Danielle's Journal

Valerie Allen  Thank you! I am glad to hear you are continuing to improve. Appreciate the good wishes to those of us still looking ahead to surgery.

Allen Carkner  Sounds like you've had quite the journey. I hope you continue to get closer to feeling some sense of normalcy. It seems like you have a good attitude about this stuff. That's not always easy.

Ana Brusso  Hello Danielle and congratulations on your anniversary. You have gone through a lot and glad you are feeling well and doing great. Say hello to your dad. God bless you 

Leona Resch  So happy for you!! I’m 5 months post op today and just went back on this site to see how everyone is doing! So happy you are feeling g well! I’m trying to do so many things gs I did before but still get tired . Not feeling g quite myself yet - doctor keeps say you will! Give it time!!😘

Richard Munson  My goodness danielle you’re just a kid. Go for your dreams. Concerning yourself about 15-20 years in the future is a dead end from a mental perspective, in my eyes anyway. If you have the intellectual capacity to perform these goals, and it sounds like you do, go for it.

Danielle Elizabeth  I am taking it day by day but with more people encouraging me to apply to med school I am starting to believe it’s doable. I’m not telling my friends or family because I can’t statistically know the odds of acceptance until after I have my final GPA, patient care hours, volunteer hours, and MCAT score to see if my application is competitive. I am applying for a neuroscience internship next summer so that’ll will give more clarity. 🤞 you’re right, I will stop trying to plan my life around future heart surgeries. 

Matthew Malooly  I've worked in a hospital as a pharmacist for a long time, with many doctors, most of which don't truly understand what it means to be a patient. I feel this experience we've all had being on the other side of this behemoth we call the health care system makes us absolute gold when we have a chance to impact other people's care. So much about working in this field is discouraging and disheartening, especially when you're too busy doing the required things to do the things you wanted to do in the first place. I think it requires a certain amount of vision and obsession to work through those things and do the best you can for all the reasons you're doing it in the first place. 

I think one of the greatest gifts that we can have is obsession. If there's something that consumes you, some desire that you cannot move forward without, It's worth pursuing. And sometimes you don't know if that's true until you're doing that thing. My vote is to try, if you can. There's no shame in failure, and there is no embarrassment in changing your mind.

Danielle Elizabeth  Thank you Matthew; this is so insightful. I guess the underlying fear is the fear of failure. I am obsessed with the biology basis of psychology and I’ve only learned the very brief foundational knowledge. I’m also obsessed with staying busy, and I used to work 85 hour weeks when I lived in NYC. I can’t sit still mentally or physically. Having OHS made me start challenging myself more mentally since I couldn’t keep up with my old physical abilities. I hope you are recovering well! Truly great advice! 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thank you Maria, I don’t know if I have the drive, but I am just following the instructions and seeing where it takes me. 

Klara Čičić  Wow Danielle, those are actually such wonderful dilemmas...it is so nice to hear how passionate you are, music to my ears. I finished medschool and am now in the last year of my family medicine residency. It is quite draining and challenging job, sometimes I wonder why I didn't choose something easier, something not so physically and mentally demanding...but on the other hand it gives you back so much, and it is so fulfilling! Keeping that balance isn't easy. I am quite energetic, like you, and I am, too, worried about my future heart problems affecting my job, and vice versa 🥴 part of the reason I chose this residency besides wanting to help people is that it has no night shifts. So even back then my heart influenced my life decisions. I just wanna say - take care of yourself, listen to your heart metaphorically and literally😁 Yes, persue your dreams, but carefully having your health in mind...

Eleanor R  Before I moved from Virginia my primary care physician was a late med school grad. Majored and worked in another field then finally went for what he discovered his interests to be. Was the best doctor I’ve ever had. Go for it. 

Greg Lewis  Danielle..Please don't leave this on the table!  If you decide not to, make sure its for a sound reason. Fear is something to overcome. It will only make the achievement sweeter!! You are young, and now is the time to live a dream. You can't do it when you get older. If you can...do it!! The world needs more doctors!!

Grace Mason   All sound like great careers you are looking at Danielle and good people in health care are really needed. Maybe the person you are shadowing at the hospital can introduce you to people in each field you are considering pursuing in neuroscience, pulmonary doc, a PA, or anesthesiologist assistant and you can ask each what they like best and least in their jobs. Or whatever other questions you may have. Maybe that will help you narrow what you feel is the best fit for you.

Daniel Green  Danielle, First, great name! Second, if you have friends that discourage you from achieving your goals find new friends! One great way to achieve your goals is to communicate and memorialize your goals!! I finished my undergraduate degree at 70 years old! I already had a fabulous career in financial services. Most of the courses I took in college were in health sciences and I loved it! Most people could barely understand why I went back to school let alone encourage me. But my wife encouraged me and that was all that mattered! Make a decision on your career direction and go full speed ahead’ if it’s the wrong decision then make another one!  Best of luck in whatever you decide to do! Just Do It!!! 

Klara Čičić  Wow Danielle, I would definitely hang this on my wall! Well done! And I am glad everything is fine. 

Grace Mason   Beautiful painting! My mom paints and I admire those with that talent.
So glad to know your recovery is continuing well

Diane Pellowe  Interesting!  For me, when faced with a challenge or just something I don’t want to do, OHS is my new benchmark.  I think, “compared to OHS, this is nothing!”  It works like magic.

