Shannon Smith - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

19 days ago

Hello all. I am a 'new/old' member--signed up back in 2010 when I was facing OHS with aortic replacement with porcine valve. This group got me through that ...Read more

Hello all. I am a 'new/old' member--signed up back in 2010 when I was facing OHS with aortic replacement with porcine valve. This group got me through that ordeal! Well, I'm back--I am at the very early stages of my valve starting to falter just a little bit. But after 15 1/2 years, I consider myself lucky it has kept pumping all this time. Now I must educate myself on the NEW options that MAY be available to me rather than OHS. Hope I can get some good info from you all. Thanks for reading! SHANNON

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5639 days ago

Thanks, Fran, for your message. My weight is STILL down. I think I\'m eating up a storm, but I\'m still about 3-4 lbs. down, and for me, that\'s a lot! But ...Read more

Thanks, Fran, for your message. My weight is STILL down. I think I\'m eating up a storm, but I\'m still about 3-4 lbs. down, and for me, that\'s a lot! But I figure it will go up when the weather starts getting colder here in the Midwest. To the other person who asked about Loyola, if you\'d like to talk more about your experience and know more about mine, my email address is MsFit123@sbcglobal.net. Everyone have a safe and FUN Labor Day Weekend!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5640 days ago

The time has flown since my last entry 3 weeks ago. Am getting very fond of going to my cardiac rehab...hope to extend my time 6 more weeks so I can keep it ...Read more

The time has flown since my last entry 3 weeks ago. Am getting very fond of going to my cardiac rehab...hope to extend my time 6 more weeks so I can keep it up. The exercise has really restored my confidence level as well as made me feel a whole lot better. To the person who had surgery at Loyola, my doctor was Mamdouh Backos. Who was yours? Everyone have a great week! SHANNON

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5668 days ago

Just returned from my 3rd week of Cardiac Rehab. They are still keeping me at 30 minutes, no longer. My natural personality is to push it, but I am following ...Read more

Just returned from my 3rd week of Cardiac Rehab. They are still keeping me at 30 minutes, no longer. My natural personality is to push it, but I am following the nurses\' directions and NOT letting myself overdo it. My BIG milestone is coming Wednesday...8 weeks!! My sternum is considered completely healed at that point, so I will be celebrating on Wednesday! Everyone have a wonderful week!!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5675 days ago

Well, it\'s 6 1/2 weeks post op for me, and I\'m doing great! Am involved in cardiac rehab, and it is a great experience for me because I was a BIGTIME exerciser ...Read more

Well, it\'s 6 1/2 weeks post op for me, and I\'m doing great! Am involved in cardiac rehab, and it is a great experience for me because I was a BIGTIME exerciser before this all happened. So it\'s GOOD to be back on a treadmill again! Hopefully soon, it will be my bike!! :)

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5696 days ago

Someone asked me about my sense of smell becoming razor sharp again...YES, that has happened. I noticed it at the hospital..I could smell the perfume or soap ...Read more

Someone asked me about my sense of smell becoming razor sharp again...YES, that has happened. I noticed it at the hospital..I could smell the perfume or soap of every single nurse who worked on me!! That caught me by surprise. The heat in my body has toned down. (I was very \'hot\' after surgery). But the other strange side effect is that I lost a little weight and can\'t put it back on, even though I am eating like \'a pig\' (ha ha!!). I spoke with a physician friend who had the exact same surgery 1 month previous to mine, and he said he lost 10 lbs., and he was NOT a big man. I have lost about 4 lbs., which I could not afford to lose! I\'m tiny to begin with. Has any other patient out there had weight loss after surgery that persisted?

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5697 days ago

Thanks, Fran, for your post. Yes, I am still using this machine. I don\'t like it, I must admit! But I force myself to use it. I also do the technique Adam ...Read more

Thanks, Fran, for your post. Yes, I am still using this machine. I don\'t like it, I must admit! But I force myself to use it. I also do the technique Adam spoke of in the book...10 deep breaths per hour held for 5 minutes..that was a GREAT tip!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5697 days ago

I\'ve missed a week of posting..had a few doctor appts. that made for a busy week. I\'m FINALLY starting to feel better..am off ALL medication except aspirin!! ...Read more

I\'ve missed a week of posting..had a few doctor appts. that made for a busy week. I\'m FINALLY starting to feel better..am off ALL medication except aspirin!! Do my walks RELIGIOUSLY, and the recent wonderful Chicago weather has made the walks much easier. Still have some restricted breathing, but I\'m working on it! I wish everyone a very happy 4th of July holiday!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5708 days ago

Getting a little better with each passing day. The power food diet has been helping. Many wonderful friends, family and clients have brought over healthy food, ...Read more

