Susan's Heart Valve Journal

I think this will be my final post, next month will be my 1 year anniversary on the heart valve replacement surgery. My new Aortic Valve is working just fine. I have also recovered completely from a right leg fracture and have finished my radiation treatments for breast cancer. My lungs have been good with no further drainages. Four was and is enough. I am maintaining the weight loss of 90 lbs and am working. God has been walking close with me on all this medical issues and I am grateful for wonderful friends I made in this community. I will be praying for all the new members and am sending much love to all. God's blessing for each and everyone. Thank you and God's blessing for Adam. This website made a hugh difference in my recovery.

Hello my fellow heart valve friends. I have come through the lumpectomy just find, but was lead to believe by putting a port in the incision that radiation would be completed in 7 days. Well the tumor was too big and the port was removed and now I am facing 35 radiation sessions. I will starting radiation this coming Wednesday, January 21, 2015 ( the day before my birthday) Monday thru Friday with weekends off for good behavior. I am also going to have a DNA test done for BRCA gene, since there have been a lot of breast cancer in the family and I want my granddaughters to have all the information I can get for them. They are 21 and 26. One just got married. I am back to work and intend to keep working as long as my employer will have me. They understand what I have been going through since each has had medical issues ( 1 had colon cancer and the other had Gillian Bars Syndrom (sp?) (aka creeping paralysis) both very serious issues. Judy and Jo are my prayer warriors and are very special friends. I am down 10 sizes. I do love to shop and I have been busy putting a new wardrobe together. ( I'm a shop till you drop person). I wish all a very blessed New Year and a very healthy New Year 2015 is a good year. My heart is doing great. It is strong and doing what it should and the lungs are behaving with just a little fluid in the right one. Once I get this cancer thing behind me I will be just fine. Love and prayers to and for all, Susan

Guess what??? Yup I am still here and am now facing another surgery. No it does not have anything to do with my heart surgery that I had on April 29, 2014. Everything is good to go with my new Aortic Valve. Thank the Lord. Dr. Thornton did a good job. As you may or may not know, I have been through a very rough patch. First the open heart surgery, then 4 lung drainages on the right lung, then a broken Fibula about 5 inches above my ankle. That was 6 weeks in a boot cast, then a yearly mammogram with questionable outcome, then several MRI's and needle biopsy's in the right breast with the results being positive. Now I am scheduled for surgery (a lumpectomy with signal node) The date for this is set up for 12/1/2014 . I have also developed Cellulitis in my right BIG toe. Life seems to be dumping on me, but I have been blessed that my family has joined me in these battles, since I could not drive for 6 week with the boot cast on my right leg and foot and my son has been helping me out and will be here for the surgery along with my cousin, Linda from Connecticut. My sister is recovering herself from a second mastectomy that was done in August of this year. The boot cast is off and I can drive now. Yeah! Do keep in your prayers as I face this next surgery. I am always praying for pre-op and post-op Heart Valve patients and members of this wonderful community. Adam as done a traffic job keeping everyone informed on the latest information on Heart Valve Surgery. Thank you Adam for the help you have given us all through life changing surgery. Love and Prayers to all. Susan

Well It is a new month and I am still dealing with fluid in my right lung. I have had 4 drainages and the last one was a rough recovery. I am going to a new cardiopulmonary (lung) doctor and he is determine to find out why so many drainages. I am also dealing with mammography which showed 2 suspicious areas and so after going through a MRI, I am now having a biopsy on Monday (11/3/14) at 9 am. Won't know the results until Thursday. My sister is home and my cousin (Linda) from Connecticut is here to rescue me and is doing a super job. This weekend is our airshow with formation flying and the Rapture F-22 jet and the Harrier Jet. I will be out with my camera hoping to get a great photo to share with friends. That is the lastest. My cardiologist says I am doing fine and that my heart is just "ticking" along in good order, but everything else is falling apart. Please pray I have a good report from the surgeon and know that I am praying for all the pre-op and post-op valve members of this Community.

This me with the boot cast on my broken leg and 80 lbs weight loss.

