Debbie Swartz - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1146 days ago

Ginny Turner, Ted Niedziela, Rose Madura and 3 others reacted to this

Today is my one year anniversary! Hard to believe it has been a year already! Feeling great and loving life! Amazes me what surgery entails, especially when ...Read more

Today is my one year anniversary! Hard to believe it has been a year already! Feeling great and loving life! Amazes me what surgery entails, especially when I look at my 7” scar! Thanking God for great talented and gifted surgeons who do this every day! To those that will be facing this surgery to trust your surgeon and try to be relaxed and give it all to our Lord!

Ginny Turner Congratulations on your one-year anniversary and thank you for the encouraging words, Debbie. Wishin ... Read more

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 conti ... Read more

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. Wishi ... Read more

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!

Jay Heagerty Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Wishing you many more!

Rose Madura Happy Anniversary!

Debbie Swartzposted a journal

1307 days ago

Dylan Kempers, Shannon Gray, Rose Madura and 6 others reacted to this

Graduated from Cardiac Rehab today! Really worth the time to attend and get your strength back! Now to continue exercising on my own! It’s been nearly 7 months ...Read more

Graduated from Cardiac Rehab today! Really worth the time to attend and get your strength back! Now to continue exercising on my own! It’s been nearly 7 months since surgery and it still amazes me what I went through! Wasn’t all that bad as I had feared but I was more relaxed going in to surgery than I thought I would be. Prayer and trust in God helped greatly!

Amen Debbie. Congratulations on your graduating from Cardiac Rehab. Continued good health and God ble ... Read more

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

Debbie Swartzposted a journal

1382 days ago

Susan Lynn, Shannon Gray, Dan Baltazor reacted to this

Doing very well since OHS in October. Started Cardiac Rehab and have been three times. Love how they monitor you carefully as you workout on the equipment. ...Read more

Doing very well since OHS in October. Started Cardiac Rehab and have been three times. Love how they monitor you carefully as you workout on the equipment. Getting much stronger each week and today went and rode my horse for the first time since October! My mare was very sweet and rode 30 minutes! Tired but felt good! Hope to be back riding weekly soon.

Good job Debbie. Continued good health and God bless you

Debbie Swartzposted a journal

1403 days ago

Shannon Gray reacted to this

Moving right along in my recovery. Finally signed up for cardiac rehab! They had closed awhile because of COVID numbers. I start on the 24th! I’m doing well ...Read more

Moving right along in my recovery. Finally signed up for cardiac rehab! They had closed awhile because of COVID numbers. I start on the 24th! I’m doing well with some tenderness in the incision area. And I am off warfarin! Was on it for three months after surgery! But now am losing hair which apparently is common 3 months out from surgery as a reaction to the trauma on our bodies. It’s just thinning each time I wash my hair. Anyone else experiencing this?

Araceli Garcia I had sternum surgery to remove a teratoma tumor on my left heart chamber , along with my thymus back ... Read more

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 t ... Read more

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. ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

Debbie Swartzposted a journal

1425 days ago

Susan Lynn, Ron Weaver, Rose Madura and 4 others reacted to this

Been awhile and letting you know I am doing great since surgery! Was getting ready to do cardio rehab when rehab place closed for now due to COVID. Bummer! ...Read more

Been awhile and letting you know I am doing great since surgery! Was getting ready to do cardio rehab when rehab place closed for now due to COVID. Bummer! I walk most days at least a mile. I am still on Warfarin for three months post surgery. Hope to be done soon. I have the. INSPIRIS RESILIA valve. Anybody else on Warfarin since getting a INSPIRIS RESILIA valve? What was your experience.

Susan Lynn Glad you're doing well, Debbie! Continued success with your recovery! ❤

Marie Myers Can’t help you with the warfarin question, but I am glad to hear you are well on the road of recove ... Read more

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 walki ... Read more

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

Debbie Swartzposted a journal

1473 days ago

Anyone have a burning sensation on chest? It is on left side and comes and goes. Not bad at night but during the day may worsen. Hurts more when I use my left ...Read more

Anyone have a burning sensation on chest? It is on left side and comes and goes. Not bad at night but during the day may worsen. Hurts more when I use my left arm across my chest. Called my Dr. and was told to put heat on it. Could be nerves healing. I’m about 5 weeks out from surgery.

Rose Madura Hi Debbie. I believe this is normal. The nerves healing is a real thing. I had that kind of burnin ... Read more

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.

Debbie Swartzposted a journal

1487 days ago

Rose Madura, Steven Methot, Barbara Wood and 4 others reacted to this

Had my follow up appointment yesterday! Had echo, chest X-ray, bloodwork and spoke with surgeon. Said tests results were excellent and keep improving! Now released ...Read more

Had my follow up appointment yesterday! Had echo, chest X-ray, bloodwork and spoke with surgeon. Said tests results were excellent and keep improving! Now released from her and in 10 days I see my cardiologist! I can increase my activities like walking more, just listen to my body. I know it is still a slow process. Sadly it is recommended not to gather for Thanksgiving to protect me. I understand why since this pandemic is ramping up in areas. Still need to be cautious and smart. Can’t wait to be normal again, whatever that is! Anyway I give God the glory for my surgery and recovery going so well! Wishing the best to those facing surgery or recovering!

