Shannon's Journal

Debbie Moriarty  Congratulations to a big anniversary! I just met my surgeon yesterday and I asked him if the soon to be wire in my chest would set off the alarm!! He said, “when you walk up show your scar. They can just wand that area!”

Marie Myers  I was given a card to carry with me stating the valve type and placement, in case I set off any alarms.

Rita Savelis  Security is fine....unless you have a pacemaker. Airport machines are usually not set up high enough to spot valves!

Barbara Laurie  YES😄❤!! I know, even lazy old me, still struggles with overdoing past my capacity, one day at a time! And Congrats 🎈 on your recovery..healing and blessings... best best..🌹

Phyllis Petersen  Good to hear that things are processing well. I had an inflammation, at the point where the robot went in, which was a deep hole, but is healing now. It's been taking forever to fill in and only needs dressing every two days. Be patient! Your body's been through a lot. Have fun in rehab!

Catie B  I am just so sorry this happened and that you're having to deal with this infection. I am sure it's been discouraging. I hoping this round of antibiotics eradicates the problem and that having the nurse come to care for your wound helps immensely.
I hear your frustration about the limitations. I'm especially counting the days till being able to drive again.
My thoughts are with you and I'm trusting for some real encouragement and comfort to come your way.

Ellen Leng  Getting the infection out will heal you better than antibiotics! Good for your surgeon for insisting on seeing you!
I feel your pain about the dependence on others. Thankfully I can still walk outside, just some rain, but no driving and asking others for shopping and other help is really hard.
Remember that we all recover at our own pace and it's a marathon. It will get better!

Joshua Trimberger  mine opened up at week 3 ( i avoided infection though) My surgeon had me drink protein shakes to help heal it faster. Primier Protein drinks have 30G of protein and they don't taste to bad so thats what I have been doing and its almost healed up

Nancy Lewis  I am so sorry that your incision has infection. I can feel your pain about the "time out" from your real life. My visiting nurses were the best, loving, caring women who took great care of me, BUT I still referred to my "homebound care" as my "in house arrest" I too am pretty active. When Tim brought me home, we stopped at a bra store, Bed Bath and Beyond, and the grocery. (No one had yet told me I couldn't do that) Three days later when the nurses told me I couldn't go outside for fear of falling, fainting, or getting coughed on by someone with the flu, I was crushed and pouty. Now, whenever I realize I don't have the stamina to do all I want, that is when I get the blues. We are going to lick this thing. We are strong and determined women. Every day, you are going to get a little better. We can be proud of our achievement so far. I'm with you.

Darlene Smith  Yes!!! I dealt with that desire versus inability, and luckily my husband and daughter were there to encourage me to read a book! So in addition to books, I found some shows on Netflix and watched more TV that I had done all year. It was tough, and the cabin fever did set in. I was told not to walk outside because it was full on summer and very hot and humid, so I was doing laps in my house (Horrible!!). I feel your pain. Do you have any hobbies or interests like reading, knitting, etc? I'm a scrapbooker and so I had that outlet as well. My house was a pigsty but I found I was able to get over it, and I called someone in to clean it. And of course I had to work on my patience and that was not easy. Hoping your infection clears up soon and your incision starts to heal properly!!!

Linda Wiebe  Hi Shannon, I have been doing the same but not as often as you. I don't know what triggers it. Linda

Emily Rowley  Might be your body's way of protecting yourself, if this makes sense. I did this alot in ICU especially when the Nurses went to take Sternum dressing off and because it would hurt breathing, coughing, sneezing etc. Also I was so used to using that spirometre machine they give us, how have you been going with yours? I found holding onto my chest pillow helped particular when sneezing & was shown ways to safely expand my chest to allow airflow to my lungs by the Physiotherapist. Continue on with your deep breathing and see if this helps everything settle. Have you had asthma previously? All the best healing wishes xx

Phyllis Petersen  I find that I go through a series of yawns sometimes that hurt, but I figure the lungs are still getting back in shape. I also still have gunk in my lungs and sinuses that has been hard to get out.

Diane Zeigler  I do the same thing. It is like an involuntary breath intake. Some days it happens several times, then I don't notice it for several days.

Clare Auten  I think I did that too. My husband used to say, "why are you sighing" and I always replied that I wasnt

Phyllis Petersen  Now that you brought this up, I'm noticing it. Apparently, my family noticed but didn't say anything.

Shannon Sullivan  Thanks everyone....I was laying awake last night when I did this along with yawning.....Its like gasping. It is a bit bothersome, and in public almost embarrassing.

