Joan Hibo - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

My Heart be Mended on September 15...

Journal posted on September 14, 2020

Covid tested and negative! I am relieved to be Covid negative. Took good care of a lot of COVID patients in the ICU, even if I have been told by my cardiologist not to, as I would be risking it. Being infected with Covid would spell my demise considering the valve condition at hand. Still glad I did it, I fought the tough FIGHT with them. Ultrasound of bilateral carotids completed. Recliner delivered and I'm actually playing with it. Now I know why my patients love their recliners!
I will be heading for surgery tomorrow with check-in time at 5 am. CHG bath tonight and tomorrow.
I am truly grateful for this community's support and advice. The same goes for friends and family who offered a prayer for success.
I know I will have to be on NPO status starting midnight, so I'm thinking of ordering out dinner. Japanese Cuisine seems a good choice. Yes, the next dinner is the World's Greatest Ice Chip.

Like | Rose Madura, Darrin Vohs, Nancy W and 4 others like this

Jeffrey Dyer Praying for you, Joan. I'm sure you're in the "thick of it" as I write this, but you're in good hands.

Lee Wright Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Maintaining positive thoughts

Journal posted on September 11, 2020

Met with my CV Surgeon. I scheduled an appointment for my last minute questions and for my Family. From this meeting, was re-reviewing my TEE and the concern that my Aortic valve may also be needed to be replaced due to its state of calcification. Honestly, I don't know how I feel about that. I'm just thinking better be aware of it now than have surprises once opened.
I also have read Adam's book which was immensely helpful. This book certainly bridges the gap on a lot of major concerns that usually are not discussed with one's physician. Awesome book!.
I took everyone's advice to heart, which I am very grateful for. It sure helped me immensely in preparation for this surgery. I have been trying to live life as normally as I can since I last posted. I still did my 3-mile Hike even if I had to constantly stop to catch my breath! Being with nature was one way for me to stay positive and not think negatively.

Like | Barbara Wood, Rose Madura, Darrin Vohs and 3 others like this

Susan Lynn Joan - You'll be ready to put this in the rear view mirror on Tuesday. I agree that Adam's book and the wonderful people on this site demystified heart surgery ... Read more

Susan Lynn Joan - You'll be ready to put this in the rear view mirror on Tuesday. I agree that Adam's book and the wonderful people on this site demystified heart surgery for me. You'll get through it in what will seem like a moment! Enjoy the quick nap and the world's greatest ice chips - we'll be here to welcome you to recovery!

Dental work...CHECK,,DONE

Journal posted on August 25, 2020

Just got done with Dental work. Full Dental check-up. Deep cleaning... my gums are sore. But then no Dental work for 6 months after Valve replacement.

Like | Adam Pick likes this

Adam Pick Check! One more thing off the list! Great choice in Dr. Shemin. A really excellent surgeon at UCLA!!!

Joan Hibo Thank you for the vote of confidence with Dr. Shemin. That's a great comfort to know. I will be seeing him on Sep 8. I'll keep you updated.. Thanks for doing ... Read more

Joan Hibo Thank you for the vote of confidence with Dr. Shemin. That's a great comfort to know. I will be seeing him on Sep 8. I'll keep you updated.. Thanks for doing this outstanding service for this community. It makes a patient more at ease and confident. The knowledge and experiences shared makes one feel they are not alone, and I hope they no longer feel like they are threading the unknown with blind eyes. Your book alone, coupled with the shared blogs and responses of everyone, has eased my most of my thoughts.

In Preparation to repair my "Lub-Dub"

Journal posted on August 24, 2020

Starting to prepare me for Open Heart Surgery/ Valve replacement/ Maze procedure, and clipping of appendage. Filed for LOA, started my Short term disability application, catching up on legal issues such as DPOA for Healthcare, Life insurance papers, arranging for food deliveries during the recovery period, ordered from freshly, Still looking at cardio-thoracic brace, front opening bra, bought loose clothes, gathering up my support group as my family is not here. I Hate to impose and I have been very independent and self-reliant. This is an issue I'm trying to hurdle! Also, being on the other side of the fence is exceedingly difficult. As Dr. Shemin remarked, "you are a sophisticated patient." WHY? because I was that Nurse who assisted in Open Heart procedures, that nurse who recovered heart patients in CVICU, yet amidst this background, it's still different when you are now the patient. I am worse than everybody else because having that knowledge is a caveat more so, I don't have the knowledge of a patient's perspective in recovery issues once they leave the ICU and go home. So I just ordered Adam's book. I'm just taking this as stoically as I can because it's getting too emotionally and psychologically exhausting...and I'm just starting.

