tracy's Heart Valve Journal

Tammy Pilcher  Tracy, it's great to hear you're doing so well! Congratulations on your new book! I also enjoyed reading your blog when you were posting before your surgery. ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Tracy, it's great to hear you're doing so well! Congratulations on your new book! I also enjoyed reading your blog when you were posting before your surgery. Prayers and best wishes on continued recovery! God bless you!

Steven A Husted  wow your scar is very similar to mine with the chest scar and the three drain tube scars i have the same scars i have seen others with only two drain tube ... Read more

Steven A Husted  wow your scar is very similar to mine with the chest scar and the three drain tube scars i have the same scars i have seen others with only two drain tube scars i guess different doctors different scars great picture for someone who wants to see what the scar will look like after surgery thanks your heart brother steve (popeye)

Lewis Garlisi  Wow, I feel badly that you even asked - I've been indulging for a few weeks now (we went under the knife on the same day). I've limited myself to one or two ... Read more

Lewis Garlisi  Wow, I feel badly that you even asked - I've been indulging for a few weeks now (we went under the knife on the same day). I've limited myself to one or two glasses per day, but that's not much less than I'd have prior to surgery.

Nancy D  I can't drink wine due to the migraines it gives me, but I have begun a much decreased amount of either beer or mixed drinks here and there. I am off all meds ... Read more

Nancy D  I can't drink wine due to the migraines it gives me, but I have begun a much decreased amount of either beer or mixed drinks here and there. I am off all meds but full dose aspirin, so no issue there. So far all is well, but I find I too like Lewis am slightly below the amount I would have pre-op. No ill effects noted

Lewis Garlisi  Btw, that's not every day that I have that glass or two - i would probably tire out pretty quickly at this point in my recovery. And thanks for the heads up ... Read more

Lewis Garlisi  Btw, that's not every day that I have that glass or two - i would probably tire out pretty quickly at this point in my recovery. And thanks for the heads up Ole, regarding the blood thinning properties.

Lenore Mitchell  Tracy - you crack me up! Love your sneeze post, and it's just so darn true that we all know we're gonna do it...we all dread it...we all hope our red heart ... Read more

Lenore Mitchell  Tracy - you crack me up! Love your sneeze post, and it's just so darn true that we all know we're gonna do it...we all dread it...we all hope our red heart pillow is nearby when it doth happen. Whew! A....choo! Congrats on keeping us all smiling.

Lewis Garlisi  Pretty much true. Something I was able to avoid until 2 weeks ago when I caught the flu. My surgery was also on Jan. 15th, so for the first few days of my ... Read more

Lewis Garlisi  Pretty much true. Something I was able to avoid until 2 weeks ago when I caught the flu. My surgery was also on Jan. 15th, so for the first few days of my flu I never went anywhere without tissues and a pillow.

Pat Bluemel  Tracy, I love your posts and blog so much. Thank you for the updates, I like your verbiage about not loving your new scar so much yet. I am certainly resisting ... Read more

Pat Bluemel  Tracy, I love your posts and blog so much. Thank you for the updates, I like your verbiage about not loving your new scar so much yet. I am certainly resisting mine, I don't like wounds, I don't like looking at mine, I'm hoping that will change. I do however, like to look into people's eyes that insist on seeing mine. It's like they want to unask the moment they see it and you can see that flash across their eyes - I do take a little fun from that:-). Look forward to the next post.
Pat

Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Hi Tracy! Love the pics!! You are doing amazing and that comment about knitting made me bust out laughing which isn't exactly comfortable these days...(you ... Read more

Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Hi Tracy! Love the pics!! You are doing amazing and that comment about knitting made me bust out laughing which isn't exactly comfortable these days...(you need a caution warning on you blog for recent fellow heart patients)! Everyone keeps suggesting knitting to me like it will help me pass the time. Ummm, no thanks, I'm doing just fine with Netflix and trashy mags!!

tracy craig  Thanks, heart friends! The whole scar thing and the various reactions to it are interesting. Cris, I haven't actually put anything on my scar at all. It is ... Read more

tracy craig  Thanks, heart friends! The whole scar thing and the various reactions to it are interesting. Cris, I haven't actually put anything on my scar at all. It is pretty cool to see how much neater it is than my old one so far. Amy, I will try to put some future disclaimer warnings ;)

