Janet's Journal

I'm coming up to my one year anniversary since mitral valve replacement for mitral stenosis, left atrial appendage ligation and Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation. And I haven't felt this well in years!!! I still have some shortness of breath (mild) but not enough to stop me from doing the things I enjoy. Over the past two days, I saw my dermatologist for a second injection of the keloid scar tissue on the sternum and wow! What a difference just two injections have made! Thumbs up :-) I also saw my cardiologist who has been treating and following me since December. He was the doctor who finally addressed my 4 1/2 months of irregular heart rhythms and I am so thankful for his expertise. I am now off of the calcium channel blocker and have started a cholesterol lowering drug. I've resisted on the latter one for several years but have finally decided to go ahead. I will stay on thyroid medication and warfarin for the rest of my life. And I need to take supplements for osteoporosis. I also have a pacemaker and that will require ongoing monitoring. Otherwise "continue with your exercises and lifestyle ... do whatever you want to ... and good for you for saying 'no' when you are tired and need to rest." "You will have arrythmias in the future because of your heart structure but we'll deal with them." We have a PLAN! :-) Yes, one can't go through major surgery like this, followed by months of so many complications, and not be a "changed person." For the better lol! So with that in mind, I've booked a three day solo retreat around my one year anniversary! Life is for living in the moment and celebrating the GIFT! Best regards to all of you.

For some of us, it just takes longer to get active again. Yesterday, I spent three hours in my garden with a few rest stops along the way. But what a wonderful feeling to be out digging, pulling, pruning, raking and planting again! My wrists and back were sore last night but sleep came easily; I'm still a wee bit SOB but nothing compared to pre-surgery SOB/fatigue. :-)

It is now 8 1/2 months since my OHS and my sternal incision is still painful, raised, red and sometimes it's a raised hard white line. If I didn't have the burning and stinging sensations, I'd be OK about the "crooked" line on my chest. My warrior's badge! I've tried Bio-Oil, steroid ointment and massage/pressure but the scar is not improving. Next step is seeing a dermatologist at the end of June. Any other suggestions?