Joanne's Journal

Rita Savelis  I had a pacemaker installed about 2 weeks after surgery. This was 8 years ago. The battery lasts about 15 years. I get it checked every year with a rhythmologist. This is the doctor who installs it and who changes the batteries. My understanding is that the leads stay in the heart and only the top part of pacemaker is changed. Take care. But talk to a rhythmologist to get your questions answered.

Barbara Wood  I've had the TEE ( trans esophageal echo I think it's called) & CV (cardio conversion) twice. It's very easy, only takes 10- 20 min. You are knocked out, but there are no after effects - you're good to go almost immediately, though they won't want you to drive yourself home. Good luck!

  Barbara is correct this is no biggie at all. You will have no knowledge of anything except the stuff you gargle before they knock you out. Tastes pretty horrible but the procedure is Quick and Painless. God Bless!

Joanne Casserly  Thanks you Barbara and Keith, think that I was more annoyed because I thought the pacemaker was to correct these things, it's almost, like why bother and then you get the twin, I appreciate your input.

Corey Sines  Glad your doing great and feeling well! Its amazing what they can do today in the OR, glad to be alive now and not 100 years ago..

Clare Auten  If you are asking about the warfarin, for me it is 3 days to get in or out of my system. Hope you stop itching soon.

Rita Savelis  I didn't break out but I definitely had an itch that came and went (shoulders and head) for months on coumadin. Doctor said that one could have a "skin reaction".
I'm sorry you've had to go through such a terrible side effect. That's the last thing you needed...

Kim Murray  I thought maybe it was the warfarin as wel, but my doctor sweitched my dietetic brand and I quit itching.

Joanne Casserly  Thanks, I'm thinking it could be both but leaning more on the Lipitor, the itching is subsiding and I took 4mg of the Warfarin and good so far, it's amazing how some of us get these allergies, have a wonderful Sunday and thank you, so much.

Joanne Casserly  PS: I have an allergy to 1 of the pills think it's the Lipitor, she said get off it and 2 Benadryl a day for a week, and then another INR cause we can't get those numbers right, though and I dread it I also need my thyroid done, in Sept and she said if rash does clear ask my GP, they know each other, if he can think of anything to get my numbers up.

Barbara Laurie  Joanne, glad you're doing so well! You'll get those #'s right on the INR ,though I think they've made a cottage industry around the whole thing! I hope you won't need Lipitor toe drug again, allergies are so hard to work around. The doctors pulled a rabbit out of the hat when they found me a replacement for Lasix, an old drug that no one's heard of in this generation😄All the nurses pulled a face like,"what's this? How do I administer this??" Got sick of that right away. Found out my pills for a month retail at $5,000!!
Anyway, best regards, don't worry about that thyroid and go have some fun..if not for you, how about for me??😄😄😄💕💞💕

Joanne Casserly  Thanks Barbara, honestly, I'm not concerned with the INR, let them figure it out, I'm taking 8 mgs 3 times a week the rest 4, still have allergy and taking the benadryl, but I only started it yesterday, wonder how long until the Lipitor gets out of your system and so thankful that I feel good. Listen, I know all of us have a difficult time, this is scary business, it really got in my head and I made myself a wreck, don't do it. Thanks again, all. Have a great evening

Barbara Laurie  Joanne, just did my INR, it was 4 so, I stuck my tongue out at my doctor and told him to figure it out, I'm tapping out! I totally get your struggle..SORRY you're itching😥 Hope you get better soon hon.❤️❤️

Paul Wells  I've had 2 surgeries, but neither my surgeon or cardiologist gave me food suggestions. Later in rehab we got a 1 hour lecture on nutrition. My coronary arteries we fine both times.

But as a side note, I'm a vegetarian. The cardiologist was sure my protein would be too low to heal properly. they drew a protein level so they could tell me how much meat to eat preop. To their diapointment my protein levels were normal.

