Hi Jane, you sound like you are doing great! Glad to hear so many great success stories. By the way, are you "the" Jane that mentioned a donut pillow to Janis? My surgery isn't until March, but I would love to try to find one...I'm taking all these tips from everyone on the site and getting prepared! Is it like the ones for people who have had hemorrhoid surgery????
Linda Dixon
Jane Porpora Hi Linda,
It is called a travel pillow. It looks like a large donut but has an opening to place it o ... Read more
Jane Porpora Hi Linda,
It is called a travel pillow. It looks like a large donut but has an opening to place it on your neck. You don't put it on through the hole. It was suggested to me by a friend who had a rib and lung accident. I found that when I was able to relax my neck my chest felt much better. It was about $20 from a shop called Brookstone in our local mall. I think it is available at many places. I think I have seen it in catalogs for sleeping in a car. You are so smart to be gathering all your info early. The other two thingsI could not live without for the first days/weeks were chapstick (within reach) and some sort of throat lozenge (I preferred something not too strong). By keeping my throat moist, I kind of controlled my cough. My mouth and lips were sore and a little puffy from the surgery, but everyone has that.
I found that I did not really like the dry shampoo and wipes I brought from home. I was very sensitive to strong fragrances. Just wash your hair and don't condition it the last time you have a chance to. No conditioner makes it less oily for the next few days. All silly tips, but they worked for me. I did bring one full set of P.J.'s with button front top. The others were just bottoms that I wore with hospital gowns. I was happy to have the p.j'.'s when meeting Dr. Oz. I don't know if that segment will ever air though. Probably just as well for me. I was sure not looking my best.
Jane
On January 6, 2012...
Hi Jane,
Hoping you are doing well. Take it easy. Sending you our love and prayers for a speedy recovery.
Cousin Robin and family
On January 6, 2012...
HELLO JANIE-UNCLE MORT SIGNING FOR AUNT HANNAH-SHE IS HAPPY TO KNOW YOU ARE OK --WAS LOOKING FOR YOUR PHONE WHEN I SPOTTED YOUR JOURNAL--BE WELL REGARDS
On January 5, 2012...
Hi Janis,
I have not had ann Afib symptom since that day that I took a second dose of the beta-blocker. I pray it is gone. My Coumadin level has not been in the right range yet. I have gone from 5mg. to skipping nights to 2.5mg now. My Doctors office is using a finger prick meter now, so its not so hard to find my incredibly hard to find veins. My surgery was delayed while they were trying to find a vein. I have gone shopping at the mall, Ciostco(super food store) done errands al over the place with my college age daughter, who is home on break. I am starting to feel guilty not working. I will go back for 2 hours a day next week and offer the secretaries lunch relief from 12-2. I only work part time anyway in an elementary school. I work from 9:30 to 2:00 Mon.-Thurs. I am sleeping well, but still on my back. You sound like you are doing great. Our good thoughts and prays hopefully are finding their way to you. Just think you will be one cool grandma before you know it.
Keep up the great work. Keep on posting.
Jane
On January 5, 2012...
Hi Jane, Thinking of you and hoping you are stronger everyday. How is the A-fib? Geez, I didn't realize that coumadin was such an ordeal. I'm getting blood work 3 times this week. How long did it take for yours to be the correct dosage? Today I am 8 days post op. Sleeping is still hard, hurting but I know each week will get better. I have you in my prayers for recovery. Janis Kielbasa
On December 30, 2011...
Jane:
It sounds like you are doing great. I have about the same limit of being out and about--2 hours max. I am able to do a couple of walks daily, slow, but at least I don't have to stop every so often like I did a week ago. The cold air makes it harder though. It gets a bit frustrating that my energy is not returning as quickly as my first op in January, but I just try to get up when I feel like it and rest when I need to. I can't wait to finish all the meds I was prescribed; I have a bag full! Today, I see my cardiologist for a post-op assessment; he recommended the mechanical valve replacement, so I am sure I will be quite happy to share my experience and my opinions!
Gayle
Jane Porpora Hi Gayle,
I agree the cold makes it hard to keep walking, but I know I would not do well in very hot ... Read more
Jane Porpora Hi Gayle,
I agree the cold makes it hard to keep walking, but I know I would not do well in very hot either. I am on Coumadin and a beta-blocker due to a bout with Afib two weeks ago. I have to play around with it a lot in order to get the right level. Right now, I am told to skip 2 nights and then take 2.5mg. due to a high reading. I don't know why, but I would love to think that my heart doesn't need medication, but I think that is unreasonable. I do hope that when the spring comes, I am a walker and enjoying it. Happy New Year.