Glad this is something typical along this journey.

Sophia Ridley  i did what I could, shorter walks and often during the day is how I started. I had post op AF and found it impossible to walk up hill. Key is not to exhaust yourself that you can't walk the next day.

Ron Broadhead  Hi Shannon

I started with short walks first - down to the end of the block and back the first day out - seemed like it was a really long way. Then I kept adding distance, a little bit each day. After 3 weeks they let me drive, so I drove myself to the mall and walked every day (I had my surgery in January in Chicago). Once at the mall I worked myself up to walking 1 1/2 to 2 hours per day. Six weeks post surgery I cam home to New Mexico and started walking greater distances week by week. As Sophia mentioned, don't overdo it so that you can't walk the next day. Listen to your body and try to walk every day if you can. I was eager to get out and do things, but also wanted to avoid overtaxing myself.


I also did not receive written guidance but did ask the doctors and nurses involved and kept a daily log of my exercise activities, which I showed to my cardiologist and primary care physician. After i year and 9 months I still keep a daily log and will show it to my cardiologist when I see her in November.

Charles Haas  I had a detailed schedule ramping up from maybe 6 minutes first day post-release up to 45 min or an hour by about two weeks.

Ellen Leng  I got a weekly schedule to do a long walk daily, starting at 10 min and increasing by 2 min every day or so such that by 6 weeks out you're walking 60 min daily. Looking forward to 16 min today :)

Nancy Lewis  I worked with a Physical Therapist when I first got home. Because I was doing stairs, walking a full 6 mins without getting too short of breath, etc. She only came 3 or4 times and released me. The next step for me, beyond walking on my own schedule will be cardiac therapy. I don't think there is a "set" number of mins or distance. Go as long as you feel comfortable and remember to save enough energy to return the same distance. Good luck.

Emily Rowley  Sorry to hear you have had bad reaction to medications, side effects inc vomitting are not pleasant at all. Hopefully your Nurse & Doctor can find some answer to help you. Wishing you the very best of health hun xx 🙏🏼

Craig Gay  You poor thing! I really hope you get something to give you pain relief, it is so important in your recovery. Gentle hugs! Yvonne

Ellen Leng  Ugh, nausea is the WORST! I feel lucky to be controlled well enough with Tylenol, because nausea is much worse than pain in your book!
Interesting that you are having migraine auras. I've seen that in some prior posts and have been having aura (scotoma) for about 20 min per episode and without subsequent headache. Saw ophtho today and they say ophthalmic migraine. Never had that before!!

Robert Osmachenko  Hi Shannon. It is very annoying to be in pain, isn't it?
We went through a song and dance in Kelowna over tylenol and it doesn't work for me. Post surgery we found that indomethacin worked really good with no apparent side effects and it allows you to focus on what matters.

Phyllis Petersen  Finding the right pain meds can be so difficult. I hope the doctor can find something that works for you without making you sicker.

Shannon Sullivan  thank you everyone, seems i got this pain thing under control now....until i move around. lol
Just on regular tylenol, just got to remember not to overdue it

Nancy Lewis  Wonderful news! My drive home was 2 hours also. Stopped a couple of times for groceries, etc. I'm now on Day 10, and finding patience is harder now than it was then. Not one to sit around. This is going to me the real test of me. Hope you do well with your recovery.

Ron Broadhead  Best to you Shannon. Its pretty hard at first, but it does get better. And then, one day, no pain. :)

Ellen Leng  Great news, shannon! Stern all pain is a bummer, I agree, as well as the ribs and back! From reading on here, think we have a couple of weeks before it calms some :(, but making good it thru and getting the other monitoring stuff out and off does feel good :)

Clare Auten  Good to hear from you. So happy things are going well. I hope the pain eases up some with each passing day.

Emily Rowley  That is wonderful news! 😃 We are all here contiuning to prayer for her and thinking of you two. Hoping pain medication can help relieve the pain. 🙏🏼

Phyllis Petersen  Sorry that you're having to deal with family angst at a time when you need all the support you can get. It's not always easy to shake off, but you have to put yourself first until you are through surgery and recovery. along with your kids. It sounds like your husband is there for you and that's what counts.

Jane Buttram  I agree with Phyllis. Your husband "has your back" and that is the important thing. Your post has really made me think about how those that love us are scared too. If my mother were alive, I guarantee you she would be right there. She was not the type to ask questions but would sit in the waiting room endlessly. I'm sending all positive vibes I can to you for your surgery and for your mom and your sweet husband.

