Patrick Larkin - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

10 days ago

Rose Madura, Kimberly Eisenhut, David Buchanan and 3 others reacted to this

Hi all! It's been quite a while since my last post and some friends were asking me to provide an update. Everything is GREAT! Everything is completely healed ...Read more

Hi all! It's been quite a while since my last post and some friends were asking me to provide an update. Everything is GREAT! Everything is completely healed and my scar is getting lighter by the day. I'm back to training to run a 5K in the fall. Most days I forget that I've even had the surgery until I see my scar and remember "oh yeah..." I can't say enough about the outstanding care I received at Morristown Medical Center and Dr. Brown - absolutely world-class.

Rose Madura Great update! 👍

Susan Lynn Fantastic news! Post a photo from your 5k!

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

223 days ago

Theresa Recce, Patrick Larkin, Rocco Recce reacted to this

It's great to be home! As Mimi posted on Sunday, I got out out of the hospital at about mid-day. Stlll having some trouble with fluids - need less around... Read more

It's great to be home! As Mimi posted on Sunday, I got out out of the hospital at about mid-day. Stlll having some trouble with fluids - need less around the heart and lungs so I''m on a 10 day regimen of Lasix to get things addressed.

One challenge I'm having that I didn't expect and would love suggestions/ideas. I've never been a back sleeper and now it's the only game in town for the next few weeks. Has anyone got a suggestion or trick that worked well for you when you had to sleep on your back while you healed?

Also, a word of thanks to everyone who took the time to send thoughts and prayers last week. It made a HUGE impact - thank you very much!

Onward and upward!

Tammy Gonzalez I'm right there with you on the back sleeping issue. One thing that helped me greatly last time I had ... Read more

Tammy Gonzalez I'm right there with you on the back sleeping issue. One thing that helped me greatly last time I had surgery (big one still coming up), was a wedge pillow for my bed. I will try to link it for you below. I know lots of people sleep in their recliners for a while afterwards, but the wedge worked for me. Not sure it will work with open chest this next time. We will see. Good luck to you in your recovery process! Glad you are home!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FINTS4M?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FINTS4M?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

Marcus Krauss I also found the wedge pillow helpful with back sleeping after surgery. I also put regular pillows on ... Read more

Marcus Krauss I also found the wedge pillow helpful with back sleeping after surgery. I also put regular pillows on each side of my body. I usually sleep on my side, and this setup helped me from rolling in my sleep. I found that after a full sternotomy, laying fully flat on my back was pretty painful for the first 2-3 weeks, so being slightly elevated on the wedge took a lot of pressure off of the incision.

Rose Madura I also would do lots of pillows and able to sleep for a couple hours. Then I would move down to the r ... Read more

Rose Madura I also would do lots of pillows and able to sleep for a couple hours. Then I would move down to the recliner and get some more sleep. Plus lots of naps.

Robert Miller Check out the link Tammy posted. For the first week or two I slept in an electric recliner. It helps ... Read more

Robert Miller Check out the link Tammy posted. For the first week or two I slept in an electric recliner. It helps a lot getting in and out. I also used different sizes of pillows to put behind my back, sides and between my knees when I crossed them. It's still a pain but it did make things easier. I also used a wedge pillow when I was sleeping in our bed. It sure helps but you it's still helpful to have some small pillows to support your back, etc. I also often got a stiff neck and used the cherry stone pillow my mother gave me many years ago. My wife actually keeps using it to keep warm during winter times. That's actually what we used it for when I stayed at my grandparents home...

JOHN DANGELO Thank you for sharing your story with us!

Patrick Larkin Great tips - thanks all. I’m sleeping in a recliner now but will check out the web pillow.

Michelle Persson I had OHS and an electric recliner saved me. I had a wedge pillow but would move in my sleep, then I ... Read more

Michelle Persson I had OHS and an electric recliner saved me. I had a wedge pillow but would move in my sleep, then I would wake up with pain. Also, I’m short so getting in & out of bed wasn’t easy. Best of luck finding what works best for you.

Pamela Gregory I also ended up sleeping in the recliner. It kept me on my back and definitely the most comfortable ... Read more

Pamela Gregory I also ended up sleeping in the recliner. It kept me on my back and definitely the most comfortable for some time

The chair saved me big time

Ashraf Abdulhadi It'll hopefully get easier by the day, Pat! You are one day closer to total recovery with every day t ... Read more

Ashraf Abdulhadi It'll hopefully get easier by the day, Pat! You are one day closer to total recovery with every day that passes by ...

Karen Hommel I used the bed pillow with the arms. It was so comfortable, i still use it on the couch.