Jane
On December 28, 2011...
Jane, I think you are doing just fine. Everybody recovers at different rates. I had my aortic valve and and root replaced in August. I felt I really started to recover when I started the cardio rehab. I am almost fully back to where I was in terms of fitness after 4 1/2 months. I started lifting weights again and was happy to see I hadn't lost much strength.
I had an episode of atrial fibrillation four weeks post surgery and that was a little scary but been fine ever since.
Do more when you feel you can. Good luck Brian
Jane Porpora Thank you for your response. I just got back from my second walk of the day. Your words are encoura ... Read more
Jane Porpora Thank you for your response. I just got back from my second walk of the day. Your words are encouraging. I think the Afib set me back mentally. I thought things like that wouldn't happen after the surgery. I now know better. I will not let fear get in my way of recovery. Happy New Year
Jane
On December 28, 2011...
Hello Jane, glad to hear you are doing well. I have mitral valve repair Dec 8 at Cleveland Clinic, Thoracotomy (port access). Like you, I developed AFIB after surgery. My surgeon says nearly 40% of patients who undergo mitral repair get AFIB and I was susceptible since my left atrium was enlarged prior to surgery. Like you, I am on Coumadin for the AFIB. My INR is at 1.8 and still not in the 2.0-3.0 range they want it to be at and I am on 7.5 mg coumadin a day. Just had a test yesterday and am hoping it will be up there. I meet with my cardiologist next week to see if the AFIB is still present. I heard someone say I may have to be on coumadin for 3 months even in AFIB goes away. I do feel occasional mild chest pain and mild palpitations. Hope this is not a bad sign. My echo day after surgery only revealed mild regurgitation. Hope this helps. Venkat Ashok.
Jane Porpora Hi Venkat.
I developed the Afib at home 2weeks after surgery. I also was a the same risk due to the ... Read more
Jane Porpora Hi Venkat.
I developed the Afib at home 2weeks after surgery. I also was a the same risk due to the condition of my heart prior to repair. My INR was at 3.3 yesterday, so I was told to decrease my 5mg. to 2.5 and alternate with 5mg. My beta-blocker was increased when the Afib started. It put me back in a normal rhythm (I hope) I have not had an echo since I am out of hospital. I am trying to walk 20 minutes twice a day. I have no problem being out and about with family and in stores, but I don't count that as walking. My surgery was Dec.5th so we are on the same recovery time frame.
Keep me posted.
Jane
On December 27, 2011...
Jane,
I believe that DVM is correct in his advice. I would add that there are just some days were you backslide a bit. Don't let that worry you. Still push yourself every day to that day's limit. If you need to rest after, then please do so without a second thought.
Joe Gimbel
Jane Porpora Thank you for the great advice. Maybe I am just a little scared. I will be brave.
Jane
On December 27, 2011...
Hi Jane. I'm 56 and had my mitral valve repaired in April. And then worked real hard on restoring my fitness. My advice:
1 Move more every day. Start with what you are doing. Up it by 5% a day. In two weeks you'll be double.
2 Enroll in cardiac rehab. It will show you what level you can reach safely. And the social aspects are unbeatable.
3 Listen to your body. It will tell you if you overdo it. And since you are only gradually increasing your activity level, the first day your body tells you "too much" you will only have slightly overdone it, so you can easily make a course correction.
4 Have fitness "projects". Always have a new goal you are working on. My recent ones have been: swim a mile, run 8 miles, do 200 pushups in a day, play ultimate frisbee for 2 hours nonstop, go on a 10 mile hike with my honey (still working on that). OK, those are crazy, but that's me. At a month post op and depending on the level of fitness you are aiming for, your goals will be more modest. Choose what you are already doing and double it as a goal. You will be amazed at what you can achieve.
5 Check with your cardiologist about any limits you might have.
Lastly, exercise and the mild physical stress that goes with it generally promotes healing - as long as you don't overdo it.
Let us know how you're doing -- DVB
Jane Porpora Thank you for responding. My goals will not be as courageous as yours, but I really do understand wh ... Read more
Jane Porpora Thank you for responding. My goals will not be as courageous as yours, but I really do understand what you are saying. My 10 minute walk can easily be 15 today etc. I think I chicken out while I am doing something. I feel great but don't want to push it. Your words will encourage me.
Thanks,
Jane
On December 26, 2011...
