Hi everyone,
I started pulmonary rehab again today for maintenance. I only use the oxygen at night with my bipap machine. I exercised for 52 minutes today and ...Read more
Hi everyone,
I started pulmonary rehab again today for maintenance. I only use the oxygen at night with my bipap machine. I exercised for 52 minutes today and my spo2 (oxygen in blood) was 97%-excellent news. I feel pretty good. Glad Fall like weather is finally here. Babs celebrated her 53rd BD on 9/11 and I lost my love Bill 4 years ago this Sat. It\'s a rough week but I continue to manage...Hi and love to you all-
Nancy
Hi everyone,
I had my pacemaker checked yeasterday and my new cardiac electro MD says that my heart block is gone. He adjusted the pacemaker and now it will ...Read more
Hi everyone,
I had my pacemaker checked yeasterday and my new cardiac electro MD says that my heart block is gone. He adjusted the pacemaker and now it will only engage if I am in heartblock. He says heart block happens frequently after surgery due to inflammation. I am pleased with this news. I have been battling a UTI and hope to to be back to normal next week. I am so looking forward to being able to plan a trip to CT in the Fall. Love you all, Nancy
Well next week I am set to graduate from pulmonary rehab. I continue on 2 L of oxygen and my bipap machine at night. I am driving and attending activities with ...Read more
Well next week I am set to graduate from pulmonary rehab. I continue on 2 L of oxygen and my bipap machine at night. I am driving and attending activities with my family and friends-going out to eat, a concert and next week end to see the penquin exhibit at the aquarium. I continue to thank you for your support during this time. Christmas was a blur as you can imagine so now I dedicate every Wednesday to baking the Christmas cookies I did not bake in 2011. This week I made molasses cookies. Will continue to update you on my progress...Love, Nancy
Hi everyone,
I am doing very very well. Just 6 short weeks ago my tolerance and stamina were very low. I am now participating in pulmonary rehab 3 times a week, ...Read more
Hi everyone,
I am doing very very well. Just 6 short weeks ago my tolerance and stamina were very low. I am now participating in pulmonary rehab 3 times a week, driving the car and getting together with friends. I can even take my oxygen off for short periods without getting out of breath. It was a rough road.. thanks to all of you for your love and support. To all of you who are waiting-best of luck. Give yourself time to heal and stop to smell the roses...My surgeon Dr Chitwood is the valve surgeon spotlight doctor this month-he refers to me as his catbird...Love, Nancy
Hello,
I am 16 weeks post op and feel good. My daughter saw Dr Chitwood on Tues and he is very amazed at my progress. He says I have 9 lives....I am going to ...Read more
Hello,
I am 16 weeks post op and feel good. My daughter saw Dr Chitwood on Tues and he is very amazed at my progress. He says I have 9 lives....I am going to pulmonary rehab and doing ok. I still am on oxygen 24/7 with bipap machine at night.Still plugging along. Have a Happy and joyous Easter to all.
Nancy
Hi- I soon will begin pulmonary rehab. I have opted for this rather than cardiac rehab as my breathing is what I have to focus on now since I am still on oxygen. ...Read more
Hi- I soon will begin pulmonary rehab. I have opted for this rather than cardiac rehab as my breathing is what I have to focus on now since I am still on oxygen. I had my first outing without Babs, my daughter today. I had fun with my Red Hat friends. I am 13 weeks post op and feel pretty good for an 81 year old lady. To all of you out there wondering or in despair--- just give it time, there will be good and bad days-I am living proof as I have been thru this surgery twice now, twelve years apart. Til later,
Nancy
Hi everyone-
Remain on oxygen and Plavix. Cardiologist says I am doing well. Bipap machine at night. Will continue to plug along...it is hard at times but I ...Read more
Hi everyone-
Remain on oxygen and Plavix. Cardiologist says I am doing well. Bipap machine at night. Will continue to plug along...it is hard at times but I manage. Babs and Kenny help as they can. Take care and thanks for your continued support.