Well fellow Heart Valve family, I have done it again.... I had a blast at the wedding which was held on the beach at Fort Lauderdale, FL with a sit down dinner in the beach house. I truly enjoyed myself in spite of my clumsiness. Yes I managed to step into a sand hole on the beach and fall on my foot which did not move. I was lifted up and sat in a chair. Took photos of the wedding. I left the party at 9 pm since my sister and I had a hour and half ride home. Got home and could not put any weight on my right foot. Had my sister get the walker and I hobbled into the house. Called the dr on Monday morning and saw him at 11am then got an xray and guess what........yup it was a broken bone. The tibia was broken. Now I am wearing a "boot" cast for 6 weeks and no driving. My sister is changing her plans and staying 2 more weeks after that.......who knows. Hope everyone else is doing well and healing nicely. My heart is ticking just the way it is supposed to..more doctors. :(

How are all my heart valve friends. Yes when I finally got back on with an update. The Community looked totally different and so I am hoping this is what will get my latest post posted. I am doing much better. I still have some fluid in my right lungs, but not enough to drain and I feel pretty good. Right now I am getting ready for granddaughter wedding which is taking place the 20th in Ft. Lauderdale , FL which is about 1 1/2 hours south of where I live. The whole family will be together again and I am so blessed. I have lost 73 pounds. I am actually getting "thin". My hair is coming out in handfuls. Has anyone else had this happen??
Fortunately I have a lot hair. It has always been thick, now it is not so thick. My doctor said this is not uncommon for people who have had a traumatic experience. I have had so many doctor appointments. The lung doctor, the neurology doctor ( I had 2 small TIAs), my primary care doctor, and of course the cardiology doctor. That is my excuse for not posted sooner. I hope everyone is well and healing. Life is good and so is God. Love you all Susan

I go get checked in as an outpatient at 11:30 a.m. for the procedure at noon. Hope I feel better after it is all over. I am ready to get on with life.

Well got my ultrasound of my chest or really my lungs on Wednesday and I do have more fluid in the right lung and a tiny bit in the left lung. No word from the Pulmonary doctor, but a copy was sent to my primary doctor and he gave me the news. My next appointment with the lung doctor is 9/5/14 so I will try to be a patient patient. I guess it is very much fluid and so I will continue on as ususal. This Thursday my sister had her second mastectomy. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and had the surgery. Now she had cancer in her other breast. She came through the surgery just great, except an episode of Afib which medication corrected. I am very happy she is home and walking down the street with her caretaker and doing just great. She is my big sister and I love her very much. I felt bad that I could not go out to Portland , OR to be her caretaker, but I have too many appointment going on. So I call her every night and cheer her on from the side lines. She is a trooper. Well to all the pre-ops and post-ops.... keep smiling as it will all be over and you are going to feel great. Much love and prayers to all.

Saw Dr. Holling on Friday. It was just a follow-up visit after the removal of the fluid. I feel pretty good, except that I am still a little short of breath on walking and when he tapped on my back, he thought there might still be fluid in the right lung. No infections were found and no cancer. He wants an ultrasound of my chest and hopefully all will be well. My prayer are going out for all the pre-op and post-op members of this vital community of Heart Valve patients. God is good all the time.

Well on the 24th I checked into the hospital as an outpatient and Dr. Holling, the pulmonary specialist removed 634 cc of fluid from my right lung. My left lung was and is clear. I went to work Friday but didn't feel any better, but today I am feeling good and ready to get on with life. No I am not going to go to a "Zumba" class, but I am definitely looking at joining an exercise class and working up to "Zumba" LOL. I am praying for all the pre-ops and post-ops for successful surgeries and smooth sailing recoveries.

Went to the Pulmonary doctor today and there is more fluid in the right lung and so a Thoracentesis has been scheduled for Thursday as an outpatient. He said that is rare for the fluid to be in the right lung, that it is usually in the left lung, but that aside here I go again. I hope all the pre-ops and post-ops are doing well. God is taking care of us all, if we just let Him do His thing.

Just a quick up date. Got a call from my Primary Care Doctor and they have referred me to a Lung doctor. The lung doctor called and schedule a get together on Monday at 11:45 a.m. That "yellow brick road" is surely twisting and turning, but I do know it ends up at my home and that is good.

