Joan Lovell - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3684 days ago

I am doing much better now. After surgery I was on o2 just to breathe 3weeks after surgery. . Then found out dr wasn't sure he bypassed correct vessel. It ...Read more

I am doing much better now. After surgery I was on o2 just to breathe 3weeks after surgery. . Then found out dr wasn't sure he bypassed correct vessel. It was in surgery report. At post surgery meeting PA refused to answer if correct vessel was bypassed. I was in rehab facility. The GP stepped in ordered chest xray for me in my bed there. Had to have thorencitisis x. 2. First time 800 cc of blood from pleural effusion of left lung. Then 10 days later another 400cc taken out of left young. Finally. 2 months later got to go home. But went from NSR before surgery to junction rhythm alternating with atrial fib. Home for 12 days then nosebleed that wouldn't stop - cauterizing plus packing didn't work due to coumadin so in Hosp 3 days with 10 hours of packed cells to stop it packing out on Christmas Eve. Everything I read that dr gave said I should be walking 20 min after 4 weeks. I was so Down . Then when I got stronger I read posts here and realized that many people had set backs. I did research but chose the wrong Dr for me. Although he is at a valve institute and has 30 years experience. I went to him because he told me 80% chance he could repair mitral valve but he replaced. This was my second mitral valve operation first was repair 12 years ago with different Surgion so I knew second repair would be hard .i went out of town to get the Surgion. I now am back in my town and have a good cardiologist who has me on 21 day halter. Also he tells me not to be upset about valve replacement. In 10 years they will have completely different technique. When I read Adams book again I saw where he says unexpected things usually come up. And to expect. My sadness and depression I knew mentally but emotionally I was not doing well. I thought I should be stronger. This is long but I will be able to read in 3 months and see how far I will have come. The people here are life savers. I thank Adam in my mind at least once a week for his book and this site. Also the wonderful people that take time to read post and help others.

Jim Kelly-Evans Sorry to read about your speed bumps, Joan. I wish you a smooth recovery going forward.

Edith Dim I am so sorry that you're having such an ordeal. I hope that you will be recovery well from now on.

Tammi Gunwall Sending you prayers that your recovery turns a corner and you begin to feel back to normal soon. Also ... Read more

Tammi Gunwall Sending you prayers that your recovery turns a corner and you begin to feel back to normal soon. Also that your spirits stay lifted. It is hard thing to do, I know. Keep up the fight. You are such a trooper through all your difficulties. Hugs to you Joan.

Elaine Foster You have had rough go of it, hope things improve quickly for you. God bless you.

Cheryl Batzing Joan, wow, thanks for sharing what you have gone through. Yes, I think we all have bumps in our recov ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing Joan, wow, thanks for sharing what you have gone through. Yes, I think we all have bumps in our recovery. I read about them, but didn't understand until I was there going through them. I'm how at 5 weeks post op. Will lift you up in prayer for continued healing and for your mind to stay positive.

Bob M I pray your appropriate doctors will correct your challenges.

Joan Lovellposted a journal

3726 days ago

I am finally home from my mitral valve and cabg surgery . I was hoping for repair but got replacement.i was so ill I couldn't keep up with all the helpful posts ...Read more

I am finally home from my mitral valve and cabg surgery . I was hoping for repair but got replacement.i was so ill I couldn't keep up with all the helpful posts and journal entries. Am catching up now. See that others have had pleural effusion .

Lenore Mitchell Joan - glad you're home after your challenging issues. Best wishes for a steady recovery.

Nancy D wishing you a full, complete and rapid recovery. Celebrate the wee progress steps as each one adds u ... Read more

Nancy D wishing you a full, complete and rapid recovery. Celebrate the wee progress steps as each one adds up to big steps- that helped me stay positive in the some what bumpy road that is recovery! Hang in there, breathe deeply and rest when you feel like it. You will get through this....I promise!! Take good care!

Joan Napier Joan, just glad to hear that you are doing better and hanging in there. I have not felt like posting ... Read more

Joan Napier Joan, just glad to hear that you are doing better and hanging in there. I have not felt like posting at times either. Recovery and caring for yourself is priority # 1. (I had pleural effusions too, but are nearly resolved on their own). Prayers for a smooth recovery.

Joan Lovellposted a journal

3726 days ago

I am finally home from my mitral valve and cabg surgery . I was hoping for repair but got replacement.i was so ill I couldn't keep up with all the helpful posts ...Read more

Joan Lovellposted a journal

3776 days ago

1 person reacted to this

When i had valve repair surgery. 12 years ago the heart pillow didn't work for me . My breasts are large and chest small . Pillow touched breasts not chest. ...Read more

When i had valve repair surgery. 12 years ago the heart pillow didn't work for me . My breasts are large and chest small . Pillow touched breasts not chest. Nurse rolled up blanket that was held on chest between breasts. This time I am bringing a dog bone pillow that fits me perfectly. I wish they made pillows for women.