Dan Fouratt I found a standard recliner worked well

Susan Lynn Patrick - I tried the recliner and the wedge pillow without success, but, like Rose, I arranged a b... Read more

Susan Lynn Patrick - I tried the recliner and the wedge pillow without success, but, like Rose, I arranged a bunch of pillows in an upside down U shape and it prevented me from rolling over during the night. For awhile, you'll sleep a few hours here and there - naps will be part of your daily agenda! But, eventually, you'll get back to your schedule when you're ready.

Btw, Lasix is pretty common after heart surgery. Most of us left the hospital with excess fluid. It's only temporary. Make sure you sit up and walk when you can. That will also help get rid of the excess water weight. Please keep us posted!

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

225 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Tammy Gonzalez, Yumiko Ishida and 2 others reacted to this

Pat is going home today!!! Waiting on final round by the cardiologist. His breathing is still tough but they’re giving meds meds they’re sending him home ...Read more

Pat is going home today!!! Waiting on final round by the cardiologist. His breathing is still tough but they’re giving meds meds they’re sending him home with should help. He is very anxious to sleep better at home.

Margaret Fielden Wishing Pat a good homecoming and plenty of sleep

Susan Lynn Woo-hoo! There's no place like home! 👠👠❤️

Amit Naik Nice to hear. Rest well and get well soon

J Alexander Lassally Did he have a sternotomy or thoracotomy surgery?

Ana Brusso Good news, home sweet home. 🙏❤️

Rose Madura Wonderful news! ❤️‍🩹

Ashraf Abdulhadi That is great news, Pat and you might be home already by now. Please rest, take it easy, and recover ... Read more

Ashraf Abdulhadi That is great news, Pat and you might be home already by now. Please rest, take it easy, and recover at your own pace.

Pamela Gregory Good rest will do wonders! That is when your body heals the most

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

226 days ago

Susan Lynn, Yumiko Ishida, Sue Bowens reacted to this

Hi it’s Mimi again with a quick update. Pat had a tough night and morning with difficulty breathing. He’s had some treatments and is resting. His pain is ...Read more

Hi it’s Mimi again with a quick update. Pat had a tough night and morning with difficulty breathing. He’s had some treatments and is resting. His pain is managed now with just Tylenol which is great. He has some swelling in his legs so the doctor is keeping him here until Monday but if all goes well he should be home then. I am thrilled to finally be able to visit him today, 72 hours after being fever free after a really poorly timed stomach bug.

Amit Naik Pray for fast recovery

Amit Naik I will pray for his fast recovery ❤️‍🩹

Dorothea Jenkins I hope you get well quick

Susan Lynn Sounds like he's on the right track, now. Prayers for you both.

Theresa Recce We’ve been following each day and continue to lift Pat in prayer. So happy you are better now too M ... Read more

Theresa Recce We’ve been following each day and continue to lift Pat in prayer. So happy you are better now too Mimi and able to be with Pat. Sending love.💕

Michael Ponzio Hang in there.

Rose Madura Recovery can have it's ups and downs. Hang in there. Glad you were able to visit. ❤️‍🩹

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

228 days ago

Michelle Persson, Kimberly Eisenhut, Anna Rakowicz reacted to this

Hi all, from Mimi Pat's wife. Pat had a really rough day yesterday with the pain. It was way worse than he expected and his spirits were low. Kelly was at the ...Read more

Hi all, from Mimi Pat's wife. Pat had a really rough day yesterday with the pain. It was way worse than he expected and his spirits were low. Kelly was at the hospital this morning and both surgeon and cardiologist did rounds. The bleeding finally stopped and his drains were removed. They figured out the right combination of meds to better manage his pain. He needs to use the spirometer more but he should be able to now that the pain is managed. I just got off the phone with him and his spirits this morning are so much better!!! The recliner that was recommended is being delivered this morning. Pat's doctors are looking to get him home as soon as possible may be even Sunday or Monday.

Michelle Persson That’s great that he’s feeling better. The recliner saved me, I hope it is helps him be more comf ... Read more

Michelle Persson That’s great that he’s feeling better. The recliner saved me, I hope it is helps him be more comfortable also.

Tammy Gonzalez Getting those drains out is huge. So glad he's starting to feel better. Prayers to Patrick and a rapi ... Read more

Tammy Gonzalez Getting those drains out is huge. So glad he's starting to feel better. Prayers to Patrick and a rapid recovery once he gets home and comfortable.

