Has anyone had cortisone injections for their scars? My cardiologist wanted my dermatologist to look at a small scar from a chest tube - it was healing kind ...Read more
Has anyone had cortisone injections for their scars? My cardiologist wanted my dermatologist to look at a small scar from a chest tube - it was healing kind of strange - and before I knew it I wound up with these injections to flatten the scarring. It's a 3 or 4 step process. Anyone else?
Cathleen Weed Yup did it for my OHS scar..best thing ever.
Clare Auten I did kenalog injections. They flattened my scar but it is even more discolored. Still a good decisi ... Read more
Clare Auten I did kenalog injections. They flattened my scar but it is even more discolored. Still a good decision for me as scar had been itchy and sensitive and isn't any longer. Mine was covered by insurance because of the sensitivity and itching.
Patti Talbot How soon after your surgeries did you start?
Kate Watson I am curious about this too. My scars still hurt and are getting thick and keloided. But the idea of ... Read more
Kate Watson I am curious about this too. My scars still hurt and are getting thick and keloided. But the idea of having injections into the scar sounds painful too. For those who had injections, was it pretty painful?
Cathleen Weed Kate...they sting because the area is so inflamed...but soooo worth it. Takes the inflammation down a ... Read more
Cathleen Weed Kate...they sting because the area is so inflamed...but soooo worth it. Takes the inflammation down almost instantly and flattens the area. I did it after all my OHS...so glad I did. Worth the temporary pain to have permanent relief. You need to go right away though..the longer you wait, the results aren't as good. I would go now before it gets worse. <3 Mine were done by a dermatologist too.
Kate Watson Thanks for sharing that Cathleen! I'll check into it for sure.
I am in my 6th week following mitral valve repair, using minimally invasive techniques. My surgeon was able to go in between my ribs with a 4" incision on my ...Read more
I am in my 6th week following mitral valve repair, using minimally invasive techniques. My surgeon was able to go in between my ribs with a 4" incision on my chest. I think this really reduced my pain and made my recovery easier than what a lot of your are experiencing. Today I started rehab, and I went there with an awful attitude - everyone will be "old", I don't want to be indoors on a beautiful spring day, I don't want to be in a hospital setting, etc etc etc! I had every excuse ready to hate it, and possibly even drop out! It was WONDERFUL! The staff was supportive, my body and heart responded well, and my class of 5 was great! As always, my purpose here is to support people who are newer to this challenge than me, and to let you know it gets SO MUCH BETTER as time goes in. To make the afternoon even better, I got a great call from my cardiologist that my echo of a few days ago looks great, and my repaired valve looks "perfect"! Life is good - and if yours doesn't feel that way today or tomorrow, I promise good things are coming to you. We didn't survive this experience for nothing!
Gary Stripling Good going, Patti! I felt the same about rehab, and I WAS the youngest in the room. But everyone was ... Read more
Gary Stripling Good going, Patti! I felt the same about rehab, and I WAS the youngest in the room. But everyone was so supportive and the staff incredible. It made all the difference in my recovery!
Kate Watson That is great to hear, Patti! I am starting rehab in a few weeks and looking forward to it, though am ... Read more
Kate Watson That is great to hear, Patti! I am starting rehab in a few weeks and looking forward to it, though am also guessing it will be old people :) Thanks for sharing your experience!
Tracy Simmons Patti, I totally understand where you're coming from. I was very apprehensive about rehab my first v ... Read more
Tracy Simmons Patti, I totally understand where you're coming from. I was very apprehensive about rehab my first visit, but ended up really enjoying it. The nurses and other patients were great and so supportive. I graduated a week ago and already miss it.
Steven A Husted good for you i love rehab and i am still in phase 3 going on 20 months now
It's been one month since my mitral valve repair, which included a re-hospitalization and surgery for a pericardial effusion. I'm doing well, and at least as ...Read more
It's been one month since my mitral valve repair, which included a re-hospitalization and surgery for a pericardial effusion. I'm doing well, and at least as well as I was before surgery - and maybe even a little better. I want to encourage all of you just out of surgery that it does get better! By week 3 I was beginning to suspect this, and now, at week 4, I KNOW this! Hang in there - it all passes - the lack of sleep, the nausea, the lack of appetite, the pain, the tears. We are a strong bunch and we will all survive!
