On April 8, 2010...
Happy Birthday
I do believe you said today was the big day. Hope you got to celebrate. Is hubby still away?
Fran Z
On April 6, 2010...
Dear Kat,
I can understand why you are so upset. You had a so called appointment for today and when you went for it you found that you were not on schedule. I would probably fume at those people too. Yes, I am human too. Being nice would be very hard for me too. I agree with what you said about telling for cardiologist about all of this. He should know what is going on. Those people work for him. I am sorry that you had to go through all of this humiliation.

Timothy
On April 6, 2010...
Well, what lousy luck!In reading the previous entry, yes, sh@#t does happen, however, being a RN and having worked in several doctor's hospitals thru the years I do know one thing. The doctor's staff has a lot to do with making the office what it is.Can be a well oiled machine or occasional chaos. It's possible your cardio doesn't even know about the screw up, but he does need to know (in a calm manner, if you can). If he values his patients his staff will hear from him.
Fran Z
On April 6, 2010...
Kathy,

Don't take it out on the office staff. I know from being a street police sergeant for 22 years, s!@t happens. I went to a Hemmotologist for blood work, then found out
they had no idea who I was. I gave them the appointment confirmation number. There reply was ,"Somebody forgot to put me in the computor"

Anyway, I had my Aortic Valve replaced and April 1St and starting my first day of recovery and the first day of the rest of my life.

God bless you, put your faith in His hands, you'll do fine.

Dave 'diverguns' Metrano
Manchester, Massachusetts
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Kathy,
Thanks so much for stopping by and signing my guestbook.
Yes, every emotion you have described going through before surgery, I am going through, too. One minute I'm thinking, just think I'll be able to walk without getting out of breath, or getting chest pains, and the next I'm terrified to tears. What a roller coaster ride, huh?
I'm feeling better about going through the cath procedure after Cheryl and now you described it and claimed it to be a piece of cake. Still nervous though, even with the encouragement. Will be glad when its all said and done.
I'm looking forward to being able to do the things that I so enjoy doing. Riding my motorcycle, going back to my shooting activities and gardening. I really miss not doing those things right now, and in a way going through a mourning process. But, I know that it won't be long until I can get back in the saddle again. Something to look forward to.
Diana, Honey Grove, PA
On April 5, 2010...
Kathy,

Glad to hear the progress. Yeah for you being back at work. Congratulations on how well you have done since the surgery.

Theresa Callanan
On April 5, 2010...
Dear Kat,
Well, It is great to know that you had a great day back on the job. Well, sort of.
It is great to know that you are progressing on to being fully well.
Blessings To You!
I hope you have a great 40th birthday.

Timothy
On April 5, 2010...
Thanks for the update, glad you get to sit and nice to say your first day back was boring!! I must have been fortunate to have been at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr Gillinov as do not have one negative thing to say and believe Capt'n Bill will agree with me. Am surprised you got the okay to return to work without seeing your cardio, how did that work?
Fran Z
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Again Kathy

We must have been writing at the same time so I just missed your posting. That sounds as if you did have a good positive day your first day back at work. Showing your scar had to have garnered lots of sympathy - big time! Getting back to routine is a good thing because it helps to put all the pain and fear behind you as you reclaim your life. I'll bet Richard is proud at how far you've come.

Cheryl, Ontario
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Kathy

Just wanting to say I hope your day was a good one and that you managed okay. It's so much tougher when you work for someone else so I hope your co-workers were helpful and understanding. 4 more days to go! Cheers.

Cheryl, Ontario
On April 5, 2010...
Good Morning
Imagine you'll read this after you get home from work and hopefully take a well needed nap. Never did say, do you sit at your job, hopefully you're not on your feet. Take good care of yourself, you're worth it.
Fran Z
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Kathy,
Good luck back at work today - that's really quick as over here in Scotland they recommend 3 months off. I have bucked the trend because I work for myself but not sure I would rush back if I worked for someone else! I do hope everyone is sympathetic as to what you have been through. Listen to your body, take it easy (nag,nag,nag...)Glad to hear you're getting some pipe practise - you'll be up to full set in no time! Warmest wishes Penny
On April 4, 2010...
Hi Kathy

Tomorrow is a big day for you - a test of your strength and healing. If you feel overwhelmed at anytime, stop and take a big deep breath. You can do it. Make sure you have access to some juice or something if you get a little light-headed. Baby steps.

