Jan McClain - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3376 days ago

Alina FH, Barbara Laurie, Gail Magnus and 5 others reacted to this

Just a last update from Stephanie -- my mom is back home in California now and doing well. She'll be seen by her doctors here for follow-up care. She is still ...Read more

Just a last update from Stephanie -- my mom is back home in California now and doing well. She'll be seen by her doctors here for follow-up care. She is still a little tired but otherwise fine, and happy to have a successful repair behind her!

Alina FH Welcome home, Jan!

Wanda Mroz Yay Jan!

Jan McClainposted a journal

3381 days ago

Gail Magnus, Barbara Laurie, Lynee Casper and 11 others reacted to this

All still well, and she is getting discharged today! She had a follow-up echo yesterday that showed just a "trivial" amount of regurgitation, which is great. ...Read more

All still well, and she is getting discharged today! She had a follow-up echo yesterday that showed just a "trivial" amount of regurgitation, which is great. I flew home yesterday, but my brother John is in Cleveland with her now and will fly back with her. Right now they are scheduled to return Saturday and may have one further follow up appointment at the Cleveland Clinic in the meantime. She is looking forward to coming home!

Christine Oliva Thank you for the update and good news. There is nothing like going home where you can really recover ... Read more

Christine Oliva Thank you for the update and good news. There is nothing like going home where you can really recover. Tell Jan just be patient with herself and try to do everything the doctor tells her. We are sending positive thoughts to her.

Wanda Mroz Great news!

Alina FH My dear Jan, YOU are MY double hero. I could NOT imagine flying after such a short time from surgery ... Read more

Alina FH My dear Jan, YOU are MY double hero. I could NOT imagine flying after such a short time from surgery and being away from your doctors who did this. Praying for smooth travels back and speedy recovery.

Jan McClainposted a journal

3383 days ago

Wanda Mroz and 8 others reacted to this

Everything still going well. She went back on a little bit of oxygen last night but that's not unusual. Today she should be walking a lot more. Probably also ...Read more

Everything still going well. She went back on a little bit of oxygen last night but that's not unusual. Today she should be walking a lot more. Probably also today she will have another echo to check her valve. She feels a little stir crazy but otherwise is doing very well.

Jan McClainposted a journal

3384 days ago

Gail Magnus, Ed Miskovic and 7 others reacted to this

Everything still going well. She was transferred to the Step Down unit yesterday, and has a private room with a nice view. She is still feeling good pain-wise. ...Read more

Everything still going well. She was transferred to the Step Down unit yesterday, and has a private room with a nice view. She is still feeling good pain-wise. Some small issues they are monitoring, but nothing very concerning. Today she will start walking around more and needs to continue using the spirometer. But overall, everything is moving in the right direction.

Christine Oliva Great, yes walking and blowing on that spirometer is important. Please encourage Jan to do so. I real ... Read more

Christine Oliva Great, yes walking and blowing on that spirometer is important. Please encourage Jan to do so. I really feel both really helped me in my recovery. Blessings for her continued recovery. Keep on Keeping on Jan!

Petey Bello Glad to hear everything went well! Keeping your mom in my prayers!

Jan McClainposted a journal

3385 days ago

Barbara Laurie and 8 others reacted to this

Everything is still going well. She didn't sleep much in the ICU last night, but was relaxed and hasn't had much pain (thank you, robotics!). Dr. Gillinov came ...Read more

Everything is still going well. She didn't sleep much in the ICU last night, but was relaxed and hasn't had much pain (thank you, robotics!). Dr. Gillinov came by this morning and again said that her repair went very well -- the valve regurgitation went from a level 3 (of 4) to under 1. She should move out of the ICU today to a regular room. Overall she is very tired but otherwise doing very well.

Cathy Slipski Great news!!

Alina FH Great news! Continue to feel great, Jan!

Gail Magnus Jan, you will rest more once you get a room. Take drugs to sleep!!! Glad you're not in much pain. ... Read more

Gail Magnus Jan, you will rest more once you get a room. Take drugs to sleep!!! Glad you're not in much pain.

Linda Richards Glad everything went well. My surgery is next week for the same repair. How long before they took o ... Read more

Linda Richards Glad everything went well. My surgery is next week for the same repair. How long before they took out your breathing tube?

Sophia Ridley I struggled in ICU to sleep with all the noise, does she have ear plugs?

