Guestbook of Dawn Neal

My Guestbook

Dawn Nealgot a new guestbook post

311 days ago

J Alexander Lassally posted a note for Dawn that says:

Hi fellow Mitral Valve Warrior. Great to hear your account on my post. Yes, all sorts of adjustments our bodies make. Every day a little different and new at ...Read more

Hi fellow Mitral Valve Warrior. Great to hear your account on my post. Yes, all sorts of adjustments our bodies make. Every day a little different and new at first! How is the newer nerve pain going? I do hear that it is a thing with robot/thoracotomy. Did your surgeon tell you that in pre-op meetings?

I hope you are gaining strength daily! For me, it is a week by week achievement, and I'm really enjoying the extra energy when I walk. Like you said, no marathons for awhile... Cheers

Dawn Nealgot a new guestbook post

316 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Dawn that says:

Hi Dawn ,
Welcome to recovery

Dawn Nealgot a new guestbook post

323 days ago

Dawn Neal reacted to this

Grace Mason posted a note for Dawn that says:

Welcome to recovery Dawn!❤️‍🩹👍🏼

Dawn Neal Thank you Grace!

Valerie Allen Congratulations, Dawn!!

Dawn Nealgot a new guestbook post

330 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, DeWayne Adamson, Grace Mason reacted to this

Sue Maize posted a note for Dawn that says:

Sleep well tonight Dawn! I pray all goes well for you tomorrow! Just remember you are in good hands! Please update us when you’re up to it again. 🙏🏻💕 ...Read more

Sleep well tonight Dawn! I pray all goes well for you tomorrow! Just remember you are in good hands! Please update us when you’re up to it again. 🙏🏻💕

Karen Hommel Sending prayers to you today for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery 🙏

Grace Mason Best wishes Dawn!

Dawn Neal Thanks you all! I made it!

Dawn Nealgot a new guestbook post

330 days ago

Paul Lebel posted a note for Dawn that says:

Dawn,
Wish you all the best for your surgery tomorrow! You'll close your eyes and wake up in recovery. Easy ;-) I joked with my team/anesthesiologist: ...Read more

Dawn,
Wish you all the best for your surgery tomorrow! You'll close your eyes and wake up in recovery. Easy ;-) I joked with my team/anesthesiologist: first I thanked them, then encouraged them not to fall asleep just because I was, and no funny business while I was under ;-)
Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your recovery when you feel up to it.

Barbara deLoache Thinking of you Dawn🌻

Dawn Neal Thanks to Barbara and Paul: I’m one week post op now from my minimally invasive robotic mitral valv ... Read more

Dawn Neal Thanks to Barbara and Paul: I’m one week post op now from my minimally invasive robotic mitral valve repair. I see improvement each day but I have to tell you this has been no walk in the park. I don’t want to scare anybody off-I would have the surgery again if I had to- but those first few days post op were very difficult. My biggest problem was pain at the incision site and a couple other sites, but the pain was unbearable with coughing. Even the little red heart pillow, although very cute, could not protect me against the pain. I think I’m doing okay now with taking oxycodone once or twice a day and alternating with Tylenol. I’m able to get up and shower and do a couple things with oxygen going, but without oxygen my pulse ox goes down to 80 or less. I’m hoping that is transitory. I also get woozy with standing too long, so my jaunts to the kitchen are kept short. I know everyone’s situation is different, so I hesitate to go into more details. The good news is that recovery goes quickly…looking forward to how I’ll feel in a week!

Dawn Nealgot a new guestbook post

331 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Antoinette Weale posted a note for Dawn that says:

From me who has had their metal valve for 30 years now under open heart surgery I wish you all the best, heart operations have come a long way from my time. ...Read more

From me who has had their metal valve for 30 years now under open heart surgery I wish you all the best, heart operations have come a long way from my time. You in good hands and follow the rules of recovery 🙏💛

Ana Brusso Lifting you up in prayer for your successful surgery. God bless you

Rose Madura Godspeed.

Dawn Neal Thanks to all of you! Your well wishes have helped!

Dawn Nealgot a new guestbook post

331 days ago

Antoinette Weale posted a note for Dawn that says:

From me who has had their metal valve for 30 years now under open heart surgery I wish you all the best, heart operations have come a long way from my time. ...Read more

Dawn Nealgot a new guestbook post

338 days ago

Dawn Neal reacted to this

Suzanne Nash posted a note for Dawn that says:

Hi Dawn. You look fit and healthy! Everyone is different, so you will probably be told to play it by ear. Take it easy when you get home. I think will need... Read more

Hi Dawn. You look fit and healthy! Everyone is different, so you will probably be told to play it by ear. Take it easy when you get home. I think will need your husband or some help by week 3, but I am just going on my experience.
I had a minithoracotomy for mitral valve repair. I only had one day to get organised for my surgery. My husband, young adult children and myself were all working full-time so me in being in hospital for 10 days was very disruptive for them. I imagined I was going to be in and out in record time, which didn't happen. My mother-in-law and friends helped with food for the family. My surgeon told my husband I couldn't vacuum when I got home so he did it (once - husband not surgeon!). The worst thing was not being allowed to drive for 6 weeks. I had regular blood tests for warfarin dose and visits to doctors and the surgeon for breast infection (ended up having microdochectomy). My friends drove me when my family were at work. I would have used uber if they had not been around. I also had recurring vision problems. They put me on amiodorone (had AF in hospital) which I think caused weird symptoms that stopped when it was ceased. Looking at my contemporaneous notes (that I made every day from my hospital admission) at 3 weeks I was still wearing compression socks which I couldn't put on or take off by myself - but I did do some vacuuming! I hope you recover quickly and I'm sure you are in good hands. Accept all offers of help!

Dawn Neal Thanks so much! It’s very helpful to know your experience!Take care!

Jill Porter I was told before surgery that the doctor would decide if he could do a mitral valve repair or would ... Read more

Jill Porter I was told before surgery that the doctor would decide if he could do a mitral valve repair or would have to replace during surgery. I had open heart which was scary to think about but I think it was necessary for me. Make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon and that they answer all your questions.

Dawn Neal Thanks, Jill. I am very comfortable with my surgeon. I also realize my minimal surgery could turn int ... Read more

Dawn Neal Thanks, Jill. I am very comfortable with my surgeon. I also realize my minimal surgery could turn into open heart if necessary.