Good Morning Kimberly
Just read some of your guestbook letters. You have so many people who love and care about you. In the end you have to face this alone, but having this circle of love and prayers will help you as you make this journey of heart surgery. Next week at this time you will be home and amazed that it wasn't as bad as you might have thought. I'm assuming your children are not too young if they're able to visit you in the hospital? Hope someone will prepare them for how you'll look (depending on how far post op they come). They will be your impetus for getting home and on to healing. Prayers for you.
Fran Z
On May 31, 2010...
Will see you Thursday my sweet daughter. Can't wait for you to be well again. It has been a long time coming.
Will bring your robe and plenty of magazines and books.
With all of your family, old and new friends praying for you, everything will go as planned and you will be up and living the life you deserve before you know it.
Love you,
Mom ♥
On May 31, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
I know exactly what you are feeling. My daughter would not stay with Nana the night before my 1st surgery, so she got to go with me the next morning. My son did stay with her and I cried all the way home. I only hope that God will put peace in your heart as he did mine the morning of surgey. I woke up completely calm and ready, knowing I was going to be ok. The toughest part for me now, that I have a chest incision, is not being able to rock them to sleep. But they both have a great sense of my pain and love to lay thier heads on my lap and say I love you. My prayers are with you and know that if you ever need anyone to talk with, I am here.
Melany
On May 31, 2010...
Kimberly,
Wish I were there to paint your toenails for you. Maybe your guy can do it when the nurses give you the green light. In some hospitals, they have an outside service come in for cosmetic assistance. I think it's mainly for hair washing and things; I think I was just WISHING they would offer mani/pedis. How great would that be though??? Business idea...
Hang in there re the pain on the other side. I woke up to a chest tube pounded through my sternum and they weren't giving me morphine. I survived it and I, admittedly, have no pain tolerance. When I went into labor and the contractions weren't even 10 minutes apart, I was already screaming for an epidural. I'm sure you're a lot tougher than me.
I'll be thinking of you all week. Your already on my mind. I keep wondering how you're doing, if you're all packed and ready to roll, are you eating, or are you celebrating that there is a fix to our silly leaky mitral valve? Anyway, I am thinking of ya.
Your Sis in Heart,
Amanda
On May 31, 2010...
Hey,baby valium is a good thing,It is what I have before dental work and it will definatly help relax you.Grandmommy and Ashley and I are going to put about 7 meals in your and Davids freezer,when do you think you think you will be home?I figure I will come visit then and bring them. You are on the Prayer list here and all will be praying for you Thursday.I'm supposed to text them as soon as you go into surgery(even prayer Chains have gone electric). See you Thurs A.M. love you. C.
On May 31, 2010...
Dear Kimberly,
Wanted to post to you today, just in case I don't get the time tomorrow before heading to the hospital. Good luck on Thursday, I will be thinking of you. You'll do fine, as I know I will too. We both will be dancing around the nurses station.
God Bless,
Diana
On May 30, 2010...
Kimberly,
Just wanted you to know, I am thinking of you. Good luck on your surgery...remember there will be a lot of prayers being said for you. You will be fine and soon reporting on your recovery.
Theresa Callanan
On May 30, 2010...
Hi Kimberly! I've been thinking of you a lot lately and wanted to wish you well for your big day this week. Just read through your recent entries to get caught up...I too had bad dreams before the surgery, but they subsided as the surgery date got closer. You may well do the same...
I did notice your question about the sports bra. Very Good Question. I had trouble with any type of bra when I came home. The pull over type are no good. You won't be able to get your right arm up over your head at first. I ended up buying several very inexpensive cotton bras at Kmart with no padding or underwire that were 2 or 3 sizes too large to help me through the first 2 or 3 weeks at home. Those worked better for me than the sports bras. With the robotic surgery you will have a fair amount of swelling in your right breast for the first month. I actually still have some numbness there, and it's been 3 months! I also had fluid around my waist, so I wore a lot of sweat pants and sweat suits those first weeks at home. Gee, it seems so long ago as I write about here--but it was truly only a few months. How quickly we forget!