Jane, I think you are doing amazing in such a short time. Why you got to set the bar so high, girl? LOL. I will t-r-y to follow in your footsteps. Keep doing what you are doing, listen to your body and each day will get better. Janis Kielbasa
Jane Porpora I thought of you this morning. I hope you are a little bit calmer. I found talking to all the pre-op ... Read more
Jane Porpora I thought of you this morning. I hope you are a little bit calmer. I found talking to all the pre-op people, even as I was wheeled into the operating room comforting. I met each of the O.R. nurses with masks covering most of their faces, and chatted. I was somehow involved with all of my I.V. stuff and the next thing I knew I was finished. I just asked my husband last night if he and my two older daughters went to eat when I was rolled away to surgery. The nerve of them, they did. I asked if they were too nervous to eat. He said they ate just fine. I guess that was an indication of how confident they were that I was in the right hands. You will be also. Please know that I am right here with you and in some strange way going through it again with you. ( a little weird though)
Jane
On December 26, 2011...
WOW sounds like you are doing a lot, every person is different. For my first 4 weeks I didn't even leave my house to go anywhere except for Doctors Appts. Plus I didn't want to catch anything, I too walk outside on my driveway, and it is cold, but I am bundled up pretty good. I am starting my 6 week since my AVR and I started this week walking 40 minutes and I will start Cardiac Rehab this week. As you heal more and more you will get better and better give it time, continue to do you breathing excerises, Now I am hardly taken any pain meds, I can pretty much tolerate the pain, sometimes I may take something but not that often. I got an exercise sheet when I left the hospital with what they wanted me to do each week and I pretty much stick to that, you will see as time goes on you will get better, remember everyone is different, continue sucess on the road to recovery. jim
Jane Porpora Jim,
Thank you for your response. It helps to hear other peoples progress stories. I also don't want ... Read more
Jane Porpora Jim,
Thank you for your response. It helps to hear other peoples progress stories. I also don't want to catch anything from the holiday crowds in New York stores. I am not unhappy in my progress, I just don't want to get too comfortable. I walked a little more today. I bundled up and walked slowly.
Thank you for responding.
Jane
On December 26, 2011...
Hi Jane,
In comparison to my third week, your third week is much more active than mine; especially if you had a sternotomy. I posted my weekly activities including my discarge instructions for exercises and my rehab exercises on a weekly basis if you want a comparison. Note that I am 64 years old, but was in good condition prior to the surgery; so my age may be a factor and make a difference.
It is good to be cautious, the time does pass quickly (really). Those of us who have had mitral valve surgery have had different rates of recovery. Listen to your body, read what others have experienced, AND discuss this with your surgeon!
Finally, don't worry about what your neighbors think! You have gone through something they cannot appreciate.
John Lund
Jane Porpora Hi John,
I responded on your guestbook.
Thank you so very much for sharing.
It really gives encourage ... Read more
Jane Porpora Hi John,
I responded on your guestbook.
Thank you so very much for sharing.
It really gives encouragement.
Jane
On December 23, 2011...
Jane, How are you? Are you having an easier time with the A-Fib? Thinking of you and have you in my prayers. Love, Janis Kielbasa
Jane Porpora I don't want to speak too soon, like when you say your new baby sleeps through the night and then the ... Read more
Jane Porpora I don't want to speak too soon, like when you say your new baby sleeps through the night and then they wake up every night after, but today with the extra metropol I feel much, much better. I hope it continues.
Thanks,
Jane
On December 22, 2011...
Hi Jane,
My surgeon also told me that A-fib is often a result of heart valve surgery and usually clears up as the heart heals.
In my case, I had A-fib before the surgery and the surgeon performed a Maze procedure to treat the A-fib in an attempt to clear it up. So my situation might be a bit different. Early on, I did have very strong pulses on occasion, but those have stopped. I was in A-fib when the cardiologist and surgeon examined me in follow up exams, but it seems to have quieted down a lot during rehab, although I still have some symptoms 3 months out.
One of the instructors in my cardio-rehab class said that the Maze procedure did not always stop the A-fib, but that it generally reduced the symptoms; so I remain hopeful.
Take care and give it some time.
John Lund
Jane Porpora Thank you, that was very helpful and tells me I am not alone in this.
Jane
On December 22, 2011...
Hi Jane -
I got your message via Linda (Thanks, Linda!!). I am already loving this community and based on Linda's, and now your, encouragement, I plan to start my own Journal shortly. Columbia is one my current options. Post a reply and then we can connect directly. Thanks for reaching out to me! And best of luck to you with your recovery.
-Mitch Friedman
Jane Porpora Hi Mitch,
Email is jjrp11@aol.com or phone is 914-723-6986
or if you prefer this site. It is an amaz ... Read more
Jane Porpora Hi Mitch,
Email is jjrp11@aol.com or phone is 914-723-6986
or if you prefer this site. It is an amazing resource.
Thanks Adam.
Jane
On December 22, 2011...