Thought I was making some progress in my healing, but now I wonder. Went to the PCP today and he heard me coughing. He listen to my heart and then my lungs. The heart was doing fine, but the lungs, he not so sure of. He sent me for a chest x-ray as he thinks I am getting plural effusion again in the right lung. I see him in 3 weeks. Pray that I do not have it.

Suddenly last week I became overwhelmed with anxiety and apprehension. I couldn't shake it and so I called a friend. I was a chatterbox. I finally let my friend go and continued the battle. I took a nap and the AA disappeared. I have never had these feeling before. I am 2 1/2 months out from surgery and totally surprised by these feelings. The nurse called from my insurance company (she has done this once a week since I have been home) She wanted to know how I was feeling and I told her physically okay, but I was dealing with AA. She assured me that it was not uncommon after OHS or any other major surgery. She suggested seeking a therapist and I said what ever it takes to get rid of it. She also suggested going back to work on a limited basis. So that is what I did. Yesterday I went to work from 1 to 5 and it was great. I am off today and going back tomorrow. The feeling are still there, but as long as I am busy they are pushed back. I will be making an appointment with a therapist and seeking help. I think most of it is being alone and the reality of it may be a big part, but I must get past these feelings and get on with life. Anyone else have this happen to them after surgery.

Went to the cardio yesterday and he was pleased. EKG showed no Afib and so I got rid of some of the pills. Xeralta and another pill for regulating the heart beat are gone and the water pill is as needed. Hurrah! He said if I feel like work, try it and if I can do it... do it. No more restrictions on the weight I can lift and going to the dentist is okay, just pre-medicate . I go back to see him in 3 months. I will check in with my Primary care Doctor on the 17th of July, but other than that I am good to go. Still short on energy, but I believe it will improve with time and activity. God is good all the time, even when things seem dark, God is light. Please all you heart valve patients as you move forward on this journey, trust your faith, trust your doctor and believe in yourself. If I can do it you can too. God bless you all.

It was on April 29th when the lights went out and surgery took place. When I think back to that day (of which I remember little) I am amazed as to how far I have come. I drove yesterday for the first time and after the next week I will be on my own as my sister will be heading back home to Portland,OR. I will be seeing the Cardio on the 7th of July and will be seeking permission to get to my part time job. I feel down right healthy. My endurance is still not up to par, but it is Improving. My son is here (still taking care of his fathers estate business) and has helped my purchase a new second hand car. I am going big this time. RX300 Lexus SUV - no not new, but in good condition. My old car was a small, low to the ground Nisson Sentra and not automatic shift. I have 2 more home PT session next week and that is that for them.
I received my first bill from the Hospital and was shocked on the amount. Over $200,000.00 for the 6 day stay and surgery. My portion was just a drop in the bucket (thank God) I still have a second hospital stay of 9 days but no surgery unless you call having your lung drained at surgery. Wonder how much that will cost....hmmm. Time will tell. I hope all the pre-op fellow travelers will get as good care as I did. The doctors, nurses and aides were the greatest and made a stressful time bearable. Thanks you ALL.

It has been 6 weeks out from valve surgery and a second hospital stay and life is getting back to a semblance of normal. Of course the word "normal" is a very personal thing. For me "normal" means putting lipstick on and using the curling iron to do my very straight hair first thing in the morning. I feel almost good enough to get back to work.

Well my X husband has passed away and so my son is dealing with all that goes with a death in the family. I am glad he didn't linger too long after being placed in hospice care.

If I just could get my stamina going and my endurance increased then I might try driving my car.

Lookout drivers on the roads in Jensen Beach, I might be coming your way. LOL

Yesterday at 3:30 pm my sister and I climbed into the car off we went to stop by the bank. Next we drove to the cardiologist and when we arrived I found my appointment had been cancelled. The receptionist was kind enough to sqeeze me in and that I was cancelled because I did not call them back to confirm the date and time. Hmmmmm! Everything was ok the massive amount of pills go for another 30 days and then I come back and he will start reducing them. Does anyone take Xarelto instead of Coumadin (sp?) ? Just wondering.

