Jim Gleason - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

March 13, 2015

First week back at work. Boy did they miss me. I spent a lot of time fixing things that went wrong while I was gone. Seems no one there can fill my shoes.. LOL Feeling better than ever. Work requires a lot of walking 6 miles one day. Never thought I could do that so soon. But I was very tired after the day. Soaking in the hot tub helped a lot. 6.5 weeks post op.

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LaDonna Mangile Good for you....that is great!

Nancy D WoW!! good for you!!! I bet it feels good to be back at work! Take good care!

Bob M Great recovery! Take it easy heart brother

Jim Kelly-Evans Good news, Jim! Keep up the fine recovery.

Ginger Murphy that is great news....i am hoping i will be back to work with in 8 weeks.....

Tim Goff great news Jim. When work is so much of who we are it is great to hear your validation. It buoys my spirits to hear your story.

Jim Gleason Thanks everyone. Feeling great at week Eight.!!!

Released to return to work.

Journal posted on March 3, 2015

It has been a long 6 weeks recuperating at home. My wife made it much easier on me. Today my cardiologist cleared me for a March 9th return to work for light duty. No ladders, working over head, no lifting more than 10#. 80% desk work but I will be back and making a contribution again. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

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Mark Alafita Awesome news.

Jim Kelly-Evans Great, Jim...I know how tough it is getting your stamina back, believe me,

Jim Gleason Typically I walked 2-3 miles a day at work. After one mile I am kind of tired now. Can't wait to get moving again.

Jim Kelly-Evans I walked 5-6 miles a day every day before surgery. I have no idea how I'll get back anywhere that now.

Jim Gleason Just posted I walked 6 miles at work the other day. Lots of emergencies all over the facility. 4 different contractors I had to keep an eye on etc. You will ... Read more

Jim Gleason Just posted I walked 6 miles at work the other day. Lots of emergencies all over the facility. 4 different contractors I had to keep an eye on etc. You will get back to it and feel better than before. No shortness of breath at all. Amazing!

INR Finally made it

Journal posted on February 24, 2015

We have been chacing INR levels since surgery on 1/22/15, Finally they are where they need to be. YEAH!!!

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Bob M Alright! Take it easy heart brother.

Jim Gleason Since this post I finally hit the 2.5 target. Go back next week. Got to skip a week this time. YEAH!

Update posted on...

February 15, 2015

Who is that man in the mirror. I am 3 weeks and 4 days post op. Today while shaving I did not recognize the man in the mirror. He looks brighter, fresh, more color and YOUNGER! What a great side effect of the valve replacement.

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Bob M Amen! God bless and rise up!

Jim Kelly-Evans That's great, Jim! I'm so happy for you!

Duane Beeman If it makes my hair grow back, I'm in !!

Tammi Gunwall Awesome & so encouraging, Jim!

Tim Goff That sounds fantastic Jim, keep the progress going!

Jim Gleason Thank you all. When I remember how I felt pre-op and how great I feel now a little pain is easy to handle.

Update posted on...

February 3, 2015

Staples OUT!!! Now heart is in afib. They have pills for that. Still working on getting INR where they want it.

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Bob M Sounds good. Take it easy heart brother

Patricia Garcia Hi Jim...I have some Afib issues too. Hopefully the heart with settle down.

Terrie Syvertsen Whoa! Isn't it great to get those staples out?! Good news and hope you have heard that Afib issues are common right after surgery and the heart will settle ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Whoa! Isn't it great to get those staples out?! Good news and hope you have heard that Afib issues are common right after surgery and the heart will settle down or your meds will help with it. I had both Afib and SVT's which again were dealt with using meds for them both. Afib left the scene and I will have an ablation if the SVT's keep coming round. Today's technology is superb, eh? You take it easy now and ease into the healing portion of your life. Happy for you.

Jim Gleason Thank you all. No one told me afib is typical.

Update posted on...

January 26, 2015

Home now with a new mechanical Aorta valve. I feel great. My biggest concern was pain after opening the chest. Really not too bad. Lots of medication to take for now.

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Janet R Jim that's great news.

Tammy Pilcher Great news, Jim! Best wishes for recovery!

Bob M Home is where your fixed heart is. God bless and rise up!

Wiliam Height Great news Jim!!

Jim O'Brien Great news indeed, Jim! Good luck with and speedy and healthy recovery.

Edith Dim That's good news.

Jim Kelly-Evans Congratulations, Jim! Smooth recovery!

Jim Gleason Been 12 days since operation. Right side of chest pectorals are still sore. Seeing surgeon tomorrow for followup. I probably did something wrong.

Janet R Hope it goes well tomorrow.

Update posted on...

January 21, 2015

Hi this is Ginna Gleason with an update for all concerning Jim's surgery. It went well. He is resting somewhat comfortably in CICU unit. He smiled at me and opened his eyes, he still had the breathing tube in (they had said due to his sleep apnea it may need to stay in longer) I left him @ 6pm and they felt his blood gases were stabilizing enough to begin the process to remove the tube. I know he would thank everyone for the prayers and good wishes sent his way. Thank you

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Michelle Maring God Bless and thanks for the update Ginna

Kimberly Biddick Wonderful news! Prayers things continue to go smoothly!

Jim Kelly-Evans That's great! Thanks for the update.

Meredith Bray I leaned heavily on my cPap the 36 hours after surgery. It helped me breathe easier, and I didn't worry about stopping breathing. I also had issues with my ... Read more

Meredith Bray I leaned heavily on my cPap the 36 hours after surgery. It helped me breathe easier, and I didn't worry about stopping breathing. I also had issues with my blood gasses. I just blamed it on the dog (haha!). Every day will be a little easier than the one before it. The worst is over - no more waiting!