Marie Myers  Great posts! I agree totally with both of the above comments. Having been through open heart does give you a different perspective on things. I felt I was recovering from a big, yet controlled traumatic event. And emotionally, it takes a bit to get “over it”. The physical portion was easier for me to recover from than the emotional side.

Klara Čičić  So well put, Danielle... Sounds like you are in the right place mentally and that is a huge achievement after all you have been through. Although I've known of my heart valve problem all my life, without symptoms it was only a letters on a paper. Now after surgery it is all becoming so real so fast... I am in a process of accepting it all (the meds, the being 'chronic illness patient', the limitations, esp compared to my peers etc). Like I was reborn and now building from the beginning. :) Your post means a lot in this process!

Danielle Elizabeth  Aw thanks Diane and Marie 100% about the perspective. Thank you Andrew! I really do enjoy the wisdom and understanding from this group. Klara, you described it so well. I’m slowly accepting that I’m different than I was before from the healing process and slowly I’ve been talking about it less (all these Dr appts, healing, and surgery took up so much time). I’m hoping to get to the point where I don’t allow it to define me, but to just define the moment in time. Yes, it added more layers psychologically and made me medically complex, but I am finally ready to move forward. I started doing hair on the side again and my goal is to not talk much about OHS (move my mind away from the event). I keep the convo 100% about my clients and their hair. I feel great since stepping back into some of my old crafts and hobbies. 

Rose Madura  This was a really great series of posts! And each of you said a little bit about how my experience felt. I had such a hard time during recovery being readmitted four times over a three month period and I spent a total of 24 days in the hospital. It definitely was the hardest thing physically that I ever went through. When I'm faced with difficulties, I know I can make it. And now, I feel better than I think I've ever felt. God is so good and was with me all the way. This site was a tremendous help to me.

Danielle Elizabeth  Rose, you are so resilient and strong! Yes it’s not ideal to have such little control over our hearts but there is so much silver lining. It makes me happy seeing all stages of healing. I am noticing a posting pattern on this site. Mondays = anxiety Tue-Thur = surgery dates Fridays = education and “is this normal questions” Saturday’s = random medical emergencies Sunday’s = gratitude and almost time for discharge 😅  also everyday is a good day for pet and recovery photos! 

Greg Lewis  Today is " Gratitude Sunday " and I am thankful that I was able to stand up straight... after cutting my toe nails! ... i mean, Man!! Thats hard to do now!! ..😂

Amy Berger  Such great insights. I’m 3 weeks post op today and healing really well. Emotionally I feel like I have a bit of post traumatic stress from the surgery and am avoiding thinking about it. I haven’t looked at any photos from my hospital stay and don’t feel like talking about the details of while I was there. The thought for over 2 years that I had severe aortic stenosis and would need surgery occupied a lot of my thoughts. Now that it’s behind me, there’s like a lot more blank space in my head without the stress haha

Patsy Stewart  You look fabulous, Danielle! I love your hair! I'm so happy that you are feeling better. I remember how rough it was for you mentally and physically and I'm so glad you had the strength to make such an awesome comeback! Go, Danielle!!!~❤️

Danielle Elizabeth  Thank you so much Patsy! Yes everything is turning around and I’m finally starting to move past this medically pause in my life. This page has been so supportive! 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thank you Klara! The recovery has been so slow, but now I’m feeling  about 95% back to my normal self! 

Robert Stebbins  Thanks for the encouraging update. I’m struggling with motivation myself right now and wondering what comes next.  The constant pain and sleep deprivation are weighing heavily on my mind. 

Leona Resch  Wow Danielle!! You look amazing g!! Thanks for posting! I am 7 1/2 weeks post op and walking 2+ miles a day but there are days I amSo exhausted and need to push myself / those days are so discouraging 
 but seeing you now and what you felt like previously makes me feel so hopeful that I’ll gain my energy back one day!! Good for you!!

Susan Lynn  Danielle - You and your hair look spectacular! The exhaustion associated with heart surgery is unforgettable, but it definitely gets better. Glad you're doing so well.

jonette kruk  Congratulations and thank you for your words of encouragement! Shortly I will be having surgery and the anticipation of everything is very overwhelming. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Jonette, I can’t say in retrospect which part is the hardest since each phase is so different. I wish someone had told me that I was functioning in survival mode and that it was temporary. Everything heals with time ❤️ 

jonette kruk  Danielle, thank you! As my grandmother always told me "patience is a virtue." Yes, I totally feel I am in survival mode to the max. 

Danielle Elizabeth  What made me feel better was joining an ACHD medical conference as a student (online) and realizing how excited the medical teams and Doctors about the advancements made in Cardiology. The surgical and medical team are there to improve your condition through surgical interventions. One slide in the conference grouped their knowledge in each case as: Known/Known (diagnosis and outcome) Known/Unknown and Unknown/Unknown. Any complications are somewhat expected within a range. During recovery the hope is to normalize. For my case the only unknown was which valve type and each option just had different outcomes. There is a medical pathway for each potential “unknown” and personally I felt best when I left my trust completely in my medical teams decisions. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks everyone! When I found out I’d eventually need open heart surgery I got involved in kickboxing and became vegetarian. I don’t expect to reach my previous level of fitness and I’ll just have fun with it! I’d  say the silver lining of congenital heart disease for me was taking control of my diet and exercise prior to surgery. Curious what getting back in the fitness journey will feel like.  

