Jan, I forgot this part. Yes, when I am discharged from Cleveland Clinic I will be discharged into the care of my cardiologist and primary care physician here in SC. Also, I will mention that the cardiologist is not in a position to judge which method can be used. That will be up to the surgeon...whole different ballgame. So...don't be discouraged about that until after talking with your surgeon. Also, it is not too late to look around some more, if that will make you feel better. This is your heart, your life, your decision to make, not your cardiologist's. I always encourage people to get a second opinion on everything. It isn't as hard as you might think to get someone else to look at your test results. I got opinions from Texas Heart Institute, Emory in Atlanta and Cleveland Clinic, all highly regarded facilities and surgeons. They all told me the same thing, hopefully the mini. Do what that "inner voice" tells you to do. Just don't run, lol!!! That's what I want to do....run away from it all.
If you think you are having more anxiety than you can handle on your own, don't hesitate to ask your primary care doctor for some help. I have taken anti-anxiety med (very low dose) for years.
Will keep you in my prayers.
Linda Dixon
Jan Beale Thanks Linda for you advice and encouragement.
I feel so good physically that I would love to go h ... Read more
Jan Beale Thanks Linda for you advice and encouragement.
I feel so good physically that I would love to go hike Table Rock but I know that is a no for now.
I'm talking to the surgeon this week so will let you know.
I took half a sleeping pill last night and it did nothing, Finally took the other half and fell asleep. I may need something these next couple of weeks. My heart flutters at times. It feels like it is jumping out of my chest. It is usually when I am anxious.
Enjoy your weekend.
jan
On February 18, 2012...
Happy slightly belated birthday Jan!
This must also be anxiety month for we valvers, lol. I have had a time with it this week as well.
Do something special on Monday to take your mind off things ( I know, it's never really off of it). You will be fine. Everybody on here says so! So...we should believe it!
But, don't just keep it to yourself..that is what this site is for...put it out there. We are all here to support you.
One of our fellow valvers had a great story...when he expressed his anxiety to his surgeon he replied that to him (the surgeon) he does this surgery so frequently its just another day at work for him. So, like I'm sure you do whatever you do in your job, it's the same for the surgeons. They have done it so long, so many times, seen just about every complication that could arise...it's something they can almost do in their sleep...no big deal to them. Thinking about it like that helps me.
Enjoy your weekend and holiday. We can do this!!!!
REALLY getting closer...Linda Dixon
Jan Beale Linda,
Thanks. We are going to dinner tonight. I have a long list of things to do today so maybe t ... Read more
Jan Beale Linda,
Thanks. We are going to dinner tonight. I have a long list of things to do today so maybe that will take my mind off it.
I am going to Bluffton on Thursday to care for Eva. My daughter has weddings on Friday and Saturday. Since Eva is 9 months, I am sure I won't be bored. I will probably come home on Sunday physically exhausted so the last week will be smooth sailing!
Take care... jan
On February 17, 2012...
Jan, Dr. Gillinov believes that he will be able to use the mini sternotomy for the replacement and aneurysm repair. The sternum is still cut, but only about 3 to 4 inches instead of 8 to 10. At Cleveland Clinic most of the valve aortic valve replacements are done this way. I think it depends on where exactly the aneurysm is located as to whether it can be repaired this way. Some people use the minimally invasive term when they talk about going through a space in the rib cage, so you might want to ask your surgeon if he does the mini sternotomy. BUT the most important thing about using these less invasive techniques is that the surgeon is very experienced using the technique. If your surgeon doesn't do the mini very often, then I wouldn't want him to do the mini, you want the safest way. I will say, however, several people on the site have had the full sternotomy and honestly they say it isn't that bad. I hope I am able to have the mini, but I am sure it will be the understanding that he might have to do a full once he gets started. But either way...thank God we can be fixed.
I understand the anxiety, I am fighting it myself this week. Just hang in there, we can do this!!!
REALLY getting closer...Linda Dixon
Jan Beale Linda,
I will ask my doctor. I want him to do the procedure that he is most familiar with. I am anx ... Read more
Jan Beale Linda,
I will ask my doctor. I want him to do the procedure that he is most familiar with. I am anxious to see how Jimmy does since we have the same surgeon.
I watched a video on you tube tonight about the heart lung machine. I want to be informed about what is happening to me.