Wishing you lots of luck this week. Hope you had a Happy Easter.

Cheryl, Ontario
On April 3, 2010...
Hi Kathy!

Glad to hear you are doing well. Thanks for singing my guestbook. I am overwhelmed at the amount of support there is here! I can't believe every dr doesn't know about this site or Adams book. I will continue to pray for you and your family!

Melany Strader, NC
On April 1, 2010...
Hi Kathy
Just piping in on the in home INR testing machine. You'll be on coumadin indefinetly, so you should really consider getting one. Your insurance may only pay for part of it, you'll have to check that out. I've been using one for 1 1/2 years and it's as simple as gathering f drop of blood from a finger stick, putting it on a strip that has been inserted in the machine.My veins are so bad, the finger stick is a blessing to me. At one point in the hospital, had 3 people try for 50 minutes to get a good vein. Finally got in the "specialist" and he got in the first time he tried. After so many seconds the machine beeps and gives you a digital readout. I then have a number to call, enter my ID code (SSN) and put in my results. If they fall in the 2 to 3 range an automated voice tells me all is well, if it's out of range the company calls my cardio's office directly and they tell me what to do. You do it once a week so you have better control. The doctor's office will go over training with you. It's so much easier than making appointments etc. etc. If you decide to go this route I'll be happy to help in any way. We had hoped the MAZE procedure would stop my afib (the reason I've been on coumadin for 14+ years), Dr Gillinov said my heart wall was very thick and he felt there would only be a 30% success rate instead of the usual 70% odds. A cardioversion before discharge did not work either. After so many years my heart is set at its' special rate and may not be budged. That's okay. Glad you've progressed so well. Do you sit at whatever work you do? You know not to push it, right? Keep in touch. Will email you my phone number if you want to chat.
Fran Z
On April 1, 2010...
Hi Kathy

Good report from you as well. Being able to get back in control of your life is a really wonderful feeling. Getting the okay to drive was a milestone for me - just not having to depend upon others all the time. I'm glad you are there as well. Boy, the time is zooming by.

I see you are going back to work. Do take it easy and know when you have to slow down. You can't very well nod off at the office but perhaps you can just go a little slower. It's harder to have to go out and perform as opposed to being in your own home. It's still a return to life as you know it and that is good.

Take care.

Cheryl, Ontario
On March 28, 2010...
Kathy, glad you are doing so well. With the coumadin/Wayfarin I hear so many different versions. Richard was fortunate and got off of it with the cow's valve, but his doctor more or less told him not too worry too much when he was on it and that he could eat pretty much all the green he wanted - that as I am sure you have heard, consistency is the key. Takes time to get used to that change.
It must be strange for the mechanical valve to hear the clicking - I don't think Richard has that sound either, will have to ask him. Your husband has anice name (ha-ha).
Richard's wife, Susan
On March 27, 2010...
Dear Kat,
You have some good questions to ask the doctor.
I hope you will be able to drive after seeing him.
My family and I are still praying for you and we know you are in great hands with God.

Timothy
On March 27, 2010...
Hi Kathy

Thanks for picking up on the calcium question so I will be very interested to see what your doctor has to say about it. I don't do milk products so have been on supplements forever and that particular posting of Joe's really hit home.

I had cranberries with turkey on Thursday evening, I eat spinach and have a salad almost daily however, if I think I eat too much at any one time, I may increase my Warfarin dose by 1/2 tablet that day but certainly don't increase it every day. I get tested every two weeks and for sometime now somehow manage to maintain a level of 2-2.7. I have run what I do past the doctor and I just get a nod.

