Jean's Journal

I feel pretty well. Instill do water aerobics 1 hour 3x a week. I walked a 5K with my church at the end of April. I had my surgery April 2,2013. I have been walking a 5K in spring every year since. I see my cardiologist every year and a electrophysiologist once a year. No afib since Maze procedure done with mitral valve replacement. Doing well, Thanks.

It has been almost a year since I have written on this site. I assume that once surgery is done and successful, people aren't on this site much. I had my mitral valve replaced with a cow valve in April of 2013 and have felt fine since. On Sunday of LaborDay weekend I went swimming at a public swimming pool. When I got out of the pool, I walked on the cement outside and then had to go inside to the locker room to go home. The floor on the inside had puddles of water with dirt and was slippery. I fell and hurt my sciatic nerve. I basically fell on my butt cheek. Thank God it wasn't my head. I went toER.Nothing is broken. They gave me a muscle relaxant and told me to take that and Tylenol for pain. I am on. Coumidin. Neither drug did much to help the pain in my leg. Monday was Labor Day. Tuesday I went to an Ortho dr and was given prednisone for my leg. I took 4- 4 mg tabs Tues but when I took 2 more on Wednesday morning , I felt my heart racing and skipping beats. I waited till afternoon, hoping this would go away. At 2 PM I was still having skipping beats and to be honest, I was scared. We ended up going to the ER. They connected me to monitors and confirmed a heart rate of 117 with PAC's.( skipping beats). I normally take a beta blocker. They gave me an additional dose IV and that seemed to calm my heart beat down and make it more regular but they wanted to keep me for observation. I finally got to go home Thursday evening. yesterday. My beta blocker was increased to 2x a day and I am not taking any more prednisone. So far so good, Asa far as my heart goes, but without the prednisone my leg is hurting again. I am trying ice and extra strength Tylenol for now. Hope it works. Has anyone else experienced anything like this with prednisone? I know it can have some nasty side effects.

It is now a year and a half since my mitral valve was replaced with a cow valve. Yesterday, I had some blood work done which all came back normal. I saw my cardiologist last week and he said to keep on doing what I have been because my heart looks and sounds good. I will see my Doctors again at the 2 year mark in April. I had my surgery done a Northwestern Memorial in downtown. Chicago. Last week I participated in a Research study with other patients that have had valve replacement at least 6 months ago. This was my own choosing. I did not have to do this. I had a baseline echo done and also a stress echo. It was done on a bike instead of a treadmill. I did quite well pedaling for 18 minutes while they took my blood pressure and took ultrasound pictures of my heart. I don't have printed results from the test yet but I will get them. I feel great. I still exercise 1 hour 4-5 times a week.

I woke up this morning and Thanked God. I am feeling great. I went to the hospital today and had a lot of blood work done. It all came back normal. Next Monday, the 7th I have an echo cardio gram and see my cardiologist next Thursday. I do deep water aerobics 3x a week and the gym twice a week for an hour.

3 more weeks till my 1 year anniversary of heart valve replacement. I went thru 12 weeks of cardiac rehab then joined the fitness center and went there religiously for 1 he 3x a week and now go to water aerobics 3x a week for an hour. I just love the water. It is so much more fun to exercise in the water than the machines. I am still on Coumidin because I had a stroke prior to heart surgery. Fortunately, I have no residual from the stroke and made a complete recovery from that. I no longer have any A-Fib. About a month ago I got a huge bruise on my left upper arm. There was a hematoma in my arm that I needed to get an ultrasound on but it was not a blood clot and it is much better now. I am scheduled for an echocardiogram to check on Elsie(my cow valve), in early April. I will keep you posted. I feel great.

In April of 2013 I had a mitral valve replaced with a cow valve at Northwestern. Surgery was a success and I feel lots better. 6 mo before surgery , (Oct 2012), I had a stroke due to A-Fib. I was told that by replacing the mitral valve with a cow valve, doing a Maze procedure, and removing an appendage in the heart they could rid me of A-Fib and I would not have to be on Coumidin the rest of my life but probably only 6 months. It is nearly 9 mo since surgery. I had made a complete recovery from the stroke. I am 62 and it happened in the hospital while I was working! I never had A-Fib before the stroke and not since surgery. I did 12 weeks of rehab and never had A-fib then. I wore an event monitor for a month and there was no A-Fib then either. When I lay on my left side I am aware of every heartbeat but no a-Fib. I recently went to my cardiologist and a electrophysiologist in the suburbs but they are reluctant to take me off the Coumidin for fear of me having another stroke. Anyone else have this problem? I am considering going to an electrophysiologist at Northwestern. If I can NeVER get off Coumidin, I feel like I was lied to.

