Lisa Coombe - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Lisa Coombeposted an update

20 days ago

It’s crazy that one year after surgery I got an adjustable bed, my partner needed one to help with his heart condition and he got funding for it, I just had ...Read more

It’s crazy that one year after surgery I got an adjustable bed, my partner needed one to help with his heart condition and he got funding for it, I just had to pay for my one which I’m happy to do. I find I raise the head and feet a little and I’m comfortable, it will be handy if I ever need any more operations on my heart

LA Heatley Congratulations on your surgery! I'm having surgery at Cleveland Clinic on August 2, 2022. My surgeo... Read more

LA Heatley Congratulations on your surgery! I'm having surgery at Cleveland Clinic on August 2, 2022. My surgeon is Dr Douglas Johnston. I have a mitral valve prolapse, 3 coronary fistulae, and a nasty arrhythmia so it's OHS for me. If you have any suggestions that would help make my surgery and recovery less painful and run more smoothly I would appreciate it. As women we can have a few different issues than men to deal with. It's a case of "If I'd known then what I know now" and I hope you will share your wisdom. Also did you use a Posthorax vest or Heart Hugger vest at any time and did they help? Thanks for any help you can give me. Sincerely, Lizbeth

Lisa Coombe Watch YouTube videos about getting out of bed after surgery, these were helpful especially to the nur ... Read more

Lisa Coombe Watch YouTube videos about getting out of bed after surgery, these were helpful especially to the nurses because they didn’t have to tell me how to do it. I am in Australia and wasn’t given a Herat pillow like they do in America so all I got was a towel. I had a period after surgery and the nurses were great with helping me with that. I was given a strap thing that I used as a bra, it worked wil

Lisa Coombeposted an update

31 days ago

Rose Madura, Kimberly Eisenhut, Patsy Stewart and 1 other reacted to this

Good morning from Australia, Today, 31 may 2022, is a year since my aortic valve replacement, those first few months were difficult but I made it through, got ...Read more

Good morning from Australia, Today, 31 may 2022, is a year since my aortic valve replacement, those first few months were difficult but I made it through, got back to work and I’ve kept on ticking

Robert Young Go Lisa!

Rose Madura Congratulations Lisa! You've come a long way. Glad you ate doing well!

Susan Lynn Happy Anniversary, Lisa! Wishing you continued good health!

Robin Shanahan Congratulations!

Ana Brusso Happy first anniversary, good to hear from you. God bless you

Deena Elani Yay. Congrats!

Jennifer Barnett Hi from New Zealand Lisa Happy anniversary your surgery date is the same as mine 31 May mine was 5 ye ... Read more

Jennifer Barnett Hi from New Zealand Lisa Happy anniversary your surgery date is the same as mine 31 May mine was 5 years ago today. Congratulations and I wish you all the best.

Marie Myers Wishing you many more healthy years!

Lisa Coombe Thanks all, I’ve had a busy day working

Patsy Stewart Go, Lisa! Happy 1st. Anniversary! I think of you often and pray that you continue to get better and b ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Go, Lisa! Happy 1st. Anniversary! I think of you often and pray that you continue to get better and better!~❤️

Lisa Coombeposted an update

83 days ago

Patsy Stewart reacted to this

Something i have tried to avoid getting i have ended up with, covid has got a hold of me on wednesday. was worried about how i would go but so far i have managed ...Read more

Something i have tried to avoid getting i have ended up with, covid has got a hold of me on wednesday. was worried about how i would go but so far i have managed well, i do worry about how it affects the valve so might have to get an appointment with my cardiologist and have it all checked out.
lucky for me im the only one in the house that has it, my son and partner havent caught it yet, i think its because as soon as i did my test and came up positive i isolated from them and only left my room to get food, water, for the toilet and to shower.
work has been great once i told them, the service lead offered to get anything we need.
i get to leave isolation on wednesday night and go back to work thursday norning

Patsy Stewart Lisa, I’m sending prayers your way. Good thing you were quick to quarantine. Hopefully, your family ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Lisa, I’m sending prayers your way. Good thing you were quick to quarantine. Hopefully, your family will remain safe from this. Get better! ~❤️

