Monica's Journal

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 ! I am released to go to work. I was a little nervous until yesterday because prior my ventricular was still swollen but it was back to normal ! Having a hole the size of a quarter on top of BAV isn’t easy on the heart I’m sure !

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 !! The cardiologist was more than happy with my activity level, many days I am getting from 7 to 8 miles . I’m doing a super super slow jog/run in between electrical poles. The only negative thing with my heart is my right side is still enlarged but that she said was to be expected due to having the PFO all of my life . I will begin my cardiac rehab on the 30th at 7 weeks post op . I’m not thrilled that I have to drive and hour and a half just to do it . The traffic in Canton, Akron and Cleveland is horrible !!! My emotions have gotten better for the most part even though I’m apt to have a total breakdown occasionally. My scar is doing great even though I was having issues with stitches sticking out , and a hole kept showing something fierce. That was solved by betadine solution and the constant need for a bra. Sorry for the TMI gentleman but for my fellow lady heart warriors I found that when I was going braless the weight from my breast was not good for my wound. I also have to say my husband and my kids are truly a God Send ! My husband has gone to work and came home after 12 or more hours and try’s to at least take me for a short ride out of the house . He’s never complained about the grocery store trips or the laundromat ( we travel for work ) My kids have been great with lifting everything , cooking until I could do so, mowing the lawn and everything in between .

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 hardly slept last night and it has reflected on me today . I had decided to rest but I haven’t even walked a mile today 😏. I return to the doctor next week for ekg , echo, Xray and blood work . I’m praying everything is good and they will start to lift my restrictions .

It’s been 12 days already ! Most of me feels great ! I’m walking about 2.5 miles a day already but my arms are not cooperating at all ! They tire easily and I get so sore in my shoulder and shoulder blades . It says on my discharge papers not to lift over 10 lbs for 6 weeks 👎. I’m trying to work on my arms but they aggravate me !

I returned to Cleveland Clinic today for my 1 week follow up . I apparently didn’t look like someone who just had OHS. I don’t know rather to smile about that or not . Doctor was pleased with my progress and activity . I’ve been really concerned about my chest appearance since the surgery but the doctor assured me that the girls would return to normal ! I know I’m thankful to be alive but I do try to take care of myself as well. Doctor removed my drain tube stich today and unless there is a setback I won’t go back until August 19 .

I got home last night just happy to be here and was resigned to sleeping in my recliner chair . Well just at the last moment I decided I’d just prop up pillows in my bed and sleep there so I could be next to my husband. Worst Decision Ever ! I woke up this morning and could pull, push or roll out of bed . I was in major pain with 0 meds still on board ! I had to ask for help out of bed and it was excruciating pain ! I think tonight I’ll just stay in the recliner !

There was hickup surgery day due to an emergency surgery during the night. I didn’t actually go until 12 or 1 in the evening instead of 5:15 . As you can imagine I was a hot mess ! I received a bovine valve and the Cardiothoracic surgeon also fixed a PFO the size of a quarter! I so believe in devine intervention ! I left icu at 10 pm on the 13th and went to stepdown . I made 4 laps around the ward yesterday . I did refuse all narcotics until I found myself in unbearable pain at 9 tonight .

It is almost 1 and I’m wide awake ! So much on my mind right now . I am up by 4:30 in the mornings and go to bed normally at 8:30 . This is horrible ! I’ve prayed and cried and talked but still a million thoughts run through my mind !

Tomorrow I leave for Cleveland . Tuesday begins my whirl wind of appointments and procedures . Trying to remain calm and give it to God ! I’m having a super hard time sleeping ! I suppose it is just so many thoughts . My husband is off work today so I am going to enjoy my family as tired as I am .

I only have 7 days left until my AVR ! I only have 5 days unti my heart cath. I’m praying there is no blockages but I know it is better to find them now if they are there. I also know I was told before that I had other leaky valves .... so now I am wondering if I will have to have them fixed. I am a control freak, a planner and so strong willed it isn’t even funny but now at this point God and doctors are in full control of my life ! I DON’T LIKE IT ! Not one bit. My anxiety level is sickening ! I really wished at this point I had a PCP ! So I still have to get papers notarized and my pretty hot pink nails removed so I had better get busy ! Much love to all and I hope you all have a great day !