Great post Debbie. Continued good health and many blessings. Yes, all the Glory goes to God always.

Lenore Mitchell Lots of us are celebrating the holidays solo this year, but it’s worth staying safe. Also will make ... Read more

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!

Debbie Swartzposted an update

1493 days ago

Steven Methot, Barbara Wood, Shannon Gray and 1 other reacted to this

Recovery going well but slow. Tired but go for walks everyday when weather permits. I get INR checked once a week trying to get it up to 2. Still a little low ...Read more

Recovery going well but slow. Tired but go for walks everyday when weather permits. I get INR checked once a week trying to get it up to 2. Still a little low so increases the dosage of warfarin. Only on it for 3 months. I have the Edwards inspires resilius valve. Anybody else have that one? Does your heart beat fast sometimes and then seem normal? I went back to see dr. and sounds like I have some a fib. Put me on another med to help. Trying to be patient for time I am fully recovered.

Marie Myers I don’t have the Inspiris valve, but another Edwards tissue valve. God Bless that company!
Early i ... Read more

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.

Lisa Grimsley hang in there.thinking of you.one day at a time

Debbie Swartzposted a journal

1509 days ago

Frank Sheridan, Barbara Wood, Rose Madura and 4 others reacted to this

Surgery went very well! Already on ward and able to eat first meal. Had trouble with nausea but better now. Have to remember that I need help to maneuver around. ...Read more

Surgery went very well! Already on ward and able to eat first meal. Had trouble with nausea but better now. Have to remember that I need help to maneuver around. Still weak of course and hurts to take a deep breath, especially when using the spirometer! Gotta keep it up. Praising God and hope to continue to slowly improve.

Barbara Wood Congrats, happy healing!

Rose Madura Wonderful news. Welcome to recovery.

Susan Lynn Yay! You did it, Debbie! Welcome to recovery! ❤

Adam Pick Great to hear Debbie!

Steven Methot This is good news! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Jack Kedzierski Congratulations! Way to go! Keep up the good work and have a complete and speedy recovery ...

Carolyn Ettlie Good to know things went well. One thing I had to keep reminding myself was to be patient! Our bodie ... Read more

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.

Debbie Swartzposted a journal

1530 days ago

Rose Madura, Steven Methot, Shannon Gray and 6 others reacted to this

Well, it is time! Surgery scheduled for Oct. 27! I feel good about it and looking forward to get this behind and on road to recovery! Staying positive and ...Read more

Well, it is time! Surgery scheduled for Oct. 27! I feel good about it and looking forward to get this behind and on road to recovery! Staying positive and trusting my surgeon! I am 69 and in great health. Managed to lose 25 lbs since January!

Steven Methot Great news. Are you going with a mechanical valve?

Look at you Debbie, getting ready for your surgery and in great spirits. You are ready. We will be wa ... Read more

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. A ... Read more

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 Janu ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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.

Debbie Swartzposted an update

2055 days ago

Shannon Gray reacted to this

Has anyone had redness of skin when scratched or rubbed? It disappears after awhile. Could cause be anxiety? I am scheduled to have a heart cath on the 13th. ...Read more

Has anyone had redness of skin when scratched or rubbed? It disappears after awhile. Could cause be anxiety? I am scheduled to have a heart cath on the 13th. Then I meet with surgeon to discuss when surgery will take place. Trying to stay calm. Also woke up last night with shaking. Crazy! Was able to calm down with walking and deep breathes.

Shannon Gray Thinking of you... the time leading up to possible surgery is indescribable. Emotionally it wears you ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 Sanctuar ... Read more

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.

Debbie Swartzposted an update

2145 days ago

Found this and was pleased. I will be facing valve replacement in near future. I have a bicuspid valve and an aortic root aneurysm of 4.6 cm. Will have a stress ...Read more

Found this and was pleased. I will be facing valve replacement in near future. I have a bicuspid valve and an aortic root aneurysm of 4.6 cm. Will have a stress test next week. I feel basically fine. Just would like to hear from others who have veen down this road. I trust God will be with me.

Natalie Galpern Check out my journey. I had the same exact situation as you and had the surgery when my aneurysm reac ... Read more

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 a ... Read more

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 other ... Read more

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. Ano ... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 su ... Read more

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. Anxi ... Read more

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 b ... Read more

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.

Marie Myers Congrats on your cath, and glad there are no blockages. One step at a time...

Catie B Good deal, Debbie! Another big step completed!

Debbie Swartz Well, here it is October 1, 2020! My surgery is scheduled for the 27th! Feeling fine about it, like o ... Read more

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!