6 years ago in October I had a palmore replacement. I am now experiencing shortness of breath . I got a cat scan done and there is something wrong with my ...Read more
6 years ago in October I had a palmore replacement. I am now experiencing shortness of breath . I got a cat scan done and there is something wrong with my lungs, I wonder if any one has experienced the same thing, I am getting scared wondering what wrong.
Hello
I am feeling kind of scared right now.
I had open heart surgery 4 years ago on Oct 8th.
I had pulmonary valve replacement.
I have been doing very ...Read more
Hello
I am feeling kind of scared right now.
I had open heart surgery 4 years ago on Oct 8th.
I had pulmonary valve replacement.
I have been doing very well. The last few years.
Now I am starting to feel short of breath and wheezing.
I am going to see my cardiologist next month. Sept 20.
I'm nervous in what he going to say.
I am wondering if any one else has experience this.
Hello everyone.
The news update.
I went to see my Cardiologist yesterday.
I told them how I was feeling tired, no energy, light headed,
The nurse that ...Read more
Hello everyone.
The news update.
I went to see my Cardiologist yesterday.
I told them how I was feeling tired, no energy, light headed,
The nurse that saw me first before the cardiologist took my blood pressure, and asked a lot of question. She was surprise that I was still on all the meds I was on. She said I should of been off of them a few weeks ago. So I was over dosing on the meds. The doctor agree to drop all my meds except for the baby ASA.
Let me tell you I feel a lot better today already.
I change the bed, wash dishes. Tidy up around here.
Then I rested.
I was also told to take another month of work. If I didn't feel ready to go back to work.
I have to go to the cardiologist in 3 month again.
Feb 16 2015
I am feeling so much better, I started back to work a few weeks ago. my first shift was a 12 hour night shift. boy was a tired, it took me two days to get over that,
It all is starting to feel like a memory, I just past the 4 month mark on Feb 8th.
I notice I am having a lot more energy. I am going up and down the stairs pretty good.
I worked 1 night shift and 2 day shift last week and I felt pretty good,
the only thing is that the top of my scar feels like the a pin poking me sometimes and it is itchy and feels tight.
I have notice since I stated off the meds I felt so much better,
I spoke to my cardioligiest last month and he sad I don't have to go back tell next Dec.
Eleanor R Olga, I am glad to hear from you, and to know you are doing well, and much better with fewer meds. M ... Read more
Eleanor R Olga, I am glad to hear from you, and to know you are doing well, and much better with fewer meds. Me, too, and many others I imagine. Take good care of yourself, especially with those 12 hours shifts. You probably do not do it, but sit down when you can, and be sure to drink enough water to stay well hydrated. Take good care of yourself. Eleanor
Olga Landry Hello Elenor. How are you doing.? I have thought of you. I hope you are doing well,
Thank you for the ... Read more
Olga Landry Hello Elenor. How are you doing.? I have thought of you. I hope you are doing well,
Thank you for the reply,
Robert Osmachenko Hey Olga. Good to hear from you. I see you're doing great and even better off the meds. Keep up th ... Read more
Robert Osmachenko Hey Olga. Good to hear from you. I see you're doing great and even better off the meds. Keep up the good work!
I started Driving 2 weeks ago. That felt good being able to drive again.
The other thing I wanted to share was that I felt very tired, no energy and I felt ...Read more
I started Driving 2 weeks ago. That felt good being able to drive again.
The other thing I wanted to share was that I felt very tired, no energy and I felt light headed. Also I felt like there was lead In My feet. I could not walk very far and couldn't do any thing. I took my BP and it was very low.
Then about nearly 2 weeks ago I took Daniel for his hernia operation, and I forgot my pills that morning. During the day I notice I had a lot of energy. I was not tired I walk around the ward multiple times and all around the hospital no Promblems. The next day I took my pills again as well as the night before then a few days later I notice the feeling came back. I realize it was the pills so I called my Cardioligist and he told me to lower the doses. I am feeling so much better.
I was starting to wonder what was wrong with me because I read other patients' posts and noticed how quickly they were recovering and walking a lot more than I.
I still have discomfort in my chest. It reminds me still to be careful. I still get tired easily but not like before.
I am going to see my cardiologist on Dec 11.
I also did another mile stone today. I went to church. Oh I felt so good.
It was nice seeing all my friends again.
Eleanor R You did the right thing, Olga in letting the doctor know how you felt. I, too, had to have medicine ... Read more
Eleanor R You did the right thing, Olga in letting the doctor know how you felt. I, too, had to have medicine lowered as it made me too weak, tired and dizzy. What a difference! I am so glad you are doing well and hope Daniel is recovering well, too. Best wishes, Eleanor
Hello everyone, The big news for today is that I got my stiches removed. The doctor had a little bit a hard time because the stiches were in a little to long ...Read more
Hello everyone, The big news for today is that I got my stiches removed. The doctor had a little bit a hard time because the stiches were in a little to long and started to grow into my skin. It was a little bit painful. It feels great having them out.
Last week I started the Cardic rehab. It not what I excepted. I thought it was going to be excercise equipment but it was just light warm up and walking then arobic.
There also an education class afterwards.
I am slowly getting better one step at a time. I still get pretty tired by early afternoon and have to go for a nap.
I have gone to the care home to visit the residents there.
Take Care.
Love Olga.
Hi Olga, wow...you are moving along pretty quickly. I am so happy that you are doing well. I still ... Read more
Hi Olga, wow...you are moving along pretty quickly. I am so happy that you are doing well. I still pray for you each day. Love you. Keep up the good work. I will talk to you again soon.
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Olga, Glad you are doing so well and hope your Mom is back home safe and sound. It was good of ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Olga, Glad you are doing so well and hope your Mom is back home safe and sound. It was good of her to help out as long as she did.
