We left for the hospital at 7:00am this morning via the hotel shuttle...still raining and cold. I think I had a TEE last year during or after surgery which ...Read more
We left for the hospital at 7:00am this morning via the hotel shuttle...still raining and cold. I think I had a TEE last year during or after surgery which I don\'t remember at all. I also had one after a suspected TIA in 2002. I didn\'t remember the medicine cup of \"yucky thick stuff\" to gargle for a full minute that seemed like forever. At that point, I felt my tongue was more numb than my throat but eventually that numbed as well. Then 2 quick sprays of numbing spray for the back of the throat and we were ready to roll. The nurse gave me a sedative through the iv in my arm and the Dr. started inserting the tubing (about the diameter of my little finger) down my throat past the gag reflex and then on down the esophagus. A weird feeling but not really uncomfortable.
The Dr. told me they suspected a leak around the repaired mitral valve after seeing the results of the cath. from yesterday. I thought I was aware of everything that went on and what was said at the time but now tonight it is all a blur...exactly what the nurse told me would happen.
We met with Dr K after the procedure and got to look at the pictures. Everything is intact with the repair and they did not see a stitch that had opened and said the repair looked in very good shape which was very good news and an answer to prayer. There is a very mild leak which may be causing the pulmonary hypertension but he seemed to indicate that may not be the cause. He does believe it is heart related though and not a lung issue. He said the normal pulmonary pressure should be 35 and mine was 38-44 with the cath. Lower than with the external echo (53) which actually can only estimate the pressure. He really did not seem too concerned but he prescribed a mild dose of lasix and potassium and wants me to exercise consistently and really push it. My blood pressure has been quite good but he also wants me to keep a daily blood pressure log to make sure I am not getting any spikes in that. No \"pat\" answers to the original issue though. I\'ve got the echo and TEE on CD to take to my Dr. and I am anxious to get all the reports and see everything written down. The Dr. gave me his phone and email and told me to let him know any concerns or questions.
I snoozed off and on this afternoon and then we celebrated tonight and went to see \"Million Dollar Quartet\" (true story of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash - Dec. 4, 1956) not far from our hotel in the playhouse district. A fun rock n roll show!
Thank you so much for praying for us. It has brought such peace and calm. None of us knows the future but we can and do know the One who holds our future. God is so good!
Love,
Carla
Just a quick note to thank you for your continued prayers while going through testing. I had a great nights sleep last night and the right heart cath went ...Read more
Just a quick note to thank you for your continued prayers while going through testing. I had a great nights sleep last night and the right heart cath went quite smoothly...amusing...but smoothly...I think. :)
When the nurse brought me back to the cath lab she asked if I needed a sedative, which I guess they usually give. I told her I had never had a right cath before so didn\'t know what to expect and passed the question back to her if I needed one. She told me if I didn\'t have a sedative I could leave shortly after the procedure and would not have to go to recovery. She told me I looked and seemed so calm she didn\'t think I needed one. She said the neck would be numbed and I wouldn\'t feel anything there and she said if I needed anything it would be available at any time.
They paged the Dr. to come and start; meanwhile I am hooked up to an EKG, blood pressure cuff, oxygen indicator, iv, laying on and also covered with heated blankets and then covered with blue surgical covers, a hat on my head and my face almost all covered...leaving one eye uncovered to watch the procedure on the screen. Oh, this is so unlike me, but I\'ve become so intrigued with all this medical stuff. Before being covered over, I questioned the nurse and other \"helpers\" as to whether the Dr. that was coming was skilled in doing right heart caths and then joked that I didn\'t want any rookies practicing on me. They assured me this is CC. :) The Dr. arrives and proceeds to ask the fellow injecting my neck what school he came from and then said \"so you are first year, first week solo\". At that point, I\'m considering saying \"hey wait a minute\" but decided I didn\'t want the poor guy to get nervous nor myself to panic so decided to give it all to the Lord - including him! I felt like I got a bit of an education in the do\'s and don\'ts of right heart cath and lived to tell about it. :) Randy told me I am dangerous because I hear everything...he told me to take the sedation next time. :)
I am so thankful that our Great God is sovereign and has known before I was born every detail of my life and even gives me the faith to trust Him in all things!
My TEE is at 7:30am tomorrow (Friday) and then we meet with the Dr. at 9:00am to sort things out.
36 degree windchill and still raining.
With a grateful heart!
Carla
We left FL in nasty rainy weather very early this am and arrived in Cleveland at 11:15am in very nasty, rainy, windy weather and 30 degrees cooler. We checked ...Read more
We left FL in nasty rainy weather very early this am and arrived in Cleveland at 11:15am in very nasty, rainy, windy weather and 30 degrees cooler. We checked into our hotel and found we had been given a suite – very nice – maybe a bonus from staying so long last year…and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies…which makes the whole trip worth it for Randy. :)
By 2:45pm, I had completed all the scheduled tests and then met with Dr. Kalahasti, who was very likeable but had no easy answers to the pulmonary hypertension issue. He said with the symptoms it would seem like there could be a problem with the repaired mitral valve, although no problem was present on the echo. After discussing just monitoring the situation and doing nothing at this point but taking the chance that it could cause the right heart to fail, he decided to have me have a right heart catherization, Thursday, at 7:30am to measure exact pressures and check things out. I believe they will be going in through the neck but I won’t be totally out. The name of the Dr. doing it has changed 3 times already so only the Lord knows who it will be.