I will be thinking of you this week. I'm off to New York to visit my son and daughter-in-law but will be checking on you as soon as I return. God be with you and your family.
Warmest Wishes,
Amy Machtay
Raleigh, NC
On May 29, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
My surgery wasn't minimally invasive but just to weigh in on the bra issue - I was advised to buy an all cotton bra that was a size larger in girth with cotton banding. No freebies at my hospital. As Fran mentioned, you will be full of fluid so something that isn't tight will help. Like you say though, you're going to play this one by ear.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 29, 2010...
Kimberly,
Hope you are still in that nice state of calm you described. How are the valium working out? I have only had them once and it was before one of my many surgeries. Looooved them.
I've talked to so many people in the medical field as my number one concern is the pain that's waiting for me on the other side, and their advice is be relaxed and positive going into this. Sounds impossible but there are many members on here that achieved that moment of tranquility. I know you can do it too. I think between me and you, our bodies have already freaked out enough :)
I've been thinking about you all the time. I know you're going to do great and can't wait until you and I are sharing our war stories.
Love your Cali sister,
Amanda
On May 28, 2010...
Hi Kimberley!
I didn't try a bra until I got discharged on Wednesday. Then I tried a surgical bra the Cleveland Clinic provided. It lasted until I got to my hotel room and went instantly into the garbage. It was so uncomfortable.
And even though I didn't go braless in the 60s because I've always needed support, my plan is not to wear one until my scar has healed. Comfort above all else!
Let us know what you decide. (I don't think there is one right answer to this!)
Ricki
On May 28, 2010...
Good Morning Kimerbly,
Yes, we will be "partners" in crime and at the hospital at the same time. I surely will be thinking of you.
My surgeon told me that they will be putting on a surgical bra on me right after surgery. I will wake up with it on. He said that it will zipper in the front and helps with any pulling that I might experience. The plan is that I will have the minimally invasive too. Maybe something you should run by your surgeon. Also, they told me that they use "glue" on my incision, so if anything lays on it, the glue minimizes the discomfort.
Diana
On May 28, 2010...
Hi Kim,
After my first surgery, the minimally invasive one, I didn't wear a bra in the beginning. After about a week, I wore a sports bra without the underwire and found that it helped. It was a little uncomfortable at first, but I found that if I put a few 4x4's to pad the incision, I could wear it fine. Hope this helps.
Melanh
On May 27, 2010...
Kim,
I had minimally invasive surgery with the incision under the right breast. I did not wear a bra in the beginning, because the incision was sore and I did not want to irritate it more. As I began to heal, I wore a bra only when I went out, and I did not wear an underwire one. Hope this helps you
Theresa Callanan
On May 27, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
Things are slowly coming together for you. So many of us have said the same thing that as the patient gets closer to the surgery they seem to enter a calm phase. I guess that's just acceptance. You are going to be fine Kimberly, so just keep that in the forefront.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 27, 2010...
Kimberly,
So glad the big day is almost here. Now you can get the surgery over with, and get on with the rest of your life. Can not wait to hear everything went well and you are in recovery.
Good luck,
Theresa Callanan
On May 25, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
I'm glad the doctor did keep checking on you because that could have been serious. Obviously you must take pain pretty well so now I can only imagine how bad your dry socket was. You're a champ at getting beaten up and you haven't even entered for the big one yet! Take care.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 25, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
Wow, you sure do look like Popeye! Sure hope its feeling better today. When they did my Cat Scan is was soon after my Heart Cath, so they decided not to do the dye when they did my Cat Scan. Too much dye in your system, I was told, is not good for your kidneys. Was fine with me, especially since they could get the same results without the dye.
The Pre-op tests are a breeze. No biggie there.
All my best,
Diana
On May 25, 2010...
