Meredith's Heart Valve Journal

Meredith Geneja  All those walks along the chilly waterfront paid off yesterday. The stress test was not as stressful as anticipated:) Now to meet with the Nurse, Physiotherapist ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  All those walks along the chilly waterfront paid off yesterday. The stress test was not as stressful as anticipated:) Now to meet with the Nurse, Physiotherapist & Dietician, next Wednesday. Speed on a treadmill is one thing, a steep uphill incline, another. Adding more inclines to this week's hikes.

Meredith Geneja  As others have reported, weeks 7 & 8 of the healing process can be such a sweet relief. After what sometimes seems like a long roller coaster ride, (or "grind"), ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  As others have reported, weeks 7 & 8 of the healing process can be such a sweet relief. After what sometimes seems like a long roller coaster ride, (or "grind"), things are beginning to even out. We all heal differently & these incisions need time. Freedom to do the many tasks needing to be done without a backlash of pain or fatigue or both is such a welcome part of this journey. Be wise, don't overdo it. "One step at a time then, we start feeling fine." KOKOPOR as Rob Sparling & his Dad would say.

Rob Sparling  Meredith, congrats! I am jealous. Still no green light to drive at my sixth week. Different level of conservatism for my doc, I guess.

What stretching exercises? ... Read more

Rob Sparling  Meredith, congrats! I am jealous. Still no green light to drive at my sixth week. Different level of conservatism for my doc, I guess.

What stretching exercises? Please share what you’ve learned! Thanks in advance!

Jill McDonald   Congratulations to you all bring on the other side. I know each experience is unique. Waiting until December 7 at Loyola Chicago. I love all the information. ... Read more

Jill McDonald   Congratulations to you all bring on the other side. I know each experience is unique. Waiting until December 7 at Loyola Chicago. I love all the information. I truly learn something new every day! Blessings!

Molly Ivers  It's been 12 days since I had surgery and I am feeling very weird in my chest/incision area. TBH, I just asked about the feelings I am having - if they are ... Read more

Molly Ivers  It's been 12 days since I had surgery and I am feeling very weird in my chest/incision area. TBH, I just asked about the feelings I am having - if they are normal. I hope you get some good answers - they will help ease my mind.

Thomas Brusstar  Meredith, I am now 16 weeks post OHS for mitral valve repair, and I still have some ache in my sternum. I have done great overall, I am jogging on the treadmill ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar  Meredith, I am now 16 weeks post OHS for mitral valve repair, and I still have some ache in my sternum. I have done great overall, I am jogging on the treadmill in rehab, back to full activity -- but I still have some mild ache, especially at the top of the sternum like at the collar bone, when I lift my arms way up, or even when I sleep on my side the wrong way. I think the ache is a bit worse when I lift weights with my chest/upper body, so right now I just assume the weightlifting activity is mostly the problem. I hope it's just the bone still growing and strengthening. The pain isn't at the skin level--I can rub the incision all over and it doesn't hurt. It's just deeper, in the bone, that still hurts a bit. If I knew it weren't a problem, meaning the bone is healed or healing and I shouldn't worry, then I'd be happy to live with the slight pain forever. As it is, I am hoping it just keeps getting better as I work through more weightbearing and activity in the gym.

Meredith Geneja  Starting Cardio Rehab in 17 days, and will be driving by then. The incision(s) all calming down well for the most part, still aches & pains here & there, but ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Starting Cardio Rehab in 17 days, and will be driving by then. The incision(s) all calming down well for the most part, still aches & pains here & there, but just 5 weeks yesterday. Rest is key. #strongereveryday #lovemyfriends&family #we don'tdothisalone

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, Marie Myers! Positive to be seeing a Dr. & getting some feedback at this point. I will sure appreciate getting some answers to my questions. Some ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, Marie Myers! Positive to be seeing a Dr. & getting some feedback at this point. I will sure appreciate getting some answers to my questions. Some days it feels like we're all in a bumper car race:) Love hearing from others further down the road.