Dr. Kalahasti also scheduled a TEE (transesophageal echo) on Friday at 7:30am. I will be sedated and they will go down the throat to the esophagus and stomach to get an even better look at the heart, especially the back of the heart.
I will have another appointment with him on Friday, at 9:00am, after the TEE. At that time, we’ll go over the results and see if any cause can be determined and then decide how to treat it…he is talking meds as this point.
Prayer Requests: I didn’t sleep a wink on Tuesday night; thinking about too many things I wanted to get done before we left….so a good night’s sleep tonight for both of us. Must leave the hotel at 6:00am
Wisdom and skill for the Dr. doing the heart cath. – Thursday at 7:30am
TEE Friday at 7:30am
Wisdom for Dr. Kalahasti
I know it is all in the Lord’s hands and He has been so faithful and we continue to trust His will for our lives. Thank you so much for your prayers….we are so grateful!
Resting in His peace!
Carla
We had our 3rd annual Camp Mimi & Pop-Pop this summer and enjoyed having all the grandkids together. We are amazed at how they are growing up so fast – it ...Read more
We had our 3rd annual Camp Mimi & Pop-Pop this summer and enjoyed having all the grandkids together. We are amazed at how they are growing up so fast – it doesn’t seem possible. Does that mean we’re getting older as well? Shhh...better not say that too loud. Check out the new pics that I’ve added.
The grandkids left one day and the next day I flew up to Wisconsin to visit my Mom who turned 88 years old on the day I arrived. I spent 2 weeks in Wisconsin with heat hotter than Florida but had some precious time together and also time recouping from “camp grandkids”.
When changing planes on my way to and from the North, I noticed it was a bit of a challenge getting from one terminal to another while toting my backpack. Found myself short of breath and wishing I had asked for assistance - nothing I\'ve ever considered before. When I returned home I noticed I had problems climbing the stairs at the Mall so I made an appointment with my cardiologist. They did an echo and found that my pulmonary hypertension went from 38 (August 2010- 3 months post surgery) to 53 (August 2011) and where I had a trace leak in my tricuspid valve pre-surgery and 3 months after surgery, I now have a mild to moderate leak. Not music to my ears. My local cardiologist wants me to have a heart catherization to get an accurate reading. He is puzzled why the pulmonary pressure has risen in the last year – if anything it should have decreased after the mitral valve repair. He also had a VQ scan done to check for blood clots in the lungs and also a chest x-ray. They were both ok. I have been trying to research to see if the re-repair of the mitral valve could have any connection. It’s like looking for a needle in a hay stack.
I don’t feel comfortable having a cath done locally and have been praying that somehow we could go back to Cleveland. The “boss” came through and said we could go so I called a contact at CCF and I have an appointment for this Wednesday, October 19th. They will do blood work, EKG, Echo, and then I will meet with a Cardiologist. After reviewing the tests and if he thinks it is needed, they will do a heart catherization Thursday, October 20th. All my surgical records are at CCF and with all the valve problems that they see and treat, I am hoping and praying that they will determine what is going on.
I know God is sovereign in ALL things and He is truly the Great Physician and ask that you join me in praying for this appointment that the Lord would give the Dr. and support staff wisdom in testing, diagnosis and recommended treatment and that I will rest in His perfect peace. Thank you for your prayers!
Giving thanks in ALL things!
Carla
Celebrating my one year anniversary of my 2nd mitral valve repair today – April 15th, with a nice dinner out with my husband! Had an appointment with my ...Read more
Celebrating my one year anniversary of my 2nd mitral valve repair today – April 15th, with a nice dinner out with my husband! Had an appointment with my cardiologist last week and he said things sounded great…very regular and no wooshes. Good to go for 6 months this time and then will probably have an echo on my next visit. Music to my ears!
I am busy at Grace and also giving piano lessons and being part of my Precepts Bible study. Looking forward to summer and our 3rd annual “Camp Mimi and Pop-Pop” with all our grandkids...making memories!
I am so grateful to Dr. Mihaljevic at the Cleveland Clinic for his surgical skill and daily visits and all of you who have faithfully prayed and encouraged me. Above all, I’m eternally grateful to the Great Physician, my Heavenly Father, who has all my days and heartbeats in His hands!
Happy Easter!!
Giving God all the glory!
Carla
PS. Happy 1st year anniversary to Ed from Palm Beach Gardens, who we met in Cleveland...having mitral valve surgery at the same time as mine...only across the operating room hallway with Dr. Gillinov! What a small world!
Last night as 2010 slipped away, I thanked the Lord for His faithfulness and protection. 2010 will be a year to remember.
I never planned on having another ...Read more
Last night as 2010 slipped away, I thanked the Lord for His faithfulness and protection. 2010 will be a year to remember.