Dear Kimberly
Know you are being tested before your actual surgery so your post op will be a breeze!! I assume they were still able to get enough info on the test before the incident? June 3rd cannot come fast enough for you, am sure.
Fran Z
On May 24, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
Thanks for your note in my guestbook. When you see your doctor at the hospital, you might ask if at all possible for them to keep you under until that tube comes out. Very few of us here have been awake while it was still in. I know I wasn't awake for it all. Do make sure hubby keeps your lips moist with vaseline or chapstick when he visits you in ICU because it will help alleviate some of the discomfort.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 24, 2010...
Good Morning Kimberly
I personally downloaded the relation/ guided imagery tapes that were made available to me thru the Cleveland Clinic where i had my surgery in March. Several people have used "Prepare For Surgery, Heal Faster" by Peggy Huddleston. It comes with 2 cd's also. I assume any large book store would have it or even Amazon.com. Let me know if you purchased and used it. Don't be terrified about the breathing tube. I remember being frustrated as I tried to communicate with my family while the tube was in. I barely remember it being removed, no pain and it was over very quickly. Didn't think it was a big deal. Had been told prior to surgery that the staff sometimes has to restrain hands as people try to remove it on their own and I was determined not to be one of those people and I wasn't. Put that thought in the back of your mind. Hope the dry socket and pain has improved greatly.
Fran Z
On May 24, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
I'm just like you in that I worry a lot too. I'm not too concerned about the surgery as much as I'm terrified about the breathing tube. I'm 9 days from my surgery, Hopefully! I've been postponed twice now, so who knows. I know that I will be relieved when its all over with and I can get to the task of healing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diana
On May 23, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
I can't say don't worry but I will say try not to focus on the worry. Try and keep focused on your preparations for home, office and hospital. Maybe be worried about not being prepared! The trick is keeping your mind busy. Those guided imaging cd's that Fran talks about are a great idea.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 23, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
I can't believe you only have 11 more days!! You are going to be over and done with this in no time! In two weeks, you'll be taking laps around the nurse's station and setting records on the spirometer :)
Maybe this will help you too: About 4 days ago I finally calmed down. It dawned on me that this surgery was going to actually help me and the doctors were very good at it. How great is that? And I finally realized all the worry about the pain was ridiculous, no way could the pain be worth all the angst I was going through. Since then, I've been very relaxed about everything. I think it's important to figure out how to go into the operating room relaxed and calm. I'm not sure how many people can actually do it but that's my goal.
Keep me posted re what goes on with you tomorrow.
Your heart sister,
Amanda
On May 23, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
Have you been able to get hold of some relaxation/guided imagery tapes to use? They will be so beneficial in helping you the next 11 days to be calmer.The calmer you are going into surgery the better you'll do and the better your recovery will be. Hope your mouth is much better.
Fran Z
On May 23, 2010...
Everything will be fine! You have have such a great support group. Hope your mouth is doing much better. Let me know when you want to skype.
Love ya,
Mom ♥
On May 23, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
It is not crazy to worry a little...just make most your thoughts positive ones. Pretty soon you will be done and on the road to recovery. Good luck and we will be praying for you.
Theresa Callanan
On May 21, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
This tooth thing is ridiculous!! I'm so sorry you have to deal with it right now. Poor thing not eating for 2 weeks. I hope that gets better soon.
You sound really good right now, even with your silly tooth. I've been at stays in the hospital before but I've never had a chance to prepare a bag. I do remember wishing I had something around the bottom region for walks, my own shampoo/cream rinse for that first awesome shower, and a lap top. I remember my brother left his for me but put it on the other side of the room so if I wanted to use it, I'd have to walk over to it. That was brotherly love in disguise.
To answer your question, yeah, I'm definitely calmer about impending surgery. I just realized it's the first surgery I've ever had that's actually going to make me feel better and even save my life!! And additionally, there is something wrong with me and thank God there is something they can do that can fix it. With that, I am moving forward in a better direction. I did need to freak out and cry, but it's all part of the process. Now I'm working on how to relax myself for surgery and prepare my body as best I can.
