Janet's Journal

Lenore Mitchell  I've been delayed for cardiac rehab due to delay in cardiologist visits, so I've been walked about 30 min or so every day the weather allows. I don't see why you couldn't use your treadmill as long as you go slowly - just don't get your heart rate too high or get of breath. You might ask your surgeon or his cardiac nurses what your max heart rate should be - it's usually based on age for one thing, but they'll likely want you to start slow.
Good luck.

Jim Kelly-Evans  Janet, the winter has been tough on those of us recovering. Best wishes to you for a continued smooth recovery.

Paul Fodor  Janet - I suggest you ask Jana at Mt. Sinai she may know of a few places. I am actually quite surprised at how fast my strength is beginning to return (still got a ways to go)

Kathleen F.  Hi Janet, did you get any recommendations? I'm just starting to look into this myself. Burke up in White Plains is highly regarded; I'm not sure whether it's convenient to you. I'm looking in NYC so I don't have to drive. Here's a link:  http://www.burke.org/rehab/inpatient/cardiopulmonary
I hope you're recovering well!

Janet Garland  Thank you Kathleen F. I haven't been on here for a few weeks and just saw this post. My cardiologist referred me to the cardiac rehab based out of Mt. Sinai hospital. Now I'm waiting to hear if I have been accepted to the program. In the interim, I will be reviewing the list you provided me with... Just in case. Thank you 😊

Kathleen F.  Hi Janet, I posted some additional information on rehab at NYU and NY Presbyterian (Columbia and Cornell) on my guestbook and on Damien Kudelka's page. I'm not sure why my cardiologist didn't send me to Mount Sinai. What is their rehab program like?

Susan Smith  I went through anxiety and sort of a fear, about 1 week after being on my own. My doctor gave me a prescription and it helped. You will be find. Talk to your Primary Care Doctor about it and I am sure he can help you get past it.

Meredith Bray  After having a "babysitter" for three weeks, I found the first day I was left alone to be glorious. I just sat in the silent house for a few hours. And drank coffee. Asking yourself the "what-ifs" is normal.

Paul Fodor  Hi Janet sounds like things are all on the right track for you. My care team (aka as my wife and cousin) have all left me now and I actually quite enjoy the alone time that being said I am in NY and will be returning to ,y family next week (beginning to look forward to it) - you will be surprised but being alone may actually also help you relax more :). Good luck with everything!

Cheryl Batzing  Glad to hear you are doing well, Janet, other than the anxiety. I do understand! I'll pray you have peace and able to stop the "what ifs" and be able to go back home and feel secure. I'm almost 5 weeks post op and have noticed my nervous stuff has subsided as time has passed and I've had a few weeks to heal now. The first 2 weeks at home I kept getting nervous every time my heart would speed up a bit that I was going back into a-fib, but it wasn't. Finally have quit worrying about that, plus my cardiology follow up showed me I was doing great (it was 4 weeks post op). Sounds like your cardiologist gave you a huge thumbs up!

Eleanor R  I had my daughter with me after the surgery for almost two months. She lives just 15 min away but wanted to be close at hand "just in case". I really didn't need her physically after the second week, but it was great to have someone around. I wouldn't worry about it, you'll go home when you're ready. The first whole day I spent alone, I ran through all the "what if's", nothing happened, so I told myself the next day to stop doing that. I also had to force myself from replaying the surgery. Oddly enough I was able to just stop it and move on. Listening to books on tape at night while dozing off helped keep my hamster wheel mind occupied. Sounds like you are doing fine and what you are feeling is normal. I am all in favor of doing whatever makes you feel good and safe after surgery. Best wishes, Eleanor

Jim O'Brien  Glad to hear you are doing well Janet. Thanks for the post letting us know. Hang in there, take it easy, and listen to what your heart tells you. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers for continued quick recovery.