Penny Prichard Thank you for updating. It's so nice that a family cares about the community.

Elaine Foster Good news! Tell Jim we are all pulling for him. Take it a day at a time. God Bless

Bob M Great news! Pull the tube! A new day for Jim! Amen!

Tim Goff best wishes Jim

Jim Hernandez Continued thoughts on your recovery

Bill Hendrickson Glad to hear the good news

Cheryl Batzing Thanks for the news Ginna. Will be praying for Jim's recovery and healing.

Tammi Gunwall Wonderful news! Continued prayers for a fast and uneventful recovery.

Update posted on...

January 21, 2015

The day has come. Off to REX Hospital for AVR today. Thank you all for your support. It made a big difference.

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Jim Kelly-Evans Best wishes for a successful procedure, Jim!

Lin Casebier Thoughts and prayers for you for a successful procedure!

Clay Rowe You have a lot of folks praying for you to have an easy surgery and recovery...including a guy in Wake Forest.

Michelle Maring Best wishes and prayers for you

John Noriega My prayers are with you -- Onward & Upward!

Janice Smith My very best to you. Prayers your way.

Pre-OP visit today

Journal posted on January 20, 2015

All is well I check into REX at 5:00 AM tomorrow. Surgery starts around 6:30. WOW it is here. Spending the day relaxing now. A great bunch of professionals there at REX.

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Tammi Gunwall Wishing you peace in the hrs up till surgery tomorrow. All will go well and soon it'll be over and you will start the road of recovery! Prayers for you, your family and your surgical team.

Edith Dim Amen to that, Jim.

Jim Kelly-Evans Best wishes for a successful procedure, Jim!

Gary Schott You will come out of the surgery rebuilt and ready to go! God's blessings on you and your family Jim.

Jim Gleason Thank you all very much. Anxiety level is finally dropping off.

Janet R Jim, Prayers and blessings to you for a successful surgery and peacefulness.

Cheryl Batzing Jim, praying for your surgery---that you will be "fixed," and for quick healing & recovery.

Update posted on...

January 18, 2015

Dr. Payton at REX in NC opening my chest Wednesday morning. Can think of nothing else.

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Jim Kelly-Evans I know what you mean but probably better to get it done sooner rather than later. Keep posting here!

Jim Gleason Thanks Jim. I appreciate the reply.

Meredith Bray Hey Jim, I was at .7 when I had my surgery 3/5/14. The next few days are going to draaaaaaag by, but at the same time, there won't be enough time to do everything ... Read more

Meredith Bray Hey Jim, I was at .7 when I had my surgery 3/5/14. The next few days are going to draaaaaaag by, but at the same time, there won't be enough time to do everything you think needs to be done. It was the night before my surgery when I realized everything was out of my hands, i had no control of the events of the next few days. Only then was I able to relax a bit! I'm going to follow your journal - sending up prayers that this week will be a jillion times easier than you think it will be!

Wiliam Height Jim, as said above keep posting we're thinking of you.

Clay Rowe Hi neighbor. This surgery takes up a LOT of mental space that will free up once you're on the other side. The information, encouragement, and support I found ... Read more

Clay Rowe Hi neighbor. This surgery takes up a LOT of mental space that will free up once you're on the other side. The information, encouragement, and support I found in this group made a huge difference I'm my preparation and recovery so far. You're in a good place.

Jim Gleason Thank you all so much. I am very fortunate to have stumbled upon this group. Reading everyone's stories somehow puts me more at ease. Packing my bag tonight. ... Read more

Jim Gleason Thank you all so much. I am very fortunate to have stumbled upon this group. Reading everyone's stories somehow puts me more at ease. Packing my bag tonight. Pre-op tomorrow, and then back at 0500 Wednesday to get fixed up. I look forward to getting more oxygen to my brain and stop the palpitations and dizzy spells I have been getting. Looking forward walking and running again. The long dormant athlete in me wants to get out.
As you say it is out of my hands. Similar to taking my car to the shop for warranty work. Just plug myself into the hospital and wait to come out.

Michelle Maring Hi Jim
Wishing you lots of luck on your surgery Wednesday. I was anxious and worried about having my chest open as well but for me, it was not as painful as ... Read more

Michelle Maring Hi Jim
Wishing you lots of luck on your surgery Wednesday. I was anxious and worried about having my chest open as well but for me, it was not as painful as I imagined it would be. I had a great surgeon and wonderful nurses. I Did not even have any pain meds after a couple days in the hospital except tylenol. I also have a mechanical valve . If you need to know anything else about my experience I would be happy to answer questions.

Jim Gleason That is uplifting Michelle thank you. Hoping for a similar experience.

My journey to a mechanical Aorta valve

Journal posted on January 18, 2015

Just found this page today, 1/18/14. I go in for my valve replacement on 1/22/14. Tuesday I do all the pre-op stuff at REX. Had the hearth catheter done last week. Everything looked good there. Anxious about having open chest surgery. The surgeon said it is best for someone just under 300#s so here we go.

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Jim Kelly-Evans Welcome to the site, Jim!

Bob M Jim, welcome to our awesome Community! We are here to pray for you, share our specific experiences and answer your direct questions. God bless and rise up!

Clare Auten Welcome to the site

Janet Garland Welcome to the site Jim. My surgery was 1/5 and if it wasn't for this site, I don't know how I would be. Everyone here is great! God Bless.