Jane's Heart Valve Journal

Jennifer McInerney  Congratulations. I went back to my maiden name once my kids were older and it was the greatest feeling. I got remarried 30 years later to a wonderful man ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney  Congratulations. I went back to my maiden name once my kids were older and it was the greatest feeling. I got remarried 30 years later to a wonderful man and I kept my maiden name. Never giving it up again.

Jane Welp  It is not really a vanity thing but the scar startles me. Who is this different person? My scar is not fading away; it is raised & red. Even the four tube holes ... Read more

Jane Welp  It is not really a vanity thing but the scar startles me. Who is this different person? My scar is not fading away; it is raised & red. Even the four tube holes have keloids. I like V neck tops & when I wear them now, usually you can see the beginning of the scar. Oh, wellllll....I am having a positive recovery, overall & I am grateful.

Rita Savelis  You describe it well, Jane. I get you on the "it's not a vanity thing", and that it startles you to see this different person. My thoughts exactly.
I encourage ... Read more

Rita Savelis  You describe it well, Jane. I get you on the "it's not a vanity thing", and that it startles you to see this different person. My thoughts exactly.
I encourage you, if and when it feels right, to pursue your doctor's ideas on dealing with a keloid scar.

Jane Welp  Much time has passed & I found a wonderful dermatologist who helped improve the keloid overa 6 month time span. Now it has started to grow back & that is expected ... Read more

Jane Welp  Much time has passed & I found a wonderful dermatologist who helped improve the keloid overa 6 month time span. Now it has started to grow back & that is expected & normal. On 2/17/19 I am in the Heartbreaker 5 K
walk & that is a big positive in my life!

Kathi Mancuso  Hi Jane.... although I just had AVR last tues I will try and answer your question re your keloid. My husband had Quad bypass emergency in 2005.
He got the red ... Read more

Kathi Mancuso  Hi Jane.... although I just had AVR last tues I will try and answer your question re your keloid. My husband had Quad bypass emergency in 2005.
He got the red keloid spots on incision a couple places. I took him to my DERMATOLOGIST at the same Loma India Univ. and my Derm inj each area with a bit of Kenalog ( steroid) those areas flattened....not itchy.

Civita Fahey  Hi Jane. Glad to see you're doing well. I too am at my six months I have a keloid on my scar too. I saw a dermatologist who said it's common to have this, some ... Read more

Civita Fahey  Hi Jane. Glad to see you're doing well. I too am at my six months I have a keloid on my scar too. I saw a dermatologist who said it's common to have this, some people just develop keloids. She did a laser treatment on it. She said it was more effective than injection of Kenolog which is a steroid. The scar looks slightly better. It may more than one treatment. I also use a topical steroid twice a day. Mine is not itchy but very tender when clothes touch it. I used vitamin E, Maderma but nothing was working. So hopefully this will work. My insurance covered it under the diagnosis of hypertrophic scar. Try either a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. I believe they would do the same fragment. Good luck. I'll keep u posted on how my next treatment is end of November.

Jane Welp  Thanks for the ideas. I welcome them ALL. It really helps to know the medical terminology when accessing services.

When I called Dr. Google & Dr WebMD, I ... Read more

Jane Welp  Thanks for the ideas. I welcome them ALL. It really helps to know the medical terminology when accessing services.

When I called Dr. Google & Dr WebMD, I learned that maybe 70% of the keloids grow back after laser treatments. Then I had a consult with surgery team via phone & then the cardiologist staff saw the ugly keloid this week. At least someone has seen it. Living alone has some definite disadvantages.

My father had a nasty keloid on his chest that kept growing; he was so disappointed with his care but that was YEARS ago. I didn’t think keloids were a hereditary issue so I didn’t tell the docs before surgery. If it is, I should have mentioned it to them.

I see a dermatologist yearly because skin cancer was also a problem for my father. So far, so good for me. Seeing a dermatologist sounds good & so does seeing a plastic surgeon but I had hoped not to go down 2 paths at once.

I am at a zero balance for $ owing to medical people & had hoped to keep it that way! Oh, welllllll....I am so thankful for so much!

Rita Savelis  So glad that you have found support groups, Jane... That you are moving forward and doing everything you can to get better and face the ongoing challenges of ... Read more

Rita Savelis  So glad that you have found support groups, Jane... That you are moving forward and doing everything you can to get better and face the ongoing challenges of recovery (and going back to work....) It's a long process and being with others who can share your experience is so good. There is a lot to let out, a lot to get over, a lot to process.... not to mention the exhaustion!
Wishing you all the best. Take care.