Robert Miller  I know it was meant as fun but that's a disturbing image for someone who spent almost all school vacations on grandpa's farm where the cows were outside on green pastures during the day, wore cowbells, each cow had a name (and they knew exactly their space when we got them back in the evening), etc. We also cleaned the cows from their poop when we brought them back. Made their new "bed" to sleep on. Cows can be annoying (and so are humans, dogs, etc) but all in all they are nice animals. Anyways, congrats on your recovery. My surgeon told me I can ski again in March so one more month to go. I missed one of the greatest season in many, many years but another one will come, I am sure...

Danielle Elizabeth  One of the biggest reason I couldn’t eat meat was when I found out bovine and pig valves save human lives. The flip switched realizing I can’t eat an animal that has physiological compatibility with humans…  

Robert Miller  @Danielle Elizabeth does that mean you would chose a mechanical valve no matter what? It's an honest question and I am not judging but just wondering. Actually, it gets me thinking how this actually works. Do these pigs and cows get into some special facility where they extract their valves? 

Danielle Elizabeth  My backup choice to a valve repair was a mechanical valve but because I didn’t like the idea of needing another surgery. Yes the photo was from around 2 weeks ago. My scar is still red-pink and likely is due to hormones. I think estrogen affects scar remodeling, but I’m going off what I’ve been told by an esthetician. I haven’t looked up scholarly articles on the topic. 

Robert Miller  My initial choice was also a mechanical valve for the same reason, i.e. not wanting a 3rd surgery. I am at the lower end of the age spectrum where people chose mechanical valves. A valve over a valve might not last long enough. And while the surgery at my age was relatively easy it probably will be harder when you get older. You look really young so in your case I would also have chosen a mechanical valve.

And you got me there regarding asking when the picture was taken. I was indeed wondering about the scar. I am 8 weeks post surgery and half of the scar is barely visible. But I have a whole lot less estrogen... I don't quite care about my and even less about other people's scar (except for the history behind the scar). Hopefully yours will get better but I look at it just as another part of a person's story/life.

Robert Miller  I literally just came across this picture. This is my incision when I was still in the hospital. Probably some 3 days after surgery. At the bottom I had some thread coming out maybe 1/8". It fell off after about 6 weeks or so. The white band is the heart hugger. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Personally my prefrontal cortex and ability to make decisions / planning was altered, but I’m working on slowly rebuilding my mental stamina PTSD? If I don’t feel like answering a question my response is: “I don’t have capacity at the moment for that question…”. It immediately lets people know I’m at my limit. Physically at 7 mos post open heart surgery, I am very confused by interpreting my own pain. I have difficulty categorizing pain - some days I feel too much and other days I have energy and I feel “normal”. Emotionally: I think because I work with patients who are in pain I’ve had to detach a bit. One patients injury was so bad I gave him a pillow to hold and scream into during wound care as I assisted his nurse (visible bone injury from ulcers). I thought of my old boxing coach and told myself and the patient things my coach would say that made me feel better. I really then questioned everything I was feeling emotionally/ physically, and talked with my psychiatrist friend at work about it. Our approaches for processing and interpreting these situations are so different. I leaned on humor and asked the patient who he was pretending to yell at when he was screaming into the pillow. His response was “my boss”. Personally I think this experience of OHS has opened my perspective more broadly in terms of seeing others perspective and having more compassion. Thanks for taking the time to read! 

Rose Madura  I think for me it has been a increased appreciation for my husband and family and for most things in general. And thankful that God kept his hand on me prior to surgery. Also, I feel like I have a greater purpose in life. Since the surgery and recovery, after much prayer, I volunteer at my church and have felt like that was my new calling. I always did volunteer there but my role has increased tremendously and I see results that may not have happened if God did not spare my life. I feel my life has been extended and am truly grateful to the Savior of my soul. I also think I've become more patient and tolerant and don't let things bother me that really don't matter. Hope this helps.

Richard Munson  Rose, i like that you appreciate richard edward more since ohs. I suggested to nancy she might consider it but was turned down.

Angela Meletiadis  I am more sympathetic to people with health problems. I also haven't seemed to let things bother me as much. I pray more, talk less. I am more thankful than I ever was.

Frank Giovanniello   Danielle, the mood swings were horrible. Many months of them. Even now, three years later, still thoughts get me tearing up. 

Robert Stebbins  Interesting question Danielle. I’m only 6 weeks post OHS so my window of time isn’t very long. So far, my worst experience by far was the mental health issues I had in the hospital post-surgery.  Very traumatic for me and far worse than the physical issues which is saying a lot given what my body had just been through. Lots of positives too:  Gratitude for more things than I can list, more empathy for others, wonder at the body’s ability to heal.  And, I have to say that I am loving my time off from work. I grew up on a farm and have worked hard my whole life.  I’ve never been able to take this much time off before. The reason for the time off isn’t optimal but it really is a nice opportunity to reflect and ponder the future. 


Enjoy the class!

Greg Lewis  Glad to hear they got it figured out. I found that the body is like a car. Sometimes you gotta really break it for the mechanic to tell what's wrong!

Deena Z  Finally, you figured out why you have been in pain.  And you got another heart check-up too.  ---Not that a night in the ER is anything to look forward to.  But so glad you heart is a-okay. 