Did you get a chance to get a puzzle or something to paint before she left like we talked about? I got a good 2hrs. into sketching my new block as it was warm day here in California and the sun was streaming into my kitchen window and the lighting was perfect. It is good you are getting out to see your residents and I am sure they are happy to see you and miss you. take it easy and watch those steps! Take those naps too when you need them! Talk with you soon. Terrie, Hunter and Kat.
Hello heart friends. I have a question to ask you all.
After surgery did anyone experience there hands going blue?
It is a little bit chilly here. My Mum ...Read more
Hello heart friends. I have a question to ask you all.
After surgery did anyone experience there hands going blue?
It is a little bit chilly here. My Mum and I went for a walk outside. When I looked at my hands they were blue. Really blue and my nails too. But my hands weren't that cold.
I don't now if my lips were blue my Mum never mention it.
I have never experience that before even before my surgery.
My Mum did say I went blue when I was a baby before my first open heart surgery.
I am a bit nerves about this.
Olga
Clare Auten My hands turn blue/purple all the time. But, they did it before my surgery too.
Hey Olga. Glad to see back! There are a lot of weird things the body goes through after surgery fro ... Read more
Hey Olga. Glad to see back! There are a lot of weird things the body goes through after surgery from minor heart attacks to a myriad of aches and pains. So... do you have an oximeter/pulseometer that you can click on your finger? Do you have a BP cuff that you can monitor your blood pressure?
Blue usually means a lack of oxygen doesn't it?
Take care, Bob O.
no it can be Raynards symptoms you can look it up .
You are only a couple of weeks post op and you had a problem with your blood pressure being too low r ... Read more
You are only a couple of weeks post op and you had a problem with your blood pressure being too low right after surgery. I would say stop trying to guess why your hands are blue and call your doctor. I think your doctor would be the best one to advise you. Love you Olga. -Karen
and I agree with Karen.
Joan Napier Definitely check in with your doc. A common cause is medications such as beta blockers that can affec ... Read more
Joan Napier Definitely check in with your doc. A common cause is medications such as beta blockers that can affect peripheral circulation and cause hands and/or feet to turn blue with cold temperatures. But no guessing here, only your doc can give you a definitive answer.
Terrie Syvertsen Olga, I agree with Kathryn agreeing with Karen! HEy Kathryn how is your beautiful bird doing? How are ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Olga, I agree with Kathryn agreeing with Karen! HEy Kathryn how is your beautiful bird doing? How are you?
Hello Everyone.
2 weeks ago yesterday since my surgery and a week ago today I came home from the hospital.
The pain in my chest is pretty mild.
I went ...Read more
Hello Everyone.
2 weeks ago yesterday since my surgery and a week ago today I came home from the hospital.
The pain in my chest is pretty mild.
I went to the care home where I work and saw the resident that was so nice to see all of them again.
They where happy to see me as well today. I also went to the dr. My dr wasn't there so the doctor there was a very young doctor. He had no idea why I was there. I told him I just had open heart surgery. He responded I guess you where in hospital for a day or two. I pope up and said no more like a week.
I am walking a little more. I also washed a little bit of dishes.
I am so grateful for my Mum and Daniel help. They both have been great.
I am also glad the weather has been so nice as well to be able to go for walks.
Tammy Pilcher Great to hear Olga! I hope you continue to recover fast!
Joan Napier Olga, Good to hear you are gradually returning to your normal activities. Wishing you all the best as ... Read more
Joan Napier Olga, Good to hear you are gradually returning to your normal activities. Wishing you all the best as you continue your recovery. May God bless you.
Eleanor R Leave those dishes alone and enjoy being taken care of! But like you, I was right back into my daily ... Read more
Eleanor R Leave those dishes alone and enjoy being taken care of! But like you, I was right back into my daily routine, it was comforting somehow to know that I could still do some things, and increasingly more things, and now everything. I wish you the very best recovery Olga. Best wishes to you, Daniel and your Mum. Eleanor
Olga, I am so happy to see you here. And happy to see you are doing so well. Keep up the good work. ... Read more
Olga, I am so happy to see you here. And happy to see you are doing so well. Keep up the good work. It does my heart good to know that you are healing and that you were able to visit the home where you work because I know they made you feel happy and you deserve that. Take good care of yourself. Love you Olga. Talk to you soon. Karen
Virginia (Ginger) French Olga, So glad to see you are getting out a bit -- the warm welcome at the care home must have been gr ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Olga, So glad to see you are getting out a bit -- the warm welcome at the care home must have been great. Please try to allow yourself some time to relax a bit and rest so you will heal. Healing needs a lot of energy, so try to keep your supply high by not doing too much. Sending hugs and love and a bunch of BRAVO's!
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Olga, Daniel and Mom! Glad to hear you made it to see all of the residents at your workplace. N ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Olga, Daniel and Mom! Glad to hear you made it to see all of the residents at your workplace. Now! Did you watch out for the many hugs I warned you to guard your sternum? I bet you were ready for them and Daniel played "Defense" to keep you safe! That had to make a lot of them happy being able to see you in person and know you are doing well. I bet they miss that smile of yours! You take care not to overdo at home as it is easy to feel these spurts of energy making you want to "keep going". Your body will give you reminders when enough is enough too!. Glad Daniel and your Mom are there to help and share in your recovery! Take care and we will be in touch! Love to all, Terrie, Gary, Hunter and Kat
Hello Everyone..
It's me Olga. I was realesed from hospital yesterday evening.
We are now with a friend right now. Are friend Gordon.
We will continue ...Read more
Hello Everyone..
It's me Olga. I was realesed from hospital yesterday evening.
We are now with a friend right now. Are friend Gordon.