The Directtv repairman came at noon, a friend came at 12:10, the nurse came at 12:15, the man delivering the 4th leg of the walker showed up at 12:15 and eventually my son, Jeff and my granddaughter popped in. It was chaos for a while. I just sat back and watched. Wonder what is going happen tomorrow. My son is back in Florida due to his father having a massive stroke. He is my X. Life is full twist and turns. Hope all is well with everyone.

Well I just got the word from the doctor. June 6 is going home day . I can't wait. 😊

Well I am moving forward with pt and ot. I am really ready to see my cat, Frances. My cousin, Linda has been busy getting the house ready for my home coming. I am wearing a bra for the first time since surgery. The drain spots were not healing. Keep you posted on getting home. 😊

Well today was a red letter day. I went to the surgeon office today. He basically discharged me unless I have a problem. I have one drain that is still healing,but that's it. Now I need to see the cardiologist and then the primary care doctor. We are getting ready for home coming. I have lost so much weight that I am having trouble keeping up my pants.LOL 😉

Well I am really doing so much better. I do freeze in these institutes. I am wrapped up like a mummy. I feel so much better without all that fluid. Hope all is well with everyone. I just read Rachel latest report and am thrilled with the good news and sorry about the muscle injury. Love to all 😊

Hello All

Susan is still in the hospital. She has fluid in her lungs and this has been treated with diuretics and antibiotics. They are looking at infections and making sure she is on the correct type of antibiotics. The fluid appears to be getting better and she sounds good as of Sunday. Susan has been up walking around and is hoping she will be out of the hospital and back to rehab by Tuesday.



A setback, But is in good hands

Thanks Jeff
,

Susan was looking at getting back to rehab today. Not happening due to fluid build in her lungs. She is not happy about this issue they will keep her in the hospital till Monday and see if diuretics help dissipate the fluid if not they will drain the fluid. Still she is keeping up beat considering these setbacks. I have been reading all of your response to her. She said George Clooney is not treating her but if he shows up she will sign the release to receive medical attention. And Ernie should seek medical attention if his condition last more then 4 hours...

Thanks again
Jeff

Hello,
Susan did have a TIA on the left side of the brain. No damage to the brain was visible via CT scan. Since she had some afib issues after surgery she was on blood thinners so that probably allowed the clot to move on without damaging the brain. She should be moved back to rehab on 5/15 and she sounds better already. As you all know these issues are a possibility after surgery and she is pulling up the boot straps to move forward.
Thanks for the support
Jeff

Hello all,
I know Susan has not keep up on her updates. So I thought I would step in and give ya'll some info. Susan is back in the hospital with a possible TIA (mini stroke) not for sure yet but she has had funky symptoms for a few days now. She can talk and has full motor function the tip off was she could not see out of her right eye today. and just has not been her bubbly self. So back in the Hospital as of today 5/13. If anyone would like more details my email address is jsmith@wispertel.net feel free to shoot me an email. I will do my best to get back to. I know you folks have been a major reason way she had the strength to go through the procedure. And I thank you all. But keep her in your prayers. This is not life threating,, just a step back. She is a tough old bird
Thanks Jeff

Hi everyone, if they had physically cut my arms off I would be as just at lost. Jeff left last night and heading home. I have been to pt and ot. Tomorrow I go twice day . I wish everyone well

Susan has been up walking the loop around nurse station. About 60' round trip. Rehab will be the key for her to get the new lease on life. Hard work will get her better then she was prior to surgery. She is eating normal food and is ready to move out this joint....

Thanks
Jeff

Susan got some normal food today. Not Jell-O anyway. She is trying to get up and down but that is a challenge with no use of the arms. Hope to be in the rehab facility by Tuesday. Little better every day.

Talk latter
Jeff

Susan is now in a regular room. This took place yesterday around 4:30pm. She feels a lot of nausea and not feeling like eating. even that yummy Jell-O is not interesting. The anesthesia is still hanging in her system which is normal of course. We will be working on the rehab. situation today

Talk latter Jeff.

Susan is doing well and is up in the chair. She has had all drains removed and says hello. She could be moved into a room by the end of the day.

Ventilator is removed, and I could say love u. Pain meds are being given so it is getting manageable.

Talk in the A.M.
Jeff

Well the easy part is over now the work begins. Susan is awake and uncomfortable as you all probably know. Visiting hours are at 8p.m. I will see her then and at 11a.m. tomorrow. She should be able to better talk to me tomorrow morning.

