Jennifer Gannon - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

333 days ago

Hello, it’s been about a year since my surgery and the first few days of cold weather. My chest seriously hurts each time I go outside. Anyone else experience ...Read more

Hello, it’s been about a year since my surgery and the first few days of cold weather. My chest seriously hurts each time I go outside. Anyone else experience this and have a trick to prevent it?

Rose Madura Jennifer, I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I can't say I remember that experience. Hope you find ... Read more

Rose Madura Jennifer, I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I can't say I remember that experience. Hope you find relief soon.

Jennifer Gannonposted a journal

657 days ago

Andrea Babcock reacted to this

Week one of cardiac rehab down…didn’t reach the goal of 153 beats but I was close 136. Able to sleep in my bed for most of the night! Now the decision ...Read more

Week one of cardiac rehab down…didn’t reach the goal of 153 beats but I was close 136. Able to sleep in my bed for most of the night! Now the decision when do I return to work, 8 weeks or a little longer?

Kathy Ozio Congratulations n the progress! If you start back to work, I would definitely recommend starting with ... Read more

Kathy Ozio Congratulations n the progress! If you start back to work, I would definitely recommend starting with half days. Especially depending on what you do. I was amazed how just sitting at a desk for an hour or two could make me so tired. If you can stay off for another few weeks, you may want to.

Marie Myers Good advice from Kathy. I went back at 8 weeks, but only a couple days a week. Most days were not ful ... Read more

Marie Myers Good advice from Kathy. I went back at 8 weeks, but only a couple days a week. Most days were not full days, so it worked for me. I did need a nap when I got home, but it was great being “back in the saddle”.

Grace Mason I went back half days around week 10 and needed a nap every day that week. The following weeks were a ... Read more

Grace Mason I went back half days around week 10 and needed a nap every day that week. The following weeks were a bit easier.

Jennifer Gannon Thank you all that helps!!!!

Andrea Babcock Best wishes for your recovery

Jennifer Gannonposted an update

681 days ago

Susan Lynn reacted to this

How long before you were able to sleep in your bed again? Getting tired of the recliner.

Rose Madura I think it was about a week for me but with lots of pillows. Then, If only sleep a few hours and go ... Read more

Rose Madura I think it was about a week for me but with lots of pillows. Then, If only sleep a few hours and go downstairs to the recliner for the rest of the night. It will get better for you. Hang in there!

Brady Busch I never used a recliner.Like Rose,pillows were used,made into a wedge and one at each side,lying on m ... Read more

Brady Busch I never used a recliner.Like Rose,pillows were used,made into a wedge and one at each side,lying on my back.

Pamela Gregory I was like Rose, mostly recliner because it kept me on my back (I am a side sleeper). I tried combini ... Read more

Pamela Gregory I was like Rose, mostly recliner because it kept me on my back (I am a side sleeper). I tried combining the bed with wedges and pillows for a few hour to give my back a break but ultimately I slept best and longest in the recliner for a month or two

Marie Myers I used the recliner for 4 weeks, then was able to sleep in my bed with pillows.

Rita Savelis I never used a recliner, but propped myself in bed so that my chest would be slightly up and I wasn't ... Read more

Rita Savelis I never used a recliner, but propped myself in bed so that my chest would be slightly up and I wasn't lying flat. I had to learn how to sleep on my back, no easy task. I took meds every few days in order to get some sleep. Everyone is different and many people do not use recliners, but almost everyone has trouble sleeping in the weeks/months following surgery. Sleep wherever you can - couch, chair, bed. It's hard. I feel for you. Everything is normal and all that matters is getting some sleep so that your body can heal. Take care.

Jennifer Gannon Thank you all

Abhishek Sharma Used combination of lots of soft and hard pillow on back makes me comfortable sleep. It will take 2-3 ... Read more

Abhishek Sharma Used combination of lots of soft and hard pillow on back makes me comfortable sleep. It will take 2-3 weeks to figure out the right combination of pillows.

Jennifer Fuller I moved from recliner to bed in less than a week. I managed with a large wedge pillow to keep me elev ... Read more

Jennifer Fuller I moved from recliner to bed in less than a week. I managed with a large wedge pillow to keep me elevated plus other pillows here and there. Getting out of bed was the hardest for me. I was able to start sleeping on my side, at least some of the time by week 5 or so, but YMMV.

Susan Lynn I tried the recliner for one night, the sofa for another, and decided I had to sleep in bed. The... Read more

Susan Lynn I tried the recliner for one night, the sofa for another, and decided I had to sleep in bed. The 'pillow fort' as some have described, worked best for me from day 3. Just give yourself some options. It's like Goldilocks- you'll find what feels just right! Best of luck!

Larry Peterson My surgery was 11/30 and I am still in the recliner. Keeps me on my back and easy to get in and out ... Read more

Larry Peterson My surgery was 11/30 and I am still in the recliner. Keeps me on my back and easy to get in and out of for bathroom breaks. Tried the bed but still too hard to get in and out of. Maybe I will try again next week.