My requisition for testing runs out in two weeks so I figure at that time I'll find out whether or not I'm to continue with the Warfarin or what. If it looks to be a longtime thing for me, I will absolutely look into buying that little gadget for regular testing but will still get tested monthly at a clinic just to be sure. I can see where cranberry juice might be potent and honestly, I totally never even gave it a thought when I had the cranberries with turkey on Thur. Oops! I fully intend to try and not change my lifestyle to fit this Vit. K thing. I take a Centrum multi-vitamin every day and again, that was part of my medical history and I've been told to return to everything I was doing before.

Needless to say I shall be very interested in seeing your next posting. I figure all information is valuable.

When Fran gets the time to weigh in, I'll be looking forward to what she has to say because she's been on Warfarin for years and years so I think she must be close to an expert.

Finally saw Crazy Heart tonight. It was great.

Cheryl, Ontario
On March 27, 2010...
Hey back at you Kathy!

Thanks for your funny post! Good to hear from you. I have been following your journal entries and have been praying for you. Glad you're making such good progress! I guess I would have to get used to that ticking too; mine was a repair.

Poor Adam, or should I say, poor Robin, if we all showed up at their house. That would be hysterical. Would that make us all stalkers? He would probably de-friend me on Facebook.

Glad your INR is staying in therapeutic range. I have been eating some greens and the nurses just strive to adjust the dosage accordingly. A whole mixing bowl of spinach? I like spinach, but I don't know about that. I will very much miss cranberries, pineapple, and grapefruit. Of course just knowing you CAN'T have it makes you want it!

Did you mention pursuing a home INR monitor? If so, I just wondered how that's going? How did you do that? Will your insurance cover it? I have been going to the Anti-Coagulation Clinic about twice a week. I wonder if my insurance company wouldn't actually save money by providing a home monitor. Thanks for mentioning the ID bracelet. I need to do that.

Keep on the upward, forward track! God is in control and taking good care of us.

Duane
On March 26, 2010...
Kathy

Thanks for your support even while you were going through your own procedure and recovery. Your positive attitude has given me strength and I look forward to your continued success!

Michael Bartlett
On March 26, 2010...
Dear Kathy,
My prayers are with you. Thank-you so much for sharing your story. My son, Danny, who is even younger than you, 19 yrs., has to have an aortic valve replacement on 6/2/10. It is very scary for him (and for me). Your success story in inspirting and brings me hope. Thank-you again and God bles you and your family. Mary
On March 25, 2010...
I am glad you are doing great. I know that it takes time like you said.
April will be here before we know it.
Just do what you have to do to get well but take it slow. Don't over do it. Take a break every now and then.
We are praying for you at my house that you will continue to progress in your therapy.

Timothy
On March 24, 2010...
Kathy,
I relate to you. I had AVR on 2-9-10. I had a few complicatons and had to be readmitted to the hospital. My first day alone was 3-22-10. I miss my family being with me but I love the time to myself, after ahile you just want your live back. I also experience aching over the incision area and back aches. I'm glad you thought rehab was worth going. I am waiting for clearance so I can start. I wish you the best. Just take one day at a time. I know your work may want you to return early but you body will tell you when you are ready. Lisa in WA
On March 21, 2010...
Snow? What is that, some American thing that we should know about (heee...) Glad to hear that you're on the mend. How's the chanter?

Steven in Calgary
On March 20, 2010...
Hi Again Kathy
Forgot to say I really liked your new picture - the new improved healthy version. Nice too to meet Richard. Keep well.
Cheryl, Ontario
On March 20, 2010...
Hi Kathy
Hubby home. Mom gone. You are a graduate post-op heart valve patient. Life is returning to normal and you are getting stronger. Next you will get your wheels back. You have come a long way when you look back. Way to go. Bag pipes won't be far behind either. Good luck. Cheryl, Ontario
On March 20, 2010...
Things do not always work the way you want them to.
You are being prayed for and you know that God is hearing us. What would we do without God? Nothing just have no purpose in life. Nothing to live for. Oh, here I go on one of my sermons again. It just rolls out you know. I will make it short.
Praise God Today With What He Has Given You. Tomorrow God Will Give You Something Else To Praise Him about.

