Loving this shirt my mom found for yesterday....
❤❤❤ " Heart Of A Warrior"❤❤❤
What an absolute crazy, unpredictible, whirlwind of a year 2017 ...Read more
Loving this shirt my mom found for yesterday....
❤❤❤ " Heart Of A Warrior"❤❤❤
What an absolute crazy, unpredictible, whirlwind of a year 2017 has been for myself and my family! Right from The very start of the year, being completely blindslided as I was diagnosed Jan 4th 2017.. that day was one of the worst AND best days of my life wrapped in one! Worst day, meaning I really thought I was going to die From this, Ill never ever forget that day and those feelings, that moment on and almost all of 2017 I really walked through every single day like a ticking time bomb, I spent most of the yr living in fear, fear of the unknown, fear for my kids and family. On the other hand, best day of my life, because I was diagnosed by complete accident!!! And when I was diagnosed I was already severe, (per drs & specialist) I WOULD have died from this, but God had a plan for me and that wasnt in the plan...how incredible is that?! I was able to find the positive and blessing in all of this, and that did help me get through the yr. I kept telling myself, god wouldn't have brought this all to light and carry me this far just to let me die!🙏 This year was my most difficult year to date both physically and emotionally but you just keep fighting through, I have no idea where I got the strength some days but I just did, I was very diligent, kept on top of it all yr, Dr's appt, Cardiologist appts, specialist Appts, ECHOS every 3 months, medications,and as severe as I was,I was in denial, i really thought in my head I had years before surgery. Never in a million yrs did I think i would be having such a Major Open heart surgery such as a Valve replacement just 10 months later from initially bring diagnosed...but that's exactly how 2017 ended!.. and I wouldn't have it any other way, I am now 8 weeks Post-op and feel better than ever, and now I get to start A New Year, 2018 , as a New me, literally!! This year has changed my life in so many ways, ALL for the better!! That saying, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger is SO true!! I have a new found appreciation and love for Donnie after the way he stepped up! My entire family has been so unbelievably AMAZING, Friends, old and new, Saugus Our Town and my support group Heartvalvesurgery.com . The support left me speechless(still does when I think about it) I will NEVER forget the role you all played in my most difficult year of my life. Thank you all for carrying me though when I couldn't carry myself! I am beyond excited, not just for 2018 but for every single year there after!! Im diving into this New Year with a blessed heart filled of gratitude and appreciation for life and 2nd chances!!! I may be 39 yrs old, but my heart is 2 months young!
Happy New Year!!
❤Heart Of A Warrior❤
Anna Jones Michelle, I'm so happy to read that everything is looking up for you. Sending prayers and wishes for ... Read more
Anna Jones Michelle, I'm so happy to read that everything is looking up for you. Sending prayers and wishes for continued health and happiness in 2018
Therese ODell Happy New year! That is a great shirt! So glad that things are going well for you.
Shannon Gray Wonderful to read such a great update. Love the shirt! Many blessings for 2018!
Lilly Black I want that shirt! How cool! Keep going strong, Michelle!
Rose Madura Great post! Glad you are doing so well.
So it begins, the real journey... going in tomorrow for my cardiac Catheterization and pre-op. I also opted to bank my own blood. They will be going through ...Read more
So it begins, the real journey... going in tomorrow for my cardiac Catheterization and pre-op. I also opted to bank my own blood. They will be going through wrists! To those who have has this, does it hurt, have NO clue what to expect?! Just hoping for good news, can't take any more curveballs! Will give update on my experience tomorrow! Have a blessed night All!❤
Betty Atwater Hi Michelle,
I just finished reading your story. You sure learned about your heart problem the hard ... Read more
Betty Atwater Hi Michelle,
I just finished reading your story. You sure learned about your heart problem the hard way -- by phone, and with your husband out of town! You're lucky to have a surgeon you trust, and a loving family around you. Regarding the cardiac cath, I had one a few months ago and they put the catheters in at my wrist. It wasn't at all painful and you recover much faster than if they enter through the groin. You'll be conscious but a bit "out of it" during the procedure. I found it much less uncomfortable than the TEE procedure. Good luck as you approach the BIG day. Keep calm and try some mindfulness meditations to reduce stress.