Ana Brusso  Good to hear you found the culprit that caused you so much pain. I ended up in the emergency room two days after returning home from surgery because my whole body would not stop shaking. Had to stay five hours but sent home after everything was checked out. Never got a clear answer why it happened. But I’m glad your discomfort is going away. God bless You 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks everyone! it’s been about 24 hours since having IV antibiotics (for the first time), and 2 more oral antibiotics - I’m on a week regime. he pain is subsiding tremendously. I do feel relief seeing the CT is “normal”. My heart is mildly enlarged but unchanged since surgery and is stable. I’m so grateful it wasn’t something cardiovascular this time, although the anticipation of waiting for the results was tough! I dislike that I’m becoming a frequent flyer at the hospital. I might have to start calling my patient MRN my flight advantage number. 

Frank Giovanniello   Danielle, that's great they found your issue. What a relief it must be. Relax a few days. Get well.

Ana Brusso  Hey Frank, how are you? How are the grandchildren? God bless you, so great to see your posts. 🙏❤️

Donna Casaletto  Awww the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree🥰‼️So thoughtful and kind both father and daughter!! Thank you for letting us be a part of this special delivery 🍪❤️🍪‼️

Matthew Malooly  I can't tell you how much this meant! The cookies are all gone. But don't worry, my brother ate most of them. And these two cuties are waiting to go home tomorrow(!!!) to meet their big sisters. My wife and I are taking bets as to which daughter will claim which. Thank you so much everyone!!!!

Danielle Elizabeth  Just seeing the response! It made my dad smile, he has 2 daughters (including myself)! Glad you made it home!

Patsy Stewart  Thank you, Danielle! You truly are awesome! Cookies! 🍪🍪💙💙Yes!! I'm sure Daniel and Matthew and their families will be overjoyed. 
I tried to sign your document, but I failed. Didn't have the app and not enough room to download it on my iPad. Sorry. 🙁

Klara Čičić  How lovely, Danielle! I have the same issue as Patsy, and I hope please if you can write: 
 "and all the  best from the heart warriors on hvs.com"....or something like that :)) thank you

Deena Z  Danielle, you're incredible. So thoughtful and creative. You not only have a healed, strong heart but a good one.. Your Dad, Pat, also sounds pretty super to make this run to Mt. Sinai. Hope he gets a photo!

Danielle Elizabeth  Pamela, I did see your signature! I was rushed this AM to email the PDF to my dad for printing (mountain time zone / East cost time blunder). It’s on there :) thank you everyone! 

Danielle Elizabeth  Deena, my dad was here for my surgery so I think he understands and he’s a living kidney donor -  just very generous in general.

Danielle Elizabeth  Reading all of the comments now: I’ll upload a photo later today of the finished product! Here’s a picture of my dad, Patrick. he’s obsessed with exploring every part of NYC and I think he’s curious what Mt. Sinai looks like after spending so much time at UC Health in Aurora, CO from my surgery. 

Donna Casaletto  Awww the apple doesn’t fall from the tree!! What a wonderful thing you and your dad have done! Even special you included us 🥰‼️Would love to make a donation of some sort! 

Ana Brusso  Patrick will find many interesting places in NYC. I lived there for five years and Mt. Sinai was where all my doctors were at. Your dad is very special and I know you appreciate him and love him very much. We are also grateful to him for his generosity. 🙏❤️

Danielle Elizabeth  I enjoy watching him explore NYC through his Facebook page and I know it made him feel great dropping off little gifts for other heart valve patients (especially since they have families who were worried like him). I’m pretty sure he still views my sister and me as if we’re still kids! I think being in the hospital and seeing you’re not alone and there are other people going through this major surgery is so helpful in healing! 

Deena Z  Danielle, sounds like you and your Dad are cut from the same cloth. You both walk this earth creating joy in your lives by helping others. Our two Mt Sinai warriors and their ICU A-team just felt a blast of healing love and appreciation. They're not just a patient, not just a caregiver, not just a medical record number. What a great memory for all. Stay just like you are.

Donna Casaletto  Awww Danielle that is the most thoughtful and sweetest thing to do for their families!! Reason 1,0001 why I love this group 🥰👏‼️

Danielle Elizabeth  Richard, it does indeed look like that too 😂 another person said it looked like a tape worm. I then compared online: 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks Greg, it’s definitely much more tranquil now! The comment section when I posted the in progress online felt like an intervention. 

Klara Čičić  Hahah so funny :) you are amazing Danielle! Final product is lovely. And the first option made me think of complexity, difficulties, even ugliness of heart surgery and all that comes with it, ups and downs, tangled curve of recovery...invoked those yucky feelings... That's what art is for, to bring emotions... :) But in this case, those that are better overpainted :))

Danielle Elizabeth  Klara, I think you nailed it. It was very overwhelming for me to sit back and look at after I finished the mural. It reminded me of the complexity and chaos of emotions sounding heart surgery. Now that it’s painted over there is so much tranquility!  Thank you for your kind and eloquent words! 

Richard Munson  I once had a dog that had a tapeworm and i concur it could be that. After he had his deworming pills i can honestly say what came out could have possibly been the most disgusting sight i have ever seen. Don’t read this before eating dinner. It was a kodak moment that i hope to never see again. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Richard, all good! Just finished dinner. After someone said it looked like a tapeworm I was wishing for an undo button! 

