Oh no, could it be food poisening? I'm praying that both you and your wife are feeling much, much better by noon so things can go ahead. Will be checking on your journal later in the day and hopefully there will be a positive posting.
Good luck. Get well!
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 20, 2010...
Tim,
Wishing you the best of luck and hope you and your wife are feeling better soon!
Kimberly S.
Greenville, NC
On May 19, 2010...
Hi Tim
Good luck on your pre-testing and surgery. Hopefully your wife will be able to get back to us with an update. Hang in there.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 19, 2010...
Hi Tim
You will do well. You've chosen your hospital and surgeon and they are the experts. They've done it hundreds of times before, so try to relax and let them do their thing. Will wait for the update that all is well. Prayers to you.
Fran Z
On May 15, 2010...
Hi Tim
Your two months do seem to have flown by and I'm glad to see you are becomming one with the surgery that is in store for you. The HVJ no doubt has been a wealth of information which is really helpful mentally to help give you the confidence you now have. How is Jennifer handling things? I know as your wife she has to be pretty frightened as well so I hope she can find some support here as well. The patients seem to fair better mentally than do the spouses and loved ones. Try and keep focused on how well you are going to be post-surgery. I'm praying for you and your family.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 15, 2010...
Good Morning Tim
The type of preparation one has to do prior to surgery varies between the men and women. Of course, the working women have the same issues. But, you know it'll all be worth it when you have a healed heart and this is all behind you. This time next week you'll be on your way to recovery.
Fran Z
On May 14, 2010...
Tim,
Just wanted to say that I will be praying for you. Thank you for keeping us updated on your Journal. Loved to hear how you are breaking down to wear the Duke shirts. I might find that a little hard myself. :-)
Rest in the fact that so many will be praying for you.
Wendy (Neal) Mahaney
On May 7, 2010...
Hey bubba,
I know what it is like to be counting down the days to surgery. We both know that I am usually the one facing surgery but we are switching seats this time. Always remember that God's hands are guiding the doctors hands and everyone else involved. While I know it is a scary time for you and Jennifer remember that we all are hear to lift you both up in prayers and to support you and your family. My only advice is don't ask for a dr. pepper as soon as surgery is over or ask mom and dad to quit singing Christmas carols to you, like I did (lol). The hardest part after surgery is waking up and realizing how much pain you are in. Use the pain medicine that the doctors prescribe and do exactly what they tell you and you will do great. Keep the faith and pray for peace leading up to surgery. I love you!!
Your sister,
Joy
On May 1, 2010...
Hi Tim
Everyone is entitled to a bad day, better to vent than hold it all in. Your emotions will be all over the place before your surgery (and afterwards, too). It's a good thing.
Fran Z
On April 24, 2010...
Hi Tim,
I know the feeling of counting the days to surgery. At times, I wish I could wake up and the surgery was already over.
I guess what we are going through now is what everyone who already has had surgery has gone through. But it is still frightening.
Try to stay calm. Now all I have to do is take the same advice.
Elaine
On April 24, 2010...
Tim:
After reading Adam's book,I was also worried about the pain. But in my surgery, I found out that the hospitals know a lot about dealing with pain management, and give you what you need, when you need it. And your doctor will prescribe appropriate pain relievers for use at home.
Everyone is different in how much pain they feel and what pain reievers they need, but your nurses and doctors will be on top of it.
In my case, after my third day out of intensive care, I asked to be taken off percocet and just have a couple tylenol, which worked just fine, and nothing after I went home.
I'm confident you will do just fine and wish you the best!
Jim Patrick in Tucson
On April 24, 2010...
Hi Tim
After I read your description of how you might feel after the surgery it gave me the shivers and I felt compelled to write and remind you not to worry overly much about the pain part of it. I believe that is one of the huge fears with all of us is how we are going to be able to handle what MUST be horrendous pain but if you really are reading all of the journals the pain becomes such a very small part of what is happening. Most of us are stressing about the downtime and the recovery process.