Angelo Varrone  Tracy, I spent about 2 weeks sleeping in the recliner. When I decided to try to sleep in bed it was with the help of a foam wedge. It will be hard to sit up ... Read more

Angelo Varrone  Tracy, I spent about 2 weeks sleeping in the recliner. When I decided to try to sleep in bed it was with the help of a foam wedge. It will be hard to sit up from a lay-flat position. So, the wedge gets you half way there. Sleeping at a 45 degree angle will take some getting used to. After about 6 weeks or so, I was able to lose the wedge, but getting in and out of bed was tricky. If you have the help, get them to lend a hand when you want to get out of bed.

Tammy Pilcher  Tracy, my experience sounds like Angelo's. I moved to my bed after two weeks in the recliner. I used a wedge pillow with pillows piled on top. When getting ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Tracy, my experience sounds like Angelo's. I moved to my bed after two weeks in the recliner. I used a wedge pillow with pillows piled on top. When getting into bed, I would sit as far back as I could and swing my legs around. I would hold my heart pillow close to my chest so to not use my arms. Then getting back up I would sit up using my heart pillow close to my chest again and swing my legs around. I hope this helps.

Ole Bore  I did not have a recliner. I slept in my own bed as soon as I got home from the hospital. I'll say this: I got really creative for ways to use my legs to get ... Read more

Ole Bore  I did not have a recliner. I slept in my own bed as soon as I got home from the hospital. I'll say this: I got really creative for ways to use my legs to get into a sitting position as I couldn't sleep with a large pillow. Foot between mattress and box spring was very effective. As I continuedy recovery, I was also able to twist my head in ways that made it easier to get out of bed.

TL;DR: you'll find ways to make it happen while observing your sternal precautions

Elaine Foster  I slept in my bed with a wedge pillow the starting the first night home. I used my heart pillow with my arms crossed in front of it to lay down. My bed is ... Read more

Elaine Foster  I slept in my bed with a wedge pillow the starting the first night home. I used my heart pillow with my arms crossed in front of it to lay down. My bed is a little high, so I used a small stool to stand on first, and set down and then lay back and turn. I could not raise up out of bed the first few nights. My husband had to put his hand behind my back and push as I hugged my pillow and swung my legs around. I used my own recliner during the day for napping. I probably was able to get out of bed on my own after after 5 days home.

tracy craig  Thank you all so much! I think I am struggling with what the 'normal' expectations are. Hearing all your personal stories and tips help so much in putting it ... Read more

tracy craig  Thank you all so much! I think I am struggling with what the 'normal' expectations are. Hearing all your personal stories and tips help so much in putting it all into perspective, it takes time and I need to be gentle and patient :)

Thanks, friends.

Joseph Ballett  Love your writings, well said but depression is not the only reaction the heart feels for me it opened up how wonderful life is and how awesome family is. I've ... Read more

Joseph Ballett  Love your writings, well said but depression is not the only reaction the heart feels for me it opened up how wonderful life is and how awesome family is. I've made changes , which i think have been for the better i keep looking for the positive in each day.

Meredith Bray  My doctor told me I could sleep however I was comfortable, but to stay off my side as long as possible. I found that laying flat felt suffocating. I panicked ... Read more

Meredith Bray  My doctor told me I could sleep however I was comfortable, but to stay off my side as long as possible. I found that laying flat felt suffocating. I panicked and had to have help sitting up because I couldn't breathe. Even with wedge pillows and the "nest" i built in my own bed, I still needed assistance in & out of bed.

