LaDonna Mangile - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Jen Huff, Artgirl Katehrine likes this

It will be 5 weeks Monday and is healing nicely. Doing great! Appreciate Dr Suri and the Mayo team!

I'm so glad to hear you are doing well! You are healing, nicely. Prayers for continued healing, LaDonna! God Bless You.

Ben Hyman Congrats on your successful procedure. You're probably one of his last patients at Mayo. I called to set up a consult with him as I live in Mpls. He's the ... Read more

Ben Hyman Congrats on your successful procedure. You're probably one of his last patients at Mayo. I called to set up a consult with him as I live in Mpls. He's the only surgeon in this area to does a mitral valve robotically. I was told he's not taking any new patients as he'll be leaving Mayo soon. I later learned he's moving to Abu Dabi to head up their valve program. Go figure

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Brenda Auldridge Martinez likes this

Bob M Angel!

Greg Milis What an angel

Here's my newest picture!

April 5, 2015 Like |

One of my cute babies bouncing around the catch pen!

David Walker That is a beautiful baby. Hope you are doing well.

Praise Report on LaDonna

Journal posted on April 2, 2015

Thank you, Lord Jesus! They took her down to have the cardioversion. They said after they were all done getting her ready and Doctor was about to shock she converted back into Normal Sinus Rhythm. Thank you all for your support and prayers! We all appreciate it! She's back in room and resting now! :)

Like | Adam Pick and 3 others like this

Pat Bluemel Great news! I hope she stays that way. Now for rest and recovery. No more of this Afib nonsense!

Jennifer Bramlett I'm so happy for her and her family.

Nancy D Praying for her that she stays in Normal Sinus from here on out! A-fib is a common post op rhythm from the heart being inflamed and irritated. Hope hers settles down!

Adam Pick Happy Dance for LaDonna!!! Woo-Whoo!!!

Tim Goff that is great news. the heart does indeed do some odd things during this recovery and flipping back to sinus is a great sign for her.

Robyn Tatu That's such good news. Thanks again for the reports.

Jen Huff So happy to hear this! Thank you for the update!

Susan Bach Yeah! We all have our bumps, but they all seem to work themselves out. The human body is amazing !

Praise the Lord!

Lilly Black Awesome news!

Update on LaDonna

Journal posted on April 2, 2015

Last 24 hours she has been in Atrial Fib. They have not been able to control with medication. She will be going shortly for Cardioversion. Please continue to keep mother in your prayers! Thank you all! Natalie

Like | Laura Metrano and 2 others like this

David Walker Our prayers to all. Hopefully things get better today.

Jennifer Bramlett I know she is surrounded by the best care. I will be thinking of her all day.

Tim Goff We will be thinking of her

Sandy Davis I will be praying for all of you.

Adam Pick Thoughts and prayers are with La Donna. Fyi, it is not uncommon for Afib to occur after surgery. Here's a video about that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L73AQaCS3do

Atrial Fibrillation After Heart Surgery With Dr. Niv Ad, Inova Heart Center

http://www.Heart-Valve-Surgery.com -- Dr. Niv Ad addresses patient concerns about atrial fibrillation after heart valve surgery (aortic valve replacement wit...

Jen Huff Prayers and thoughts to you, LaDonna and your family! Everything will be okay.

Joaquim Cimoes Today my prayers are for LaDonna.

Here's my newest picture!

March 31, 2015 Like | Jim Hernandez, Jennifer Miller, Ericka Carlson and 2 others like this

8 hours post surgery...we appreciate all your well wishes and prayers! Thank you, LaDonna ' s Family

Wiliam Height Lookin great!

Greg Johnson Awesome news. Welcome to the recovery side!

Penny Prichard You look great

Bill Hendrickson Great looking recovery

God is Good....

Duane Beeman I don't look that good on my best day !! That looks like a very relieved smile.

Jim Hernandez Fabulous! May recovery go just as wonderful for you!

Jim Kelly-Evans Best wishes for a smooth recovery!

Robyn Tatu Wow. You really DO look great! Angelic! I join these good folks in wishing you a smooth recovery!

Tammy Pilcher You look fantastic LaDonna!

Jen Huff LaDonna - you look so great!!!! Best wishes!!!!

Jennifer Miller You look fabulous!!! I KNOW I looked really rough for a couple days, at least! Excellent!