We will continue the rest of the trip today.
3 more hours.
I can't express my Thank You for all your Love and prayers.
It's a journey I wouldn't want to repeat.
The hospital Mazankowski. Heart .
The Nurses and Doctors were Great.
and the rest of the staff.
Thank you for all your post it help this to go simpler.
Adam Pick Thank You again for this wonderful website and advice you have share one of the advice was about the spirometer. It helped a lot I don't they teach you very well on that plus what your wife mention you just have to learn to hurry and be patiant. That gone through my head very often.
Thank to all the rest of the patiants that have posted there experience. It help me also a lot to get through this time.
Love from your heart sister.
Olga
Olga, I am so happy to hear that you are released from the hospital and headed home. God has answere ... Read more
Olga, I am so happy to hear that you are released from the hospital and headed home. God has answered many prayers that went out for you, that's for sure. Have a safe trip home and we will talk once you are settled and rest up a bit. Love you my dear heart sister. Talk to you soon. Karen
Eleanor R So glad to hear from you Olga, and to know you have already been released. You've done well so far, ... Read more
Eleanor R So glad to hear from you Olga, and to know you have already been released. You've done well so far, now to continue healing. Take it easy on yourself, walk, breathe, eat, walk, breathe rest, etc. Your Daniel was a great "field journalist" thank him for all of us for keeping us notified and for making sure you were well cared for. Love to you both. Eleanor
Welcome home Olga!
Adam Pick Olga, thank you for the very, very, very kind words. I am so thrilled to learn of your discharge and ... Read more
Adam Pick Olga, thank you for the very, very, very kind words. I am so thrilled to learn of your discharge and your trip home. And, I was so touched to see your smiling face in the hospital. It is an honor and privilege to have you as a wonderful member of this community. Happy Homecoming!!! Adam
that is wonderful Olga!
Terrie Syvertsen Olga, sweet Lady! So glad you are in recovery and with a friend. Please call me and let me know when ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Olga, sweet Lady! So glad you are in recovery and with a friend. Please call me and let me know when you are in your home again because I want to mail something once you are in and settled up those stairs. Please don't try to do too much and be patient with yourself. Take care and hope you update us regularly. Good post!
Daniel Landry Well, we are home now for six hours. Olga's sister Laura arrived here last night and had a peaceful r ... Read more
Daniel Landry Well, we are home now for six hours. Olga's sister Laura arrived here last night and had a peaceful rest before the hectic pace of today.
Olga is finally resting (sleeping) peacefully and I am here right next to her in our own bed. What a wonderful feeling to be home, in our own bed, lying side by side. Now if only I can prevent myself from hurting her by accident we should be fine. (And for those who want to say it; I would never hurt Olga intentionally either. Sheesh, the things people read into things!
Now, lying here, with Olga, and having the soothing sound of running water from "Sleep Pillow", (a wonderful App) I am enjoying hearing Olga breath (though still a bit raspy) and holding her in my arms is so wonderful. I am so thankful to know that I will get to have these experiences longer here due to her new pulmonary valve, and also enjoy Olga's company throughout all eternity.
I am grateful to Dr. Al-Aklabi and his surgical team for their work and their wisdom, and most especially Jolene,Dr Al-Aklabi's Secretary who followed up at every step of the way, making sure we arrived at our appointments and tirelessly coordinating every aspect of our time at the Hospital. Jolene is always on the go, making sure everyone is getting to where they need to be.
I wish you all a good, good night and a peaceful recovery.
Daniel Landry
I am happy to know that Olga is home resting. One thing that is very clear is how loved Olga is. By ... Read more
I am happy to know that Olga is home resting. One thing that is very clear is how loved Olga is. By you Daniel and Olga's mom and sister and her nieces. So much love out there for Olga. I am quite positive that she deserves every bit of the love she receives. From my own communications with Olga, she is such a kind, loving, gentle soul. I am so happy that she made it through surgery and is on the road to recovery. She earned every bit of the good that will come from it all. Bless you both. Karen
Joseph Ballett Welcome home , hope each day is better for you, You'll do fine.
Susan Ericsson Yeah! Congratulations and welcome home!! We rejoice with you!
Since Olga feels she is not yet ready to type herself, I have chosen to come out of retirement and take command of the situation.
Olga continues to amaze ...Read more
Since Olga feels she is not yet ready to type herself, I have chosen to come out of retirement and take command of the situation.
Olga continues to amaze and astound the staff. She was able today to attempt climbing stairs in order to prepare her for our stairs to get to our apartment. When we went to the stairwell to begin, the physiotherapist turned to Mum and I to say something and, while he did this, Olga started to zip up the stairs (8 of them) and the physiotherapist had to chase her up the stairs. Olga is extremely strong willed when it comes to doing something that frightens her. She will simply conquer the fear and press on!
Her determination to leave the hospital is surpassed only by her desire to be at home in her own bed.
I have every confidence that Olga will be leaving the hospital tomorrow but I had to reassure her tonight that it is all in heavenly fathers' time. Only He knows what Olga is capable of and what she isn't at this point.
I wish to give thanks to all those who have blessed our lives in their prayers and thoughts, you have been instrumental in Olga's recovery and belief in herself. Your prayers have been answered and Olga is whole, and getting well. Now if only she would TAKE the time to heal properly she would feel less stressed and more in tune with Heavenly Father.
To all of you who have been in similar circumstances, I thank you for your words of counsel and willingness to share your experiences with us. It truly has eased our minds during this time.
Olga is my candle burning bright,
Her eyes are filled with heav'nly light
Like a beacon in the night
Gently guides my heart to hers
And richest feeling in me stirs
Then sudden though to me occurs:
An Angel sent from God above
Landed gently as a dove
To teach me how to love
She came to me in beauty fine
As sweet as early morning wine
Before it's rancour off the vine.
