Kathy Letsos - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Home sweet home

Journal posted on March 19, 2015

Had surgery on Friday 3-13-15. Came home yesterday about 3pm. Great to be home! Had a comfortable night. I am so happy to have aortic valve replacement behind me!! The waiting was truly the hardest part!! Best wishes to you all. 💛💜💙💚❤️

Like | Jen Huff, Ericka Carlson, Nancy D and 3 others like this

Pat Bluemel Welcome home! It's all up from here!

Dan D. Glad you came through it well and had a good night back. I hope mine will go as well.

Tammy Pilcher Great to hear, Kathy! Best wishes for a smooth recovery!

Nancy D welcome home, no place like it!! Now, take good care of YOU!! Rest, breathe deeply, walk a bit...repeat.

Jim Hernandez Many congratulations! Touch rest and relaxation and love from your family!

Update posted on...

March 9, 2015

My surgery date just got changed from Thursday to Friday. I guess better to know now than the day before!

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LaDonna Mangile I'm sure it was a let down....
but I'm sure they had a good reason....you will do great....and everyone on this site will be praying and pulling for you!

Kathy Letsos it was, thanks.

Greg Milis We have surgery the same day kathy. I am nervous a lot. I think the recovery all the time.

Terri Henwood Good luck today and positive vibes being sent your way on your surgery day and everyday following!!!

Update posted on...

March 4, 2015

Hi all,
Looking for some advice.
What should I take to hospital with me? I go in the early morning and have same day surgery.
Should I pack a bag for my husband to bring once I am out of intensive care? And what should I pack? I hope I won't have to where a hospital gown for 5 days!

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Lori Beuerlein Comfy clothes, preferably the shirt to button in the front, chap stick ( Burt's bees is wonderful). You won't need much while you are in ICU, except lip balm. ... Read more

Lori Beuerlein Comfy clothes, preferably the shirt to button in the front, chap stick ( Burt's bees is wonderful). You won't need much while you are in ICU, except lip balm. My kids bought me some baggy sweat pants, and my hubby bought me flannel PJs, tops and bottom. Both were very comfy and I used them after coming home. Maybe some earphones to listen to music, helps to soothe nerves pre-op, and might help you sleep instead of listening to all the beeping machines. Hope this helps.

Pat Bluemel Pack stuff you like to use in the shower, they supply some, but it's hospital grade, I would have liked my own. I forgot deodorant so that would be high on ... Read more

Pat Bluemel Pack stuff you like to use in the shower, they supply some, but it's hospital grade, I would have liked my own. I forgot deodorant so that would be high on my list to remind you to bring:-). Bring your toothbrush and toothpaste, and most helpful, bring a pair of comfortable pair of shorts or pajama pants that are easy to take on and off. The gown is easy to use for the top part of your body and they let you change those often - the pants or shorts help for walking and not worrying that you are showing off your business around the halls. Before you know it it's day 4 or 5 and you are putting on the comfortable clothes you wore for check in.

Pat Bluemel Yes, some noise canceling ear buds are a great suggestion as Lori states, and oh the lip balm. It's much needed.

Jennifer Anderson Unfortunately, due to tubes and IV's and leads (oh my!), the hospital gown is about your only option for the top, I brought sweat pants but didn't end up using ... Read more

Jennifer Anderson Unfortunately, due to tubes and IV's and leads (oh my!), the hospital gown is about your only option for the top, I brought sweat pants but didn't end up using them because for the first 4 days I had those booties on that applied pressure to my calves. I would bring a robe and slippers to roam around the halls though. Oh, I found those facial cleansing wipes nice to have, along with the Chapstick :D Once you're home, lots of comfy button up shirts and Genie bras.

Tammy Pilcher Hi Kathy, you'll probably get alot of different answers, but I didn't use hardly anything I took. I stayed in the hospital gown until the morning I came home. ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher Hi Kathy, you'll probably get alot of different answers, but I didn't use hardly anything I took. I stayed in the hospital gown until the morning I came home. I had too many things connected to me to put on real clothes. I wore button up pj's home. They pretty much provide everything else you'll need. Best wishes!

Tammy Pilcher Oh yeah, I forgot, I took boxer shorts to wear under the gown when walking around.