Jennifer Bramlett So glad you are doing well -- keep smiling!

Artgirl Katehrine I orderd that t-shirt for my father <3 <3 <3

OPEN HEART

https://teespring.com/new-open-heart

I survived .. OPEN HEART SURGERY

Update on LaDonna

Journal posted on March 30, 2015

Just came off the ventilator... Everything is going well...Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Like | Jennifer Miller, Ericka Carlson and 2 others like this

Bill Hendrickson Great news and progress

David Walker Great to hear

Jennifer Bramlett Wonderful, wonderful.

Nancy D She is well on her way through operation day! Keep up the steady progress, celebrate each step along the way...they add up quicker!! ;-)

Tammy Pilcher Yay!! Happy for LaDonna!

Update on LaDonna

Journal posted on March 30, 2015

Mom is in recover. They said everything went well and they were able to place the largest valve which they said was the best.

Like | John Fichera, Jen Huff, Nancy D and 7 others like this

Ericka Carlson Fantastic! Thanks for keeping us updated, sending all of my good thoughts!

Robyn Tatu Yes, thank you for your reports on LaDonna! Let the healing begin!

Jen Huff Prayers and thoughts for LaDonna! So glad to hear all went well!

Henry Goodwin Great News!

Sandy Davis So glad all us well. Prayers to you.

Kathleen Peterson Wonderful news!

Tammy Pilcher Great news!

Mary Myers Great news!

Update on LaDonna

Journal posted on March 30, 2015

They started at 9:38...

Like | Ericka Carlson, Nancy D, Jennifer Miller likes this

LaDonna Mangile Bypass started at 10:03.

Ericka Carlson Sending prayers!

LaDonna Mangile Just received word she is off bypass...they said around an hour to close. Will keep you updated.

Update on LaDonna

Journal posted on March 30, 2015

She has been taken back to the Operating Room, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers! Thank you, Family

Like | Nancy D, Jennifer Miller and 2 others like this

David Walker God bless

Mary Myers Thinking of you Ladonna, Before you know it you will be on the rode to.a life filled with a healthy heart, with many joys!

Nancy D Praying for a successful surgery, and a complete recovery, and peace for all who care for her! Thank you for the updates

Jennifer Bramlett I am thinking of you LaDonna, sending strength.

Janine Peterson all good thoughts your way...

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like |

Will my big day is almost here! Check in St.Marys Rochester Minnesota at 0530 AM. My husband and four children are here with me. Waiting and laying here thinking about my surgery and recovery and that I came this far and can't turn back now. However to

Clean Cath!

Journal posted on March 27, 2015

Monday is coming fast. Yesterday I had my cardiac cath.....it went very well....all good. No blockage so I will not need a CABG in addition to my Mitral Valve Replacement! Thank goodness! I still have lots of fear and second guessing that I've made the best decision of type of valve I will receive Monday. The unknown is scary and the feeling of forthcoming discomfort and helplessness, and possible complications...is really scary at this time!

Like | Jennifer Miller likes this

Jennifer Miller Great news, LaDonna! I chose a porcine valve, IF my valve had to be replaced: what did you choose?

David Walker Good luck. I had my aortic valve replaced and I am on the road to recovery.

Nancy D that is good news LaDonna! Yes it is scary and very real about now for you. But making the decisions, gathering support and a great team, you will be surprised ... Read more

Nancy D that is good news LaDonna! Yes it is scary and very real about now for you. But making the decisions, gathering support and a great team, you will be surprised at how calm you will be on surgery day. Just take it one task at a time, and once you meet anesthesia the meds take away any anxiety left over......you CAN do this!

Bob M Great news about the cath. I pray that your surgery will be text book and your recovery will be uneventful. Monday will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!

Jim Hernandez Great news! I just had all my pre-op testing and heart cath today....what a full day! Our stage is set for Next week!

Penny Prichard Good luck it's not that bad, my biggest problem is trying to rest

Barry Van Gemert All that healthy living paid you a dividend. Great news and good luck with your procedure.

Jennifer Bramlett Wonderful news for you. You will be fine, just fine. Don't forget that the thoughts of many here and of other family/friends will surround you.

LaDonna Mangile Thank you all for your post of support. I don't know how I would of survived this wait without all of you sharing your stories! Thank you Adam for this wonderful site!