Hi Jane,
I had my mitral and tricuspid valves repaired in October, and I started having crazy heart beats and some a-fib about three weeks out. They started after my amiodorone ran out, and they got worse after my metropolol ran out a few weeks after that. It was really bad for about 2 or 3 weeks, but now it is starting to settle down. I am 8 weeks out. My doctor took my off the coumadin (thank goodness) last week. My cardiologist said the a-fib is most likely from the trauma of the surgery, but it may not go away, and I will just have to live with it. I did have a lot of palpitations before my surgery too. It's difficult to sleep when your heart is beating so hard, but I just keep trying not to worry about it. Good luck to you.....hope it stops soon.
Deb Z
Jane Porpora Thank you for responding. My cardiologist increased my metropol to see if the heart would go back in ... Read more
Jane Porpora Thank you for responding. My cardiologist increased my metropol to see if the heart would go back into a normal rhythm. I was on 25mg. when I left the hospital 2 weeks ago. Now I am on 25mg. twice a day. I sure hope it helps. I did feel assured that it was not an emergency requiring a hospital stay, thank goodness.
Happy Holidays,
Jane
On December 22, 2011...
Hi Jane,
Maybe this can help you learn a little more about what you are experiencing?
Hey you!! Thrilled to read you are doing so well. It is pretty awesome you got a chance to go out for a bit this quickly. You are my inspiration. I will follow in your footsteps. I can't wait to get December 28th behind me and start the recovery process. Keep in Touch and keep us updated!! Janis Kielbasa
On December 12, 2011...
Jane, Hello movie star!! Perhaps, a reality show is in the works...."Women with Regurgitation.".....No? LOL. I'm so glad you are doing well. Your progress eases my fears. I am expecting my first grandchild March 30th and want to be 100% for her arrival. I'm planning on doing the baby shower end of February, which would put me 8 weeks post op. I bought my first velour jogging suit Sunday. My daughter talked me into one with slight bling. We couldn't stop laughing in the fitting room. I'm jeans and Ugg girl...but I have to admit it was comfortable and kinda cute. How are you sleeping? Are you using a lazy-boy or your bed? I know with a sternotomy, I may want to sleep in lazy-boy so put one in my bedroom just in case. Keep up the excellent progress. I wish you continued good health. I know its not easy and hurts but after this is all behind us....we will be strong and lead long full lives. My countdown continues....if I have a meltdown...I'll message you. Love, Janis Kielbasa
Jane Porpora Hi Janis,
I have slept in my bed these past 4 nights. I have positioned the pillows with a wedge typ ... Read more
Jane Porpora Hi Janis,
I have slept in my bed these past 4 nights. I have positioned the pillows with a wedge type closest to the mattress then king size pillows kind of layered to put me in a semi- sitting position. My daughter also brought me one of those travel pillows that kind of wraps around my neck so I could just relax my shoulders. It sounds like a lot, but not much different than propping up to watch t.v. in your bed. I had considered the lazy boy the first night, but I mentioned it at about 3 a.m.and thought maybe it was asking too much of my husband to run downstairs and carry it up. With his personality, he would have done it, I couldn't live with that. Helping me take a shower and getting soaked himself was enough humiliation for me that first day home. I love this not cooking thing. Take-out and other people's cooking tastes sooo much better and its always a surprise. I did put on yoga pants and a zip fleece today. I might be in skinny jeans soon.
Jane
On December 11, 2011...
Hey Jane,
How are you? I think of you often and hope each day is easier and you are feeling better. I will look for you on Dr. Oz. Was he doing a show on women/heart? I'm getting everything organized at home, trying to not think to much about December 28th's surgery. I'm expecting great things from you and smooth recovery.....I plan to follow in your footsteps. Love, Janis Kielbasa
Jane Porpora Dr. Oz was doing a holiday segment for his show.. He is affiliated with the surgical office I used. ... Read more
Jane Porpora Dr. Oz was doing a holiday segment for his show.. He is affiliated with the surgical office I used. I was a celeb. I even wore a pair of nice pj"s Everything went well until they did a follow up interview with me asking how I felt about this very, very famous surgeon doing my surgery. I avoided the question 4 times, because I didn't want to lie. Then, I asked if the camera was still rolling and confessed that he did not actually do my surgery. The beautiful interviewer immediately removed my mic and called out to the camera crew "He didn't do her surgery."