Kimberly Eisenhut What a great day to be feeling better and get good news! Do you mind me asking what cjair you purchas ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut What a great day to be feeling better and get good news! Do you mind me asking what cjair you purchased? I have been looking for one that is more comfortable than the one I have which my little doggy decided to chew a hole into 2 years ago when she was a puppy, and I have been covering it with a blanket this whole time, as it is not fixable :/ It is hard finding the right chair that is comfortable and will last. Is it power chair?

Rose Madura Getting the drainage tubes with help with the pain. And a recliner will help at home. ❤️‍🩹 ... Read more

Rose Madura Getting the drainage tubes with help with the pain. And a recliner will help at home. ❤️‍🩹

Robert Miller Sounds good! They don't give you pain meds unless you ask for it. So if he needs it, ask for it. That ... Read more

Robert Miller Sounds good! They don't give you pain meds unless you ask for it. So if he needs it, ask for it. That recliner will help a lot. I slept on an electric couch for about a week or so. You still get stiff muscles (also when you transition to the bed) but it's just for a few weeks you have to deal with this. If he had symptoms before, he will feel a lot more energetic once everything is over. Happy Heart Day!

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

228 days ago

Manuel Fernandez, Rose Madura, Michelle Persson and 2 others reacted to this

Hi, it’s Mimi, Pat’s wife with a quick update. After a rough night with chest pain and a subsequent chest X-ray, they had Pat up for a walk this morning. ...Read more

Hi, it’s Mimi, Pat’s wife with a quick update. After a rough night with chest pain and a subsequent chest X-ray, they had Pat up for a walk this morning. He has just been moved from the cardiac ICU to Gagnon 5 the cardiac floor. Making great progress!!!!

Ana Brusso Thank you for the update Mimi. So glad Patrick is getting better and making progress. Give him our be ... Read more

Ana Brusso Thank you for the update Mimi. So glad Patrick is getting better and making progress. Give him our best and I will continue to keep him in prayer. God bless you guys and Happy Valentines 💘

Suzette Schear Congrats sounds like he is really doing well, especially with walking. Wishing you both he best duri ... Read more

Suzette Schear Congrats sounds like he is really doing well, especially with walking. Wishing you both he best during this journey

Amit Naik Good to hear. On the road to recovery ❤️‍🩹

Susan Lynn Sounds like he's making excellent progress!! Thanks for the update, Mimi!

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

230 days ago

JOHN DANGELO, Susan Lynn, Sue Bowens and 1 other reacted to this

Pat was just moved to the cardiac ICU. I was wrong, his blood pressure was a little low not high but it’s normal now. Going to ICU as a precaution and hopefully ...Read more

Pat was just moved to the cardiac ICU. I was wrong, his blood pressure was a little low not high but it’s normal now. Going to ICU as a precaution and hopefully to Gagnon 5 tomorrow! Making progress!

JOHN DANGELO Keep us posted! Thanks for sharing!

Susan Lynn Patrick - You look like a million bucks! Thanks for inspiring everyone in the waiting room! Wish... Read more

Susan Lynn Patrick - You look like a million bucks! Thanks for inspiring everyone in the waiting room! Wishing you continued success with your recovery.

Ana Brusso Great smile Patrick. Welcome to recovery and God bless you 🙏❤️

Rose Madura You look like you are progressing well! Stay strong. ❤️‍🩹

Sheila Hagan Stay strong Pat. you look great!

Valerie Allen Welcome to recovery!

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

230 days ago

Amit Naik, Marcus Krauss, Ashraf Abdulhadi and 5 others reacted to this

Kelly and Kevin got to spend a few minutes with Pat. He has been extubated and is alert. We FaceTimed for a minute. We should hear where they are moving him ...Read more

Kelly and Kevin got to spend a few minutes with Pat. He has been extubated and is alert. We FaceTimed for a minute. We should hear where they are moving him around 1:00. His blood pressure is a little high so they may move him to the cardiac ICU otherwise to Gagnon 5 - Pat’s wife Mimi

Amit Naik 👏👏

Ashraf Abdulhadi Praying for you, Pat, and wish you a total and speedy recovery. You can do this. 💪

Deena Z So glad the surgery is over! Hello recovery. amen.

Rose Madura Welcome to recovery! Thanks for the update.

Sue Bowens Feel good Pat! You’ve got a lot of network cables there!

Deena Z It is so often that we put our thumb to say I made it through, even though I am exhausted, it is ove... Read more

Deena Z It is so often that we put our thumb to say I made it through, even though I am exhausted, it is over. Moving forward.

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

230 days ago

Rose Madura, Susan Lynn reacted to this

They kept Pat intubated and sedated because of bleeding. The bleeding has stopped so they stopped the sedation. Once he wakes up a little they will remove the ...Read more

They kept Pat intubated and sedated because of bleeding. The bleeding has stopped so they stopped the sedation. Once he wakes up a little they will remove the intubation. He will be moved to another unit later which will determine visiting hours. Kelly and Kevin are going to visit hopefully around 11. I’ll keep you posted

Sue Bowens Good to hear!