Clare Auten  My mom sounds similar to yours. Lucky for me it was snowy when I had surgery and she doesn't drive in snow so she only came once. Her first comment when I was in icu was that the scar started pretty high on my chest. She wanted to know why. If it is easier, have your husband recruit nurses to tell your mom that visits are limited. I agree with Phyllis, this is one time when you get to be selfish. This is a time for you to take care of yourself and not worry about keeping everyone else happy. So glad your husband will be there for you. I will say an extra prayer.

Amy Steele  I can only imagine how embarrasing and frustrating this was for you... Have you talked with your sister and mother about their behavior during your appointment? Oversharing can be an indication that they're nervous and feel helpless or guilty (as your Mom was about her pregnancy), so they just talk and talk without filters. Do you have a relationship with them in which you could approach them calmly (now that you've had a little time to cool off) and let them know that oversharing and fretting isn't helping? Can you tell them that you need a positive, supportive environment after surgery, and if they can't do that for you, you will have to limit their time with you? If you don't have that kind of relationship where they would take it the right way, I don't know what you can do. I try to talk things through when all parties are calm in a loving and non-accusatory way, but I don't know your family dynamics and how that might work for you. Maybe your husband could help out too? He may need to be the gate-keeper for you after your surgery. It sounds like he's a great guy who will take care of you. You are definitely in my prayers... There's nothing more difficult to deal with than family!

Ellen Leng  Shannon, I agree with above, use the staff to keep those family that aren't giving you the healing vibe out of your space while you're in the hospital! Then you'll need to have hubby learn those tricks for when you get home.
This one is really about you! And sounds like you really picked the right guy :)

Pat Bijas  Oh Boy, how I can relate! After my AVR back in February, my Cousin & her boyfriend came from out of state with their dog & pet squirrel! It was insane, my cousin is hard of hearing, so even in my bedroom I could hear the TV blaring 'till about 11:30PM. Not great for resting! Plus their poor senior dog had accidents on my carpet, and my dog & theirs did not get along so it was a circus, keeping them apart, letting them enjoy the open space at different times! Plus, she & her boyfriend were bickering all the time....fun times, lol!They were here for about 7 weeks, and although it got nerve wracking, they had their hearts in the right place! I pulled out earplugs, a boombox to drown out the TV and tried to keep a sense of humor! I think that in the midst of all the recovery, one seriously needs to try and find the "light" side of situations! I wish you God speed with your surgery and in your recovery!

Emily Rowley  You would be very exhausted and need alot of rest, especially with this added stress draining your energy. I'm so sorry to hear how your family behaved, they are way out of line despite having good intentions to be there for you. My family were very supportive, but I must admit my mum occasionally complained abit about little things, poor Nurses... I think it would be wise to have a conversation with your Sister & Mother proud to your Op about how you feel, Hospital visiting expectations and anything else, perhaps approach with care ESP if they are the sensitive type. It's not fair on you or your Hubby, you are grown ups and they should treat you and behave likes ones. I sense that this maybe in their personality or similar problems between family when growing up? I could be wrong. Take care and time to rest n relax other these next coming days. Know we are all thinking of you and praying for you sweetie 💞🙏🏼 Do you have someone to look after your children whilst in Hospital? 🏥 Em xoxo

Meredith Bray  My mother did the same, then turned everything around so it was all about her - how she'd have to take off work to care for me, she would miss her manicure appointments...then when she came to help me through week #2, all the lightbulbs were replaced (pre-cataract surgery) and the entire kitchen rearranged. I chose my battles - just smiled, said, "OK" and went back to sleep.
My step sister came to help out during my first week home. It didn't hurt that she was my BFF during our school years, but it game me a reason to not have my mom with us the first week after. My mom was in the waiting room for the surgery, and stayed for 2 days. It wasn't bad, but she didn't really talk to me, she was in the corner of the room with her tablet. She still ikes to tell people abou my surgery, and I suspect that's how she deals with her supposed guilt for having a child born with a "defect" - mothers are funny things, aren't they?
I would definitely find an ally in a nurse or front office staff or hospital employee that is a mutual friend of you & your mom/sister that can casually drop in conversation, "Oh, when so&so had their surgery it was so disruptive having visitors all the time, Patient X never got to rest and it delayed their recovery. How long will you be staying after the surgery?" Or something similar. It has to be someone that your mom/sister respect & value, who will also respond appropriately to your request for help.