Timothy
On March 20, 2010...
Hey Kathy.
Great that you are doing well. Can't believe it snowed in Oklahoma. No snow here in St. Louis. The tournament is great. If I have a choice, when it's time for my surgery, i hope it's in early march so i can watch the tourny while recovering. Hopefully it works out like that one day.
Take care,
Patrick in STL
On March 18, 2010...
Hi Kathy
I'm glad to hear you tried rehab. If all you take away from it is the knowledge of how to read your heart rate etc. it will have been worthwhile. Sorry to hear work isn't exactly cooperative. That can't make you feel confident in staying away too long. I wish you luck on that. Cheryl, Ontario
On March 17, 2010...
Dear Kat,
Happy St. Patricks Day to you too. Did you wear Green?

Timothy
On March 17, 2010...
Hi Kathy,

Like you and Cheryl, I have no problems with cholesterol, blockages or blood pressure - but cardiac rehab was an awesome experience for me. The classes about healthy diet, stress management, etc were still beneficial, and the exercise program was great - its way easier to get going in a group than by yourself.

Give it a shot - What do you have to lose?

Joel Bryan, Iowa
On March 17, 2010...
Hi Kathy
I personally feel I'm learning something at rehab. I've been attending every week since November and enjoy going. I have learned that I should exercise until my heart reaches a certain rate and that is important with my recently fixed valve.

The heart rate is figured out through a particular stress test. My rate got adjusted down because the Beta Blocker has reduced my heart rate significantly. Because of my two other leaky valves I am not doing weights yet. I think it is very important to be learning when and how to increase my exercise and am getting to do so under the watchful eye of a knowledgeable professional who is constantly monitoring my blood pressure and pulse rate etc. etc. You have nothing to lose Kathy so at least give it a try.

We've talked about healthy diet etc. and I think that is because most people in rehab are by-passes and heart attacks - artery related stuff. I think it is all just lumped in. My arteries are totally clear as well but the information is still good.

Good luck. Wear short sleeves so they can easily take your blood pressure etc.
Cheryl, Ontario
On March 17, 2010...
Hi Kathy
Thanks for your prayers. Guess I would think that what Adam said about rehab in his book was important. Why not try it and if you don't feel it's helping you at all guess you could stop.
Fran Zilko
On March 17, 2010...
Yes the cardiac rehab is worth it, if it is like what we do at St john you will be instructed in how to exercise to strengthen your heart, how to regain your overall strength, ways to do tasks with good body mechanics so you do not stress or acquire other problems.. increase your breathing, help regain mucsle strength in the chest areass ....all kinds of stuff...it is important...please!!! hope to see ya soon...Marti
On March 17, 2010...
Hey I just figured out how to get a message to you ...have sent others but they did not go through... good to hear you are doing better...sorry about the sleep thing....I don't know anything about the monitors....we use a different kind of home monitors for stuff and they are accurate most of the time but do need recalibrated from time to time...sooooo Miss seeing you, hope to see ya back soon...love ya sis.....Marti
On March 16, 2010...
Dear Kat,
Enjoy your oreos. You will be alright. It does not happen over night.
We are still praying for you.

Timothy
On March 16, 2010...
Hi Kathy
There are a lot of pet lovers out here and we feel you and your Mom's pain. My last cat was put to sleep after severe kidney failure. You just need to tell those pains to switch their sleep cycles and become day-timers if they have to come!
Fran Zilko
On March 15, 2010...
Hi Kathy,

I'm so sorry to hear about Chloe. My heart goes out to you and your mom for your loss. I know all too well what you are going through.

It sounds like you're doing well in your recovery and getting stronger all the time. It's good that your mom can be there for you, and that you're there for her during this difficult time.

