Diane's Journal

Well, I haven’t visited this site for quite awhile. But, yesterday, I turned 60 and just felt incredibly thankful at how well I feel since my surgery which was in December if 2022. For anyone anticipating surgery, please know that feeling good is on the other side, even if it takes awhile. This group is so supportive. Thanks for all the encouragement and good luck to all!!!

Now that my mitral valve is replaced (5 months out) my BP runs lower than ever. Anybody else have this? I’m wondering if it’s because of my pump function. Thx!

Did anybody else go through delirium after surgery?  I did, and it was scary.  It resulted in a rehospitalization for me.  My surgery was 11 weeks ago and I’m doing well but I think back on that and it kind of freaks me out.

Seven weeks ago we brought our dog to the pet sitter knowing that we could not adequately care for her during my surgery and early recovery. Well, we got her home today! She was so excited and then promptly fell asleep.

If you’re in the early stages of recovery, keep the faith that things will get better! It’s been warm and dry enough to walk outside here in Wisconsin. I’m so excited as I walked 6200 steps today. The most I’ve walked in a day since my surgery 6+ weeks ago!!!

6 weeks ago tonight, I was one day out of surgery, suffering through Afib, lots of pain and low BP. Tonight I went out for pizza and chocolate cake!!!! So grateful. For those of you suffering and waiting, life will get better!

4 weeks out from mitral valve replacement. Amazed at just how exhausted I still get. Just crashed hard for an hour on the couch. At the same time, so grateful for how far I’ve come!

The human body is amazing! I walked into the hospital on surgery day weighing 153 pounds. Within a few days I was up to 176 because of retained fluid!! Diuretics took a few more days to get that off. Once it was gone, I went down to 147. Hungry like a bear now and working my way back to the status quo!

Hello, my surgery was 12/23. My mitral valve leaflets were too thick for a solid repair, so after 30 minutes of trying, my wonderful surgeon, Saturo Osaki, at University of WI Hospital did a mechanical valve replacement. He is a super caring guy and came to see me 1-2 times a day, along with the PAs on his surgical staff. I had some Afib, which was scary and I even needed a blood transfusion. Things got better and I was discharged one week later on 12/30. BUT, the next day I started retaining urine and got really weird (delirious) and my husband had to call 911. I was readmitted through the ER. My mind and bladder cleared up but they were worried about possible infection and gave me a few days of IV antibiotics. Now, I came home for real on Jan. 6. I feel better every day and am up and around and doing as much for myself as possible. This is a very tough thing, but with the help of those around you, you can do it, just like I did!! Thanks for all the support. 😊❤️‍🩹💜

Well, I’m alive! This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I think today will be better. Yesterday brought nasty pain and A Fib but they’ve gotten a handle on it, thank you for all the support and merry Xmas!

Well, my surgery was supposed to be 12/14 but at my pre op yesterday I was informed it was changed to 12/28 due to surgeon’s schedule. Now I realize I will be in the hospital during 2022 AND 2023 which might mean being charged two deductibles and two out of pocket charges which are not insignificant! Calls made to hospital billing office and insurance company, both of whom tell me they need to research the issue. As if the prospect of surgery and the reschedule wasn’t enough, now the financial red tape!!! So hoping I don’t have to wait until the first of the year. Anybody else ever run into this?

I just had my first angiogram yesterday. The sedation kicked my rear and made me exhausted. But, the good news is no blocked arteries or other surprises. So, next up will be preop with surgeon on 12/8. I’m scared but want to get this over with!!

Question: I am diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation and am waiting for my surgery to be scheduled. My ejection fraction is estimated to be 60%. I get tired on and off during the day. Is this from my regurgitation? Do you feel this way? Thx