Rose Madura I'm sorry you have Civif and hope you feel better soon

Lisa Coombe Out of everyone in my house I’m the only one that had covid

Lisa Coombeposted an update

91 days ago

Shannon Gray reacted to this

10 months post op and I’m feeling really good, I can now walk up inclines and most mornings do a 3km walk as the sun rises, winter is coming which I’m happy ...Read more

10 months post op and I’m feeling really good, I can now walk up inclines and most mornings do a 3km walk as the sun rises, winter is coming which I’m happy about, totally love winter

Ana Brusso Continued good health and blessings. 🙏❤️

Deena Elani Going strong! Keep it up!

Rose Madura Good to hear from you Lisa. Glad you are doing well!

Lisa Coombeposted an update

151 days ago

1 person reacted to this

It’s been 8 months since my surgery and for the last few days I’ve had a bit of pain on the right side under my breast, I’ve put it down to bruising after ...Read more

It’s been 8 months since my surgery and for the last few days I’ve had a bit of pain on the right side under my breast, I’ve put it down to bruising after my son had a meltdown and put all his weight on me, I’m just hoping he’s not done and damage. Will be seeing my GP iwednesday morning so will see what he thinks it could be and if I need a chest X-ray to rule out if there is and damage to my chest recovery

Mary Letschert Hi..I had the same thing for a few months after my surgery ..Im thinking for women it's kind of side ... Read more

Mary Letschert Hi..I had the same thing for a few months after my surgery ..Im thinking for women it's kind of side effect for taping down your breasts during surgery and spreading you chest open, and then months later wearing a bra...it's SO much trauma to the body...but again that just my opinion...also its only 8 months for you ...thats not long enough for you heal..Im 3 years out

Lisa Coombe They wouldn’t have taped down my breasts, I have an allergy to adheasives

Lisa Coombeposted an update

183 days ago

Rose Madura, Holly Wale, Deena Elani reacted to this

It’s the end of the year and I’m 7 months post op, what a crazy 12 months it has been for me, gone from the unknowen of when I will have surgery, to meeting ...Read more

It’s the end of the year and I’m 7 months post op, what a crazy 12 months it has been for me, gone from the unknowen of when I will have surgery, to meeting my amazing boyfriend that knew what I was about to go through to getting my date and going through my surgery, I’m now 7 months post op and all is going great. Thanks to this wonderful site for all the support I have gotten this year, it’s been wonderful

Peter Linn Hi Lisa, always grateful for your inspiring updates. At this point, what do you give your percentage ... Read more

Peter Linn Hi Lisa, always grateful for your inspiring updates. At this point, what do you give your percentage of your recovery since your surgery? Happy New Year! - Peter

Lisa Coombe I’d say about 70%. I lifted my mattress a few days ago for my partner to put something underneath a ... Read more

Lisa Coombe I’d say about 70%. I lifted my mattress a few days ago for my partner to put something underneath and I’ve been a bit sore since but it’s ok. My scar is looking great and my son loves it and will tell me it’s beautiful

Rose Madura So glad you are doing well. You sound so very happy And I'm happy for you!

Lisa Coombeposted an update

212 days ago

1 person reacted to this

It’s been 6 months since my surgery, been a crazy time as I adjusted to this new life, dealing with me autistic son trying to attack me just after I got out ...Read more

It’s been 6 months since my surgery, been a crazy time as I adjusted to this new life, dealing with me autistic son trying to attack me just after I got out of hospital, he’s just been diagnosed with ADHD and going back to work but I’m glad I am doing so well. Those about to have surgery, you got this, it may be scary but life changing

Lisa Coombeposted an update

222 days ago

Ginny Turner reacted to this

It’s taken almost 6 months but I can finally sneeze without pain, such an amazing feeling. Half way through the first year of my new life. Those still waiting ...Read more

It’s taken almost 6 months but I can finally sneeze without pain, such an amazing feeling. Half way through the first year of my new life. Those still waiting your time will come and although recovery can be long, you will feel so much better

Sara Latina I was actually wondering that last night. Coughing still hurts but sneezing feels like I split my ch ... Read more

Sara Latina I was actually wondering that last night. Coughing still hurts but sneezing feels like I split my chest open again. It’s only been two months. Good to know there’s an end in sight.