Susan Murphy (KS)
On March 15, 2010...
Hi Kathy
I'm very sorry to hear tomorrow is not going to be a day to look forward to. Losing a pet is highly emotional because of the unconditional love they give us. 17 years. Your mom really looked after her. Please give her my deepest sympathy. And, you too. Cheryl, Ontario
On March 15, 2010...
Kathy,
Sorry to hear about your MOM's cat. I am an animal lover...have 2 cats and a dog and understand what you are going through. Thank You so much for sharing your stories with us, I have learned alot from you and it helped me as I faced surgery on March 2. I am home recovering now and have to say it is the greatest feeling on earth.
Take Care,
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ
On March 14, 2010...
Dear Kat,
I am so sorry about the cat whom your mother and you love so much. There is only so much that anyone can do. Just like people there is a time to live and a time to die.
I have lost many animals so I can understand what you and your mother are going through.
There is a place where this will never happen again. It is HEAVEN. This happens because everything on earth is marred with the curse of sin. Back in The Garden of Eden when Eve took of the forbidden fruit and ate it and gave the fruit to Adam and he ate it. They knew something was wrong because they felt the separation from God. They were starting to die. So, there we have the reason for death. Disobedience! Adam and Eve disobeyed God when He told them not to touch or eat of the forbidden fruit (Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil).
So, Jesus and The Father talked about this earth going away from God. Jesus agreed to be a sacrifice for the sinners of this world. A ransom. people get to heaven by accepting His sacrifice and their animals go with them their in heaven.
I am sorry I preached you a sermon! I can do it. I have done it.

Timothy
On March 13, 2010...
Good morning Kathy
Thanks for you prayers and good thoughts as I await my surgery. Sounds like you're doing so well. Glad you have a walking partner with Mom. Hope your heating pad helped. Keep healing.
Fran Zilko
On March 12, 2010...
Hi Kathy,
I had my surgery two weeks ago today. I too am not a back sleeper so the first few nights were tough. Even in the hospital I slept in a virtual sitting up position leaning against the side of the bed. I do now sleep on my side with a body pillow to lean against if needed and one to put between my legs. I haven't had much pain with my valve repair, except for the shoulder pain and now back pain from not being able to either stretch or sleep on my back. Good luck in your recovery!
On March 12, 2010...
That's great Kat,
You have come along way.


Timothy
On March 12, 2010...
Hi Kathy
Your appetite has returned with a vengence. Reading your journal makes me hungry. Good to get out walking and getting back to some normal activities and at least you don't have to battle the weather. I would imagine your mom is really enjoying having you under her wing again so sit back and enjoy being pampered. One morning when I woke up I was on my stomach and when I realized that I booked a massage got myself a pampering. I also had to be able to walk up two flights of stairs but I managed and just really enjoyed myself. The girl was gentle and just laying there feeling the warmth and aromatherapy - well, heaven. Hopefully you'll be able to indulge yourself soon.

Nice to hear you are progressing so well. Cheryl, Ontario
On March 11, 2010...
PS I don't know what practice chanter means? Someone enlighten me.
Richard's wife, Susan
On March 11, 2010...
Hi Kathy, glad you are doing better. I read your journals and all that you write to others. It is all inspiring and enjoyable in many ways to read. My husband is a Richard also. I had to go back to work this week too and it is different as I had been with him since day of surgery 1/26. Yep, he is doing more for himself too and not getting as much, but I guess it is for the best and must happen.
Lots going on with others just beginning their journals into surgery-land, huh. This group has been the best.
Again, glad to see you are getting out to the finer places like Wally-World (that is what my dad used to call it too).
Richard's wife, Susan
On March 11, 2010...
Practice chanter? YAY!

Go Kathy!

Steven in Calgary
On March 10, 2010...
Hi Kathy
Must be tough for hubby to have to leave, guess he has to get back to work to help pay for the surgery. As you know, there is no price on health. What fun to have your mom with you. Sounds like she's a take charge person with the mall walking and all. Mom always knows best! Keep healing, glad your valve and heart are strong and hopefully that cough will be gone even sooner than the doctor predicted.
Fran Zilko
next