Holly Geary - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3695 days ago

Good to go! I received permission yesterday from the CT Surgeon to travel to Florida with my husband ( he needs the vacation more than I), drive a car and swim. ...Read more

Good to go! I received permission yesterday from the CT Surgeon to travel to Florida with my husband ( he needs the vacation more than I), drive a car and swim. My incision is completely closed and I am having very little discomfort in my chest (just when I reach or bend over). I went to the audiologist this week and my hearing is not getting any better in the left ear. We talked about hearing aids as an option, but with the amount of loss I have, the typical hearing aid will not help. I would need some type of surgical implant and I am not ready for that when I have perfectly good hearing in the right ear. The ENT tried another steroid injection in the ear yesterday and hopes I can regain some of my hearing. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Holly Gearyposted a journal

3699 days ago

Joan Napier and 1 other reacted to this

WOW, what a change! I woke up 2 days ago and noticed it was light out. I was able to sleep 8 hours. I felt great. I went and had my hair cut, took a rest and ...Read more

WOW, what a change! I woke up 2 days ago and noticed it was light out. I was able to sleep 8 hours. I felt great. I went and had my hair cut, took a rest and then went into work to visit my coworkers. I had my hearing checked while I was there and still no improvement. Yesterday we went out to dinner, a very quiet restaurant. Today I went to church! I will have my cardiac rehab evaluation tomorrow at the cardiologist. Thank you all for being so supportive!

Holly Gearyposted a journal

3703 days ago

Adam Pick, Joan Napier and 1 other reacted to this

I had surgery 3 weeks ago today and came home two weeks ago. I get stronger everyday. I had 3 fifteen minute walks today and I even helped with dinner. I continue ...Read more

I had surgery 3 weeks ago today and came home two weeks ago. I get stronger everyday. I had 3 fifteen minute walks today and I even helped with dinner. I continue to have issues with my hearing (loss and ringing) and had a steroid injection (transtympanic) on Monday. It may take up to 7 days to see any results. I continue to be optimistic. My other issue is sleep or lack of. I get about 4-5 hours/night and try not to nap during the day. I am usually get at least 6-7 hours/night. I just can't seem to get comfortable after I wake up.

Joan Napier Congratulations on a successful surgery. Sorry to hear you are having a few struggles, but with time ... Read more

Joan Napier Congratulations on a successful surgery. Sorry to hear you are having a few struggles, but with time and your positive attitude hopefully they will resolve soon. May God bless you, and make you stronger every day as you continue your recovery.

Liidia Wootten Everything will get better. I read your post and remembered the 3 rd week after my surgery - lack of ... Read more

Liidia Wootten Everything will get better. I read your post and remembered the 3 rd week after my surgery - lack of sleep, mini walks outside and small helps with dinner and clean up. But, it was so important to do those tasks and made me feel that, yes, with time I'll be back. I'm 10 weeks post op now. Went grocery shopping this morning, a big one, brought all into the house and had to sit down for 15 minutes. Reminded myself I cannot be 100% yet, so take it easy. Rest and you'll get stronger.

Holly Gearyposted a journal

3714 days ago

At home, very little pain, but not sleeping well. I get about 4-5 hours of sleep with Ambien and tylenol. I have tried every position except stomach. I get ...Read more

At home, very little pain, but not sleeping well. I get about 4-5 hours of sleep with Ambien and tylenol. I have tried every position except stomach. I get an hour nap in during the day. I am surprised I am not more tired. I wonder if I should walk more during the day or skip nap completely?

Holly Gearyposted a journal

3717 days ago

I was discharged today from the hospital. I am so happy to be home with my recliner and husband of course. I am going to try to sleep in my own bed tonight ...Read more

I was discharged today from the hospital. I am so happy to be home with my recliner and husband of course. I am going to try to sleep in my own bed tonight with him, we will see how that goes. Tylenol is holding the pain, but I continue to have ringing/ difficult hearing in left ear (annoying more than anything else).

