Vanessa's Journal

Wow, a whole year has passed since I hast posted...and I have now reached the fifth anniversary of my mitral valve repair.  Per my last visit to my cardiologist in December, I have now graduated to having to see her only once a year.  I'm still doing my podcast, "Now, Let's Talk! The Podcast," and like the world we are living in, we are opening up to a wider range of subjects beyond pandemic-related issues. Check it out, wherever you get your podcasts.  I am still involved with WomenHeart (I've become a WomenHeart Champion) and am working on some creative/theater projects. Moving on!! Happily living my life.  And again, to those who are waiting to undergo their surgery or are in the recovery process, know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Stay well, everyone!

I write today on the fourth anniversary of my mitral valve repair, one year into the Covid pandemic. Can't believe we've been with this a whole year! I've had my shots and am doing well healthwise, per my most recent follow-up with my cardiologist. Things in NYC, where I live, are opening up a bit and I do go to restaurants (outside preferred) and am looking forward to expanding activities as things progress. I am now retired from my day job and producing a podcast called "Now, Let's Talk! The Podcast" where we talk to people about the challenges they are experiencing because of the pandemic. Check out our website, nowletstalkthepodcast.com, and listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. If anybody has a heart story where you were affected by the pandemic (e.g. inability to get needed treatment or medication because of covid restrictions) and would like to share it in our podcast, please feel free to let me know. You can email me at info@nowletstalkthepodcast.com. I'm still involved with WomenHeart.org, a great resource for women living with heart disease/conditions, as a community educator. To those who are about to undergo your surgery or recovering, know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay safe and stay strong, everyone!

I know I haven't posted for a while, but I write today on the three year anniversary of my mitral valve repair, in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. I and my fellow New Yorkers are doing our best to practice social distancing, and adjust to life without our shops, restaurants, gyms, theaters, and other things that make up our NYC-Manhattan lifestyle. I am thankful that I am in good health (per recent routine checkups with cardiologist and primary care docs), and am looking forward to a time when this is all behind us. Stay strong folks, we will get through this! I am retiring from my day job at the end of this month and may possibly do some outreach with the WomenHeart group I am involved with. I did a Facebook Live panel discussion recently (I'm in the black outfit). https://bit.ly/394tEvC

Hi all: Yesterday was the two-year anniversary of my mitral valve repair at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC with Dr. Isaac George and his awesome team. I'm happily feeling good and living life! Can't believe it has been two years. In some respects it feels like it happened yesterday, in others, it's in the distant past! Throughout my recovery I was encouraged and reassured by the folks in this group. I now go to a support group, WomenHeart, where am happy to lend support to those who are going through stuff. So for all of you who are about to have your surgeries or are recovering, just be patient, listen to your body, consult your medical professionals when you have questions, and know there is light at the end of that tunnel!

Today, March 22, exactly one year ago I had my mitral valve repair surgery with Dr. Isaac George and his team at Columbia Presbyterian. Wow. It has been a journey, but right now I am just enjoying life in general, work, working out, friends, and family. And, I am looking forward to traveling to the UK this summer with friends and going to a Rolling Stones concert! You go through an experience like this surgery and it makes you appreciate the little things, as well as the big stuff in life.

I can't believe it has been almost 8 months since my surgery (mitral valve repair) on March 22. I went through a rigorous cardiac rehab and am continuing to work out as much as possible using the programs they gave me. I really feel like myself now and am enjoying my work, family and friends. I think I have a new appreciation of what it is to just live life. I want to say to all my heart brothers & sisters out there who are facing surgery or in recovery, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Just give your body time to heal. I am grateful to my surgeon (Dr. Isaac George and his team at Columbia Presbyterian) for their excellent work and the support of family and friends! Best wishes to all as we approach the Thanksgiving season. I feel I have plenty to be thankful for.

Got my rehab progress report today, looks good! And I am definitely feeling stronger and more energetic. Easier to get up and down those NYC subway stairs! I can now go to my gym and do my dance classes, and cardio stuff on my own. Now I just have to get cleared to swim!