Updates tomorrow.
Jeff

Well everything is going as planned. Susan went in at 1pm EST. Should be another hour and in ICU unit.

Latter Jeff

preop

Well we are in the waiting room. Yes we are waiting....
Thought I would introduce myself. Talk to ya'll in a bit

Jeff

Still home and biding my time. Finished my second shower (there will be a 3rd at hospital). I am very nausiated(must be nerves) and an empty stomach. I am at peace and truly ready for some action. Judy praying for you too. Judy and Susan are on the road to recovery. God is with us all.😊👍💘

The repeat urine test went good and I am cleared for surgery. I met with the Cardio Anesthesia doctor and he shook my hand and see you in the morning.

My son, Jeff is here and I have really enjoyed his company along his can do attitude. I have always called him "scrappy" meaning he has a "no give up" attitude. Low and behold, he came back from a shopping excursion with Lap Top computer for me to take to the hospital and rehab. I am doing this journal on the new member of the family right now. I was going to use my smart phone, but now .I am in the mix.

So now I am packing (lightly) and making ready for an early morning - rise and shine. I do not know the time yet as they will call me between 4 and 6 to let me know.

I am truly ready to get this done . I stopped by work with Jeff and everyone prayed for me (it is a Christian Office) . how nice . Just got a call from Karen. She says 9:00 am is the time for me to arrive, but it could be earlier if there is a cancellation.

Jeff, my son will take over the journal for a few days and then I will be doing it. As Ernie says, "Attitude is everything." He is right. I am sending all of you a great big "THANK YOU" as I have arrived and have met the goal. Adam Pick is a superhero as far as I am concerned. He found a need and fulfilled it to over flowing with solid information. Thanks Adam.

I am signing off to take a nap and relax. Lots of love to all.

Today was the pre-admit day. I arrived at the hospital's Admission and Outpatient Department and got checked in due the additional test required. Then I went to see Karen my nurse coordinator. She sent me for a chest x-ray, then she did an EKG, then an urine sample was taken, and of course the big blood letting took place. I think there was 5 or 6 test tubes. I was weighed, my blood pressure was taken, my temperature taken, my oxygen level was done and she did a swab of my nostril for MERSA. She then gave me a regular size black shopping type bag filled with things to read and the Spirometer. She instructed me on the Spirometer and had me try it out. I was surprised how hard it was to make it move at the right pace. WOW. She showed me how to use the "beloved" heart pillow and had me practice using it with her help.

Before this was all over with, the results came back from the Blood and Urine test. Blood is fine, Urine showed a mild infection and she said that has to be cleared up before surgery. So a prescription for antibiotic was given for the infection along with another prescription for my nostril, which I am to bring with me to hospital on the "big day". So now I must come back on Monday (the day before surgery) and have another urine test.

To top my day off, my car died again at the CVS Pharmacy parking lot. I was picking the prescriptions. No clutch and when I started it up the car lurched forward as though I was pushing hard on the gas pedal. I was not touching it. So the tow people were called, the mechanic was call and my place of work was called. I was supposed go back and show my job to another girl and this was my last day of work. I told them I would come in Monday afternoon for a short time and help the girl figure out what I do and suggestions of how to do it. She may find a better way. A friend came and got me and brought me home. I got home at 4 p.m. and I took a nap after drinking a whole glass of water with the first antibiotic pill and I am in my second wind.

My son is flying into Ft. Lauderdale this evening and renting a car to drive up to Jensen Beach. I still need to run the vacuum and do a little dusting. I can not worry about my car and I am not going worry about the surgery. I place it all into God's hands and am ready to get this renewal done. Everyone have a good evening.

