2 years ago today I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm 6.3cm and growing!!! was a whirlwind of tests and not knowing what was going to happen was sent ...Read more
2 years ago today I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm 6.3cm and growing!!! was a whirlwind of tests and not knowing what was going to happen was sent to heart and vascular center in Madisonville Ky and had a heart cath done, and that night had 2 strokes, that delayed any possible surgery for several weeks but I had my first open heart surgery Dec 27,2013 and then was diagnosed with aortic valve prolapse about a year later and had to have another open heart surgery in Feb 2015. Now, 9 months later, I have my diabetes under control through diet and exercise and medicines A1C is 5.9 my blood pressure stays about 110/66 and my INR stays close to the 3.0 mark we are shooting for I now can walk for almost 6 miles before getting too tired and am trying to go back to work finally so it can be done just stay with it and don't ever give up :)
Elaine Cutri Congratulations! You've worked hard to get to this point. Good job!
hey guys, it has been almost 9 months since my second OHS (Feb 4,2015) and am doing very well now, just wanted to check in and update everyone and see if maybe ...Read more
hey guys, it has been almost 9 months since my second OHS (Feb 4,2015) and am doing very well now, just wanted to check in and update everyone and see if maybe anyone else is having issues with kidney problems?? I had been diagnosed CKD secondary to diabetes before my aneurysm was discovered in2013. I was already a stage 2 when it was first diagnosed in Nov 2011, it stayed that until after my second OHS in Feb this year, when it went to a 67% (still considered a stage 2) but in Sept it was found that my function had dropped to 55%. wondering if anyone else is having issues with kidney function lowering after surgery??? or if I may have something else going on. I go for a colonoscopy in Nov, but am trying to figure out if there are others out there going through the same thing. Thanks ya'll :)
well here it is day 30 and while feel ok, this time around I am feeling very tired a lot and shaky while walking, unlike the first OHS in which I felt great, ...Read more
well here it is day 30 and while feel ok, this time around I am feeling very tired a lot and shaky while walking, unlike the first OHS in which I felt great, had bounds of energy and by day 30 was walking 30 - 40 minutes on the treadmill (yes I was pushing it) this time has had a lot of pain , yes last time I had pain, but I could tolerate it better the surgeries were only 13 months apart so I don't really think age plays much of a role in this dr says my body is struggling to adjust to healing since there was so much scar tissue to go through and struggling to regulate the blood levels will also "wear down a person" Just wondering if anyone else has encountered the same issues
Peggy Pauley Surgery is hard on the body and your body does need time to heal so I will pray for patience for you. ... Read more
Peggy Pauley Surgery is hard on the body and your body does need time to heal so I will pray for patience for you. Just allow your body to heal at it's own pace and try not to get depressed if it takes longer than you would like.
Nancy D I have heard that we continue to heal for a year after OHS, so there is a reason your body isn't boun ... Read more
Nancy D I have heard that we continue to heal for a year after OHS, so there is a reason your body isn't bouncing back as quickly as you remember-- it just finished healing and is starting over. And your Dr. says it wasn't as straight forward as the first with scar tissue etc. Please know that just like all of us recover at different rates, your body also heals differently with each procedure or surgery. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate the wee victories as they happen way more often than the huge strides we all wish for! The little ones sure add up!! Praying for you!
today is day 17 since surgery, I have been feeling a little tired over last few days been walking on treadmill in 5 minute increments 4 or 5 times a day ...Read more
today is day 17 since surgery, I have been feeling a little tired over last few days been walking on treadmill in 5 minute increments 4 or 5 times a day This surgery has brought a lot more pain with it than the first one did and am frustrated at that, but I am so glad to have it done and ready to move on also wanted to give kudos to the home health team serving here in Muhlenberg county Kentucky We have been snowed in for last few days and on this past Wednesday, my home health nurse Scott, and his boss Darla not only got out in this horrible weather, but he WALKED over a 1/10th of a mile in temps below zero and a wind chill of MINUS 11!!!! just to get a blood draw for me I am just hoping they don't get sick from having to be out in this My INR's have been bouncing around between 2.2 and 2.93 with the last one being a 2.59 as I recall my aunt had the same issues leveling her Coumadin out, but even that hassle is worth it for having this valve
Virginia (Ginger) French Jimene, You are obviously important to your home health workers for them to literally go the extra mi ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Jimene, You are obviously important to your home health workers for them to literally go the extra mile to get to you and be on top of your care needs. The INR variance is, as you know from your aunt, not uncommon. It will settle to an appropriate and more easily manageable place as your body get accustomed to the changes your body is making in adjusting to your new valve.