Eleanor R  For me, the hardest thing was negotiating lying down in the bed. Maybe while you're up and moving around in the day, if you have someone with you, you can ... Read more

Eleanor R  For me, the hardest thing was negotiating lying down in the bed. Maybe while you're up and moving around in the day, if you have someone with you, you can practice getting onto the bed. Did they show you how in the hospital, probably, scooting up and back on the bed in a sitting position, and slowly lowering yourself without using your hand or arm too much. I was told to cross my arms and use just the side of my arm. You might also try first lying on the sofa, from a good sitting position, might be easier with the sofa back there to catch you as you lower. I tried probably at week 2 and week 4, and because it pulled on my chest muscles, I didn't like it and stayed in the recliner, which like you say is so easy to get up from, especially at night or when you are alone, so easy. Around week 4 I did practice lying on the sofa, getting up from a lying down position, etc. without too much of a deal. Lying totally flat, 180 degree flat, didn't work for the same pulling sensation, but with a couple of pillows to recline onto, it was great. Other patients have used bed wedges from Bed, Bath & Beyond, to ease the transition. Others just a pyramid of bed pillows. Play around and see what works for you. Make sure you have someone at hand to help you the first time you try any of this so you don't get stuck! Your body will guide you well, telling you exactly when it is "enough!". Best wishes to you, Eleanor

Joseph Ballett  Hello for me i found i had to get a sleeping wedge it was a transition from the chair to bed without laying flat right away , I think i used it for a few weeks. ... Read more

Joseph Ballett  Hello for me i found i had to get a sleeping wedge it was a transition from the chair to bed without laying flat right away , I think i used it for a few weeks. Tip you can get them at shoppers home health but don't take the plastic off just wrap it in a bed sheet , because when it is the plastic you can take it back till you find the right fit for you, I had to try three different ones before i got it.

Terrie Syvertsen  Tracy-Love reading your blog and the photo's from the day of your surgery on up to the balloon sculpture were a great way of orchestrating your experiences! ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Tracy-Love reading your blog and the photo's from the day of your surgery on up to the balloon sculpture were a great way of orchestrating your experiences! Love how you shared your experiences with everyone and your Family......each are jewels! Continue forward with all of that great earthly energy! Heal On!

Tammi Gunwall  Love your posts and your blog Tracy! You've got a great way of looking at things and sharing your sense of humor on what can be a scary and emotional topic. ... Read more

Tammi Gunwall  Love your posts and your blog Tracy! You've got a great way of looking at things and sharing your sense of humor on what can be a scary and emotional topic. Thanks for the smiles. I wish you continued progress and healing!

Meredith Bray  The more you stand up straight the less back pain you'll have. Also, when you're resting, make sure to have some support under your neck to give your head-holding ... Read more

Meredith Bray  The more you stand up straight the less back pain you'll have. Also, when you're resting, make sure to have some support under your neck to give your head-holding muscles a rest. I just read your blog about the weeks leading up to surgery. It was like picking a scab - in a good way. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Janet Garland  Tracy I love your blogs and happy to hear you're getting better everyday. This is week 3 for me and I'm still at my parents house. I have not been home as of ... Read more

Janet Garland  Tracy I love your blogs and happy to hear you're getting better everyday. This is week 3 for me and I'm still at my parents house. I have not been home as of yet. I guess I'm loving all the attention. I look foward to reading more of your blogs.

Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Tracy I just love your posts accompanied by the photos. It's getting close for me so your insight is invaluable:) I hope you are discharged soon and back ... Read more

Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Tracy I just love your posts accompanied by the photos. It's getting close for me so your insight is invaluable:) I hope you are discharged soon and back home in the comfort of your own home...good luck!

Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Tracy, congrats!! I love your blog:) I'm going to TGH on Feb 2nd for my surgery...what's it like there? I hope it's more organized than it's been getting a ... Read more

Amy DiGiovanni Noack  Tracy, congrats!! I love your blog:) I'm going to TGH on Feb 2nd for my surgery...what's it like there? I hope it's more organized than it's been getting a date for surgery;) where did you get that sternum x plastic protector? All my best to for a great recover!!

tracy craig  Thanks all! Slow and steady wins the race! Amy, the staff and overall experience here at TGH has been wonderful so far. I am happy to chat about any of the ... Read more

tracy craig  Thanks all! Slow and steady wins the race! Amy, the staff and overall experience here at TGH has been wonderful so far. I am happy to chat about any of the details you would like to know about. Just shoot me a message and we can discuss. I got the incision shield from this site! Have not used it just yet but looking forward to trying it out. :)

Terrie Syvertsen  Tracy! Big Day today! Wrote on your wonderful blog today. Loved the photo (above) Love that your Family is there for you 100%. You have us all here at the "Heart ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Tracy! Big Day today! Wrote on your wonderful blog today. Loved the photo (above) Love that your Family is there for you 100%. You have us all here at the "Heart Community" so today is just the beginning of a healthier YOU!