Keep me posted on your tooth.
Your Cali Sister,
Amanda
On May 20, 2010...
HI KIMBERLY
My list (for DH's surgery) looked like this. You should know I am compulsivly organized.
1. Hair cuts for everyone extra short for DH
2. Child/animal care arrangements for 5-6 days
3. Schedule house cleaning service for just prior to DH return from hospital and then every two weeks.
4. Purchased recliner and have area supplied with a table that includes phone, pen/paper, a bell (short term! lol), remote controls, playstation controls books, pillow and blanket
5. Have Dh clean garage out
6. Finalize wills
7. Have cash on hand for emergencies
8. Stock pile supplies,toilet paper/paper towels, groceries, dog food etc.
9. Pack a small bag for the hospital.
On May 20, 2010...
Hi Again Kimberly
If you look at my journal page you'll see a list of some extra things that I packed for the hospital and why I wanted them. You'll be out of bed faster than you can blink and if you don't want to be giving a peep show, you will definitely need a front closing gown of some sort and slippers. Try and take a peek if you can find my page.
It's never a silly thing to get planned for the future whether it's because of surgery or just because you have the time. Letters - absolutely if you feel you have something you want to say. It can be very emotional doing this at this time but is this something you would want the kids or someone to have. Take care of those you love and tidy up the paperwork. Keep busy and be productive at the same time.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 20, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
You do not need a whole lot, and Diana's suggestions pretty much cover it. Once I had my Foley removed I added pajama bottoms, but kept the hospital gown for my top.
Every Dr. and nurse that comes in will want to look at your incision and you have a full time monitor with ekg leads which fits into the pocket on your hospital gown just right..
Take care..
Mark
On May 20, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
I packed in my bag, a robe, slip free slippers, chapstick, lotion, a pad and pen, socks, underwear and PJ's for when I start walking around. Also, flushable wipes, I have some hand held games, my cell phone and charger, I packed my own toothpaste and mouthwash, toothbrush, and brush for my hair. Everybody recommended stretch pants for when you go home because they pump you full of fluids and so you are bloated. Can't really think of anything else. If I do, I will pass it on to you.
Sounds like you have things under control.
All my best,
Diana
On May 20, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
Suggest you should start working on your list as if the surgery will happen. It'll give you something positive to do and fill your time and when surgery does occur as scheduled (I pray), you'll be ready.
Fran Z
On May 20, 2010...
Hi Kimberly,
You'll do fine. Just get your dry socket fixed right now so that its good by the time surgery gets here. I had an infection at the cath site on my wrist, and cut it close for my surgery, but now that the surgery has been postponed for 2 more weeks, it will be all better by that time. So, guess its a blessing in disguise. I made a list and checked things off as I got them done. 2 weeks will go in no time.
Diana
On May 20, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
Hope your mouth is just even a wee bit improved today. Does he have you rinsing with salt water or anything like that? Maybe that's an old wive's tale but it helped me.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 19, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
The roadblocks we run up against are just put there to try our patience but hopefully in the end we fight back with determination to not let these things get us down. When we are working and are having to take down time in order to go through a medical procedure, or anything for that matter, it's a tough decision to have to make but in the end, you have to be better in order to continue working so what choice do you have? You have to feel good though about getting the dental work done finally. You are going to be a new lady, inside and out! Slow down and smell the roses and give someone else a big hug.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 19, 2010...
Good Morning Kimberly,
Sure hope your feeling a lot better today. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana
On May 18, 2010...
Hope the packing and the vicodan works so you can get some rest and relief of pain. Hang in there--prayers for you.
Fran Z
On May 18, 2010...
Kimberly,
Your note for me in my guestbook made me cry. We are sisters going through this together!! You might be the trail-blazer but I, and so many people on here, will be with you.
I feel your fear, as you know, but want you to know they will not let you wake up. As long as you let them know beforehand, the anesthesiologist will keep you nice and sedated. That is their job.
