I have been watching for a good news report
from you. This one sounds pretty encouraging.
I recall you having your surgery about the same time I did so of course I compare notes.
Except for soreness at the right side of my sternum (maybe I have some wired ribs too) I really don't have much pain. I was glad to say goodbye to that. No one told me it might come back. I sure hope not!

Be good to yourself.If you are not well you will not function well at work so don't hurry things.

Mary Ann Marko

Good news from the surgeon.Patience is difficult. Besides, you now have time to practice getting up early for when you do go back to work.
Fran

Tim,
I'm sorry to hear about your latest bump in the recovery road. I know you are tough and will work your way through this newest challenge. My name is Mary, and you wrote a fantastic list for me to utilize while my son Danny was in the ICU. Your list was so thorough and helpful, I just had to write to thank you for taking all the time to share your experience with me. It helped me to get through one of the scariest times of my life. All of your suggestions really helped me to handle the situation with an element of control that I would not have had other wise. My oldest son's name is Tim, too, and so I feel another bond with you, as well. I wish I would have listened to your advice to REST more but it just didn't work out. I was awake for 28 hours when Danny was in the ICU which probably didn't help my nerves. I hope you get over this latest glich in your recovery and get on the road to good health. Thank you for helping me through a rough time. Mary James

Tim,

This does not sound like fun. I hope they'll fix it quickly and you can get back on the road to recovery.

Ricki

Hi Tim

Jeeze - that doesn't sound pleasant at all. Did the doctor say why your incision would open from the inside out? You would think something had to have gotten pulled or let loose. Obviously you are getting bored to hanging around but I guess you'll just have to kick back and try and relax some more. Try to keep the dressing dry and keep the sweat off of it if you can. Hopefully soon Tim you'll get the all clear to return to work.

Cheryl, Ontario

Darn it anyway. There is nothing certain in the recovery from heart surgery. It seems fraught with booby traps. You worry about one thing and another pops up.

I too had a wound infection. I had a warm pink lump I wanted the doctor to check and while I was in the waiting room it opened up and drained all over my shirt. My doctor immediately cultured drainage directly from the wound and put me on Keflex. Two days later she called saying the culture showed a bacteria not covered by Keflex and put me on Levaquin. by seven days it was pretty well cleared up. There was still a bump but it has since resolved itself. I had a yeast infection also but got medication for that and now think I am in the clear. I am seven weeks out and still find myself holding my breath for What else might show up.

It seems the complications I read about in the journal usually resolve themselves favorably and I sincerely hope yours will too. The good thing about this journal is we can tell it like it is and know what others are going through.

Try to keep thinking positively! And stay cool!
Mary Ann Marko, Sioux Falls SD

Tim,
Wow....it sounds awful....I would not want to look at it! I hope they fix this and you can then continue down the road of recovery.
Theresa C.

Hi Tim
can't say much else but BUMMER!
Fran

Good Morning Tim
Know your Wednesday visit will go well and you'll get the date to return to work. I see you have mixed feelings about that. Guess that's normal. Going back to work and your pre-surgery routine means you've gone on with life and are now living a healthy heart life. We who have had our surgeries and got through (even with our complications) are blessed with the medical technologies that are available to us. I know we have been able to help those who are backstage waiting.

I've used an in home INR machine for over a year. Wasted some strips in the begining with not putting a large enough drop of blood for the reading and would get an error message. I need to be between 2-3 and I'll go along on the same dose of coumadin with no real variations in diet, etc. and it will drop to 2-2.1 I don't like it that low, so increase my coumadin dose and it levels off. It's an inexact science but managable. Keep healing and know you are enjoying life, that's what it's all about. Happy 4th, wouldn't want to live anywhere else but the good old USA, even with all our problems.

Fran

Hi Tim

It's great to hear how well you are doing. Just think, you are far enough along to be able to enjoy a wonderful summer with your family. I hope you manage just that.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim,

Glad to hear all is going well on your recovery.. Just past 8 weeks on Wed myself, and I can tell you by the 8th week the sneezing does get easier.. I sneezed a few minutes ago, and thought to myself "that wasn't too bad" then I saw your post..

So hang in there for two more weeks..

Best wishes..

Mark

Keller, TX

Hi Tim,

I just passed my 7th week post op and it is so true, everyday is a little beter. I too am a little afraid to sneeze.

I'm not dealing with the PT/INR level, but have a friend who is on coumadin. Eventually it became stabilized and is now like second nature to her.

You're right, this journal is a great support system. Take care and quick healing.