Jane Welp  I went off cymbalta & had •very• rough time detoxing from it this summer. Not good at all. The other Rx I removed was gapapentin & it is on the bad Rx ... Read more

Jane Welp  I went off cymbalta & had •very• rough time detoxing from it this summer. Not good at all. The other Rx I removed was gapapentin & it is on the bad Rx list for me. NEVER again, my friends.

At the end of September, I removed Lipitor, another wicked statin. It left me in a stupor & very tired. Within 1 week, I felt more like JANE. I know statins have these common side effects.

In the mean time, I am reading info from Dr. Miles Hassell “”Fat is Good, Bagels are Bad”” & also his views on controlling Cholesterol. His website is goodfoodgreatmedicine.com and my cardiologist provided the articles to read. Hurray because I need all the help so can get. I can do it & I intend to give it •all• a good try!

Civita Fahey  Good to hear that you are keeping up with this Jane.. I get the fact about being miserable outside.. its been so cold and damp and rainy in New England too.. ... Read more

Civita Fahey  Good to hear that you are keeping up with this Jane.. I get the fact about being miserable outside.. its been so cold and damp and rainy in New England too.. one of my reasons for having the surgery in later spring. let's hope the weather cooperates with getting in some walking.. prayers to keep your recovery successful..

Jane Welp  Thanks for the encouragement. A friend took me to a huge department store and we easily walked for 30 minutes and then lunch at the Olive Garden. I have to ... Read more

Jane Welp  Thanks for the encouragement. A friend took me to a huge department store and we easily walked for 30 minutes and then lunch at the Olive Garden. I have to get smart and ask for no salt ahead of time at restaurants. Delicious eggplant Parmesan of course but I could taste the salt. The next day I could feel the effect and see the results. I am still taking Lasix but 1/2 dose this week.

Barbara Laurie  Jane, you can do this! Your cardiac rehab will be an umbilical cord to your new life. Take all the classes, get breathing and that plural effusion can decrease.. ... Read more

Barbara Laurie  Jane, you can do this! Your cardiac rehab will be an umbilical cord to your new life. Take all the classes, get breathing and that plural effusion can decrease.. I had pneumonia 3 times after my ohs. I was in hospital at UCSF and in Reno, so I got quick care, but it was hard. Avoid that kiddo and you will be on your way! My niece bought me a "Sad" light that I used all winter, and I was anemic too..very tired. That light was a great help. It doesn't have UV just very bright. I still use it since it's still crazy weather here. I pray your CR goes great and you find strength each day! ❤️Best Regards ❤

Jane Welp  Hi Barbie Laurie: Thank you for the great ideas. I know about the full spectrum light and was using it before surgery; I like it now more than ever. I can get ... Read more

Jane Welp  Hi Barbie Laurie: Thank you for the great ideas. I know about the full spectrum light and was using it before surgery; I like it now more than ever. I can get my spirometer up to 1750 but not every time so I have to keep doing my breathing to avoid pneumonia. That would be a setback. Cardiac rehab intake is on 4.11 and I made huge strides yesterday in arranging public transportation. The ride connection service will be temporary until I can drive again and is one advantage to life in the urban setting of SW Portland, OR.

Larry Ring  Very nice, Jane. Sun and fresh air can be great healers. On my first day home, much to the amazement of my daughters, who watched with great trepidation, ... Read more

Larry Ring  Very nice, Jane. Sun and fresh air can be great healers. On my first day home, much to the amazement of my daughters, who watched with great trepidation, I slowly moved a lounge chair out by the pool...took off my shirt...and let the glorious sun penetrate my body. I'd been cooped up in the hospital for six days...and I was done with it!
One of the most glorious cat naps I've ever taken.

Jane Welp  Many thanks to ALL you dear ❤️ Warriors with positive messages. This is DAY 7 of my hospital because breathing is an issue. I cough hard into to the heart ... Read more

Jane Welp  Many thanks to ALL you dear ❤️ Warriors with positive messages. This is DAY 7 of my hospital because breathing is an issue. I cough hard into to the heart pillow & make that pesky incentive spirometer MOVE! Great surgeon, Dr. Swanson & medical staff on St Vincent's on Floor 8. Praying that it IS discharge day! Wheeeee......