Susan Ericsson I know what you mean. With the thoracotomy incision under my right breast, heart pillow (huge) was us ... Read more

Susan Ericsson I know what you mean. With the thoracotomy incision under my right breast, heart pillow (huge) was useless. What worked? A very soft stuffed animal my husband happened to buy inter gift shop. Go figure.

Eleanor R The heart pillow was too over stuffed for me too, felt like I was holding a huge ballon. The nurse I ... Read more

Eleanor R The heart pillow was too over stuffed for me too, felt like I was holding a huge ballon. The nurse I had on the last day gave me a very small and flat little pillow, like a child's pillow, that they use in the hospital for putting in the small of the back in recliners. Worked great and was my go to buddy for sneezes and coughs for weeks. And I kept it on my bed to tuck under my side when my over enthusiastic new tissue valve thumps away at night when I lie on my left side. Funny what works, right?

Joan Lovellposted a journal

3776 days ago

Tomorrow's the day. I have fears with anasthesia even for minor procedures. Fear of not waking up . My mother. Always was afraid of pain. Wanted lots of anasthesia. ...Read more

Tomorrow's the day. I have fears with anasthesia even for minor procedures. Fear of not waking up . My mother. Always was afraid of pain. Wanted lots of anasthesia. Does anyone have thoughts that can be calming for. Min before getting. Put out. I have tried visualizing and that doesn't work. I need some actual thoughts. Please send anything. I appear calm but inside am not. I know enough to know calm thoughts are powerfull. Have helped others find theirs . I usually do well with pain afterwards and push myself. It's just the not knowing before and if I am honest / the total loss of control or knowledge of what's going on. 40 years ago I had my baby natural just so no gas. ( that's what they called anasthesia back then )

Nancy D be sure you tell your anesthesia provider! They have wonderful meds they can give you that wonderful ... Read more

Nancy D be sure you tell your anesthesia provider! They have wonderful meds they can give you that wonderful pre-med that takes away the fear. Deep breathe, and know you are in good hands. For me the day of surgery was a bit of a relief, as I was no longer waiting and anticipating. Wishing you the best!

Joan Lovell Thank you so much. That will help the thought I am in good hands not the technical details of what t ... Read more

Joan Lovell Thank you so much. That will help the thought I am in good hands not the technical details of what they are going to do. Thank you again.

Nancy D ;-) This is a big thing for you, but it is a daily occurrence for them. Their main focus is on you ... Read more

Nancy D ;-) This is a big thing for you, but it is a daily occurrence for them. Their main focus is on you and seeing you through this without complications. Leave the driving to them, and know each day will be better than the one before! ((HUGS))

Joseph Ballett It's tough to tell someone what to fear and not to fear, we all deal with this in different ways, you ... Read more

Joseph Ballett It's tough to tell someone what to fear and not to fear, we all deal with this in different ways, you just have to tell yourself this is what you must do, and must have done . Stay strong maybe put your mind more at easy with some of your favorite music it worked for me.

Tom Elliott Hi Joan. Two things really helped to reduce my pre-op nervousness. One, as Nancy says, is the drugs. ... Read more

Tom Elliott Hi Joan. Two things really helped to reduce my pre-op nervousness. One, as Nancy says, is the drugs. My wife tells me I was extremely happy and relaxed as I went off to surgery- if you tell the anesthesia folks your concerns, they have the technology to deal with them. The second was actually from a visualization audio I listened to: it encouraged me to think about the skilled, knowledgeable, caring surgical staff, who want to do a good job. I found it very calming to focus on the professionalism of the staff - they've done this before and they're motivated to do the best possible job.

So I hope everything goes more smoothly than you can imagine tomorrow, and that you have a speedy recovery.

Susan Ericsson I was doing fine before surgery until they couldn't get an IV in. It wasn't so much that it hurt, as ... Read more

Susan Ericsson I was doing fine before surgery until they couldn't get an IV in. It wasn't so much that it hurt, as it was just ... The last straw. Big tears began leaking down my cheeks, and the anesthesiologist, who had been all business, became a big sweetie. Stopped everything, said he'd finish in the OR, got my family back in and gave me sometime for the anxiety. I learned from that to just keep telling everyone what I was feeling. And reminding myself that it was going to be over before I knew it. Remember that we are all taking of you and praying for you, along with so many others.

Eleanor R I was afraid to, having made huge lists in my mind of "what if"". It helped a lot the busy, professi ... Read more

Eleanor R I was afraid to, having made huge lists in my mind of "what if"". It helped a lot the busy, professional approach the surgical team took in the prep room, everyone with a mission, forms for me to sign, anesthesiologist was there to hear any concerns, so I told him mine! He assured me that the anesthesia would do its job, it would work, and that I would wake up just fine. They were very busy with me, but brought two members of my family back into the room with me, and then quickly wheeled me away. Actually, I was out like a light before we even got down the hall towards the OR, and woke up just fine. Trust the surgical team to take good care of you, they want the best outcome, too. I am wishing you a smooth surgery and steady recovery. Eleanor