Nancy
I am doing well. At home with OT and PT and am scheduled for followup visit with Dr Chitwood this week. Hope the report is good. I feel great. The bipap machine ...Read more
I am doing well. At home with OT and PT and am scheduled for followup visit with Dr Chitwood this week. Hope the report is good. I feel great. The bipap machine seems to be working. Happy Valentine\'s Day to all my heart valve journal friends out there.......Keep the faith. Nancy
Mom came home Sunday evening in time for the Super Bowl....She had a restful night with her bipap (breathing machine) on. Will resume PT/OT this week. Planned ...Read more
Mom came home Sunday evening in time for the Super Bowl....She had a restful night with her bipap (breathing machine) on. Will resume PT/OT this week. Planned our menus and activities as well as caregivers. Remember you all I have been working thru this all and have had minimal time off......Kenny has helped quite a bit. Please keep us in your prayers.Babs
Mom had a restful night. The new bipap machine has been a godsend. She gets confused at times and this is probably due to her meds or carbon dioxide level. ...Read more
Mom had a restful night. The new bipap machine has been a godsend. She gets confused at times and this is probably due to her meds or carbon dioxide level. I think a simple blood test will tell. Thoracentesis was ok, hemoglobin back up after blood given Friday. Plan discharge Mon. Keep your fingers crossed. Love, Babs
Moved me during the night to the fourth floor. The thoracentasis went well. Blood transfusions complete. Bipap machine delivered. Will probably go home early ...Read more
Moved me during the night to the fourth floor. The thoracentasis went well. Blood transfusions complete. Bipap machine delivered. Will probably go home early in the week.I feel a bit better today-not quite as groggy in the head... Let\'s keep our fingers crossed....Nancy
Mom was due to have a thoracentesis today to check and remove fluid from her right lung. MDs aren\'t sue if this is related to the cylothorax. Also getting ...Read more
Mom was due to have a thoracentesis today to check and remove fluid from her right lung. MDs aren\'t sue if this is related to the cylothorax. Also getting blood transfusions. Still remains in CV ICU no phone calls or visitors please. Allow Mom to rest and regain her strength. She is a tough woman....Thanks for your loving thoughts. Babs
Her nurses tell me Mom had a restful night. She was up in the chair this AM but still has the bipap machine on. When she has this on it is difficult to carry ...Read more
Her nurses tell me Mom had a restful night. She was up in the chair this AM but still has the bipap machine on. When she has this on it is difficult to carry on a conversation because I literally have to be in her face to hear her. She sends her love and thanks for all you have done for her.Babs
Had many MD consults today-cardiologists, Internists, pulmonary....Continue on the breathing machine-mostly on more than off. Am feeling better. Up to chair ...Read more
Had many MD consults today-cardiologists, Internists, pulmonary....Continue on the breathing machine-mostly on more than off. Am feeling better. Up to chair for dinner to eat first meal since noon yesterday. Gonna keep fighting my battles.To all those still struggling I am with you- we will be strong again soon. My love and thanks,
Nancy
Hi everyone,
Mom enjoyed 11 days at home but her breathing worsened and she was readmitted to CV ICU last evening. It now appears she will have to wear the ...Read more
Hi everyone,
Mom enjoyed 11 days at home but her breathing worsened and she was readmitted to CV ICU last evening. It now appears she will have to wear the breathing machine at night.She is on the breathing machine 2 hours on then 2 off. When she wears it even I have difficulty understanding her. Her spirits are good. Just a bump in the road-She was so happy to be home with her angel, the cat. We\'ll get there again....Mom and I thank you once again for all the love and prayers and continued support.Babs
Home feels so good. Angel my cat is happy to see me. Continue to work with PT and OT. Wear 2 L oxygen all the time. Babs and Kenny are helping me. Thanks to ...Read more
Home feels so good. Angel my cat is happy to see me. Continue to work with PT and OT. Wear 2 L oxygen all the time. Babs and Kenny are helping me. Thanks to all of you during this difficult time. Nancy
Had a good weekend at home. Babs and Kenny have helped alot. Was glad to see my angel, my cat. I feel good. Still take naps off and on-not uncommon for patients ...Read more
Had a good weekend at home. Babs and Kenny have helped alot. Was glad to see my angel, my cat. I feel good. Still take naps off and on-not uncommon for patients my age #81.Prelim report says I do not need bipap machine at night. Wearing oxygen at home. Thanks for all your support and prayers. Nancy
Just a quick note to say I have arrived home after a 37 day stay at ECI at PCMH and a sleep study last night. It felt so good to get a shower!!!Am waiting for ...Read more
Just a quick note to say I have arrived home after a 37 day stay at ECI at PCMH and a sleep study last night. It felt so good to get a shower!!!Am waiting for results of the sleep study. Thanks to all of you for your love and support during this staycation....To those of you still awaiting surgery/procedures know you are being thought of with love.Keep your chin up to those who may be struggling.Nancy and Babs
Mom is scheduled for a sleep study next week and will be discharged from the hospital that day. Progress?? I guess. Insurance still won\'t pay for the bipap ...Read more
Mom is scheduled for a sleep study next week and will be discharged from the hospital that day. Progress?? I guess. Insurance still won\'t pay for the bipap machine until she gets a proper diagnosis.Guess that is why our insurance rates are so high. Keep hoping and praying...Thanks. Mom sends her love.Babs
Mon will have Pulmonary function tests in Am then homeward bound???...Let\'s pray for that. Day #34 today. Never in our wildest dreams did I feel that we would ...Read more