I'll not forget the blessed part
That stirs within her beating heart
And pain be gone ne'er more impart
The fading, flustered, fleeting thought
Nor bring again what fear has wrought,
Begone, and ne'er round here again be caught!
Thy powers gone to blind our mind
The faith and courage of her kind
Its gentleness and meekness find
In all who's life her steps have trod
And as she holds the iron rod
That leads again to God
May we who follow be so bold
To grasp her hand and tightly hold
Til all the streets that paved with Gold
We find beneath our surest step
Because her faith and promise kept
She for us knelt and fully wept
That God might in his bosom hold
Our hearts when we too should grow old
And in eternal rest He'll fold
As he did his sheep before
So now he did her heart restore
My dearest Olga, I love you more!
Daniel
Virginia (Ginger) French Beautiful, awesome, incredible - Daniel, you, too, are quite a treasure. Rarely have I seen such love ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Beautiful, awesome, incredible - Daniel, you, too, are quite a treasure. Rarely have I seen such love spoken with words that paint true Faith.
Elaine Foster Thank you Daniel for sharing your heart! Words don't come easily for me, so I am amazed how they flo ... Read more
Elaine Foster Thank you Daniel for sharing your heart! Words don't come easily for me, so I am amazed how they flow from others. What a treasure you and Olga have together, so blessed by God
Hello Everyone! Today was truly a garden of blessings!
Olga has graduated from the Third Floor to the Fourth! And the Fourth is truly with her. "Yes, this ...Read more
Hello Everyone! Today was truly a garden of blessings!
Olga has graduated from the Third Floor to the Fourth! And the Fourth is truly with her. "Yes, this one's a Star Wars reference and no I have still never seen any of them!"
Today we bid fare-thee-well CVICU we'll see you another day.
Tomorrow is a brand new day and Olga has risen to the STEP-DOWN unit.
What an exciting day for all of us as Olga now is running circles around the fourth floor. She continues to amaze the staff with her determination and cheerfulness and desire to drive herself out of the sickbed.
Olga will now relearn how to climb stairs, and how to get along with her revitalized heart. The staff at the University of Alberta Hospital Mazankowski Heart Institute have been excellent (for the most part but who's counting). The care Olga has gotten, the instant friendships, and the acceptance into the community has been exhilarating. I would also like to point out that not just the staff but also the families of other patients has been uplifting during trying times. (I would hope that we too have provided the same).
As Olga is now a self-propelled entity, full of energy and vitality, and endowed with her infectious smile and happy personality, (and access to the outside world), I believe that this may be my "Last Post" so-to-speak. I continue to appreciate all of the prayers and well wishes on our behalf. You all have contributed greatly to the pre during and post surgery healing and I thank you all for the love you have shown Olga, Mum(Jane), and myself.
The fourth floor of the Mazenkowski unit houses not only the Step-down unit but it also is home to the Guru Nanek Dev Healing Garden. It is a wonderful place to just sit, relax, enjoy the sunshine, and listen to the soothing sound of the water features. And Olga's room is only steps away. It is part of the laps that she is going to have to do four times a day. What a marvellous way to recouperate.
See you all on the other side when we all get there together.
Bon soir mes ami! De mon coeur a le tien, Bon soir!
And now I bid you a happy day and hand you back over to the Heart of my Heart. Olga!
Daniel
Daniel, thank you for all of the details on Olga's journey during her surgery. I am so happy to hear ... Read more
Daniel, thank you for all of the details on Olga's journey during her surgery. I am so happy to hear that she is doing so well and can't wait to chat with her when she is up to it. Please give her my love. The garden sounds beautiful. What a nice place to start gaining more strength. Thanks again for keeping us all in the loop. Once again, prayers have been answered and another of our heart sisters is making her way back. Such news is a really nice way to start a day.
Eleanor R Thank you Daniel for your posts during this time, and best wishes to you for your own surgery. Take ... Read more
Eleanor R Thank you Daniel for your posts during this time, and best wishes to you for your own surgery. Take good care of each other! Eleanor
wendy gorst Wonderful, wonderful news. Stepping down to go up - I like it!
Mary Myers That is the best news. I hope to meet the lovely Olga one day. Our prayers have been answered and am ... Read more
Mary Myers That is the best news. I hope to meet the lovely Olga one day. Our prayers have been answered and am so thankful. Looking forward to many years of friendship with Olga. Daniel thank you so much for keeping us update on Olga's recovery. Your are amazing! Please give Olga butterfly kisses from her heart sister Mary!
So, tonight I went back to see Olga and see her I did! There are no more facial obstructions. Her oxygen tube is gone, the feed tube went bye-bye, much to Olga's ...Read more
So, tonight I went back to see Olga and see her I did! There are no more facial obstructions. Her oxygen tube is gone, the feed tube went bye-bye, much to Olga's joy and happiness. The only things left to go now are the heart monitor leads, the finger oxygen tester and the pick in her forearm that never got used from this afternoons move from Olga's Vena Cava.
That's it.
Olga is able to swallow her pills crushed in pudding and she had a shower today. Though she wasn't too happy with the shower. The toilet backed up into the shower, the door was left partially open to the hallway, and the nurse wasn't very "warm-hearted".
Olga's room is starting to look empty now that there is only one pole stand left. Also the gentleman in the next room passed away today. He was only 61.
My surgery, scheduled for Wednesday, will hopefully be rescheduled to a later date since, as of tonight, Olga is still in CVICU. if it's too late notice, I may have to leave Olga with her Mum here in Edmonton and travel to lloydminster tomorrow. Won't that be fun? The two of us in hospital in two separate cities, 3 hours apart.