I never planned on having another mitral valve repair nor even guessed another repair, and not a replacement, was possible; nor that I would connect with fellow patients on Adam’s heart valve journals to gain valuable insight to my future surgery(4-15-10); that I would be able to go to Cleveland Clinic (Main Campus) a 2nd time; that I would have a wonderful surgeon, Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic; my in-hospital time would be days shorter than surgery #1; my at-home recovery time would be weeks shorter than my first surgery; that my at-home Cardiologist would go above and beyond in caring for me since surgery; that I would be able to come off warfarin after 7 years; that I would have a parathyroid gland/tumor removed 7 months to the day after my mitral valve repair; and that there would be friends and family praying from coast to coast.
On my heart forever:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting!” Psalm 118:1
To God be the glory…great things He has done!
Carla
It seems time has evaporated before my eyes. I’m feeling great and I am so thankful for each day! My big goal was to get my energy level up to be able to ...Read more
It seems time has evaporated before my eyes. I’m feeling great and I am so thankful for each day! My big goal was to get my energy level up to be able to have all the grandkids together again in July for Camp Mimi and Pop-Pop (Year 2).
In my last post, I had started Cardiac Rehab, which I loved, but a couple weeks before that I had terrible pain in the left rotator cuff tendon. I finally had to go to an ortho Dr. and he gave me a shot of cortisone. It took over 2 weeks for it to start to work and then weeks before I could get my range of motion back. It is so improved …but still not 100%. I had to stop the rehab because any arm movement brought such pain. My intention was to go back to rehab eventually but my Cardio Dr. said I should probably not aggrevate the shoulder. As soon as I stopped rehab, I began riding my bike about 4 miles every morning before the temps become totally unbearable and also walking about a 1-2 miles a day.
I had my Cardio appointment last Friday and he said things sounded great! PTL! In early July (before the kids came) my blood pressure started to creep up. I keep a BP journal to track my readings so it comes in handy to spot changes. My Cardio had told me that eventually I might need to add back some of the blood pressure meds I had before surgery so that’s what we did…a tiny dose of Lisinopril. He said BP should be managed because it can be very hard on the valves. Please…no more surgery for me…2 times has been more than enough.:) Last week he also doubled my Metoprolol because my heart rate had increased to about 89. Things seem to have evened out now so I am grateful. He also cautioned me about lifting anything heavy. My EKG showed an elongated P and R interval ….an electrical glitch which he said not to worry about but he would monitor. I’m curious…so will research this glitch. I am still on warfarin but hope I will be able to drop it at my September appointment. I still have infrequent episodes of vertigo where my eyes don\'t want to focus. My eyes don\'t seem so stressed now so I have been able to go back to my contacts. I had my first post hospital echo this week. Things look good…a trivial leak in my mitral valve and all other valves looking good! Nothing to worry about!
The grandkids have come and gone and the 2 weeks were great. Heidi, in Lantana, was my right hand and I couldn’t have done it without her. Randy has been very busy in his business…great news in this economy but couldn’t do a lot of things with us. We biked, walked, had beach days, Wannado City, Lion Country Safari, picnics, Bible School, air boating in the everglades park, picked mangoes, made plenty of mango smoothies and chocolate chip pancakes, went to the movies and the list goes on….. There is nothing like a handful of grandkids to get you up and going!! Everybody went home with photo books packed with precious memories!
My heart is filled with great sadness. On July 12th, a good friend from church suffered a massive coronary. He went to be with his Lord and Savior, July 15th. I had encouraged Jim to go to CC for his needed mitral valve repair surgery which he did last August. We traded heart stories about our mitral valve repairs….first about my original mitral valve repair in 1998 and then after my April 15th re-repair as we compared notes about our surgery at CC and our shared surgeon. He was about 12 years older but appeared so healthy and filled with “vim, vigor, and vitality” and was my role model for such a quick recovery and positive attitude.. I will miss him greatly…as we’ve discovered on this site no one understands and can relate like a fellow heart patient.
I am forever grateful for my renewed strength, every heart beat, and wonderful family and friends… and to God be all the glory!
Carla
PS Check out the new pics!
It is eight weeks today that my mitral valve was re-repaired at Cleveland Clinic! In the last week, I have suddenly felt more like myself…and also felt a ...Read more
It is eight weeks today that my mitral valve was re-repaired at Cleveland Clinic! In the last week, I have suddenly felt more like myself…and also felt a surge of long awaited energy. Because I didn’t really feel that bad before my surgery, it was kind of a bummer to come out of surgery with great results but a total lack of energy and endurance and a plain feeling of helplessness to do anything about it. :( But things are so improved! Praise the Lord! Its all about patience while the body heals…and I think its always hard to wait.
I started Cardiac Rehab last Friday, so I have had 3 sessions. I waited to start the program until 7 weeks so I could also start some arms too. I love it and the monitoring Dr. and RNs have said I am making great progress. Cardiac Rehab is through PBG hospital. I can go anytime between 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday. After checking in with a resting BP, I hook up my heart monitor which is monitored by an RN and Dr. About half way through each machine, another BP is taken and recorded. I have “worked out” a little longer each visit. Wednesday, I had a 75 minute session. Only downside is that my insurance will only cover 12-15 sessions….then I guess I will have to join a gym. I started back on WW Monday as well to get that lingering 5 pounds off of the 17+ pounds I gained after surgery (fluid overload).
