Olga's Journal

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 reply,

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!

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

  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 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.

  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.

  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

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 you?

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 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. 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 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. 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

  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, 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

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

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 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 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

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 flow from others. What a treasure you and Olga have together, so blessed by God

  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 good care of each other! Eleanor

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!

  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 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 the step down unit. Many thoughts and prayers for her. Eleanor

  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 thinking of her all the time.

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 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!

Olga Landry  Wendy: you should know by now that I dance wether anyone is watching or not! I'm just a happy husband lol

  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, too, Daniel) and are relieved to hear no trips back to the operative theatre. We continue to lift you all up in prayer!

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.

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

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 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.

  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 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.

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 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

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, also I have met new friends throught this site,

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

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 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

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 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 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