Jean Cook - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

September 11, 2015

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.

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Eleanor R I didn't have prednisone, but I got a steroid injection in my knee for wear and tear/arthritis pain, and 24 hours later my heart rate was racing, high BP and ... Read more

Eleanor R I didn't have prednisone, but I got a steroid injection in my knee for wear and tear/arthritis pain, and 24 hours later my heart rate was racing, high BP and uneven rhythm. It was midnight on a Saturday night, and I did not want to go to the ER, so my daughter came and slowly the craziness went away. The orthopedist and the cardiologist told me (by email, I didn't have to go back in), that it was my body absorbing the steroid. So could have been the same with your Prednisone. Nasty stuff. I'm glad you're better.

Jean Cook Eleanor, Thanks for your comment. My Dr doesnt seem to think there is a correlation between the prednisone and the fast heart rate and PVC's. I am not
wishing ... Read more

Jean Cook Eleanor, Thanks for your comment. My Dr doesnt seem to think there is a correlation between the prednisone and the fast heart rate and PVC's. I am not
wishing this on anyone but I am glad to hear that similar things have happened to others. I am off the prednisone since Wednesday morning and he increased my Atenolol and I have had no problem with my heart since I went home Thurs evening. It is now Saturday. My leg is hurting from when I fell because of a wet pool floor. I am going to try a topical cream all natural on my leg and see if that helps.

6 mo since my last post. I can't believe it

Journal posted on October 15, 2014

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.

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My new Mitral Valve(Elsie) is 1 year old today

Journal posted on April 2, 2014

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.

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Elsie and I are close to our 1 year anniversary

Journal posted on March 11, 2014

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.

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Attention fellow mitral valve replacement patients

Journal posted on December 12, 2013

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.

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Still on Coumidin

Journal posted on November 18, 2013

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

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Bye bye event monitor

Journal posted on November 5, 2013

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.

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Wearing an event monitor for a month

Journal posted on October 17, 2013

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.

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6 months since mitral valve replacement

Journal posted on September 24, 2013

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.

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Water aerobics

Journal posted on August 31, 2013

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.

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19 weeks since mitral Valve replacement surgery April 2

Journal posted on August 13, 2013

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.

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Antibiotics for dental cleaning

Journal posted on July 27, 2013

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

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Question for fellow tissue valve replacement patients

Journal posted on July 25, 2013

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.

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Went to see my family dr

Journal posted on June 28, 2013

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.

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Finished my 4th week of rehab

Journal posted on June 22, 2013

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.

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Teddy, my new walking buddy

Journal posted on June 8, 2013

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

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Here's my newest picture!

July 21, 2015 Like |

Teddy my new walking buddy

Finished the 3rd week of rehab and got a new dog yesterday!

Journal posted on June 6, 2013

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

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Mitral valve replacement 8 weeks ago

Journal posted on May 30, 2013

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

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Starting cardiac rehab today May 21 7wks after surgery

Journal posted on May 21, 2013

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.

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Walking my neighbor's little 5lb dog

Journal posted on May 14, 2013

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.

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Getting more back to normal each day

Journal posted on May 11, 2013

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.

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Surgery was 5 weeks ago. Saw eye dr and cardiologist today

Journal posted on May 7, 2013

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.

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Surgery was exactly 1 month ago today

Journal posted on May 2, 2013

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

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Went to Kohls yesterday

Journal posted on April 27, 2013

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.

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Visiting nurse signed off on my case

Journal posted on April 26, 2013

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.

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Panera

Journal posted on April 25, 2013

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

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Still have to wait the full month till I can drive

Journal posted on April 24, 2013

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.

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Long day at Northwestern for 3week follow up

Journal posted on April 23, 2013

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.

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3weekspost op mitral valve replacement with tissue valve

Journal posted on April 23, 2013

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.

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Tomorrow is 3 weeks post surgery. Coumidin level little high

Journal posted on April 22, 2013

Visiting nurse here to draw Coumidin level. Level is 2.8 and they want it between 2.0-2.5 .time to tweek the meds again. She plans to come again thurs morning. We go to Northwestern tomorrow.i am writing questions down . Nurse thinks they may give meOK to drive. Ihaven'ttaken pain meds since the 15th (1 week). I feel great. Weather is great. Time for a walk.

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Feeling well enough to go to church

Journal posted on April 21, 2013

Going to Church to Thank God for a successful surgery and feeling well.

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No news is good news

Journal posted on April 20, 2013

My journal is boring today. Nothing new and exciting to report. I am feeling well. Weather is crappy. Not exciting weather for walking. Maybe I should walk at woodfield or kohls or something exciting.

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Walking

Journal posted on April 19, 2013

After the rain stopped yesterday, I took a walk around the block. I took my camera and took pix of flooding. No longer needing my cough pillow. Nothing too exciting to report today.

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Everything is going well

Journal posted on April 18, 2013

My nurse told me I should buy a new outfit. With my new weight loss,it would be fun to get something new. She says I am doing great. I have a lot of energy. She will be back Monday but the Coumidin level is therapeutic now. We went grocery shopping yesterday so I walked around at the jewel. Bill lifted the heavy stuff and carried all the bags in and unpacked it all. Eating much healthier.