Lisa Coombe Everyone is different, for a few months I would put my hand at the bottom of my sternum where I was h ... Read more

Lisa Coombe Everyone is different, for a few months I would put my hand at the bottom of my sternum where I was having pain from sneezing, coughing has been fine for a while now

Lisa Coombeposted an update

233 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Has anyone had pain at top of sternum 5 months after surgery, I started feeling it Saturday night after taking off my bra and has continued to give me some ...Read more

Has anyone had pain at top of sternum 5 months after surgery, I started feeling it Saturday night after taking off my bra and has continued to give me some pain

Rose Madura Lisa, I remember having scar pain off and on for quite a while. Did you sleep differently or twist y ... Read more

Rose Madura Lisa, I remember having scar pain off and on for quite a while. Did you sleep differently or twist your body in a different way. Sometimes the smallest things will trigger something.

Holly Wale I would echo what Rose said! I hope you are feeling better!

Paula Romero Hi Lisa, I also have pain at the top of my incision. There are a couple of small bumps that are painf ... Read more

Paula Romero Hi Lisa, I also have pain at the top of my incision. There are a couple of small bumps that are painful if I get hugged too tight or move wrong. I am 4-1/2 months out from my surgery. I hope we both move past this. Good Luck!!

Lisa Coombe Pain killers and I was fine, it went away the next day

Lisa Coombeposted an update

243 days ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

The last 5 months have gone fast, in another month it will mark my half year since surgery. Yet the lead up to surgery was so slow. I see my dr this coming ...Read more

The last 5 months have gone fast, in another month it will mark my half year since surgery. Yet the lead up to surgery was so slow. I see my dr this coming week and if my INR hasn’t changed I can go up to monthly appointments instead of every 2 weeks. My only problem now is I have a lump in my foot, I can feel it when walking without shoes and it hurts, so I spend a lot more time in my shoes then I normally would, I’m glad I have drs this week already booked

Deena Elani Hey Lisa, hi, it does seem like just "yesterday" that you had your surgery. So glad that you are doi ... Read more

Deena Elani Hey Lisa, hi, it does seem like just "yesterday" that you had your surgery. So glad that you are doing well!!! Major surgery and it is now history, yay. Gook luck with the foot appt. Must be hard to walk. (Totally get how the doctor appointments pile up.)

Lisa Coombe Turns out it was an internal bruise that formed a ball under the skin, will take time to fully go, it ... Read more

Lisa Coombe Turns out it was an internal bruise that formed a ball under the skin, will take time to fully go, it’s getting better

Lisa Coombeposted an update

255 days ago

Holly Wale, Peter Linn, Kimberly Eisenhut and 2 others reacted to this

Hello wonderful heart family, just checking in on how everyone is going within their journey? im doing really well and in just over a week i will reach 5 ...Read more

Hello wonderful heart family, just checking in on how everyone is going within their journey? im doing really well and in just over a week i will reach 5 months since surgery, and today im sitting at work, catching up on online learning and getting up to look after my high needs clients needs, something i am thankful i am able to do for those that have reciently had surgery, hope recovery is going well, i remember how difficult it can be but "you got this" Have a wonderful day where ever you are

Mike Tirrell 11 weeks for me today, feeling good, just about back to normal.

Rose Madura Doing great Lisa. Just getting ready to go on my daily walk. It's a beautiful autumn day here in Oh ... Read more

Rose Madura Doing great Lisa. Just getting ready to go on my daily walk. It's a beautiful autumn day here in Ohio! Glad you are doing so well. Your outlook is very positive!

Marie Myers Great post! So glad you are doing well!

Ana Brusso Very positive post Lisa, so glad you are doing well and enjoying your very challenging job. God bless ... Read more

Ana Brusso Very positive post Lisa, so glad you are doing well and enjoying your very challenging job. God bless you

Susan Lynn Lisa - Glad you're doing well! I'm sure you were greatly missed by your clients. Happy you're back ... Read more

Susan Lynn Lisa - Glad you're doing well! I'm sure you were greatly missed by your clients. Happy you're back to the work you love!