Mon will have Pulmonary function tests in Am then homeward bound???...Let\'s pray for that. Day #34 today. Never in our wildest dreams did I feel that we would be here at PCMH this long.Thanks to all the staff here at PCMH for the memorable journey. Now maybe we can celebrate Christmas with Valentine\'s Day (the day to celebrate Mom\'s new heart) right behind!!!!Babs
We are waiting for pulmonary to do a consult. Mom will need to wear the breathing machine at night when she goes home. With that there is some teaching involved ...Read more
We are waiting for pulmonary to do a consult. Mom will need to wear the breathing machine at night when she goes home. With that there is some teaching involved as well as provision of the equipment. Mom looks good & feels much better. She was going for her second walk of the day a minute ago. She wants to get home to Angel but knows she must listen to the MDs. Her MDs are pleased with her progress. Dr Chitwood will be back in early in the week and will probably give her the ok to be homebound. It has been a long journey with some setbacks along the way. Just think last week she was very compromised and not supposed to be here. The Lord has watched over Mom, Kenny and myself. Thanks for all your cards, kind thoughts and prayers. We all appreciate them. Til later-Babs
Well the chest tube was removed on Friday afternoon. Her MD, Dr Dan saw her this AM & told her not to be disappointed if she doesn\'t go home as planned on ...Read more
Well the chest tube was removed on Friday afternoon. Her MD, Dr Dan saw her this AM & told her not to be disappointed if she doesn\'t go home as planned on Mon. She looks great. She has walked in the hall with OT this AM. Her swelling has gone down-since she is on Prednisone it can cause you to retain fluid & elevate BP so you need to increase the diuretic to rid the body of the excess fluid.We used to have to do this with Dad as well. She is up to phone calls at this time. She wears the breathing machine at night but they feel she will not need it when she finally does get home. What a long and extended journey and staycation we have had at Pitt Memorial Hospital.Day #32 & counting. Thanks for your love and support.Mom and Babs and Kenny
Hi everyone,
Mom has done rather well today but I can see she is swollen. This can be due to the Prednisone she is taking. They will add additional diuretic ...Read more
Hi everyone,
Mom has done rather well today but I can see she is swollen. This can be due to the Prednisone she is taking. They will add additional diuretic today. They also plan on taking out her chest tube.Beautiful day here in eastern NC but cold....Til later, Babs
Mom seems to be on the upswing. 1 Liter of oxygen during the night. Still has chest tube with plans for regular diet today and pull the chest tube in AM. Mom ...Read more
Mom seems to be on the upswing. 1 Liter of oxygen during the night. Still has chest tube with plans for regular diet today and pull the chest tube in AM. Mom hopes she can get up and walk a bit more today with her walker. She will ditch her cane for a while because it puts too much pressure on one side of the body so her walker will be her new best friend for a while. She continues to thank you all for the love and prayers as she continues this journey-Day #30.WOW!!!!Love, Babs
Mom moved to a new million dollar view about 7PM Tues night.We can see the helicopters land now & she has the sunset view. Mom is doing well. She had a chest ...Read more
Mom moved to a new million dollar view about 7PM Tues night.We can see the helicopters land now & she has the sunset view. Mom is doing well. She had a chest xray today and she is on a regular diet. She still has her chest tube and she worked with the OT (occ therapist).She feels great- no pain. She continues on a small rx of oxygen and the breathing machine (bipap) at night. Day 29 & counting. Never in our wildest dreams did we ever imagine she would be in the hospital this long. We thank all the staff for her compassionate care. Til later-Babs
Good morning. Mom is up in the chair & remains in ICU. She is having her diet progressed, continues on Bipap (breathing machine), on oxygen, has IV drip now. ...Read more
Good morning. Mom is up in the chair & remains in ICU. She is having her diet progressed, continues on Bipap (breathing machine), on oxygen, has IV drip now. The MDs are pleased with her progress thus far. Today is Day #28 since her heart operation and counting. We hope she can walk in the halls today. This will help her breathing and improve her overall status.She thanks you for the prayers. Love, Babs
This journey has been one of many steps both forward & backward. Mom & I are hoping it\'s all forward from now on. She was up in the chair & I gave her some ...Read more
This journey has been one of many steps both forward & backward. Mom & I are hoping it\'s all forward from now on. She was up in the chair & I gave her some oatmeal this AM-her first solid food in at least 10 days. The IV nutrition is stopped. She remains on IV antibiotics. The plan is to remove the urine catheter & get her up walking a bit. She still gets hooked up to the bipap breathing machine on 3 hrs,off 3 hrs. Jeff, her respiratory therapist has done a great job with her this weekend, as has Rick at night. She will have a nutritionist consult in AM for low fat diet-the next plan is the tx for the chylothorax.Baby steps..& we will continue to move forward. Mom says hello & thanks you for all the prayers. They were going to move her to the regular floor today but will wait. As you all can see she has been very ill and we thank all her health care providers the MDs, RNs, CNAs, etal for their professional & compassionate care.Babs
Mom had a good night. She is up in the chair at 0545. She continues to need her rest. She looks strong-The catbird is back at least for this moment. She has ...Read more
Mom had a good night. She is up in the chair at 0545. She continues to need her rest. She looks strong-The catbird is back at least for this moment. She has to wear a breathing machine at night,is on O2, getting antibiotics, she is still on IV nutrition. Next week the pulmonary and thoracic MDs will have to figure out what to do...Have a wonderful Saturday. Mom sends her love and thanks for your continued prayers. Babs
Dr. Luis Castro is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed thousands of heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques.
I am from: Greenville, North Carolina