I'm not saying there isn't pain but when the pain is at it's worst you are pretty much out of it. You'll probably remember very little of the pain part. With the drugs the pain becomes very manageable and it very soon becomes pain and not horrendous pain and then works down to discomfort. Laying still you are fine and then when you go to move you get a reminder, oh yeah, I've got a huge gash on my chest and it hurts somewhat when I change positions.
I went to the Cleveland Clinic website as suggeseted by Carla below and listened to those guided imagining sessions and I think they are a great relaxation tool. I strongly suggest to anyone going through the surgery or even just a stressful time, to download those sessions because they'll work to reduce the stress levels. I hope you check it out.
I know you know you'll be okay and are just writing down your feelings and in the end you'll handle things just fine. When I was going through it, even though I watched the operation videos several times I think I put myself in a position of "this was happening to someone else and not me". I tried to stay detached from thinking "holy crap, this is ME and this is scary stuff".
Just trying to give you a little pat on the back and tell you that you will be fine. Having been through childbirth us mothers have a leg up on you guys.
Have a great weekend.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 23, 2010...
Hi,I live in Stokesdale,NC and am also a patient of Dr.Varanasi.I have moderate Aortic stenosis and an Aortic aneurysm.I wanted to ask if you even considered having surgery at Cone? I wish you all the best with your surgery and look forward to reading your journal.Thanks! Betty Corns bcorns1@live.com
On April 21, 2010...
Hi Tim,
I had a re-repair of my mitral valve last Thursday, April 15th at Cleveland Clinic. My surgeon was Tomislav Mihaljevic...a wonderful gifted surgeon, easy to talk to, outgoing and even came to see me every day but Sunday while I was in the hospital. I was discharged yesterday. 1st time around my repair was done at CC in '98. My valve disease progressed and now 12 years later here I am in CC again. But God is so good...a re-repair was accomplished and even though I had the full blown incision this time (about 8 in)I don't think it was as pain full as the mini-sternotomy in '98 (about 3 in).
The most important thing I can say is rely on the Lord...don't worry but pray about everything and anything...trust...be strong and courageous and don't fret and fear because the Lord will be with you wherever you and whatever you go through!
I think I saw somewhere you were wondering about CC guided imagery CDs. To download the adio files type this web address into your browser:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/videos/guided_imagery.aspx
username is guidedimagery and the password is imagery.
God bless!
Carla Hansen
blessed by a new heart a 2nd time!
On April 21, 2010...
Hi Tim!
Thanks for dropping by my Guestbook yesterday. I know what you mean about training co-workers for your absence. I'm pretty lucky because May 15 - August 15 is pretty quiet for me (I work at a university) so much of what I'd do this summer can be put-off til I return. I do have several crazy busy periods each year and I'm in one now, which is taxing my very limited resources of energy and brain power. Other than shortness of breath and being tired all the time, my main symptom has been fuzzy headedness. I just can't think like I used to. That better change after surgery!
Ricki
On April 20, 2010...
Hi Tim
I was pretty physically active up until last year and I remember asking the doctor how I'd know it's time and he just answered "you'll know". Even though the scientific evidence was there, the physical evidence only just became apparent because I found I was huffing and puffing much more and everything was a chore. You become so used to your abilities and as the progression most often is slow, you yourself don't notice that you are compensating in different ways to make up the difference. The pressure on my chest started to really take hold and that is the symptom I found the worst.
You talk about your health care there in the States but most of us Canadians are so glad to not have your system. In Ontario we pay for our hospital/doctor care through our taxes at tax time. There was a time we were billed every so many months and over the years variouis things have changed so now it's done in such a way we don't even notice it and it's not all that much either. I would have been able to see a doctor anywhere in my province if I so chose but I chose to stick close to home which was Toronto. I only ended up paying a total of $115 which covered my phone and TV. My husband and I carry a private plan to help co-pay drugs, physio etc. but that is our choice. there is no such thing here as even being able to go to a private hospital because there aren't any. At age 65 most of our seniors' drugs are covered. I suppose it's all what you are used to. Does that health plan you were talking about also cover your drugs or is it strictly hospital and you pay your own drugs? Anyway, I'm glad you have the plan you do and don't have to worry about the bills.
