Carolyn Ettlie - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1719 days ago

Rose Madura, Phyllis Petersen, John O'Neill and 1 other reacted to this

I have not posted in quite a while. I have just passed my one year anniversary, March 19. I had a mitral valve repair and a bi pass at St. Luke’s Hospital ...Read more

I have not posted in quite a while. I have just passed my one year anniversary, March 19. I had a mitral valve repair and a bi pass at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wi. I am doing very well. It took almost a year to feel like my old self. I’m so grateful to Dr. Eric Weiss and his team. I know that these are stressful times but I am reminded of the exceptional ICU staff, recovery and rehab team. I know they are being called to help patients recover from Covid-19. I’m praying for them as well as all of the people who are working tirelessly throughout out city and country.

Marie Myers Congratulations on your anniversary!

Susan Lynn Happy First Anniversary, Carolyn!!! Wishing you many, many more decades of celebrations!

Carolyn Ettlie posted an update

2045 days ago

I’m 7.5 weeks post mitral valve repair. I also had a bypass. I have a lot of pain in the leg that had the vein stripped. It is sore and stings around my ankle. ...Read more

I’m 7.5 weeks post mitral valve repair. I also had a bypass. I have a lot of pain in the leg that had the vein stripped. It is sore and stings around my ankle. It’s so painful I can’t sleep. Tylenol does not help. I’d appreciate any help.

Louanna Miller My father had pain in his leg were the vein was harvested. He was told it has to do with the nerves ... Read more

Louanna Miller My father had pain in his leg were the vein was harvested. He was told it has to do with the nerves awakening after having them cut to remove the vein. He was told to wear compression socks and this did help. I don’t recall any specific medication he took for this.

Carolyn Ettlie The nerves. Ok. I do wear them. It doesn’t change the pain. Thanks anyway.

Marie Myers Don't know if it will help, but you could try some over the counter lidocaine gel or cream. You will ... Read more

Marie Myers Don't know if it will help, but you could try some over the counter lidocaine gel or cream. You will find it in the "back pain" relief creams. It is a local anesthetic, might help.

Carolyn Ettlie I have some. Will give it a try tonight.

ski kemp Hi Carolyn, I 8 weeks post op and I also had nerve stingers after surgery. They kicked in at night ti ... Read more

ski kemp Hi Carolyn, I 8 weeks post op and I also had nerve stingers after surgery. They kicked in at night time only when I was laying down. I read the nerve sometimes is impacted during the surgery. I was considering acupunture, but then it eventually just corrected itself and I haven't had to do anything. Wishing the same for you.

Carolyn Ettlie posted a journal

2110 days ago

Jennifer John reacted to this

Tomorrow is my heart catheterization. Last step to make sure all is well for my mitral valve procedure. My experience with the Clinic has been positive so far. ...Read more

Tomorrow is my heart catheterization. Last step to make sure all is well for my mitral valve procedure. My experience with the Clinic has been positive so far. The catheterization will be done through my left arm. Definitely a plus because I had back surgery 2 years ago. Laying flat for any length of time will result in too much pressure on my spine.

Tee Ad Good luck!

Louanna Miller One step closer. Rest and relax. It will go fine.

Susan Lynn Carolyn - Good luck! You're going to be fine!

Rob Sparling Good luck! Hoping for the best!

Debbie Kelly Wishing you the best!

gail himmelsbach Know this step will go well. Best wishes!

In the early 1970's I worked as a cardiac technician in London, the catheterization was carried out w ... Read more

In the early 1970's I worked as a cardiac technician in London, the catheterization was carried out weekly, in the Cath lab in the bowels of the victorian hospital, via the femoral artery, they all went well and I feel the only pain to patients was listing to the music on 8 track tapes the cardiologist bought in to play! I recently had mine done in 2017, terrified at the time as you can imagine and was amazed at the vast improvement in cardiac technology, and comfort, mine was via the Radial Artery in the wrist area on my right arm, You will be fine, you are in the hands of a highly trained team, with major advances in technology and drug threapy and they are carried out all over the world, at least you wont have to hear the awful music.

Carolyn Ettlie posted an update

2120 days ago

Hello everyone. On 2/21 I met with the Valve Clinic at Aurora St. Likes in Milwaukee. I was informed that I need to have mitral valve repair surgery. They ...Read more

Hello everyone. On 2/21 I met with the Valve Clinic at Aurora St. Likes in Milwaukee. I was informed that I need to have mitral valve repair surgery. They will do this through my ribs on my left side. I still need to have a heart cath. I’m in good health and had no symptoms. I was wondering if anyone has had this same procedure. Are there some other resources for me to red?

Susan Lynn Carolyn- I had the minimally invasive (mini-thoracotomy) mitral valve repair. I found it to be near ... Read more

Susan Lynn Carolyn- I had the minimally invasive (mini-thoracotomy) mitral valve repair. I found it to be nearly painless and the recovery easy. Please feel free to ask any questions you have. You're going to be just fine!

Carolyn Ettlie Thank you. I will.

Carolyn Ettlie