Meredith Geneja  Meeting with Cardiologist went well today. ***Only 3 more days of a half dose of Metoprolol.*** Very happy about this. Will not miss the side effects. Dr. ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Meeting with Cardiologist went well today. ***Only 3 more days of a half dose of Metoprolol.*** Very happy about this. Will not miss the side effects. Dr. was pleased with my healing thus far. Next appointment in December. So grateful for a positive meeting today. One artery does have 30% blockage. Dr. has advised to keep doing all the right things to stay on a good path. Will do:)

LINDA ROBERTS  You are not even 3 weeks past surgery right now. I know that I felt tired for at least 6 weeks so think it is very natural that you feel that way. Around ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS  You are not even 3 weeks past surgery right now. I know that I felt tired for at least 6 weeks so think it is very natural that you feel that way. Around week 8 I started to have more energy and finally started cardio rehab which helps alot.

Louanna Miller  Like Linda, I felt tired and fatigued easily for the first 8 weeks following my OHS. I was still very tired and weak at one month post surgery. Be gentle ... Read more

Louanna Miller  Like Linda, I felt tired and fatigued easily for the first 8 weeks following my OHS. I was still very tired and weak at one month post surgery. Be gentle with yourself. We are all unique and heal differently.

Rita Savelis  One can feel very tired/exhausted for months after surgery, regardless of medication. I have never felt that type of exhaustion before or since. Your body/heart ... Read more

Rita Savelis  One can feel very tired/exhausted for months after surgery, regardless of medication. I have never felt that type of exhaustion before or since. Your body/heart need time to recover, more time than many people expect. Recovery time varies. It's all normal. However, I did find that betablockers slowed me down as well. Since they cut your adrenalin, you can feel slower. They slow down your heart so that it isn't working so hard during its healing period. This affects some people more than others. If you were an energetic person before OHS, you might feel the effect of betablockers more than others. But regardless, 20 days is so very very early. Take care.

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, each one, for your reassurances, experiences & insights. Very helpful & just what I needed. Truly a journey better shared with others on a similar ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, each one, for your reassurances, experiences & insights. Very helpful & just what I needed. Truly a journey better shared with others on a similar road. What you have explained makes sense to me. Surgery reminds me of a new "outfit". One very much needed but an adjustment as to how to wear. Perhaps more awkward than expected some days, but given the options, truly grateful for it. Thank you!

Susan Killian  I had this happen twice, once before surgery, well actually before I even knew I was having a problem. They did all types of tests and found nothing. The ... Read more

Susan Killian  I had this happen twice, once before surgery, well actually before I even knew I was having a problem. They did all types of tests and found nothing. The second time was post op about a month ago. This time I just came home and went to bed. Felt better the next day.

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, one & all! An early night helped a lot. Cut back on meds today. Just can't give up those walks. (I took a little fold out stool with me today in ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, one & all! An early night helped a lot. Cut back on meds today. Just can't give up those walks. (I took a little fold out stool with me today in case it was needed along the way:) Progress is coming, slow but SURE!! Kept thanking God for our veterans today. My pain was a choice to have a better life. Veterans often hurt like we do & more because they were serving/choosing in a different capacity. The correlation was so real for me today. Just sharing what was on my heart as I heal. It is quite a journey, isn't it?!

Meredith Geneja  Aortic valve damage from Rheumatic Fever as a child, apparently. Appears to be the only valve damaged. Very grateful for my new valve. Still not used to the ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Aortic valve damage from Rheumatic Fever as a child, apparently. Appears to be the only valve damaged. Very grateful for my new valve. Still not used to the new & healthy heartbeat:) Had a murmur for several years. Getting adjusted to the new normal.

