Joan's Journal

I am doing much better now. After surgery I was on o2 just to breathe 3weeks after surgery. . Then found out dr wasn't sure he bypassed correct vessel. It was in surgery report. At post surgery meeting PA refused to answer if correct vessel was bypassed. I was in rehab facility. The GP stepped in ordered chest xray for me in my bed there. Had to have thorencitisis x. 2. First time 800 cc of blood from pleural effusion of left lung. Then 10 days later another 400cc taken out of left young. Finally. 2 months later got to go home. But went from NSR before surgery to junction rhythm alternating with atrial fib. Home for 12 days then nosebleed that wouldn't stop - cauterizing plus packing didn't work due to coumadin so in Hosp 3 days with 10 hours of packed cells to stop it packing out on Christmas Eve. Everything I read that dr gave said I should be walking 20 min after 4 weeks. I was so Down . Then when I got stronger I read posts here and realized that many people had set backs. I did research but chose the wrong Dr for me. Although he is at a valve institute and has 30 years experience. I went to him because he told me 80% chance he could repair mitral valve but he replaced. This was my second mitral valve operation first was repair 12 years ago with different Surgion so I knew second repair would be hard .i went out of town to get the Surgion. I now am back in my town and have a good cardiologist who has me on 21 day halter. Also he tells me not to be upset about valve replacement. In 10 years they will have completely different technique. When I read Adams book again I saw where he says unexpected things usually come up. And to expect. My sadness and depression I knew mentally but emotionally I was not doing well. I thought I should be stronger. This is long but I will be able to read in 3 months and see how far I will have come. The people here are life savers. I thank Adam in my mind at least once a week for his book and this site. Also the wonderful people that take time to read post and help others.

I am finally home from my mitral valve and cabg surgery . I was hoping for repair but got replacement.i was so ill I couldn't keep up with all the helpful posts and journal entries. Am catching up now. See that others have had pleural effusion .

I am finally home from my mitral valve and cabg surgery . I was hoping for repair but got replacement.i was so ill I couldn't keep up with all the helpful posts and journal entries. Am catching up now. See that others have had pleural effusion .

When i had valve repair surgery. 12 years ago the heart pillow didn't work for me . My breasts are large and chest small . Pillow touched breasts not chest. Nurse rolled up blanket that was held on chest between breasts. This time I am bringing a dog bone pillow that fits me perfectly. I wish they made pillows for women.

Tomorrow's the day. I have fears with anasthesia even for minor procedures. Fear of not waking up . My mother. Always was afraid of pain. Wanted lots of anasthesia. Does anyone have thoughts that can be calming for. Min before getting. Put out. I have tried visualizing and that doesn't work. I need some actual thoughts. Please send anything. I appear calm but inside am not. I know enough to know calm thoughts are powerfull. Have helped others find theirs . I usually do well with pain afterwards and push myself. It's just the not knowing before and if I am honest / the total loss of control or knowledge of what's going on. 40 years ago I had my baby natural just so no gas. ( that's what they called anasthesia back then )

Read Adams book. Starting to picture a post surgery time. A friend who has no clue about surgery said they do lots of them every day you willbe fine. I think that it would be comforting to just think that way just trust. Dr and not want to know any details. However that works if dr is good Hosp is good and no problems. However I am trying to think that way not think about all possable problems. Wish first repair was done correct. Dr used too all ring and may have occluded one artery bugling too low with stitch. But at least he repaired and didn't put in mechanical valve.

Surgery oct 23. Re repair or replacement of mitral valve and one by pass. Drs think first emergency valve repair and this is due to fen phen. I didn't join lawsuit. When it was going on, a second floor balcony collapsed beneath me and I fell 2 stories. Almost died mid back shattered. In ICU surgery and body cast. 18 months so didn't get echo. 18 months later valve failed. I was put in light coma and emergency surgery. So no time to worry. This time have time to research and worry. Don't know if I know too much but feel I don't know enough. Dr Rainey of Hoag Hosp valve repair center is doing. Any one else been there. ?