Cindy Wilson posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hi Rebecca:
So glad you can see the light of day through the toes - love that! The salt thing is definitely a hang up. Went back to your note in my guestbook on 9/4 and how you mentioned embarrassing moments. I was surprised by the nurses' responses when I tried to maintain some dignity with my husband. I didn't want him putting my bra on or to be standing naked in front of him with tubes and other stuff hanging out of my body and they told me to get over it. There are definitely times when I have to swallow the pride and let him do things, but do we need to be more embarrassed than we already are???
The bowel thing is another issue. I could not leave the hospital until I had a BM and they jammed everything possible into me to make it happen. My husband texted this info to most of my world and had a group cheering me on. Really!?!?! Its great to have a sense of humor about all this stuff. I'll be trying to work with more seasonings other than salt and will share any good recipes with you.
We are moving along! Lots of love to you and your family!

Susan Smith posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hi, Rebecca, just joined your circle of heart value buddies. My heart value issue is Aortic Stenosis. My story is 30 years in the making ( I am 72) and I am on a 6 month vigil with the Cardiologist. I am about to be sent to a surgeon, but I have been ordered to lose weight. I am 29 pounds down and working on more. I am hope this note finds you having better night sleeps and that the fluid is gone. I have been praying for you and your family as I too am a Christian and believe in the power of prayer. I will continue to follow your progress.

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Soo glad you are feeling better! I did not know mitral valve replacements tend to hold more fluid either, interesting! Hope the fluid continues to come off. Yes, that first outing is a doozy! Naps are good! Really hoping your day is filed with great things and a lot less fluid.

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca
So glad you visited doctor today. Good luck with next few days.
All the best

CIndy W posted a note for Rebecca that says: Its so slow going, isn't it? I didn't expect anything else but was hoping the progression would be faster. So great that you walked around the block! Way to go! Stay strong! We will get through this!

Aubrey posted a note for Rebecca that says: Keep up the good work and walking. We are think inning of you.

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca
Glad you are doing a bit better. Checking in with Ðoctor a great idea if nothing more than reassurance. Hope you have a good rest of the weekend. Best to you and your husband.

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Glad to hear from you! Was hoping you'd have lost more but we'll take it! Glad you can breathe easier! Hope you get a nap in, enjoy your day! Fingers crossed for more of a loss tomorrow!

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hey Girl, just wondering about you. I'm a little concerned since you haven't posted yet today. Really am concerned about your water retention. Hope you're ok! Prayers!

Cindy posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hi Rebecca.
Sorry to hear about the issues, especially the water weight. That has to making your breathing more laborious...and who needs that right now? Glad you got some sleep. Are you walking at all? What are the pain meds? I'm on oxycodone but I definitely need to add the Advil on occasion. Also, considering a massage - I'm thinking that it might relax the area and ease the breathing. Keeping you in my prayers for a speedy recovery!

Ernie B.S. posted a note for Rebecca that says: I hope you are healing well and lose that liquid you're retaining. You sure it's not chocolate cake? Glad you got some good sleep. I'm not looking forward to my sleep deprived nights.

Belinda Kuhrt posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hey Roomie, been praying for you everyday. Sorry I did not write sooner. So glad that the surgery is done and you are getting better. Love, Belinda

Jane Gillman posted a note for Rebecca that says: Here's my vote for the back massage :)

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: So glad you rested well, sounds like your husband is taking good care of you! Hope the diuretic works well for you! Here's to a better day!

Brian Walsh posted a note for Rebecca that says: Praise God for a good nights rest. Just caught up on your posts. Saw your message about Amiodarone, be careful. Yes A-Fib can make you feel weird and this is a drug that cannot be stopped too soon, so be sure to stick to doctor's orders on this one. When you are ready to come off of it, the doctor will do a step down (half tablet, every other day...).

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca
So glad you had a better night. I hope today goes better for you.

Debbie j posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hi Rebecca

Glad you got some sleep. Can I ask why you could not have mivs? Not sure if I am either. When I saw the surgeon last week I really thought he was going to tell me check back in 6 months so I took it all as why am I here, now I am filled with questions and his nurse is not very friendly so I am asking here. Also does everyone retain fluids after surgery? Thanks

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Am really glad to hear you have lost some. Sure hope you continue to get the water off. Will be anxious to hear how you are tomorrow. Rest well tonight! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca
So sorry to hear about fluid buildup. Glad you lost some fluid this morning. Good luck in getting this solved.