Clare Auten  I did not get a "list" either. The importance on greens is to be consistent. I also try not to eat the greens as my main course. For example, I have a side salad with lunch instead of a big salad as lunch. I still make a great pasta con broccoli and enjoy beef and broccoli when we have Chinese food.

Michael Meyer  Assuming you are on warfarin. Mayo has good post. if you are on another blood thinner then might need to speak to your cardiologist office. Be good to verify information anyway.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombophlebitis/expert-answers/warfarin/faq-20058443

Joanne Casserly  Thank you and Michael yes, it's warfarin, and for the past month, we can't get my numbers right...I'll look, at this from Mayo, again, thanks everyone.

Meredith Bray  My body took about 6 months to settle in to a regular warfarin dose. And then a year later it just FLIPPED like a light switch for no apparent reason. regardless, your best resource is an anti-coagulation clinic nurse. I get my blood tested every 5-6 weeks at my cardiologist's office by Nurse Sue. All she does all day long is test patient's INR levels. She recommend no more than 70mg of vitamin k per day, and that I keep my intake consistent. I LOVE broccoli, so we eat it about 3x a week. The other days I'm having green beans or romaine lettuce. I stay away from kale and cooked spinach because they have very high levels of Vit K, but there are ways to mitigate those foods if you must have them. Find a coumidin nurse!
Meredith

Mary Wagner  I have been on coumadin for 26 years. My cardio said as long as I didn't eat a whole head of lettuce I would be fine. I eat broccoli, brussel sprouts, lettuce but no kale. My levels flip every once in a while but really no problem. I also take NO Vitamin K

Cathleen Weed  I would say if you had a double bypass (and had pneumonia in the past) then you shouldn't question cardiac rehab, you should just go. You don't want to end up back in the same situation. They know what they're doing and will tailor a personalized exercise program for you while monitoring your vitals. Cardiac rehab is a gift and the idea is to continue that exercise regimen for the rest of your life to stay as healthy as possible.

Joanne Casserly  Cathleen the pneumonia was a fluke and my fault, I thought it was the flu, but it's when they found the mitral valve, as for rehab, I live, at the beach, I have a pool, in my back yard the ocean up the block with a full boardwalk and a lake around the corner, my BIL, has an LVAD and he went for a few days and he has said, I'd be board, to death and for what to just see your heart, on a machine, I am telling them this week, to never speak to me regarding this again, today is 8 weeks, I want to go in my pool and do my own thing.

Joanne Casserly  I just need for all the summer people to clear out of here, so I have my town back, but I appreciate all the help, but this is just not for me and believe me, I've spent a lot of time thinking it over before reaching this point. God Bless.

Joanne Casserly  Hubby does not want me near that hospital on Wed or waiting there and if it's a stent or no stent, we'll have a Limo get me and go and get him, My DL is past due

Joanne Casserly  Also on warfarin and thought greens were not allowed, Help if anyone can and tell me what to eat and how much green to eat.

Jean Raber  You have a lot on your plate, and maybe this isn't the best time for you to start rehab. But think about it in another few weeks. Your choice, of course, but my mother refused rehab, and she has never fully recovered from the surgery. Yes, dark greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, and dark lettuce interfere with coumadin. Ask the techs at the coumadin clinic or wherever you have your blood drawn what to avoid. Somebody really dropped the ball if they didn't give you this info. Give them what-for!

Denise Campbell  There must be a Coumadin clinic or medicine management associated with the hospital. You need an appt with the nurse or pharmacist who will monitor your Coumadin. They will get you the educational info regarding diet and how to eat when taking Coumadin. You can eat greens. Vitamin k. The key is consistency. I eat salads (romaine high vitamin k ) everyday. The pharmacist or nurse who monitors your Coumadin will adjust meds to your diet. You just need to be consistent. Whether you eat things with vitamin k or not. The website "dr gourmet" is a reliable site about what foods have high-low vitamin k. Alcohol will raise your inr. Vitamin k lowers it. I need to be between 2.5-3.5. Education class is key.