Eleanor R  I did Janet. But also a few days before the surgery, very nervous and noticing my thumping heart. After the surgery, vivid dreams the first few weeks, then trouble falling asleep because I was mentally reliving the morning of the surgery, the checking in, prep, etc. Even imagining things I never experienced, for I was asleep before we got to the OR, so it was only my active imagination kicking it. I had to "talk to myself" and tell myself to put that aside. Been there, done that more or less. Fortunately it worked and I was able to stop the imaginings, but still had more vivid dreams than before. Not necessarily bad dreams but more vivid. I understand it is because of waking up more suddenly, hence a better recall. Even back in the bed, more dreaming, which is probably related to Metoprolol, since that is the only new addition to pre-surgery for me. I hope that once you have follow up meetings with your cardiologist and he tells you "see you in six months" or three, or whatever, you will be more relaxed. That did it for me, knowing that he felt I was going to be fine. It takes a while for our minds to deal with what our bodies went through, and for us to trust that our hearts are ok now. I wish you the best healing, and peace. One day you will wake up and realize that you have not even thought about your heart, and you will smile.

Lilly Black  I did as well. For me, it was the beta blocker. I normally do not take anything, but after surgery they doctor put me on 50mg of Metoprolol, it made me anxious and caused bad dreams. I since changed to 25mg of Atenelol....no more anxiety or bad dreams, and soon I will no longer be on any beta blocker. Will be weaning off as I begin to normalize again. Good luck, Janet!

Cheryl Batzing  Janet..that happened to me as well! I'm 4 weeks post op, NEVER have dreams I remember but have had them almost every night the first 3 weeks sleeping on my back (which I don't normally do either). I would wake up in a sweat, heart beating fast, in a panic over the nightmare! It has calmed down in Week 3 & 4....and I' sleeping better. Can turn to the left side a bit now and that helps. Still can't turn to the right side. I was on beta blockers before surgery, and still are now, so not noticing that affecting my dreaming... best to you!

Meredith Bray  It takes time! I went back and forth between the recliner and the bed. I slept better in the recliner because I could relax - I wasn't worried about rolling over. We used a mound of linens for me to sleep in bed. Started with a base of towels, then blankets, then pillows. I also wedged a pillow under each upper arm to take some of the weight off my shoulders. Each day gets better!

Clare Auten  Unfortunately, not from me. Sometimes it was the chair. Sometimes, it was the couch. Occasionally, it was the bed. Good luck. Soon this too will be better.

Terrie Syvertsen  Hello Janet. I used a power lift chair at first on and off during the day at first. I will mention that my husband was home for the first two wks. with me so it made it easier. I found that the first two wks home
if I put 3 regular pillows at the top of the bed for my head and placed 2 standard pillows below that and like Meredith said above, two pillows gently placed under each arm at my sides lengthwise and then two pillows (one under each leg lengthwise starting at the knees and letting the leg rest down to the ankle worked for me as for some reason it balanced the sternum well and made it unable for me to roll. I slept well and when I had to get up Gary or I would just push the left hand side pillow aside where it made it easy to roll to the left after putting my left leg over the side and sort of rolling over and standing up slowly. This sounds a bit complicated but there is actually a rhythm to it whereby you are using your strength from the lower half or abs to help you roll and stand. Done slowly I did not aggravate the sternum. I also found the regular recliner was more comfortable than the power lift to sleep. I just had to be careful getting up and down slowly. Like Clare said above take heart(no pun intended) it will get easier as your strength returns. I hope I didn't confuse the issue as it is I probably put you to sleep just reading this post! Happy Healing!

Tammy Pilcher  Janet, I used a power recliner from Rooms to Go the first two weeks to sleep in. Then I moved to my bed using a wedge pillow from Bed, Bath, & Beyond with pillows piled on top. I later only used one pillow on top of the wedge. Now, at 10 weeks post op, I'm using just two regular pillows without the wedge. You'll figure out what feels best for you! Hang in there!