Congrats!
Tebra Petersen Congratulations. 16 years out, I promise you, it does get better.
Wanda Mroz Great to hear you are going better! We are all stronger than we think we are!
Petey Bello You sound great Patti. Glad to hear you are feeling & doing better! Thank you for the positive advice ... Read more
Petey Bello You sound great Patti. Glad to hear you are feeling & doing better! Thank you for the positive advice & congrats on your one month anniversary !
Has anyone had issues with a high heart rate post op? I'm two weeks out and feeling pretty good - but this has me so scared and frustrated. The doctor says ...Read more
Has anyone had issues with a high heart rate post op? I'm two weeks out and feeling pretty good - but this has me so scared and frustrated. The doctor says its normal but I am reading into things and worrying myself. I am taking metropolol to try to get it down - but I wish it would hurry up.
Denise Campbell Hi. I'm 4 weeks out and on metoprolol. I also have high hear rate. Usually. Between 100-110. ... Read more
Denise Campbell Hi. I'm 4 weeks out and on metoprolol. I also have high hear rate. Usually. Between 100-110. I go for my recheck with surgeon tomorrow and that is one of my concerns. B
Patti Talbot I guess misery loves company Denise - you made me feel better. I go tomorrow too, let me know what yo ... Read more
Patti Talbot I guess misery loves company Denise - you made me feel better. I go tomorrow too, let me know what your doc says.
Sophia Ridley Without Bisoprolol mine is in the 90s, I'm nearly 5 months post surgery. Told it can take a while to ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Without Bisoprolol mine is in the 90s, I'm nearly 5 months post surgery. Told it can take a while to settle as you regain your strength.
Tracy Simmons Hi Patti, my resting HR was in the 60s to 70s before sugery and like you, it was in 100s after surg ... Read more
Tracy Simmons Hi Patti, my resting HR was in the 60s to 70s before sugery and like you, it was in 100s after surgery. I'm 5 weeks post op and on Metropolol too. It has come down some, but I heard the same thing that it takes some time.
Patti Talbot You are all making me feel much better. It's so easy to create awful things in our minds.
Gail Magnus Patti, are you anemic right now? If so, that can make you have a high heart rate. I'm 10 weeks post ... Read more
Gail Magnus Patti, are you anemic right now? If so, that can make you have a high heart rate. I'm 10 weeks post op and still have a high rate rate. I'm taking a beta blocker as well. My surgeon, cardiologist and nurses at rehab are all NOT concerned. I was pretty anemic right after surgery and the medical staff all told me that can affect your heart rate.
Wanda Mroz The heart is swollen and healing and it's pretty normal to have a higher rate now. I was in the 90s ... Read more
Wanda Mroz The heart is swollen and healing and it's pretty normal to have a higher rate now. I was in the 90s resting for awhile. I'm 8 mos today and resting I'm in the 60s. But I had 90s and 80s for quite awhile. I am also on metoprolol.
Twelve days out from mitral repair, and although my appetite is back, food still tastes very strange - maybe metallic like? The only meds I'm taking are toprol ...Read more
Twelve days out from mitral repair, and although my appetite is back, food still tastes very strange - maybe metallic like? The only meds I'm taking are toprol and blood thinner. Is this still from the anesthesia?
Linda Richards I'm 52 and 5 weeks 2 days after surgery. I had MV repair, too. I was taking Metoprolol Tartrate (bet ... Read more
Linda Richards I'm 52 and 5 weeks 2 days after surgery. I had MV repair, too. I was taking Metoprolol Tartrate (beta blocker?) and aspirin. I didn't not have much of an appetite but more oddly I didn't want to go out to eat, even on weekends. I never had a problem with a metallic taste.
