Jennifer's Journal

Marie Myers  Oh, wow! Sorry this happened to you. Any idea on what caused the infection ?  Always such a scary possibility for those of us with artificial valves. Glad you are feeling better!

Susan Lynn  Jennifer- I'm so sorry to read this news. Glad you're on the road to recovery and headed to cardiac rehab. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Adam Pick  Amazing Jennifer! Ya know... I actually hear this quite often from patients. They don't realize how bad (or fatigued) they feel until after surgery and the recovery is complete. Then, they have more energy. Thanks for sharing Jennifer!

Fay Kozas  Hi Jennifer, sorry to hear about your setback. Keep doing the exercise as advised by your kinesiologist and be patient. It might take a little time. Good luck!

Tee Ad  How did they diagnose the misplaced rib?? My pain returned too recently but it’s both sides. So annoying!

Rob Sparling  Awesome, Jennifer. I agree! I am headed to what I believe is my 12th session today and am now starting to see them up the levels. Four different machines for 10 mins each. Keep going!

Dan Baltazor  Great to hear. I also have some anxiety but have noticed it settles with moving/walking. They already have me starting 12 week cardiac rehab and I'm pretty confident that is going to alleviate it. I also think once all medications cease and I'm down to only an aspirin a day, my mental clarity will be back to normal. Thanks for the update. And I'm thankful we generally don't get snow in Seattle area, as shoveling is not Stephanie's chore to love.

Diane Maher  Good to hear about your recovery, Jennifer. I am thankful that the blood thinner that I have been temporarily put on after my surgery is Xarelto, which doesn’t require a need for INR attention. I just started cardiac rehab this week, so you are well ahead of me with that. Continued best wishes❣️

Nancy Luth  Jennifer, Glad to hear good things about your recovery. Have you had your first glass of wine yet? Perhaps while watching hubby shovel snow!

Jennifer McInerney  No wine yet but I have a very nice Niagara winery white Chardonnay waiting for me. No snow yet but I’m hoping for a white christmas

Lisa Guinan  On the subject of wine, I’m having trouble getting my INR level up. I asked my surgeon’s nurse if I needed to have a glass of wine now and then and she said it sure wouldn’t hurt. 😊🍷

MARIE PICUN  Glad to hear your good. Take deep breaths and try to get. Your mind on to other things, so your anxiety will go away

Jill McDonald   Hi All! Love your conversations from the other side, but was is INR? Looking for a bra currently. Someone had suggested a sports type amoena bra. Is Zip in the front or hook and eye in the front best?

Lisa Guinan  INR levels show how much your blood is thinned by the Coumadin. They want mine to be 2.5 and I’m at 1.7. You’ll have to get your blood checked once a week while you’re on blood thinners to check your INR level. I got a bra in the hospital right after surgery. It had Velcro on the shoulders and in the front.

Rob Sparling  Awesome! Way to go! Stairs have been the archenemy of my recovery journey and am so glad you don’t find them a challenge. Props!

Meredith Geneja  One more cheer to cheer you on, Jennifer! My co-worker had something similar & is all better now. Best to you.....always.

Dan Vechiola  You will do just fine. After all we have been through cardiac rehab has been the easiest part for me. They will start you out on a program that is best for you. I have found that an important part of rehab is to learn what we can do and how to do it. Plus you will learn about how your body responds to exercise.

Diane Maher  Yesterday, I went to see my cardiologist and mentioned to him that although I had my surgery on Aug. 20, I was wondering why I could only walk for 35 minutes before getting tired. His short answer...your heart is telling you it is still healing. You are just reaching your one month surgery anniversary. Once I was at 6 weeks, I started to notice real overall recovery improvements so I think you too will start to see quite a few differences in the next month. I think, too, the different meds. and their side effects on you, have to be also taken into consideration.

