Renee's Posts

I'm back….and better than ever!! It's been 7 months since surgery. Holy cow — time flies!! I know in September I went on radio silence. I had a personal crisis that I needed to deal with. All I will say is that if you had this surgery or soon will, please PLEASE read the chapter on cardiac depression! It could save your life. It is real, it is incredibly painful and it is NOTHING to be ashamed about!!!!! You may have guessed I went through it. With counseling, medication and a truly awesome support network…I do think I'm back to my old self!! As for my recovery — it has been a difficult and yet amazing experience!! My energy levels are through the roof. I have lost 27lbs. I am exercising all the time. I have signed up for a few 5k runs, went snowshoeing on Mt. Rainier(see pics), have a 3-day snowshoe planned for the end of March. I am getting out and enjoying life to a level I never thought possible. I had been so tired for so long. I thought that is just what happens when you hit 40. Apparently NOT!! For those awaiting surgery — I hope you are excited for this new lease on life — it really is a second chance. I have made so many positive life changes — I am eating better, drinking less, laughing more and have an attitude of gratitude! This was not an easy road, at times; I did not know how I would make it. I look back at my journey and am bewildered that I am the same person. I think about the surgery every day. I'm not sure why. I will see the scar, feel a slight pain, or notice the wires holding my sternum together, just subtle reminders of what I went through. What I don't notice, my heart racing all the time, waking up gasping for air, panic attacks, anxiety, feeling like — something is wrong me. Those have all went away! Most people take for granted not feeling their heart, for me, it's something totally new. I'm so excited for what I can do and accomplish. I know that I will need depression medication — at least for a while. I am ok with that. For those just beginning this journey, stay strong, great things are yet to come!!!!! I do need to thank so many people who helped me along the way, Dr. Gravy, Dr. Ward, Dr. Thompson, Nurses, lab and X-ray techs at TG, St. Francis ER and hospital staff, Brianna, Devin, Mom and Dad, Grandma, Aunt Carol, Kathy, Shirley, Cheryl and Denise, Robyn, Randy, Amanda, Andrea, Tara, Kristin, Jen, Ed, Rob, Sventlana, Shar, Cat, Marlene, Ann, Roger, Mary, Paula, Tamara, Rosa, Aran, Bryan, James, Michael, Ernie and other heart valve patients, Adam Pick, everyone who prayed, sent cards and signed my guestbook, anyone I may have left out and the Almighty God — I would not have made it this far without all of you!!!!! I also want to thank the Seattle Seahawks for keeping me entertained and on the edge of my seat during recovery!! Woot Woot!!