DeWayne Adamson I slept in the bed immediatly but spend the rest of my time and naps in the recliner. I am a side sle ... Read more

DeWayne Adamson I slept in the bed immediatly but spend the rest of my time and naps in the recliner. I am a side sleeper and cant stop but it doesnt seem to be a a bad thing. I had asked a nurse and she said as long as I dont go onto my stomach its ok.

Rich Butela Took me several weeks because I had a nagging cough after surgery. Sleeping in the recliner gave me ... Read more

Rich Butela Took me several weeks because I had a nagging cough after surgery. Sleeping in the recliner gave me a little relief. I'm also a side sleeper so I think the recliner helped with that also.

Jennifer Gannonposted a journal

697 days ago

Rose Madura, Allen Carkner, DeWayne Adamson and 9 others reacted to this

I am finally home!!!!! Had some bumps on the road all small but the amazing team fixed it all up and now I am heading on the road to recovery!

Susan Lynn Yay, Jennifer! You did it!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Valerie Allen Congratulations, Jennifer. Must feel great to get home!

Rose Madura Way to go! Your smile says so much! Welcome to recovery! ❤️‍🩹👍

Abhishek Sharma Be positive.. welcome to recovery path .

Ana Brusso Congratulations and continued good health and recovery. God bless you

Pamela Gregory So glad you are home! you look very happy to be there

Take is slow and steady

Larry Peterson Nice work, Jennifer! It must feel great to be back home.

Sharon Behl Congratulations! Can't wait to be rockin' sweatpants myself!

Jennifer Gannon Thank you to all the words of encouragement when I didn’t realize I needed it. Day one at home is ... Read more

Jennifer Gannon Thank you to all the words of encouragement when I didn’t realize I needed it. Day one at home is a struggle feel like a burden to my family…I know I am not and they love me but that is how I feel…home is better just a little different. Looking forward to steady progress.

Adam Pick Welcome Home Jennifer!!!

Rich Butela Congratulations and Welcome Home

Donna Masters Welcome Home!! Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

Cheryl Devaull Welcome home!! So happy to see your smile. Glad it's behind you, I'm praying for a spe

edy healing

Grace Mason Jennifer you look great!! Glad to hear you are home 🎊❤️

Mirza Baig Congratulation- I was in line for my TAVR, but after conducting CT Scan, they say you don't need surg ... Read more

Mirza Baig Congratulation- I was in line for my TAVR, but after conducting CT Scan, they say you don't need surgery right away and want me to wait. I have severe aortic stenosis but no symptems

Mirza Baig I have insurance thru Kaiser Senior Advantage- Any member has experience with Kaiser- please let me k ... Read more

Mirza Baig I have insurance thru Kaiser Senior Advantage- Any member has experience with Kaiser- please let me know, how it goes??

Rich Butela Mirza - I have Kaiser (HMO) I have been very satisfied with my experience. My surgeon and Emory / ... Read more

Rich Butela Mirza - I have Kaiser (HMO) I have been very satisfied with my experience. My surgeon and Emory / St. Joseph's hospital were top notch.

Jennifer Gannonposted a journal

703 days ago

Rob Nielsen, Pamela Gregory, Susan Lynn and 4 others reacted to this

Cath was good no surprises. Tomorrow is the big day.

Valerie Allen Prayers going up!

Pamela Gregory

Will be sending my best tomorrow

Susan Lynn Yay! You've got this, Jennifer!

Rose Madura Wonderful news!

Karen Hommel Lit a candle for you 🙏

Grace Mason 👍🏼🙏❤️

Jennifer Gannon Thank you all!

Jennifer Gannonposted a journal

704 days ago

Valerie Allen, Rose Madura, Susan Lynn and 3 others reacted to this

Tomorrow morning starts my journey. Hopefully no surprises during my cardiac cath tomorrow and the surgery on the 22nd. So much love and support has been... Read more

Tomorrow morning starts my journey. Hopefully no surprises during my cardiac cath tomorrow and the surgery on the 22nd. So much love and support has been sent my way it is truly humbling. Scared and hopeful all at once.

Valerie Allen Wishing you the very best, Jennifer, and sending prayers your way!

Jill Porter Wishing you the best!!

Rose Madura Praying for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery! Godspeed.

Rob Nielsen All the best to you Jennifer for a successful surgery and speedy recovery, it will soon be behind you ... Read more

Rob Nielsen All the best to you Jennifer for a successful surgery and speedy recovery, it will soon be behind you!

Grace Mason Thinking of you Jennifer during your Cath procedure and sending prayers for your surgery on the 22nd. ... Read more

Grace Mason Thinking of you Jennifer during your Cath procedure and sending prayers for your surgery on the 22nd. 🙏🏼❤️

Pamela Gregory Praying for no blockages today and an uneventful surgery and especially recovery!

