Mary Ellen Doherty - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Wednesday

Journal posted on September 3, 2014

Hi everyone!
I thought I would give you an update on
Mom' progress
We spoke a few minutes ago and she was so excited!
She is now off all of the surgery related meds she was taking!
Yeah!
She saw the cardiologist yesterday who has released her for 30minute walks and stairs
She also booked her first visit at the cardiac rehab center at kaiser on the 17th of September to being her hard core rehab and start training for next years half marathon!
All of her vitals appear to be normal and she is hoping her fatigue problem will greatly improve now that she is off the cast diac meds!
She was off with Gerry for a 30 minute walk in golden gate park!
We will keep out fingers crossed that she can make it up our stairs on Sunday for the 49er season opener!!!!
Keep trucking mom!
❤️

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well done keep up the good work kels

Mary Myers Thank you for the updates. That is wonderful news. Mia

Hi!

Journal posted on August 28, 2014

I spoke with yesterday right after her second 10 minute walk around her neighborhood!
Fresh air was marvelous and she she happy to be outdoors
Her stamina is still limited but these little physical, incremental additions will tire her out right now......we know it will prove slowly
Is eating a little bit better
Her spirits though are good
Keep plugging mom!
We know you are recovering!
Terry
❤️

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Terrie Syvertsen Hello Mary Ellen! Terrie here from Kaiser Santa Clara! The Kaiser experience was exactly as you said it would be and I am glad to hear that you are out in this ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Hello Mary Ellen! Terrie here from Kaiser Santa Clara! The Kaiser experience was exactly as you said it would be and I am glad to hear that you are out in this beautiful weather enjoying walking and healing. I made my first outdoor walk this morning of 850 ft. since returning home from the hospital Monday Night! The one thing I had feared at my and your Kaiser was an earthquake possibility and HO HO HO, 4:20 in the a.m. there was the 6.0! Kind of strange but Kaiser Team didn't blink and eye and just kept up their work! Thought of you and how ironic this was! Continue to heal and wish you good spirits and dreams of all the wonderful days to come! Terrie from Manteca!

Mary Ellen Doherty Good morning Terrie, So good to hear from you. Glad that you are home and on the same road to recovery as I am. So gratified that your Kaiser experience ... Read more

Mary Ellen Doherty Good morning Terrie, So good to hear from you. Glad that you are home and on the same road to recovery as I am. So gratified that your Kaiser experience was as positive as mine. Honestly, i do not think that money could buy better treatment, either surgical of followup, hospital, than what I received. I am continuing my quest for energy and stamina. My walking is now up to 12 minutes, three times a day, plus any outside treks that I can manage with Gerry. My ultimate goal, once I reach three fifteen minutes walks, is to try to.combine two into one thirty minute walk, then the possibility of two thirty minutes, twice a day. Prior to surgery, I was walking 3 miles, three to four days a week, and I would love to be able to return to that regime. I do plan to enroll in the Cardia Rehabilitation Classes that Kaiser makes available. I discussed this with the hospital PT and I think I would get a tremendous boost from that activity. I'll start that as soon as my cardiologist gives me the referral. I do become terribly inpatient with my progress, but slow and steady is necessary, so that's the way it'll be. Keep in contact and let me know how you are doing.
Best wishes,
Mary Ellen

Current status

Journal posted on August 26, 2014

Spoke to mom this afternoon
She's doing so well!
Went for two 8 minute walks and even walked outside to get some fresh air!
Planing another walk this afternoon!
She is using her spirometer to keep her lungs clear increasing the air volume to her lungs
She is eating better as her nausea seems to be dissipating yeah!
Mom still has a lack of energy which bugs her but we all know that is to be expected and will also improve
Her spirits are good today as she finds more things to do like getting dressed!
Her recent lab results have her in a normal range and her platelets are also back in a normal range
All in all I hear nothing but good things and lots of improvement!
Terry
❤️

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Great news!! We all think we should be moving faster than we are when it comes to recovery!! I don't know why the doctors don't tell you how long it can take. ... Read more

Great news!! We all think we should be moving faster than we are when it comes to recovery!! I don't know why the doctors don't tell you how long it can take. Maybe they're afraid we'll be malingerers :-) anyway, so glad to hear Mary is improving! Lynn

Eleanor R Good news about your Mom. For the surgeons, the issue is the valve and how to best repair or replace them. The cardiologists and the primary care physicians ... Read more

Eleanor R Good news about your Mom. For the surgeons, the issue is the valve and how to best repair or replace them. The cardiologists and the primary care physicians are a bit more realistic about the whole body and mind experience of open heart surgery. Even my surgeon's PA gave six weeks, instead of his four, as the time when more meds would have been dropped, I might feel safe driving with the turning and looking over the shoulder and parking. I believe that everything is connected and related to everything else, so having a bit of pain, taking pain meds, and being on heavier duty heart drugs like Amiodorone and Metoprolol, tend to cause nausea, which means we eat and drink less, and have less energy. I hope that soon the normal feel good cycle kicks in. Mary has made such good progress so far, I hope it continues and even improves. Eleanor