I can't sleep tonight and took half a sleeping pill. I don't like the way I feel now and worry that I'm going to get myself in worse shape prior to surgery. Maybe I'll have a massage like someone suggested.
Take care and have an enjoyable weekend.
Jan
On February 17, 2012...
Hi Jan, yes my grandaughter is very sweet, very special. She was my rock after my husband died, she stayed every night with me for a year. Not many 17 year olds woud do that. I am not sure about staying in Cleveland after surgery. I was told that if there are no complications, I can fly upon discharge. It will depend on how I feel. I hope I feel like coming home upon discharge. I will be there 5 nights before surgery, so the average stay after surgery is 5 to 7 days, so that is quite a long time to take my daughter away from her family so far away. I just pray there are no complications.
Thank you for your condolences. I miss my husband more every day and especially now going through this surgery, not having him here with me. But he is my strength, he suffered so for so long and never complained, and I know he is standing watch over me right there with Jesus.
Hope you are doing okay, I like you don't think I will ever be "ready" but it is what it is I guess, so I am trying to accept it and get to a peaceful place with it all.
Keep in touch, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
REALLY getting closer...Linda Dixon
Jan Beale Linda,
I just read Jeffrey's post. Maybe that is what I am dealing with now. I am so anxious toda ... Read more
Jan Beale Linda,
I just read Jeffrey's post. Maybe that is what I am dealing with now. I am so anxious today for some reason. The thought of only having a couple of weeks left before OHS is so scary.
I can't imagine losing my husband and not having him here to help me deal with this. It has to be difficult for you.
I hope you are lucky enough to have the less invasive surgery. So when you come home, are you under the care of your cardiologist and don't need to see the surgeon again? I wish I had done a little more research but I have had two cardiologist tell me that since I have an aneurysm, I am not a candidate for the less invasive. The thought of my sternum being cut is one of my biggest fears. Actually, I have a lot of fears.
I have a busy week coming up so hopefully I wont have time to worry.
Just remember you will be good for another 40 years after this.....
Jan
On February 15, 2012...
p.s. Your grandbaby is adorable!!!
Linda
Jan Beale Thanks. She lives in Bluffton SC so I visit her nightly on FaceTime on my IPad. Hope to do the same ... Read more
Jan Beale Thanks. She lives in Bluffton SC so I visit her nightly on FaceTime on my IPad. Hope to do the same while in the hospital. I know she won't be allowed to visit ICU but maybe they allow me to see her through The IPAD.
If you don't have an IPAD, you may want to onsider it so your grandchildren can visit you...so much fun.
Talk later,
Jan
On February 15, 2012...
Hi Jan, first question...how in the world can someone "priviledged" enough to be born in Clemson...go to USC??? LOL, JUST TEASING!!! Guess you can tell I am a huge Clemson fan! Love my Tigers win or lose (even losing BIG). Anyway, good to meet you! About the minimally invasive part: after reviewing my records, CD of my echo and cath and CT of my aorta, Dr. Gillinov says he thinks he will be able to do my surgery with the mini-sternotomy. There are so many different interpretations of minimally invasive. This will not be where they go between ribs, but it will only be about a 3 inch cut in the sternum. I of course want him to do it however is the safest. He will know for sure after seeing me, but I think it is always with the understanding that once he starts the surgery, if he feels he needs to he may have to do the full sternotomy.
This is such a mixed bag of emotions, as you know. One day it's "okay, I can do this, I'm ready" and then the next it's "I feel fine, do I really need to do this?".
But, the HVJ site has been great for me. I find myself spending a lot of time on here, reading and responding to others who have gone before me or still waiting as I am. I have become so close to some people that I have not ever seen..it's just marvelous!
Well, hang in there, we are all here to share and bear each other's burden! Good to meet you!
Getting closer...Linda Dixon
Jan Beale Hi Linda,
Very competitive brothers. Lol.
It is good to meet you too. It is so nice to be able to ... Read more
Jan Beale Hi Linda,
Very competitive brothers. Lol.
It is good to meet you too. It is so nice to be able to meet others on the HVJ who are going through the same thing. Since I am trying to get all my work done in the next cople of weeks, I don't get on here as much as I would like. I don't want to inconvenience anyone at work by leaving work undone. And, this probably keeps my mind off the surgery!
I can't say that I am ready. I don't even think I will be ready on March 5th. I'm just going to try to approach it with a positive attitude. However, I always have nausea after anesthetic so just hoping they keep me sedated until that passes.