Jane Welp  My pre-operative testing appointment is in progress at St Vincent's. It is going to take hours! However.... Blood work 💉 ✔️Blood pressure arms & legs✔️ ... Read more

Jane Welp  My pre-operative testing appointment is in progress at St Vincent's. It is going to take hours! However.... Blood work 💉 ✔️Blood pressure arms & legs✔️ Urine sample ✔️ Nose swab for MRSA - no one wants that infection! ✔️

A nurse helped me learn to get in/out of bed after surgery & I practiced breathing with incentive spirometer. ✅✅

A chest X-ray is coming up soon even though the same tests were done @ ER 7 days ago.

I don't need a new EKG; I had hoped to save time 🕒 & 💰 money but obviously not on this trip!

I asked about using my CD player & radio - no answer yet.

I asked about seeing my damaged aortic heart ❤️ valve; they said to ask surgeon. 👩🏼‍🔬 I won't see her until tomorrow morning early. I wanted to ask ahead of time. My goal is to sit up in a chair on day of surgery.

Now we are doing more signing & talking! Bye bye 👋🏽 👋🏽 for now!

Jane Welp  Many thanks dear heart ❤️ warrior-friends. Today went well and the last test was the chest X-ray. No surprises on results and it all gotbposted to mychart ... Read more

Jane Welp  Many thanks dear heart ❤️ warrior-friends. Today went well and the last test was the chest X-ray. No surprises on results and it all gotbposted to mychart which can be viewed easily. The best part was a phone from my surgeon, Dr. Swanson and then from the anesthesiologist who answered every question with great patience. I am soooo thankful for the surgical team. I feel ready and with God's help I will get through this huge event and be healthier.

Jane Welp  Thomas: my surgeon had a very good 10 page handout but it was mainly preparation for surgery. I needed more. I have gotten really great I for from this site ... Read more

Jane Welp  Thomas: my surgeon had a very good 10 page handout but it was mainly preparation for surgery. I needed more. I have gotten really great I for from this site and especially, Adam's book. I found out I qualify for care management through my insurance and he is a RN. My surgeon has a nurse advocate and I have had very good succ as with calls to her. I interviewed 3 heart surgeons before I made a decision to have surgery and they laid It out really well. We also have 24 videos to watch in 4 sections; I am caught up on my homework. You can use the link in my journal area; the videos are open to the public.

Barbara Laurie  Good job Jane, I would never make it this winter to CR without my husband to drive me the 25 minutes. The weather has been very snowy, but it's been great to ... Read more

Barbara Laurie  Good job Jane, I would never make it this winter to CR without my husband to drive me the 25 minutes. The weather has been very snowy, but it's been great to still get the Rehab in without worries. Best to you! ❤

Jane Welp  Snowy weather has probably slowed many people like you down but glad you kept your appointments....spring ahead tomorrow plus a full moon and spring is on the ... Read more

Jane Welp  Snowy weather has probably slowed many people like you down but glad you kept your appointments....spring ahead tomorrow plus a full moon and spring is on the horizon. I planted edible snow peas a few days ago in hopes I will be able to see them growing soon.

Jane Welp  I tried it out last night sitting in my favorite chair and it was great. It's made by Sharper Image but discounted by the retail giant, Marshall's found in ... Read more

Jane Welp  I tried it out last night sitting in my favorite chair and it was great. It's made by Sharper Image but discounted by the retail giant, Marshall's found in nearby Tigard, OR. I like online shopping but sometimes it's good to see something before you buy it.

Sue Sanchez Grela  Yes Jane I wholeheartedly agree on not comparing! I am so inspired and love knowing what's possible, but know what is reasonable for me at this point. Someone ... Read more

Sue Sanchez Grela  Yes Jane I wholeheartedly agree on not comparing! I am so inspired and love knowing what's possible, but know what is reasonable for me at this point. Someone had committed to a post regarding appreciating what our bodies have been through before surgery and after and this resonated. I am doing my best to first treat my body with the utmost tenderness and respect. During my recovery there will be much re-education on many levels.❤

Phyllis Petersen  And don't stop asking questions! Before and after surgery, let them know what you need to feel comfortable and in control. They really want the best outcomes ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen  And don't stop asking questions! Before and after surgery, let them know what you need to feel comfortable and in control. They really want the best outcomes for their patients, so they will really try to help you in any way they can, but they need to know what you need. Prayers for a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery!

Marie Myers  I am also awaiting surgery. My neighbor who has had bypass surgery swears by an electric recliner that he rented for a month. It made it easier getting up from ... Read more

Marie Myers  I am also awaiting surgery. My neighbor who has had bypass surgery swears by an electric recliner that he rented for a month. It made it easier getting up from the chair, and he says he slept in it at times.