It's been 17 weeks since my surgery and I do see that I have made progress. I am back at work, enjoying being there, and working hard at rehab. I still have some "tired" times but overall am getting more energy and it does feel good to get back into life! Went away to Long Island wine country last weekend with friends; Had a great time, what a wonderful getaway! My rehab trainer cleared me to go to my gym & try some of my dance classes--looking forward to that.

So far so good...getting right back in the groove. Rehab is going well, starting to take things up a few notches. Looking forward to a relaxing July 4th weekend. Happy 4th to all my heart sisters and brothers!

Had my exercise test on Monday and first session yesterday. It was challenging, as promised, and very positive experience. It's amazing how out of shape I got... they said I'll end up in better shape than I was pre surgery!! I think in retrospect I was probably dialing back on my exercise intensity pre surgery subconsciously due to reduced energy levels. Happy to be moving on !!

Finally had my interview at the rehab facility yesterday. Very thorough, quite comprehensive. Loved the positive attitude on the part of the staff I saw. They assured me that the program will be challenging (a good thing). I have my exercise test on Monday and start my first session on Tuesday. Looking forward to finally starting!

I have been diligently following up, and as of yesterday they told me that the approval from my insurance co. just came through. That certainly took long enough. So supposedly I should hear from the scheduler on Monday. Hmmm, we'll see. Meanwhile I continue to do my own workouts at the gym and am taking longer walks. My goal is to be in shape to tackle the NYC subways when I return to work at the end of the month!

We are past the mini heat wave here in NYC and springtime weather has returned. My walks have resumed and I ventured over to the gym today... same light workout on the bike, some light weights for upper body and stretching; threw in some abs for good measure. I do feel less tired today after this one than the last time I went...hopefully this trend will continue. I hope to hear next week about the rehab. Fingers crossed.

I had my MVP repair on March 22nd, and recovery is going well. Last night I attended a meeting of a support group for women with heart disease. I think I was the only one who had my exact kind of surgery; there was maybe one other woman who had some type of valve repair, as well as other procedures/conditions. Most of the attendees were recovering from heart attacks. It was very interesting and we shared a lot of the same concerns (medications, side effects, fear, cardiac rehab). They also seemed quite interested in hearing my story. I found it reassuring to be with others who are in similar situations living in NYC.

My cardiologist had cleared me to go back to my gym and work out on my own (safely, of course). But I was hesitant. Then, following my stress test (needed for the referral to cardiac rehab) she confirmed this; and frankly the stress test gave me the confidence that it's now OK to challenge myself a bit. That and the fact that the rehab facility said that it takes up to two weeks to process the application & get insurance authorization led me to go to the gym today. It was a very brief workout on the bike followed by some light weights and stretches... nothing like my usual... but it's a start and it sure felt good to be back in the gym! I will incorporate a visit to the gym a couple of times a week in combination with my walking until I can start a formal rehab program.

Had a stress test yesterday, required for application for admission into cardiac rehab. The referral is on my cardiologist's desk as I write. While I continue to walk every day I am eager to start a formal rehab program. Fingers crossed, I hope to hear from them soon!

Had my post op followup with my surgeon yesterday, I am 5 weeks out; had my MVR on March 22. I'm pleased to report that all is good; and he confirmed that the issues I had been experiencing (visual migraines, e.g.) are fairly common, as some of you have reported. I found my fellow bloggers to be a great source of info and reassurance! I'm seeing my cardiologist today to discuss starting cardiac rehab and some other questions. I continue to take my daily walks; feeling optimistic today about recovery!

I had my MVR surgery exactly one month ago. Working on my recovery! Ive had a couple of issues; change in meds (Metoprolol made me extra-tired; my cardiologist changed it to Cardizem). Seems to have helped... also helped with some visual disturbances I'd been having. Anyone else have those post surgery? I am walking every day, trying to balance with enough rest. Have followup with my surgeon on Monday; we'll see how that goes. Hoping I will get into a cardiac rehab program.

This recovery is certainly not linear; some days are better than others. For example, Yesterday I felt pretty energetic; today not quite so much. Am starting to do some work from home now, it helps to feel connected.