At this point for you, fluid levels are still working to stabilize and your blood pressure and heart rate are also adjusting to the "New You!". So there are more fluctuations in the INR than once you are further out from your surgery.
My best to you!
Judith Collins My husband is from Muhlenburg county. What hospital in Louisville did you have your surgery?
Bob M I pray that your pain will be reduced and your medicine will be dialed in.
Jimene Jetton Judith I had my surgery at Baptist Health East and They were AWESOME
well as I sit here (at home) 13 days after surgery today is quiet Yesterday was my 45th birthday, some of my friends made me a cake :) we are snowed in here ...Read more
well as I sit here (at home) 13 days after surgery today is quiet Yesterday was my 45th birthday, some of my friends made me a cake :) we are snowed in here so home health has not been able to get here for my INR testing but hopefully all is well with my blood and maybe they can get out tomorrow wishing everyone on the upcoming surgery listing well wishes and quick recovery :)
Clare Auten Glad you are at home. Happy belated birthday!
thank you all for the support wishes, and prayers. My surgery was feb 4, I was released yesterday(wed) to go home and start the regimen to new hearth health ...Read more
thank you all for the support wishes, and prayers. My surgery was feb 4, I was released yesterday(wed) to go home and start the regimen to new hearth health (again) my surgery went well, but did take a little longer than expected as the scar tissue from the OHS in Dec 2013 was apparently very "tough" to get through. I had to stay only 6 days in hospital this time and that was mainly to regulate my inr I only had one night/day that was really bad with vomiting and pain, but it was not any thing particular with the heart surgery itself, more my diabetes than anything :) this surgery is not fun but it is very manageable, my best advice for everyone.....no one else can make this happen for you BUT there is help and support out there, ACCEPT IT. one of my biggest problems in life is that I wouldn't ask anyone for help. and I struggled now I see there is no reason to not ask for help when you need it or accept it when offered I will be turning 45 years old on Feb 16th (Monday) and this is not my second chance its actually my second chance of that second chance This time I have been completely different, following advice, asking for help and especially opening up my emotions to my new heart family the outpouring of support has been amazing and helpful beyond words still moving slow but I feel so much better already thanks so much and wishing continued success for those through surgery and best wishes and prayers for all about to take on this endeavor
Jim Kelly-Evans That's good, Jimene...best wishes for s smooth recovery/
wendy smith Your determination will get you through this, and make you stronger!! Best to you!! Wendy
Will be leaving late tonight heading to Louisville for the fun-filled day of pre-op on Tues. surgery at 5:00 Wed Wanted to say thanks again to all my heart ...Read more
Will be leaving late tonight heading to Louisville for the fun-filled day of pre-op on Tues. surgery at 5:00 Wed Wanted to say thanks again to all my heart brothers and sisters on here for the wishes and support. I will update as soon as I am able :)
Cristen Marzula Safe travels to the 'ville and wishing you the best of care for your surgery!
Adam Pick Jimene, Pre-ops fun-filled? Now that is a positive attitude. :) Keep it up! Wishing you healthy, heal ... Read more
Adam Pick Jimene, Pre-ops fun-filled? Now that is a positive attitude. :) Keep it up! Wishing you healthy, healthy, healthy heart days ahead!!!