Gary Stripling Very normal. I had MV repair as well last August. My tongue and mouth felt burned and my taste buds d ... Read more
Gary Stripling Very normal. I had MV repair as well last August. My tongue and mouth felt burned and my taste buds didn't wake up until 7-9 weeks post-OHS. Even then it took a while for everything to get back to normal (whatever that is).
Wanda Mroz I had M. repair and was on Coumadin for 3 months. I experienced the metallic taste at times and it s ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I had M. repair and was on Coumadin for 3 months. I experienced the metallic taste at times and it seemed to be the blood thinner. Now I'm just on metropolol and an aspirin.
Vicki Hake I had the same metallic taste until I went off of amiodrone.
I'm a week and a half out of mitral valve repair, and doing better everyday! I wanted to share this in hopes of maybe helping someone. My pain, from right after ...Read more
I'm a week and a half out of mitral valve repair, and doing better everyday! I wanted to share this in hopes of maybe helping someone. My pain, from right after surgery, has almost entirely been in my right shoulder blade. Today was my 3rd chiropractor visit, and he has really been helping. They Are gentle and not aggressive at all, and really well versed in our aches and pains. Just wanted to share. PS: something else I heard today that makes sense - in early recovery, don't expect to have two good days in a row. If we overdo, there is definitely a price to be paid.
Steven A Husted amen heart sister i agree one day up and one day down
Petey Bello Thank you Patti for sharing. It definitely helps those of us still waiting for surgery. I am heading ... Read more
Petey Bello Thank you Patti for sharing. It definitely helps those of us still waiting for surgery. I am heading into surgery April 20th for a mitral valve repair (or at least that is what I am praying for - hopefully a repair verses a replacement). Sending prayers & best wishes your way for a speedy recovery!
Wanda Mroz I am almost eight months post mitral valve repair. Pain in the shoulder blades... Oh yes I remember ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I am almost eight months post mitral valve repair. Pain in the shoulder blades... Oh yes I remember it well.... I had it in both. Muscle relaxers helped. I was told by my surgeon upon release.... Don't measure your progress by days... Because you will have good days and not so good days... Measure by weeks instead. I did that... Best advice I got. Hugs and prayers for continued smooth and speedy recovery!💞
Ok so all is well and we are home and all is good. Sleep is caught up on since there is none in the hospital. NOW - how do we sleep? I feel like I drop in ...Read more
Ok so all is well and we are home and all is good. Sleep is caught up on since there is none in the hospital. NOW - how do we sleep? I feel like I drop in one spot and can't move. Within a few hours this translates into real pain. I have a wedge, lots of pillows, and don't want to move to a recliner. Help please?
Tracy Simmons Hi Patti. I had minimally invasive surgery 4 weeks ago tomorrow. I sleep with a couple of pillows s ... Read more
Tracy Simmons Hi Patti. I had minimally invasive surgery 4 weeks ago tomorrow. I sleep with a couple of pillows supporting my head and then one pillow on my right side. I can use this pillow to prop myself up when my back starts hurting from laying on my back too long. I also try to catch some naps during the day to offset what I may be losing at night. My sleep pattern has gotten better over time. I hope this helps. Best of luck.
Linda Richards I had minimally invasive surgery 4 weeks and 3 days ago. I used a bed rest pillow and a bunch of oth ... Read more
Linda Richards I had minimally invasive surgery 4 weeks and 3 days ago. I used a bed rest pillow and a bunch of other pillows to sleep the first few weeks. I pretty much slept on my back, not moving for the first 3 weeks. And woke up at least 3 times during the night. Now I can sometimes sleep on my left side hugging a bed pillow. Sorry, but that's about as good as it gets! : )
Denise Campbell I had ohs and can only sleep on my back. Make sure you keep up with pain meds at night. Using ... Read more
Denise Campbell I had ohs and can only sleep on my back. Make sure you keep up with pain meds at night. Using good pillows and make sure the pillows keep your shoulder blades level with your head. That helps back pain.
Sophia Ridley Great to hear you're doing well.
I had a painful shoulder when lying flat so I used a bed wedge with ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Great to hear you're doing well.