I went to my cardiologist today to go over the results of the event monitor. Although there was no signs of A-fib! my cardiologist said the mitral valve replacement hasn't even been a year ago and because I had A-fib and a stroke before the surgery he just didn't feel confident enough to take me off the Coumidin yet. He did say I no longer have mitral stenosis and my pulmonary function. Numbers are almost normal. He wants me to see a electro physiologist to help make the decision. I will get another echo in April and see the cardiologist in May. Still going to the gym 3x a week

On Thursday, Nov 7 I package. Up the event. Omit or and return it postage paid. My Cardiologist is on vacation so I can't see him till Nov 18 to discuss results. I have not had any A-Fib since surgery so I hope I willbe off Coumidin after I see the cardiologist.

I am feeling great. I am going to the gym to work out 3-4x a week. Saw my PCP the other day. He thinks I am doing well and make an appt in 6 mo. I have not had any A-Fib since my surgery and MAZE procedure. I am wearing an event monitor. I have had it on a week. If I have no A-Fib by Nov 7, when I see my cardiologist, I will remove the monitor and hopefully, he will d/c the Coumidin. So far, so good.

Next week is my 6 month mark since surgery. I am so glad I had my surgery. I have a lot more energy than before. I look and feel a lot better.I finished the 12 weeks of cardiac rehab not really knowing much of what a treadmill was till I had my stress test. I am now working out at the fitness center 3-4x a week for a good hour. Next week Iget an event monitor for a month to check for a-fib. If no A-Fib I can get off Coumidin! I hope that happens. One less pill and no more finger sticks for Coumidin.

I have been doing deep water aerobics 3x a week for the last few weeks at the park district pool but today was the last day. I love the water. It really beats sweating at the gym. I do that too. Now the pool will be closed so I will. Have to go to the gym. Labor Day, Sept 2 will mark 5 months since mitral valve replacement surgery. Elsie(my heart valve), and I are getting along fine.

It has been a while since I wrote in the Journal. I completed Cardiac Rehab yesterday. I am feeling great and Rehab has given me the confidence I needed to be assured that I could exercise without fear of causing harm. I never worked out before my surgery. I have joined the park district fitness center and I am determined to keep my heart healthy. I have an apt with the dentist the end of this week and I don\'t see the cardiologist till October. Good Luck to all of you just planning for your surgery. It is worth it. I should have done this a long time ago.

I sent an email to Dr McCarthy\'s nurse from Northwestern and was told to always take antibiotics prior to dental work because of having a valve replaced. Thanks Jean

Aug 2 will mark 4 months since my mitral valve surgery and maze procedure. I am due to have a dental cleaning soon. I have misplaced my papers from Northwestern. I called my local Cardiologist regarding antibiotics prior To Dental procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis . First, the Nurse said I didn\'t need the antibiotics. I told her I was almost positive I had a form from Northwestern that said I needed it. They are giving it to me as a precaution this time but I just wondered what the rest of you have encountered.

Had a Dr appointment on Monday.had an A1C blood test done. Results were 5.8 which is normal. He reduced my Metformin in half and if we repeat the test in 3 months and it is still normal and my weight is stable I can come off the metformin all together. In cardiac rehab, I started strength training this week. It is hard work but I\'ll get there. I am determined. Heart looks good. No A-Fib. Hopefully, will get off Coumidin in 3 more months.

I think I have become an exercise fanatic. I have more energy than I\'ve had in years. I will be starting some weight training next week. It is a pleasure getting dressed in the morning. My capris are 2 sizes smaller than last year. My heart valve is doing great . No a-Fib. It is just about 3 months since surgery. Teddy, our new dog keeps me active walking him besides my rehab.

