Laura Dirico - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3087 days ago

It has been 2 weeks and 4 days. Feel better, but I get very sob. They took me off amioderone because of bronchial spasms and coughing

Rose Madura You may want to ask your cardiologist to order a chest xray to make sure you don't have any fluid bui ... Read more

Rose Madura You may want to ask your cardiologist to order a chest xray to make sure you don't have any fluid build-up around your heart or lungs. Inflammation can cause the fluid buildup. Let us know how you progress.

Laura Diricoposted a journal

3093 days ago

I have a lot of left sided shoulder and clavical pain. I figured that they must of leaned me there. What do you think?

Gerald Poulton There is a lot of body pain regardless, not only is it a lot of stress and pressure on the body and b ... Read more

Gerald Poulton There is a lot of body pain regardless, not only is it a lot of stress and pressure on the body and bones but also the nerves. It hurt my back to sit in my reclner, I had to sit up but my wifes massage could not find the spot anf did not hurt at all, so I figured had to be nurves. It will pass

Bob Gillespie I experienced what I could best describe as a deep 'spasm' that seemed to start from under my shoulde ... Read more

Bob Gillespie I experienced what I could best describe as a deep 'spasm' that seemed to start from under my shoulder blade and into my arm. Dr office (as you should let them know) said it was most likely from where the lungs were deflated during surgery. Hasn't happened since my breathing volume started getting back to pre-surgery levels.

Rose Madura I agree with Bob hat you should discuss with your doctor. When I had this pain, one of the nurses at ... Read more

Rose Madura I agree with Bob hat you should discuss with your doctor. When I had this pain, one of the nurses at the hospital told me it was because of how they lay you on the table and kind of push your chest up and your shoulders back and then make you immobile. My surgery was nearly 7 hours and I had a lot of pain like this. It did go away. I'd try to stay ahead of the pain with the meds that you have. Tylenol will help as well.

Laura Jacobs Hi Laura, I had that also. For several weeks after surgery it was in by back (shoulder blade area) a ... Read more

Laura Jacobs Hi Laura, I had that also. For several weeks after surgery it was in by back (shoulder blade area) and radiated to the top of my arm just like Bob is describing. After this starting easing up I began getting muscle pains from the top of my arms and across my chest just under the clavicle bones on both sides but mostly the right side. I am 12 weeks post surgery and still having a slight problem with the upper arm/shoulder muscle. I had an extra incision up there though and that might be the reason. I am wondering if I need a little physical therapy to resolve it.

Laura Diricoposted a journal

3096 days ago

1 person reacted to this

When I stand up I begin wheezing. Can't talk. I quickly digress and then after a while I can breath again. Is it just anxiety?

Laura Dirico Hi the word should be diurese

Steve Farthing Might be worth a call to your surgeon and keep up with the breathing exercises they gave you..

Steven A Husted check with your doctor and keep up with breathing exercises breath slow and easy

Laura Diricoposted a journal

3102 days ago

4 days after surgery. Have TO beg forr pain meds

Steve Farthing Great to hear of your recovery progress. Yes, if you want Fentanyl via an IV, you probably have to b ... Read more

Steve Farthing Great to hear of your recovery progress. Yes, if you want Fentanyl via an IV, you probably have to beg. But they should have a selection of non-narcotic and narcotic meds to take by mouth depending on your pain level.

Jennifer McInerney Glad you are progressing but sorry you are having a hard time getting pain meds. That definitely does ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney Glad you are progressing but sorry you are having a hard time getting pain meds. That definitely doesn't sound right. Do you have a friend or family member who can advocate on your behalf? I have heard that helps.

Pat Munn Glad you are moving forward with revovery and agree with others who commented on the pain meds. Hopin ... Read more

Pat Munn Glad you are moving forward with revovery and agree with others who commented on the pain meds. Hoping this gets better as you continue to progress.

Bob Gillespie Hang in there Laura. you are doing awesome!