Mary Myers  Tracy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I had a mitral valve replaced in July 2014. I have a pig valve. My valve seems to be as good as new. Yours will ... Read more

Mary Myers  Tracy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I had a mitral valve replaced in July 2014. I have a pig valve. My valve seems to be as good as new. Yours will too. I love the picture of the heart!!! I have grown an attachment with any symbols of hearts. Look forward to connecting with you as your on the road to recovery. Rest when you can. Welcome to this amazing heart family. Hugs from my healthy heart to your new healthy heart! ♡♡♡♡♡ Mary

Tammy Pilcher  Tracy, your post is a beautiful tribute to your dad! I can so relate to it! I lost my daddy June 20, 2006 and it left a void in my life that I had never ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Tracy, your post is a beautiful tribute to your dad! I can so relate to it! I lost my daddy June 20, 2006 and it left a void in my life that I had never experienced before. He was a rock for my mother, sister, me, and our families. He was only 65 and now at 51 myself, I know all to well how young that is. I still miss him so much, but the sadness does become easier to endure. I will keep you in my prayers for Thursday. God bless you!

  That was absolutely beautiful. I had tears rolling down my cheeks halfway through. But fear not, the tears were good tears. The tears were the result of ... Read more

  That was absolutely beautiful. I had tears rolling down my cheeks halfway through. But fear not, the tears were good tears. The tears were the result of the reminder you gave us all that nobody is ever really alone. Your dad will be there with you. And that photo of him watching over you should be the last photo you look at before going into surgery. Look at the photo, close your eyes and know that he is there with you. Thank you for sharing this.

John Noriega  Thank you Tracy - certainly hits the right spot when there is a void in your life. I wish my dad had taken better care of himself - perhaps he'd have been here ... Read more

John Noriega  Thank you Tracy - certainly hits the right spot when there is a void in your life. I wish my dad had taken better care of himself - perhaps he'd have been here today! Brought back some great memories!
As for you, know that you will be in my prayers as you undergo your procedure. I look forward to your posts after surgery. Onward & Upward!

Terrie Syvertsen  Tracy-Beautiful expression of love on the anniversary of your Father's passing. The photo is a treasure for all time showing his intense love for you upon ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen  Tracy-Beautiful expression of love on the anniversary of your Father's passing. The photo is a treasure for all time showing his intense love for you upon his face and yes, as mentioned by another HVS member, just the kind of image perfect for entering into your surgery tomorrow.
As the blood flowing throughout your body is a part of the two of you and will help to keep that beautiful heart of yours beating in your lifetime you can assure yourself that this Man who forever is a part of you will stand over you at your bedside once again, tomorrow.
You have Family, friends, your new heart Family sending
Universal Love, Prayers for all to go excellently tomorrow and
bigger "Healing "Prayers for you to absorb during your soon to be
recovery. You are a much loved and Unique individual and this is a
very special day and time to continue Life with that Heart of yours
mended and ready to continue the great Journey!

Lori Beuerlein  Tracy, I love your blog! It has really help see a humorous side of things. I will be thinking of you oh Thursday , my surgery is on Wednesday, but will be looking ... Read more

Lori Beuerlein  Tracy, I love your blog! It has really help see a humorous side of things. I will be thinking of you oh Thursday , my surgery is on Wednesday, but will be looking for updates on you! Thank you for giving me a reason to laugh out loud!