Olga's surgeon was in today to examine his handiwork and see how Olga is doing. Olga is astounding everyone with her progress. Olga is not the kind of person to take things lying down. She is simply Kind! And persistent. It appears that tomorrow or the next day Olga will be in the step-down unit. It's one floor up from where we are. Lol. There she and we will be taught valuable life preserving skills, like climbing stairs. Then either Thursday or Friday Olga will be coming home.
We thank all of our support team for their prayers and well wishes on our behalf.
Until tomorrow i bid you a Dieu! Que le sengieur vous Donne plusieur de paix puis confiance a fair tout ce que tu veux fair en liberte et puissance.
Daniel.
Hi, Olga's doing amazing. She's had the catheter removed, the IV in her neck is gone and put into her right forearm, and the pacemaker's been disconnected. ...Read more
Hi, Olga's doing amazing. She's had the catheter removed, the IV in her neck is gone and put into her right forearm, and the pacemaker's been disconnected. There is only the feed tube in her nose, the IV in her right arm, the temperature sensor on her right pointer finger, and the heart monitor leads left to come out. She's resting right now and they are going to get her into the shower soon. Olga should be in the step-down unit by tomorrow and I'm predicting home before the weekend but we'll see.
Daniel
That's fantastic Daniel. Thank you so much for the update. I've been thinking about Olga and prayin ... Read more
That's fantastic Daniel. Thank you so much for the update. I've been thinking about Olga and praying that she was doing better. Loving prayers continue for Olga. Please give Olga my love. Karen
wendy gorst Great news! Thanks for sharing for Olga Daniel! your posts are an inspiration to everyone here. Give ... Read more
wendy gorst Great news! Thanks for sharing for Olga Daniel! your posts are an inspiration to everyone here. Give her all my love and tell her I am thinking of her constantly......A. Wendy xxxxxxxxxxx
Eleanor R I am glad Olga is progressing, and I know you all will be more comfortable when they move her into th ... Read more
Eleanor R I am glad Olga is progressing, and I know you all will be more comfortable when they move her into the step down unit. Many thoughts and prayers for her. Eleanor
Olga's Mum has a great update for tonight that I want to share. The only thing I would add is that when I went back this evening, Olga had one less appendage ...Read more
Olga's Mum has a great update for tonight that I want to share. The only thing I would add is that when I went back this evening, Olga had one less appendage invader, the IV on her left hand is gone and two less bags were hanging on the one pole (though I was told that these May have been added to another already in-place insertion point). Nevertheless, it is one step closer to looking like her regular self without Borg implants. Yes that is a Star Trek reference.
Even still, Olga's beautiful smile shines through it all, and her amazing heart continues to beat within her loving, selfless body! Olga is my strength, my joy and my example of all that this world has to offer! She is my light, my hope, and my greatest advocate on Earth! Olga truly is "The Wind Beneath My Wings" and "I Am Right Here Waiting For Her".
Daniel.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10152809434119878&id=695684877
Oh Olga must be so happy to get anything removed at this point. Being on that ventilator as long as ... Read more
Oh Olga must be so happy to get anything removed at this point. Being on that ventilator as long as she was had to be frustrating and very uncomfortable for her. My heart was aching thinking about what she was going through. I pray from this moment forward, she will have only comfort and peace as she regains her freedom from her tethers and begins to heal. God Bless Olga and help her heal.
wendy gorst What a wonderful update Daniel, Olga is making great strides. Give her all my love and tell her I am ... Read more
wendy gorst What a wonderful update Daniel, Olga is making great strides. Give her all my love and tell her I am thinking of her all the time.
Olga's breathing tube is now out and her beautiful smile has returned! We are doing good now. She's sitting up and whispering for what she needs.
Eleanor R Please let her know that we are all thinking about her, and celebrating her progress. Take care of h ... Read more
Eleanor R Please let her know that we are all thinking about her, and celebrating her progress. Take care of her, and take care of yourself Daniel, and Mom. Eleanor
Virginia (Ginger) French Daniel, Thank you so much for your up-to-the-minute posting. It has enabled us to continue to pray f ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Daniel, Thank you so much for your up-to-the-minute posting. It has enabled us to continue to pray for the needed actions/changes, etc., as Olga has come through this time of surgery and early recovery. So glad that tube is out!!! Our prayers continue to cover you that there will be no further complications or unexpected twists as her Journey continues. May you each take care of one another. It is enheartening (small pun) to read of your obvious love for Olga. May that smile shine on!
Terrie Syvertsen Great News Daniel. Continued progress in both beautiful smiles and recovery!
Doctor came to see us to confirm levels are good, blood tests are good, no blood around heart just in it! Monitoring overnight. Prescribed sleep for us too. ...Read more
Doctor came to see us to confirm levels are good, blood tests are good, no blood around heart just in it! Monitoring overnight. Prescribed sleep for us too.
Prayers continue to go out to Olga. She will continue to be in my prayers. I hope she is doing bett ... Read more
Prayers continue to go out to Olga. She will continue to be in my prayers. I hope she is doing better this evening.
Virginia (Ginger) French Thank the Lord! Karen is quite right, there are many of us who care a great deal about Olga (and you ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Thank the Lord! Karen is quite right, there are many of us who care a great deal about Olga (and you, too, Daniel) and are relieved to hear no trips back to the operative theatre. We continue to lift you all up in prayer!
Olga's medication has been changed, the doctor's been in, blood pressure levels higher for now and being monitored closely. If no change, will ease off heart ...Read more
Olga's medication has been changed, the doctor's been in, blood pressure levels higher for now and being monitored closely. If no change, will ease off heart meds gradually. If levels drop again will be having camera scope and possible reopen of lower end of incision to see what's going on. Echo revealed that right ventrical was stiff and thus med change happened. Here's hoping all goes well.