Laura Diricoposted a journal

3107 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Well my friend's, today is the day. I feel a strange numbness but I'm not sleeping so some part of me is stressed. Good luck to the others that are going to ...Read more

Well my friend's, today is the day. I feel a strange numbness but I'm not sleeping so some part of me is stressed. Good luck to the others that are going to the or today. Pray for us

Clayton Mcarthur Good luck all, thinking of you and looking forward to a great outcome for everyone

Prayers your way Laura and your surgical team.

Artie Hall Best of luck to you, the next thing you will know is waking up n the ICU and on the recovery road.

Jill Krajnovich Prayers for a successful surgery!

Jane Neulieb Laura, prayers for you!!! Looking forward to hearing your post op tales of recovery!

Civita Fahey Good luck Laura!

Craig Wise Best for you Laura. Everyone is pulling for you.

Laura Jacobs Hi Laura, I hope everything is going well for you and you are resting comfortably.

Laura Diricoposted a journal

3110 days ago

Well I am on the 3 day countdown. I had a meltdown yesterday but only my dog was there who is a great listener and snuggler. I would like to say I am not frightened ...Read more

Well I am on the 3 day countdown. I had a meltdown yesterday but only my dog was there who is a great listener and snuggler. I would like to say I am not frightened but I am really scared . I have faith in God and my surgeon. I will be glad when it is over. The fear is not constant so that is good or denial.

Laura,
I will keep you in my prayers. I had a balloon valvaplasty 10 days ago as a bridge to make my ... Read more

Laura,
I will keep you in my prayers. I had a balloon valvaplasty 10 days ago as a bridge to make my heart stronger for a valve replacement in about 8 weeks. The statistics for successful surgeries are so great these days it is truly amazing. I had several meltdowns before the valvaplasty and my husband told me all the worrying in the world would not change the outcome. It is in God's hands. May you find comfort in knowing you are in the prayers of many in this community.

Clayton Mcarthur I know this might sound blase but you will be much happier when this is behind you and you are concen ... Read more

Clayton Mcarthur I know this might sound blase but you will be much happier when this is behind you and you are concentrating on your recovery

Gerald Poulton Both Karens husband and Clayton are right. I got beyond the worry stage and just wanted it over to st ... Read more

Gerald Poulton Both Karens husband and Clayton are right. I got beyond the worry stage and just wanted it over to start my recovery. Not even 3 weeks abd I feel great. Yes I have limitations but they will get by the week.
Try not to get overwhelmed, that will nt help your procedure or recovery.
Positive vibes coming your way

Marie Myers I understand that scared feeling. Will pray for you to have a smooth surgery and recovery. If you hav ... Read more

Marie Myers I understand that scared feeling. Will pray for you to have a smooth surgery and recovery. If you have a prescription for anxiety or sleep Meds, don't be afraid to try them. They can really help take the edge off.

Civita Fahey The fear is real and its normal.. We have all had it.. have faith in your surgeon and in God and you ... Read more

Civita Fahey The fear is real and its normal.. We have all had it.. have faith in your surgeon and in God and you will do fine.. I will keep you in my prayers.

Pat Munn Also praying for you. The anxiety is awful. Trust your Drs.

Bob Gillespie I agree, you saw me as I approached the final days before OHS. This time next week you are a new wo ... Read more

Bob Gillespie I agree, you saw me as I approached the final days before OHS. This time next week you are a new woman starting all new adventures

Mary Rodriguez Laura- You're not alone in being scared! I was petrified to say the least. But, keep in mind the surg ... Read more

Mary Rodriguez Laura- You're not alone in being scared! I was petrified to say the least. But, keep in mind the surgical teams have this procedure well managed and in control. The surgery is routine to them.
You will be fixed and on the road to recovery before you know it! Today marked 6 weeks for me and I can't believe I ever had heart surgery! Good Luck to you. Will keep you in my prayers

Jennifer McInerney Praying for you Laura.