I still have been having some problems with my eyes. My eyes get very tired and I have had a couple “events” when my eyes don’t want to focus and I feel a touch of vertigo. It seems my prescription may have changed as well. I had this with my first surgery in ’98 as well….so I am hoping things go back to normal. I will wait a while before getting my eyes tested since I just had them tested last fall.
I had a Cardio visit on Tuesday…he said my heart sounded great…no regurgitation. My blood is still a bit low so must remember to take the iron pills. My calcium is very high at 11.5. I have been hyperparathyroid for several years. Cleveland recommended I have that taken care of soon and now my Cardio says it is important to have it done. I hope to be off warfarin in about 2 months and will be able to drop the Multaq (prevents A-Fib) the end of June. Lord willing, if all looks good, I will have the parathyroid surgery towards the end of the year in Tampa by a well known surgeon that only does this kind of surgery and has done thousands.
I have had a problem with my left shoulder for the last 3 weeks…aches & pain starting at the shoulder and sometimes radiating to the elbow and wrist. My Cardio ordered a venous ultrasound which was normal. I saw an Ortho shoulder Dr. today and he said I had a lot of inflammation and gave me a cortisone shot in the shoulder. We are praying this does the trick. Will be putting ice on it as well. He told me to continue with the arm exercises at therapy. The sternotomy pain was nothing compared to this shoulder pain.
I worked 2 days last week and 3 days this week. I am so thankful that I can see and feel such improvement but I am also trying to be very cautious and not overdue. I still try to get in a power nap now and then.
My heart is forever thankful and grateful for each of you!
Blessings,
Carla
Yesterday, marked 6 weeks post-op! Today, as I sit with my Starbucks “Cleveland” cup filled with decaf coffee, I thought I would re-read all my journal ...Read more
Yesterday, marked 6 weeks post-op! Today, as I sit with my Starbucks “Cleveland” cup filled with decaf coffee, I thought I would re-read all my journal entries and guestbook entries. What a journey it has been…and what a blessing it is to read and remember…sometimes becoming so emotional the words on the page are hardly visible. To think that the Lord has guided a surgeon\'s hands to repair a heart that is so marvelously and wonderfully made and bring me through a second mitral valve repair is incredible and my heart is forever grateful!
I have been quite careful to stay away from caffeine…no caffeinated coffee or sodas. I don’t want to take the chance of giving an opportunity to a-fib. Must confess, I have to sneak in a little dark chocolate though…its good for the heart, you know! :)
Monday, I felt very energetic and walked early in the day before it got too hot, enjoying my favorite music on my ipod and didn’t realize how long I was walking…then after getting back to the house, decided the plants in the yard needed a little Miracle Grow so sprayed them…then got ready and went to Target, Costco, and Publix….and then came full circle and couldn’t wait to collapse at home. Tuesday...was a day of rest….my body was very insistent on letting me know that. Wednesday…I was at the Church for about 3.5 hours and then it was like a body alarm went off…time’s up. Thursday…still trying to increase my stamina, I was at the Church for 3-4 hours and then the alarm went off again so I headed for home. I have never been one to nap but my body is insisting on it and I’m happy to comply! Friday…taking it easy!
Yesterday, Cardiac Rehab called to see how I was doing and if I was ready to start…I gave a little groan but we decided on a week from today to get started. I have been having a fair amount of chest discomfort and muscle soreness which I have been attributing to muscles and nerves healing and sleeping on my side again. So….I have one more week to get ready for rehab. :)
To all that have shared on my journal and those who have prayed without ceasing since November …you have been such an important part of my support system and recovery and I am deeply humbled and truly grateful…and to Randy…my husband, who had the “opportunity” to go through this surgery a second time with me…such heart-felt love and gratitude for always being willing to cook a gourmet meal, help around the house, and chauffeur me around...you’re the BEST!
The Lord has blessed me beyond measure! …and to God be the glory for the great things He has done!
Blessings,
Carla
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults and with my song I shall thank Him. Psalm 28:7
Its hard to believe it has already been 5 weeks since I was wheeled into Operating Room 65 at 6:30am, April 15th, at Cleveland Clinic. Some things that were ...Read more
Its hard to believe it has already been 5 weeks since I was wheeled into Operating Room 65 at 6:30am, April 15th, at Cleveland Clinic. Some things that were so clear a couple days after surgery have now become distant memories at best.
My local Cardiologist has again taken 2 more meds away at the beginning of this week. I’m now down to Metropolol, Multaq, a baby aspirin, and warfarin, plus Synthroid that I was on previous to surgery.
I have been feeling like I have been working out…the muscles and nerves in my chest seem to rotate the discomfort…I’m sure it is just the healing process.
I tried a “trial run” to check my energy and endurance level Tuesday. Randy took me to Quest to have my INR checked and then I had him drop me off at the Church for 3 hours. It was good to get back to work and also see everyone but even better to get back home again for a nap! Wednesday, I drove the car for the first time in weeks and took the back way to the grocery store. What fun…but how tiring…! Will try another adventure tomorrow.
I am so thankful the surgery is over and recovery is coming along slow but sure…. My rehab rx has been sent to the Hospital and will plan to start cardiac rehab in about 10 days if all goes well.
My heart is forever grateful for all those who have prayed for me and encouraged me. What a blessing you have been in my life.
God bless you all!