Christine Oliva Congratulations Jan, keep recovering and its great your pain is minimum. You are a lucky lady. Prayin ... Read more

Christine Oliva Congratulations Jan, keep recovering and its great your pain is minimum. You are a lucky lady. Praying for your continued recovery.

Tina Maroon Hoping your recovering keeps going well!!

Wanda Mroz 👍🏻good job!

Jan McClainposted a journal

3386 days ago

Mary K, Lynee Casper, Pat Bluemel and 14 others reacted to this

My mom is out of surgery, and I just met with Dr. Gillinov, her surgeon. Everything went well! Valve was repaired, no complications. He was able to do it robotically, ...Read more

My mom is out of surgery, and I just met with Dr. Gillinov, her surgeon. Everything went well! Valve was repaired, no complications. He was able to do it robotically, which should mean an easier recovery for her. She'll likely spend the night in the ICU and then get transferred to a regular room tomorrow. I will be able to see her in the next hour or so, and I'll update again tonight or tomorrow morning, hopefully with more good news!

Sophia Ridley Wonderful news, all the very best wishes to her and the family

Gail Magnus Woo hoo!!! Jan...YOU DID IT!!! Welcome to the recovery side. I can't wait to talk to you. Be stro ... Read more

Gail Magnus Woo hoo!!! Jan...YOU DID IT!!! Welcome to the recovery side. I can't wait to talk to you. Be strong heart sister! Robotics AND repair...what you wanted!

Terrie Syvertsen Thank you Stephanie for the update on your Mom's surgery! This is great news and you have the happy d ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Thank you Stephanie for the update on your Mom's surgery! This is great news and you have the happy dance taking off through out the community here of heart brothers and sisters for her. Tell her she is being thought of!
Take care!

Lynee Casper That' s great news, please tell your Mom we are rooting for her, and wish her a successful recovery. ... Read more

Lynee Casper That' s great news, please tell your Mom we are rooting for her, and wish her a successful recovery.

Wanda Mroz Great news!!!

Jan McClainposted a journal

3386 days ago

Ed Miskovic, Elaine Cutri, Barbara Laurie and 7 others reacted to this

This is Jan's daughter, Stephanie, posting from the Cleveland Clinic. My mom was admitted early this morning for surgery, after two full days of appointments ...Read more

This is Jan's daughter, Stephanie, posting from the Cleveland Clinic. My mom was admitted early this morning for surgery, after two full days of appointments and tests. She wasn't too nervous, mostly just ready to have it done! I'll post further updates as I get them.

Whitney Nelson Good luck, Jan!! You will do great and all this will soon be behind you!!

Shirley Wong-Cruz Blessings and a speedy recovery ❤️💃🏼

Elaine Cutri Prayers and good thoughts for Jan and her family. Thanks for the update Stephanie!

Nicola Laker Sending my love. Look forward to hearing how well she us doing very soon! Xxx

Jan McClainposted an update

3390 days ago

Pat Bluemel, Lynee Casper, Kate Watson and 2 others reacted to this

Holy Moly! I'm #1 on The Board! Flying to Cleveland tomorrow with my daughter. Have tests and appointments all day long Tuesday. Meet with Dr Gillinov, anesthesiologist, ...Read more

Holy Moly! I'm #1 on The Board! Flying to Cleveland tomorrow with my daughter. Have tests and appointments all day long Tuesday. Meet with Dr Gillinov, anesthesiologist, and other team members Wednesday. Surgery Thursday. Won't know until Wednesday whether surgery will be open sternal or robotic--depends on test results. I am SO READY! I JUST WANT IT OVER!!

Whitney Nelson You are going to do great!!!

Jan McClain I hope I look as happy as you in MY discharge photo!

Sophia Ridley My thoughts are with you Jan for an uneventful surgery and smooth recovery. Waiting is nearly over !

Mary K Graham crackers and Dixie cups are waiting for you in the coffee room. And the solarium is nice on th ... Read more

Mary K Graham crackers and Dixie cups are waiting for you in the coffee room. And the solarium is nice on the top floor.

Cheryl Bass Praying for a successful surgery and fast recovery.

Cathy Slipski Praying for you!!

Wanda Mroz Wishing you all the best. It will be fine whatever way they do it. Go with your gut also because yo ... Read more

Wanda Mroz Wishing you all the best. It will be fine whatever way they do it. Go with your gut also because you have the final say on which way! Hugs...

Gail Magnus Jan, thinking about you. You are almost on the other side, the healing side. Stay strong!

Kate Watson Wishing you all the best, hope everything goes great!