Barbara Wood Yes, I had mine through the wrist - it was a great way to go - only had to stick around an hour or s ... Read more
Barbara Wood Yes, I had mine through the wrist - it was a great way to go - only had to stick around an hour or so after the procedure. I was given something to relax & was able to watch the procedure on the screen, took maybe 15-20 min. I had no pain or particular bruising afterward, but some people have. It's a much easier way to go! Good luck!
Civita Fahey my doctor didn't order a cath, just a CT scan with dye.. but from what I hear tis not too bad.. Good ... Read more
Civita Fahey my doctor didn't order a cath, just a CT scan with dye.. but from what I hear tis not too bad.. Good luck.. you will do great. !
Betty Sullivan Sorge I also had the cath via my right wrist - large black and blue for some time, but eventually faded. Wi ... Read more
Betty Sullivan Sorge I also had the cath via my right wrist - large black and blue for some time, but eventually faded. Wishing u all the best! 👍👍👍
Bridget Sawmiller I had the heart cath via the wrist, it really was not a big deal, you will have to wait in recovery f ... Read more
Bridget Sawmiller I had the heart cath via the wrist, it really was not a big deal, you will have to wait in recovery for a bit until the bleeding stops, they will have pressure applied at the wrist and will come in and check every half hour, it sure beats going in the groin which is a much longer recovery after the procedure, you will do great!
Bonnie Stone-Hope My doctor had said that my wrists were very small and he would TRY to do it via wrists, and if not po ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope My doctor had said that my wrists were very small and he would TRY to do it via wrists, and if not possible, he would use the groin.
I told him to use the groin, no point TRYING something that might not work. Like to go for the sure thing. It was fine, thanks to the RNs who are really your "new best friends" in these situations.
Jean Jackson Mine tried the right wrist with no luck and had to go via the groin. It wasn't too bad. Liked the sed ... Read more
Jean Jackson Mine tried the right wrist with no luck and had to go via the groin. It wasn't too bad. Liked the sedative they gave me immediately beforehand😜
With surgery right around corner, and after finally posting yesterday, and seeing the response from this amazing community offer all of their feedback and ...Read more
With surgery right around corner, and after finally posting yesterday, and seeing the response from this amazing community offer all of their feedback and shared experiences, i figured i am gonna utilize this site and ask 1 question a day that concerns or worries me, to better prepare myself, and others horrified as me (and also, so I don't back out last minute:( )....
O.k. *BREATHING TUBE* honestly, how bad is it really waking up to this down your throat? And what is normal time frame to keep in(ive read many different time lengths) one of my fears, is im gonna wake up, panic and rip it out. I had a similar situation while in operating room for my 2 C-Sections, they ended up putting me out mid way, after I had a panic attack i started grabbing Dr hands while they were cutting me open, in doing so I ripped out i-v's for both during operation. So i was essentially sleeping while both my children came into this world!! I want to AVOID any similar situation in this OR at all cost!!!! I think im most scared of needing to speak or communicate if im in pain or, cant breath right or something is off! PLEASE tell me your thoughts on how you all coped with that darn breathing tube! Thanks😉
Dan Marcantel O.k. *BREATHING TUBE* -- Things going down my throat was a big fear of mine. You will be so out of i ... Read more
Dan Marcantel O.k. *BREATHING TUBE* -- Things going down my throat was a big fear of mine. You will be so out of it you will only barely know it is there. You will feel like you have a snorkel on and want to take it out but don't. You should have at least 2 ER nurses in recovery with you the whole time and a respiratory therapists will be near to give you a test to make sure you can breath on your own. If you can they will give you a count down. 3-2-1 and pull it out. I think mine was out roughly when I was lucid enough to communicate by pointing to it wanting it out.It is a little shocking but again you should be on so much pain meds it should not be that bad. That was my experience so good luck.