Carla
This has been a very long and somewhat frustrating week. I was out several times this week only to realize that I may not look like I have just had open heart ...Read more
This has been a very long and somewhat frustrating week. I was out several times this week only to realize that I may not look like I have just had open heart surgery three weeks ago but I definitely feel like I\'ve just had open heart surgery three weeks ago. :)
I had yet another chest x-ray on Wednesday and then a Cardio visit on Thursday afternoon. He said things looked better as far as the pleural effusions but I still have fluid in the bottom of both lungs which he thought would eventually resolve on its own. When in Cleveland, they told me I had some granduloma, calcium deposits in my lungs. I asked what would cause them and they told me an old mold or fungus infection. I was told it can happen to people living in the Ohio Valley....never lived there but wondered if it could be related to the Florida Hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. I looked it up this week and it said it is caused from exposure to chicken coups or bat droppings...now that is interesting since I don\'t remember spending any time in either of those places. :) But my Cardio is now interested too so he ordered a copy of my last chest x-ray before this surgery, which I think was way back in \'98 when I had fluid drained from my lung after my first mitral valve repair, to see if it was visible back then. Pretty wierd!
Randy dropped me off at my Precepts Bible Study on Thursday am and a friend brought me home. It was great to join the group again but the two hours almost did me in. I couldn\'t wait to hit the bed when I got home...and then the Cardio appt. later that afternoon. I seem to have forgotten no matter how you think you can push yourself...there is absolutely no way you can put the recovery process in fast-forward.:(
I asked my Cardio when I could drive again and he said 6 weeks...possibly 5. He said the sternum needed to heal completely because even something so innocent as turning the wheel a certain way could cause problems and cause the bone not to align correctly...and if things don\'t heal properly I would have a real problem. My sternum discomfort hasn\'t been a problem except the days I go to the Cardio. When I am on the table he presses on my chest....\"does this hurt\", \"does this hurt\"...well actually nothing was hurting BEFORE the appt. but AFTER leaving, I definitely had quite a bit of discomfort. No appts. for a month now so hopefully things will feel better. I had asked Cleveland if I could lay on my side and they told me it shouldn\'t be a problem...but have noticed this week (especially after my Dr. appt)and laying on my side, my chest was very sore yesterday so made sure I slept on my back last night. I was never given any pain meds when I left Cleveland so took extra strength Tylenol and it seemed to relieve it.
I was able to stop the Lasix, Potassium, and Prilosec this week! Yipee!...but still on about 10 pills a day. I think all the pills have taken away my appetite and nothing seems to taste real good. Looking forward to dropping some additional meds in the next weeks and months. I was suppose to add a Vitamin but honestly couldn\'t get myself to add another pill right now.
My scar is almost completely healed...all 6 1/2 inches. The right groin scar is almost healed but a very thick not so pretty scar and also kind of irritating(from the heart/lung machine). I don\'t remember where it was hooked up in 1998, but definitely not the groin.
It has been so hot and humid this week I don\'t even want to think about walking outside so we walked a bit at Costco and last night shopping for a baby shower gift. My chauffeur dropped me at the shower this morning and had to call him a couple hours later because I was exhausted. It was great to get out again but I\'m definitely not ready for any big excursions.
I can see and feel it is too early to even think about cardiac rehab or starting back to do even a quarter of what I was used to doing before surgery. I have to keep reminding myself that my healing and recovering is in the Lord\'s timing...
A very Happy Mother\'s Day Mom...I love you! And to all the Mothers...have a wonderful day!
Love to all,
Carla
You\'ve all been such an encouragement to me...I\'m forever thankful!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Was in a-fib from Tuesday to Thursday early morning. My Cardio called Thursday morning to see how I was doing and to also report on the blood work that was ...Read more
Was in a-fib from Tuesday to Thursday early morning. My Cardio called Thursday morning to see how I was doing and to also report on the blood work that was taken Wednesday. My hemoglobin is up to 9.9 from 8.5 last Friday, April 23rd; liver tests look good; white blood cells still indicate some inflamation; blood sugar a little high but all in all good news! I indicated to him I was back in sinus rhythm...he was glad!!
Friday morning I had another cardio appt. for him to check to see how the added meds were working together with the ones I came back from Cleveland with...everything looks good. He took a good listen again and commented on how great my heart sounded....no regurgitation! How sweet that sounds!!!! He said he was about 90% sure I was out of a-fib but would check it with another EKG.....yes....no-fib! The Cardio thinks maybe 2 months on the \"gold pills\" and 3 months on warfarin and then see if we can toss it!!
We stopped on the way home to have an early lunch and after Randy went back to work I decided to take a little nap and then realized I was in a-fib again but it only lasted a couple hours. I think the gold pills (Multaq) are suppose to help curb the a-fib and keep people out of the hospital....and that definitely sounds good to me. The Cardio said not to think of the a-fib as a set-back...but just something that is possible during this time of healing.
It was great to be at church this morning. Friends greeted us as we came in and told us how they had prayed for us and the surgeon and how they were rejoicing with us in the great things God has done! It was a very emotional morning but a great time of worship with our church family.