Rob Sparling  Jennifer, I started at 400 steps 2-3 times per day to eventually get home and start at 3 mins 4x per day to then go 5 mins 3x per day and then 8 mins 3x per day. Maybe break your time into smaller chunks and more of them if you want to experiment a little bit. But you will do fine! Remember...you are using the metric system so the reps are fewer ‘cuz the units are bigger but the overall effort is the same! 😜 🇨🇦

Jennifer McInerney  Thanks everyone. Your words are really helpful. Rob, you are amazing. Gives me something to aspire to....

Susan Lynn  Jennifer - they will absolutely start you at a slow pace at rehab. Since they're continuously monitoring your heart, they won't permit you to over exert yourself. I sat at a desk for my entire career, so I took it slow and continue to build my strength and endurance. I think you'll find it fun and invigorating! All the best.

Janice West  I haven’t even had surgery yet and this is one of the things I am most looking forward to post op....getting to sleep on my side

Ellen Leng  I remember the day that I was able to graduate from the recliner to sleeping in the marital bed...that is a BIG step forward!

Nancy Luth  After three weeks in the recliner I finally graduated to sleeping in bed. But that recliner was a life saver for the first couple of weeks of recovery.

Diane Maher  Make sure they do a culture. I was on two different antibiotics and neither worked until my urologist ordered a culture...the third course worked but it was already a couple of weeks later. Hope you feel better soon....they are not fun!

Bradley Dunn  I think I had sex three to four weeks out.. it wasn't easy but the desire was there and the result was the same :)

Rob Sparling  I’m not arguing anything shorter than 6 weeks — we’ll see — but in the big picture there certainly doesnt need to be yet another hurdle for us! At least your hubby is trying! Valarie’s approach probably works!

Rita Savelis  The doctor didn't give me a timeframe for sex. When it feels right, you'll do it. This may be earlier or later. You may be too exhausted for awhile... Perhaps the doctor just said 6 weeks to save you from what you don't want to do this week! As if you need his advice! Actually I think partners are often more nervous because they can have their own fears about the condition of your heart. Take care. You need sleep more than sex right now!

Joan Saddington  I am so glad that your op is over and you are doing well. My AVR due 5th was cancelled and now I have to wait until Nov. 11th. Such a rollercoaster ride. Thank you for your posts and I hope to read more of your updates soon. Xx

Rob Sparling  Jennifer, sorry to hear your frustration! At suggestion of my sugeon’s Nurse Practiontioner, I take an Oxy and my other evening meds and then take a relatively hot shower. I do that 30-45 mins before bed time and then jump in bed. The shower combo gets the muscles relaxed and the blood flowing. I am out until I have to pee, which is usually between 3a and 6a depending on how much water I’ve had.

(NP also suggested a back rub from my wife. Hasn’t happened yet. I mean doctor’s orders, right? C’mon.). 😜

Rita Savelis  Insomnia is very common after OHS. I had a hard time sleeping for weeks. I used to wake up at 3AM and just wait for morning. I normally don't take any sleep meds but my doctor said that my body needed sleep so I would take them occasionally, maybe every other day for awhile... Do whatever you have to do. Move around. Try the sofa. Know that it eventually gets better, but recovery can be hard. Keep napping whenever you can.

Dan Baltazor  Ugh, the lack of sleep feeling is no good. Sorry. Hang in there, it’s temporary and has to get better.

Dan Vechiola  it took me 4 weeks to sleep in my bed without a Wedge pillow and to get a decent night sleep. Until then I felt ok and just needed a good night sleep. I found my a nap in the morning and afternoon between walks brought me almost current on sleep.

