Jill Boroniec - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

April 10, 2021

Has anyone used this device during recovery? It seems like it might be helpful, though more challenging for women maybe. https://www.hearthugger.com/

Heart Hugger™ Sternum Support Harness

https://www.hearthugger.com/

Protect the integrity of your sternal closure after surgery with Heart Hugger Sternum Support Harness - a simple, on demand, patient-operated harness that provides full-time wound stability, sternal support, pain management, and fewer wound complications.

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Rose Madura Yes, the hospital gave me one and recommended this rather than a pillow. It made me feel very secure in keeping my chest safe when I coughed, sneezed etc. ... Read more

Rose Madura Yes, the hospital gave me one and recommended this rather than a pillow. It made me feel very secure in keeping my chest safe when I coughed, sneezed etc. It was most helpful during my bumpy ambulance rides when I had complications. I recommend it!

Jill Boroniec Thanks Rose! I like the idea of this better than a pillow. So inspiring to see you're almost 4 years out from all of this. Nice to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for your help!

Lynn Loudermilk yes I am still using mine. It works very well

Cameron Peek This website has a guide for 5 tips to prepare. It mentions that you cannot sleep in the bed and need a recliner. Do I need to have a recliner?

Lynn Loudermilk You don't "need" a recliner, it is just a bit easier than laying in bed. I use a wedge in bed and it helps a lot, I do nit think I would be able to sleep flat, ... Read more

Lynn Loudermilk You don't "need" a recliner, it is just a bit easier than laying in bed. I use a wedge in bed and it helps a lot, I do nit think I would be able to sleep flat, that is why I think people say a recliner. I did sleep in mine a total now of 3 nights. It all depends on how the day went.

Cameron Peek Does the hospital provide this heart hugger or do you order it?

Lynn Loudermilk At my preop they said I would be getting one and I had it there waiting for me when I woke up . It all depends on your dr.

Rose Madura I don't recall being told not to sleep in it and I think I did. They had it for me at the hospital. I did not have to order it. You may want to check with the hospital.

Update posted on...

April 6, 2021

Hi y'all - I'm excited to have found this site and this community! I am scheduled to have surgery (aortic root and ascending aorta aneurysm repair - not sure of specific surgery yet) at Cleveland Clinic on 5/12. We are traveling from Chicago to Cleveland and plan to be there a few days before and for 1 month after surgery in a rental home. Would love to know what items people found helpful during recovery (I've already ordered a wedge pillow, button-front shirts and a few other things but would love to make sure that the home is ready to go for when I am discharged - God willing!) Any and all advice appreciated. Thank you!

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Patsy Stewart First of all...prayers for your upcoming surgery. Try not to let your mind take you on a trip and to stay as positive as you can. You might want to have an ... Read more

Patsy Stewart First of all...prayers for your upcoming surgery. Try not to let your mind take you on a trip and to stay as positive as you can. You might want to have an extra set of sheets. I was told to change my sheets daily until my sternum healed. I almost got spoiled. Who doesn’t like fresh sheets every day?! I found having a shower chair helpful too. Taking a shower was like work and it helped to have a place to sit down when I got too tired. Sounds like you have a lot of the other items covered. Don’t forget to pack your chapstick, a long phone charger cord and nail clippers. :)

Deena Elani Extra long phone charger cord
Sanitizing gel
Headphones, bluetooth, or ear plugs: my roommates had medical visits up to midnight and one snored loudly,

David Smith Hello Jill - yes you are in excellent hands. I am 7 weeks out post op. My ascending aorta was roughly 6.2 at the root and very thankful that damn thing is out ... Read more

David Smith Hello Jill - yes you are in excellent hands. I am 7 weeks out post op. My ascending aorta was roughly 6.2 at the root and very thankful that damn thing is out of me. My wife and I arrived at the hotel February 8th. I had a full day of tests on the 9th, heart cath on the 10th, more testing and met Dr Svensson on the 11th. My surgery was on Friday the 12th. I was in CVICU until Sunday afternoon and then transferred me to my step down unit. I was released from the hospital on the 19th and traveled 3 hours south to my home. (In the backseat of course). I feel great now and back to work part time. I work as a mechanical engineer and do work from home some. I was walking on my own the Tuesday post op with my IV pole. As far as things to take...I agree with the girls above about what to take. Definitely button down shirts!

Nancy Sells Hey! I'm having my surgery on May 12th at Cleveland Clinic as well! Maybe I'm sure its a busy place but maybe I'll see you around. :) On my list to bring: ... Read more

Nancy Sells Hey! I'm having my surgery on May 12th at Cleveland Clinic as well! Maybe I'm sure its a busy place but maybe I'll see you around. :) On my list to bring: Long phone cord, ear plugs just in case, Bathrobe, large pants, button up shirt or 2, socks with grip, post surgery bra, Kindle (though I don't think i'll need it) Peppermints, essential oil roller, chapstick...eye mask and dental release form.

Jill Boroniec Thanks everyone!! These suggestions are so helpful. My Amazon cart is growing as you all type. David - so so awesome to hear from someone who has been there/done ... Read more

Jill Boroniec Thanks everyone!! These suggestions are so helpful. My Amazon cart is growing as you all type. David - so so awesome to hear from someone who has been there/done that. Very inspiring! Nancy - What a small world! I'm going to send you a message now.

Rose Madura Something that was most helpful for me and my neck was a travel pillow both in the hospital and at home. It is something that was suggested on this site and ... Read more

Rose Madura Something that was most helpful for me and my neck was a travel pillow both in the hospital and at home. It is something that was suggested on this site and out of everything, that was the best. Some of the nurses called me the pillow lady.

Lynn Loudermilk Deena? Roommates?

Deena Elani Lynn, yes, I was by myself in the ICU of course, but the step-down room was not a single, it had two beds. Sounds like you were by yourself in your step-down ... Read more

Deena Elani Lynn, yes, I was by myself in the ICU of course, but the step-down room was not a single, it had two beds. Sounds like you were by yourself in your step-down hospital room? I did have a lovely view of central park!!!
(That was free. :)