Getting a little better with each passing day. The power food diet has been helping. Many wonderful friends, family and clients have brought over healthy food, for which I am so grateful!! Gee, it\'s so dark here in Chicago this morning. When I woke up, I thought it was 4 a.m. again, but it was 6:15!! Looks like a good day for renting movies and reading!! :)

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5709 days ago

I am finally starting to feel a bit stronger on a consistent basis..which is to say more hours in each day. Still get my weak episodes, but I discipline myself ...Read more

I am finally starting to feel a bit stronger on a consistent basis..which is to say more hours in each day. Still get my weak episodes, but I discipline myself to get up and walk 4 x per day no matter what! This morning I woke up at 4 a.m...not in pain, for once, but just because I was rested. The bird chorus was SO loud...so I thought, \"should I or shouldn\'t I?\" I finally decided to go for a walk at 4:15 a.m. through my neighborhood!! It was SO NICE. Weather was cool, birds were singing up a storm. I had a nice walk in the dark and quiet and hope to do it again tomorrow morning!!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5709 days ago

To answer some of your questions, yes, a huge storm is what knocked out the electrical power for 50 hours. I WAS able to read during the day, but after sitting ...Read more

To answer some of your questions, yes, a huge storm is what knocked out the electrical power for 50 hours. I WAS able to read during the day, but after sitting reading for hours and hours, that got a little tiring, too. I can\'t imagine the person who wrote from California who said they never have any outages...happens on my block all the time! But this one was the longest.

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5710 days ago

Electric power, that is! I just finished a FIFTY HOUR STINT without electric! Drove me a little crazy after about 36 hours...no phone, no internet, radio, tv, ...Read more

Electric power, that is! I just finished a FIFTY HOUR STINT without electric! Drove me a little crazy after about 36 hours...no phone, no internet, radio, tv, no lights, etc. What timing, eh? It\'s bad enough when you aren\'t laid up to have no power, but when you are trapped at home, it\'s a real bummer! Glad it\'s back up now. Still in my pattern of having a strong day, then 1 or 2 weak days follow, which has been a little discouraging. But I am following everything to a \'T\' as far as what I\'m supposed to be doing, so I trust it will get better in time. Again, thanks to all of you for your prayers and encouraging words. I didn\'t realize how much I would need those for the AFTER part of this ordeal! Your support helps keep my spirits from dropping. :)

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5713 days ago

Just finished my 2nd full day home...I am seeing a pattern to my recovery...1 great day, 1 weak day. Guess I overdo things when I wake up feeling strong; then ...Read more

Just finished my 2nd full day home...I am seeing a pattern to my recovery...1 great day, 1 weak day. Guess I overdo things when I wake up feeling strong; then the next day, I\'m fatigued. Have to even this trend out a bit. I have been concentrating on a \'power foods\' diet that has really been producing impressive results! Some of the foods are: smoked salmon, sushi, (for Omega-3\'s), green tea, white tea, pomegranate and cranberry juices, whole grain bread, lots of ginger (aids in de-inflaming the heart), lots of veggies, and lots of water & skim milk. I felt the energy difference immediately after my first meal at home! My sister in law, Janice, has been keeping me in line as far as taking meds, walking, and using the spirometer. It\'s a tough job keeping me down and resting, but she has been successful so far!!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5714 days ago

Hello to everyone...Shannon here...just popping in to say that with the help of my wonderful sister in law, Janice, my family and friends, and all of your encouragement, ...Read more

Hello to everyone...Shannon here...just popping in to say that with the help of my wonderful sister in law, Janice, my family and friends, and all of your encouragement, I am rapidly regaining my strength, both mentally and physically. Every day is going to be a better day!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5715 days ago

Good morning, everyone, and thank you all for your well wishes. This is my first full day home, and it\'s a gorgeous one. Was overcome with happiness & emotion ...Read more

Good morning, everyone, and thank you all for your well wishes. This is my first full day home, and it\'s a gorgeous one. Was overcome with happiness & emotion when pulling up to my house yesterday...tears of joy! Happy to still be here through this miracle operation. More tomorrow.

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5715 days ago

Shannon left the hospital late Tuesday morning. She said it was great to get out of the car and look at her front yard with all her flowers. She has very ...Read more

Shannon left the hospital late Tuesday morning. She said it was great to get out of the car and look at her front yard with all her flowers. She has very few meds but gets vatigued really easily. She is doing her breathing exercises and taking her little walks around the house. It will still be a couple more days before she posts herself. BTW - she is a great patient. Take care all, Janice

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5718 days ago

Hi all, Shannon is progressing on schedule and is feeling much better. She is in her regular room and out of ICU since Thursday afternoon. Her pain level ...Read more

Hi all, Shannon is progressing on schedule and is feeling much better. She is in her regular room and out of ICU since Thursday afternoon. Her pain level has decreased to the point that she is only on Tylenol! She is talking 4 little walks a day and trying to sit up in the chair as much as possible. About the surgery itself. She ended up with the mini cut and was very happy about that. She wants me to thank everyone from the bottom of her heart for all the good wishes. Janice

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5721 days ago

Hello everyone, This is Janice, Shannon\'s sis-in-law and I wanted you all to know that her surgery went excellent. She is resting and I will update you later ...Read more

Hello everyone, This is Janice, Shannon\'s sis-in-law and I wanted you all to know that her surgery went excellent. She is resting and I will update you later with more details. From Shannon and her entire family, we want to thank you for your support and prayers.