Elaine

Hi Tim,
I liked what you wrote about how we all experienced different hospital protocol. It really is interesting. This morning I saw my cardiologist for the first time since being released from the hospital and we discussed the details of my surgery and why he felt like the approach we took was the best one for my circumstance. I had a mitral valve repair (could've been a replacement but I got lucky) and a full sternotomy. I asked about the smaller incision but in his words, "it was too big of a procedure to go through that small of a hole." I can hear the arguments for both sides but I'm glad I did what I did. I have had very few complications and the pain wasn't very bad, very controllable. I was also woken up very soon after my surgery, no sleeping for me. My surgery ended at 1:30 PM and they were bugging me a few hours later. I watched the Laker game at 5:00. So, you're right, there are many different approaches but we all seem to end up in the same place, new or repaired valves with a new lease on life. Glad to see you're doing so well.

Amanda F

Happy late Birthday to you also! I guess we got one of the best gifts someone could receive this year:) Thank you for the not you wrote in my guestbook. It really meant a lot. Prayers for your continued recovery,
Kimberly S.

Hi Tim

Don't change your eating habits too much but instead, make them work around your INR. It just takes a bit of patience - there's that word again. Mine was up and down quite a bit and then just seemed to even out.
Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim
Just to let you know. You don't need to worry about extra bruising or bleeding when the numbers are low. That concern happens when the numbers are high and the blood is "thin". It can be confusing at first and yes, diet and medication (antibiotics, etc) will affect your readings. My therapeutic range is between 2-3, because of a-fib, not my valve (bovine). Hang in there it'll work out soon. Happy belated birthday.
Fran

Hi Tim,

Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday! I am glad to hear you are doing well. We are a great big band of brother's and sister's. You have come a long way and just think how great you will feel a few months from now. You have a great support system at home and on here. Maybe one day our families can meet, I am in Ruffin only 30min. from GSO and work in GSO. I think are families hold a special bond, all of us here on HVJ do. I will continue to pray for your healing and recovery, keep up the great work and know that God is with you!

Melany

Tim,
So happy to hear about your progress. I too am so grateful to this site and everyone on it. Happy Birthday....mine is June 22...a great month...and this year I will celebrate with a renewed faith and thankfulness to be here..life is indeed good. Have an extra special celebration.
Theresa Callanan

Tim,

Yes, we are a Band of Brothers/Sisters going through such a unique experience. I used to check out Facebook and now I just come here. It's where my people are :)

xxoo,
Amanda F

Hi Tim

Misery loves company. You are right - we are a special knot of support to each other and I for one probably would not have done as well without HVJ to bounce things off. Wishing for your continued healing.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim
Happy early birthday. Isn't wonderful to know you're celebrating your birthday with a "new" Heart. Seems your recovery has gone well. You'll be so happy to use your home INR machine. I've had mine over a year and am so pleased with it. Sure does make life simpler. Continue to do well. We surely are a special group of people.
Fran

Timothy,

Hang in there. It's a slow process but you feel a little better every couple of days. I'm 50 and 14 weeks past my Aorta Valve replacement(Bovine), I feel good but I have to watch my limits. The pace of recovery was VERY hard for me to handle, but I'm getting better at it.

Wishing you a slow, steady, uneventful recovery.

Peace

Kevin Kimmel
Harleysville PA

Hello Tim,

It is so inspiring to read your story. God put tremendous spirit in man's weak bodies.

I am curious about your need for CPAP at this point.

May you recover to a long and healthy life,

Rooster (roster)
cpaptalk.com

Hi Tim,

I am new to this group. Seems like your doing very well. I hope you continue to feel well.

Sean

Hi Tim
Add 30 years to yours and that's me. So, do know what you mean about recovering. As I've told others, I used to judge my progress by the day and with some complications that wasn't always positive, so when my husband suggested we judge by the week instead, it made all the difference. Try that, it will make you feel better. Listen to your body, you need to push but not push too much or you get a setback. Keep up the good work. Prayers continue for you.
Fran

Hi Tim
I've always said as rough as our valve surgeries are, we have been blessed because we have a huge fighting chance of coming out the other end better than when we started. Never hurts to be reminded. Thanks.

