Roy Lawton - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1754 days ago

Rose Madura, Leslie Bakos and 1 other reacted to this

Wow it been 4 years since my valve replacement. I am so thankful for all the heart research that has been done. Not that many years ago my life would have ...Read more

Wow it been 4 years since my valve replacement. I am so thankful for all the heart research that has been done. Not that many years ago my life would have been shortened by the lack of treatment and surgery options available to us today. Do I feel like I did before the replacement? No but I'm still alive and kicking. You just have to accept that there are limitations and pay attetion to them. I haven't signed in on here for a LONG time. If your new to it and are facing possible surgery don't hesitate get it done. You won't be sorry.

Marie Myers Amen to that and ! Happy Anniversary!

Roy Lawtonposted a journal

2448 days ago

Naomi Gray, Claire Kreger-Boaz, Shannon Gray and 1 other reacted to this

There is life after OHS! One of my favorite hobbies is Community Theatre. I am currently working on my 4th show since my surgery. I have to watch the requirements ...Read more

There is life after OHS! One of my favorite hobbies is Community Theatre. I am currently working on my 4th show since my surgery. I have to watch the requirements for roles I audition for. ( the dancing isn't happening so much anymore but may have nothing to do with my health based limitations lol). I'm so happy to be living and enjoying life again.

Rita St Pierre Sounds like you have gotten your confidence back, I wish I could say the same..

Susan Lynn Good for you, Roy! Getting back to the things you love to do is a great indicator of a successful r ... Read more

Susan Lynn Good for you, Roy! Getting back to the things you love to do is a great indicator of a successful recovery! Continued success! ❤

Roy Lawtonposted a journal

2546 days ago

Matthew Russo, gail himmelsbach, Bradley Dunn and 9 others reacted to this

I just wanted to check in. I just celebrated 2 years out from my valve replacement Feb 20th. I had planned on posting it that day. I still feel elated with ...Read more

I just wanted to check in. I just celebrated 2 years out from my valve replacement Feb 20th. I had planned on posting it that day. I still feel elated with my results. My only regret is that I fought it for so long before surrendering to the surgery. I felt better right away. I had virtually no real pain (except when I had to sneeze! Lol) I feel so good these days. Even having to deal with some annoying limitations I have. The 'ole grey mayor ain't what he used to be. But hey you just roll within you abilities. Life is precious and so glad to still be around for my family. If your are contemplating or dragging your feet about getting that valve fixed don't wait. Do it for yourself and for your family. You won't regret it.

Bob Guzzo Congratulations on your 2 year valve replacement anniversary! Wishing you many, many more Healthy & H ... Read more

Bob Guzzo Congratulations on your 2 year valve replacement anniversary! Wishing you many, many more Healthy & Happy Years!!

Debbie Moriarty Congrats, Roy!!! I agree with you!! Don’t put if off!! The recovery side is so much better than Pre ... Read more

Debbie Moriarty Congrats, Roy!!! I agree with you!! Don’t put if off!! The recovery side is so much better than Pre op and all the anxiety!!!

Fay Kozas Congratulations! And, great advice. Wishing you many more anniversaries!

Susan Lynn Happy Anniversary! Inspiring testimonial for those who may be procrastinating, too! Thanks, Roy! ... Read more

Susan Lynn Happy Anniversary! Inspiring testimonial for those who may be procrastinating, too! Thanks, Roy! ❤🥂🍾

Roy Lawtonposted a journal

2869 days ago

John Formby , Lisa McLaughlin, Shannon Gray and 3 others reacted to this

I can't believe my surgery was a year ago last month (Feb.20). There is no comparison to how I feel this year as compaired to last year. It's been a year ...Read more

I can't believe my surgery was a year ago last month (Feb.20). There is no comparison to how I feel this year as compaired to last year. It's been a year of excitement and frustration. I am learning it's a balancing act. I get my INR in check and then it's either to high or to low. Then I just can't get out of AFIB. It's getting somewhat better but still not steady yet. I had a echo in January to find my Ejection Fraction at 25%. I had a med adjustment then another Echo. Now I'm at 40%. I'm learning you have to just stay on top of things. But at the end of the day I am so glad I had the surgery. Was the surgery worth it? Would I do it again? You bet.

Marie Myers Happy Anniversary! Hope things get better and better for you, and that the afib abates. The one yea ... Read more

Marie Myers Happy Anniversary! Hope things get better and better for you, and that the afib abates. The one year mark is a real milestone.

Lilly Black Roy, congratulations! Feb 20 was my first surgery date in 2007. Yes stay on top of things and that co ... Read more

Lilly Black Roy, congratulations! Feb 20 was my first surgery date in 2007. Yes stay on top of things and that could be different for everybody. Walking and swimming keeps my heart working and steady. Wishing you a great heart journey 😊✌️

Roy Lawtonposted a journal

3114 days ago

Sandra Noetzel reacted to this

I found out excessive heat can be a problem for folks like us. I ended up in the hospital for dehydration a couple of weeks ago. I also understand that I ...Read more

I found out excessive heat can be a problem for folks like us. I ended up in the hospital for dehydration a couple of weeks ago. I also understand that I need to be careful extreme cold temps too. Does anybody have info on this?

Marie Myers It is easy to get dehydrated in extremely hot weather. And with many of us on BP Meds, diuretics, and ... Read more

Marie Myers It is easy to get dehydrated in extremely hot weather. And with many of us on BP Meds, diuretics, and antiarrythmics, we are more susceptible to problems. I think we all have to be careful with activity in any extremes of weather especially in the early days of our recovery.

Yes, I have been told to drink as much fluids as I can to keep blood volume up and circulation at it' ... Read more

Yes, I have been told to drink as much fluids as I can to keep blood volume up and circulation at it's best. Also, my first heart surgery was 22 years, since then I have been told no outdoor activities in the cold. The cold thickens your blood and when you come in and warm up it thins and can cause a clot.

