Laura's Journal

It's been over a year (October 13, 2017) and I feel great! I look back and remember, had I not had this site I don't know what I would have done. I still have great use of my recliner which was recommended for right after surgery. I no longer eat red meat or pork, and have gotten over salt which I use to put on everything including cheese toast! Back at work (after retirement job) driving the school bus. Life is good and I'll never be able to thank the medical team enough that got me through my aortic valve replacement and my mitral valve repair... and let me not forget the support I got from the site users and contributors. Life is good!

I haven't checked in in quite a while. Since last check in, I've returned to work and regular exercise. Joined Weight Watchers because weight was creeping back up the scale. So much for the appetite I lost, it found me and never again left. Physically, doing well. No complications as a result of open heart surgery (aortic valve replaced and mitral valve repaired). When I went in for my occupational exam, I no longer was referred to my cardiologist for clearance before granting working opportunity. In fact, they no longer hear the heart murmur which was extremely pronounced. The only new downside is I am still short of breath, intermittedly, as compared to prior surgery breathing. Breathing is better than it was when I first got out of the hospital. I have to remember not to hold my breath when rising or starting out in motion. I learned that from the one day of cardiac rehab (I never got it straighten out to continue). It's like the old girl got a much needed motor tune up. After all, I've got some miles on this body and I've never felt better....whoo hoo........