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, Debbie Kelly & Marie Myers. You really do have to experience this to "believe it", so to speak. So many steps to each phase. One amazing journey! ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, Debbie Kelly & Marie Myers. You really do have to experience this to "believe it", so to speak. So many steps to each phase. One amazing journey! Looking forward to Cardio Rehab once ready for it....a few more weeks & days down the road just yet. Sending love & support to each one, wherever you may be, & whatever you are going through. We are not alone! Thank you, each one for sharing.

Catie B  Meredith, cardiac rehab was a wonderful program, in my experience. All the staff were warm, supportive and engaging. I hope yours will be equally so. You ... Read more

Catie B  Meredith, cardiac rehab was a wonderful program, in my experience. All the staff were warm, supportive and engaging. I hope yours will be equally so. You also mentioned getting used to your new heartbeat. It felt like my heart beat so hard and strong that it was distracting, esp. at night, for several months. Takes real time for things to settle down. Best to you!

Meredith Geneja  That's a good point, Steve Farthing! So many people never get this chance. My Grandad was gone at my age. We have come so far with heart health over the last ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  That's a good point, Steve Farthing! So many people never get this chance. My Grandad was gone at my age. We have come so far with heart health over the last few years. Feeling gratitude for every loud, clear beat I am adjusting to:)

Dan Vechiola  Good luck Meredith! Visualize a successful surgery and hospital stay and put your fate in the hands of your surgeon and hospital. Think positive and before ... Read more

Dan Vechiola  Good luck Meredith! Visualize a successful surgery and hospital stay and put your fate in the hands of your surgeon and hospital. Think positive and before you know it you will be on the recovery side!

Jennifer McInerney  I will be thinking of you as I wait for my date. I find out on 27th. I hope it is quite fast after that. I won’t have time to over analyze and freak myself ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney  I will be thinking of you as I wait for my date. I find out on 27th. I hope it is quite fast after that. I won’t have time to over analyze and freak myself out. This site has been invaluable in my preparation for AVR. Thanks to everyone!

Meredith Geneja  This feels like when I used to high dive. Never liked looking down at the distance to travel, but always loved coming back up. One day my suit was dripping ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  This feels like when I used to high dive. Never liked looking down at the distance to travel, but always loved coming back up. One day my suit was dripping & I slipped. No time to strategize my dive. Everything was still OK. Thinking of you, Jennifer as you wait. Thank you, Marie and all. We are blessed to be able to get help for our hearts:) We have great surgeons & a great community. Feeling grateful.

Debbie Moriarty  Meredith, can you tell me how long it takes to get a surgery date? I am meeting my surgeon next week. I don’t want the surgery to be too soon. I am gonna ... Read more

Debbie Moriarty  Meredith, can you tell me how long it takes to get a surgery date? I am meeting my surgeon next week. I don’t want the surgery to be too soon. I am gonna need time to process this. My stomach hurts just typing out this question . 😕

Meredith Geneja  Hi Debbie, they seem to give you lots of time. Mine has been "in process" since the end of June & just received date yesterday. There are so many tests & steps ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Hi Debbie, they seem to give you lots of time. Mine has been "in process" since the end of June & just received date yesterday. There are so many tests & steps to take. Each case is different. You will be fine, although we all have our moments, that's for sure. Virtual HUG!!! I am feeling more Blessed than Stressed. Have met 3 of the Dr's who will be present. We are all entering a well-oiled machine.

Meredith Geneja  Thinking of you, Gregory Brummett, thanks again for the youtube posts. Your Dr's will be very sober, don't you worry!!! And, Chris Cortez Curry, I am praying ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Thinking of you, Gregory Brummett, thanks again for the youtube posts. Your Dr's will be very sober, don't you worry!!! And, Chris Cortez Curry, I am praying for you too. We share this journey, one day at a time:)

Suzanne Finn  Good thinking to rest when needed. I did before surgery last November. I was feeling a great deal of fatigue along with palpitations and shortness of breath. ... Read more

Suzanne Finn  Good thinking to rest when needed. I did before surgery last November. I was feeling a great deal of fatigue along with palpitations and shortness of breath. Do you have a date for surgery? All the best to you.