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5722 days ago

Well, here I go. Trying to stay calm this morning as well as grateful for this miracle operation. The birds are all singing to me wishing me luck! Thanks, again, ...Read more

Well, here I go. Trying to stay calm this morning as well as grateful for this miracle operation. The birds are all singing to me wishing me luck! Thanks, again, to all of you, for your love and support. Shannon signing off for now.

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5722 days ago

I want to THANK ALL who have written to me. You have truly held me up through this trying time. This blog is absolutely wonderful, and I don\'t know what I ...Read more

I want to THANK ALL who have written to me. You have truly held me up through this trying time. This blog is absolutely wonderful, and I don\'t know what I would have done without this to turn to. THANKS TO ALL for your prayers and well wishes. This will probably be my last posting B4 surgery, unless, of course, I can\'t sleep! :) My sister in law, Janice, will be taking it from here until I\'m better.

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5723 days ago

I really appreciate the support and good wishes that have been sent to me by this wonderful community. THANK YOU. Your well wishes are helping to keep me somewhat ...Read more

I really appreciate the support and good wishes that have been sent to me by this wonderful community. THANK YOU. Your well wishes are helping to keep me somewhat calm. 32 more hours to go!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5724 days ago

It\'s coming fast. Taking care of last minute details. I saw a posting about calcium supplements or rolaids not being good for the aortic valve...does anyone ...Read more

It\'s coming fast. Taking care of last minute details. I saw a posting about calcium supplements or rolaids not being good for the aortic valve...does anyone know more about this? I need to take calcium, but now I am confused as to if taking calcium will damage the new valve??

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5725 days ago

The answer to your question is yes, I finally did make my decision on the valve, and it will be the 3rd generation pig valve. My doctor discussed it with me ...Read more

The answer to your question is yes, I finally did make my decision on the valve, and it will be the 3rd generation pig valve. My doctor discussed it with me saying this generation has a longer life (15-20 yrs) than the older version (10 yrs). So after exhausting, painstaking & often stressful research, it\'s decided..now onward to Wednesday! Thanks for writing, Fran.

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5727 days ago

Interesting day yesterday learning some new things about the operation I didn\'t know...some I didn\'t like but had to be made aware of. Finally feel ready ...Read more

Interesting day yesterday learning some new things about the operation I didn\'t know...some I didn\'t like but had to be made aware of. Finally feel ready for this now...only 5 more days!!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5734 days ago

Does anyone out there know if a person can have tissue valves replaced again and again? My doctor has not been clear on that and am meeting next week. HOWEVER, ...Read more

Does anyone out there know if a person can have tissue valves replaced again and again? My doctor has not been clear on that and am meeting next week. HOWEVER, can I hear from anyone out there who knows the answer? I have been given a CHOICE of mechanical or tissue valve....don\'t want to do the Coumadin thing (on mechanical valve), but don\'t want to look forward to only 10-15 more years...I\'m 58 and would like to last a lot longer than that!:) Can a tissue valve be replaced multiple times?? PLEASE ADVISE if you know about this....and many thanks!!

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5735 days ago

for the people who have already responded. I appreciate your support, as I am getting very anxiety ridden. This morning I thought maybe I could call Loyola ...Read more

for the people who have already responded. I appreciate your support, as I am getting very anxiety ridden. This morning I thought maybe I could call Loyola up TODAY to see if they have any \'openings\' for valve surgery and just get it over with! Hah hah! Just trying to keep a sense of humor:)

Shannon Smithposted a journal

5735 days ago

And I\'m pretty scared and anxious. Just found this site tonight, and I am thrilled! My bad valve was found by ACCIDENT during a pre-surgical physical by a ...Read more

And I\'m pretty scared and anxious. Just found this site tonight, and I am thrilled! My bad valve was found by ACCIDENT during a pre-surgical physical by a doc right out of med school. She saved my life, because I was totally unaware of the valve\'s problem. Plus, like Adam, I have absolutely NO SYMPTOMS. Now I have developed an aneurysm in the aortic vessel, to boot! So if that doctor hadn\'t found my condition, I would have dropped dead in the near future. My thanks to all of you who put up your posts...I have read many, and most are very comforting!