Nancy Luth  Today I took my first nap in my bed since surgery. I have spent the rest of my sleeping hours in the rental recliner. It serves two purposes- 1) it allows me to sleep at least partially on my side and, 2) it keeps me far enough from my slumbering husband to prevent smothering him and possibly pulling my stitches.😉 I do take a pain pill before bed and I know it helps me sleep. Yesterday and today ( about 2 weeks out) I’ve really felt I turned the corner at least when it comes to weakness. I hope time and possibly a little medication provides you with the rest you need.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  The lack of sleep was the worst part for my recovery. I NEED my sleep, always have, so staying awake was not pleasant. Found it hard to sleep on my back, and could not sleep on my side until 6 weeks to allow the sternum to heal. So, slept in the spare room for a few weeks, played with my iPhone, watched videos, read articles. Eventually, as time passes, you do get used to it. Needed plenty of pillows and an electric bed (rental)

Valerie Altman  Jennifer!!!! So proud of you and so glad things are going well for you!! You blazed a nice path for me to follow on girlie!!🤗🤗😎

Jennifer McInerney  Steps today and sat in chair. Not bad considering surgery wasn’t over until 7. Thank you for kind thoughts and prayers

Valerie Altman  Buddy you are in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to hearing about your trip to the fix it shop as my 8 year old calls it and am sending positive thoughts your way!

Nancy Luth  Prayers and good wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. We will be waiting to hear from you in a day or two. In the meantime, take care of yourself after surgery. You didn’t feel that train hit you, but it did!

Dan Vechiola  Try to have a peaceful evening and tomorrow walk in that hospital and put your fate in the hands of your surgeon and hospital professionals and before you know it is will be ICU, step down and discharge. That quick. Boom!

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Jennifer,
Prayers coming your way.
Look forward to your posts after surgery.
One hint- my husband was quite the worrier, so I asked him to document everything about the surgery, length of time for surgery, gain him a list of folks to call when I returned to CSU, record all that the nurses told him, etc. Gave him a job to do, to keep calm, and after the surgery he was able to tell me lots of details. Relax, you will be proud of yourself after this is over. You are stronger than you think.

Joan Saddington  Hi Jennifer. I really hope that your op went well and you are on the road to recovery now. I am eager to know how you are doing and hope to read a post from you soon. 👋

Marie Myers  You can do it, really and truly.
Don't be surprised if that emotional roller coaster and insomnia goes on for a while, either. Both did for me, and they eventually decreased with time. Wishing you a smooth experience!

Valerie Altman  Jennifer...we have no choice but to do this. I'm backing you up and in 2 weeks you'll be doing the same for me. Now, I have no answers as far as experience here, but I know this our families need us and obviously we were saved from dying from this to go on to things we don't yet know about... I'm scared too, but just know you're in my prayers and thoughts and I hope I didn't just make u cry!😚😀🤗

Jennifer McInerney  I’m doing well so far today. I can’t thank you enough for your messages of support. They mean far more than you know.

Dan Vechiola  Just stare it in the eye and plow through it. After surgery you will be so busy with the recovery process that time will just fly. Good luck and visualize I successful surgery and hospital stay!

Diane Maher  HI Jennifer...thought I would send you a few reflections on my surgery...six weeks this morning. I continued to remain focused on my physical and mental preparations...walking/visualization/relaxation program and breathing exercises, surgeon gave me a 1/2 sleeping pill (for the evening before), the process moved very quickly when I checked in (which I think was the result of whatever they had in the IV which I was almost immediately hooked up to upon arrival (only a few vague memories that happened after that), my ICU experience was great...quiet and very dim lighting (no need for eye mask or ear plugs which some members had found helpful), do not remember breathing tube being removed and removal of tubes the next day was uneventful...it was the removal of the pacer wires that drew a yelp. I had previously read many postings relating to an inability to get much sleep while in hospital...for me it was the total opposite, I had to force myself to wake up, to sit in the chair, eat, walk, etc. I felt excruciatingly tired...no happy thumbs up pics for me...or much of anything else. A picture that shows that everyone's hospital experience, like their recovery, is so personally unique and one that you will draw on your own personal strength and confidence to overcome as you have done in past personal difficulties and challenges. Many best wishes.....I believe you will have much to be 'thankful' for next weekend:)

Debbie Moriarty  So glad you have included your Church family. I haven’t told mine yet. Though I will when I get the courage. I will need their prayers and support! Have a great day tomorrow!

Catie B  Woo hoo for a yummy steak!