Today was my last visit with the surgeon. Dr. Thornton gave me all the serious details of the risks and the results of the last 2 test. The test came out good and the risk factors were already pretty much known by me and my community brothers and sisters. What I have been dealing with in between the medical issues is working full time instead of part time (to make up time lost) and car troubles. My car is on the operating room table as we speak. The clutch stop working properly and so the surgeon (mechanic) had to order a new part. It came today, but was boxed wrong. In other words the box was the correct part, but inside it was a wrong part. So on the phone the mechanic got a new one coming. They promised it would be in his hands by 3 p.m., but I am trusting God that he got it and I will call him first thing in the morning (8 or 8:30 a.m.) I have had to rent a car for 2 days and if the part does not come I will have to add another day, plus my scheduled pre-admit session is set for Friday the 25th at 9 a.m. which will include blood work, EKG, x-rays, tour of Cardiac Unit and a class, plus I am sure instructions will be given to me for readying myself for surgery. So I really need my car to be fixed by or on Thursday so I can return the rental and pick up the car. When I get through with the pre-admit on Friday it is back to work till 4 p.m. then I will be off work for a couple of months. My employers are very good friends as well and so I am blessed. My job will be there waiting for me to return. My faith is certainly getting a good work out. My son, Jeff, will be here on Friday , cousin, Linda, will be here on the 14th May and my sister, Jane will be here on the 2nd if June till the end of June. I get emotional when I think of what they are doing for me. I am blessed..... I am truly blessed.

Well I finished the last of the test that I know about. Yesterday was the Carotid Artery test ( 20 min.) and that was a easy compared to the lung test which was today and a full hour plus many pricks with a needle to draw arterial blood. Believe it or not the technician started off by telling me that I might be dizzy and or pass out and she had "smelling salts" ready if I needed it. She me gave good instructions for each of the breathing test and I did pretty good at following them, but there were so many variations of breathing that she wanted me to do and some were repeated 2 or 3 times and they all had to have the same results or the computer wouldn't like them. It became a battle between me and the computer and I guess I won as she did let me go home eventually. The needle thing was like many blood lettings that we all have been through except it was hard to find the arteries. Most of what we see and have done are blood test drawn from our veins not arteries. Arteries like to hide and roll. They are much deeper and can be found by feeling for the pulse in the wrist or fore arm. Also I discovered that the wrist arteries are next to nerves and that is not fun. She was as gentle as possible, but "ouch". She didn't need much blood, maybe half a little fingernail so once she found the little rascal it didn't take long. This blood sample is for the Pulmonary doctor to see how much oxygen and other such things were in my system. I asked why I was having to do this test and she said because I had been a smoker. Yes I smoked when I was young (probably 20 years - 18 years old to 38 years old), but it has been 35 years since I kicked that bad habit, thank goodness. Well my day started off with taking my neighbor, Libby (85 years old) to have ultrasound for a possible blood clot in her leg. It became swollen and tender . She does not drive and so I help when I can. No blood clot, so something else is going on. She has been a good neighbor for more than 30 years and we are good friends. I am pooped again, so off for a good nights rest. Tomorrow is Good Friday and I do not have to work, so I will attend church and continue getting ready for company and surgery. Good night and don't let the bedbugs bite. ZZZZZzzzzzzzz.

Well time is moving on quickly and as I prepare for the up and coming week. I will call this week, the week of tests. On Wednesday is the Carotid Artery test and then on Thursday is my lung test. I know what the artery test is all about. I have had it done before and it is no big thing. The lung test is something new, but expect it will be ok too. Still getting my house in order as one might expect with the weight loss big clothes are going to Good Will and the new smaller clothes are taking there place in my closet and dresser drawers. I am grateful to have been able to lose 50 pounds plus or minus 1 or 2 pounds in a day. Morning I am 2 pounds lighter than in the evening. I am down 4 sizes in the pants and 3 sizes down in the blouses and tees. How nice. Surgery can be a great motivator. It took me a year, but it was and is worth it. I must take care of the cat as she is getting really loud in her demands. "Feed me....feed me." LOL Everyone have a great day.

