Heather's Posts

Member Since: May 11, 2026

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Heather Leigh posted an update
6 days ago (June 20, 2026)
Updates! First full day home! I spent almost two weeks in the ICU due to complications and a couple days in step-down. When I first arrived home a day ago I started having migraine auras, 3/4 in a row, really terrifying so we went back to the ER (of a... Read more.
Heather Leigh posted an update
2 weeks ago (June 8, 2026)
Hi all!! Surgery went well- robotics worked so it was just through my side. I’ve been in the ICU for about 4 days. I graduated to step down but then they found an abnormal heart block, not sure if it’s the inflammation or not and today I didn’t get any... Read more.
Congratulations and welcome to recovery! Glad all went well for you. Hope your complications clear up soon! 👍
Hey Sarah, Great to hear your robotic surgery went well and your tubes are out!!! Step by step. 👍❤️😋
YES Gurl. Well done, every day will get better. Small steps and don't push it.
Awesome. Lots and lots of tests in the hospital. You can almost set your watch to the schedule. I remember telling an orderly that the trip to x-ray from my room was the most excitement I had in a week. Getting the tubes out is a great step forward. Good... Read more.
hey alllll… so lowkey bad news. i think im gonna need a pacemaker. my heart block is not going away. I’m honestly terrified, like another procedure? and I’m only 23… idk.
I checked out heart block on dr. Google and it sounds like a stage 3 block where a pacemaker is required. If i found the correct data sheet. Maybe not. Good question to ask doctor though. Questions are good. It makes them aware you are not a dummy or just... Read more.
It’s worth asking if any calcium or beta blockers you might be on post-op could be contributing to the heart block. If that’s the case, maybe an external pacemaker could be more appropriate until you can taper down on the blood pressure meds. I started tapering my beta blockers around... Read more.
Hi Heather! Congrats on doing such a hard thing and having the surgery! It will get better... Which NYC institution are you at?
Welcome to recovery Heather! So glad to see your post. Sending good vibes your way. I hope you do not have to have another procedure for a pacemaker but if so it should be a much simpler procedure. There are different types so be sure to discuss options with your... Read more.
You have all the life ahead Heather ! You have to make a good recovery, which means first walking slowly,step by step and increasing the exercise intensity, thinking that a complete recovery only is achieved in months. Don´t be hurry, although I know is difficult🤝. I wish you the best.
They’re still waiting… stuck in the ICU nearly a week now. just suckssss
Like 6-7 when I wake up. I’ve been in the ICU for 6 days, and I know I’ll be here at least another 6-7 days :/ for monitoring, the heart block, waiting for possible pacemaker. my surgeon wants to wait so nothing I can do but sit in bed or... Read more.
I’m sorry to hear that. With that much time in the hospital and not a lot of movement, make sure they check you regularly for bed sores. After 9 days, I got a small one on my butt and it made sitting uncomfortable for more than 3 months.
Heather, I am so sorry you have to deal with the pacemaker possibility. You will get through this and before you know it, you'll be home and relaxing in your own bed and chair! One day at a time and slow and steady wins the race with this stuff. I... Read more.
Heather Leigh posted an update
1 month ago (May 16, 2026)
Hi! I have a couple questions that have been weighing on me! Surgery is in a couple weeks and who better to ask than the community? Note: I'm 23, my family isn't coming up so I'll be relying on friends and community. Can i keep my belly button piercing in?... Read more.
1. Probably not, ask your surgeon. The risk is bacterial infection and if there are any complications, they want to keep your body free of obstructions. You can probably put it back in after discharge. Also, there is the risk of swelling from edema. 2. Probably not, ask your surgeon.... Read more.
The thing that you will find frustrating is that the recovery protocols are not written for people who are young or active, or otherwise healthy. They aren't the typical patients. I'm in my 50s. I have some chronic issues but was still doing 3.5 mile runs less than a week... Read more.
I met with a cardiac nurse about one week prior to the surgery for an orientation where I was explained everything to expect and had the opportunity to ask questions. I'm sure you'll receive some sort of orientation either in person or by phone with precise instructions.
Heather - 1.No. 2 No. 3. Optional to get a framework then you can take over. 4. Doubtful. For sterotomy, give yourself 4-6 weeks and expect to ramp up slow. 5. Definitely unlikely, you will be in a hospital gown and bring some slippers. Remember, it hard to dress as... Read more.
Definitely no piercings . Metal conducts electricity, so piercings can lead to burns, since electric cautery is used in surgery to seal bleeding blood vessels. At least 2 gel nails need to be removed (one on each hand) since oxygenation is measured by pulse oximetry using a device over the... Read more.
Also, one thing to not underestimate is the emotional recovery from OHS. Sleep disturbance, anxiety, crying, and depression are 100% normal.
Good point, John. I was an emotional rollercoaster when I got home for a couple weeks. It really brings your own mortality to the forefront!
A lot of great advice. I would add bring a good pair of walking shoes, functional not fashion. Slip in. You will be able to walk on the floor and the more walking you do the sooner you will get out. I would bring something comfortable to change into. I... Read more.
That's true. Adjustable shoes you don't have to lace is a bonus. I bought some cheap knockoff Birk slides. Because of my edema issue, I was adjusting straps twice a week.
My team allowed me to keep a plastic stud in an ear piercing I was afraid would close. They put tape over the plastic stud. You will just have to ask if that would be permitted on belly button. You probably won't be able to shower until discharge day. This... Read more.
I drafted a lengthy response but decided not to post it because you are concerned about belly piercing, gel-x nails, doing makeup, wearing cute outfits, etc. If you confirm you really have open hear surgery (I mostly can just talk about OHS, AFib, Maze, etc) I will do my best... Read more.
Looking forward to your belly piercing, and fake nail responses.
ahaha yes, I am really having open heart. still feels surreal and like I'm talking about another person. I'm a 23 year old model living in a major city so yes, these are my concerns.
I find the concerns you raise outside the ordinary but certainly legitimate questions. At 23, I doubt my concerns would be the typical 50 plus age concerns. What was it my mother used to say. If you have nothing kind to say....then say nothing. Yes.
My initial instinct was that you are trolling but apparently you are serious. So here are my answers to some of your concerns. * Reset your expectations and focus on the actual procedure. * Create a list of questions written down on a piece of paper and ask those questions... Read more.
Heather, i bet the nurses will help you do almost anything to make yourself feel more like yourself. and they'll tell you if something has a medical reason why you cant. i am sure they understand how to speed the healing process by improving your mental health. Grace, thanks for... Read more.
I'm not sure what kind of surgery you're having. You do say open heart. It took me about 4 weeks before I felt good again. I started walking right when I got home from the Cleveland heart clinic. I was told I didn't need cardiac rehab that I was in... Read more.

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