LaDonna Mangile I will be having a mechanical valve and I found out yesterday my surgery will be the last one Dr Suri does at Mayo as he is moving to a new hospital base.

Tim Goff Will be thinking of you Monday LaDonna! You got this!

Wiliam Height Surrender and embrace it, one of the greatest moments in my life was the night before surgery. Breathe, you will be perfect.

Tammy Pilcher Great news, LaDonna! Prayers and best wishes!

Jennifer Miller I'll be thinking of you & sending prayers your way for a successful, complication-free surgery on Monday, LaDonna. I love what William said above about surrendering ... Read more

Jennifer Miller I'll be thinking of you & sending prayers your way for a successful, complication-free surgery on Monday, LaDonna. I love what William said above about surrendering & embracing it, this day that will change your life for the better. Take care!

Kathleen Peterson Here's to a wonderful surgery and a great and speed recovery. Prayers

Praying that your surgery goes smoothly and for your healing, afterwards.

LaDonna Mangile I appreciate all of your well wishes!

John Fichera I wish you the best LaDonna. I'm in Chicago and Dr Suri was recommended to me. I opted to use a local surgeon but even he said Dr. Suri is excellent surgeon. You are in GREAT hands.

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Henry Goodwin, Jennifer Miller and 5 others like this

One week from tonight I will be a few hours post mitral valve replacement at Mayo. I can only say it has been and continues to be a roller coaster of emotions for me. Believing and keeping the faith heart-valve family and friends!

Tammy Pilcher Amen!

Duane Beeman Have that drink and relax. I hear the weather is great in Minnesota this time of year

LaDonna Mangile I had a Salty Dog last night wanted one to night....but oh well! Maybe later when I get my Coumadin regulated.

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Nancy D, Jennifer Miller, Penny Prichard and 1 other likes this

Tammy Pilcher I like this, LaDonna. Thanks for sharing!

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Tim Goff, Pat Bluemel, Jennifer Miller and 1 other likes this

Duane Beeman Nice. The guy on the right reminds me of me.

LaDonna Mangile Love those donkeys!

What do I need for Hosp and what do I need for home

Journal posted on March 22, 2015

Leaving Wed....doing some last minute stressing! I'm taking robe, flip flops, shorts/boxer shorts, two pair jeans, button down front shirts. Chap stick, pillows and blankets for 10 hour car ride home. Ladies what kinda bras should I take? Do I need a book? For home I have rented a electric chair. Purchased a digital thermometer, automatic BP cuff and small shower chair. What else should I have. I will be on Coumadin. Any help appreciated.

Like | Kimberly Biddick, Jennifer Miller likes this

Greg Johnson Sounds like you are well prepared. You will be fine. I would get a pill minder for the array of medicine you will have the first weeks after surgery

Tammy Pilcher Hi LaDonna, I wore comfortable button up PJ top and easy to pull up PJ pants home with a front closure bra the hospital provided. I also had a long ride home ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher Hi LaDonna, I wore comfortable button up PJ top and easy to pull up PJ pants home with a front closure bra the hospital provided. I also had a long ride home and had to stop once every hour to walk around a few minutes. A normally 7 hour drive took 8 hours. Prayers and best wishes!

Karen Sievers Hi LaDonna, good luck with your upcoming surgery. You seem to be well prepared. I had an open in front bra and the hospital provided two surgical bras. After ... Read more

Karen Sievers Hi LaDonna, good luck with your upcoming surgery. You seem to be well prepared. I had an open in front bra and the hospital provided two surgical bras. After surgery, I really didn't feel like reading or concentrating on anything but everyone is different. For home you may want to get a grabber for things you may want that you cannot reach as you can't reach over your head. I also had a long handled shoe horn to make it easy to get my shoes on. I would place anything you may need after you are home within your reach.
You will do great.
I am almost 6 months out and know it gets better each day. The worst is the waiting for the surgery.
Prayers and good wishes!

Pat Bluemel Earplugs for you and if someone is sleeping in your room with you and an sleeping eye mask to block out light, also some of your favorite comfort/snack food. ... Read more

Pat Bluemel Earplugs for you and if someone is sleeping in your room with you and an sleeping eye mask to block out light, also some of your favorite comfort/snack food. Jeans may be uncomfortable especially if you carry water weight home with you, I'd suggest sweat pants or comfy pants for the ride home. If you have a device for music or pod casts they are easier than books. I couldn't concentrate enough to read. Take your own toiletries, they have them at the hospital but take the ones you like. Safe travels!