Shannon Gray Of course you feel scared...this surgery is big. I can relate and will continue to keep you in our pr ... Read more

Shannon Gray Of course you feel scared...this surgery is big. I can relate and will continue to keep you in our prayers. Reach out anytime, and you'll be on the road and all set very soon. Thinking of you!

Barbara Wood Best wishes for a smooth surgery & recovery! It will all soon be behind you!

Rose Madura As everyone has said., your fears and anxieties are normal. We've all had these thoughts. My praye ... Read more

Rose Madura As everyone has said., your fears and anxieties are normal. We've all had these thoughts. My prayers are with you. Keep us posted.

Jane Neulieb I can share with you this experience, I am on the 1 week countdown. I am also wanting this to be beh ... Read more

Jane Neulieb I can share with you this experience, I am on the 1 week countdown. I am also wanting this to be behind me . It is so nice to be able to share this with people who know what it is like. Modern medicine is amazing and through these wonderful medical people we get to have a brand new valve! I look forward to hearing from you and all as we progress through this surgery.

Laura Dirico Thank you all. This really helps

Laura Diricoposted an update

3117 days ago

Oh God They just changed my surgery date until Aug 31 . Apparently the surgeon had to adjust his schedule because of emergencies

Pat Munn I can identify with the frustration. I also was delayed but finally, am due for TAVR tomorrow morni ... Read more

Pat Munn I can identify with the frustration. I also was delayed but finally, am due for TAVR tomorrow morning. I'm keeping you in my thoughts

Catie B That sure does happen. I'm so sorry, Laura! Just when you were geared up for it. I hope you'll have v ... Read more

Catie B That sure does happen. I'm so sorry, Laura! Just when you were geared up for it. I hope you'll have very smooth sailing at the end of the month!

Jennifer McInerney Sorry Laura, that is frustrating but your time will come and I will be sending prayers your way.

Phyllis Petersen Nothing like being ready and then have to wait. Thankfully, it isn't too much longer. I guess it's a ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen Nothing like being ready and then have to wait. Thankfully, it isn't too much longer. I guess it's a good thing that you're not the emergency case. Hopefully, this is it.

Laura Dirico Thank you all.

Steve Fowler I'm sure its the best day for it as mine is scheduled for the same day! See you on the other side!

Rose Madura My date was changed once as well and it is very frustrating. I cried nearly all day after they called ... Read more

Rose Madura My date was changed once as well and it is very frustrating. I cried nearly all day after they called. It will be ok. You'll get through the wait like I did.

Mark Hall Well, I am in a similar situation- "hurry up and wait". Don't know when but know it's coming. Yippee! ... Read more

Mark Hall Well, I am in a similar situation- "hurry up and wait". Don't know when but know it's coming. Yippee! It will be the best day for it in spite of everything.
You're in my thoughts and prayers- Romans 8:38, John 14:27 I'll be waiting to hear all about how you're keeping everybody fetching and stepping! Lay there, don't put on any makeup and moan occasionally, and make everybody do for you for a change! From Oklahoma with grins Mark Hall LPN/SN

Norine Dowd Very frustrating to know you will feel better when it is over a to play the waiting game. I hope the ... Read more

Norine Dowd Very frustrating to know you will feel better when it is over a to play the waiting game. I hope there are no more delays and that you surgery goes perfect.

Laura Diricoposted an update

3118 days ago

A week later the arm where I had my Cath hurts. Has anyone had this happen? And how do I get on the list?

Barbra Allen Yes I did a lot of bruising. I iced it, in a little over a week it did getting better

Barbra Allen I did mention it to my doctor

Bob Fessler I also had a LOT of bruising up and down the arm. But it went away over the next few weeks. The car ... Read more

Bob Fessler I also had a LOT of bruising up and down the arm. But it went away over the next few weeks. The cardiologist nurse said it looked okay. Guess that's common.