Eleanor R  I had a hard time with the bed. I tried it twice once I came home, and just couldn't manage to get "set". I used the electric recliner, made cozy with great sheets and a blanket, and even though I had never been able to sleep anywhere other than a bed, I was able to sleep in the recliner. Too much so, actually, I was afraid I was never going to get out of the recliner and back into a regular bed. I kept the recliner for two months, babying myself all that I wanted! Finally I got a grip, returned the recliner and got back into bed. When I was trying to find the perfect position in bed, I did all the tricks that terrie suggests, and mostly they worked, until I had to roll over, then I would end up with a mess. Even today, I sometimes put a pillow under my arm, or under my leg, to get more comfortable. Before you know it you will be getting in/out, up/down without even feeling your chest complaining, but until then, my thoughts are with for good rest. Eleanor

Joseph Ballett  Get use to those tears as you look back and also look at things that happen around us, those tears will form as you realize this is such a wonderful life!

Eleanor R  I think it is the realization of what you have survived that gets to us emotionally. We hold in so much anxiety beforehand, and keep a strong front for family and friends, than when we least expect it, emotions sometimes overwhelm us, right? It is alright, and all good. You will also smile, and be amazed at being alive and healthy.

Tammy Pilcher  Janet, you sound like me 9 weeks ago! I'm so happy for you! I'm at 10 weeks now and still feel great! Prayers for continued success, heart sister!

Nancy D  Yay for going home!!! Just keep celebrating the little progress steps you make because each one adds up! Take good care!!

Meredith Bray  Shower, sandwich, nap! Stand up straight when you are moving around - excellent posture will help alleviate excruciating back pain!

Nitin Natarajan  Glad to hear everything went well. There's a lot of new feelings that you'll feel. I saw my cardiologist yesterday for a 5 week postop checkup with a list of "are these sounds and feelings normal" and turns out they all are. I've come to see these things as positive feelings and sensations that others will never get the joy of experiencing. I had also asked my surgeon for a picture of my heart which he did take for me which really separates you from the pack....I mean how many people (outside of many people on this website haha) can say they have a picture of their own heart. Best of luck in your recovery!

Bob M  Sounds like recovery is almost perfect. I don't think I felt my bovine valve. Mostly it was the incision, tubes and everything else around that.

Eleanor R  Oh, the coughing was painful for me at first, and the first sneezes were like fireworks going off in my chest. Yes, I could feel all kind of things, don't know if it was the valve, my heart or nerves trying to find their way back together, and like others I asked the surgeon and the nurse who visited me at home the first two weeks. Strange sensations, but signs of actually being alive, and healing. So glad you are, keep it up.

Tammy Pilcher  Janet, I'm so happy everything went well and your recovering great! I was really hoarse and my throat was very dry for several days. They said it was from the vent. It went away just like they said. I don't remember feeling the valve. My chest felt numb for quite sometime. It slowly started getting more feeling as time passed. Best wishes on your recovery!

Rafael Martinez  Great news your are on recovery mode now...how is that you fell or hear the valve...the cliking open and clossing of the valve?

Linda Crawford  I will be keeping you close in my thoughts tomorrow and will be waiting to hear that you are recovering quickly.

Bob M  We are all praying for Janet. Tomorrow will be a new day for you when your heart will be fixed. God bless and rise up!

Joan Napier  Janet, Prayers and positive thoughts as you undergo HVS tomorrow 1/5. May God bless you and guide your surgeon and medical team. Please post on how you're doing when you feel up to it.

Lori Beuerlein  Wishing you a peaceful nights sleep! I'll be praying for you and your family, and the skillful hands of your surgeon. Keep us posted on your recovery!

Tammi Gunwall  Thinking about you and sending up prayer that all will go well today for you. Looking forward to sharing war stories together on the other side of this with you next week!! Peace to you heart sister ♡

Jennifer Anderson  Sending lots of prayers and positive vibes in your direction. Can't wait to hear that you are out of a successful surgery and on your way to healing!