LaDonna Mangile Thank you everyone for the posts....I dont have any sweat pants but I think I will buy a pair for the trip home. Have a pill organizer will have to get it ... Read more

LaDonna Mangile Thank you everyone for the posts....I dont have any sweat pants but I think I will buy a pair for the trip home. Have a pill organizer will have to get it out. Did not think of the long handled shoe horn or a grabber...both good suggestions. My husband has a snake catcher...I wonder if it would work. Lol! Thanks again my Heart Valve Friends truly!

Ericka Carlson I was thinking the same about jeans. Also, what about one of those pillows that sits around your neck in case you get tired and want to doze on the ride home?

Greg Johnson Yes. I would get one. I basically had five different pillows that I swapped around during the night and day for different positions. Plus one or two will get ... Read more

Greg Johnson Yes. I would get one. I basically had five different pillows that I swapped around during the night and day for different positions. Plus one or two will get soaked with sweat during the first weeks. I had one memory foam one neck pillow. One 'my pillow'. Which I really liked. A cubed memory foam pillow from Costco. And a regular heavy old feather pillow that worked great as the heart hugger pillow.

Meredith Bray I second the neck pillow! The muscles that hold your head up extend nearly 12 inches down your back, and after surgery you're going to need to rest those muscles ... Read more

Meredith Bray I second the neck pillow! The muscles that hold your head up extend nearly 12 inches down your back, and after surgery you're going to need to rest those muscles A LOT! Even though my car ride home was only 45 minutes, I remember wishing I had a neck pillow. The pillow would have been very useful at home for several weeks, as well.

Keeping busy!

Journal posted on March 21, 2015

Spent the day at Breyberry Farm....miniature donkeys and one mammoth! 8 days to go! Sigh

Like | 1 person likes this

David Walker Good luck spent yesterday with my son fishing.

LaDonna Mangile Yes I'm trying to stay busy....I've been to casinos with friend from StLouis for two days.....and I don't even gamble. Then off to pick up a new weanling Jack ... Read more

LaDonna Mangile Yes I'm trying to stay busy....I've been to casinos with friend from StLouis for two days.....and I don't even gamble. Then off to pick up a new weanling Jack down in the mountains of Arkansas yesterday. Watched two of my eight grandkids over Spring break 10 and 14....and since they were horse back riding and I had to worry about them....kept my mind off me! Today house cleaning...Tomorrow last minute shopping and packing. Tues miscellaneous errands and getting my Living Will and medical directives notorized....Wed 10 hour drive to Mayo! Whoa...and panic feelings still makes visits, but much less!

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Derek Owens, Derek Owens, Derek Owens and 4 others like this

This say's a lot! Soon all will be better!

Check in 8 days for angiogram at Mayo with .....surgery in 1

Journal posted on March 17, 2015

Not to much to report. Keeping busy and trying to dwell on the forthcoming surgery and recovery. Hoping all my heart-valve friends no matter where they are in their journeys are doing well! Prayers!

Like | 1 person likes this

David Brunkhorst If I may ask, who is your surgeon? Mine was Dr. Pochettino. He seemed to be a good guy.

LaDonna Mangile Mine will be Dr R Suri. He was recommended by my cardiologist. I liked him when I met him very professional and I felt comfortable with him. Not necessarily ... Read more

LaDonna Mangile Mine will be Dr R Suri. He was recommended by my cardiologist. I liked him when I met him very professional and I felt comfortable with him. Not necessarily what he had say....but I knew it was the facts. How was your experience?

David Brunkhorst As good as can be expected. Surgery on Monday-- on my way back to Sioux City on Friday. A few hiccups in the healing process, but I think every body has a twist ... Read more

David Brunkhorst As good as can be expected. Surgery on Monday-- on my way back to Sioux City on Friday. A few hiccups in the healing process, but I think every body has a twist to their 'event'. You will be surprised/pleased how professional the Mayo and its people are. After you visit a facility like The Mayo Clinic, you will realize where all the excellent care-givers are working. You'll never want to go anywhere else.