My be you can tell them you need them more AFTER the surgery with help at home than during hospital recovery.

Best of luck, I wish there were more I could do to help you.

-Meredith

Shannon Sullivan  Thank you for all you kind words. I will do my best to talk to my family the best I can at this point. I will also let my husband and the nurses deal with it as they see fit. I am sure this is nothing new for the nurses!! 2.5 days to go.

Darlene Smith  Tell them no, they can't come end of story. This is about you and your wishes. If they can't understand that now, they will get over it.

Catie B  My heart goes out to you, Shannon. The to do list can feel overwhelming. I hope that your appointment this Friday goes very smoothly and that weekend will be relaxing, ahead of your procedure.

Emily Rowley  It's normal to feel nervous about trying not to get sick pre-op with others around you spending their germs. I'm sure you be fine, sending my prayers to you and your family 💕

Clare Auten  Hang in there. Today, my son asked me to mail a note to his favorite you tuber....I read it. He mentioned that he used you tube to get through his mom's ohs. I am almost 3 years post op and he is just now comfortable telling me how scared he was.. he was only 7 and I wish he would have talked to me then. Talking and hugs are great for all of you. Take care. Prayers for your family.

Priscila Marino  I been there!!! 3 weeks in recovery and I am felling great!
Belive me , the wait is tge worst part. Hope you can find comfort knowing that you will have a great and healthy life after!

Emily Rowley  It's great you are keeping busy and enjoying the time spent with your family. I know how hard it can be especially those thoughts and emotions creep in when alone or at night. Hopefully you can find comfort in knowing you have an experienced team who know what they are doing and will do everything they can to look after you. I'm sending my many hugs and prayers to you 💕

Gregg Nissly  Hi Shannon,

I'm a little more than nine months post op for AVR.

The last two weeks are tough because you really want to be on the other side. I was generally pretty calm leading up to the surgery, but I actually stopped coming to this site my last week because I didn't want to read any negative posts.

For me though, the surgery and recovery were much easier than I thought they would be. I really enjoyed being off work and relaxing for a few weeks. I watched a lot of movies and did a lot of walking-even in the snow.

To answer your question about work, I went back after six weeks. My doctor cleared me after five, but I needed one more week emotionally.

Hang in there. You'll be waking up from surgery before you know it.

Phyllis Petersen  I have almost a month to wait and just want it over. It sounds like you have a lot going on, so just focus on how much better you're going to feel on the other side. Just keep having fun with your family and the time will be here in no time. Hang in there!

Ellen Leng  I'm with you, Shannon, 2 weeks out and feeling it! I'm glad that I'm still working as it relieves some stress to have something else that must be first in my brain! Hang in there and we'll be recovering soon! Ellen

Nancy Lewis  I'm a week out Shannon, it gets more real when you on the board. I know it is hard. Tim and I feel like we are in limbo. We go through the motions, but it is a little surreal. Try to revel in the things you love, and in your family. We are going to make it through this, and be better on the other side of surgery.
Bless you.
Nancy

Amy Steele  Your reality of two weeks made me realize that I'm only a few days behind you... Yikes! I hope your time before surgery is filled with lots of time with your husband and kids... It's especially hard for the kids. You are in my prayers.

Catie B  Hearing you on how stressful it is. So many details to tend, too. Wishing you all the best as the time approaches, and with your surgery and recovery. I'm a day behind you.

Eddie Patton  Part time at home at 3 weeks, back at around 5, when I could drive. Was glad to do it. Was bored to death. Only so much walking I could take.

Darlene Smith  I worked part time at home at 5 weeks post op. I started full time at home this week which is 7 weeks, but I'm quite tired. If I had to go into the office, I'd still be part time. Honestly, i think I pushed it a little bit because September is our busiest month of the year. Your boss definitely needs to be flexible. You may be back sooner, or it may take longer.

Clare Auten  My surgeon verbally said 8 weeks. But did my fmla paperwork for 12. I had a relatively easy recovery but my blood pressure was a little high and he ended up not sending me back until week 11. He thought it was easier to ask for 12 and send me back early than get the date extended after.