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2weeks+ 1 day post op

Journal posted on April 17, 2013

I am feeling really well today. Yesterday afternoon we went to the show. I figured we could sit at the movies just as easy as sitting at home. I am not being a martyr but I haven't had a pain pill or felt the need for one in over 36 hrs. Had only taken extra strength Tylenol the last few days anyway. Walked 1/2 block 2x yesterday but today is raining and lightening so I guess I will be walking inside the house today. Incision is healing nicely. No stitches or staples to be removed. They use surgical glue
(Super glue).

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Back from appt with family Dr

Journal posted on April 16, 2013

Everything checked out well with the family dr. He doesn't need to see me for 6 mo. Next week I see the docs from Northwestern and then will follow up with my own cardiologist. They will take care of my Coumidin testing by then . My home nurse will be back on Thursday to check Coumidin levels.

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Checking in with Dr Collins today

Journal posted on April 16, 2013

I am feeling well rested and ready to face the world today. Have a Dr appt today with my family dr. Will probably write more after I see him. The sun is shining today. Maybe Bill andI will get out for a walk before the Dr appt.
Thanks for all the notes, prayers, support and good wishes. Love, Jean

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Continuing to do great

Journal posted on April 15, 2013

Nurse has been here already. Now Coumidin level is a little too high. They want it at 2.0-2.5. Saturday, I was 1.6 now I am 3.0. Seems like a crap shoot. Now they have to back the medicine down a bit. Yesterday, we got outside and walked a bit. It is so much better walking outside then inside. I am only doing a half a block for starters but it is a start. Going to the Family Dr tomorrow basically to check in with him. B/p is good. Lungs are clear. I feel good.

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Not much pain

Journal posted on April 14, 2013

Taking 1 extra strength Tylenol for pain probably everyn6 hrs or so. The only time it really hurts is trying to cough. I can go up and down the stairs without getting winded. I no longer have any swelling in my ankles, I certainly would not recommend this surgery as a weight loss regime but it is working for me. I had started losing wt before the surgery. I have been on Lasix,tomorrow is the last day. Blood work is all good so I am enjoying it.
Jean

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Slept well

Journal posted on April 13, 2013

Seems I had been going to bed early then by 1 or 2AM it was gard to get back to sleep. Yesterday I was up more in the day,eent to bed at 9:30 and was able to sleep better. Just using extra strength Tylenol for pain now. I just wish we could get nice weather to walk a bit. Walking in the house is boring.

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Things are looking good

Journal posted on April 12, 2013

I am feeling pretty good. Taking extra strength Tylenol for pain in daytime. Tramadol at night. Seeing th GP on Tuesday. Does anybody know when spring is coming. It looks miserable outside? I still get tired easily but that is expected.

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I need to cut the visiting nurse some slack

Journal posted on April 11, 2013

Last night I just needed someone to come over here and tell me that I hadn't done anything wrong. I was feeling kinda down and really thought I had done too much. I admit I probably needed to hear what she had to say but I misinterpreted what she said. We talked today and she said Tues when she was here, I looked pale and stressed. She said I looked much more rested today. She said to just rest between activities. Coumidin still not at a therapeutic level.She will be back Saturday. I guess I am back to being the poster child for this surgery.

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Scolded by the home visiting nurse

Journal posted on April 10, 2013

Yesterday, a nurse came by to do a Coumidin level. She pretty much scolded me for being up and dressed and I opened the door. She explained that I REALLY have to take it easy. I hate to admit but I think I really needed to hear that. Bill picked up some germ at the hospital. My sister was here yesterday and brought groceries. I am still trying to figure out all the foods you really can't eat while on Coumidin . I have a list. It is just a matter of reading it with all the papers I got. Nurse is coming back Thurs.
I feel more rested today.

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1 week post op mitral valve replacement and maze procedure

Journal posted on April 9, 2013

It is good to be home and sleep in my own bed BUT I met some fabulous nurses and their teaching and nursing care was top notch. I highly recommend Northwestern CCU and step down unit on 11W. Dr McCarthy did a great job, I no longer have a heart murmur that I have had since 10.

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Home today . Leaving Northwestern this afternoon

Journal posted on April 8, 2013

We are shooting for leaving here about 1 PM. Saw the Nurse Practioner that works with Dr McCarthy but I still need to see the Cardiologist,talk about follow up appt s and meds etc

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Let's try this going home thing again today

Journal posted on April 8, 2013

As far as I can tell, today is the day to go home. There will be a lot of teaching,as far as meds and Dr appointments etc. There are no stitches or staples. They say I am put together with super glue. I have had my shower and hair is washed. I am ready to go .i slept well too. By the time all is said and done it will probably be 1 pm before we get out. I am excited to go.

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Just want to be safe

Journal posted on April 7, 2013

I guess they gave Elsie some hay so she is contented now. The drs want to watch things one more day and home tomorrow. Just because they are watching doesn't mean anything happened,just precautionary.

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Still haven't talked to the Dr.

Journal posted on April 7, 2013

I am not being impatient. I have talked to my night nurse, Amanda,and day nurse, Colleen and rumor has it that the plan is for me to go home. Elsie is Moooing and needs to get out of here.

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Had a good night

Journal posted on April 7, 2013

It is still very early in the morning. I haven't talked to anyone yet but I slept well and my heart rate is up InThe 70's from being extremely low on Friday that was my worst day. I thought the low heart rate was related to sleeping on my sides. Yesterday they said it had nothing to do with it. Last night I was on my sides as well as my back and didn't have issues. I assume being off the heart lowering meds brought the Heart rate back up to a normal level. I am thinking maybe Elsie and I might be able to go home today, if not today then tomorrow.

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