John Clough I was on morphine and in extreme pain after waking up, make sure you have a advocate or talk to your ... Read more
John Clough I was on morphine and in extreme pain after waking up, make sure you have a advocate or talk to your surgical team so that they give you dilaudid as soon as you wake up it makes a huge difference immediately.
Wendy Evans Thank you for asking this question. This is one of my fears too. I've never had major surgery before ... Read more
Wendy Evans Thank you for asking this question. This is one of my fears too. I've never had major surgery before and this will be my first. Best wishes and prayers your way!
Leslie Bakos I had a breathing tube during my cancer surgery 30 years ago. Did not like it....try not to panic an ... Read more
Leslie Bakos I had a breathing tube during my cancer surgery 30 years ago. Did not like it....try not to panic and work with the nurses...I would tell your doctor and team your concerns...I just got my third TEE today....I am EXTREMELY tired from the local...I hope my fatique is only from this and the lack of sleep....My best...Leslie
Civita Fahey I woke up with the breathing tube also and though my biggest fear it wasn't as bad as I thought. I kn ... Read more
Civita Fahey I woke up with the breathing tube also and though my biggest fear it wasn't as bad as I thought. I knew it was there and felt like I needed to swallow.. I did, then I don't remember anything else.. except when I was conscious enough again it was gone.. I don't know the time between my feeling it and when they took it out.. you will be pretty drugged up so the memories of the immediate time after surgery are pretty small. John said he had pain, the only pain I felt when I woke was in my shoulders and back..I had no sternum pain.. I woke saying my back and shoulder hurt.. it wasn't extreme pain, just uncomfortable like I had slept wrong.. I guess I had.. they said it was the positioning on the OR table which are pretty much a rock.. but not much memory after that until later that night when I got up and sat in the reclining chair.
Gerald Poulton Hi Michelle, I woke, well sort of woke as you are pretty well out of it, I was aware of something in ... Read more
Gerald Poulton Hi Michelle, I woke, well sort of woke as you are pretty well out of it, I was aware of something in my throat, next thing I remember I woke again and nothing in my throat. Almost like the first time was a dream. For me it was not a big deal because I was so out of it. I did not have any real pain when I woke and never really had any sternum pain through the recovery. Like Sevita I had more of a nagging uncomfortable ache in my back and shoulders but tylenol was pretty well all I needed to deal with it. The operation does knock it out of you but within a week I was home and out having picnics on the beach with my wife. All the best 🙏 💐 You are in good hands.
Barbara Wood My experience was much the same as Civita & Gerald...I woke up only slightly with the tube in, then ... Read more
Barbara Wood My experience was much the same as Civita & Gerald...I woke up only slightly with the tube in, then woke up completely & it was gone. I too just dreaded the breathing tube but really it was no big deal. Also had no real pain afterward, just fatigue & discomfort, & insomnia. You will do great, very best wishes to you!
Cynthia Pagiatakis I certainly understand your fear! The other thing you can do is make notes of questions you have, as ... Read more
Cynthia Pagiatakis I certainly understand your fear! The other thing you can do is make notes of questions you have, as well as concerns due to problems that arose in previous surgeries, and make a point of meeting with part of your team to convey your fears and concerns. Don't be concerned about the possibility of something being silly ... there is nothing silly about your surgery. The best way to minimize fear is to get ALL the answers your need! My recollection of breathing tube existence and removal was VERY brief (felt like just seconds. I think medical profession is way more appreciative of the fear we have of it, and acts accordingly. Best to you! PS: regarding post op pain, be aware that dilaudid can cause memory loss, even though the pain relief is very effective. Two days post-op I was switched to Tylenol and/or naproxen, and never used anything stronger for pain management. Was astonished, and pleased.