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: I'm so sorry you are not feeling well! I can't believe they didn't have you come in to be seen by your doc. They told me to call for weight gain of 3 Lbs in a day or 5 in a week. You must be miserable! I did have a fluid shift and dumped a lot of fluid 7 days post op but I did not have any weight gain, in fact I lost, mostly due to crappy hospital food! I will be praying for you! Also, don't be hard on yourself, just because we are nurses,it's different when you become the patient. Hugs! Sure hope you feel better soon! Don't hesitate to go to ER if your SOB gets worse! Better to be safe than sorry!

Leticia de la Rosa Creasey posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hello Rebecca, I have been reading your journal and feel inspired by you. I just moved to the Austin area and have found a cardiologist. That being said, I'm not very familiar with the medical community (heart docs) in the area. Sounds like you've had good care. When you get to feeling better could you share some of your thoughts on the heart valve facilities in this area. I have a bicuspid aortic heart valve with moderate stenosis. I'm praying for your quick recovery. Leticia

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hi Rebecca,
Yes, Afib can make you feel bad! Hope you get it under control soon, so you can get on with your healing. Recovery is a bumpy road, but you will get through it.
Godspeed,

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hey Rebecca
Featured patient, congratulations!
So glad you are eating and getting in walks. Keep up the good work.
All the best!

Brian Walsh posted a note for Rebecca that says: I empathize with you on the sleeping. It was the worst part to me during recovery. If I remember correctly took me about 2 weeks before I got to my bed. Recliner was ok for a short period, then couch worked for me for a little while. I tried propped up in the bed for a while too. None were as good as sleeping flat for me, but rotating them helped me to get through it till i felt I could lay down. Get whatever rest you can and keep the energy up during the day it will help you to sleep better. May need a massage or two when it is all past to loosen muscles back up after the rough nights. While I don't know you, I'll be praying for you along with the many others from here.

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Glad you had a better night! It takes a while to get that really good rest. I slept propped up too for quite a while, it's more difficult for us women to get comfortable with the girls! It was a couple months before I could lay on my side. Aw, hope you get the plumbing running! That can't be fun either! Hope you have a really great day!

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hang in there Rebecca! It can only get better from here on.....the big work is OVER!

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: So glad you are home! My first couple of nights were rough too! And for several weeks I woke up often at night! Hey now nurse, what would you do with a patient, take a pain pill! It's still pretty soon! I know, I cut back too but don't be tough! It will at least help you rest better at night and you'll feel better during the day, and it's ok to take a nap after lunch! You just had major surgery! Hope you have a better night tonight. Will check in on you tomorrow.

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca
Great, great news! Congratulations. It seemed you were just going into surgery. All the best.

Jane Gillman posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hi Rebecca,

Congrats on going home! It won't be long before you're strumming again!

Beccamgo1919@yahoo.com posted a note for Rebecca that says: Hi Gabi. Glad u are doing well. I got all the wires out. Just one IV in. I have been snippie with my daughter and almost with my husband. Like hormonal craziness.
I have had the flushing face and temp from the amiodarone. Maybe off that in few days.
Hang in there, Lady.

Gabrielle Stinson posted a note for Rebecca that says: Well done Rebecca! Glad it all over for you now just work on your recovery sending love & prayers of thanksgiving! Gabi

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca, we don't know each other, but you are in my prayers. Reading your journal will help me prepare for my own surgery, probably in February. I know the pain will be there, but the fear of the unknown is worse. Wishing you a speedy recovery! <3

Debbie Cross posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca,you have been in our prayers.Happy to hear how you are progressing!

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Sounds like you're doing great! You'll keep improving daily! My central line and pacer wires didnt come out until the day of discharge! I was very sleepy for he first week then napped in the afternoon after I came home. Walk a lot, tht really helps plus they gave me other exercises to do until rehab started, very helpful! You're on the mend now! Happy you're doing well!

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Keep up the good work, Rebecca. I hope you continue to see solid progress this weekend.
Best

Carol Foster posted a note for Rebecca that says: Happy to hear you are on the other side of this surgery thing and are starting the recovery aspect now! Best wishes! You got this! :)

gabrielle stinson posted a note for Rebecca that says: Great Amanda, please give Rebecca by very best wishes! Love Gabi x

Debbie cross posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca,so happy to hear you got your" cow valve" Praying all is well

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: PTL you did it! Now to recover! You can do this too! One day at a time! I'm so happy for you! Now time to be a good nurse and follow doctors orders! I hope they are taking good care of you. Word of advice, in coming days I would find myself tearful at times. Docs were concerned about depression of course. I really wasn't depressed, just really thankful to be alive! Sometimes it just hits you that you survived such a major surgery and it feels overwhelming-God still has plans for us! He allowed them to restart our heart! I hope your recovery is without complications and you're out cruising in that VW soon! So appreciate your daughter posting, you have so been on my mind all day! Can't wait to hear from you!