We went to Gardens Mall to pick up something to add to Haley\'s B-day presents but stores hadn\'t opened so walked the Mall and then had lunch and then stopped at the store. By the time we got home I could hardly make it to the bed for a nap and what a wonderful hour of sleep I had!! Guess I\'m not as energenic as I think I am. :)
I\'m 2 1/2 weeks post surgery and rejoicing in what the Lord has accomplished in our lives!!
Thank you for your continuing prayers and encouragement....you have been such a blessing to me!
Love,
Carla..Randy too!
I will sing of the lovingkindness of the Lord forever; to all generations I will make known Thy faithfulness with my mouth. Ps. 89:1
Greetings from beautiful, sunny, PBG!
Perfect temp of 78 degrees! Glad to be home and sleeping in our own bed. Sina, our cat, is making sure we realize ...Read more
Greetings from beautiful, sunny, PBG!
Perfect temp of 78 degrees! Glad to be home and sleeping in our own bed. Sina, our cat, is making sure we realize she did not approve of our absence.
My local Cardio called late yesterday afternoon and spent 30 minutes on the phone going over everything and CC - Ohio called back to let me know they talked with Dr. M. and he gave his approval to go back on warfarin. I had not had an episode of a-fib for over a year and nothing pre or post surgery so he had hoped a baby aspirin would cover it..BUT..a little drama has been added so I am back on warfarin for now. My Cardio added Digoxin to my metropolo, and also Multaq (a gold pill at $8.50/2 pills/daily)...it says it is used to keep people out of the hospital. I\'ll also stay on the 1 baby aspirin for the next 3 weeks as well and the water pill. He decreased the Lasix back to 20mg/day from 80mg/day. He wants me off the Ibuprofen which I had been taking for no particular reason other than if I should have any discomfort so will switch that to Extra Strength Tylenol. After the EKG and misc. nurse time, he spent over 40 minutes with us...we are greatful for his interest and concern in this day of mini moments w/Drs.
I will see my Cardio on Friday and again next week. He will monitor the a-fib for a month and if I can\'t convert back to sinus and I will have to be cardio-verted. I pray things will greatly improve in the days to come!!
Went to get in the car this morning, heading for the passenger front seat. My trusty male nurse/driver/insurance holder/hubby of a zillion years reminded me I would be sitting in the back seat for the next 4-5 weeks...hm...that will be different!
Thank you all for your love and concern. The Cardio assured me my valve sounded great and that a-fib isn\'t totally unexpected after valve surgery and PVI. He told me to take it easy...and not do much walking for now as it would increase my heart rate even more.
Prayer Request: Please pray that the Lord would cover me with His protection against any wandering clots and that I would convert back to sinus rhythm soon.
In His hands,
Carla
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Romans 11:36
Just a quick note...we were up at 5:00am this morning getting things ready for our early flight. We arrived at PBI about 11:30am. Heidi picked us up and we ...Read more
Just a quick note...we were up at 5:00am this morning getting things ready for our early flight. We arrived at PBI about 11:30am. Heidi picked us up and we stopped for lunch. Randy went to the office and Heidi went to the grocery store for me. As I settled into a chair, I realized my heart might be irregular so got out my new cuff and realized it was 127 and very erratic...a-fib... Have called a couple numbers at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and also my own Cardiologist....no luck talking to anyone yet. Heidi is here with me and Jen has called...my concern is only being on a baby aspirin as Dr. M was very insistent on staying off the warfarin.
Please pray that we can get some direction soon. Randy is concerned they will put me in the hospital...
God is in control!
Giving thanks in all things,
Carla
Greetings from the North...Cleveland that is...
Today it has been very cool, windy, and rainy! Randy and I are both anxious to go back home to South Florida ...Read more
Greetings from the North...Cleveland that is...
Today it has been very cool, windy, and rainy! Randy and I are both anxious to go back home to South Florida tomorrow. I will have lots to do on this road of recovery but I feel blessed! Wow...we have had quite a 2 + weeks in Cleveland...3 big days of testing, including a never-before heart cath :); 1 open-heart surgery with a beautiful re-repair of my mitral valve; a PVI (pulmonary vein isolation - mini-maze) that will hopefully allow me to remain OFF warfarin (yahoo!); approximately 4 hour surgery; 66 minutes on the heart-lung machine;10 cool wires \"strapping\" me together; about 24 hours in ICU; 4 nights in a step-down room; a wonderful husband at my side going this road a 2nd time with me - this time a lot more \"fun\" than in \'98; a wonderful daughter who put her busy life on hold for a week to see me through this with her medical background and encouragement; a wonderful daughter at home in South Florida who has been keeping things together at the house and caring for Sina, our chatty cat (and she is just what the Dr. ordered..a Respiratory Therapist); a wonderful surgeon and support staff; an autographed heart pillow by Dr. Mihaljevic; lots of walking starting April 21st; enjoyed a Riverdance Farewell Performance last Saturday; an outpatient appt. and chest x-ray last Friday and again today; a big visit to the Rock \'n Roll Hall of Fame today; and most importantly your love and concern and encouragement to me as I have felt you have lifted us up on eagle\'s wings and brought us before the throne of grace as God has sustained us and increased our faith and trust in Him and blessed us beyond measure. To God be the glory! Amen!