Be sure to check my photos to see a picture of our new dog. He looks like a puppy but we rescued him and were told he is 3. I got a great new harness called easy walk that makes it impossible for him to pull. It is so ice to have him to walk with. I am sure you all would agree. Jean

I am so excited that we got a new Cocker Spaniel yesterday. no, he is not a puppy. I didn\'t want to deal with that. He is small and looks like a puppy though. Now I have my own walking buddy. I am working hard at rehab.Elsie is working hard too. I feel energized . I feel like I really need to do this. Jean

Started cardiac rehab 2 weeks ago at my neighborhood hospital. I think it is helping me gain strength. I can finally sneeze without cringing and bracing my chest in fear. I am walking my neighbor\'s little doggies every day for about 25 minutes+ the hour of rehab 3 x a week. Plan to plant some flowers over the weekend. I still play the heart card occasionally,like when I was buying dirt for the flower boxes. I certainly was not going to lift that. Jean

Been walking about 1&1/2 to 2 miles a day sometimes not all at the same time. Part of each day is walking my neighbor\'s dog. His legs are so short he wears out quicker than me. I understand the first day do rehab is a lot of paper work so I did walk a little already. I leave in about an hour. Yesterday, I walked early morning in the forest before it got too hot. My scar is looking much better too.

I was telling my neighbor that I have to get out and walk each day. I was also saying how boring it is to walk the neighborhood. They gave me their key and said I could walk their little dog any time I want. It is a win - win situation for both of us. Our dog died in January. I am signed up for rehab and that starts next week on Tuesday.

Used my pedometer the last couple days and realized I am walking a mile. And a half. Going out to dinner and to the Marriott to see South Pacific tonight. Going to Jeff and Heather\'s for a BBQ for Mothers Day tomorrow. Had my stress test on Thurs. Haven\'t heard from the Nurse yet but I think I will be starting cardiac rehab sometime this coming week.

Had a routine Eye Dr appt today and went to follow up appt with my cardiologist . Heas very happy with my progress. He says hewill see me in 6 months. I have to get a stress test 5/9 prior to cardiac rehab that will start next week. Looks like I will be busy . I have been walking a mile a day at least. I have a bit of a stiff neck on the right side. It is not bad enough for pain meds. The Dr didn\'tmakemuch of it . I probably slept funny or something. I am so happy with my progress.

I have walked a mile at a time now for the last 3 days. I am finding different places to walk. Walking in the neighborhood is boring. Yesterday, I walked with a friend at Busse woods,today at a nature center,the other day in the neighborhood. I am not getting short of breath even while walking uphill. Jean

I probably won\'t be posting daily anymore. I am doing well and not much to say. I went shopping at Kohls yesterday. Bill graciously drove me and sat in the car and read a book while I shopped. I bought 2 pair of slacks and 2 tops.

MaryBeth, my visiting nurse, came today to do a Coumidin level. I am at 2.7. They want it at 2.0-2.5. She will call it in and call me back with dosing for this evening. I will then have to go to Alexian Bros to have the Coumidin level drawn, probably Monday or Tuesday. I feel good. I read about other people,with depression and am very glad I don\'t have that. I pray for those that are still waiting for their surgery and pray for quick recovery for all.

Today some of my former coworkers are taking me to Panera for lunch. I am looking forward to visiting with them while we share some lunch. I plan to get a walk in first before lunch. I am feeling great and seeing the sun really lifts my spirits. Jean

May 2 will mark 1 mo since surgery. They really want me to wait till then to drive. They really want the sternum to have a full month to heal. Obviously,if I was still on pain meds it would be longer. I have an appt with Dr Kogan, my own cardiologist, in 2 weeks and start rehab in 3 weeks. I have been walking around the block 2-3 x a day. I guess I will have to wear a winter coat today to walk. Where o where is spring? I hear the weekend will be 70. Can\'t wait.

Saw dr Kansal ,cardiologist and Janice, a nurse Practioner that works with Dr McCarthy. It took about 1 & 1/2 hrs to get there. Almost missed the appt. Had a EKG and chest X-ray today. My heart is regular rhythm but tachy(too fast). They put me back on Atenolol,a beta blocker. I am to see my cardiologist in 2 weeks start cardiac rehab in 3 weeks . We went back to the unit to see the nurses that took care of me. I can now follow up with my own cardiologist.

Elsie and I are getting along well. Going to Northwestern to see dr Kansol,cardiologist and Janice, nurse Practioner that works with dr McCarthy, my surgeon. Iwill update the journal after we see the Docs.