Roy Lawtonposted a journal

3175 days ago

I am doing pretty well these days. I am now about 3 1/2 months out. My question I need help with is I had severe Heart failure before the surgery. I remember ...Read more

I am doing pretty well these days. I am now about 3 1/2 months out. My question I need help with is I had severe Heart failure before the surgery. I remember only being able to work 4hours a day. A desk and travel job. I have done some work again but still can't work a full day. I simply just get tired which results in a late afternoon nap. I know this can be normal but I read how many are back to work full time in eight weeks. It depresses me. I still have to take water pills. Does congestive heart failure go away or is it with me the rest of my days?

Marie Myers There are so many causes of heart failure . Your doc is the best one to answer whether yours will get ... Read more

Marie Myers There are so many causes of heart failure . Your doc is the best one to answer whether yours will get better because he knows your history. It is possible to manage it with Meds. My dad suffered from heart failure, so I know how difficult it can be.

Rita Savelis This is a question for your doctor. It's hard, I know, because there are people out there who appear ... Read more

Rita Savelis This is a question for your doctor. It's hard, I know, because there are people out there who appear to be able to work fulltime again quickly. That's not everyone. Everyone has their own norm and their specific situation. Comparing can get you down. I was tired for a very long time after surgery. I was working, but only part time. Sometimes I don't feel better than I did before surgery, only different.....Hang in there Roy, it's still early for you.
Take care.

Roy Lawtonposted a journal

3200 days ago

This Saturday will be three months out from the "Big Day"! I am having times where I just cry and it seems to be for no reason. I know that I can over do ...Read more

This Saturday will be three months out from the "Big Day"! I am having times where I just cry and it seems to be for no reason. I know that I can over do it sometimes and get fatigued. One thing I think about quite often is the fact that I'm only 61. I shouldn't have these limitations. Will I ever be the same. I also experience a hard time sleeping.

Rita Savelis Hello Roy. It's still very early for you. The fatigue can linger for a long time. It's easy to overdo ... Read more

Rita Savelis Hello Roy. It's still very early for you. The fatigue can linger for a long time. It's easy to overdo it. Physical recovery, and then emotional recovery take time. It's okay to cry. There is much to cry about, emotions need to be released.
Take care, and give yourself the time to process what you have been through.

Marie Myers Roy, I am right there with you. I am 63, and had my aneurysm resected 7 weeks ago today. My emotions ... Read more

Marie Myers Roy, I am right there with you. I am 63, and had my aneurysm resected 7 weeks ago today. My emotions can be all over the place. Part of me grieves for the loss of my formerly "healthy self". I am not back to where I was pre op yet, but am slowly getting there. It is such a big surgery, I know it will take time to come to a " new normal". I have some sleep issues, also, but since I have' not gone back to work yet, I can make up sleep deficit with naps. We both need to take it easy on ourselves, and try not to judge our recovery. And I need a pound of patience, also... You are not alone....

Civita Fahey I totally agree. I'm the same way tho I'm only 3 weeks out. My surgeon said if only need 4 weeks. I ... Read more

Civita Fahey I totally agree. I'm the same way tho I'm only 3 weeks out. My surgeon said if only need 4 weeks. I think at 3 there's no way I could go back to work. I don't sleep well at night since I'm still so uncomfortable. I wish I was a napper. I've tried. If I push a little I feel it. So yes if know where they have patience for sale let me know!! I get so frustrated with myself I start crying. It's an emotional journey as well as a physically trying one. If you all weren't here to answer questions it would be worse! You're right let's take it easy!!

Amy Steele Roy - I'm not saying this is the problem, but depression after cardiac surgery is not at all uncommon ... Read more

Amy Steele Roy - I'm not saying this is the problem, but depression after cardiac surgery is not at all uncommon... In fact, some degree of depression is probably the norm and can show up even many months later. It may be something to talk about with either your cardiologist or primary care physician. Many times, they can either prescribe meds to help or even recommend someone to talk with about the big life changes that have happened, newly limited physical abilities and the way we see ourselves. Just a thought...

Marie Myers Good thought, Amy. Should be considered .....

Roy Lawton Thanks for all the encouragement. Having a better day today.

Petey Bello Roy, I agree with Rita. Give yourself some time to heal both physically & emotionally. You just went ... Read more

Petey Bello Roy, I agree with Rita. Give yourself some time to heal both physically & emotionally. You just went through a major operation. Be 'kind' to yourself & don't rush things.

Jeanette Davidson Wow! Do you seem so normal to me! You just joined the WARRIOR Club. Entry into that fraternity comes ... Read more

Jeanette Davidson Wow! Do you seem so normal to me! You just joined the WARRIOR Club. Entry into that fraternity comes with the ability to feel things on such a deeper level, experience empathy, and gain a completely new perspective. Please be patient with yourself my heart brother. Learning to "be" and not "do" is one of the greatest lessons. " Be Still", Stay present, and treat yourself with her compassion my friend !
!💓💕💗💞

Roy Lawton I went swimming last night at a hotel last night. My first public show of my scar. It can become a c ... Read more

Roy Lawton I went swimming last night at a hotel last night. My first public show of my scar. It can become a conversation starter lol. Who knows it may help someone who is going to be having the surgery.

Marie Myers Absolutely!

Rita Savelis Yeah, it's a huge moment when you show your scar. I don't remember anyone asking about it though. I s ... Read more

Rita Savelis Yeah, it's a huge moment when you show your scar. I don't remember anyone asking about it though. I still have a hard time with mirrors.
Congrats on swimming!
(P.S. Chest scars look great on men!)