Clay Rowe  Prayers and support your way Janet. I'm thinking like Meredith that I'll be looking forward to a nap then moving on! Looking forward to hearing from you later.

Emily Mrozek  My 9 year old got a frozen valve replacement this July! By October he was at recess. Technology is awesome. .the surgery will go fine its now waiting that is the hardest. .keep telling urself it's gonna go great over and over and say what me and my son said the nights leading to it.. "I trust you GOD..DO UNTO ME according to your Will!"..your face is beautiful and soon ur heart will be to with mending love from our Lord. Please love yourself. We can give advice but you must Love your self and Trust our maker on your own and everything will be fine!

Freddy Zalta  I had a quadruple bypass March of 2013 - it will be hard at first - but I promise it will get better.

Clare Auten  I am on a beta blocker so the cardiac rehab team said a heart rate monitor would not be accurate for me. The beta blocker would be controlling my heart rate.

Lenore Mitchell  Plan on going to cardiac rehab post op when you're ready, and then they'll likely have some advice for ongoing fitness monitors. Remember you'll have to take it easy for awhile. Good luck!

Meredith Bray  I was on a beta blocker (metoprolol) for 6 months following surgery. My heart rate only went above 100 when I was at rehab. It was the only place I felt comfortable working that hard. I have a heartrate monitor that I can wear while swimming, it's pretty cool. My husband found it on the internet for about $20.

John Noriega  I'm also in rehab & taking metoprolol - so no monitor as well. They do the monitoring and I use a home BP meter as well.
FYI you have to wait a certain period of time before starting rehab...most in the group I'm in started between 8-10 weeks. It depends on what your cardiologist determines. Mine was 8 weeks.

Ben Schraegle  Dear Janet, Thinking of you and tomorrow. Have faith and God will hold you in his hand. Looking forward to hearing about your recovery! All the best, Ben

Eleanor R  Good luck to you tomorrow, I am thinking of you and praying for a smooth surgery and steady recovery. Seems you have a top surgeon and heart center, which in my view contributes a lot to a successful outcome. Best wishes to you for an old-timer, almost six months past aortic valve replacement.

Bob M  Janet, I did not go through that, but you are almost there for surgery. Your doctors will need to monitor your case and get you to January 5. I pray for peace for you through your new day when your heart will be fixed. God bless and rise up!

Linda Crawford  This is happening very quickly for you. You have barely had time to process any of it. On one hand, the long wait is a bit of torture but at least it gives you time to adjust to the idea of a major surgery. I do not think you are being paranoid at all. Hang in there. You are nearly there. Try to think about what you need to do for your recovery. I'm not going to say relax because that probably won't happen. I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

Lynne Jeffreys  Your right, waiting and waiting is torture. Hang in and it will be all fixed up like new and raring to go.

 
i see alot of people are going in for heart surgery very soon. i would like to give you my short story it may help you if you are a litle nervious or scared.
I was in the hospital 1 week before to get the camera in me to see that heart of mind. Well when i woke up my doctor and now another doctor were looking down on me. They said i wasn't going anywhere as i had an anerysum of a 5.5.in my aorta. Get this. i told them i would be back in a week as i had to finish this ladies job first. (i am a contractor). Job was only worth about $300 but i promised her. The doctors thought i was crazy. Any ways the day before the surgery i went to the gym worked out alot lifting wieghts. went to my dad's grave site and sat there ,looked up at the sky alot. then said: well dad i'll see you tomorrow maybe, or wish me luck. then i went home sat on a lawn chair and had a beer.
the next morning early like 6am. i was at the hospital. I huge my wife i said goodbye i probally cried a little but i don't remember.
Now the fun crazy thing i wanted to do. I told the man when i was on the table being preped that i wanted to know when the anethesia was going in. i wanted to count to see now long i could last.
Crazy huh. well i don't remember because in my case 9hrs. went by and i had no idea. Listen: this is the way that i was able to except this surgery. you will find your way. If it is time to see the man upstairs then it is your time. deep inside, if you know you are a good person thru life you will be fine. One step at a time remember. (it will be fun.) That part just a joke to make you laugh. Personally i would loved to have a video of the operation . i know one thing . You will love being on morphine after surgery can't feel a thing made me laugh alot.