Wanda Mroz  It's not her decision really, it's your cardiologists's. My FMLA papers also gave me 12 weeks. I got into rehab later because of a waiting list and my cardiologist extended me a few weeks because she wanted me to have a few weeks of rehab under my belt. Normally she doesn't release her patients until most of rehab is done. When I returned, I was tired and worked a shorter week for several weeks. I have a high stress job as an emergency dispatch supervisor so I took as much time as I needed. You are entitled to 12 weeks under FMLA. Give yourself time and don't push it too much. I had surgery on August 12 and returned on December 2. You can always go back sooner if you feel good.💞

Steven Dean  I just went back two days ago which was 4 weeks. Last time I went back 4 weeks no problem, this time it has been a little tougher but manageable. I have not stayed for a full day. In some ways it is good to get back to "normal" though it can be tough.

Juergen Li  I returned to work after 2.5 weeks. I had no complications and an easy recovery. I also did not feel tired or exhausted and went almost every day on 2h walks and did not go to rehab. So it really depends on the outcome of your surgery.

Rita Savelis  I went back to work after 3 months (but I was in hospital for 7 weeks, then home one week, then back in hospital for 2 weeks, then home two weeks....
It's really hard to have a precise date BEFORE your surgery as it is hard to know how recovery will go for you. Having a specific return to work date looming would be hard.
It can be nice if you can work part time a bit (for a few weeks or more) as you get used to being back at work.
It is all so individual and stories vary, but one can feel tired for a long time as the body heals...
I was at rehab one month after OHS (for 3 weeks).
As you can see by all these responses, recovery times vary, and you shouldn't feel bad if yours is longer than some other patients. It's not about you, it's about your body.
Hopefully your surgeon will help you in getting the time off you need, if you need it.

Emily Rowley  Wanda is right. It's not for your Boss to decide or push you, she hasn't been through what you are about to go through. Getting into Cardiac Rehab is slow here so it took 4-6 weeks Post-Op to start Rehab, then 2 days week there plus Doctors Apts. Everyone is different and recoveries at their own pace. It's when you feel ready and able. I'm just over 6 months and still not back at work, but I had complications and I know it's different/harder in America. Hope this helps give you a rough idea. Talking with your Cardiologist+Surgeon is a good idea & obtaining medical cert from them for your workplace. Take care and many prayers 💞

Nicola Laker  I've been off since 2nd may and had 5 weeks in hospital, 3 of those on icu and have been told that it could take me a year to recover enough to return to work. I did feel really good last week and even walking around and helping with the shopping has set me back as I did too much, too soon. I'm paying dearly for it now as I hurt and ache a lot! So you really should take your time and go back slowly. Don't rush or feel pushed into returning by your boss. Do it in your own time. Xx

Kevin Shackelford  Out 8 weeks. Just went back to work last week. I get pretty tired in late afternoon but am glad to be back!

David C  I just started back at 8 weeks, last Thursday. My team is super understanding, though, so I feel pretty lucky. I am vocal about being worn down by end of day, and that I need to keep going for walks [walking meetings when ever possible]. It is also completely kicking my ass. I can't believe how tired I am at night.

David C  Wow, Shannon, that has to be hard. Sorry you have to both deal with additional illness and hospitalization, and also the postponement of such a major surgery. I hope you are able to find some enjoyment between now and your surgery.

Barbara Laurie  So sorry Shannon! The waiting can be so hard, and stress of being sick doesn't help! Hang in there and Best Regards💕❤️💕

Sophia Ridley  So sorry to hear of your delays, best to be as fit as you can though. Mine was delayed only a couple of days but we went for a family meal and I had a lovely massage to try and make something positive of the delay. Wanda's right, all happens for a reason.

Catie B  I'm so sorry to hear you have this new complication. I need an ovarian surgery, but they told me once aortic stenosis becomes severe, non-cardiac surgeries can be very risky--I need to wait till after my heart is fixed. I hope things work out well for you to get everything sorted and taken care of safely and at the right time.

Pat Bijas  Wait 'till after the surgery, that countdown will be absolutely awesome, counting the weeks after your surgery instead! Sending good thoughts your way! Had my AVR on February 19th. Seems like a very distant memory at this point, trust me, you will see!

Ron Broadhead  Oh yeah. It will be here before you know it. As Pat said, the countdown after surgery is great. I've still got my calendar with the months marked off (6 months has a Yippee! on it) as well as my daily exercise log. Life is now good again and the surgery does indeed seem distant. Oddly enough I have nothing but good memories of Dr. McCarthy and the nursing staff at Northwestern.

Emily Rowley  Wow they must've read your thoughts 😊 Wishing you all the best for your Pre-Op Testing (and Operation of course). How are you feeling at this stage? Calender marking down the days which go by so quickly... 📅