Patsy Stewart  Beautiful artwork! You'll always remember what came out of you and how you covered it up. I was kind of sad that you painted over it, but it sounds like that's what your soul needed. I'm thankful you're doing better. Great paint job btw! That's no easy task. 

Greg Lewis  You may need to slow down a bit until it feels better. I found lower right, left , and center of ribs to be really touchy areas. They still hurt some. I can't count how many times I have hurt that area!  Physio says the cartilage can be hurt during surgery, and take a long time to heal. Really hope this gets better for you! I know what it feels like! 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks everyone for giving me ideas on what to bring up tomorrow at the appointment. It’s a very specific area on the left side. It feels like 2 ribs, one is a sharp pain when I laugh or exhale. My ability to identify pain is a bit whack though. The only motion that was painful during snowboarding was on the lift and I twisted to zip up the opposite breather/inside of my ski jacket. It felt like a jolt went through my side! The cold weather felt amazing tho, and didn’t affect the wires like I anticipated. I’ve put this off for weeks but I’m glad to finally try to figure out what’s going on.  

Greg Lewis  Oooo, yep that sure sounds like what I have done to my ab muscles a few times. Anxious to hear what they find. If they aren't sure, maybe suggest an ultrasound?

Richard Munson  Thinking back on that picture of you skiing and wondering if you twisted something. Strenuous activity. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Hi all and inquiring minds. The diagnosis was costochondritis, inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. I’m sure getting back to lifting weights, possibly having Covid back in November, and snowboarding could have contributed. Glad it’s nothing more serious! I’ll be using my backpack on wheels for when classes start Wednesday lol 

Greg Lewis  Glad they figured it out. Mind if I asked what test they did to diagnose it? My Doc and Physio are just starting to try to figure out what's going on with my chest and rib area. Physio thought a CT scan might give us needed info. I think Physio mentioned that Costochondritis.

Danielle Elizabeth  My symptoms were pretty textbook after looking up costochondritis. More pain on the left side and worse when laying down. The area slightly tender to the touch. Also my X-ray did not show any fractures. I’m proud of my sternum wires so I’ll post the X-ray. I believe the X-ray was done to rule out fracture or anything more serious. 

Leona Resch  Danielle thank you for posting! This is amazing, I’m day 9 post aortic valve replacement and home with the usual ups and downs. So encouraging to see you enjoying your life!

Greg Lewis  Recovery is a chain of accomplishments,  isn't it. Set goals then see if you can do it. If not today, maybe tomorrow.  Thanks for the post! I have been wondering if I could try a green run this year. I don't think so. Not yet. Maybe in March, or something.  Have fun !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy Berger  So happy for you and appreciate you sharing this post. I’m trying to keep my focus past my upcoming surgery  on January 24th by thinking about fun things I will do, vacations, etc. Some days though the anxiety of the unknowns creeps in. Seeing your post was calming :)

Deena Z  Way to go, Danielle.!  Looking strong and beautiful.  And giving back to  current heart warriors awaiting surgery is a kind way to ring in 2023.!!

Marie Myers  Great news on your echo! Feel free to vent here anytime, since we have probably had all the same thoughts and concerns as you are feeling now. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks Marie! My stress test was pushed back to This Friday - the equipment couldn’t be calibrated and it needs repair! 

Marie Myers  Recovery from heart surgery is a psychological/emotional as well as physical recovery, for sure. Part of me grieved for my former “healthy” self. Glad you are feeling better!

Kenneth Southard  That' great news!  Speaking from experience, there are several things out there that can sidetrack your recovery, at least for a while.  

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks everyone for all of your words of encouragement! Marie - this is exactly what I’ve been experiencing, grieving my old capabilities - soon! 

Miriam St.Clair  I'm so glad you got the Paxlovid and I hope it gets your symptoms under control. Thank goodness a cardiologist responded so quickly. Sending you lots of healing thoughts and looking forward to positive updates.

Klara Čičić  I empathize with you, Danielle. It must be so exhausting physically and emotionally going through Covid on top of the heart battle. But you are strong enough to overcome this! With a little help from paxlovide soon it will all be better :)

Janelle Hurst  I got COVID for the first time about 7 months post op (in Sept) and my cardiologist wasn't concerned but recommended Paxlovid - I didn't start taking it until about 5 days after symptoms started due to late diagnosis, but I felt it helped a lot!  Hope you are feeling better by now :)

Richard Munson  Ouch, so if you had the 4th, would you get the 5th, then the 6th. Does it ever end? Get well soon. Enjoy your turkey.

Danielle Elizabeth  Ha yeah I guess you’re right! I work at a hospital so I wait for the vaccines to come to our unit. I dont know how I missed the 4th Covid vaccine. I’m a CNA and I wear full PPE and an N-95 when working with Covid and respiratory patients. It’s going around and the onset was so quick. 

Miriam St.Clair  I had all 5 of the vaccines, Danielle, and felt they helped me a lot. I only had symptoms for a day and then fatigue for about a week. I was given Remdesivir for 5 days, too, which I'm sure helped as well. I sure hope you get better soon and that your symptoms are short-lived. I'll be thinking of you.

