Debbie's Journal

Ginny Turner  Congratulations on your one-year anniversary and thank you for the encouraging words, Debbie. Wishing you continued good health ahead!

  Congratulations Debbie, it’s such a blessing to be able to celebrate a huge success. Hope you continue to stay healthy and strong. God bless you

Marie Myers  Happy Anniversary! As time goes on, for me, the surgery seems like it was In another lifetime. Wishing you many more healthy, happy anniversaries!

  Amen Debbie. Congratulations on your graduating from Cardiac Rehab. Continued good health and God bless you

Araceli Garcia  I had sternum surgery to remove a teratoma tumor on my left heart chamber , along with my thymus back in August 2020. Very painful surgery im still recovering not working and having PT, my pain is definitely still here I also had lots of hair fall off, dealing with the pain & very frustrating no pain meds I'VE had trigger point injections but didn't work. I don't know if anyone is dealing with pain 6 months after its like muscle pain on incision and travels to my side down my left arm. I've mentioned to my doctor but I don't think they take me seriously. In pain all day & sleeping well that is not good cant get comfortable maybe I'm just a rare case I don't know that's why I joined this chat to see if anyone is experiencing same.

Debbie Swartz  You sure are having a difficult recovery and I hope your condition soon improves. My heart goes out to you and does sound like a rare case. Life stinks sometimes. I would keep seeking help from doctors and hope you can get help and end your pain. Stay strong and talk to others for support.

Susan Lynn  Yes! I lost hair after surgery and, recently had to go back on metoprolol and I'm losing it, again. I'm not sure if you're on any medications, but hair loss can be a side effect. It's a small price to pay for a healthy heart, but I know the frustration. ❤

Debbie Swartz  I’ve been on metoprolol 25 mg for 8 years and didn’t lose hair like this. But at this writing it seems to have slowed down.

Marie Myers  Can’t help you with the warfarin question, but I am glad to hear you are well on the road of recovery!

  I can’t answer the warfarin question Debbie, but it’s so good to hear from you. Look at you walking one mile already. Glad you are doing well in recovery, continued good health and God bless you

Rose Madura  Hi Debbie. I believe this is normal. The nerves healing is a real thing. I had that kind of burning pain in my upper arm near my shoulder where they had some sort of main line. I hope it gets better soon.

Lenore Mitchell  Lots of us are celebrating the holidays solo this year, but it’s worth staying safe. Also will make getting together in person even sweeter when we can do that again. Be patient, everyone, and stay safe!

Marie Myers  I don’t have the Inspiris valve, but another Edwards tissue valve. God Bless that company!
Early in my recovery, I felt some irregular heartbeats that would come and go. These episodes lessened with time, so hopefully yours will also. You may have a little more than I did, since the doc put you on warfarin for a few months. Hang in there, it is a slow, steady process.

Carolyn Ettlie   Good to know things went well. One thing I had to keep reminding myself was to be patient! Our bodies heal on their own time.

  Look at you Debbie, getting ready for your surgery and in great spirits. You are ready. We will be waiting for your updates and welcoming you to recovery. God bless you

Debbie Swartz  Dr. says I will get the Edwards inspiris resilia valve. Also will be on blood thinner for 3 months. Anybody else have this experience?

Paola Gonnet  Hi Debbie ! I have a Resilia as well and i took metoprolol for 3 mo as well, my surgery was last January at Cleveland Clinic, I Feel fantastic and the valve is working beautifully ❤️❤️

Darrin Vohs  Best wishes Debbie. I also lost 25 pounds before surgery and focused on being as fit and healthy as possible going in (I had time thanks to Covid). I am convinced it made a huge difference in my recovery.

Shannon Gray  Thinking of you... the time leading up to possible surgery is indescribable. Emotionally it wears you down. I wish there is something I could offer to make it all go away, but the best thing is to get as much correct information as you can. Adam’s book, look at the videos on this sight, and connect with those who have been through this. I know it may not feel like it, but you’ve got this!

Meredith Bray  I'll echo Shannon. Our minds do funny things (not funny - peculiar?) to us when we're not watching. I hope your cath went well. Everything changes when you have a surgery date - or when the Dr says,"Come back in 6 months." Hope you're feeling better!

Meredith
Holiday, FL

Ruth Rehak  What has helped me tremendously to relax and calm down is guided imagery. Google "Michelle's Sanctuary on YouTube" and pick one of the locations that her soothing voice will take you to.

Natalie Galpern  Check out my journey. I had the same exact situation as you and had the surgery when my aneurysm reached 4.8 on the CT scan. I’m 3 months post op and doing great! Definitely join the Facebook group as well...it’s so helpful!

Marie Myers  I had an aortic valve replacement (bicuspid), root aneurysm, and ascending aortic aneurysm replaced almost 2 years ago. I got a lot of support , information, and confidence from this group, and I am sure you will too. You can get through this!

Catie B  Welcome, Debbie! You've found a lovely, supportive group who understand. I hope connecting with others will be a great help. Had aortic valve, root and aneurysm addressed with a surgery in Sept 2016. I hope your journey will be very smooth!

Debbie Swartz  Thank you for your encouragement! Surgery is not eminent but wil happen sooner than I would like. Another echo planned for August if nothing happens before.

Catie B  I understand. My valve was watched periodically since age 15. Cardiologist identified aortic aneurysm in late 2009, but the root dilation wasn't noted till I was approaching surgery. In my own journey I found surgeons to be far more knowledgeable than cardiologists about timing and other details of aortic disease. In fact, two cardiologists during the months as I approached surgery, thought I should not pursue surgery. I was thankful I knew the time was near and consulted surgeons. Three of them said it indeed was time and the operation confirmed this. I only say this to encourage you to know your own condition and research to the degree you can and feel comfortable doing so.

Debbie Swartz  As I said earlier, surgery is getting closer. Getting heart catherization on the 13th then talk to surgeon on the 22nd. Trying to stay calm. Anxiety levels up and down. I know I will have great support from family and friends with prayer and encouragement. This sight is so helpful!

Catie B  It will be here soon, Debbie. I know you'll be glad to have your surgery behind you before long. Anxiety was the worst part of things for me and for a lot of us here. I can't take the medications, but friends here have gotten some relief with anxiety-reducing techniques and meds to help take the edge off. I don't remember the catheteriization itself due to the sedation, and they didn't keep me there very long afterward. It's not a bad procedure and assures them whether there are any additional concerns that would need to be addressed during surgery. Hang in there, post your questions. Glad you're here, sharing your journey with us!

Debbie Swartz  Had my heart cath Monday and was not completely sedated so was aware of what was happening. Not too bad. Stayed relaxed through procedure. Results were good, no blockages! Now to meet with surgeon on the 22nd, most likely to set date. I'm at point of just get this done and on recovery side.

Debbie Swartz  Well, here it is October 1, 2020! My surgery is scheduled for the 27th! Feeling fine about it, like others just want to get to recovery! Lately feeling fatigued and head a little stuffy. Surgeon says keep hydrated! I am pleased I lost 25lbs since January! Getting physically fit as I can. I feel very confident with my surgeon. I have severe stenosis on my bicuspid. Said may not need to do anything to the aneurysm, will know for sure when she sees it. The waiting begins but staying busy!