Judi Nunez I agree with Tammy, I stayed in gown, they gave me a robe for walking around and I wore boxer shorts. To many monitors to wear clothes.

joni moore earplugs and a sleepmask!

Peggy Pauley Thanks Judi & Tammy for your tips. I am always cold so I think I will bring warm PJ bottoms. I have a zip up robe is that going to be cumbersome or difficult? I have to step into it.

Tammy Pilcher Hi Peggy, your zip up robe should be fine. The nurses will help you get into it if needed. Best wishes on your surgery!

LaDonna Mangile This has been great information. I to was wondering....and pretty much decided I would not need much!

joni moore because I get cold so easily, i had my husband bring in my twin size heavy plaid wool yoga blanket- I'm so glad I had that!

Rita Savelis The nice thing about hospital gowns is that you don't have to wash them yourself! But feel free to bring your own easy to put on loose clothing.

13 days till surgery

Journal posted on February 27, 2015

Today I met the temp that will be replacing me at work while I am out with aortic valve replacement surgery. Reminded of the reality of the upcoming surgery and a little (maybe a little more than a little) afraid, but also reminding myself that just like you all, I can and will get through it!

"Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared."
Eddie Rickenbacker

Eddie Rickenbacker Quotes at BrainyQuote.com

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/eddiericke104722.html

"Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared." - Eddie Rickenbacker quotes from BrainyQuote.com

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Lewis Garlisi You can, and will, get through it. Once you are in your recovery phase, you will be glad it was done so you can look forward to many healthy years. Best wishes.

Janet R You can do this. There is a lot of anxiety leading up to the surgery and once it is done, you will be on the road to recovery and the realization that you will be better than ever.

Bob M Yes, you can and you will from a fellow Chicagoan.

LaDonna Mangile I like your fear quote listed above!

happy to have found this site!!

Journal posted on January 27, 2015

Hello everyone,
I have been diagnosed with severe stenosis of the aorta and am still in the process of arranging for surgery. Next Wednesday, I will have my first appointment with a cardio-surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz at Loyola University Medical Center.
I was so scared when I first met with my cardiologist after my echo and he gave me the news that I was facing heart surgery. Lucky for me I immediately found Adam's book and this site and have gleaned so much useful information that made a world of difference in my outlook. I had another appointment with my cardiologist yesterday to discuss the results of testing, and he was very impressed with the information that I collected here. He said he is going to read the book too! I've heard that knowledge is power and thanks to Adam’s book and the community here, I am feeling pretty empowered and very positive about surgery.
Thank you all so much for sharing your stories!! Because most of you have been in the same place as I was and now am, you know how much your stories are lightening the loads of stress that I was feeling just a couple of weeks ago!!

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Jim Kelly-Evans Welcome, Kathy! We've all been there and found this site and others like it to offer so much in terms of information and support. Please let us know how your ... Read more

Jim Kelly-Evans Welcome, Kathy! We've all been there and found this site and others like it to offer so much in terms of information and support. Please let us know how your consultation goes next week. Best wishes!

Tammy Pilcher Best wishes Kathy on your surgery and recovery! I felt the same way when I found this site and Adam's book!

Elaine Foster The fear of the unknown is what affects most of us, and although we are all different, there is strength in knowing so many that have gone through this ahead ... Read more

Elaine Foster The fear of the unknown is what affects most of us, and although we are all different, there is strength in knowing so many that have gone through this ahead of us. I am 8 weeks post op AVR and doing well. No one will ever say the surgery is fun or easy, but it is doable. The days in the hospital go by pretty fast, and before you know it you will be posting your good reports here too. God Bless you

Bob M Welcome from a fellow Chicagoan! In my opinion, your are doing the right things by reading Adam's book and joining our awesome Community. God bless and rise up!

Kathy Letsos Thanks, it is great to be here!

Damian Kudelka best of luck!

Damian Kudelka Kathy if you need any advice let me know.

Janet R Kathy, Welcome from yet another fellow Chicagoan! This is great heart community to find information and share experiences. Prayers to you for you upcoming ... Read more

Janet R Kathy, Welcome from yet another fellow Chicagoan! This is great heart community to find information and share experiences. Prayers to you for you upcoming surgery. Loyola is very good hospital. I have my MVR surgery just 24 days ago at Northwestern and am recovering very well.