Vicki's Guestbook

Good luck today Vick! There is nothing that we can say to ease your stress but hopefully knowing that we are all thinking about you and pulling for you and the sum of all of us helps you know that you aren't in this alone. Believe and have faith that when you wake up you will be ok and the future will be much better for you and your family. Let us know how you are doing when you get up and about.

I would agree with others that tying to get work done while still in the hospital would prove difficult. While you will have numerous stretches of time while in the hospital that you feel quite well, it can be surprisingly difficult to focus on conversations as well as have the breath support to talk for longer periods of time. If possible, let work take a back seat.

Hi Vicki, I am 69 years old, and had a mitral valve repair on December 20th. Surgery was fine, however, I was totally focused on recovery while in the hospital, walking, breathing exercises, and would not have wanted to be answering any questions about work. This is your time, so my advice is to take this time for you and allow someone else to cover for you for a week or 2. Just my opinion.....

Hi, Vicki. I read your story and have better idea of your case. My previous OHS in 2001 was for a cardiac tumor known as a hemangioma. (Remember former Russian prez Gorbachev who had that purplish stain on his forehead shaped like a map of Texas? That’s what a hemangioma looks like. A collection of blood cells in one spot. Mine grew inside my heart. Prolly had it my whole life.) Like you, I had no symptoms, just a very attentive internist who thought something “sounded different” than my longtime murmur. Not sure if the docs really knew what they’d find till they got in there. I had many tests, inclg a TEE to see behind the heart, which didn’t tell them much. My cardiothoracic surgeon was a master at repairing holes in baby’s hearts, so he knew his stuff. The good news for you is that it’s 2018, not 2001. So many scientific advancements in OHS have helped surgeons know precisely what they’re dealing with. And you’re having it done at the Cleveland Clinic, one of our top heart hospitals. You’re smart to let them fix your mural valve as well. A two-fer! Re: working from your hospital bed, I’d suggest passing your files to a trusted colleague for the first couple of weeks post-op. Trust me. You must focus on getting well. It will take everything you’ve got. And you will do it. Hope this helps. I’ll think of you often between now and July 3 — what will become your new Independence Day! Jen❤️💪🏻🌺