Leigh Waggoner - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

8 days ago

Well 6 days to go and counting. Im so busy trying to get everything done and my To Do list doesn't seem to be getting any shorter. Either I keep adding ...Read more

Well 6 days to go and counting. Im so busy trying to get everything done and my To Do list doesn't seem to be getting any shorter. Either I keep adding things I just thought of or I go out and buy new garden plants that have to be planted.lol. I still have mixed emotions, I want to be on the road to recovery, but am still so nervous about the whole thing. It has really been great to read everyone's posts, I have so much new info and resolve going into this, thank you.

J Alexander Lassally I hear ya loud and clear. Just dive in - you will be through this soon... Being busy is good and help ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally I hear ya loud and clear. Just dive in - you will be through this soon... Being busy is good and helps pass the time! Just don't get covid before, so be careful.

Lynne Anderson Try to relax and focus on those items that will make your life easier for you and your caregiver when ... Read more

Lynne Anderson Try to relax and focus on those items that will make your life easier for you and your caregiver when you get home - clean house, cleans towels, clean sheets, clean clothes, make some meals and put them in the freezer, etc. I too was trying to add all sorts of big projects. Finally focused on what absolutely had to be done and I felt like a huge weight was taken off of my shoulders. Used my new found free time to focus on ME (visual imagery for the surgery, meditation and good sleep hygiene).

Leigh Waggoner Thanks Lynn, that's good advice. I have already been focusing on visual imagery and meditation. I p ... Read more

Leigh Waggoner Thanks Lynn, that's good advice. I have already been focusing on visual imagery and meditation. I practice before I go to sleep, and I also use sleep meditation with affirmations. I seem to sleep better when I do this. I found this guy on YouTube, Jason Stephenson, I really like his work, plus he's got a great accent, lol.

Andrea Babcock Best Wishes for your surgery and recovery. You got this!

Leigh Waggonerposted an update

18 days ago

Well they've given me a new surgery date... June 13, 2024. Wish me luck. The Dr said he was on call last time, that's why they had to cancel.

I really ...Read more

Well they've given me a new surgery date... June 13, 2024. Wish me luck. The Dr said he was on call last time, that's why they had to cancel.

I really enjoy reading all the updates from everyone.
Does anyone have any tips or good advice for recovery?

Maria Trejo Hi Leigh, pack several pillows for the car ride home. Create a relaxing spot near your recliner, plac ... Read more

Maria Trejo Hi Leigh, pack several pillows for the car ride home. Create a relaxing spot near your recliner, place things you'll need in hands reach. Remember most all of, don't rush your recovery. I read the posts on this site during my recovery and it helped a ton knowing I wasn't alone in this journey. God bless you!

Sue Maize You don’t need luck Leigh—you’ve got the Great Physician overseeing it all, and an amazing high ... Read more

Sue Maize You don’t need luck Leigh—you’ve got the Great Physician overseeing it all, and an amazing highly skilled surgical team who do this every day! I’m right before you and I’ll be praying for us both! All is well! 🙏🏻❤️‍🩹

Suelynn Hanegraaf Wishing you peace & hope as you get closer to your surgery date. 🙏🏻

Patricia Miller Leigh- glad you have a new date for your surgery. Having a couple low sodium soups/meals in the fre ... Read more

Patricia Miller Leigh- glad you have a new date for your surgery. Having a couple low sodium soups/meals in the freezer will be helpful to pull out when you need. Comfortable compression socks are also helpful. I had Boost protein drinks on hand to help w/ my nutritional recovery. I found starting to work on puzzles during recovery was a great distraction and was good passive range of motion exercise. I had a pretty short attention span for awhile. Puzzles are an easy ask to borrow from friends/family/neighbors. Oversized loose button up shirts are easier to get on till you can reach overhead. Pick up any over-the-counter meds you anticipate needing in the days ahead. My niece gave me a great powder/dry shampoo to take to the hospital and for home.

Rose Madura My advice is slow and steady and try not to compare your recovery to others.

Robert Miller Check out the learning center. Scroll down to "The Recovery". https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/lea ... Read more

Robert Miller Check out the learning center. Scroll down to "The Recovery". https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Learning Center for Heart Valve Disease & Surgery

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/learning-center.php

Get important facts about heart valve disease, symptoms, risks and treatment.

Leigh Waggoner Thank you all for the well wishes and useful information. It seams you can never be too prepared. I ... Read more

Leigh Waggoner Thank you all for the well wishes and useful information. It seams you can never be too prepared. I really like the pillow idea for the ride home, Maria. My ride home will be just a little over an hour and I was worried about it.

Leigh Waggoner Sue, thanks for the encouragement, we are in this together!! We can keep each other company. I lift ... Read more

Leigh Waggoner Sue, thanks for the encouragement, we are in this together!! We can keep each other company. I lift us both up to His will and His grace.

Leigh Waggoner Great idea for the puzzles Patricia, I love puzzles.