Lisa Coombeposted an update

267 days ago

Deena Elani, Rose Madura, Shannon Gray reacted to this

Today is a year since my boyfriend had his TAVR, wish I knew him back then, I would have been there for him but I can be there for him now while he is going ...Read more

Today is a year since my boyfriend had his TAVR, wish I knew him back then, I would have been there for him but I can be there for him now while he is going through some health issues

Marie Myers Live and learn, that is what we are supposed to do. If you are helping him now, that is a wonderful t ... Read more

Marie Myers Live and learn, that is what we are supposed to do. If you are helping him now, that is a wonderful thing. I am sure he appreciates the help!

Lisa Coombeposted an update

273 days ago

Peter Linn, Rose Madura, Deena Elani and 3 others reacted to this

Another difference today, I went to the local swimming pool today and that went well. Last time I went was before surgery, the pool is indoor and the air inside ...Read more

Another difference today, I went to the local swimming pool today and that went well. Last time I went was before surgery, the pool is indoor and the air inside felt heavy and found it hard to breath, today it felt great and felt the difference as soon as I walked in

Marie Myers That is progress! Glad to hear it.

Lisa Coombeposted a journal

279 days ago

Peter Linn, Kimberly Eisenhut, Patsy Stewart and 3 others reacted to this

Being back at work has been wonderful, I try not to take on to many shifts and have rest days after doing 8 hour days which leave me tired. I now work with ...Read more

Being back at work has been wonderful, I try not to take on to many shifts and have rest days after doing 8 hour days which leave me tired. I now work with high needs clients and I’m enjoying it, learning how to Tend to their needs and what times that feeds and water needs to be given. I love what I do and I’m greatful to be where I am today, thankful to the surgeon that did my operation, the care I was given while in hospital. To those that have upcoming surgeries something I heard all the time it “you got this” and it is so true, may you find the strength to get through the long road ahead and know that the family we have become will be here always Love for me to you

Peter Linn Thanks for that wonderful message.

Lisa Coombe Your welcome peter

Marie Myers Great post!

Patsy Stewart What a blessing to have a job that you love! I truly enjoy reading your posts. Thank you for always b ... Read more

Patsy Stewart What a blessing to have a job that you love! I truly enjoy reading your posts. Thank you for always being so uplifting and helping to guide others through their journey. Press on, Lisa! You’re doing a great job!!~❤️

Tracy Fallu Love to hear great news!!!

Ana Brusso Thank you for sharing this very positive and full of love post.

Deena Elani What comes around , goes around, Lisa. Love abounds.

Lisa Coombe That’s the way I see it, I got so much support before I had my surgery and the best I can do is pas ... Read more

Lisa Coombe That’s the way I see it, I got so much support before I had my surgery and the best I can do is pass on what I got out of going through it with those about to have their surgery’s

Lisa Coombeposted an update

282 days ago

Rose Madura, Deena Elani reacted to this

Fresh from cardiologist today, from my echo last week the feedback today was the heart looks normal size and new valve it well seated and working well, he said ...Read more

Fresh from cardiologist today, from my echo last week the feedback today was the heart looks normal size and new valve it well seated and working well, he said he could hear my ticking and was fascinated with my video and pic of my heart

Thomas LaCombe Awesome!!

Sara Latina Great news!!

Ana Brusso So happy for you Lisa. Congratulations

Lisa Coombeposted an update

284 days ago

Rose Madura, Joseph Heinzmann, Nancy W and 3 others reacted to this

Today is my last day of cardiac rehab, lots of hard work but I enjoyed it

Ana Brusso Great job Lisa, congratulations

Thomas LaCombe Nice work!

Deena Elani Way to go, Lisa. It pays off doesn’t it?! Feels so good to be strong again.

Mike Tirrell Another milestone, nice work!