Thank you all for your loving support. We will press on in faith!
Daniel
Olga's blood pressure wasn't bouncing back and some blood had escaped from her abdomen so they are doing an echo to see what's going on. Will keep everyone ...Read more
Olga's blood pressure wasn't bouncing back and some blood had escaped from her abdomen so they are doing an echo to see what's going on. Will keep everyone posted. Daniel.
have just been in to see Olga and she looks as beautiful as ever. She still has the breathing tube in but she is supposed to be awake in around a couple of ...Read more
have just been in to see Olga and she looks as beautiful as ever. She still has the breathing tube in but she is supposed to be awake in around a couple of hours. I will keep everyone updated. I'm going for lunch now. It's 3 o'clock here now and I'm hungry and so is Mum. Daniel.
Thank you for the updates Daniel. So happy things are going well.
wishing you my very best ~
Daniel Spurgeon If she has the breathing tube in then I'm glad she's sleeping. I woke up only when they were removin ... Read more
Daniel Spurgeon If she has the breathing tube in then I'm glad she's sleeping. I woke up only when they were removing it, and am glad I didn't wake up any sooner.
Adam Pick Yeahhhhh!!!! So happy. Wooo-hooooo Olga!!!
Surgeon was just in to see us. All Is Well! All Is Well! We'll get to see Olga soon! And it's a cow valve!
Terrie Syvertsen Are you passing out Cigars?!!! Great news. Now let the Healing begin. Make sure you get some rest and ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Are you passing out Cigars?!!! Great news. Now let the Healing begin. Make sure you get some rest and food Daniel. Tell her we are thinking of her but you know, I don't think now is the time as she will not remember! Give her a kiss on the forehead anyway. Terrie
Wonderful News!!!! Lots of love being sent to Olga. God heard our prayers.
Olga Landry Terri: no cigars, can't stand the smell!
Ginger and Terri: kisses will be passed on!
Karen: He did in ... Read more
Olga Landry Terri: no cigars, can't stand the smell!
Ginger and Terri: kisses will be passed on!
Karen: He did indeed!
Thank you all for your cheering and support!
Terrie Syvertsen Sister, Mum, Daniel and Olga. Prayers are heading your way as you head into the evening. Glad you are ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Sister, Mum, Daniel and Olga. Prayers are heading your way as you head into the evening. Glad you are stopping to get something to eat and you all have to keep up your strength for yourselves as much as Olga. She will be happy to see you all when She wakes up. So glad for her that this wait is over! Have a good evening y'all.
Joan Napier Such great news! Prayers answered, and prayers continue for a smooth recovery.
We just got news that the surgeon will be seeing us in about 45 minutes and Olga will be in CVICU in 1.5 hrs.
Daniel.
That's FANTASTIC Daniel. Three cheers for Olga. Lots of love and prayers coming your way. I am so ... Read more
That's FANTASTIC Daniel. Three cheers for Olga. Lots of love and prayers coming your way. I am so happy that she finally made it to this point. No more waiting for surgery, no more wondering and worrying. Many blessings for you both. Karen
Terrie Syvertsen Sounds wonderful Daniel and you are great to get right to us with this post as there are many waiting ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Sounds wonderful Daniel and you are great to get right to us with this post as there are many waiting to hear how Olga is doing! Great job and keep them coming when you have a free moment. Take care of yourself too! Sending prayers and good wishes.
Olga is now in surgery and the wait begins. Daniel
I want to thank all of you for your kindness and love. Olga is a very special person and I love her very ...Read more
Olga is now in surgery and the wait begins. Daniel
I want to thank all of you for your kindness and love. Olga is a very special person and I love her very much. I know that with all our prayers and well-wishes and the blessing of Heavenly assistance that this will all be just a memory and this beautiful lady will be up and running once again.
Daniel.
My thoughts are with you both. I will say extra prayers for Olga today. Love to you both.
Joan Napier Praying today for a very successful surgery. Positive thoughts are with you. Joan
Wow. What a long and tiring day.
There was a lot of info and walking around the hospital.
It was a good day all in all. I had some test done.
I have to ...Read more
Wow. What a long and tiring day.
There was a lot of info and walking around the hospital.
It was a good day all in all. I had some test done.
I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning. I will be in hospital for 5 to 7 days.
I will be in ICU for 1 to 2 days.
Daniel will keep everyone posted on this website or Facebook.
Please do not call Daniel for a few days. If you like to leave a message here. Daniel will try to reply.
Thank You all for your thoughs and prayer.
I will post when I feel better.
Love Olga.
Wow. What a long and tiring day.
There was a lot of info and walking around the hospital.
It was a good day all in all. I had some test done.
I have to ...Read more
Wow. What a long and tiring day.
There was a lot of info and walking around the hospital.
It was a good day all in all. I had some test done.
I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning. I will be in hospital for 5 to 7 days.
I will be in ICU for 1 to 2 days.
Daniel will keep everyone posted on this website or Facebook.
Please do not call Daniel for a few days. If you like to leave a message here. Daniel will try to reply.
Thank You all for your thoughs and prayer.
I will post when I feel better.
Love Olga.
Good luck Olga. I will be praying for you. I'm so glad this will be behind you soon.
Joan Napier Olga, I will also keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you throughout your surgery and ... Read more
Joan Napier Olga, I will also keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you throughout your surgery and recovery. Joan
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Olga. It was good talking to you before your surgery. I will be among others sending out prayer ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Olga. It was good talking to you before your surgery. I will be among others sending out prayers that your surgery goes on as scheduled and that it goes smoothly so that you can join all of us out here in recovery. I wish the best also for your Mom and Sister who will be here for you as well and hope that Daniel and yourself will both have a smooth time of it. Be confident and have Faith in your surgical Team who will do well on your behalf. Sending healing prayers for you now and in recovery. Terrie
11220 83 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
780-407-8407 (Patient Information)
Friends and family ask for the hospital address .