It's Me

Journal posted on August 25, 2014

Dear Gary, Was so glad to hear from you and delighted to hear that Terri is up in her chair. Let me know how she is feeling. I know surgery went well and hope she is feeling well cared for and as comfortable as possible. I have not been as active in this blog as I could have been, but one of the things that I noticed after getting home is that my mind is a little scattered. Difficult to focus, which has been disconcerting. Anything that anyone can offer me on that issue would be greatly appreciated. I have to give my Terry another 👍's for once again filling in for me and for everything else she has done. Husband Gerry has been my rock. Couldn't have done this without him. All my family and friends, how can you actually differentiate, have been my the concrete foundation on which this new house of health is developing. Luv u all!
Mary

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Hi!

Journal posted on August 24, 2014

I'm helping mom out right now. Still in a bit of an "anthesia fog". She is so glad to be home and is really doing well, in my opinion.
She has experienced some " electrical" like chest pains which are appear to be spontaneous and don't last very long. She trying to get more sleep. Sleep has always been an issue with her anyway.
She is using pain meds when she feels she needs them but not that often as she isn't having a lot of pain.
There has been a steady stream of visitors which was nice.
Still having bouts with nausea but is definitely eating more and more.
She has been taking seven minute walks so far and hopes to add one minute each day?
Her therapist is recommending to take it slow and steady.
It's really miraculous that she is home and doing so well.
Her spirits are good.
Hopefully she will feel more up to posting in a day or two.
Thanks for checking in!
I know she appreciates it very much!
Terry
❤️

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Terrie Syvertsen Terry-
Thank you for the update on your Mom. My wife, Terrie, is sitting in Kaiser Santa Clara after her surgery and she keeps asking me if I have heard anything ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Terry-
Thank you for the update on your Mom. My wife, Terrie, is sitting in Kaiser Santa Clara after her surgery and she keeps asking me if I have heard anything about your Mom. She will be happy to hear the update when I give it to her tomorrow morning. I hope you all made it unscathed by the earthquake.
We wish you and your Mom our best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.
Gary

Eleanor R Sounds like your Mom is on the right path, and she is very lucky to have you helping her out. I had AVR surgery six weeks ago and my adult daughter moved back ... Read more

Eleanor R Sounds like your Mom is on the right path, and she is very lucky to have you helping her out. I had AVR surgery six weeks ago and my adult daughter moved back into her old room to as she says "keep an eye on me". It has been such a comfort having her here, and a lot of fun, too, much like a sleep-over, watching summer TV together at night, playing with the dog and cat, and even doing crossword puzzles. "Old lady activities", right? I had a lot of nausea too, had to call in for anti-nausea meds with the pain pills (Tramadol), and the visiting nurse told me that even the Amiodorone could cause nausea and I would notice an improvement when that med was stopped. I did. In the interim, small sips of ginger aie or Coke over ice helped me, and remembering to take some food (crackers, graham crackers, etc.) with the meds helped a bit too. Hope she soon feels great but it sounds like her walking is going great. Best wishes to you both. Eleanor

Hip hip hurrah!!

Journal posted on August 21, 2014

Well, we are home. With bags and bags of medicines, instructions, my heart pillow and all my beautiful cards and flowers...thank you all for your prayers, good wishes, and support. Every word was appreciated and all advise taken to "heart". I especially want to thank my beautiful
Terry Ann for forging onward with this journal in my absence and for keeping all of you informed. I am weak, still very nauseous but not hurting badly, so I guess I can stumble through. I cannot say enough about my wonderful husband who has stood beside me every step of the way. His support, concern, help and Guidance has been my rock. I will need him more and more in the coming weeks, but he assures me he isn't going anywhere. Whew! I am closing for now, but will return tomorrow with an update. God bless you all.

Xoxoxox,
Mary

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Current status

Journal posted on August 21, 2014

Mom called at 9:30 this morning with the happy news that she would be released from the hospital this morning!!!!!!
Yeah!!!😃
Gerry will be bringing her home and we will get to visit at home instead!
So....thanks for your support
I'm sure mom will take over from here with her journal and keep you all informed of her recovery journey
Terry
❤️

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Current status

Journal posted on August 20, 2014

Hi!
Spoke with mom around noon today
She was doing her laps around the hospital floor when we first spoke!
The pacemaker was removed today and they like to monitor the patient for at least 24 hours post removal before discharging them from the hospital
Her platlett count is still lower than the doctor would prefer so they are still monitoring that as well
She is in great spirits and sounded once again even stronger today! Yeah!
Her appetite is gradually increasing but could be better I think
I'm sure it will improve shortly
It appears an estimated release date from the hospital is Thursday or Friday
My bet is on Friday!
But maybe tomorrow
Overall, she sounds really good and ready to go home!
Keep your fingers crossed!
Will update you again tomorrow!
Terry
❤️