Like | Shannon Gray likes this

Thomas Brusstar Wow, your background will really make you a great patient. I think having hearty, protein-rich food that’s easy to heat up/ prepare afterwards is key. And ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar Wow, your background will really make you a great patient. I think having hearty, protein-rich food that’s easy to heat up/ prepare afterwards is key. And nothing too high, as reaching up can be hard right after Sternotomy. The antiobiotics Upset my stomach, so I loved simple kefir smoothies, just kefir with blueberries or strawberries blended in. You’ll feel better every day. Get a good route down to take easy walks. I’m just over 2 years post surgery, and my scar is hardly noticeable at this point. You’ll do great.

Joan Hibo Oh My, Thank You for that advice. I forgot about the antibiotics, and yes they do alter the digestive flora and increase the possibility of C-Diff(Gut infection). ... Read more

Joan Hibo Oh My, Thank You for that advice. I forgot about the antibiotics, and yes they do alter the digestive flora and increase the possibility of C-Diff(Gut infection). Kefir smoothies are a very good idea. I'm writing that in my TO BUY LIST. Yes, you are right about protein-rich foods, and ill start rearranging the cupboards so I don't have to reach High. Thank You so much for the advice.

David S Your knowledge will help you very much. Once home, I measured and wrote down performance: walking distance and times helped significantly. Seeing improvements ... Read more

David S Your knowledge will help you very much. Once home, I measured and wrote down performance: walking distance and times helped significantly. Seeing improvements day after day was uplifting. Just setting modest goals everyday and focusing on one day at a time was useful. Going back to Pilates movements felt so good, although the first weeks movements were so small an observer could not have seen them. I set out to recover to my level in one year but movements returned much faster. At week 6, I was back swimming and must have initially done 100 yrds but I will never forget how good that was. You do need someone with you for 2-3 weeks at all times.
Also, I did not touch a computer or a phone for two weeks. My wife and children were letting everyone else know I was fine and was not ready to talk. I highly recommend the focus on healing, it felt too exhausting to have to answer questions or hold a conversation about the weather.
1 year post mitral valve repair.
In the hope this is helpful. Blessings.

Darrin Vohs I think between your preparations and the advice from the other posters and Adam's book you are more than covered. The only thing I would add is you have ... Read more

Darrin Vohs I think between your preparations and the advice from the other posters and Adam's book you are more than covered. The only thing I would add is you have 3 weeks till the surgery. I would recommend going about your normal life (as much as possible) and try to relax and not get overly stressed.

Marie Myers Can totally identify with you. I am a CRNA who has worked in Thoracic cases, including hearts. It was tough to keep stuff out of my mind that I have seen. ... Read more

Marie Myers Can totally identify with you. I am a CRNA who has worked in Thoracic cases, including hearts. It was tough to keep stuff out of my mind that I have seen. You know where the pitfalls are, and you worry about them. The pre op time was tough for me. One of the most surprising things for me was how weak/tired I was post op. Just take one day at a time, and try not to go worrying down any particular rabbit hole. It is hard to do, but you can do it!. I felt well enough to go back to work in 8 weeks on a part time basis.

Joan Hibo David, I am going to buy a fit bit. You are right, those small steps will matter a lot. I'll keep in mind modest goals and I already designated a family member ... Read more

Joan Hibo David, I am going to buy a fit bit. You are right, those small steps will matter a lot. I'll keep in mind modest goals and I already designated a family member to answer phone calls. I'm trying to just enjoy the 3 weeks prior to surgery. Waiting also for Adams's book. Thank you so much for your advises.

Joan Hibo Marie, that is my main problem, I have seen the pitfalls. I'm trying though! I'm keeping all suggestions to heart. Thank You to all.