The hospital name is University ...Read more
11220 83 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
780-407-8407 (Patient Information)
Friends and family ask for the hospital address .
The hospital name is University of Alberta
Mazankowski Alberta heart institute.
It looks like the surgery is going to happen. Daniel and I will leave for Edmonton on Monday.
I will keep you all posted.
Daniel will keep you posted during my surgery and a few days later till I can back on the computer.
Thank you for all of your love and support. It been greatly appreciated.
Love Olga.
Adam Pick Olga, My thoughts and prayers are with you and all those around you. You are going to do great! Keep ... Read more
Adam Pick Olga, My thoughts and prayers are with you and all those around you. You are going to do great! Keep on tickin! Adam
Olga Landry Thank You Adam
Thank you for all you have done. This website and the bookthey both have been useful, ... Read more
Olga Landry Thank You Adam
Thank you for all you have done. This website and the bookthey both have been useful, also I have met new friends throught this site,
Hello Everyone.
Well the date for my surgery got changed again. I will be having it on the 8th of Oct.
There was an emergency for another patiant. ...Read more
Hello Everyone.
Well the date for my surgery got changed again. I will be having it on the 8th of Oct.
There was an emergency for another patiant.
As of last week I have been off work on sick leave. I get tired too quickly now.
I will be going for my preop on the 7th.
Virginia (Ginger) French Olga, I just want you to know that you remain in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure all will be well. ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Olga, I just want you to know that you remain in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure all will be well. You will probably feel relief when the waiting is over and you have the surgery behind you. I know I certainly did. What surprised me was how relieved my family was. I think sitting outside the OR waiting and wondering what is going on is psychologically more difficult than sleeping through the surgery, as you will! Love and hugs, Ginger
Hello, It been a while since I wrote on here so I thought I will do an up date. My Surgery is still on the 30 of Sept no changes yet.
my pre op is on the 29th ...Read more
Hello, It been a while since I wrote on here so I thought I will do an up date. My Surgery is still on the 30 of Sept no changes yet.
my pre op is on the 29th of September. It is going to be a very long day that day,
Daniel ans I will go to Edmonton on Sunday after church. A friend of ours is going to Scooby (our Dog) that week.
I have notice I am getting tired quickly now. Today is my last day of work until after my surgery. I just was finding I was getting to tired.
On Monday I worked from 8;30 till 1;30. then I came home. then around 5;30 I got a phone call from work. I call it the care home, from one of my co-worker/friend. to tell me she got hurt and need help. well I didn't have the car. Daniel had it at our local store. so I started walking really fast up a up hill road. Daniel met me half way and took me the rest of the way to the care home. The care home is close to my home like about a 10 - 15 min walk,
I didn't have time to rest plus my adrenaline was pretty high so I just jump in and started working. I worked till 7:00. I had a couple of friends come from church we were going to prepare food for the freezer meals that the ladies from the church were going to put together the next night. that was till 8:30.
I was pretty tired then. I went to work yesterday. I felt physically tired I had a short break. then I went back to work. The grocery came in. I started to put them away there was another worker there. she is very lazy, So instead of asking for help. I put all the milk away. I put a big bag of brown sugar on the cart as well a big tub of margarine on the cart wheeled it to the back kitchen. empty the big bag of sugar into a container and put it away then put the big container of margarine away. After that I was very tired and out of breath. I had no energy to go farther. I went to the office and told my boss how tired I was and she sent me home.
I even had a hard time going up the stairs that go to my apartment. (no There is no elevators.) I just rested for the rest of the day. I told my boss today this is too much to work so I am taking the week off before my surgery. plus a couple of the residents have bee sick so I don't want to take any chances to get sick, plus I think it will be good to get thing organize next week for the surgery the following week.
I am starting also getting anxiety about the surgery as the date getting closer.
Terri- the decision of the shield I decided not to get the shield. I like your idea better about gauze and the paper tape.
Thank you Terri, Ginger, Mary and Eleanor for all advice about before and after surgery.
Have a great day.
Take Care. Olga
Eleanor R Good decision, Olga, to take a bit of time off before your surgery, so that you can rest and get your ... Read more
Eleanor R Good decision, Olga, to take a bit of time off before your surgery, so that you can rest and get your apartment and yourself ready. You will do fine! Before they send you home, make sure they know you have stairs. I do too, as my bedrooms are upstairs, the patio and garden are downstairs, so I had to learn to go up and down stairs before the hospital released me. They sent me home on day 4 after surgery, and that morning they showed me how to safely go up and come down stairs, without pulling on the handrail, which you body will not allow you to do. Slowly, safely, you'll do it. I would look for a comfortable, soft and loose camisole or tee shirt, to protect your incision site, over the gauze and tape that Ginger recommended and which I used gratefully. I am so glad about the freezer meals, hurray for the church ladies, you will so appreciate that (as will Daniel), until you are ready to cook again. Try to enjoy your "holiday" next week and don't let yourself get too anxious, we are all here for you to talk to, or write to. Eleanor
Virginia (Ginger) French Olga, I am with Eleanor on this all the way. There comes a time, and our bodies tell us if we will o ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Olga, I am with Eleanor on this all the way. There comes a time, and our bodies tell us if we will only pay attention! when at this part of the Journey one must rest. So glad you are stopping work for a time. Very smart. The next hard part comes in not overdoing it at home and with last minute things. Believe it or not, almost every one of then can wait until after surgery. This is the time to give yourself a break. Rest up and relax as much as possible, for you will need that energy for surgery and recovery. And Olga, again echoing Eleanor, there are so many of us praying for you, sending positive thoughts, and trying to stay in touch for you in ant way you may need us. We are further along the Journey and know you will be fine! Bless you and may God fill you with comfort and peace. Ginger
I am thinking about getting a incision shield. Has anyone used it? Is it worth getting it?
