Jennifer's Journal

Hoping all the best for this scar to heal nicely! I’m headed home tomorrow!

Just logged on and realized half of my post didn’t make it last time. This is day 4 post op and am still doing well. My medical team is top notch. So thankful for Dr. Lawrie, Boris and their entire team. My biggest struggle has been major back and shoulder ache. I’m not used to all this lying and sitting and only limited positions. Hoping to be released Wednesday at the latest. Ill post pics of my scar. Boris made a smaller incision and closed me with plastic surgery stitches. Thank you all for your well wishes. Now time for me to spread the love to others.

Well folks....heres a pic to go with my post from the other day. This was taken as soon as I got in my regular room. So far recovering hasn't been too bad. Dont get me wrong....I've had moments of crying on my husband's shoulder mostly because I was get

2 days post op. Walking and out of ICU...

Two days out.....still holding it together. Trying not to focus on it and staying busy. Yesterday was my last day of work. I’m home cleaning the house one more time. My parents fly in tonight from Pittsburgh then heading to Houston in the morning.
I had one last night out with “my tribe”. Had a wonderful time and got lots of hugs.

As I posted before....still afraid of getting sick at the 11th hour....so far so good!

Hard to believe that next week at this time, my surgery will be done and I will be in ICU and starting my long journey of recovering.

My new power lift recliner got delivered today. I’m excited to get it assembled. It’s the little things!

I went out for a drink with a couple of friends after work today to toast to a successful surgery. Saturday my friends have planned one last outing before my surgery. It’s so nice to be surrounded by love and friendship during this time but I have to admit though that I worry about catching a cold or the flu while being out around people. I went to my primary doctor the other day and was surrounded by sick people. I panicked and left the waiting room for a bit. When I returned I donned one of those fashionable surgical masks. And hand sanitizer has become my new best friend!

for those of you with surgery behind you and had to travel by car to your chosen place of surgery....were you able to drive back as soon as you were released from the hospital? we have a 3-4 hour commute and I'm nervous as heck.

I had another question for you all but can't think of it right now....will try again later.

Waiting.....I hate waiting. I had my TEE on the 7th. It confirmed my status as severe and time for surgery. I hadn't given up hope that perhaps things weren't as bad as we thought, but there ya go. I am now waiting to go back to my regular cardiologist on the 14th to discuss next steps and get his referral to a surgeon (was supposed to be on the 20th but I called and moved it up---did I mention that I'm impatient????). Not sure who he has in mind but I've been doing research and I'm hoping it's Dr. Gerald Lawrie at Methodist in Houston. He did Barbara Bush's AVR so if he's good enough for her.....I'm thinking he's good enough for little ole me. In the meantime, I'm reading Adam's book for a second time and am almost done. I read it over 12 years ago so I thought a reread was in order. :-) I ordered a personalized blanket with pics of my family and friends to snuggle with during my recovery. Now I'm just waiting....