I had a painful shoulder when lying flat so I used a bed wedge with two soft pillows on top half and one on the lower to soften the foam. Make sure that the "head" pillow isn't too high as it will stretch your neck muscles otherwise (discovered that that can cause headaches) I used a feather one as could make a well for my head to stop it flopping one side or another. I also slept on a duvet and under a single one as it was impossible to share a duvet.
I slept like this for 3 mths as shoulder was still painful when flat. I now sleep on my back and on my side occasionally with pillows support. Do use a hot water bottle under my lower back / shoulder, which ever aches!
Pain meds through the night will help immensely.
Steven A Husted for the last 20 months i have been sleeping in my electric recliner and have been doing pretty well s ... Read more
Steven A Husted for the last 20 months i have been sleeping in my electric recliner and have been doing pretty well sleeping before surgery i would sleep on my stomach but i cannot sleep on my stomach after surgery and even now i cannot sleep on my stomach because it hurts my sterum
Meredith Bray I went back and forth between my bed and the electric recliner for the first week. Good sleep really ... Read more
Meredith Bray I went back and forth between my bed and the electric recliner for the first week. Good sleep really eluded me until I could get out of bed by myself. I was so afraid that I was going to roll over in my sleep and hurt myself that I don't think I really fell all the way asleep until about week 3. The best rest I got was in the recliner, with some good neck support and pillows under my arms (taking the weight off my shoulders).
Nicola Laker I'm a front sleeper so I'm dreading trying to sleep on my back. I have bought two electric recliners ... Read more
Nicola Laker I'm a front sleeper so I'm dreading trying to sleep on my back. I have bought two electric recliners (one for my husband as he would have stolen mine 😂) and a nice soft blanket. Hopefully I will be able to sleep in that ad I dint want to.disturb my husband all night. I need a happy nurse not a grumpy tired one 😏 x
Nicola Laker Steven does your sternum hurt any other time or just sleeping on your front ? Out if everything the ... Read more
Nicola Laker Steven does your sternum hurt any other time or just sleeping on your front ? Out if everything the Dr's have told me about the surgery, it's the sternum part that really frightens me! It makes me queasy thinking about it. I always lay on my front 😢 . I hope mine isn't painful in september when I hope to be laying on the beach otherwise I'm going home two different colours 😅x
Patti Talbot Such good suggestions! I'm trying the pillow under my right side tonight!
Sophia Ridley Nicola, worth getting some practice in of sleeping on your back or in your recliner. Front sleeping s ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Nicola, worth getting some practice in of sleeping on your back or in your recliner. Front sleeping stretches the neck muscles so could be contributing to headaches.
I'm 5 days post op for mv repair. It's wonderful to be home in my own bed and recovering. I pray for anyone in mental or physical anquish, and I pray for those ...Read more
I'm 5 days post op for mv repair. It's wonderful to be home in my own bed and recovering. I pray for anyone in mental or physical anquish, and I pray for those having surgery in the week ahead.
Kate Watson Thanks Patti- glad to hear you are recovering and back at home. Hope it's a smooth recovery process ... Read more
Kate Watson Thanks Patti- glad to hear you are recovering and back at home. Hope it's a smooth recovery process for you!
How do you feel? good I hope.
Wanda Mroz Glad you are back home and doing well. Bet you didn't use half that stuff in the suitcase! Lol
Patti Talbot Ha ha Wanda I used my toothbrush on Thursday! Sent everything else home with family on Wednesday!
Dan ... Read more
Patti Talbot Ha ha Wanda I used my toothbrush on Thursday! Sent everything else home with family on Wednesday!
Dan I feel good - very sore as pain meds made me very nauseous- so just 2 Tylenol every 6 hours today, and then narcotic to sleep. Thank you too Kate - really, the anticipation was one of the worst parts.
I am not to far behind 8 weeks maybe sooner. Hope I do as well.