Ruth Howell Michelle: You can talk to your surgeon and anesthesiologist about this. They will be very cooperative ... Read more
Ruth Howell Michelle: You can talk to your surgeon and anesthesiologist about this. They will be very cooperative. Usually, the tube will be out by the time you wake up. Sometimes it is left in longer to assure that you are breathing adequately on your own. You can ask them to keep you asleep until the tube comes out.
I had some big issues during surgery and needed the breathing tube kept in for quite a while. I was kept asleep in an induced coma for a while, but they periodically woke me up to ask questions and I did experience the breathing tube being in place. It was not a bother at all - no pain, no discomfort. I couldn't believe that I had been so ridiculously worried about it. So, take it from me, it is nothing to worry about. I con't recall it being taken out either.
The main thing is for you to communicate your concerns and fears and tell your medical professionals what your wishes are. The great thing is when you wake up it will all be over, and it seems like a flash. :)
Catie B I do hope you'll share your history with your surgeon, so he and the anesthesiologist can have a head ... Read more
Catie B I do hope you'll share your history with your surgeon, so he and the anesthesiologist can have a heads-up. I'm so sorry you had such difficult experiences in the past.
I have no recollection whatsoever of the breathing tube.
Rose Madura I think everyone worries about the breathing tube. I know I did. I vividly remember it being in. ... Read more
Rose Madura I think everyone worries about the breathing tube. I know I did. I vividly remember it being in. I was out for quite a while. Surgery was 7 hours and my husband said they couldn't remove it because I was unable to breathe on my own. So when I woke up the pulmonary guy was there working with me to remove it. I was uncomfortable but I got through it ok and so will you. They want it out as soon as they can so hopefully it will be out once you wake up.
Kathy Blank I was concerned also but the tube was out before I was fully conscious. I remember the nurse telling ... Read more
Kathy Blank I was concerned also but the tube was out before I was fully conscious. I remember the nurse telling my family it will come out soon (even though I couldn't tell it was there) and next time I woke up it was gone. I remember my son telling the nurse I wanted it out as soon as possible so have a family member speak up for you as you awaken.
Rita Savelis Everyone is afraid of the breathing tube!! It is a precaution and will be taken out as soon as possib ... Read more
Rita Savelis Everyone is afraid of the breathing tube!! It is a precaution and will be taken out as soon as possible. Which means that for many (me included) there is no memory of it coming out. It was gone before I was completely awake. This is common.
Bridget Sawmiller I felt it would be a problem, but I was only aware of it in for about 3-4 minutes and they took it ou ... Read more
Bridget Sawmiller I felt it would be a problem, but I was only aware of it in for about 3-4 minutes and they took it out. Prayers for a successful surgery, you will do great, the worst is the anticipation, we have all been in your shoes, trust in GOD and all the prayers will help, I look forward to seeing your updates after your surgery!
Lewis Garlisi Try not to focus on the breathing tube. As others have pointed out, it will be a pretty minor issue f ... Read more
Lewis Garlisi Try not to focus on the breathing tube. As others have pointed out, it will be a pretty minor issue for you. You will most likely barely remember it being removed. Better to think past your surgery, about recovery, and the things you will be able to do as your health gradually improves.
Donna Garthe I was afraid of the breathing tube also. I vaguely remember coming to slightly and pointing to it to ... Read more
Donna Garthe I was afraid of the breathing tube also. I vaguely remember coming to slightly and pointing to it to let my nurse know I wanted it out. She said they would be taking it out shortly in a reassuring voice. Don't remember a thing after that other than really waking up, and it was gone. It didn't hurt, and I was very drugged. After surgery, you should be assigned a nurse in cvicu who is right there monitoring you closely, so when you come to, they will be on it!
Jean Jackson Fortunately I have no memory of the breathing tube which my family tells me about that first night th ... Read more
Jean Jackson Fortunately I have no memory of the breathing tube which my family tells me about that first night they visited after the surgery. I can't remember them being there either!