I'm so glad you have their prayers and that your Rock and Great Shepherd will be with you throughout this ordeal. And remember surgeons do these procedures every day. Tremendous skills and safe hands!

Rob Sparling  Jennifer, you got it (our prayer and support) and you’ve got this (staring Lucy right in the eye)! Are there classes or special events/learning opportunities for your husband? I heard from Michelle last night about how I might be past “DMO” by today. And I looked at her funny..... “Delayed Muscle Onset” pain apparently hits it’s apex on the third day. I wasn’t aware and she had a goofy grin. She must have picked it up when talking to all the other spouses or in a class. They have their own community, too!

And dont feel guilty about killing cows! That is where bovine pericardium comes from, after all! 🧐

Doris Fowler  The wait is the worst part. I hope you can find something to distract you to help you get through it.

Shannon Gray  There is a search tool on this website... type in keywords on what to pack, and hopefully that should bring up several list/ideas to help. Wishing you the best of luck and an easeful recovery!

Dan Vechiola  Extension chord or long cell pjone charger. Gym shoes for walking so you don'r have to wall the hallways in those teaction socks.

Rob Sparling  Jennifer, I walked into CC on Weds morning in pajama bottoms, long sleeved T-shirt, flip flops and baseball cap. Have spent the whole time in hospital gowns and blankets. Dr. P came by on rounds this morning and said I may get out by Monday or Tuesday. I will be in gown until then.

I have iPad, phone and TV. Michelle brought books and puzzle magazine but I have yet to touch those. But today I am feeling really good and expect that next few days will be improving quickly.

I used toothbrush and mouthwash from hospital as well as wipes.

Take the bare minimum!

Marie Myers  Really did not need much. I did not touch my phone or IPad pretty much the 6 days in the hospital. Did not feel like reading, either...I wore flip flops, and a pajama bottom would be nice to walk the halls in..

Rob Sparling  it’s OK Jennifer! more time to think isn’t necessarily better! (I am typing this from my hospital bed in the ICU while waitint for a bed.)

Susan Lynn  Jennifer - if you feel confident in your surgeon and the medical team, waiting will only be more stressful for you. As we all say, waiting is the worst part. Best wishes - you can do this even on short notice. ❤

MARIE PICUN  Wow you are before me. You got this, God will get you through this. Keep your mind in positive ,and remind me of this when it is my turn.

Jennifer McInerney  Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. I am feeling confident but wouldn’t be surprised if my husband had to drag me out from underneath our bed on Wednesday morning - lol

Valerie Altman  My surgeons appt is tomorrow you better have been kidding about getting thru this together ... literally lol u come hide under my bed I'll hide under yours they will never see that coming 🤗😎😁

Jennifer McInerney  Valerie, I love that idea. Please ensure there are snacks and wind under your bed and I’ll do the same. We may be under there for a while. My plan B is to request copious amounts of drugs when I enter the front door of the hospital. That way, I’ll have no idea what is going on.

Valerie Altman  Doh! 😂 I'll also take the wine but I seriously doubt that the Indiana wind is as serious as the wind at your place! Lol Canada is nice....I'm packing now and calling the surgeon to let me know that I won't make our meeting this morning and hope that the border doesn't give me hassles....or....maybe we should just do as the 87 year old woman at my heart Cath waiting area said and ..... suck it up buttercup 😂😂 we've got this!!

MARIE PICUN  Dido, I been putting my husband threw the windmill also. But, I have to stop my nerves were hurtting my stomach. I keep saying I am going to be alright, and being postivie. But, I know how you feel. Trust me

Civita Fahey  Yes I remember. My poor hudbsnf kept saying you’ll get through this. You’re going to be fine and I was and so will you both my heart sisters. Just stay positive and know they know what they are doing. You’re both going to do great. My prayers are with you. 😍

Nancy Luth  Oh Jennifer I know how you feel. I hate the bad days. We will get through this - with a little wine and our husbands and our electric recliners.