The response was "He didn't do any of the surgeries, he wasn't here this week." I was told they will prob. air it as "Doing Rounds", My surgeon, who is credited with doing Bill Clinton, Barbara Walters, David Letterman and Ed Koch thought it was very funny that he was stealing patients, they seem to be great friends. Having filled the page with all that stuff, I like your style. Denial until Dec.27th. You will walk in there on the 28th whether you stressed everyday or not. Watch funny movies and try to read easy read books. BTY, home 4 days seeing progress. I am not hating sitting on the couch in my warm velour lounge clothes with laptop.
Jane
On December 10, 2011...
Way to go Jane! Songlad to see you are doing so well. It gets better every day...every week. Keep walking and doing your breathing exercises. Great job!
JH Mattingly
On December 9, 2011...
I am so happy all went well for you! I have been thinking of you and have you in my thoughts and prayers. My surgery is December 28th, a sterntomy as well to repair mitral valve. Wow...how cool, you met Dr. Oz!! Thanks for posting and sharing...it eases my worries. Janis Kielbasa
Jane Porpora Hi Janis,
One of the reasons that I was okay with the whole sternum thing is that it would be a faste ... Read more
Jane Porpora Hi Janis,
One of the reasons that I was okay with the whole sternum thing is that it would be a faster surgery. That was confirmed by 5 surgeons at different times. I believe that my quick visit to ICU was because of the shorter surgery. Bty, if i am having any irregular beats, I am not aware of them. What a strange thing for me. I have been aware of my heart my whole life. My recovery will take some time, but I do plan to be doing some christmas shopping next week. Don't laugh, but the hospital offered a free massage while lying in your bed unable to move. I got three. How spoiled am I? Please don't hesitate to ask questions. I would love to help you. My email is jjrp11@aol.com.
Jane
On December 5, 2011...
Good luck today.
On December 4, 2011...
Jane:
Will be thinking of you tomorrow at 11:00am when I will be having my pre-surgical testing. Will be praying for the best outcome for you! Be strong! Will be looking forward to updates from you. Think how much better we'll all be feeling in a short while. This is our big step toward recovery from the MV condition. Looking forward to comparing notes.
Gayle
On December 3, 2011...
Jane, I am thinking of you! You are in my thoughts and prayers this Monday! I know you will do great. When you can, update us. All the best!!
Janis Kielbasa
On December 1, 2011...
Jane:
Glad everything went well! Glad you are able to have robotic surgery. I would much rather exchange recipes as well. Maybe we can get in touch when I get to NYC.
Best wishes,
Gayle
On December 1, 2011...
Hi Gayle,
Angio was fine. I think with the results, I will probably have that under the right breast entry. The surgeon prefers that on women, but was waiting for angio results, I am told that it is a bit more painful, but heals a little bit faster. I want the best surgical outcome. I don't care much about scars. I am mentally ready for this thing. Let's get it over. I would much rather be sharing recipes with you.
Good luck, please keep in touch.
Jane
On December 1, 2011...
Hello, Jane:
How did your angio go? I am hoping everything went well. As other patients have said, the angio was sometimes more unnerving than the surgery! I felt the same way, but now you have that out of the way. Do you know which type of procedure you will be having, robotic or sternotomy?
Keep in touch, I will post maybe one more time before I leave then will update from the hospital.
Take care,
Gayle
On November 27, 2011...
Hi Jane,
The angiogram should be quite easy as long as its complication free. I will pass on this one message. Even if they say you can have your last drink at 4.00am for a 11.00am angiogram - don't. There is no moving for quite sometime after the procedure and along with the drip they are constantly keeping you topped up with there is no toilet pass! mmmm.
Rosemary Sutherland
Linda Dixon
It is called a travel pillow. It looks like a large donut but has an opening to place it o ... Read more
It is called a travel pillow. It looks like a large donut but has an opening to place it on your neck. You don't put it on through the hole. It was suggested to me by a friend who had a rib and lung accident. I found that when I was able to relax my neck my chest felt much better. It was about $20 from a shop called Brookstone in our local mall. I think it is available at many places. I think I have seen it in catalogs for sleeping in a car. You are so smart to be gathering all your info early. The other two thingsI could not live without for the first days/weeks were chapstick (within reach) and some sort of throat lozenge (I preferred something not too strong). By keeping my throat moist, I kind of controlled my cough. My mouth and lips were sore and a little puffy from the surgery, but everyone has that.
I found that I did not really like the dry shampoo and wipes I brought from home. I was very sensitive to strong fragrances. Just wash your hair and don't condition it the last time you have a chance to. No conditioner makes it less oily for the next few days. All silly tips, but they worked for me. I did bring one full set of P.J.'s with button front top. The others were just bottoms that I wore with hospital gowns. I was happy to have the p.j'.'s when meeting Dr. Oz. I don't know if that segment will ever air though. Probably just as well for me. I was sure not looking my best.
Jane