Will you stay in Cleveland for awhile after you are released from the hospital?
Sounds like you have a sweet granddaughter. I was so sorry to read about your husband.
Stay busy so you don't think too much about the procedure!
Jan Beale
On February 14, 2012...
Hi Jan. Yeah, that 1% is a worry. But its much better than the 5-10% per year you'll experience without the surgery. Also, the 1% probably includes all patients, even the emergency ones who are very sick. Get it done at a large volume center of excellence and the odds are even better. Keep the beat -- DVB
Jan Beale Thanks. Yes I know the odds are in my favor since I have never smoked, exercise and try to eat prope ... Read more
Jan Beale Thanks. Yes I know the odds are in my favor since I have never smoked, exercise and try to eat properly.
I feel like I am experiencing some problems already but then I convince myself that it is a bad case of the nerves. I haven't had chest discomfort or any pain. I am just very anxious. I don't like to think about having my sternum cut.
Take care,
Jan Beale
On February 14, 2012...
Hey Jan, I am eight days post-op and getting better. Our prayers are with you and welcome to HVJ. Take care
Robert Hartner
Jan Beale Robert,
I will have to read your story at lunch today. I am so anxious about what it feels like imme ... Read more
Jan Beale Robert,
I will have to read your story at lunch today. I am so anxious about what it feels like immediately after surgery. Are you out of the hospital? I have been told all about the A-fib so that is a big concern of mine. And the possibility of having a pacemaker. I always thought pacemakers were for old people. I am 63. I know I am old but don't feel it yet!
Hope you are doing well. Talk later.
Jan Beale
On February 14, 2012...
Hi Jan, I am a fellow Carolinian, although a little south of you from SC. We are not as rare as I once thought, many people have this valve situation and aneurysm as well. I see that you are having surgery on 3/5, I will go behind you on 3/13. I am going to Cleveland Clinic, so I have a long trip. So...welcome to the club. Hope you are coping okay. Keep us posted!
Getting closer...Linda Dixon
Jan Beale Linda,
It is so good to hear from you and share some of the same feelings.
Jan Beale Linda,
It is so good to hear from you and share some of the same feelings.
My husband, Bob, was born in Clemson. He grew up with Pistol Pete. Bob ended up going to USC. His brother, Tom, graduated from Clemson. Tom is retired and lives in Easley.
Will you not find out until you are in Cleveland if you can have he less invasive procedure?
Sounds like we are sharing some of the same feelings. I am still working so I am very tired by Wed. It is all I can do to make it to Friday. Thank goodness our office is closed next Monday for Presidents Day.
Have a wonderful day.
Take care.....talk later, Jan Beale
On February 11, 2012...
Hi Jan - sorry to hear about your heart catch. It also too me over a week to get better from mine. Felt like a pulled a muscle and a lot of bruising. Feel better now.
I am also having the surgery with Dr Scott Andrews on 2/20 in the same hospital. I hear he is the best when it comes to valves.
I will be thinking about you and will let know how dr Andrews is.
Jimmy Johnson
Jan Beale Jimmy,
So glad to hear from you. Can't believe Dr. Andrews is your doctor too! Dr. Andrews was ref ... Read more
Jan Beale Jimmy,
So glad to hear from you. Can't believe Dr. Andrews is your doctor too! Dr. Andrews was referred to me by a group of doctors in Charlotte. Also, while I was in the hospital with the cath, the nurse said he was the best. She said he would be her choice if she needed a cardiologist. So I think you are in good hands.
I am looking forward to hearing everything about your procedure.
Take care and enjoy your last week of normalcy for awhile. If you are like me, I just couldn't schedule my procedure the week of Valentine. Lol
I will be following your procedure and wish you the best.
If you think you are having more anxiety than you can handle on your own, don't hesitate to ask your primary care doctor for some help. I have taken anti-anxiety med (very low dose) for years.
Will keep you in my prayers.
Linda Dixon
I feel so good physically that I would love to go h ... Read more
I feel so good physically that I would love to go hike Table Rock but I know that is a no for now.
I'm talking to the surgeon this week so will let you know.
I took half a sleeping pill last night and it did nothing, Finally took the other half and fell asleep. I may need something these next couple of weeks. My heart flutters at times. It feels like it is jumping out of my chest. It is usually when I am anxious.
Enjoy your weekend.
jan