Wanda Mroz Lol... Sounds familiar! Rest and heal. Best thing for you right now. Hugs heart sister!💞
Kenneth Cole I also had mitral valve repair. Almost one year ago. Keep praying for otheres and don't forget the ... Read more
Kenneth Cole I also had mitral valve repair. Almost one year ago. Keep praying for otheres and don't forget the Doctors and their staff for all the good work they do. PTL. Keep us posted .
Tracy Simmons Isn't it great to be home, in your own bed, your own shower, your own food in your kitchen. In regar ... Read more
Tracy Simmons Isn't it great to be home, in your own bed, your own shower, your own food in your kitchen. In regards to the large bag you packed, you sound a bit like me. I ended up using my toothbrush and hairbrush.
Joyce Shelby Thank you for your prayers Patti! So glad that you are on the road to recovery. 😀❤️
Its not even funny but we might as well all laugh! You should SEE my suitcase! A friend said it looks like Im headed to a spa - HA - I'll bet the toothpaste ...Read more
Its not even funny but we might as well all laugh! You should SEE my suitcase! A friend said it looks like Im headed to a spa - HA - I'll bet the toothpaste is the only thing I use!
Petey Bello lol, at least you will be prepared! Good luck & sending prayers for you & all the other up coming sur ... Read more
Petey Bello lol, at least you will be prepared! Good luck & sending prayers for you & all the other up coming surgeries!!! God Bless!
Emily Rowley Haha I too packed a suitcase and extra bags. Only thing I used from it was my phone charger+toothbrus ... Read more
Emily Rowley Haha I too packed a suitcase and extra bags. Only thing I used from it was my phone charger+toothbrush lol. 😂
Wanda Mroz You should take a picture! Lol... I didn't take much... Used hardly anything , but dry shampoo was a ... Read more
Wanda Mroz You should take a picture! Lol... I didn't take much... Used hardly anything , but dry shampoo was a Godsend!
Barbara Laurie Patti, I have super thin hair and use dry shampoo several times a week The trick is to only spray th ... Read more
Barbara Laurie Patti, I have super thin hair and use dry shampoo several times a week The trick is to only spray the crown that gets the most dirty, use a light hand and don't over due, wait two mins then brush out, if your hair feels static, just lighty damp hands and brush through. I always remove the spray top and store it under the cover, strangely dry shampoo, onced used, the aresol part leaks out quickly, but removing the nozel works to keep it in. strangely, my little Sister gave me shampoo caps, they go in the microwave to heat up and you put it on like a shower cap, smoosh it around to shampoo hair, take it off with a squeegy motion and towel dry. I love it, though I hate towel dried hair, ah, guess i wont care😄❤️ All the Best💕❤️💕
Tracy Simmons I can totally relate. I had a rather large bag as well, but like others, used the toothbrush, hair b ... Read more
Tracy Simmons I can totally relate. I had a rather large bag as well, but like others, used the toothbrush, hair brush and pony tail holders. Something about brushing my teeth makes me feel a bit better. I'll be thinking and praying for you!!
Wanda Mroz I used an actual dry shampoo...sprays on like hairspray and is totally dry. Worked great.
https:// ... Read more
Rock Your Hair Spray It Clean is made for the girl on the go who wants a dry shampoo that works. WHAT IT DOES Rock Your Hair Spray It Clean Dry Shampoo refre...
Lynee Casper Thinking of you Patti, You will do well. I had to take a large bag too, because my bath robe, PJs and ... Read more
Lynee Casper Thinking of you Patti, You will do well. I had to take a large bag too, because my bath robe, PJs and slippers took so much space! Was glad I brought them though, for those Hallway walks and sitting in a chair. I brought my travel kit, but only used facial cream the last day. Hospital had good soaps, lotion, too. My iPad and phone and charging cords were packed too. I used dry shampoo too, helped a little.
Nicola Laker I have two bags packed. ..One for the first couple of days and the second has all the tablets, phone ... Read more
Nicola Laker I have two bags packed. ..One for the first couple of days and the second has all the tablets, phone and chargers, magazines and clothing etc, for when I'm ready to be "normal" again. My hospital did suggest not to bring too much in initially as i will.move wards three times and things tend to get lost. So once settled my husband can bring the second bag in to me. If he forgets there will be trouble 😅 xx
Wanda Mroz Yep the electronic devices will keep you occupied!! I don't know what I would have done without my p ... Read more
Wanda Mroz Yep the electronic devices will keep you occupied!! I don't know what I would have done without my phone and kindle!