Don Catoe  Marie I also recommend the use of an electric recliner if you can get access to one. You will not be able to pull a handle on a traditional recliner to raise ... Read more

Don Catoe  Marie I also recommend the use of an electric recliner if you can get access to one. You will not be able to pull a handle on a traditional recliner to raise it. The first 2 to 3 weeks you will want to avoid any use of your arms to get up or down. The say the recliner that raises you up to a standing position is great, however I did fine with just an electric one that sat the recliner up straight without having to pull a handle. I am one month out of surgery and still sleeping in my recliner. I am tempted to try the bed, but my recliner is sooo comfortable!

Joshua Wright  I live in NYC in a small flat so an electric recliner or anything big was not going to fit. I was most comfortable in a padded rocking chair. Other times I ... Read more

Joshua Wright  I live in NYC in a small flat so an electric recliner or anything big was not going to fit. I was most comfortable in a padded rocking chair. Other times I would find a position on the couch slightly leaning sideways against a pillow.

I found extremely helpful was one of those claw contraptions that allows you to squeeze your hand and grab something from higher up and further away. You won't be able to lift your hands above your head (or at least you're not supposed to), and lifting anything heavy is a no-no. I actually bought a small cabinet for the floor so that I could grab a snack when I wanted something, and I didn't have to reach up.

I do not encourage you to hurry to be able to sleep in the bed. It can actually be really scary to lay down and then not be able to get back up -- this can be painful too. Just take your time getting to that point. I definitely really pushed myself to the extreme a couple of points trying to rush back to the flat bed.

Walking was good for my mental health and my physical recovery. Do what you can, but don't feel like you have to do it in a rush. Take your time and enjoy the fresh air. There were times where my father realized I hadn't walked in a while and encouraged me to get up and go to the corner of the block. (mind you, I also lived 3 stories up with no elevator -- walking included stairs for me).

You will be fine. Honestly, the comfort of being home outweighs the scariness of not having doctors around to do everything for you. But you should prepare and if I could recommend one thing of everything I said -- fill a small cabinet on the floor with food so that it makes it easy for you to control what you eat and when. (just realize your appetite might change right after the surgery so you might not know what you will want afterwards) One perk is that doctors generally say eat whatever you want after surgery until you regain your appetite. Once you have your appetite back, then start watching what you eat (low-sodium and vitamin K if you're on warfarin).

Good luck! You're going to do great!

Rita Savelis  No matter how much you prepare, things will happen that you weren't prepared for. Then you will breathe deeply and move forward and take the next steps. Lots ... Read more

Rita Savelis  No matter how much you prepare, things will happen that you weren't prepared for. Then you will breathe deeply and move forward and take the next steps. Lots of good advice here from Joshua. Take it easy. Don't try to do too much. Nap in the afternoon. Hopefully you have a friend or a health assistant person who can/will drop by to make sure everything is okay. Take care.

Jane Welp  Really great ideas dear ❤️ friends. I asked my nurse advocate from surgeon's office about recliner. They don't recommend one. I love my recliner but I guess ... Read more

Jane Welp  Really great ideas dear ❤️ friends. I asked my nurse advocate from surgeon's office about recliner. They don't recommend one. I love my recliner but I guess I won't invest in one of those fancy medical/electric ones unless needed. I already have a recliner but it hard to use even NOW. I bet I can find a "grabber" claw & use it forever as I am 5'3" & use a step stool quite often, even today as I was doing housework. How about a raised toilet seat? What do you think?

Meredith Bray  I didn't need a raised toilet seat. Standing and sitting is doable, albeit slow. I made use of a shower chair the first week, so I didn't have to worry about ... Read more

Meredith Bray  I didn't need a raised toilet seat. Standing and sitting is doable, albeit slow. I made use of a shower chair the first week, so I didn't have to worry about slipping or losing my balance. The simple act of taking a shower will be tiring for a few weeks. Also, when I hear about someone near me going for surgery, I try to briefly visit them in hospital and gift them a balloon and a neck pillow. The balloon to look at when you don't have any energy to do anything else, and the neck pillow to get some rest without getting a kink in your neck!
Meredith

Jane Welp  Thanks Marie! Taking it one day a time! I did some "shopping therapy" for fun. I heard that a snap front house coat might be useful. Old fashioned & not that ... Read more

Jane Welp  Thanks Marie! Taking it one day a time! I did some "shopping therapy" for fun. I heard that a snap front house coat might be useful. Old fashioned & not that stylish but maybe just right. I ordered 2 tonight - online shopping is so easy.

