Cathy Loughlin - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2151 days ago

Question - is it necessary or helpful to have a shower chair at home after my OHS? Thanks!

Shannon Gray I didn’t have one, but usually had a family member stay close as I showering. I have heard of other ... Read more

Shannon Gray I didn’t have one, but usually had a family member stay close as I showering. I have heard of others getting a simple plastic lawn chair and keeping that in the shower for a while. Thinking of you and wishes for an easeful recovery.

Marie Myers I found it very helpful, as I was exhausted for a week or so.

Tracy Fallu I found it helpful.

Meredith Bray I bought one for $5 at a yard sale. I used it a few times, and was grateful for it. I could have done ... Read more

Meredith Bray I bought one for $5 at a yard sale. I used it a few times, and was grateful for it. I could have done without it. Showering the first few weeks was very tiring. Now it's in the garage as an all-purpose seat.

Dan Vechiola Yes definately helpful. I used an old folding chair with a towel on it.

Cathy Loughlin Thanks so much! Very helpful info!

Jennifer John Definitely.

Tom Bartolomei Ditto to the above. Showing in that first 1-2 weeks was exhausting and having a seat was key for me. ... Read more

Tom Bartolomei Ditto to the above. Showing in that first 1-2 weeks was exhausting and having a seat was key for me. In fact, it was a milestone of mine to actually shower without sitting down or needing help. Crazy as it may sound.

Susan Lynn I had one in the bathroom. I didn't need it in the shower, but like everyone said, I was tired wh ... Read more

Susan Lynn I had one in the bathroom. I didn't need it in the shower, but like everyone said, I was tired when I got out. Stay away from long hot showers - I found out that they can drop your blood pressure. ❤💚

Rob Sparling Just to balance out the feedback above, I never used one... Relative to my hip replacement surgery w ... Read more

Rob Sparling Just to balance out the feedback above, I never used one... Relative to my hip replacement surgery where I needed one and was a fall risk, the OHS recovery and showering was simple and easy. But do what makes yourself most comfortable and keeps you safe!

Mark Jaycox I didn’t need one

Dan Baltazor I didn’t need one either.

Cathy Loughlinposted an update

2155 days ago

I am 3 weeks away from my mitral valve repair/replacement. I have gone through the gamut of emotions the last few months, from shock and disbelief right through ...Read more

I am 3 weeks away from my mitral valve repair/replacement. I have gone through the gamut of emotions the last few months, from shock and disbelief right through to extreme anxiety. Now I’m more than ready to head in and get this done and begin my journey of recovery! I’m looking for suggestions of things that will make my hospital stay and early recovery at home easier and more comfortable. Thanks so much!!

Susan Lynn Cathy - all normal emotions, but you're definitely in the right state of mind to move forward. Waiti ... Read more

Susan Lynn Cathy - all normal emotions, but you're definitely in the right state of mind to move forward. Waiting is the worst part. You'll be celebrating your recovery anniversaries with the rest of us before you know it! All the best!

Dan Baltazor You got this Cathy! Those of us that have done it, felt exactly as you do now! Recliner or wedge pil ... Read more

Dan Baltazor You got this Cathy! Those of us that have done it, felt exactly as you do now! Recliner or wedge pillow at home is a huge help for your sternum.

Lisa Guinan I found sleeping was the hardest part once you get home. Everybody is different. I slept in a recline ... Read more

Lisa Guinan I found sleeping was the hardest part once you get home. Everybody is different. I slept in a recliner for the first 2 weeks. Take your pain meds regularly. Once I got off the prescribed pain meds, I took Advil PM before bed for a few nights. You also need antibacterial soap (Dial works) until your incision heals. You’ll do great!

Cathy Loughlin Thanks so much everyone! I think I’ll be ready!!

Rob Sparling Cathy, Dan captured it. We all made the transformation you’ve now experienced. Now it is time! T ... Read more

Rob Sparling Cathy, Dan captured it. We all made the transformation you’ve now experienced. Now it is time! The Wall of Worry is behind you and recovery is the next leg of the journey that yours to navigate. The surgery is a moment in time where they carry you!

Pack light. Take your chargers, devices, pillow, sweat pants for discharge, loose fitting sweatshirt or flannel shirt with buttons, pajama bottoms (at a minimum, maybe tops too), CHAP STICK!

Barbara Wood I came home with about 7 lbs of extra fluid weight & nothing fit, so I'd recommend having some comfy ... Read more

Barbara Wood I came home with about 7 lbs of extra fluid weight & nothing fit, so I'd recommend having some comfy drawstring pants handy...it took me about 2 weeks to get back to my normal weight. Best wishes Cathy!

John Isham Cathy.......let’s get this surgery behind us so we can enjoy life to the fullest! I am 5 days behi ... Read more

John Isham Cathy.......let’s get this surgery behind us so we can enjoy life to the fullest! I am 5 days behind you in the waiting room! Let’s Do It! You will be fine...keep me posted!