Janet Garland  Thanks for that story Mark I'm greatful that it was found and I will have the opportunity to continue a normal life after the surgery. I just got a call from the hospital and I have to be there at 5:30 am to prepare so I'm assuming surgery will begin approximately 2 hours after. Just talking about it makes my heart race. Lol! Nonetheless, I'm not as nervous (today) as I was when I first found out what I had.

Clare Auten  Janet, things moved quickly for me too. I only had 2 weeks from diagnosis to surgery. I was so nervous, I could hardly stand it. I took lots of time to recover but feel like things are back to "normal" for me. I did the half marathon I wanted to, have 3 kids under 14 and work full time. Feel free to read my journal. Good luck on Monday.

Kathleen F.  Hi, I was paranoid about any new pain, especially a sharp pain I developed in my back a few weeks before surgery. I was afraid it was a worsening condition... my surgeon reassured me it was probably muscle stiffness since I had stopped exercising. Some light stretching is relaxing and might help out any pain or kinks that are not heart-related, perhaps? Breathe deep, it helps too. Good luck...

Clare Auten  Welcome. Not sure what type of surgery you are having but it will be nice for you to get it behind you. My surgery was 1/9/14. Feel free to read my journal if you would like.

Tammy Pilcher  Welcome Janet, I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 9 weeks ago and I'm doing great! You can do this! Best wishes!

Bob M  I pray that your surgery and recovery will be peaceful.
"Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come follow me, and
I will give you rest."
God Bless and Rise Up!

Cheryl Batzing  Janet, wow--you did move quickly with this info! I had mitral valve repair on Dec. 16 and am doing great recovering at home now. It is scary in advance, and I'm the biggest wimp in the world....but I did it, did well, and am so glad I did. Will keep you in my prayers for a successful surgery and quick healing. Blessings.

Janet Garland  I'm having bicuspid aortic valve replacement. Tammy, its so inspiring to hear that you had this procedure done 9 weeks ago and you're doing great. I"m praying that I will have a speedy recovery as well. Thank you all for responding to my post. Writing and posting here will definetely ease my anxiety.

Tammy Pilcher  You're very welcome, Janet! You can read my surgery experience post in my journal. It might help to ease some fears. I read some surgery experiences others before mine posted and it was a huge help! Prayers and best wishes heart sister!

Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Hi Janet, welcome to the group! I read your post and totally related with your anxiety after the ball dropped last night. I felt the same - happy it was a year of new beginnings, but scared that it's closer to my surgery. You will do great, all my best to you for a speedy recovery:)

Melinda Hacker  Hi Janet. I had the same surgery just 10 weeks ago and am also doing great! Check out my journal if you like.

Janet Garland  Hi Melinda. I read your journal. It's so inspiring to see how well everyone is recovering from their surgeries. Thank you for sharing a picture of your scar. I needed to see that and get an idea of what to expect.
Question.... After surgery, I guess we can not wear a bra?

Clare Auten  There are lots of bra posts on here. I had one on coming out of the OR that I wore 24/7 at the hospital. Doctor does that to hold everything together. I think each situation is unique. I wore my regular bras as soon as I came home. Since I am large up top I was more comfortable that way. Scar was really in the cleavage and not bothered except right at the bottom.

Melinda Hacker  Janet, I didn't wear a bra but I found out when I went for my 2-week check up that I should have been wearing one. The nurse said the bra provides support in the sternum area and keep the tissues from pulling outward when lying down. From then on for the next few weeks I wore a front closure sports bra, even at night.