Klara Čičić  Uugghrh... I am sorry dear Danielle. Hope they will give you paxlovid. Hope you have someone to help you and take care of you. Hang in there! 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks everyone, in 24 hours the coughing is a lot worse but the nausea is gone. My fever is around 101.5 (38.5 C) but it’s down to 100.1 with Tylenol. I didn’t know the name of the medication at the time of my Dr appt, but I called the urgent care to request Paxlovid. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Klara, thank you for suggesting paxlovid. I did qualify for it and am taking the first dose tonight 

Klara Čičić  The sooner you start taking it, the more effective it is. I hope it will help you. Take care, warrior!

Andrew Dial  Danielle, I too still get frustrated at how long recovery takes. I’m 5 months post open heart surgery, and I have really good days, but then a bad day will strike. Just know you are not alone in this, and there are others who can help. You are doing great

Klara Čičić  Yes, Danielle, you are doing great! I am glad they are doing all those tests and hope they will get to the root of the problem.  You are young and beautiful and full of life!  I can only imagine how frustrating it must be, still not being your old self... We are here for the support during this challenging time for you. Please let us know how the tests went and how you feel. Bless you! 

Ana Brusso  Patience is the hardest. Stay focus and know your medical team is doing everything possible to make you feel better. Hang in there, healing will come. God bless you

Angela Meletiadis  Danielle, you look lovely! I too, am not very patient with myself. To me, "back to normal" means skiing, tennis, long hikes, etc. At 4 months, I've had to reshape my thinking about what is activity and what is overactivity! Best wishes to you. I think you'll be fine before you know it!

Marie Myers  Patience was a huge lesson for me in recovery. I hope you can get to the bottom of your latest medical mysteries soon!

Danielle Elizabeth  Deena, yes I was taking lots of Tylenol so I’ve discontinued it. I was also instructed to discontinue the generic Lipitor I was taking. My physical strength is coming back, but the fatigue is real. My abdomen sonogram is appointment is tomorrow at 7pm. I picked up a 6 hour shift at the hospital prior to my appointment since I’ll already be there. 

Deena Z  Good Danielle, re: off Tylenol. My Crestor wasn't interfering with my liver that much, so once your AST and ALT normalize might want to try it again. But, yeah, your liver needs a break. Everyone's fatigue varies and you had post surgical issues with your lung, so that can delay your recovery. It's good in the meantime that you check everything out, because no one likes hindsight:).

In the meantime, try to do things that give you moments of joy, because it makes a big difference. You're really young and when you are such you don't expect your body to "give -in". It has to be unnerving. Us older folks get prepped for it. But this journey will give you a prospective on life that you only usually gain through living many more years and that, Danielle, will be a gift that will help you along the many more years that you have to live, give and receive. Godspeed.

Danielle Elizabeth  Deena, that is so touching. Thank you. I’ll have the results of the Sonogram in a few days and my Dr messaged me that I can also discontinue the toprol. Cardiology is complicated but knowing I had a bicuspid valve since I was 12, gave me lots of time to accept I’d eventually need surgery. I just have to accept now that answers post surgery also come with time. 

Ana Brusso  Glad you found an explanation for your extreme fatigue Danielle. It seems that your doctors are taking care of you. Stay strong and know your health will continue to improve. God bless you 

Klara Čičić  Oh Danielle, I am sorry, I hope they will check that liver thoroughly and find exact cause for inflammation! Hang in there, girl! Thinking of you!!!

Miriam St.Clair  Oh my, a lot going on for you. I hope eliminating that medication resolves the liver issues for you and you start feeling a lot of improvement soon.

Patsy Stewart  What a trial for you! Sending prayers your way that your liver will mend itself and you begin to feel better. Try not to worry and stress about your upcoming tests. You made the right choice of taking a break from your school work and keeping your insurance going. Hugs!!~🙏❤️

Danielle Elizabeth  Thank you everyone. I have about 5 hours of decent energy a day and hopefully it’ll improve after my liver calms down. This is not a recommendation or medical advice at all; but my doctors took me off the atorvastatin (Lipitor) to see if that improves things specific to what they’re seeing from my blood work. Prior to surgery I did not have any other medical issues besides anxiety and ADHD, work shift induced insomnia, and the BAV issues, so I think the effects are intensified because I used to have such high energy and I was athletic. 

Timothy Andre  I'm sorry you're dealing with these difficulties Danielle, but it's good you are beginning to understand why. I hope the medication adjustment helps and that you can get back to a higher energy life soon. God bless you

Greg Lewis  Hopefully the liver gets better. It will. Its one of the only organs that repairs itself, like skin! I had some liver damage from Tylenol, after my surgery. I am pretty sure its ok now. Stay away from too much of that stuff. The recommended dose per day is for if thats all your taking! So its easy to take too much! It wiil all get better!!

Andrew Dial  Some things take time to get figured out. Be patient, and stay optimistic. You are on the right track to getting these things fixed. I, like you, have similar feelings… my mind says Let’s Go! But my body says NOPE! 

One day at a time Danielle.

Robert Miller  Recovery is the hardest part but after a few months it gets a lot better. Do your lung exercises, go for walks, try push yourself to what you were capable doing before. You will get there. Stay positive and look forward to many more years. 

Rose Madura  I always have said that heart surgery is a journey that ultimately takes us to a place of better health. Hang in there. You can do this. Be patient with the process.