Emily Rowley Does anybody know how to remove dry shampoo from the hair?
The hospital labeled all my bags and pack ... Read more
Emily Rowley Does anybody know how to remove dry shampoo from the hair?
The hospital labeled all my bags and packed them away in their safe luggage in Cardiac Ward but told me to take my toiletry bag to Cardiac ICU-I don't remember if I took it or where it went as I was so sedated.
Sophia Ridley Patti, best wishes for your surgery. I hope it's uneventful and your recovery smooth.
(To show up on the board you need a photo or logo, I just picked mine off the net)
Patti Talbot Thanks for help with getting on the board!
Erin Hannum Hi Patti!
I'm 7 weeks post op and still sleep in the recliner or the couch. I find the bed to be too ... Read more
Erin Hannum Hi Patti!
I'm 7 weeks post op and still sleep in the recliner or the couch. I find the bed to be too form fitting (comfortable before all of this!) and hard to get out of. I have extra large pillows to prop myself up because I still do not want to actually sleep on my side all the way (I think that's my own fear). I also still take a nap several times a week, although not every day. Even little things can take the energy out of you so pay attention to your body. (Advice from others on this journal!!!)
Best Wishes, Patti!
Nicola Laker Sending you the best for Monday and look forward to hearing how you are doing soon! Xxx
Hi, I'm preparing for my surgery this Monday 3/28. Im aware sleep could be a problem after and am looking for suggestions. We have a recliner but I would love ...Read more
Hi, I'm preparing for my surgery this Monday 3/28. Im aware sleep could be a problem after and am looking for suggestions. We have a recliner but I would love to be in bed if I could. I'm have minimally invasive under the right breast. What can I do to be most comfortable? Thanks!
Tracy Simmons Hi Patti. When I came home from the hospital, I started out sleeping in bed, but last night moved to ... Read more
Tracy Simmons Hi Patti. When I came home from the hospital, I started out sleeping in bed, but last night moved to the recliner due to a recent diagnosis of pericarditis - I think sitting up a bit helps. Just a bit of advice from what I've been through recently, but I think whatever makes you comfortable. I wish you the very best and I'll be thinking and praying for you.
Tracy Simmons Hi Patti. When I came home from the hospital, I started out sleeping in bed, but last night moved to ... Read more
Tracy Simmons Hi Patti. When I came home from the hospital, I started out sleeping in bed, but last night moved to the recliner due to a recent diagnosis of pericarditis - I think sitting up a bit helps. Just a bit of advice from what I've been through recently, but I think whatever makes you comfortable. I wish you the very best and I'll be thinking and praying for you.
Tracy Simmons sorry for the duplicate...that kind of day.
Sophia Ridley Hi Patti, I had MV repair via OHS in Nov. I opted for a bed wedge which I bought off Amazon and then ... Read more
Sophia Ridley Hi Patti, I had MV repair via OHS in Nov. I opted for a bed wedge which I bought off Amazon and then had pillows on it to soften it, I made a dip in the one below my head to keep it from falling sideways as pulled. I also had a duvet below me and a single over me (so no fights for the quilt with my husband!). Do have to be good at sleeping in one position but I found it v comfortable and also it's easier to get out of bed as you're half way there. Don't roll out too quickly - I'm sure that set off my AFib.
Michael Meyer Pillows, pillows, pillows. You will probably want to sleep on your left side until it becomes comfor ... Read more
Michael Meyer Pillows, pillows, pillows. You will probably want to sleep on your left side until it becomes comfortable to sleep on your back. You can get plenty of naps in the recliner, but I always slept in the bed after the minimally invasive procedure.
