Nancy's Journal

Celebrating my one year anniversary of mitral valve repair. Celebrating six months from right hip replacement, and three months from left hip replacement. I feel very blessed to be surrounded by such talented, caring people that have been in my life this last year. It is hard to believe what modern procedures can do for your life. Sending out good wishes and prayers for all who are recovering from your surgery and to all of you facing your anxieties as you approach your turn. You are going to be better than ever.

Once again, I want to thank Adam Pick for his insight and honesty. This time I needed the chapter on depression. I had mitral valve repair Sept 22, right hip replacement on Feb 20, and the left hip replacement on June 5. I've had very satisfactory recovery from all three surgeries, but after the last one, I began to wonder what was taking so long with the recovery. The fatigue and listlessness were exhausting, Very wonderful friends and family could not make me interested in anything I used to like. My GP diagnosed anemia and low Vitamin D. Today was my final appointment with the orthopedist and things there are looking great. Take Adam's advice and don't be alarmed if some anxiety and fatigue come a little later. You've come this far, a little more fighting and you will be like new. Best wishes to all who are facing your surgery. You will do great.

Five months from my mitral valve repair and 12 days since my hip replacement. I'm just about a new woman. To my heart brothers and sisters, hope all are recovering well and to those waiting for their date, you will be amazed at how much better you will be after a little recovery time. After the heart was done, I will admit it was a little harder to face up to the news of hip replacement so soon, but dig down deep and your support group and these wonderful people here will be your light. Best wishes to everyone. Nancy

Hi, heart brothers and sisters. And welcome to the new people who have just joined this site. I'm glad for you that you found this. It will be very helpful to you in the coming weeks. Had my 4-5 week visit with Dr. Steven Bolling of U o M Hospital, and he was pleased with my heart progress. He lifted all my restrictions. I can drive, I can lift, I can go swimming. I feel very well and full of energy. Of course Tim and Dr. B both reminded me that 4 weeks ago my chest was cut open. Don't try to do everything at once. Some excellent advice that I have received from this site. I look forward to continuing my recovery, and I'm sending wishes and prayers that all of you have a smooth and comfortable recovery as well. Nancy

Around Day 9 or 10 I began to have dizzy spells. They were brought on most often by standing up fast or moving fast We called the Nurse/line at the hospital and after questioning and looking at my records, the nurse thought it might be dehydration. So lots of water that night. The next day, same thing happened. Visiting nurse and my case worker both agreed that it might be blood pressure dropping too fast by standing up too fast. Not sure we have it worked out, but I had to answer the doorbell just now, and whew. Back to the nursing board with questions.

Thank you all again for your blessings and good vibes. That meant a lot to me. Welcome newcomers to the site. Please stay with it, you will find a vast amount of information and common sense answers to questions. Surgery went smoothly. I went in 6am on Thurs, transfer to the ICU by 3pm. Next day out of there into step down and home on Sunday. You will love it when you get to your home. More from Day 8 later

From Tim: Just out and talked to doctor. Everything went as planned and everyone is happy and pleased with the operation. Was a repair and overall look at heart operation. Rest now needed. Thanks to all of you who kept Nancy in your prayers and thoughts. She will be sending her thoughts along as she becomes stronger. This website was a life saver for understanding what was to come and as a huge means of support and comfort...Tim.....

Did my pre-ops yesterday. Long day but successful. I'm very happy to learn more about the whole process and what I need to do before and after. It makes me feel more comfortable and confident. The U of M Center is beautiful and so very professional and kind. Still, I just want to get this over with.