Well after the last 2 test have been set up for 4/16 and 4/17, the date for surgery is now on Dr. Thornton's schedule. April 29th will be the big day. I am glad that I can let my family know the date and what is planned at this time. They are coming from all corners of the USA and need time to get plane tickets that aren't an arm and a leg. So I have emailed them the current plan and date for surgery. It is like a load is off my shoulders and now it is up to them to make their moves. I am so blessed to have a son, a sister and a cousin that are willing to help me get through this event in my life. I only hope and pray that if they ever need my help, I will be there for them. Family is everything along with my relationship with the Trinity (God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit). So now I will continue the house cleaning and preparations. God is good. May God bless all the patients and families of this Community. Have a great day. I am still watching for another glimpse of that Pot Belly Pig. I have my camera ready. LOL

Well today was a busy exhausting day. First I had to replace my microwave oven and so I had to pick it up at the JC Penney's store. They loaded the box in the backseat, since my trunk was too small. Then I had to get it out of the car and onto the dolly, etc... Anyway it took an hour to do it all which included lifting it up from the floor of the kitchen and onto the counter ( 40 lbs.). I did it but had to rest a bit before plugging it in and checking it out. It works! Hallelujah !

Then off to the surgeon's office for a first visit. I first talked with a nurse and then the doctor. He explained the procedure and the length of time in surgery (3 hours) and that a bovine valve would used and I asked him a few questions and found that he does about 900 to a 1000 valve operations each year and he has been doing this for 30 years. He asked what my concerns were and I talk to him about putting on compression stockings during the recovery time (since I have lymphedema in both lower legs) and getting up and down from chairs without using my arms. He said that maybe going to rehab for a week or two might solve these worries. He wanted to know what date I would looking and I indicted the last week of April. His office will be calling me to set up some more test, such as test for my lungs and a coradid (sp?) artery test. Then we would set the actual date for the surgery. So now I go into waiting mode....again. I guess it is the old "hurry up and wait" plan. He was not pleased that I lifted a 40 lb. microwave oven from the ground to the counter and said "do not do that again". Okay I won't. I liked him and do feel free to ask additional questions of his staff and/or him in the future. So I guess I am go with Dr. Thornton, heart surgeon extraordinaire. Well off to try and relax since tomorrow at 8:15 is Frances' date with her doctor, the vet. Everyone get has their turn with the doctors even our furry friends. Everyone have a good evening and keep smiling.

When you get used to the "hop" every 6 months trip to the Cardio, "skipping" to the Cardiac Catheterization is a big step and now suddenly I am "jumping" into surgery. I have an appointment to meet with a surgeon next Wednesday at 1 p.m.. His office has been gathering my records and so I will make a decision about whether to have him do the surgery. I am still getting my "ducks-in-a-row" with lots of "to do lists". I am getting anxious to move on and past surgery. I have pretty much ruled out surgery at Mayo's clinic in Jacksonville, FL as I could never really get all the info I want to make a positive decision. I did the research on their website and made 2 calls to them, but no answers to questions that would have made me seek an appointment.

You know when things start going bad, it seems everything breaks, falls apart of stops working and that is what has been happening for the last 2 1/2 weeks. Now the micro waive is busted and I am not looking forward to carrying the old one out and bringing in a new one, but I must have one to exist. I also have to figure out how to get the cat to vet for her yearly checkup and shots. She weighs 19 pounds and is dead weight. I need to put wheels on her carrying case and maybe a motor. LOL While I have lost 48 pounds, Frances has lost only 1 pound. So these small problems, I am sure will work themselves out. Next week will be an important week and my family is standing by ready to take action. I love them so and couldn't not begin to get through this without their support and love. Everyone have a great day and keep on moving forward into good health.

Well I have had 2 nights of fairly good sleep and feel so much better. I am in the seeking a surgeon mode, full time. I did get to talk with one in the Hospital and was glad I had done some homework as I could ask some serious questions. This surgeon specializes in the mini-stern incision and says I am a good candidate for this. He has done over 100 valve operations and his practice is 25% valve surgery. The success rate is better than good and If I should decide to use him, all I have to do is call his office (as he has already reviewed by case). I have already called another surgeon and they will be getting my records from the hospital, cardiologist and my PCP and will get back to me in the middle of next week (this Wednesday or so). So the wheels are in motion. In the mean time I am working slowly but surely to get the house in order and other such stuff. Good old stuff. I have my sister on standby and I am ready to order the rental lift chair. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. Life is full of interesting twists and turns. I went out for a quick grocery pickup and at a stop sign, the house across the street opened its front door and out stepped a dog and a pot belly pig. I pulled the phone out to take a picture, but a car pulled up behind and honked the horn, so I moved. Imagine living with a pig,...hmmmmm . Not interested in that happening. LOL. Well enough for now. Praying for all.