Wanda Mroz  I eat a salad everyday. As long as you eat green consistently, your Coumadin can be adjusted to work with it. I'm a healthy eater. There are lists online of high vitamin k foods to keep in check. My first trip on Coumadin was more difficult because I was drinking protein shakes that had ac
OT of vitamin k so I switched to one that didn't list any.

http://www.coumadin.bmscustomerconnect.com/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=00Pi000000bxvTFEAY

Kevin Shackelford  Hi Joanne,

Before you discount cardiac rehab take a look at some of the literature regarding its strong benefits. I am 7 weeks post op and going to start soon. I especially want to get a gauge on how excercise impacts the repaired heart. The benefits seem to be pretty significant per several studies.
Check out this document...

http://bit.ly/2b2Uk49

Best of luck to you on whatever path you choose!

Joshua Trimberger  I also second going to rehab. I am 3 weeks post surgery and went for my first 3 sessions this week and already feel stronger/better. The orientation and 1 mandatory education class was kind of boring. But just get through that and you're good. The workout was/is beneficial. It gets you moving/active which strengthens the heart and the statistics they showed said that a 5 year study showed that patients who went to rehab had less re-admittance to the hospital and less need for a 2nd heart surgery or procedure as it did that much to strengthen your heart. If your husband is starting to have heart issues it might be a good idea to ensure you have the health and strength to help take care of him. Give it a few weeks of sessions and if you don't feel its helping then stop going but its worth a try at least. The people there are all trained nurses as well. So they can answer any medical questions that may come up and can probably help with any INR questions as well.

Denise Bilas  Yes, I had to stop myself a few times. Then had my hubby or my kids to do the heavy stuff. I'm only shy of a month after my surgery. I do feel better than I did couple weeks ago. I still have trouble sleeping cuz of not finding that comfortable spot. I usually sleep in the recliner then my bed was calling me.....i tried laying down. Slept an hour or two. Back to my recliner. Today, really hot day out. I went out to check my garden. Growing good but no veggies yet. Then, walked around my 2 acred lot. Whew! Hot! Now I'm ready for a nap. Lol

Lilly Black  Yes, I have.....pushing furniture? goodness, you were feeling good! the sternum can take a long time to heal for some, so be careful, don't over do it. These things can wait, Joanne. :o)

Joanne Casserly  Thanks Ladies I also realized that I sleep, on my right side, always have and this is exactly, in the place how I wake in the AM with the pillow I find it truly amazing that we are all feeling well, Denise and Lilly, we have to stop pushing. Denise, my doctor told me to not sleep, in a recliner, at night, to go up and use the bed, tonight, I'm going to try a little to the left and on my back! LOL

Joanne Casserly  Denise, I'm in NJ, it is horrible heat and humidity, stay inside, this weather is not good for us. :heart

Rita Savelis  Oh, gosh, yes. It's so easy to overdo it, Joanne. And for a long time after OHS. You're not stupid, you're just living life and getting on with it. Take it easy. Give yourself lots of time to heal. Take it slow. I still feel it (15 months out) when I do things that are too physical (carry luggage, groceries, whatever...).

Joanne Casserly  Thanks Rita, I also realized that I vacuumed the bedroom this week and I'm right handed, so it all does make sense and thanks again,, cause now I won't go into a panic, I'll just be a princess for a few days. Truly, it's so appreciated. <3 :heart

Denise Bilas  I finally slept in my bed all night. But still wiggle like a worm (as my hubby says). I slept with a bunch of pillows... (had to steal my hubby's pillows..lol). I found a way to sleep on my fav left side. I used 2 pillows for my head and one on my chest...like ( hugging). It felt so good and I slept hard for good 4 hrs. I think I found my spot! Another super hot day....95! I definitely not going outside. You all have a good day!!!

Lilly Black  Joanne, that's right! when you use only one arm for chores, you will notice the pain in your sternum even more. In my first months of recovery, I found that simultaneous movement in both arms worked best. Switching arms also worked well. Take care.

Shannon Sullivan  Oh my, you have had quite the ride!! Glad to hear you are home and on the path to healing and good health.