The pleural effusions are again a \"tiny\" bit better than last Friday. The NP and a \"fellow\" both felt that by keeping up with the extra dosage of Lasix and lots of walking and spirometer I could tackle the effusions without a draining before I left Cleveland...so that is the plan! I did end up calling the surgical NP on Saturday regarding the swelling and high heart rate of 116. She added another 1/2 pill of metropolo (sp) and the rate now stays about 82....still a lot higher than presurgery but Dr. M has assured me that it will come down in time.
Prayer Request: a safe and uneventful flight home on this \"little\" plane tomorrow (it is non-stop though)and protection from any a-fib events that can occur during the next 90 days as the roughed up PVI scars to hopefully prevent future bouts of a-fib.
My heart has been forever touched!! Much love to all!!
Carla and Randy too!
Greetings from Cleveland!
A bit warmer but cloudy in Cleveland..60 degrees. The suite is comfortable and the bed is good but both of us didn\'t sleep too well. ...Read more
Greetings from Cleveland!
A bit warmer but cloudy in Cleveland..60 degrees. The suite is comfortable and the bed is good but both of us didn\'t sleep too well. Randy\'s cough has returned and the pain in his neck was terrible last night. My heart rate was very irregular and rapid but both of us didn\'t want to disturb the other so neither of us slept well.
I had quite a bit of swelling in both ankles and feet last night. We did quite a good amount of walking and I also used the spirometer a lot.
Thought I might call the NP that I had on the surgical floor if things get too bad before Monday.
Randy got tickets for \"Riverdance\" matinee this afternoon so hope I can sit to enjoy it.
Thanks for all your love and concern and encouragement....what a difference you have made in this journey!
Love,
Carla and Randy too!
\"I will go before you and make the rough places smooth\". Isaiah 45:2
Prayer Request: that the fluid in my lungs would greatly diminish and we would both be able to have a good night\'s sleep tonight.
Randy just returned from CVS getting more bottled water. He said he brought me back something for my heart....Hershey\'s Special Dark Chocolate mini bar. What a guy!! :)
It is a beautiful sunny day in Cleveland today but not real warm...aactually anything is cold to me if it isn\'t in South Florida. But...it is refreshing! ...Read more
It is a beautiful sunny day in Cleveland today but not real warm...aactually anything is cold to me if it isn\'t in South Florida. But...it is refreshing! :)
I had my chest x-ray early this morning at CC. I still have the pleural effusions on both the right and left side. The NP said the one on the right, which was the worst, is a \"tiny\" bit better. We\'re encouraged. My Lasix has been increased from 20 mg/day to 40 mg twice a day for the next 3 days. She also ordered some potassium so Randy is off to CVS for a drug run. They did some additional bloodwork today as well. I have another appt. on Monday at 9:00am for yet another x-ray and NP visit. They are trying to get the fluid off but the verdict is still out on the draining till Monday. I noticed today I seem to be more breathless but we are still walking and will try to walk alot more today plus was advised to use my trusty spironmeter about 10 times a day. No problem! :)
My poor bruised hands, arms, and neck are beginning to fade. My tube sites are looking at bit more like they are beginning to close. The right femoral artery where they put the heart/lung machine will be an ugly scar and I have a hematoma there at present. My chest looks like I\'ve been in a battle...BUT...my heart is sounding NORMAL...wow...praise the Lord...music to my ears!
I tried my contacts for the first time today since 4/14. My eyes don\'t seem to focus well with them so I\'m glad I have the glasses.
We moved to the Residence Inn after my CC appt this am....just a block or two from our old hotel. The \"group\" that booked the ENTIRE old hotel were arriving in great numbers. I told Randy I was afraid to get in the elevator last night ...they surrounded us. We got curious to know just what kind of group this leather jacket/vest/neckcollar group was that could take over an entire hotel and boasted of giving over $200,000/yr to charity. We googled their name....and now wonder what charity would take their money. Unbelievably lost and in need of a Savior!
Our prayer request is for this mega dose of Lasix, lots of walking, and using the spirometer to take as much fluid off my lungs as posiible by Monday am. With God..anything is possible! :)
Please pray for our entire family and God\'s protection and provision of health...
Randy and I feel blessed to enjoy these extra days together!!! God\'s special intervention!
With heart-felt love and gratitude!
Carla
Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. See the Lord and His strength; seek His face continaully. Remember His wonders which He has done... Psalm 103:3-5a
Thanking the Lord for all His mercy, grace, and healing....and to all of you who have lifted us up in prayer! My heart is humbled!!!!
We had some beautiful ...Read more
Thanking the Lord for all His mercy, grace, and healing....and to all of you who have lifted us up in prayer! My heart is humbled!!!!
We had some beautiful walks yesterday in the sunny mid 60 degree weather with falling white Dogwood blossoms lightly blowing in the breeze. A few eye issues yesterday…focus…dizziness and again today. Not really experiencing pain but at times varied degrees of discomfort. Still have some breathing issues which we will be able to address tomorrow at my appointment and chest x-ray at CC. I need to go back to following the home cardiac rehab guidelines. I keep trying to skip to step 6 before completing step 1…and then I feel it later. Not as nice today and cooler...42 this morning...48 about 2:00pm. We have been doing shorter walks today.