Klara Čičić  Hi Danielle, hope you are feeling good now and bp is fine :) It's good you are seeing your PCP soon. Try not to worry, he will try to find what has caused this bp rise and will help you. Good luck and keep us posted

Marie Myers  I had some crazy swings in my BP during early recovery. Also, I had some short runs of irregular heart rhythms. Good to bring it up with your PCP. Keep us posted!

Claudia Kwalbrun  Danielle, I am 2 weeks 3 days post op and I had a similar experience. Mine was an Afib episode….my medicine was adjusted and my heart went back to sinus rhythm. 

Timothy Andre  Hopefully your BP has become stable for you and that you get some answers from your PCP on Monday. God bless you

Andrew Dial  I’m 4 months post op Ross procedure w graft. I’m going thru some fatigue and symptoms like you are experiencing still, and seems like I’ve definitely gone downhill. Well, we just lowered my blood pressure meds in half! Because I was on such a high dosage of carveidilol. Anyways, maybe something to look into?! We are gonna try it and see if it helps, as long as my BP stays in the correct range. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks, yes I figured messaging the Doctors my symptoms will help because cardiac rehab isn’t able to answer a lot of my questions. I’m taking Trazodone as a sleep aid at night and am very happy to be sleeping well, but I’m tired 70-80% of the time. Hopefully I’ll have some answers and a plan  soon. Hope you start improving too! 

Rose Madura  I had a lot of complications but I don't think I felt well for about a year.  Your body has been through a lot....

Ana Brusso  You have been through a lot. You need time for you. Get strong and healthy in all aspects of your life. God bless you 

Marie Myers  Sounds like a good plan. You will know when you are ready to return.
BTW, that city looks pretty intimidating to me!!

Rose Madura  Yes, I concur with the others. Smart move. You've been through a lot. Take care of yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Danielle Elizabeth  Hey, yes it is Denver, my heart is acclimated to the high altitude! Im not functioning very well in all aspects of my life. It’s definitely a sign to slow down. Thanks everyone for the support. 

Earl Brigham  Not sure what University you are attending, but my son graduated from University of Denver with a Master's degree a year ago...  I am sending you good vibes!!!

Patsy Stewart  That’s really neat! I love to read medical reports. I have a question. It mentions being on bypass at 10, then again at 10:31 and then off at 10:39. How did you know you were only on it for around 9 minutes when it mentions both of those times? Since my OHS was a failure, they deleted all the information where I can’t read anything about it. All it says is ‘unsuccessful OHS’ and gives the year only. 

Danielle Elizabeth  Patsy, you are correct. Circulatory arrest was 9 minutes but I was on the bypass machine much longer. Hope I don’t make similar mistakes on the two exams I have tomorrow 🤞 Bypass start: 9:06 and bypass end 10:39! I can’t express how sorry I am that your OHS was not a success. Since my valve was repaired and not replaced with a mechanical I’ll have another one in my future. How are you doing now?

Patsy Stewart  It was in bold letters and I missed the bypass start! They ended up doing a TAVR. I still have a lot of problems and it’s a rough road, but I’m fighting like a tiger to get better. I hope you do great on your exams tomorrow. Take all the time you’re allowed and don’t worry about others finishing before you do. Slow and steady wins the race! 

Deena Z  Patsy, that doesn't seem right that they "deleted" your report.  Since when does that happen? Not that it matters now, but it would be good how far the surgery advanced and lessons learned at to what did not work well for you.

Richard Munson  I love grilled cheese but not every day. Not sure what else is on that plate but maybe it looks better in person. I like your idea about a menu. 

Louise Moore  Yes, Danielle!! I think it’s a great idea to have  a menu catered to patients on anticoagulants.  At home I manage my diet and am able to have a routine diet of same types foods along with a consistent portion of arugula.  I can maintain a consistent INR rate thus way easily.  When traveling or having meals outside the home, my INR swings too much.  My feet and ankles swell  - too much salt I think- and that raises alarms with me.  I think you are right to consider presenting a menu for patients on anticoagulants.  Thank you for thinking of us!

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks for the feedback Richard and Louis - I’ve been reading about INR levels but I didn’t know how much they can fluctuate and what symptoms the change in levels can produce. I will likely need a mechanical valve in 15-20 years (my valve was repaired) but I’ve been curious about how much the mechanical valves and medication impact daily living. It’s just something I think about often. 

Greg Lewis  I also think its a great idea. Also low salt diets, fish, low and high Potassium diets, for those on Spironolactin or Furosimide. But when i was on Warfarin, as long as my amount of greens stayed consistent, my INR would be bang on! Also, whatever the pink ribbons are on, the plate, welp, i just dont know. Lol

Richard Munson  That sounds so inviting. Thats it, i’m giving up my steak and potatos for purple cabbage and black beans. Maybe next week, the steak is already on the grill.

Danielle Elizabeth  Maria nailed it lol yes it’s a quinoa, bean salad with purple cabbage. The sauce was the best part! 😊

Ed Eller  I have a lot to learn about Coumadin friendly diets since I'll be staring on blood thinner soon. So Danielle's post really piqued my interest. I love leafy greens and I know I'll have to watch them. 

Greg Lewis  Ed, just get in touch with your local dietician, for direction on your Warfarin and diet etc. Richard, i'm with you. I love my steak. And pork chops too, although Diana kids me that now, that i am part pig...well..  lol

Steven Methot  Yes, but this applies for those of us on special diets too.  I can't eat oxalate-rich foods due to kidney stones.  Almonds, spinach, beets, yams, all the good stuff...  AND vegetarian too.  