Linda Crawford  Thanks again Tracy, glad to know that I am not the only one who is a little creeped out about the new hardware inside of me. No pressure but I really love ... Read more

Linda Crawford  Thanks again Tracy, glad to know that I am not the only one who is a little creeped out about the new hardware inside of me. No pressure but I really love to read your blog. I'm on Friday but will be looking forward to getting my IPad going and checking up on you.

tracy craig  Thank you friends! :) Lori and Linda, oceans of support and positive thoughts to you both for your surgery days. Next week this will be another accomplishment ... Read more

tracy craig  Thank you friends! :) Lori and Linda, oceans of support and positive thoughts to you both for your surgery days. Next week this will be another accomplishment and hurdle behind us. (plus a super cool scar to show off :)

Tammy Pilcher  Tracy, I used a power recliner that came from Rooms To Go. It was good to have while not being able to use my arms much. I slept in it the first couple of ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  Tracy, I used a power recliner that came from Rooms To Go. It was good to have while not being able to use my arms much. I slept in it the first couple of weeks. Then I used a wedge pillow with pillows on top in bed. You can get the wedge pillow at Bed, Bath, & Beyond. Best wishes!

Cheryl Batzing  Tracy, great question! I actually did not order a power recliner in advance and decided to first see my mobility with my right arm in the hospital. I had a ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Tracy, great question! I actually did not order a power recliner in advance and decided to first see my mobility with my right arm in the hospital. I had a side "minimally invasive" incision that I hear is quite painful, and it was. However, by the 5th day in the hospital, I was able to lift the footrest on my chair in my room just fine with my right arm, so decided I didn't need a power recliner at home. And I've done fine without one....slept in my home recliner one night, then moved to my bed and done well. We're all different in how we manage pain/heal/what's comfortable. Would definitely not hurt to have a power recliner and then not need it! Best to you.

John Noriega  I have a manual recliner...a friend of mine suggested putting a 2 foot piece of PVC pipe around the handle to maneuver it. It worked quite well. What I did ... Read more

John Noriega  I have a manual recliner...a friend of mine suggested putting a 2 foot piece of PVC pipe around the handle to maneuver it. It worked quite well. What I did was get a semi-electric hospital bed through my insurance and used that for relaxing...also worked out well. Onward & Upward!

Jason Leber  I decided not to get one, I was able to sleep on either side and also my back lying flat at the hospital so I figured I didn't need a recliner at home. We have ... Read more

Jason Leber  I decided not to get one, I was able to sleep on either side and also my back lying flat at the hospital so I figured I didn't need a recliner at home. We have an extra thick mattress so it sits nice and high off the floor. I would hug a pillow and roll myself into and out of bed.

Bill Hendrickson  I wish you well for your OHS. Your history reminded me of a heart warming story about Dr Blalock & Vivian Thoms at Johns Hopkins Hospital who performed the ... Read more

Bill Hendrickson  I wish you well for your OHS. Your history reminded me of a heart warming story about Dr Blalock & Vivian Thoms at Johns Hopkins Hospital who performed the first Blue Baby operation. Praying that your procedure is permanent.

Cheryl Batzing  Tracy, oh my gosh...I love your blog! I subscribed and read it from beginning to end. You made me laugh out loud. Wish I'd found you before I went through ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing  Tracy, oh my gosh...I love your blog! I subscribed and read it from beginning to end. You made me laugh out loud. Wish I'd found you before I went through my mitral valve repair on Dec. 16. I did resonate with all you said, and as a lover of wine, I so resonated with your thoughts on it. I'm not quite 4 weeks post surgery and healing well after I feel like being the biggest baby/wimp in the universe! I was commenting to a friend today I can't believe I really went through OHS and came out on the other side, although I'm a believer in Christ and knew He had my back. Anyway, thinking of you and praying for you on your upcoming journey and will watch your progress here. Blessings.

Linda Crawford  Well Tracy, sounds like your pre op was a bit more intense than mine. The only swab I encountered was headed for my nose. And, unless they snuck it in and ... Read more

Linda Crawford  Well Tracy, sounds like your pre op was a bit more intense than mine. The only swab I encountered was headed for my nose. And, unless they snuck it in and I didn't notice, there was no psychiatrist present. I was told that I have long lungs though -- ??

Linda Crawford  Tracy, I loved your blog. I've known for 6 months that surgery was happening. My pre op is also on the 8th but I have no idea what to expect. We'll have ... Read more

Linda Crawford  Tracy, I loved your blog. I've known for 6 months that surgery was happening. My pre op is also on the 8th but I have no idea what to expect. We'll have to compare notes lol. My surgery is Friday the 16th. I wish you well!