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Current status

Journal posted on August 19, 2014

Spoke with mom this afternoon
She was moved out of ICU yesterday afternoon to a regular room
Took 3 laps around the floor and visited with the cardiac doctor and well as the PT specialist
It appears that she is growing stronger each day and is having more solid food
Mom's playlet count is a bit low which is common for post surgical patients
It is rising slowly however but the staff want it in an optimum range before commuting to a hospital release date
At the moment, she may able released as soon as Thursday or Friday which is within the norm
We will keep our fingers crossed! She is looking forward to going home!
As is the case with my mom, she was well informed with her status and chatty.
That's my mom!!!!!😉
Thanks again for all the support
She loves it!
Terry
❤️

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Current status

Journal posted on August 18, 2014

Saw mom this afternoon
She is looking greT!
She was actually taking a lap around ICU!
Her third for the day so far!
She then sat in her room chair to visit with her guests!
Her color looked good and her nurse remove another drain around her neck area
Starting to eat a little bit
Had a morning muffin and a few grapes, a bit of soup for lunch so she is starting to get some solid food in her!
Yeah!
There is some discussion that she may be released from the hospital tomorrow although she is still a bit unsteady.
might benefit from one additional day to regain more strength
Not taking a lot of pain meds as she does not feel and need for them!
We will keep out fingers crossed that she continues to progress this well each day!
Half marathon 2015 here she comes!!!!!!
Thanks to everyone for their love and support as I know she is so grateful to have you all in her corner!
You never know, mom might be writing tomorrow's post!
Terry
❤️

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Current status

Journal posted on August 17, 2014

Mom is looking great!
As usual she is befriending the nursing staff who love her!
The staff here has been exemplary! Top notch! Couldn't a Ask for better!
She is using her spirometer every hour on the hour to keep her lungs clear
She insisted on taking two laps around the ICU unit this morning! Huge!
Plenty of visitors have been coming and going which is awesome!
As I write this, her stomach tubes which are bothering g her are being removed!
One step at a time
Pain is tolerable at occasionally a five
Continues to be takiing the meds as she needs them and the staff has found a pain med at also alleviates nausea so hopefully mom will start with some solid food
Mom is chatty looks great to me!
So far so good!
Talk to you tomorrow
Terry
❤️

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Today's updat

Journal posted on August 16, 2014

Spoke with Gerry this morning
Mom is progressively improving
So far today not taking a lot of pain meds
She reported her pain level last night at about a 3 on a scale of 1-10 10 being the worse
Did sit up with a smile!
Has not had solid food yet due to nausea but that will continue to improve
Still hydrating her thru IV
The nurses will be getting her up for a short walk latter today
Will update you as more info comes in!
Terry
❤️

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Current status

Journal posted on August 15, 2014

Hi!
Mom is off the ventilator and breathing on her own!!!!!!
Yeah!
She is having a few ice chips slow and steady!
Will remain in ICU tonight and possibly into tomorrow.
Should be transferred to a hospital room within the next 24 hours.
Terry❤️

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Status update

Journal posted on August 15, 2014

Mom is out of surgery
The procedure took 2 1/2 hours with no complications
No transfusions were needed and she is currently "sleeping off the anesthesia"!
Will update you as things change!
So far so good!
Terry

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Mary's surgery update

Journal posted on August 15, 2014

Hi everyone!
Mom went into pre surgery at 7:00.
She was in great spirits due to the "cocktail" and was chatting up the staff which one who knows her would expect!
Surgery to begin around 8:00 and all was on schedule
Will update you this afternoon when she gets into ICU
Terry

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The main event

Journal posted on August 14, 2014

Tomorrow will be the grand opening and we are ready to go. Hospital called this afternoon to confirm our 7:00 surgical time. My support team is set to go as am I. Thank you all for you good wishes, your prayers and your love. I am very positive and looking forward to this next step In My return to health.

Love to all.

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Big day approaching

Journal posted on August 10, 2014

Dear Family and Friends,
I thought that this might be a good time to update you all with our progress. I have been undergoing a series of three iron infusions over the last week. It was discovered that I was "iron deficient" so these infusions were ordered by my doctor. The,purpose is to boost my iron levels, and hopefully avoid the necessity of a post surgical transfusion. Kaiser has a policy of determining a problem, solving it, then moving on. My last infusion will be tomorrow, then a pre surgical appointment on Tuesday during which I will undergo all last minute testing, examinations, discussions and reviews. I want you all to know that I do not think that I could be in better hands than this wonderful team of medical professionals that we are working with. The main event has been scheduled for Friday, 7:00 a.m. I will let you know if there is any change. In the meantime, I thank each and every one of you for your support, your prayers and good wishes. My love to you all. Mary

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Surgery

Journal posted on July 28, 2014

Just to advise you all, surgery has been scheduled for 8/15, 7:00 a.m. Is the time. This will be at the kaiser hospital, Geary blvd., Dr. Melikian is the surgeon. I am so happy that the date has been set, and we will be able to move forward. Let me know if you have any questions. I think I questioned everyone concerned et nauseaum. Luv Ya!

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