Jay Heagerty Congratulations! How long do you do cardiac rehab! Asking as I think I will be starting within a week ... Read more

Jay Heagerty Congratulations! How long do you do cardiac rehab! Asking as I think I will be starting within a week or so. Thanks

E Taub Congratulations!

Cheryl Mann Way to go!

Lisa Coombe Mine was for 8 weeks and was worth it

Susan Lynn Yay! Congrats on sticking with it and achieving another major milestone, Lisa!

Lisa Coombeposted an update

289 days ago

Rose Madura, Peter Linn, Mike Tirrell and 7 others reacted to this

Today I had my 3 month echo, the guy that did it said it all looks good, see cardiologist next week

Kimberly Eisenhut Glad to here the good news! Best wishes!

Marie Myers What a relief to hear!

Susan Lynn Yay! Great news, Lisa!

Lisa Coombeposted an update

294 days ago

Lindsay Beth, Lynn Loudermilk, Patsy Stewart and 2 others reacted to this

A few days ago I decided to look into getting a gym membership, since rehab finishes next week and I really want to keep going. I should have an appointment ...Read more

A few days ago I decided to look into getting a gym membership, since rehab finishes next week and I really want to keep going. I should have an appointment next week to talk about what would be best for me as I move forward. The gym gave me a week free membership so I’ve been doing some workouts 5his week

Marie Myers I love going to the gym, but have not gone back since Covid. I have been thinking lately about going ... Read more

Marie Myers I love going to the gym, but have not gone back since Covid. I have been thinking lately about going back, since I am vaccinated and am actually very close to getting my third shot This month. It is a great way to stay in shape and get stronger.

Patsy Stewart I love your post, Lisa! Exercise is very important since our bodies were made to move. I’m still on ... Read more

Patsy Stewart I love your post, Lisa! Exercise is very important since our bodies were made to move. I’m still on stay at home orders, but going to the gym is my intentions just as soon as I get released. We drive every morning to be able to walk in the park, but it will be getting too chilly for me before too long. I wish you all the best in finding a program that works for you.~❤️

Lisa Coombe To cold here to go out walking so the gym is perfect

Lisa Coombeposted a journal

301 days ago

Rose Madura, Patsy Stewart, Mike Dotson and 8 others reacted to this

I’m 3 months post op and today I did my first solo long drive, I had to pick up a client that lived almost an hour away from me, I enjoyed my drive and although ...Read more

I’m 3 months post op and today I did my first solo long drive, I had to pick up a client that lived almost an hour away from me, I enjoyed my drive and although I feel very tired now, I was happy to be doing that drive, I am looking forward to doing a long drive up to the city which is 5 hrs away

Susan Lynn Lisa - Glad work and your recovery are both going well! You've made excellent progress!

Lisa Coombe Still feeling tired, hoping it just from doing an 8 hr shift or all the driving I did

Liz Draeger Feeling tired is part of the post op plan! In time you will be good as new!

Lisa Coombeposted a journal

301 days ago

Deena Elani, Rose Madura, Leticia Loredo and 1 other reacted to this

I am surprised how fast I have managed to reduce the amount of pillows on my bed, I’ve taken the wedge and the ones on top and I’m now flat with just 2 ...Read more

I am surprised how fast I have managed to reduce the amount of pillows on my bed, I’ve taken the wedge and the ones on top and I’m now flat with just 2 soft pillows, I am even starting to sleep on my side again, I do have some pain when I get up in the morning but that goes away fast

Adam Pick This could be the first time in the 14 years of running this site that I have seen a strategic approa ... Read more

Adam Pick This could be the first time in the 14 years of running this site that I have seen a strategic approach to a "PRP" - Pillow Reduction Plan. Love it!!! Congrats on getting flat. And, a big-time congrats on sleeping on your side!!! As a side-sleeper, that is a big step in the recovery and healing. Go Lisa! Go!

Peter Linn LoL. A great post by Lisa nonetheless. I view Lisa as a role model!

Lisa Coombe Thanks, it’s such a huge thing to get flat, I do get some pain when I get up but that goes within 1 ... Read more

Lisa Coombe Thanks, it’s such a huge thing to get flat, I do get some pain when I get up but that goes within 10 mins