Richard Munson  Greg, eat up, life is short. You could eat all the good stuff and get gunned down at the healthy food store by some irate person who craves meat. Pork chops are healthy and one of my favorites along with lamb chops and mint jelly. Wash it down with some lloyds pork ribs. Enough talk, i’m going to get me a burger with a big slice of red onion . Wash it down with an arnold palmer. Are your juices flowing yet? 

Brady Busch  While in the hospital,I tried just about everything offered on the menu.Oddly,no grilled cheese sandwiches,even though they're made at home sometimes.The only time the lady taking my order caught me,was when adding too much salt,so Mrs. Dash had to do.But she had one of the nicest voices,I've ever heard.By the way,they taught us at cardio rehab,to limit salt intake to 1500 mg a day.That's about a teaspoon.

Danielle Elizabeth  You all are awesome, thank you! Scars are beautiful is an Instagram account with user stories but I can’t put my story together now - besides the factual side of things. Plus I am not spending much time of social media. Thank you for sharing your zipper scar photos! It made me smile seeing the responses and how  you all are living your lives and are in good spirits! 

Lisa Coombe  I love my scar, it’s so beautiful, my son loves the ticking and waits for me to say “boom” when he listens to it

Greg Lewis  Yes!! My dad had OHS also. And when i saw him, after my Surgery didnt go go as planned, he hugged me with tears in his eyes, and said" welcome to the zipper club!"

Danielle Elizabeth  Lisa, that’s so cute about your son! I don’t have a mechanical valve and I’ve never heard the ticking noise, but I love a child’s imagination. I still remember the first Zipper scar I ever saw on a girl in high school and I was too shy to ask for her story. She ended up reaching out to me after my surgery - it turns out she had a heart transplant. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this community! Greg, I hope you’re doing okay after your complications. I’m glad you have your dad for added support 

Lisa Coombe  I was lucky to meet my partner and hear the ticking before I got my valve. My boy finds it calming and waits for the “boom” which makes him happy

Tom Everson  Hi. First of all you deserve a lot of credit in trying to balance work and education. So very hard.  If you were my daughter I would suggest NOT to go thru the next period of life without insurance. If you have anymore complications you may have to reduce your classes and without insurance have large bills  Too large of a risk

Danielle Elizabeth  Thanks for the response. I may have to drop one of my classes at the end of October. I bit off too much for my energy levels (classes and work both started at 12 weeks post OHS). I’ll keep the part time status at the hospital with benefits. 

Patsy Stewart  I totally agree about having and keeping your health insurance. I’ve been without in the past and it was a total nightmare. Sorry that you’re struggling balancing work and school. Hopefully, you can come up with an easier plan. 

Marie Myers  Congrats on your recovery! Planks and push-ups are impressive for cardiac rehab! Diet is so very important in living your healthiest life. My big motivator is seeing the maladies and ailments that have taken down my parents. (Father with heart attacks and eventually congestive heart failure and mother with Alzheimer’s) Anything I can do diet-wise surely help prevent or delay these type of killers. Best wishes for finding your motivation!

Jay Burgess  I'm really going to research food that can make that valve last as long as possible. My father only made it to 40 I got 15 years farther before needed a valve. My surgeon says that diet doesn't play a role in plaque on the valve not sure I believe him. 

Patsy Stewart  Wow!! What an awesome video! 
Slow and steady wins the race. I suggest to start out at a pace that is comfortable to you and gradually work up from there. Heart surgery with all of its complications does slow one down, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t make a comeback. Ask your nurses and doctors all the questions that you have. Follow their suggestions, but don’t ever completely give up!  You’ll learn what your body can do if you’ll listen to it. You’ll know when you’re pushing yourself too much. Also…having a scarf or something covering your mouth when you’re out in cold weather helps. It warms your breath so that the extremely cold air isn’t going directly to your lungs. 

Adam Pick  Triple Wow!!! That's amazing. Ditto the point about cardiac rehab. That was the turning point in my recovery. I'm doing everything I was doing before surgery. Can't wait to see the next video of you ice climbing once you are feeling up to it!!!

Louise Moore  Hi Danielle, you brave warrior you!  In time you'll be back ice climbing but I'll second or third the suggestion for cardio rehab.  They will monitor your HR and heart rhythm and they will push you safely - and they will push you!  

Danielle Elizabeth  Hey everyone, I have found a few articles about the psychological effects of heart surgery and I wasn’t sure what’s being in my head vs actual progress. I’m currently at a 3.0 mph pace in Cardiac Rehab on the treadmill with 1 min intervals at 4.6 mph. I don’t feel great at Rehab and am tired most of the time. It makes me feel better knowing post-op anemia and lung capacity only at 75% are hopefully to blame. I’d hate to ever be “too scared” to exercise since I enjoyed it so much in the past. Thanks for watching the video, I miss the snow and sports a lot and can’t wait to heal enough to return to it. 

Rose Madura  You'll get there.  Your body has been through a lot of trauma.  Give it time and you'll eventually feel better than ever.  I had plenty of complications and what got me through was having faith that I'd eventually be ok, it was just going to take a while.

Danielle Elizabeth  Thank you everyone! I was running late to class this morning and I tried running in the cold weather. I’m not there yet but I appreciate the encouragement 🙏 taking it day by day