Sue Sanchez Grela  Jane, did the hospital give the videos or did you find them on-line? I am more interested in recovery information. My aortic valve replacement surgery is ... Read more

Sue Sanchez Grela  Jane, did the hospital give the videos or did you find them on-line? I am more interested in recovery information. My aortic valve replacement surgery is March 1st and I had my consultation with the surgeon so I am as prepared as I want to be. As I have said many times before, this site and everyone's journals are a Godsend❣

Briana Morgan  Abba Father, I ask for your guidance as Jane makes this important and life changing decision concerning her health and her heart. Guide her and show her what ... Read more

Briana Morgan  Abba Father, I ask for your guidance as Jane makes this important and life changing decision concerning her health and her heart. Guide her and show her what is the best decision for her life and body. I know that you always provide for your children. Thank you for providing Jane with the support team that she needs and I ask that you continue to provide for her financially, emotionally, and physically through this process. May her trust be in you. Give the doctors wisdom as they review her case. Thank you Father for your faithfulness and your love for each of us. Amen.

Jane Welp  Thanks for your beautiful and supportive prayer. God answered prayer in a powerful way because now a trusted friend can stay overnight with me on my first day ... Read more

Jane Welp  Thanks for your beautiful and supportive prayer. God answered prayer in a powerful way because now a trusted friend can stay overnight with me on my first day at home after discharge. Such a wonderful relief knowing that can happen! I am up early so I can attend the 8:15 am church service with a friend and her husband. God is good, all the time!

Briana Morgan  Yay, so good to hear someone will be with you! I will continue to pray for you during this time. I had so many praying for me and I know it made a huge difference. ... Read more

Briana Morgan  Yay, so good to hear someone will be with you! I will continue to pray for you during this time. I had so many praying for me and I know it made a huge difference. God is so faithful to provide and care for us.

  Yes Jane you are correct it is truly amazing what these Surgeons can do. I am a big fan of knowing what I am facing as well. I can SO relate to the thought ... Read more

  Yes Jane you are correct it is truly amazing what these Surgeons can do. I am a big fan of knowing what I am facing as well. I can SO relate to the thought process your going through. I am forever scouring all the Videos an YouTube. Reading PDF files 4 miles long on the latest medical trials and results etc.....haha There is an Ocean of info out there and it never gets old or boring for me to sift through it. Haha! Good Luck and God Bless You Jane

Briana Morgan  Hi, Jane. Sounds like you have lots to think about. I'm not sure what you question was, but most of us here are normally pretty quick to respond. I know ... Read more

Briana Morgan  Hi, Jane. Sounds like you have lots to think about. I'm not sure what you question was, but most of us here are normally pretty quick to respond. I know when I got my second opinion I was wanting to know what the surgeon thought was the best option to replace my aortic valve with. I ended up choosing the Ross procedure because I am in my early 30s. At 66 a mechanical valve or possibly tissue valve may be the best options. Of course in your case, finding out for sure you don't need a bypass is a priority. If they go in, you don't want to have to do it again if they need to fix something else later. Just fix it all at the same time. For me I also had my ascending aorta replaced, though it wasn't urgent at that time, in the future it would have become necessary. You definitely want to see if you can round up some support for the following weeks after surgery. Not being able to lift more than eight lbs really makes it difficult to care for yourself completely for a few weeks. My family and I read Adam's book too. It was helpful!

Jane Welp  I decided to use a set of questions from the site - a download called 5 critical questions answered for heart valve surgery patients. It helped a lot to have ... Read more

Jane Welp  I decided to use a set of questions from the site - a download called 5 critical questions answered for heart valve surgery patients. It helped a lot to have something in front of me. I made great strides in facing the reality of my heart disease. All day long I kept saying to myself, if my leg was broken I would get medical help. That is what I need to do. Get medical help sooner rather than later.

Briana Morgan  Yay, I'm so glad you are thinking about it like that. I am also happy you found questions to ask to help clear up what you felt you needed to know. Getting ... Read more

Briana Morgan  Yay, I'm so glad you are thinking about it like that. I am also happy you found questions to ask to help clear up what you felt you needed to know. Getting medical help at the right time for our heart conditions decreases the chances of complications. I look forward to hearing your story as you go through this process.