren't aching near as much. Progress, eh? My oldest was laughing at me comparing that I flew through major heart surgery and I wouldn't want to let a sore tongue take me down! Kids!
I can imagine Florida is happy to see my neighbours, friends and family leave for their respective homes. Everyone here is getting back in time to submit their taxes and of course, we can only be out of the country a certain length of time before we have to make a quick trip back in order to keep our hospital care. We sure wouldn't want to have your plan hoping we get good jobs where coverge is supplied or otherwise, sell the house. That is so controversial right now.
Our robins have returned home and are building their nests in the same spots they did last year. We have a family right outside our kitchen window and once we hang our summer flowers on the front porch we get more nests in the baskets.
Must run. Have to pick my mom up soon. Hopefully today you are feeling much better.
Hugs, warm wishes and lots for a great day.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 15, 2010...
Hi Fran
checking in on you at last, glad you feel better with that fluid off your lungs! Atom is still up & down. The Doc visit today was just a blood draw although the nurse thought he looked great. He claims to get dizzy a lot but tomorrow Im going to have his brother walk with us. I have copd & am a wimp if he should fall. His sisters visit was more of a holiday for her & her love, they stayed at a hotel on the strip saw shows & I had their kids, just a pup and 3 cats. They did however take him to dinner last night so I got in a shower un-interrupted yeah!!
Who stays with you? You have been so kind and your kindness is so appreciated.
Bless you & I'll check in with you later, Janet
On April 15, 2010...
Hi Fran
Just checking up on you and praying today was a much better day. Take care.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 15, 2010...
Hey Fran! Looks like you get to do more time with the Spanish Inquisition era torture device - I mean spirometer! Glad to hear you are getting better. Hang in there!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode
On April 15, 2010...
Fran, glad to hear you are doing better. Keep up the good work. Knowing you, you will prevail. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Bill and Alleen
On April 15, 2010...
Glad your doing better.
I've been through this surgery twice.
Keep Walking, 2-3-4 times a day if possible.
And use that spirometer. IT WORKS!
You'll be fine soon.
Rich
On April 15, 2010...
Ahoy Fran,
That’s got to be a great relieve for you. I have fluid, but not enough to pull out, just enough to cough cough cough UGH!I still have trouble finding my comfort zone to sleep, but now I can sleep for a full 4 hours at a time...then I need to move to a chair or recliner or maybe even my captains pilot seat on the boat?
No boat until April 30th weekend, because I will have work to do and can’t do it yet because of the 10 pound rule. I have days when I feel 16 and then days when I fell 85. I’ll be happy for all of us to get this behind us and move forward. I didn’t read the recovery section in Adams book until a few days ago; it’s a good thing to read….This recovery has been one the most difficult times I have had to deal with in my life. I was riding in the backseat a few days ago and found a really cute small umbrella, so naturally being bored, I was wondering how big it was so I pushed the little button. The umbrella open so large Lori could not see to drive, she laughed so hard she was crying, and then she yelled at me. Thoughts and prayers are with you from Oklahoma.
Happy Boating
Captain Bill
On April 15, 2010...
Fran,
So happy to hear you are feeling better and back on the road to full recovery. You're my valve replacement guru so please keep those lungs clear!
Ricki
On April 15, 2010...
I am so glad for you that you can breathe better. What a relief. I will keep you in my thoughts. Keep being positive!
Hubert Karreman
Narvon, PA
On April 14, 2010...
Fran
It is great to hear you are feeling better and got some rest! I hope this is the first of many better days to come for you!!
Michael Bartlett
Knoxville, TN
On April 14, 2010...
Hi Fran
Well,thank goodness they were able to get the lungs drained. That's a big step but as you know there's more work to do. Were you in much pain during the procedure? I'm praying for a much better day tomorrow and thereafter. It's about time this recovery stay on track. Hugs.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 14, 2010...
It's wonderful to hear your good news Fran. You didn't say if the congestive heart failure diagnosis has changed, but I'm praying that it's resolving. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts. Thank you for your postings.
On April 14, 2010...
Hi Frannie,
Great news! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Peter+Nancy
On April 14, 2010...
Hi again Fran,
Yes, real black bears. But, I watch them from a distance. They are still wild animals. I do feed them as well as the deer. I feed them correct food so that its nothing that will hurt them. I live part time on top of a mountain and I just love having the animals around. They are very comical to watch, especially the little ones. I keep their feed a good distance away from the house, so that they don't try to knock on my door. ;-) We have lots of wild things, bears, deer, lots of turkey, a pheasant from time to time, lots of racoons, possums, and rabbits. I also feed the hummingbirds, too.
Glad your doing better and pray that it continues.
Diana
On April 14, 2010...
Hi Fran,
Sorry to hear about your relapse, but glad you seem better to today. Hope you are back to walking and continued success in your recovery.
Joe M.
On April 14, 2010...
Great news, Fran! So glad to hear they got that fluid off your lungs and you're reaping immediate benefits. I hope the procedure wasn't too uncomfortable. But I'm sure it was worth it! On track now!
Love & Prayers,
Duane
On April 14, 2010...
Hi Fran,
So sorry to hear that you are in congestive heart failure. As you know I had it once before surgery and again 2 weeks post op while in A Fib both times. I am now on 2 Furusamide morning and lunch but I have recently increased the morning dose to 3 tabs (120mg)to keep the fluid out of my lungs. When I was in hospital they injected the same diuretic through IV and also doubled up with Heperin injections in the stomach to try and dry me out as quickly as possible, I was also put on Digoxin to work with Verapamil to slow the heart rate and regulate the rhythm. I honestly didn't feel a huge difference for the 5 days I was in hospital but I did notice the difference last week when I started walking. It is not pleasant in the beginning because of the shortness of breath, but boy I feel 1000% improved after just 5 days of walking. I have been in sinus rhythm since 27 March and heart rate is regular but fast. I have to have a full blood test every week for liver, kidneys, thyroid, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and INR and meds adjusted accordingly. You have more knowledge than most so I understand why you take care to reassure everyone out there. I call you and Cheryl Adam's Angels - you help everyone with information and support. I know that you will be back on track in no time at all. Hugs and love Penny xx
Thank you for the posting in my Journal Guestbook. I am sorry to hear that your lungs keep filling with fluid. Hopefully this will pass and you will be on to a full recovery. Be patient, you have a lot of people praying on your behalf.
God Bless,
John LaDisa
Milwaukee, Wisconsin