Today was the cardiac catheterization test and it was a long and exhausting day. It started out at 4:15 am with a shower and special soap. Then out of the house by 5:15 to arrive at the hospital in Ft. Pierce, FL about 25 miles a way. I had instruction to arrive at 6 a.m. so I was 15 minutes early, but rather be early than late. I did all the pre-admission stuff the day before, which took about 2 hours. I waited for about 1 hour before being called in to be prepared for the procedure which was scheduled for 7 a.m.. I was put on the very skinny table covered with a sheet or something, except for the groin area to be used for the entry into my arteries and heart for almost another hour. I was shivering and my teeth were chattering. Everyone once in a while a nurse would come in and apologize for the delay and check me out. Finally my cardiologist came in and the procedure was started. I watched the big screen as I felt the pressure of the dye being injected (didn't like that at all). They took pictures from several angles and this was done twice(right and left side of the heart). It probably took 20 minutes. My cardiogist pronounced that my arteries were clean and clear and the only issue was my valve. He wanted to know if I had talked to a surgeon and I said "no". I then was shifted from the skinny table to a bed and wheeled up to the cardiac floor for recovery. I can say that everyone did their job and took extremely good care of me. I was told not to take my head from the pillow and not bend my right leg (keep it straight). Discharge estimated time was to be 12:30 p.m. but the time dragged on and on. I ordered lunch and got it. I was still hooked up to the blood pressure cuff, the IV and the heart monitor. I asked why at 2:30 I was not discharged and they said the doctor was to come and talk with me,. I asked what doctor and they said the surgeon. I was stunned. A Case Manager stopped by and then a person going to take blood. I asked why the blood and she said to type cross-match for transfusions. Someone then came in and said that I was to be discharged and they all left. Please understand that I had told my cardiogist that was wanted to have the surgery in the hospital in my county. Each county has at least 1 hospital with full cardiac surgery and care. My PCP is in Martin County (where I live and the cardiologist is in St. Lucie County) Not all these doctors have privileges in the same hospitals. If I have the surgery in St. Lucie County and I need help and go to Martin County ER, who will treat me ......a new cardiologist?? Anyhow, I did wait to talk with him, Dr. Patrick Mangonon and I did ask him some questions, like how many aortic valve operations he had performed and what kind of incision would he use. He had reviewed my case and he said that he had performed over 100 valve operations and that he specialized in mini-sternomy incisions. I explained my feelings on having the surgery in the county where I lived and he understood and he thought the surgeons were excellent and he named them by name. He said that after checking out the other doctors , if I was not comfortable with them, that he would be happy to see me and he gave me his card. He was very gracious and open. So now I am home and pondering it all. I was exhausted when I arrived home at 4:30 p.m. and called the office where I worked to tell them that I was ok and had a good report and would not be coming in tomorrow at the recommendation of the hospital. They recommend no work for 5 days. I will go in on Monday. I then took a "cat nap" with Frances on my lap covered with a throw blanket. Now I am not sure what to do, but I do know that I will need make a decision very soon. It is almost 11 pm and I am ready for the "sack" . In fact I am really looking forward to a good night sleep. Good night everyone and don't let the bed bugs bite. lol God is good all the time. My car is fixed for very little money and I have survived the cardiac cath. ZZZzzzzzz.

Well my cardio is not wasting any time. Just got a call from his office and Pre admit on 3/12/14 for both procedures set for 3/13/14. I am now rushing to get my ducks in a row. Called close friend to accompany me to both appt. and cancelled my physical therapy appt. for the rotator cuff stuff, which was set up for 3/13. I just had my car towed away to the mechanic and now my mind is racing in circles to think of things I need to do asap. I guess I am glad this part will be over with quickly and I will know exactly what I am facing. At my age and stage my arteries could be clogged and so I will find out what is what. Do keep me in your prayers as together we travel this often bumpy road. These are the time I feel very alone, since my family is in Denver, Portland, OR and Connecticut. I do have a lot of friends and church family and I will need to rely on them for much at this time. My sister has already committed to be my caretaker after surgery and my cousin may share the time. Enough said for the time being. I will keep you posted.