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Amanda
That is wonderful news. All the best to your mother, you, and everyone else during these next several days.

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Been thinking about you all morning! Im sure things are well underway! Praying! Sure everything is going well! By the time you read this it will be over and you will be in the recuperation stage! Look forward to hearing from you! You'll soon be feeling better!

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca
Thinking of you today. The purple gown will be the worst part of the day! I am trusting in the best outcome for your procedure.
All the best

Ernie posted a note for Rebecca that says: By the time you read this you'll be recuperating and I'll be jealous I'm still waiting. Go baby go!

Gabriele Stinson posted a note for Rebecca that says: My dearest Rebecca, I am thinking of you right now as it is 3.30pm here in Australia and I am guessing that where you are you will be undergoing your surgery for your tissue valve right about now. So I hold you up to the Lord with all the love in the world that the surgery will be a total success and your recovery will be very swift. I am asking for healing for your emotional state as well that you will have a calmness and be blessed with a positive feeling of wellness after all this. My I have not been receiving enough oxoygenated blood to my brain which caused many times I have been in a dark hole. Now since the surgery I am happy to say that I am in a good mood most of the time I dont have to work on it like I did before surgery. I wish the same for you Rebecca. Get someone to post for you if you can I want to know how you are feeling. Love Gabi x

Cindy posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca - my HV friend. I am right behind you - as you come out, I go in. You are right - we will get through this! By the way, found out today I gained 10 lbs since I scheduled the surgery date in June - yep, love that chocolate cake, too! It's OK, with all the energy we will have will kill those extra pounds. I hope someone will be updating your journal - would love to hear how you are progressing! Lots of love to you and your family!

Renee Radocaj posted a note for Rebecca that says: Thinking of you and your big day!! I promise by next week you will be a new woman! Hugs and blessings!

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Rebecca that says: Finally the waiting is over. Thats a relief! Now you can be in the moment, be present, be confident. It's amazing what these talented doctors can do! You will be over the hump very, very soon, on your way to recovery and this whole deal will be in the past!
Sending you hugs, prayers for strength and peace Rebecca, you rock!

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Good morning! I hope you had a restful night! Well, it's almost time. I know today will be filled with all kinds of emotions! Things I experienced, dropping my youngest son off at school telling him love you, wondering will I see him again. Enjoying spending time with my husband but not being able to eat because there was no appetite! Today will seem overwhelming, but you can do it! I have always tried to tell myself this, in 24 hours from now it will be over. We both know 24 hours goes very fast. You seem to have confidence in your physicians so you have to let go and let God! We know the best place to be is in Gods will and He has brought you to this point for some reason so we have to trust Him to get us through, and he will. Sometimes I would close my eyes and recite over and over, I can do all things through Chist who gives me strength! Please know I will be thinking about you and praying for you tomorrow! I look forward to hearing from you soon! Gods got this!

Jim Jones posted a note for Rebecca that says: Rebecca
You do know chocolate cake is a medicine, right??! Heck, have A Texas sized slice for breakfast tomorrow with ice cream. You have earned it! It is wonderful you are almost there. No more waiting! Have a great night and a great day tomorrow. Today's theme is "great"!

Laura West posted a note for Rebecca that says: Good Monday morning! Thinking about you this morning! Sounds like you had a great day, a new Beetle, think I'm a little jealous! I seriously understand your concerns about the vent and the pump. Those have always been my worst fears! I had no idea I was on the vent. In fact they told my family that I was doing very well and they hoped to extubate soon, they didn't let my family see me on the vent. I hope that happens for you. I do remember waking up soon after arriving in ICU but was very out of it the 24 hours in there. Good ole morphine! My one suggestion for you, I didn't want to be waving see you later to my family as I was taken to the OR and and i didnt want to have to be awake going into the OR and transferring to the table, so I talked to the anesthesiologist and he wrote orders for an IV with versed. However, the nurse did not follow orders and so all of that happened. The anesthesiologist was very sorry and kind and gave me something very quick. I don't know how you feel about that but that was very anxiety provoking for me and would not want you to experience the same if you can avoid it. I believe you are going to do great! You will be pretty sleepy the first 2 days, then you will nap off and on thereafter. Next thing you know they are sending you home! I trust you have a wonderful day today, prayer and hugs!