I will write more later. Just wanted to let you know your note you left me made me feel so good.
Amanda
PS I lived in Kentucky from 96-99 so we were once neighbors :)
On May 17, 2010...
This will all work out, you've been through so much, just hang in there. When we are in the midst of turmoil it seems endless and later we wonder how we managed. But, time has a way of solving even the worst of problems. Your mouth pain will go away and your boss's family situation will improve. Keep the faith and take a deep breath. Prayers to you.
Fran Z
On May 17, 2010...
Praying for you Kim....I'm actually studying about the anatomy of the heart and the valves while you are going thru this...I have a better idea whats happening to you and what they plan to do...Keep smiling ( even though it hurts...lol) I'm blessed to be yours and David's friend!!!! Will keep you both close in prayer... :-))))))
On May 17, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
Thank you for taking the time to write in my guestbook. You are just so busy yourself right now. I've had dry socket after having my wisdom teeth out and that is no picnic. I did everything right but still, I suffered for sometime with it. Hopefully your doctor will have some magic cure that will help alleviate the pain.
You have a lot on your plate and obviously your boss has even more on his right now considering the fact he knows you are going to be off work soon for a while and now his wife is suffering as well. We think we have things bad until we hear someone else's story as there is always something worse than what we are going through ourselves. I'll add her to my prayers because she certainly needs some healing as well.
You are under a mountain of stress right now and are obviously keeping pretty busy. Take a deep breath and here's a big hug in the meantime.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 17, 2010...
Your positive attitude and apparently endless optimism is astounding. I admire you and am proud to know such a strong woman. My thoughts are with you always. I love your journal. Give David a hug. Love, Karen
On May 17, 2010...
Glad your are mostly finished at the Dentist. Hope the pain goes away quickly. You are always in our prayers. Loveya Max & Carol
On May 17, 2010...
Ouch! Hope you get some relief quickly. Think about and praying for you all the time.
Love ya,
Mom ♥
On May 17, 2010...
Adding your boss and his family to my prayers today. Love you, girl!
On May 17, 2010...
Good Morning Kimberly
Thanks for stopping by and signing my guestbook. Yes, I've been where you are at now. Now its just a few days away. Lots and lots of emotions. I will follow your progress and wish you all the best, too.
Diana
On May 15, 2010...
Hi Kimberly
I just want to commend you on your last journal enry in that you are sounding pretty accepting and getting yourself into the right frame of mind to get this over with. You have no idea how well that is going to work for you because you just can't afford to let yourself slip into a void of the "woe me's". After surgery it is going to take all your resolve to get up each day and put one foot in front of the other. Keep the faith Kimberly. I sense you will go through this very well.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 15, 2010...
I'm so glad you are one step closer to the big day. I know how hard this has been on you and your love ones each year.
I can't wait until we can have one of our marathon shopping trips again. I probably won't be able to keep up with you.
Still waiting to see a chipmunk cheeks picture.:)
Love you my first born,
Mom ♥
On May 15, 2010...
Kimberly,
I am glad to hear the dental work is over...wisdom teeth removal is no piece of cake. I can still remember mine over 30 yrs. ago. Now on to the next step...you will be thrilled when it is over and you "CAN" do all the things that you listed in your journal. I am a couple of months past my surgery and can not believe how well I feel....it is funny when I look back and think how tired I was..I thought that was just me at the time...I did not know how much of life I was missing. I will be praying for you...you will be fine...just envision yourself...surgery complete..and recovering...it will happen!!!
Good Luck,
Theresa Callanan
Just read some of your guestbook letters. You have so many people who love and care about you. In the end you have to face this alone, but having this circle of love and prayers will help you as you make this journey of heart surgery. Next week at this time you will be home and amazed that it wasn't as bad as you might have thought. I'm assuming your children are not too young if they're able to visit you in the hospital? Hope someone will prepare them for how you'll look (depending on how far post op they come). They will be your impetus for getting home and on to healing. Prayers for you.
Fran Z