HI Patti, I had AVR with mini sternotomy in December. Slept in my recliner the first month and used a ... Read more
HI Patti, I had AVR with mini sternotomy in December. Slept in my recliner the first month and used a neck pillow turned around under my neck and side for support. Had pillows stuffed under each arm to support my arms. When I moved to the bed, I was so tempted to try to lay on my side that I would get stuck. Also, there was this weird popping noise that freaked me out so I stayed in the recliner extra long compared to many. I was able to sleep fairly well in the recliner. Best wishes to you!
Mary K I slept in the recliner, too. Same surgery as Laura.
Has anyone gone into surgery not feeling 100 percent? My surgery was scheduled for tomorrow and cancelled due to flu. It's been rescheduled for this Friday ...Read more
Has anyone gone into surgery not feeling 100 percent? My surgery was scheduled for tomorrow and cancelled due to flu. It's been rescheduled for this Friday the 25th. I am feeling better and fever is long gone, but I still have the cough that can so easily linger for a long time. I will call my surgeon tomorrow to let him know, but I wonder if anyone else has had experience with going in to this "not perfect"? I'm so frustrated!
Kate Watson Oh man, that's one of my biggest worries to get sick before surgery.I hope you can kick this illness ... Read more
Kate Watson Oh man, that's one of my biggest worries to get sick before surgery.I hope you can kick this illness and get your surgery over with ! Best wishes.
Patti Talbot I never get sick! I'm blaming this on the stess I've allowed to overtake me.
Emily Rowley Happened to me before my Surgery (some say it might be stress related) I started to experience flu li ... Read more
Emily Rowley Happened to me before my Surgery (some say it might be stress related) I started to experience flu like symptoms. They said it will be okay and gave me alot of saline oxygen mask (as you can see in my Admission photo) which helped drain all my sinus out. For the weeks leading up to my Op I tried take as many precautions like avoiding sick people, taking extra vitamins+immune boosters, plenty of rest+fluids and trying to remain calm. 😷
Wanda Mroz I felt sick too.... Had like a sore throat the week before on and off... Scared me but I guess I was ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I felt sick too.... Had like a sore throat the week before on and off... Scared me but I guess I was good to go because they didn't delay. Just let them know... They will know whether to go ahead with it.
Patti Talbot Emily and Wanda this really helps, thank you! Did either of you have a cough - that's what scares me ... Read more
Patti Talbot Emily and Wanda this really helps, thank you! Did either of you have a cough - that's what scares me the most!
Linda Richards I rarely get sick or get colds but to be on the safe side 2 weeks before my surgery was using a neti ... Read more
Linda Richards I rarely get sick or get colds but to be on the safe side 2 weeks before my surgery was using a neti pot (sinus cleanse) every other day before my surgery, up until I had to use that nasal stuff in my nose that helps prevent you from getting staph infection. I also drank fresh fruit/veggie drinks I made with my nutri ninja. But I regularly do this a few times a week anyway.
Emily Rowley Yes I had a really chesty cough (some mucus brought up esp after saline mask-in Hospital they tested ... Read more
Emily Rowley Yes I had a really chesty cough (some mucus brought up esp after saline mask-in Hospital they tested it in their lab, takes 48hr but came back all fine) my Surgeon checked me over (esp as I'm prone to chest+middle ear infections) and she didn't think it was the flu (as I didn't have an muscle aches-you know the full body ache get with the flu) was happy to go ahead.
Same here Linda with drinking lots of fruit+veg juice prior.
Wanda Mroz No cough here.. Just scratchy sore throat... I was terrified too that there would be a delay. I used ... Read more
Wanda Mroz No cough here.. Just scratchy sore throat... I was terrified too that there would be a delay. I used saline nose spray and airborne to help. I checked for fever but had none. Just let them know and remember it all happens for a reason. It'll be okay... Have faith. 💞
I survived my TEE today. They said I was handling it extraordinarily well so I was fully awake, even though they had sedated me. I wish this wasn't the case ...Read more
I survived my TEE today. They said I was handling it extraordinarily well so I was fully awake, even though they had sedated me. I wish this wasn't the case as it was uncomfortable, but over with so quickly. An hour in recovery and on my way back home. Followed up with my cardiologist this afternoon, where he confirmed the severity of the regurgitation and they need to fix the situation sooner rather than later. Came home and completely broke down - I'm just so tired, my throat is sore as can be from the test, and I wish this would all go away. I'm worried about how bad my attitude already is, and I know I have to make the choice to have a better attitude going forward. Thank you for listening.