Cheryl, Ontario

Yes, we all need to be reminded that this heart surgery has been a piece of cake compared to what others have gone through and are facing. It is our human nature to gripe and sometimes we need a kick in the you know what to get it done, but we heart valvers are a strong bunch. Keep healing.
Fran Z

Hi Tim
Please don't feel guilty about the handicapped permit. They are available for a reason and you need one. Am sure once you no longer need it, you won't use it. Am amazed you are already driving? Turning the wheel doesn't bother you too much apparently. Please pace
yourself, overdoing and pushing may set you back and then your recovery will be even longer.
Fran Z

Hi Tim

Recovery seems to come when it pleases and not a minute before. Being alone can be a little boring. I was lucky in that my husband was able to stop work and come and do a walk with me and it gave me the reassurance I felt I needed in knowing someone was there "just in case". Try and be patient and give it time - it will come. I believe the doctor is right in saying you'll feel great in 4-6 weeks but the long term recovery is what is taking place within your body. Hang in there.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim
You've learned what we all have had to learn and that is that recovery takes time and it's somewhat different for each of us. Day at a time and then at some point I went to a week at a time because there were too many ups and downs for the daily rating. The doctors really know what they're talking about. Glad you are resting when you can. Napping was a problem for me, but I did rest. Baby steps, you'll get there don't be too impatient with yourself.
Fran Z

Hi Tim!

Loved reading about your surgical experience . . . mirrors mine quite well except the pump through the groin (mine is a hole below my sternum which, unfortunately, is still oozing a bit) and the thrush. Yuck!! I, too, was told they were giving me something to take the edge off and the next thing I knew the nurses were trying to wake me.

Now that you're home, how are you doing? I feel very good but I'm tired, especially when I walk. I'm sure that will get better in time. I have an appointment with my internist tomorrow and my cardiologist in a couple of weeks. I hope they'll give me good reports.

Hope everything is well with you.
Ricki

Hi Tim

That was different by-passing through the groin and I could only imagine the added pain. Your sense of humor is in tact and that will help get you through these next few weeks. Wishing you well. Be a good patient.

Cheryl, Ontario

Well, it will all fade to a distant memory after awhile and in recalling the experience I found it was not as difficult as it really was at the time. Remember, I have a journal that was written for me while I was hospitalized so it's all there in black and white. Do the doctors think you will lose some of the heart enlargement you have as you make a full recovery? Enjoy life. We've been given a second chance.
Fran Z

Hi Tim

Would you believe anything could ever be such an emotional trial as well as physical? I'm glad you are home and on your road to recovery so I'll pray it's a smooth one. Good luck.

Cheryl, Ontario

Tim,

The hardest part is behind you. Enjoy your time at home, and happy healing...

Mark
Keller, TX

Hi Tim:

Glad to hear that you're at home. It sounds like things are going pretty good. I have been keeping everyone posted here in the office when I receive an update from you.

Why do you need a "new valve" on Friday, I don't understand???!!!!

good Afternoon Tim
Now that the real healing will begin. As they say "there's no place like home". Your own bed, surroundings and even overly active pets. Hope you'll manage to keep them away from that site!!1
Fran Z

Tim,
I'm glad you're home and starting to recover. The most intense pain you ever experienced? Hopefully it is just a memory soon.
Patrick in STL

Tim,

Wishing you a speedy rcovery.

Elaine

Hi Tim

You have strong determination so I see you healing really quickly. Walking is key along with your spirometer so hope you're using that a lot as well. Your wife has been through a lot as well, so how's she handling things? Wishing you both well.

Cheryl, Ontario

Glad you're doing so well. Am 2 plus months into my recovery and used to judge my progress by the day, but there were too many ups and downs so my husband in his wisdom said we should judge by the week. If each week is better than the previous one that's a blessing. And you know what, even with having to have fluid removed from my lungs twice and a few other issues, each week is better. Something to think about. Keep up the good work.
Fran Z

Hi. Tim!

I think you're right on schedule. You're trailing me by about 18 hours and I started to feel like myself yesterday. But I still have moments that are better than others. I'm finding toradol to be my best pain med that keeps me comfortable and mobile.

The worst is over and now we relax and heal!

Ricki

Hi Tim

Glad to hear you're "done". Wishing you good luck on a speedy recovery.

Cheryl, Ontario

Glad to hear it is behind you Tim...

It gets easier everyday, so walk and use your spirometer...

Mark
Keller, TX

Tim,
So glad surgery is over and you are now on the road to recovery. I hope recovery is non-eventful and you are soon home posting in your journal.
Theresa Callanan

Thanks for the update, prayers have been answered. Don't worry, you have it all behind you now. Now comes the recovery part, walking and spirometer, your two best activities.
Fran z

Hi Tim

Hope you and your wife both kicked the flu in time for your testing and surgery. I'm assuming as you didn't post Friday or today that everything was a go. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hope all is well, have been praying for you. Will wait for an excellent update!
Fran Z

Just wanted to say that you have been in my thoughts and prayers throughout the day.

Wendy

Tim & Jennifer

It's Thurs. night and I'm just now checking my emails, but you've been in my prayers all day long.
You are in God's hands, enough said.

Love Cindy K