Best of luck to you Jimene. Remember that the prayers you get from this community come from around t ... Read more
Best of luck to you Jimene. Remember that the prayers you get from this community come from around the world. And that's A LOT of prayers. :)
Jimene Jetton Thanks everyone chilling at the hotel early morning so heading to bed. My thoughts are with every one ... Read more
Jimene Jetton Thanks everyone chilling at the hotel early morning so heading to bed. My thoughts are with every one who has been through this or are about to go through this chapter. ..best wishes speedy recovery and NEVER LOSE HOPE. Hugs and healthy hearts every one
a couple of days ago, I posted about how lonely this journey will be/feel. So many of you from this heart community have jumped right in, been answering my ...Read more
a couple of days ago, I posted about how lonely this journey will be/feel. So many of you from this heart community have jumped right in, been answering my questions, and offering an ear if needed, this has meant so much to me and I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you. The surgery isn't a major worry to me (of course I worry, but not as much as the first time around) the thing I had most dreaded was simply the loneliness and depression that will follow. Knowing my heart family is here for me and can help by sharing their own experiences has helped me to realize, the first surgery was so lonely and depressing since it has been only in the last month that I have found someone else who actually has had ohs, and understood exactly what I was describing. I am proud of myself for following through with continuing to ask the dr's about the results until finally they did the TEE and discovered "why" I was still feeling so bad and that it wasn't just in my head Especially since I have never been the type to go to dr. THANKS AGAIN Y'ALL 4 days from now I will leave to go up for pre-op vaunting down :)
Jim Phillips Good Luck Jimene! Keep the good spirits and you will be fine!
Damian Kudelka acknowledge your feelings, but also stay positive. feel your heart with love and surround yourself on ... Read more
Damian Kudelka acknowledge your feelings, but also stay positive. feel your heart with love and surround yourself only with loving people. avoid thinking about those that suck up your emotional vitality.
Tammi Gunwall I agree with Damian. Stay strong heart sister. You got this. And we are all here for you!
well one week from tomorrow I will be having my 2nd OHS in just over 13 months, and it occurred to me how lonely this journey will be. I have a twin sister ...Read more
well one week from tomorrow I will be having my 2nd OHS in just over 13 months, and it occurred to me how lonely this journey will be. I have a twin sister who lives less than 4 miles away and is on facebook, has my address and phone, yet never bothered to call me or even send me a card, much less visit :( during or after the first surgery. I don't have much family left (a brother whom doesn't speak to me, my twin who is a busy nurse, a few nephews and an aunt and cousins) no one really close. My friend took care of me the first time around and has helped me through this year, weathered all the depression and the diagnosis' that have came my way. I had an outpouring of support from high school friends that I haven't seen in 20 years....... but not much from blood relatives :( This time around it will be just me. I spend my time not preparing for the surgery, as I have full faith in my surgeon, but instead preparing myself for the loneliness of the hospital stay and the idea that all this is happening right before my birthday Just feeling overwhelmed today. Thankful to read all the success stories on the site
Anita Kronstadt Keep your chin up. We will be here for you. Just a few clicks away! Keep in touch! Anita Kronstadt
Tammi Gunwall I'm sorry to hear of your struggle. This is not the time you want to be alone if possible. I know it' ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall I'm sorry to hear of your struggle. This is not the time you want to be alone if possible. I know it's hard (I'm horrible at it) but it's ok to reach out and ask for help. Some just don't realize how hard it can be to get about on your own and the emotional side effects OHS can have. I'm with Anita though...no matter what, you'll have your heart family here to pray with you and lift your spirits as best we can. You are not alone. Hugs.
Joseph Ballett You are not alone you have your brothers and sisters here stay in contact with us and we will get you ... Read more
Joseph Ballett You are not alone you have your brothers and sisters here stay in contact with us and we will get you though this.
Jim Kelly-Evans Family are the people who care about you and for you, not necessarily blood relations. We're all pull ... Read more
Jim Kelly-Evans Family are the people who care about you and for you, not necessarily blood relations. We're all pulling for you!
Cheryl Batzing Jimene, I amen what Anita, Tammi, Joseph & Jim said! You have a lot of friends/support on this site, ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Jimene, I amen what Anita, Tammi, Joseph & Jim said! You have a lot of friends/support on this site, even if we cannot physically be with you before & after surgery. I'll have to go read your profile again to see where you are. I'm in Texas and would come be with you before & after surgery if I could. Know you are loved & prayed for here!
Clare Auten I check this site as often as I do with Facebook. Praying for you. Reach out for "company" here when ... Read more
Clare Auten I check this site as often as I do with Facebook. Praying for you. Reach out for "company" here whenever you are feeling alone.
Clare Auten And we share February as our birth month. I will be 47 on the 7th.
Bob M I pray that your guardian angel will assist you during your second round journey.
You can count on all of us to help pull you through. and send good vibes your way. Remember to use ... Read more
You can count on all of us to help pull you through. and send good vibes your way. Remember to use this site, and that you are truly not alone. I am sorry to hear your family is letting you down. You have this big heart family here for you, and perhaps that is how it is meant to be for you at this moment in time. Hang in there.