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

230 days ago

Patrick Larkin, Mary Rehus, Susan Lynn and 5 others reacted to this

Hi all! Kelly, Pat’s daughter again. The surgery went well! Two of us were able to go in and see him. His color and circulation look good. He’ll still be ...Read more

Hi all! Kelly, Pat’s daughter again. The surgery went well! Two of us were able to go in and see him. His color and circulation look good. He’ll still be coming out of anesthesia tonight, but so far he’s doing well! Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes! 🥰 Will update again tomorrow.

Mary Rehus Great news!! Hugs to all of you !!

Susan Lynn Great news!! Thanks for the update, Kelly! Tell your father there are heart warriors from around... Read more

Susan Lynn Great news!! Thanks for the update, Kelly! Tell your father there are heart warriors from around the world cheering for him!!

Shelly Hubbard Good news

Kimberly Eisenhut Hooray!!! So happy for you and your dad. Keep us posted

Michael Ponzio That’s great to hear

Rose Madura Wonderful news! Thanks so much for the update!

Amit Naik Good news

Grace Mason Wonderful!❤️‍🩹

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

231 days ago

Patrick Larkin, Amit Naik, Rose Madura and 2 others reacted to this

Hi everyone! This is Kelly, Pat’s daughter, on Pat’s behalf. He checked in yesterday and had his cardiac cath and stayed the night. We’re with him this ...Read more

Hi everyone! This is Kelly, Pat’s daughter, on Pat’s behalf. He checked in yesterday and had his cardiac cath and stayed the night. We’re with him this morning in between tests pre-surgery. So far, so good! Surgery is scheduled for 2:30. Prayers and well wishes are more than welcome! Will post again soon!

Valerie Allen Praying for Pat, your family and the surgical team. 💕

Grace Mason 🙏🏻 sent for Patrick and family

Susan Lynn Sending prayers and positive thoughts!!! Don't forget to grab a bite, Kelly! This is a long, stre... Read more

Susan Lynn Sending prayers and positive thoughts!!! Don't forget to grab a bite, Kelly! This is a long, stressful day for you. All the best to you, both!

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

235 days ago

Darrell Malone, Rose Madura, Valerie Allen and 4 others reacted to this

Hi all! A quick update... pre-surgery bloodwork and EKG is complete and all good. Looks like we're on for admission to the hospital on 2/10 and surgery on ...Read more

Hi all! A quick update... pre-surgery bloodwork and EKG is complete and all good. Looks like we're on for admission to the hospital on 2/10 and surgery on 2/11. Keep those thoughts and prayers coming!

Klara Čičić Wishing you very best, Patrick! You can do this.

susan harris you will do great! prayers headed your way!!!!!

Jennifer Euteneier You will do great! It seems like a daunting hill to climb but once you are out of the OR you have a n ... Read more

Jennifer Euteneier You will do great! It seems like a daunting hill to climb but once you are out of the OR you have a new lease to live your life!

Michael Ponzio So happy for you that all tests came back good to go. You’re going to do great. My prayers are with ... Read more

Michael Ponzio So happy for you that all tests came back good to go. You’re going to do great. My prayers are with you.

Rose Madura Praying for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery!

Pamela Gregory Sending my best thoughts and prayers your way!

Andrew Dial Good luck, you’re going to do amazing!

Amit Naik 🙏

Patrick Larkinposted a journal

242 days ago

Kelly Larkin, Rose Madura, Patrick Larkin and 6 others reacted to this

Hi everyone! Thanks for checking in. I thought it would be good to create this blog to keep folks updated on the upcoming surgery and subsequent recovery. ...Read more

Hi everyone! Thanks for checking in. I thought it would be good to create this blog to keep folks updated on the upcoming surgery and subsequent recovery.

Lots of emotions at this point - a mix of anxiety about the surgery and discomfort afterwards combined with anticipation about finally getting this valve issue addressed and behind me!

The support from my family and friends has already been unbelievable. SUCH a comfort! Thank you all very much for your kind words and prayers - keep them coming!

Stay tuned for details...

Kelly Larkin Love you!! It’s gonna go great and you’ll be stronger than ever before you know it 🥰

Ana Brusso Welcome Patrick to our community. Will be praying for your successful surgery and quick recovery. God ... Read more

Ana Brusso Welcome Patrick to our community. Will be praying for your successful surgery and quick recovery. God bless you 🙏❤️