Judith Marinelli   Sounds really awful, but you made it, you are to be congratulated in every way on how strong you were to endure what you did. Now you can relax and enjoy being back home!

Kate Watson  You are through the worst of it now, hope every day at home is better and better. Get lots of rest, and be very gentle with yourself.

Joanne Casserly  Thanks all, as I said what a ride, but truly feel very good. I wish you all a new lease on all our lives. :hugs

Petey Bello  Sorry you had such a hard time. Glad you are home & on the road to recovery. (I didn't know they could replace the mitral valve with a vein from the leg)...Good luck to you, get some rest & take care of yourself!

Rita Savelis  They will knock you out, no worries there. Hope waking up is good. And sleep well tonight. Take care.

Rita Savelis  It's perfect to be the first case. OHS surgeries do take some time, so you might be the only one on your surgeon's roster for that day....

Joanne Casserly  Thank you once again I think he gives each patient about 4 hours, so I don't think he does more than 2 or so and if they need more than 4, he does it..he's so calming and I think that I just need to see him.

Marcia Enns  Next Monday my surgery is also scheduled for the first slot. Someone told me that that was good, the team would be fresh. We won't have to wait around a lot either. This waiting is hard. Sending you good thoughts and prayers.

Joanne Casserly  Marcia, I think that you are probably correct and my cousin is an RNFA and said the same thing. I wish you the best of luck also. Just drug me up and wake me when it's over. God Bless.

Emily Rowley  I was meant to be the first patient for both my surgeries but ended up second due to an emergency operation on another patient but it made no difference to my outcome. They give you plenty of sedation drugs before hand. I'm sure it will all go well according to plan ☺ Hear from you on the recovery side.

Wanda Mroz  Been there, done that. It's perfectly normal. I took Xanax at night to ease my anxiety and sleep. I walked a lot and remember to breathe. Try to take your mind off of it for awhile. It's all normal what you are feeling. Hugs.💞

Joanne Casserly  Thanks ladies...I've got myself in such a panic that I can't walk because everything spins around me.

Cathleen Weed  I'm sorry you're going through that. It helped me to remember that trust is the opposite of anxiety. So I trusted my surgeon to do a good job and trusted myself to do everything necessary to recover, heal, and be stronger than I ever was before this all started. I focused on that and that's exactly what I got. Trust yourself...you've got this <3.

Alina FH  Yes, Joanne, very normal. I was very anxious till about two days before when I was surreally calm. I had a similar reflection as Cathleen mentions - a lot of trust in my team and in God. I figured, I have no control in the OR, so I can't be anxious about what I cannot change. Good luck to you and I hope you find some peace.

Joanne Casserly  Thanks, I do trust him, it's just this unknown thing, I think and I tend to be nervous anyhoo. Also, I've never been sick and just thank you all.

David Augustus  I agree with Cathleen, trust in my surgeon, love from family and friends along with support from this amazing heart family and you will do great!

Wanda Mroz  I had OHS for MVR in August 2015 so please feel free to ask any questions you may have. This is a wonderful site with wonderful people.💞

Petey Bello  Glad you found this site too Joanne. It is a huge help as you travel this journey! I will be praying for you as you approach your surgery date! The people on here are a village of information, experience & support! I am two weeks post-op from my mitral repair and so thankful. Each day gets better!

Wanda Mroz  If you feel good about your surgeon that's a good thing! I felt good about mine too. Did I relax? No. But I tried! It's a big thing so being nervous is very normal. You'll do fine and it's worth it. 💞

Joanne Casserly  Thanks Wanda, I'm eating xanax like it's candy but I'm actually feeling very well, I stopped most of the med's, they all made me dizzy, cousin is a nurse and our family doc said yes, they do,so I put them in the closet on Friday and I take 1 eliquis a day and not 2 and much better. Well splitting a 5mg in half it comes down to 2.5 and it works, no swelling nothing, I'm ready get it over and thanks for your words.