Leigh's Journal

Sue Maize  It’s great to see you pop up here Leigh—I had been thinking about you! I’m glad you have a date and I will pray that it sticks….(and that no one else in Oklahoma needs heart surgery before Sept. 5! 😉)
Hang in there girl—you’ll be on this side of it soon!  ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Sue Maize  Oh look at that face! 🥰 is she a cocker spaniel? My last pooch 20 years ago was a cocker and she was the sweetest dog. Pets are great recovery companions too! ❤️‍🩹

Leigh Waggoner  Thx Sue, she is a chiweenie, weighs about 11 lbs. She is a total sweetheart and a definite bed hogger.

Leigh Waggoner  Other than being extremely short of breath and fatigued, no. Although we've had this scheduled so many times, I feel that the Dr will still want to do the surgery. Once again, it's a waiting game... so tired of that. I'm still living out of suitcases from 2 months ago, lol.

J Alexander Lassally  I hear you. If shortness of breath, then good to move forward right away !  The waiting and ambiguity are hard. Are you happy with surgeon team? That is the main thing, else get a second consult. 

Leigh Waggoner  Yes J Alexander, I researched Dr Garrett, he's one of the top surgeons at OK Heart Hospital. I have had several experiences and the OKHH, emergency and otherwise, I have faith in the entire facility, I've never had any doubts or anxiety when it comes to the capabilities of the Dr's, nurses and staff at the hospital.

Diana Chamblin-Bevirt  So sorry to hear that Leigh! Hopefully you’ll get answers soon and a solid new surgery date that you can count on. 

Suelynn Hanegraaf  I like that your doctor is thorough. As my surgeon said when ordering pre-surgical tests, “we want no surprises”.

Suzette Schear  Hi Leigh wishing you the best .  I understand about doing this alone, but I also learned how to be vulnerable and call my friends for rides to the doctors post op.  To be honest it was okay.  Things have a way of working out.  You got this and I believe in you and your strength 

Sue Maize  Oh Leigh, God bless you for all these false starts! I didn’t realize this latest delay before posting to your GB…..has the surgery been re-scheduled, or better yet, have you had it? They did a TEE on me during my surgery to figure out where a blockage was….much better to get that done ahead of time! Praying for you! ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

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 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 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.

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 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! 🙏🏻❤️‍🩹

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.   

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

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 us both up to His will and His grace.