Penny Prichard I know exactly how you feel. I'm alone basically in my journey. I'm here for you. You can always mess ... Read more
Penny Prichard I know exactly how you feel. I'm alone basically in my journey. I'm here for you. You can always message me and I will answer. This is a good support group.
Edith Dim Jimene, I join all of the others, who will be here to pray for you, and will be sending good vibes yo ... Read more
Edith Dim Jimene, I join all of the others, who will be here to pray for you, and will be sending good vibes your way. Sending caring hugs to you.
Kathy Letsos Sometimes family is overrated! You are not alone. We're here for you : )
Tammy Pilcher I agree with everyone else, you will have amazing support here! I'm saying a prayer for you now.
Ok found out on the 20th that we will be proceeding with the second OHS on February 4th. The first one was to repair an ascending aortic aneurysm of 6.7cm, ...Read more
Ok found out on the 20th that we will be proceeding with the second OHS on February 4th. The first one was to repair an ascending aortic aneurysm of 6.7cm, which the surgeon said had began to leak. During that surgery he repaired what appeared to be a "healthy" aortic valve. At the beginning of recovery, I felt GREAT, then about 6 weeks post op , the symptoms began, feeling tired ,hard to breath, heaviness in legs, etc..... after several echoes and a T.E.E it was discovered my aortic valve had prolapsed and was considered to be severe. This OHS will come to fruition just 12 short days before my 45th birthday but I am so ready to get this done and hope this AVR will be the last OHS I will ever need.
Bob M I pray that this will be your last OHS and that your surgery and recovery will be peaceful.
Kimberly Biddick Prayers your way for a for a successful surgery and recovery.
Adam Pick Jimene, So sorry to hear about the roller coaster you've been on. I'm hopeful this next procedure on ... Read more
Adam Pick Jimene, So sorry to hear about the roller coaster you've been on. I'm hopeful this next procedure on 2/4 is the last one you'll need.
Jim Kelly-Evans Wishing you the best outcome for your procedure.
two weeks from today, I will be in Louisville to see my surgeon and he will let me know if he wants to do the aortic valve replacement or if we wait. my surgery ...Read more
two weeks from today, I will be in Louisville to see my surgeon and he will let me know if he wants to do the aortic valve replacement or if we wait. my surgery for ascending aortic aneurysm repair with aortic valve repair was done dec 27, 2013 and went very well. Recovery went well, and then about 4 weeks after surgery , I began feeling tired and out of breath when I tried walking. on dec 17, 2014, I had a T.E.E done and was found to have aortic prolapse, and being told surgery will be needed again. Am hoping he will decide to do the surgery soon as I am ready to get back into the full swing of things again :) The best advice I can give.....FOLLOW your doctors orders, push but don't overdo it, and above all, DO NOT IGNORE the symptoms your body is showing you, it could save your life :)
hello all, my name is Jimene , at 43years old it was discovered that I had a 6.3cm ascending aortic aneurysm in November, then after my heart cath, I had ...Read more
hello all, my name is Jimene , at 43years old it was discovered that I had a 6.3cm ascending aortic aneurysm in November, then after my heart cath, I had 2 strokes which postponed my surgery for a few weeks.December (2013) I had my surgeryand everything went great. I got out of the hospital on the 4th day and was doing ok I thought. wound healed fine, I started walking some on treadmill, then after about a month, I always seemed to have a weighted feeling in my legs, shortness of breath and felt dizzy a lot again. I have had countless echo's and ct's done over this last year, and it was discovered that my aortic valve is prolapsed and now is considered severe. I am told it will require surgery again "soon". When I had my aneurysm repaired, the surgeon did a valve sparing procedure, which worked for awhile, but now seems to be stretching out again or something. Wondering if anyone else has ever been through anything similar?
Tammy Pilcher Welcome Jimene, I'm sorry you've had such a difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers. Maybe so ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Welcome Jimene, I'm sorry you've had such a difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers. Maybe someone on here can help with some information concerning your problem. Best wishes!
Jimene Jetton Thanks Tammy, I will see the surgeon on the 20th for him to tell me if he will be doing surgery or if ... Read more
Jimene Jetton Thanks Tammy, I will see the surgeon on the 20th for him to tell me if he will be doing surgery or if we wait