LaDonna Mangile I know feels so lucky to have a dedicate heart valve surgeon and team!

20 days and counting!

Journal posted on March 9, 2015

I don't think I have personally ever faced something as serious as my upcoming mitral valve replacement March 30th at Mayo Rochester. I have been critically Ill but it came on acute, no choice and no wait like this. My anxiety is markedly worse......I can feel it. I don't have chest pain....and now I have twinges...."all in the mind". I know I picked a great surgeon and team....and have had other family successfully have replacements. It just scary.....even being a spiritual person. Thinking of all the others who have or will be in this place. God Bless!

Like | 3 people like this

Janine Peterson Sounds like we are in the same boat. I have surgery scheduled for April 6th. This anxiety is debilitating for sure. I sure hope people are right when they ... Read more

Janine Peterson Sounds like we are in the same boat. I have surgery scheduled for April 6th. This anxiety is debilitating for sure. I sure hope people are right when they say the waiting is the worst part. Hang in there! I'm right here with you.

LaDonna Mangile Thank you....and I will be praying and thinking of you!

Nancy D LaDonna- I am 6 months post Mitral valve replacement, and for me the testing and decision making was the most nerve wracking. My wait after meeting my surgeon ... Read more

Nancy D LaDonna- I am 6 months post Mitral valve replacement, and for me the testing and decision making was the most nerve wracking. My wait after meeting my surgeon thankfully was short, so I understand where you are coming from. I kept myself as busy as I could-- pre cooking meals and freezing for easy thawing post op, so hubby could have some days off from the kitchen; I packed a week ahead so no last minute packing panic- don't pack too much, you won't need it! And just general working ahead for groceries, bill paying and moved some furniture around to ease my path around the house to get the first few days of inside walking between resting in. I also walked a bit around the neighborhood, but had the ok from the doctors to do some strolling pre-op. I hope your and Janine Peterson and all those waiting find peace and calming during the waiting phase. Take good care!

LaDonna Mangile Thank you for the suggestions....they are so helpful....I have 30 head of horses, ponies and donkeys...besides my dogs, cats and salt water tanks...so I have ... Read more

LaDonna Mangile Thank you for the suggestions....they are so helpful....I have 30 head of horses, ponies and donkeys...besides my dogs, cats and salt water tanks...so I have been trying to line their care out....with 2 foals coming while I'm hospitalized possibly....sigh! I hope you are recovering with minimal or no set-backs!

Nancy D you certainly do have enough to keep you occupied for the remaining wait time!!! Goodness! I have recovered well, with the minimal what I call speed bumps ... Read more

Nancy D you certainly do have enough to keep you occupied for the remaining wait time!!! Goodness! I have recovered well, with the minimal what I call speed bumps along the way. I found out while progress is made every day, it isn't a super highway, but not a parking lot either. ;-) I had the luxury of taking more time than most, as I wasn't working when all this started and I don't have a small herd to care for either- it's just me and my retired husband here! But I am now looking for work and doing well. Stamina is returning slowly, but I am certainly 80-90% and so thankful. Looking forward to counting the time in years instead of months! ;-) Take good care !!

Linda Whitney LaDonna, we are going to be OK. It will be such a relief to have this in our rear view mirrors instead of on the windshield! I'm keeping us both in my prayers. ... Read more

Linda Whitney LaDonna, we are going to be OK. It will be such a relief to have this in our rear view mirrors instead of on the windshield! I'm keeping us both in my prayers. Here's a mantra worth memorizing "May I be free from suffering and the root of suffering." I'm chanting this for the entire community until they roll me in there!

LaDonna Mangile So nice to know how well you are doing. Thank you for the insights. I have 4 great kids....and 8 grandchildren....I have a lot to feel better for!

Ronald Gatan LaDonna - thank you very much for the words of encouragement you gave me last week. My thoughts and prayers to you.

LaDonna Mangile Ronald Gatan thank you!

Here's my newest picture!

March 4, 2015 Like | 1 person likes this

LaDonna Mangile Still waiting!

LaDonna Mangile Good friend helps! My best horse riding loving buddy Candy!

Here's my newest picture!

July 29, 2015 Like |

Waiting anxiously!

Bob M Welcome to our awesome Community! We are here to pray for you, share our specific experiences, and answer your direct questions. God bless and rise up!

LaDonna Mangile Thank you!