We have been blessed beyond measure...people come up to us at the Hotel and tell me they have been praying for us or their Bible Studies have been praying for me! God has planted people everywhere to encourage us and rejoice with us for what the Lord has accomplished.
To God Be the Glory...Great Things He Has Done!
Love to all!
Carla
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders. I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High! Psalm 9:1-2
PS I understand now why we will be changing hotels tomorrow...a new group that has booked the entire hotel has started arriving today...leather-clad guys convention...thank you Lord for even providing this way of escape for us!
Prayer Request: Would love to go to Parkside Church on Sunday but it is 25 miles from here..
Greetings to all family and many friends from Cleveland!
Looks like we will keep our original airline plans to return home next Tuesday. It became a nightmare ...Read more
Greetings to all family and many friends from Cleveland!
Looks like we will keep our original airline plans to return home next Tuesday. It became a nightmare as Randy tried to change them and no one would claim ownership to the ticket. This is the only time we haven\'t booked directly with an airline. We talked to the airlines who we thought held ownership but was told it went through another airlines that code shared so we contacted that company that said no it wasn\'t them. Randy told them that I just had heart surgery and that they were driving him to have a heart attack. Jen, Randy, and I stopped to talk about the whole deal...if we could change the tickets it would be $$$$ more to rebook w/change fees and change in current ticket price...much more than it would cost to stay in \"beautiful Cleveland\" at a hotel till Tuesday am as originally planned...Jen said stay and recup here...close to CC, and maybe I would even feel good enough by Monday to go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame which Randy had wanted to do in \'98 and hopefully we could go to Parkside Church this Sunday with Alistair Begg...the home church of the \"Gettys\"...which would be phenominal if they were in town but would also be wonderful even if they aren\'t in town this weekend.
So this will be home till Tues.am. Randy already had me out for a walk this am and went out and brought me back breakfast...yum! He\'s out to a nearby CVS picking up some things I may need. The Surgeon\'s office had told me to expect to be in the Hospital a week to 10 days because of the redo and then stay a few days to be seen at the clinic if there were any issues. I thought of bringing my blood pressure cuff but didn\'t and really need it for this new med so Randy found a compact one.
After my clinic appt on Friday, out hotel shuttle will take us to the new hotel. Randy has all his work with him so he can work and I can\'t be tempted to overdue. Have been doing my breathing exercises and walking....but do know why those hospital beds cost $10,000. Kind of felt like a mini-bus hit me this morning. Jen left this am and I will move to the other double bed to allow for repositioning.
Healing and recovery is definitely in the Lord\'s hands...it can\'t be rushed. One hour feeling wonderful, next hour feeling not so good.
Love to all!
God is in control!!
Carla
PS Jen, thanks forever for giving of yourself to us this past week. God used you in a mighty way! We love you!!!
Heidi, thanks forever for taking care of things at home while we are away. Your help is such a blessing to us. Thanks to you and Dustin, Riley and Reid for being such prayer warriors. I\'m sure Sina is loving all the attention and pampering you are giving her! We love you!!!
I’m out..I’m out…I’m out, I’m out, I’m out!!! About 11:30am, they came to take my vitals…what a change, my blood pressure was 108/72 and my heart ...Read more
I’m out..I’m out…I’m out, I’m out, I’m out!!! About 11:30am, they came to take my vitals…what a change, my blood pressure was 108/72 and my heart rate was about 76…my new meds had kicked in! The nurse came and removed the last remaining stitch which looks red so we need to watch for any signs of infection. The NP decided to wait for another x-ray till early Friday and then I will be seen by her and I think we plan to be home Saturday am. Our hotel is overbooked for Friday night so we’ve known that we would have to move to another hotel and made those arrangements weeks ago. We are praying that somehow by Friday am before we leave for the Clinic, a room will open up so we won’t need to go to the other hotel for only one night. Hopefully, we will be able to get the flight arrangements changed.
Had a fish sandwich for lunch at CC…most enjoyable meal yet! Maybe some of the yuckiness of the hospital food wasn’t all CC\'s fault…knowing I was leaving made the food taste better too.
Had a brief visit from Kona, the therapy dog in the lobby as we waited for the hotel shuttle to come and pick us up. I was discharged about 1:45 pm and back at the hotel by 2:15pm
Still doing some coughing today…the respiratory therapists said this am that it will be good to break up everything in my lungs….pain is minimal…very minimal. What a praise!
Jen and Randy left to drop off my prescriptions for meds at a CVS not too far from the hotel and to get some lunch and check out the center downtown. At the last minute before we left home, we weren’t all-together on our carry-on plan and added another carry-on so instead of a zillion carry-ons Randy found a rolling duffle downtown to put everything in.
Another family from PBG was at CC, had surgery the same day as mine and only lives a few miles from our home, and is also staying at our hotel. Small world..
Thank you all again from the bottom of my mended heart for all your love, concern, encouragement and prayers! Now the healing time begins... Jen leaves in the am...what a blessing she has been!!! Thanks Erik for blessing us with her presence and thanks Nick, Haley, and Loren thank you for letting Mom get away to help us! Now make sure those sugar gliders don\'t escape again and end up in your Dad\'s back-pack and most importantly your Dad\'s bed! Now that will be a memory for you all! :)
Love,
Carla ...aka..Mimi
God is good ALL the time!