Laura Dirico Thanks I was worried they would cancel the s urgery

Steve Farthing Yes, my arm hurt and turned black for almost 2 weeks. The radial artery in my arm was too small to r ... Read more

Steve Farthing Yes, my arm hurt and turned black for almost 2 weeks. The radial artery in my arm was too small to run the catheter in it. They pulled it out and switched to my femoral artery which is much larger but the radial artery was already bruised.

Russell Knox Still trying to figure out why the inside of my right thigh was so heavily bruised after my AVR from ... Read more

Russell Knox Still trying to figure out why the inside of my right thigh was so heavily bruised after my AVR from a month ago. Looking better now. It wasn't that bad after the angiogram in June.

Kelley Turnbull I have a blood clot from my angiogram in my right arm. For my surgery the left arm was used. It bec ... Read more

Kelley Turnbull I have a blood clot from my angiogram in my right arm. For my surgery the left arm was used. It became a problem because my veins kept collapsing. My weekly INR tests are a bit easier now that my arm can rest. Right arm still is sore from clot and it may take months for clot to dissipate. Taking one day at a time.

Marie Myers I think you have to add your picture to get on the surgery list...

Laura Dirico Thanks Marie. That worked

Rose Madura My leg was bruised and sore for at least 2 weeks.

Mark Hall Well, after the cath lab study of both sides of my heart I ran hot for two days and I would pull to t ... Read more

Mark Hall Well, after the cath lab study of both sides of my heart I ran hot for two days and I would pull to the right when I let go of the wheel. Does that mean anything? lol

Laura Dirico I do that walking now. I don't even drink.

Laura Dirico But actually I did that with my car recently too.

Laura Diricoposted an update

3118 days ago

Well surgery is set for this Friday Aug 25. I am numb right now.

Gerald Poulton Our prayers are with you

Jennifer McInerney Best wishes for a successful. Surgery and speedy recovery.

Rose Madura Best wishes for a successful surgery. Keep us posted.

Laura Diricoposted an update

3121 days ago

Phyllis Petersen, Bob Gillespie reacted to this

Thank God that my vessels were clear on my cath.

Jennifer McInerney Good news Laura. Good luck.

Catie B That is great news! All the best to you for your surgery and recovery! Keep us posted.

Gerald Poulton It makes a huge difference, at 65 and operated on last week I was the same, today and yesterday at th ... Read more

Gerald Poulton It makes a huge difference, at 65 and operated on last week I was the same, today and yesterday at the beach. You are in good hands

Laura Diricoposted an update

3121 days ago

Well Aug 25 is 8 days away.

Marie Myers It is a bit scary, but you can get through this. Many of us have been through it, so ask any question ... Read more

Marie Myers It is a bit scary, but you can get through this. Many of us have been through it, so ask any questions you may have...

The waiting is the hardest part I think. Good luck.

Laura Dirico Waiting is pure anxiety, even when those positive moments show up.

Marie Myers I took some anti anxiety Meds in the week before surgery, and it really helped me.

Laura Diricoposted a journal

3122 days ago

Sandra Noetzel, Barbara Wood, Shannon Gray reacted to this

I will have triple valve replacement on Aug 25 2017. I am nervous but refuse to die. My surgery is at Yale New haven Hospital and my surgeon is wonderful. ...Read more

I will have triple valve replacement on Aug 25 2017. I am nervous but refuse to die. My surgery is at Yale New haven Hospital and my surgeon is wonderful.

Rita Savelis I'm sorry you have to go through this, but I'm glad your surgeon is wonderful. I had a double replace ... Read more

Rita Savelis I'm sorry you have to go through this, but I'm glad your surgeon is wonderful. I had a double replacement plus a third valve repaired. Take care,

Catie B Laura, I'm sorry you need to have so much work done. My heart goes out to you. Prayers for you!

Laura Dirico Thank You all. I had a comissurotomy on my mitral valve in 1971 and I swore never again, but here I ... Read more

Laura Dirico Thank You all. I had a comissurotomy on my mitral valve in 1971 and I swore never again, but here I am again. i remember the depression yuck but my biggest fear is the pain.