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Diagnosis: Aortic Stenosis, Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Member Since: June 29, 2019

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Monica McCaa posted an update

6 years ago (October 30, 2019)

Almost 16 weeks post op . I returned to CC yesterday for another echo and doctors appointment. All is well ! I don't have to return for a year ! I completed 15 cardiac rehab sessions . They finally let me run in there and I surpassed my goal !... Read more.

👍 Shannon Gray, Bradley Dunn and reacted to this

Eva Clay-Nelson

6 years ago (October 30, 2019)

So glad you're progressing very well. Make sure you take one day at a time and rest when needed. Sending a big hug. 🌹

Heart Warrior

6 years ago (October 31, 2019)

great news

Bradley Dunn

6 years ago (November 8, 2019)

Grats on the rehab. I hope the commute was worth it!

Monica McCaa posted an update

6 years ago (August 21, 2019)

I will be 6 weeks post op this Friday from AVR & PFO closure. I saw the doctor at 5 weeks and had ECG , Echo and bloodwork. Great news is my bubble test showed no right to left flow so that means the PFO closure was a success !!... Read more.

👍 Joy Vera, Shannon Gray and reacted to this

Bradley Dunn

6 years ago (August 21, 2019)

GRATS!! For your own sake, push through that drive to rehab. It is worth it. I had to drive 30+ minutes and hated it too (I work from home). I did however listen to a few audio books and enjoyed them. They help the time pass.

Monica McCaa

6 years ago (August 21, 2019)

I could handle 30 !! 😩

Phyllis Petersen

6 years ago (August 21, 2019)

After my surgery, I stayed with a cousin in Alliance, about the same time from CC. That corridor is pretty fierce, but the rehab will be awesome. I couldn't believe how quickly you can progress when you're not worried about what your heart is doing because someone else is there... Read more.

Monica McCaa

6 years ago (August 21, 2019)

I'm going to try Phyllis . I actually go to Alliance often

Lise Bowles

6 years ago (August 23, 2019)

Hi Monica, It's been over 6 weeks, amazing how the time flies! I actually really liked cardiac rehabit was so nice to be in the company of others who had gone through the same or similar experience. I felt very secure being monitored as I got back into exercise. It's... Read more.

Phyllis Petersen

6 years ago (August 27, 2019)

My uncle, who died about 4 months after my valve surgery, was always at the Naborhood (or the Hood as most locals call it). I had lunch with him there while I was recovering and they hosted his funeral party. I enjoyed my time there staying with his daughter and... Read more.

Michael Keefe

6 years ago (August 29, 2019)

The cardiac rehab is challenging for sure but had very caring personnel at our hospital who would push you just enough. Stick with it as it really speeds up recovery. Godspeed!

Monica McCaa

6 years ago (August 29, 2019)

Phylis I had came here to work when I found out I had to have surgery . Love this area but now I'm going to Toledo and it's not very pretty . I'm from Texas but both my husband and I travel for work . We've been OH, PA &... Read more.

Monica McCaa

6 years ago (August 29, 2019)

I no longer know what I'm going to do . First day of rehab tomorrow , then I'll be in Cincinnati for a week then I'll go to Toledo . There is no way I can drive for 2 hours one way to rehab .

Phyllis Petersen

6 years ago (August 30, 2019)

Ask the people at CC for a recommendation. They work with a lot of other institutions. The head of the Wellness Center at my local hospital (BUMC Tucson) went out to CC for 6 weeks to study their systems, so even without affiliation they may be knowledgeable about programs in... Read more.

Ann Crone

6 years ago (August 30, 2019)

It sounds like you are truly doing much better.

Monica McCaa posted an update

7 years ago (August 8, 2019)

1 more day until I reach four weeks post op for AVR & PFO closure . Most of the time I feel great . I'm up to walking 5 or 6 miles a day most days . Today however I have had a terrible time with my emotions ! I... Read more.

Michael Keefe

7 years ago (August 8, 2019)

Force yourself to do the walking, was best way to get me out of my funk after surgery. I was recovering in August in Central TX and had to shower after every walk, which was several short ones a day, the heat was killing me but kept with it. I... Read more.

Monica McCaa

7 years ago (August 8, 2019)

Michael Keefe thank you i am walking lots . Currently in Ohio which is helpful considering I'm from east Texas and there is about 10000% humidity Just having an emotional day today 👎

Heart Warrior

7 years ago (August 8, 2019)

Power of positive thinking

Carlos Banuelos

7 years ago (August 8, 2019)

Hang in there! I'm 3 weeks out so just behind you. I've had a few days (like right now as I'm sitting on my couch feeling lazy) where I've really had to force myself to get outside for a walk. I always feel better afterwards. And I agree, the sleeping... Read more.

Mike Roskowinski

7 years ago (August 9, 2019)

Keep it up Monica you are doing great. Take it easy and let your body heal. You have the rest of your life to run and do everything else. Just keep up the walking and relaxing the time will fly by.

Susan Richards

7 years ago (August 9, 2019)

I'm only a little over 2 weeks post op and have being dealing with a lot of emotions. I think I cry at least once a day. I think a lot of it is being out of my normal routine and feeling like a patient. People coming to visit, which... Read more.

Lena Afanaseva

7 years ago (August 9, 2019)

6 month for me. I stoped crying, but I think what happened to me everyday:( I start exercise and hike, my scar is getting lighter, I feel normal. Bit still think about it a lot. Is it normal? Wishing everyone the best!!!!

Barbara Wood

7 years ago (August 9, 2019)

I think it's very normal to feel a little obsessed with the whole experience - I talked about constantly, just to my husband, for more than a year. I thought of it less & less as time went by, but it was a good year before I I stopped talking... Read more.

Lena Afanaseva

7 years ago (August 9, 2019)

Exactly, Barbara! And I just saw your picture, wow! Your scar looks amazing! Totally invisible. Did you put some special cream? I am putting vitamin E and it does helps!

Susan Lynn

7 years ago (August 10, 2019)

Monica - I'm glad to hear that you're doing your walking! That's really tremendous progress. Don't feel badly about the occasional emotional days - we heart warriors have been through a lot! Try to identify one thing to look forward to every day and practice gratitude. We all have so... Read more.

Rita Savelis

7 years ago (August 10, 2019)

It is still so very very early for you. Your emotions are normal. You went through something very big and your body and your mind need much time to recover. Take care.

Barbara Wood

6 years ago (August 10, 2019)

Lena, I tried to keep the scar out of the Sun & used Burts Bees body lotion on it - take care :).

Lena Afanaseva

6 years ago (August 10, 2019)

Thank you,Barbara!

Kimberley Anchell

6 years ago (August 11, 2019)

Sorry I'm just seeing this but I could resist commenting. Every time I read your posts, I think . . . She's in beast mode!! Heart surgery a month ago, walking 5-6 miles? Awesome. Hope you're not being too hard on yourself - I'm sure we'll have a few down... Read more.

Monica McCaa

6 years ago (August 21, 2019)

Apologies to all for not seeing your replies . I love the encouragement I just forget to log in here for fb 😮

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