Jan McClainposted an update

3396 days ago

Adam Pick reacted to this

OMG I'm on the BIG BOARD! HELP!

Barbara Laurie Jan! It's scary! But, you've got 10 days to organize, but also, as my nurse coordinator told me," it' ... Read more

Barbara Laurie Jan! It's scary! But, you've got 10 days to organize, but also, as my nurse coordinator told me," it's your job now to try and relax" easier said than done. I pray you find that spot so you have more days of freedom from fear. ❤️Best Regards 🌹

Wanda Mroz Breathe Jan... yes this is a scary time, but you are almost there and done with it and on the other s ... Read more

Wanda Mroz Breathe Jan... yes this is a scary time, but you are almost there and done with it and on the other side! Hugs

Jan McClain Wanda, you are the most upbeat person! I just looked on the map--could you just jump over Lake Erie a ... Read more

Jan McClain Wanda, you are the most upbeat person! I just looked on the map--could you just jump over Lake Erie and visit me whem I'm in Cleveland? Thanks!

Cathy Slipski You got this Jan!

Mary K You can do it. Think about making it through for those little darlings of yours. Cleveland Clinic is ... Read more

Mary K You can do it. Think about making it through for those little darlings of yours. Cleveland Clinic is great.

Wanda Mroz I try Jan.... Believe me I was scared to death.... yet negative thoughts of this not going well never ... Read more

Wanda Mroz I try Jan.... Believe me I was scared to death.... yet negative thoughts of this not going well never really consumed me somehow. I was more terrified of the tubes, breathing tube, recovery than anything. The unknown... I thought I'd never survive those things. Now that I'm on the other side, I just know it is doable... we are all stronger than we believe, and God never gives more than we can handle. You got this! If I could visit, I would Jan... but in lieu of that, I'm here to cheer you on as much as you need. Never know... someday, we may just meet! Stay strong...

Something about being on the board makes it real! You will do great!! Best wishes to you!

Melinda Queliz I am going to Cleveland as well March 3rd is my big day. Who is your surgeon?

Petey Bello Keeping you in my prayers Jan!!!

Jan McClainposted an update

3399 days ago

YIKES! My mitral valve surgery is less than two weeks away (Feb 25). The wait has been much worse than I ever imagined. Since I scheduled the surgery two months ...Read more

YIKES! My mitral valve surgery is less than two weeks away (Feb 25). The wait has been much worse than I ever imagined. Since I scheduled the surgery two months ago (Dr Gillinov has a long wait list) I feel like deep down inside I have put the rest of my life on hold, and have been increasingly obsessed with all the possible negative outcomes. I JUST WANT IT OVER! Anyone else having surgery at the Cleveland Clinic around Feb 25? Maybe we can walk the halls with our IV poles together!

Steven A Husted you will do fine may the good lord above take care of you and may you have a sucessful surgery and re ... Read more

Steven A Husted you will do fine may the good lord above take care of you and may you have a sucessful surgery and recovery amen

Gail Magnus Jan, you can do this and you will do great! The waiting does stink, though!

Kate Watson Waiting is so hard. Keep your mind busy in the meantime!

Sheila Harrison The pre op waiting is torture. I kept myself so busy and started to color. Adult coloring books are a ... Read more

Sheila Harrison The pre op waiting is torture. I kept myself so busy and started to color. Adult coloring books are amazing and its relaxing. Continued coloring after surgery. My 5 year old grandson told me I was really good at staying in the lines and he was proud of me.

Tim Goff hang in there Jan Try a checklist of things that should be sewn up before surgery so you don't ha ... Read more

Tim Goff hang in there Jan Try a checklist of things that should be sewn up before surgery so you don't have to worry about them post op. It helped me so much to "check it off" in the weeks leading up. Surgeon had been selected and I went in with a peaceful calm knowing it was in the medical teams and God's hands and I had done all that was needed on the front side. I'm 11 months out now and feeling great. You can do it!

Gail Magnus Jan...the offer still stands...come stay with your favorite daughter-in-law and family post op! You ... Read more

Gail Magnus Jan...the offer still stands...come stay with your favorite daughter-in-law and family post op! You were present for my surgery when they wheeled me off! You have to reach a point you let go of all the possible negative outcomes. Yes, most of us worry abou them...that's normal. But you're a healthy person and there's no reason to think what you're thinking. Hey...I forgot to ask...how was the dentist? :-) Happy Vday to my favorite step-MIL!