Thank you.
Olga
Mike Nunes Olga, I did not get and have been just fine. I know that some have used and liked, but for some reas ... Read more
Mike Nunes Olga, I did not get and have been just fine. I know that some have used and liked, but for some reason I have been lucky so far and had no issues with my incision. I am 3 weeks post op.
Terrie Syvertsen Well hello Olga and Daniel. Do I have a comment or two for you today, ha. ha. Terrie here and I just ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Well hello Olga and Daniel. Do I have a comment or two for you today, ha. ha. Terrie here and I just read this question on the "shield" and would like to give you my 2 cents worth. I had the full sternotomy incision and am equipped with a full "Woman's chest" thank you very much. Point being, unlike the men who might benefit by the "shield" to be honest with you I don't think it would be worth it but it is your choice and I would wait to see about whether any one else says It was good for them that is a female. Myself. I know others may have a different experience but after waking up and having the nurses clean the area one time I have not had anything covering the area other than occasional gauze strips where areas may be more prone to rubbing. I also used the "Paper tape" due to the fact I am allergic to adhesive(not a great thing but workable) after surgery. Since home I have made sure to keep the area clean and free of lotions or odd soaps, just your every day soap and water and be gentle. I did as Eleanor suggested in one of her posts. I went out and bought 12 special for me wash cloths all white so that Gary couldn't use them or wash the dogs face with the for they are "Special cloths for Special Terrie's Special Incision!!!!! You can't see me but I just stuck out my tongue and made a cool bratty face! The reason for them is that by having your own special clean and laundered cloths at hand while you are healing you can make sure the area remains clean and has plenty of air to get to it to heal. I have an incision that you can almost not see due to the fact it has healed so beautifully in only 4 weeks! The lady who put on my "Monitor" said in fact that She hasn't seen someone come out of surgery with an incision after this short a time with such a great looking, incision. "Thank you very much Mina" from Kaiser/Stockton!
And our Heart Sister Ginger also had a great suggestion in that after home, it is far easier to take some gauze and fold it into a shape that will settle between the breast area and lay up towards the top and bottom of your incision. It can be taped with paper tap so that it doesn't open up and I have to tell you at times when I didn't want anything rubbing it worked beautifully until the incision settled into it's healing mode and if you are gentle with your upper body and don't try to stretch too much you will find it to heal well!. I also learned from other women that not wearing a bra if you are comfortable with it due to size and just wearing comfortable cotton camisoles or thin strapped t-shirts under loose cotton blouses will make the healing time better as it still allows the skin to breath and a bra was not on my list of things I must do. you will be healing at home at first and there are no prizes for being uncomfortable while this is happening Lady!
Second Olga. I have a comment on your return of the "Monitor"! That is the subject of another "Book" in my life as I have only had mine on for four days and I can tell you the following experiences.
!. No fun while walking in the park when the monitor is weighing down your right hand pants pocket along with the cell phone, water bottle to the point wear your pants are sliding down your --- while you take each step. #2 The dreaded sticky stuff on the stickers. Removing the stickers to shower was a joy this morning as they are placed beneath the breasts and over the right hand upper chest. Gary was getting ready to go out the door as I was getting ready for shower and was in hysterics as my upper body looked like aliens had abducted me over night as the removal left these giant circles of red in place of where the stickers had been. (I am allergic to adhesive which is on my chart and was missed so I was sent home with them. (To anyone getting a monitor for your heart and whom will have to wear it for days please phone in ahead of picking up your monitor so that they will mail you hypo-stickers to replace the adhesive!). The sticky stuff is no picnic but a gentle rub of warm water and soap does take it off! Also didn't know to put the leads into the "holders" on the skin first so Gary spent 5 minutes poking the leads into the already placed patches and guess what, had to remove them and put them in first. Good to know for next time as I felt like I had been
poked in the chest one too many times before he left. And someone must be able to come up with something less sticky, yes!!!
Glad you got your Monitor off. When will you hear the results of it? I have25 more days to go! Well I have to go eat my blueberries and yogurt that I was headed for before I caught site of your post on the shield. Hope this post finds you and Daniel enjoying this beautiful day!
Virginia (Ginger) French Olga, one other piece to incision care that many of us have found helps with comfort and speeds the f ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Olga, one other piece to incision care that many of us have found helps with comfort and speeds the final closing of the incision. Anytime you wash and even up to three times a day, unused your warm wet washcloth at the end, lay it along your incision, and allow that warm, moist comfort to soften the scabbing of the incision. When you do this, it prevents the hard prickly feeling one gets so often with scabs. The warm compresses keep them from getting so hard, and in the process the edges of the incision come together in a quicker, more comfortable way. Also, the scabs,since they are soft, drop off much sooner and you don't have the itchy, prickly stage that would occur otherwise. Hope this helps! Ginger
Olga Landry Thank you Ginger. I am going to try to remember this tip.
How are you doing
Good Morning everyone.
I would like to make a correction on my holster poster. When I said I am glad my surgery on the 8th should read. I am Glad my surgery ...Read more
Good Morning everyone.
I would like to make a correction on my holster poster. When I said I am glad my surgery on the 8th should read. I am Glad my surgery is NOT on the 8th so my scar can heal.
The sores are getting better. It not as red as before.
So my surgery is still on Sept 30.
Thank you Uncle Reeve for pointing out the mistake. Thank you Karen and Uncle Reeve for letting me know you got the post.
Have a Great Day everyone.
Take Care.
Olga