Take care.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 19, 2010...
Hi Tim!
I'm having surgery the day before you . . . too bad we won't be at the same place. (I'll be in Cleveland.)
I feel the same way you do. I'm anxious to get this over with. I'm not scared of the surgery but I'm apprehensive about some of the procedures - catheterization, intubation, and so on. The only surgery I've ever had was my tonsils at 4 . . . so I have no experience with any of this.
And I'm trying to get ready to be a patient patient . . . not in my nature but from reading everyone's journals, a necessity. The good thing is this is the "perfect" time for this . . . I work at a university and May - August is my quiet time. I just better be ready to go August 15th when the fall semester roller coaster takes off!
Keep posting!!
Ricki
On April 18, 2010...
Hi Tim,
Thank you for your good wishes.
My surgery will be at the Univ. of PA. Have you decided on a tissue or mechanical valve?
Wishing you the best. Take care.
Elaine
On April 18, 2010...
Hi Tim,
The recovery is a little tougher than the fine print say's, but you will be feeling better for sure.
HAPPY BOATING
CAPTAIN BILL
On April 15, 2010...
Tim,
I can understand your post about insurance benefits. It is the same where my husband works. We have to pay more each year and also have higher co-pays. I remember posting on my journal how happy I am that I could choose the surgeon and hospital that I felt comfortable. I can not imagine after the health care bill takes effect....patients being told where to go and when they can have surgery. I felt more at peace having a choice and making the best decision for myself.
Good luck,
Theresa Callanan
On April 14, 2010...
Hello Tim,
I hope and pray that all goes well with your surgery. I will keep in touch while I am out of town. God will take good care of you I am sure. If Jennifer needs my help to keep you straight tell her to call me.
Love & prayers your favorite Hooker!!!
On April 13, 2010...
Hi Tim,
It's your triad neighbor, Melany. Just wanted to say, don't worry it will all work out. I know, I know hard to do, it was for me as well. You will be in some of the best hands there are for your surgery.
I know how you feel about being diffrent. I have had alot of time to think and to reconnect with what matters in life. God, Family and then the little things. Use your time to your advantage and do things you want to do, not what you have to do. Spend more time making time for you and being happy. This will make you stronger and healthier than before and just imagine all the great things you will accomplish!
Keep you head up and be strong. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Melany
On April 7, 2010...
Hi Tim
Geeze, I guess it's me that's fuzzy. Don't know what I was thinking when I read your post - so I must have some memory fuzz going on. Anyway, hang in there.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 6, 2010...
Hi Tim
Oh, is that all? You are lucky to be able to remember your name after what you've been through. That's why so many of us start a journal in the hospital because our minds are on overload and our bodies are experiencing new highs and lows on drugs we can't pronouce the names of. Don't beat yourself up. I'm just over 6 months so have quit counting weeks. It does get easier. It's a good thing you can laugh at yourself.
Cheryl, Ontario
On March 29, 2010...
Hi Tim,
Nice to meet you and thanks for sharing your experience with us.
If you need anything, please let me know.
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
On March 25, 2010...
Hi Timothy,
I am from Ruffin, NC just north of Greensboro. My cardiologist is Dr. Gamble and I am having a Mitral Valve repair by Dr. Owen at Moses Cone. I am 36 yrs olds and have had most of my testing done already. Duke has the best dr's in the southern US for this type of surgery. My surgeon actually did all his training and residency at Duke under Dr. Glower. Dr. Owen is known at the "vavle guy" to my group of dr's. I hope all goes well for you and know that God is watching over you!
Oh no, could it be food poisening? I'm praying that both you and your wife are feeling much, much better by noon so things can go ahead. Will be checking on your journal later in the day and hopefully there will be a positive posting.
Good luck. Get well!
Cheryl, Ontario