Susan's 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.

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

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 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