Lillian Mark Glad to see you are home. I hope it goes well to sleep for you💟

Eleanor R Hi, Holly. I am glad the surgery is over and you are progressing. Getting back to sleep can be a ch ... Read more

Eleanor R Hi, Holly. I am glad the surgery is over and you are progressing. Getting back to sleep can be a challenge. I had trouble lying in bed for the first several weeks and had a recliner moved into my room next to the bed so that I had some options. Others try the sofa for a while, or make a nest out of pillows. Finally I'm back in bed, but its 11 weeks for me post surgery. I would say to baby yourself and at night, sleep wherever you can get comfortable. Sometimes those wedge pillows or those study pillows with arms help too. For me, it was the recliner than reclined almost 180 degrees. Hope you continue to heal well. Eleanor

Holly Gearyposted a journal

3725 days ago

I had the angio today and I am scheduled for an aortic valve replacement and a dacron graft tomorrow at Rochester General in Rochester, NY. I am feeling pretty ...Read more

I had the angio today and I am scheduled for an aortic valve replacement and a dacron graft tomorrow at Rochester General in Rochester, NY. I am feeling pretty good about it. I was scheduled to have the surgery over a year ago, but I got a second opinion that said I should wait. I am still not symtomatic but the cardiologist feels the pressure coming through the valve are getting too high. I have the recliner chair coming on Saturday, the cardiac wedge is ready, the dog at sitters and the bills are paid. Now just sit and wait until tomorrow. I am 1st case and hope the surgeon doesn't have to do a Bentall (praying for root sparing). Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Lillian Mark Hi! What is the wedge you speak of? My recliner arrives tomorrow. Heartful well wishes💟

Jeff Wagley Holly I am 3 weeks and 4 days recovering from your same surgery. I am walking a mile each day . Great ... Read more

Jeff Wagley Holly I am 3 weeks and 4 days recovering from your same surgery. I am walking a mile each day . Great idea with the recliner. I think you will be surprised how great you will feel when u sit up. You will appreciate ice chips and the rest you will be able to get. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Holly Geary Thanks Jeff! and Lillian for your well wishes!! I am 4 days post op and so happy to be post op. Surge ... Read more

Holly Geary Thanks Jeff! and Lillian for your well wishes!! I am 4 days post op and so happy to be post op. Surgery went went well with a st. jude biological valve and dacropn graft. they won't let me go home for two more days as they want to continue to watch for afib (I have not had it yet, thank god). The wedge is a pillow you buy at Bed Bed and Beyond. I had my chair delivered yesterday so it will be ready when I get home. Any other ideas for home.? Our master bedroom is on the second floor so a little concerned, but plan to do stairs once a day. I will keep you all posted on my progress.

Eleanor R Hello, Holly I hope you are home by now, or on your way. I hope you enjoy your recliner as much as I ... Read more

Eleanor R Hello, Holly I hope you are home by now, or on your way. I hope you enjoy your recliner as much as I have my rented electric lift recliner. Love it so much I have been sleeping in it. I need to move back into the bed and see how that goes now that I can move around more freely. The first couple of weeks home are rather limiting, but now it has been more than eight weeks since my surgery and I am driving again and scheduled for cardiac rehab later this month. What a pleasure to be able to walk the dog without me panting more than her, and to go up and down the stairs without getting short of breath. The last morning in the hospital, the PT "taught" me to go up and down stairs, as my house is one three levels, with bedrooms upstairs. I was taught to go step by step, facing the hand rail with both hands lightly on the rail, but not gripping it or pulling myself up. Gentle, step by step. I was monitored the first couple of trips up, but then I got confident and it was fine. I wish you the best of recoveries Holly. Eleanor

Holly Gearyposted a journal

4271 days ago

1 person reacted to this

I am in the process of getting a second opinion. I am a Iittle nervous about my situation with the valve plus aneurysm. I am scheduled for angiogram on April ...Read more

I am in the process of getting a second opinion. I am a Iittle nervous about my situation with the valve plus aneurysm. I am scheduled for angiogram on April 1st and have a second opinion in Chicago on March 27th. I am pretty sure I want the surgery to be done here in Rochester for convenience of the family. My husband also works at the hospital where my surgery is scheduled. I am doing a lot of reading about how to prepare my home for my return from hospital (do I need the electric recliner chair?) and what to expect during my recovery. I continue to do my normal activities of walking dog, skiing and pilates. I am hoping by keeping in good shape, my recovery will be quicker. Any tips on home prep or valve replacement plus aneurysm repair would be greatly appreciated.