Julie's Journal

I did not go into 2015 knowing what it would hold for me and open heart surgery was not on the list of things I thought I would do. Today over 6 months after surgery I am feeling good! Finally, feeling like the pericarditis is getting better. Starting to slowly build an exercise program that includes power walking and horseback riding again. I am excited and I can tell my heart is strong! Wishing all my heart bothers and sisters a Happy New Year! Blessing upon all of you!

I was feeling so great - walking and riding and now walking up my stairs causes extreme pain because I have to breathe deeply. I would just say to anyone having surgery - really start out slow - "Normal" may be different...I think because I was feeling so great I started back exercising too much too fast and now I have to work through this set back. I ended up going into the ER on Sunday with chest pains, I have pericarditis and they sent me home with medicines...however, it was not getting better - the other night I had server pain, hot/cold flashes, fever and more uncomfortableness. I had an appointment with my cardiologist on Wednesday and this is what I have found out - we need to make sure there is only inflammation and not fluid (because if there is fluid, it will need to be removed via needle) So I have an Echo today to check that...need to redo blood on Monday to make sure meds are working (ER did not give me the right dose) and reconnect with the cardiologist on Wednesday to go over it all...Please keep my in your thoughts and prayers as I figure this out.

It's hard to believe that just under 3 months ago I had Open Heart Surgery! Rehab is complete and felt so good, I would recommend it for anyone after surgery. I have a mechanical valve now, but I am back to work and back to riding horses...back to normal! Back to watching my sons football games and my daughters volleyball games. I feel good and I am grateful that the process was uneventful! I wouldn't have made it through without the many stories on this site, so Thank YOU!!

I saw Dr. Campbell today, I just love him! He takes the time to explain everything and has patients for all my questions. And, again they have bumped up my work at Cardio Rehab...love this program!! I am feeling good and have energy. My INR is still stable, the scar is healing nicely and the only have soreness I have is in my muscles and chest from time to time. All good, also going back to work Tuesdays and Thursdays next week and full time on 9/14 (with the exception of some vacation that was planned even before the surgery). I got great news about riding too...I can get back in the saddle in two weeks....YAY!! :) Just have to be careful!!

Blood draw to check my INR - this is stable at 2.2 and I am able to go 2 more weeks - Yay! Education class - Great information on diet and reading labels, need to keep working on this!! Rehab - Got bumped up today, working harder on the treadmill, bike and now 8 inch step instead of 4 inch. Echo cardiogram - was told I have a beautiful heart...made me smile :) but most of all it really resonated that I needed this surgery my valve was narrowing and to the point of "sudden death" - those words really hit me. I was also told that the St. Jude valve I received is one of the best and the tech has been seeing valves for 25 years...All in all feeling very good!!

It's almost been a month...I am meeting with the cardiologist today....so many questions to get answered - can I drive? How much pain is too much? Where should pain normally be....here? Can I use my arms more, how careful do I need to be? And so many more. I hope he will have some answers.

Having lots of pain in my shoulders and chest. Could be rehab, so yesterday I did not use my arms. Anyone have this? I was doing so well and maybe I over did it.

Well I'm retaining water (no salt diet....too many chips, popcorn etc. Over the weekend) and my INR is high....blood too thin, hold the warfarin for a couple days...but otherwise good!

Feeling good, made my goal of being at the horse show as a spectator...I was able to watch my daughter compete in all of her events. Very happy about that. I see the doctor today, and hope my INR is still stable and find out what restrictions I will still have. Pain has been manageable with Tylenol for the last two days. Just sneezed though and that sent me through the roof....OWWWW!

Wow! I do have to admit the rest and recovery is much better than the anxiety of waiting before surgery. I also would say that the day of surgery and the day after were the hardest, but at least they went by fast. Feeling better and better everyday! I have my fit-bit on and am walking 3-5 times a day. So blessed to have so much support - friends and family!

I have never felt pain like that before...all in all a good day and recovering nicely, however; Yawning, coughing, sneezing.....really hurt! Had my blood test and my INR is staying stable so no blood draw until Monday ...so happy to not have to be poked for an entire week...Yay! I can handle this with the help of God. He is good!

What a difference being home makes, when the cold flash hits, my husband casually says lets go sit on the deck and let me tell you the sun sure feels good and warms me up! Meds, walks, shower, figuring out schedules for the week ...lots going on. So many good things so much support! Thank you!

Finally settled on the couch at about 9 and slept until 440..yay! Got up had meds then back to sleep until 7...sitting in the medical lift chair now. Good breakfast and getting things (meds, wounds and rests) organized and cleaned. Feels good to be home. Still trying to get used to the new noise my ticker makes!

I made it home. Wow, I was expecting this to be easier... clothes-what a pain, the hospital gown was way more comfortable, seatbelts hurt, should have used my pillow and no more nurses to call whenever I need something.... and my medical chair is not as comfortable as I thought it would be.... hope to pillow it up tomorrow. It will be a better day tomorrow.

Good morning. Slept from 9 to 6...up at midnight and 6 for blood draws...up at 4 because I was sweating a lot...hot flashes or something, holy moly! Otherwise good deep sleep, finally. I was told have plate too, I get an xray today and hope too see it. Feeling pretty good this morning

Cheast tube out today, made a big difference! However; still trying to get pain meds right - too much and I'm sick not enough and extreme pain! Working on finding a happy medium. People here at Abbott-Northwestern heart hospital have been great! Thanks too all my family and friends for all the support on line and in person!