Well Praise the Lord I survived the surgery and was discharged today only 5 days post op .i had a great doctor and nurses but also the Great Physician was by my side every step of the way.I won't say it was an easy journey but not half as bad as I envisioned it to be.The pain for the most part has been manageable but some things like coughing and using your incentive spirometer you just have to suck up and do.The first day I could not even reach the 500 mark but now I can reach 1500 with lots of effort.I thought the surgery would be the hard part but the hard part is just now beginning doctor appt,not being able to drive,going to cardiac rehab all the things you have to do in order to improve your quality of life.I was terrified of the surgery but my total knee was much worse than this major heart surgery.I am praying for each of you who are on your road to recovery and to those who are soon to have surgery.
Matthew Russo Wonderful news Teresa! Our surgery dates were the same day. Take it slowly and nurture your body with the care and compassion it needs to heal. Take Care
Wanda Mroz Great news. My total shoulder replacement was far more painful and difficult I agree. Good luck in recovery🙏🏻❤️
Day before surgery 2-26-17
Journal posted on February 26, 2017
Tomorrow is the big day .The thoughts of surgery are pretty scary but I have faith in my doctor and in God. My surgery is replacement of aortic valve and cabg of vessel.I will be at the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville TN and my surgeon is Dr Lawrence Lee. When I saw the cardiologist on 1-27 I had no clue that my aortic stenosis had progressed to the severe level.Of course I was having sob with very minimal exertion and chest pain more frequently and fatigued very easily but at my appt a year ago I was having the same symptoms and dr said I can assure you it is not your heart valve causing your symptoms so I was shocked .well I'm going to try and enjoy this day and get out of the house for a while.Have to be at the hospital by 530 am
Cathy Zuber Hang in there.. enjoy the small miracles of Nature you see outside today..enjoy the Oscars on TV tonite
Will say a prayer for you and all our heart friends that have surgery tomorrow👍❣️
Catie B Sending prayer, Teresa. I hope it all goes super smoothly with your surgery and recovery.
Bridget Sawmiller You will do great, I remember the anxiety the week leading up to my surgery, have faith and trust in your surgeon and place it in God's hands, you will do great! ... Read more
Bridget Sawmiller You will do great, I remember the anxiety the week leading up to my surgery, have faith and trust in your surgeon and place it in God's hands, you will do great! Looking forward to seeing your post op updates. I am 6 months post op and I am doing great!
Barbara Wood Sending prayers & positive thoughts your way Teresa:)
Judy Schaefer Sending prayers and best wishes to you. hang in there!
Kathy Blank Lots of positive thoughts and prayers from Texas!
Lisa Giaccone My mom was in a similar situation end of January. She just had surgery on 22 and is doing great. She was so scared of course. But honestly these doctors ... Read more
Lisa Giaccone My mom was in a similar situation end of January. She just had surgery on 22 and is doing great. She was so scared of course. But honestly these doctors know what they are doing. You can't live like this. God led you to this day and this surgeon. Give your mental anguish up to him. You will get through this. Have a speedy recovery!
Well tomorrow is the big day and needless to say I'm very scared.I am a overthinker and retired nurse .i am having a 1 vessel cabg and aortic valve replacement .was scheduled 2 weeks ago and my surgeon wanted me to have my port removed which I had for iv access and I did and when they cultured it of course it was growing 2 different organisms so I have been on antibiotics for 10 days now .i have had many surgeries but nothing this major .Trusting God to see me thru this and I have a really good surgeon .Reading everyone's posts has helped relieve some of my fears but I guess fear of the unknown is normal .
Lisa Giaccone Hi Teresa! My mom just had CABGx2 and AVR Wednesday. She had scheduled surgery 3 weeks ago. Of course the thought and wait of the surgery is daunting BUT ... Read more
Lisa Giaccone Hi Teresa! My mom just had CABGx2 and AVR Wednesday. She had scheduled surgery 3 weeks ago. Of course the thought and wait of the surgery is daunting BUT honestly you will be amazed at how well u do. My mom only took pain meds for2 days post op day 3 no pain walked all over and did 3 little flights of stairs 3 times! Even she's amazed! She's 69! You will be fine! Give your fear up to God, he will take care of you. He brought to this surgeon and this moment so that you can live! Xoxo
Marie Myers I understand your fear and overthinking. I am a still-working nurse anesthetist and feel like I know a little too much about all this.I wish you smooth sailing ... Read more
Marie Myers I understand your fear and overthinking. I am a still-working nurse anesthetist and feel like I know a little too much about all this.I wish you smooth sailing in surgery and a speedy recovery. Take a sleeping pill or an anti-anxiety med if you need it. I sure am!
Sue Sanchez Grela Teresa, my AVR is March 1, and I have prepared myself by prayer and reading everything our heart brothers and sisters who have gone before us, and walk with ... Read more
Sue Sanchez Grela Teresa, my AVR is March 1, and I have prepared myself by prayer and reading everything our heart brothers and sisters who have gone before us, and walk with us now! God is with you and I will keep you in my prayers. I look forward to reading about your surgery and recovery success ❤
Don Catoe the night before is always the hardest part! I truly believe you got this as soon as you said "trust in God". You are in my prayers.
Teresa Breedlove Thanks everyone for the encouragement .I wish I had found this site months ago instead of this morning.I will continue to read all the journals posted throughout ... Read more
Teresa Breedlove Thanks everyone for the encouragement .I wish I had found this site months ago instead of this morning.I will continue to read all the journals posted throughout the day and try to get some sleep since I slept none last night.Praying for all my new heart friends
Marie Myers And we are looking forward to your post-surgery notes!
March 4, 2017