Joyce Shelby Hi Patti, I understand how you feel with what you have had to go through. Please stay positive for y ... Read more
Joyce Shelby Hi Patti, I understand how you feel with what you have had to go through. Please stay positive for your own physical and mental well being! I wish you all the best!
Karen Border Hardwick Hi Patti. I understand how you feel. Both knowing and not knowing can be torture. Talking will really ... Read more
Karen Border Hardwick Hi Patti. I understand how you feel. Both knowing and not knowing can be torture. Talking will really help.
I am sorry you are going through all of this. Once I knew it was time for surgery, the wait was so an ... Read more
I am sorry you are going through all of this. Once I knew it was time for surgery, the wait was so anxiety provoking and scary (for me and my family). Hang in there. We've all been there or going through it and it is hard. Best wishes to you.
Gary Stripling I remember going through exactly the same thing last summer. But, like all of us here, you will get t ... Read more
Gary Stripling I remember going through exactly the same thing last summer. But, like all of us here, you will get through this! Being part of this community at this point in your journey will greatly help.
Wanda Mroz I wasn't awake for mine... I requested full sedation. You did great! I know how you're feeling... ... Read more
Wanda Mroz I wasn't awake for mine... I requested full sedation. You did great! I know how you're feeling... When you realize what has to be done and the fear and breaking down. We're all here to help get you through it. Hugs 💞
I survived my TEE today. They said I was handling it extraordinarily well so I was fully awake, even though they had sedated me. I wish this wasn't the case ...Read more
I survived my TEE today. They said I was handling it extraordinarily well so I was fully awake, even though they had sedated me. I wish this wasn't the case as it was uncomfortable, but over with so quickly. An hour in recovery and on my way back home. Followed up with my cardiologist this afternoon, where he confirmed the severity of the regurgitation and they need to fix the situation sooner rather than later. Came home and completely broke down - I'm just so tired, my throat is sore as can be from the test, and I wish this would all go away. I'm worried about how bad my attitude already is, and I know I have to make the choice to have a better attitude going forward. Thank you for listening.
Hi - I'm new here and terrified. Found out last week that my 20 year old mitral valve will need to be repaired, so the journey has begun. I am so scared, but ...Read more
Hi - I'm new here and terrified. Found out last week that my 20 year old mitral valve will need to be repaired, so the journey has begun. I am so scared, but in a strange way a little relieved. I've had chest pain for all of these years, and in the past year, its been daily. I guess I'm "glad" to be getting this done in hopes of feeling better.
Tomorrow is my TEE, which thanks to too much research, I've also managed to scare myself about. It sounds like a "nothing" but Im a little worked up.
Thanks for taking me in to this group.
Patti Talbot BTW, I am not 20, I am 54. The problem was diagnosed 20 years ago.
Tim Goff Patti,
Welcome! Don't fret about the TEE as you will be asleep and it will be over when you wake up. ... Read more
Tim Goff Patti,
Welcome! Don't fret about the TEE as you will be asleep and it will be over when you wake up. Plenty of great resources here too.
Patti Talbot Thanks, Tim. I'm feeling better now, and looking forward to laughing at myself at this time tomorrow, ... Read more
Patti Talbot Thanks, Tim. I'm feeling better now, and looking forward to laughing at myself at this time tomorrow, when I realize how irrational my fears were.
Barbara Laurie Please let us know you're okay after your test Best Regards❤️💕❤️
Wanda Mroz The TEE is easy because you're out like a light! Hoping for a good result! All your fears are norma ... Read more
Wanda Mroz The TEE is easy because you're out like a light! Hoping for a good result! All your fears are normal and we are all here to help. Hugs