Abhishek Sharma

We will pray for u.. get well soon..

Jennifer Gannonposted a journal

716 days ago

Grace Mason , Susan Lynn reacted to this

Preop testing all done. Last test is COVID on the 17th then I head to the hospital on the 21st for the cath…..22nd surgery and home for recovery the ...Read more

Preop testing all done. Last test is COVID on the 17th then I head to the hospital on the 21st for the cath…..22nd surgery and home for recovery the 26th. Is it weird that I just want it done and be on the road to Recovery already?

Rose Madura Jennifer, it's very normal to be scared and excited all at once. I had a similar surgery six years a ... Read more

Rose Madura Jennifer, it's very normal to be scared and excited all at once. I had a similar surgery six years and am doing well. It's no picnic in the park, but very doable. Godspeed.

Marie Myers I think there are many people here who just wanted to get it done and get on with recovery! Then, it ... Read more

Marie Myers I think there are many people here who just wanted to get it done and get on with recovery! Then, it will be just another chapter in your life. I think that is a great way to look at it!

Raj K I was definitely going into it (3 weeks tomorrow) with the idea of “life on the other side” i.e. ... Read more

Raj K I was definitely going into it (3 weeks tomorrow) with the idea of “life on the other side” i.e. recovery, and what I could do to make that recovery count! Almost everyone I spoke to said that this type of surgery is physically and mentally draining, so being prepared (mentally and physically) for that type of effort gave me something to focus on in the lead-up to it (and helped me manage my nervousness).

Susan Lynn Jennifer - I was in the same frame of mind as you! I was told I could wait until after the holidays... Read more

Susan Lynn Jennifer - I was in the same frame of mind as you! I was told I could wait until after the holidays, but I wasn't interested in delaying it. The surgeon had availability on Dec 1 and I was happy to take the spot. I was feeling pretty good by the time Christmas rolled around and was glad it was behind me!

Jill Porter Before my surgery I felt like time was going at a snails pace. But before you know it it will be over ... Read more

Jill Porter Before my surgery I felt like time was going at a snails pace. But before you know it it will be over with and you will be on the road to recovery. I felt like time sped up after the surgery.

Jennifer Gannon Thank you all!

Steven Baker Best of luck to you! All your feelings are normal. I had the very same surgery with Dr. Takayama. ... Read more

Steven Baker Best of luck to you! All your feelings are normal. I had the very same surgery with Dr. Takayama. I am now 6 months post op and doing Peloton everyday, Walking 10,000+ steps, back to work etc. Time goes by quickly. My heart is a bit ahead of my mind but the best advice I can give is to not hesitate to seek mental help after if your budget allows and if u need it.

Jennifer Gannonposted an update

856 days ago

Jennifer Gannon, Cheryl Devaull reacted to this

Meeting the surgeon for the first time next week. Soooo much running through my mind….what do I need to ask…what if he says it’s time to schedule….am ...Read more

Meeting the surgeon for the first time next week. Soooo much running through my mind….what do I need to ask…what if he says it’s time to schedule….am I ready….will I ever be….I have know for years this moment would come, but now that it is here….

Thank you all for being here, thank you Adam for creating this….you never know what you need until it is put before you. I am a worrier and seeing all your stories helps to calm me some.

Rose Madura Jennifer, I knew for as long as I can remember that someday I would need open heart surgery. That ti ... Read more

Rose Madura Jennifer, I knew for as long as I can remember that someday I would need open heart surgery. That time came in 2017 at age 59. My advice is to research, write down all your questions for the surgeon and get a second opinion. I had same surgery as you. Research the valves as well, tissue vs mechanical. Remember that the odds are definitely in your favor. Please keep us updated. Godspeed.

Jennifer Gannon

Marie Myers Just take one day and one doctor visit at a time.. It is an emotionally difficult journey, but you wi ... Read more

Marie Myers Just take one day and one doctor visit at a time.. It is an emotionally difficult journey, but you will get through it!

Brian Horne I am right there with you. Next Friday, a week from tomorrow, I meet with a surgeon as well. It has b ... Read more

Brian Horne I am right there with you. Next Friday, a week from tomorrow, I meet with a surgeon as well. It has been hanging over my head my entire life. Now, at age 49, it may have arrived. I don't know how to feel...but I am so glad I found this site. Best of luck to you.

Robert Miller You said "what if he says it's time to schedule..." If you are seeing a surgeon then it's probably time to schedule. The cardiologist doesn't send you to a surgeon if (s)he doesn't think you might be up for surgery.

First of all I would make sure you meet with more than one surgeon. I met with Dr. Woo (supposedly famous) from Stanford (a university with a great reputation) and it was a disaster.

Without knowing your specific issue, age, etc. it's hard to say what to ask. Most questions evolve around what kind of surgery you might have.
... Read more