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, Suzanne Finn! No date for surgery yet. The Dr. is clarifying a lung concern Sept. 13th, prior to booking the heart surgery. Good to be in thorough ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, Suzanne Finn! No date for surgery yet. The Dr. is clarifying a lung concern Sept. 13th, prior to booking the heart surgery. Good to be in thorough hands. Appreciate your response very much. Have a good week!

Jennifer McInerney  I live in Niagara and I’m waiting for an appt. to see surgeon. My main symptom is fatigue so I just rest when I need to. I’m finding this waiting period ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney  I live in Niagara and I’m waiting for an appt. to see surgeon. My main symptom is fatigue so I just rest when I need to. I’m finding this waiting period very frustrating . I’ll be glad once a plan with dates is in place.

Meredith Geneja  I agree with you, Jennifer McInerney! I am resting when needed & helping others when possible, to get my mind off me! Also, organizing what I can around ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  I agree with you, Jennifer McInerney! I am resting when needed & helping others when possible, to get my mind off me! Also, organizing what I can around my home so after surgery will go well. This time is a gift if we can see it that way. Hoping you have a positive day.

Valerie Altman  I'm 45 and I sleep alottttt seems like when I wake up I could still sleep. We may miss these naps later after this is all over lol
I too am waiting for a surgery ... Read more

Valerie Altman  I'm 45 and I sleep alottttt seems like when I wake up I could still sleep. We may miss these naps later after this is all over lol
I too am waiting for a surgery date. My surgeons first available appointment wasn't until Sept 28th.

Nancy LeClair Gottlieb  I'm waiting also. My Mitral Valve repair is on Sept. 28. I'm busy caring for my grandson. He is 10 months old. He is starting daycare the week before my ... Read more

Nancy LeClair Gottlieb  I'm waiting also. My Mitral Valve repair is on Sept. 28. I'm busy caring for my grandson. He is 10 months old. He is starting daycare the week before my surgery because I need to go in for tests. I don't have much symptoms. I did get afib at the end of May. I will be 59 the week after my surgery. I'm more concerned about the recovery period. Going to miss my grandson. I look forward to spending my days with him again.

Sue Waterworth  And Wow! What a fabulous smile you have, And of course you know that smiling gets the endorphins rushing, so you do actually feel better. When people ask 'How ... Read more

Sue Waterworth  And Wow! What a fabulous smile you have, And of course you know that smiling gets the endorphins rushing, so you do actually feel better. When people ask 'How are you?' , answer 'fantastic', and you get the same result. Society is getting a bit sad when it surprises people that you look and feel happy. But on this site, you'll get lots of smiling support, so stick around.

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, Sue, for the warm & encouraging welcome. Your journal notes have been a big help to me already. Everyone contributes to our awareness of the good ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Thank you, Sue, for the warm & encouraging welcome. Your journal notes have been a big help to me already. Everyone contributes to our awareness of the good the bad and the ugly bumps in the road on the healing journey. All cheerier than the obvious alternatives. Perspective is a powerful thing. So grateful Adam & all worked on this platform for healthy communications! There is strength in community. My heart may not be physically perfect, but the container for gratitude is still huge:) Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Meredith Geneja  Great to meet you, Sue! Just shared how good this site is with my Surgeon's Office. (They were aware of "HeartValveSurgery.com". Our inner landscapes can certainly ... Read more

Meredith Geneja  Great to meet you, Sue! Just shared how good this site is with my Surgeon's Office. (They were aware of "HeartValveSurgery.com". Our inner landscapes can certainly be a challenge:) Now having a lung investigation done, a "Thorax with IV contrast" prior to proceeding with heart. One step at a time! Hope to be a helpful contributor for others.