Maureen's Journal

I'm almost a year out from surgery and feel terrific! We're planning a road trip to celebrate, we've had a long year with surgery, my son's wedding, and my husband's illness at the first of the year. To all out there looking to upcoming surgeries; one step at a time, life will go on and you'll get back to what you love. This is a life changing event for you.

I love that we have a day of honor, thank you Adam, for all that you do! I am eternally grateful to your advocacy of those who have to live with this disease. You give us hope!

To all patients, past and present; happy holidays! I'm so grateful to have taken this journey successfully! I have an upcoming half marathon MLK weekend, it'll mark 8 months out from surgery!

It's my 6 month anniversary since surgery! Wow, that went fast! If yiur approaching your date for surgery know that time will pass; I took it one step at a time. Be good to yourself and you'll make progress. I'm back to teaching 10 fitness classes a week, training to run a half marathon in January and feel terrific! Had a hiccup last week at the cardiologist's, my BP is running high so it's back on meds. I thought I was "cured" but that's not the case. It knocked me back a little but I'm in much better spirits. I look back on all that I accomplished going through surgery and recovery. When I think back on the first week home barely walking down the block and back til now; wow, the body is an amazing machine!

Hit the five month mark since surgery last week and all is well. I traveled to to the Aspen area of Colorado two weeks ago and was able to bike, hike and swim in the altitude successfully. The first two days were tough coming from Dallas to the mountains but I adapted nicely. Without my new valve and ascending aorta; I would have had trouble enjoying the activities there. My sister in law; a former critical care nurse, was very impressed with what I could do! To all with upcoming surgeries or on the road to recovery; one step at a time, stay on track, take care of yourself and be patient! Many small steps will add up to major achievements. Try to be as healthy as you can be going in to the surgery; for me, that was key and put me ahead of the curve for recovery. If on the road to recovery already; think health first. Exercise, watch your nutrition and make time for yourself!

Am 4 months post op and am trying to purchase/obtain an in home INR test device. Fortunately my husband is dealing with the insurance company, provider and Doctor to find out how to do this. The procedure does not make it easy for a patient. Has anyone else had any experience with this? Bottom line I think all involved are worried about self medicating when the numbers are off. I'm looking to get one to save a trip to the clinic and/or have access when traveling.

Haven't updated lately because there's been nothing exciting to update! I did go back to teaching fitness classes this week; my students and others are amazed I'm back so soon. It's been 3 1/2 months since surgery. I feel terrific and thankful I've made a good recovery and can get back to doing the activities I love. The defective valve was slowing me down, I have more energy now and feel stronger; I didn't realize it until now. To all with upcoming surgeries or on the first days and weeks of recovery; have patience, comply with rehab and the medical professionals, and above all else; continue good health habits for the rest of your life. You've been given a second chance.

8 weeks out from surgery today and all is going exceptionally well. I feel very fortunate as not everyone has the same experience. I'm cleared to do more strength training exercises and the rehab staff has turned up the heat with my bike and treadmill workouts. Enjoying my time away from work though anxious to start back teaching my group exercise classes. I plan on starting back after Labor Day; I want to give myself plenty of time to recover and recondition. To those who are just starting recovery; have patience, you'll feel better in your own time.

I was taking Juice Plus, a fruit and vegetable capsule that is classified a food, before surgery. I haven't taken it since; I'm concerned about the amount of Vitamin K in it though the percentage is not on the label or is found on the website. The amount is probably negligible and of course my warfarin dose can be adjusted if my numbers are changed if I start taking it. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Got cleared to drive last week, first trip to the grocery by myself the next day! Started rehab yesterday; will attend 3 x per week, one hour each for 6 weeks. On the bike and treadmill yesterday, getting that blood flowing again felt great. Having been so active before surgery, I think my body was tightening up from no real work. I've been walking regularly and stretching a bit. It felt great to SWEAT from exercise not just Texas heat!

I'm three weeks out from surgery today! I've lost all my water/gas weight and then some; my appetite has greatly improved and am feeling more and more like myself. I've increased my walking to three times per day a couple of blocks around each time, takes about 20 minutes. It's getting easier! Still a little sore at my incision site and still using sternum protection techniques. I see my surgeon next week for evaluation. Saw my cardiologist yesterday and she was very pleased with my progress. Working on getting my INR levels stable. Overall I'm proud of my progress and send my best to all recovering or preparing for their journey. Time and patience are the keys; time I have, patience I've had to work on!

I'm two weeks out from surgery and am doing well; slowly adding back in real food; I've been on the white diet; bread, pasta, rice, chicken soup. Very bland and boring. And so healthy!! I cooked a simple dinner tonight and am able to do light chores. Walking around the block is tiring but getting better. I feel like I'm ahead of the curve with recovery but it's been a rough journey. Being younger, 56, and in excellent physical condition has certainly helped! Checking my INR levels tomorrow, they were low last week. Patience and best wishes to all with upcoming surgeries.

Night before surgery and I'm spending it in the hospital; best plan ever! Had an angiogram earlier so am on bed rest. Surgery tomorrow morning as planned; can't say enough great things so far about Baylor Heart in Plano, TX!

I'm three days away from surgery; check in starts Monday early afternoon, been making last minute phone calls to family. Control freak as I am; trying to plan as much as I can, it helps keep me sane. I get to spend Monday night at the hospital which I'm happy for; we can settle in and feel more comfortable. It's going to be a rough week but I have so much help and support; I plan to hand over the reins Monday and let those around me take care of me! I've done the best I can to prep.

I'm a week away from my surgery; wrapping up things at work. Ready to start the process, am anxious but at the same time want to take care of my defects! Yiu tend to think the worst all of the time once you know what the insides look like! Functioning but not at their best.