Joan Napier Joan, your fears about anesthesia are so similar to mine. I would rather deal with pain than have ane ... Read more

Joan Napier Joan, your fears about anesthesia are so similar to mine. I would rather deal with pain than have anesthesia. For procedures (TEE, Cardiac cath, etc. I always ask for light anesthesia). Learning to let go of the lack of control, trusting my doctors and medical team, and mostly learning to put my trust in God has helped deal with this fear. My pastor told me to envision Jesus right next to me throughout the experience. I have felt much more peaceful with that visual. But I do understand your feelings, and I think they're very normal (and common). Realizing that you are in good hands, and in God's hands is reassuring. And the odds of successful outcomes in HVS are soooo much in our favor! Joan

Terrie Syvertsen Joan. I think that your fear of the anesthesia and not waking up is number one in all of our minds ab ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Joan. I think that your fear of the anesthesia and not waking up is number one in all of our minds about having the surgery but it is really important to know that in a matter of hours now all of the people who have been assembled together on your team are going to take over. It will be a matter of you rolling in on a gurney, knowing that in no time you will be in recovery and all of the enormous amount of fear and anxiety will be behind you. You have to make it clear in your head that you are going to get through this and be out in recovery where Life begins again but with a healthier you. I rolled into my surgery in Aug. saying to myself" This is my new beginning, This is my new beginning and God's honest Truth. Once you are in the surgery room, everyone in there will be focused on you and you will be, waking up in recovery. Most people have the same experience it goes so fast. Joan, please trust in your Surgeon, his team, your team as this is what they do every day, this is what they chose to do, to be there for people like you and me. To save your life, other peoples lives and this is their only focus. And when you wake up there will be nurses doing nothing but caring for you and your comfort. This is a frightening time for you but it will be over with and you will come to feel the joy that waking up brings. The knowledge that now all you have to face is letting us all know you are ok and moving towards getting home to recover! All of this anxiety gone and you will be saying that it wasn't as bad as you had imagined. So please be confident in yourself and your "team".
I wish you the best outcome and a smooth recovery. Many prayers
your way. Terrie

Joan Lovellposted a journal

3778 days ago

Read Adams book. Starting to picture a post surgery time. A friend who has no clue about surgery said they do lots of them every day you willbe fine. I think ...Read more

Read Adams book. Starting to picture a post surgery time. A friend who has no clue about surgery said they do lots of them every day you willbe fine. I think that it would be comforting to just think that way just trust. Dr and not want to know any details. However that works if dr is good Hosp is good and no problems. However I am trying to think that way not think about all possable problems. Wish first repair was done correct. Dr used too all ring and may have occluded one artery bugling too low with stitch. But at least he repaired and didn't put in mechanical valve.

Susan Ericsson I know people mean well when they say you will be fine. And you probably will be! I was, thank the go ... Read more

Susan Ericsson I know people mean well when they say you will be fine. And you probably will be! I was, thank the good Lord. But it's a bit more comforting to have people realize that this is a REALLY big deal! That's why this board is so helpful. We're with you.

Adam Pick Joan, It was great to speak with you yesterday. You are in great hands with Dr. Raney at Hoag. Fyi, D ... Read more

Adam Pick Joan, It was great to speak with you yesterday. You are in great hands with Dr. Raney at Hoag. Fyi, Dr. Raney specializes in this type of care. So, it is true that Dr. Raney does these types of procedures every day. That's great and you should feel confident and comfortable. Still, you want to be prepared for your time in the hospital and after recovery. Take it step-by-step. If you need anything else, please let me know.

Joan Lovell I want to thank every one that posted to help me. What a great group to take the time to help me with ... Read more

Joan Lovell I want to thank every one that posted to help me. What a great group to take the time to help me with my fears. I have had a rough recovery. Coded day after surgery heart started up in atrial fib remains in atrial fib. Then at 2 weeks got very short of breath never got any strength. Could only walk 20 feet. So I have had 2 thorencitisis to remove blood from pleural area not slowing lungs to take in oxygen. Last X-ray shows more fluid. However I am able to walk 300 feet and set up in reg chair for 30 min 3 times a day. Has anyone else had fluid besides me ?

Joan Lovellposted a journal

3779 days ago

Surgery oct 23. Re repair or replacement of mitral valve and one by pass. Drs think first emergency valve repair and this is due to fen phen. I didn't join ...Read more

Surgery oct 23. Re repair or replacement of mitral valve and one by pass. Drs think first emergency valve repair and this is due to fen phen. I didn't join lawsuit. When it was going on, a second floor balcony collapsed beneath me and I fell 2 stories. Almost died mid back shattered. In ICU surgery and body cast. 18 months so didn't get echo. 18 months later valve failed. I was put in light coma and emergency surgery. So no time to worry. This time have time to research and worry. Don't know if I know too much but feel I don't know enough. Dr Rainey of Hoag Hosp valve repair center is doing. Any one else been there. ?

Susan Ericsson Hi Joan. It really is a stressful time. I hope you will find some comfort and support here. We are al ... Read more

Susan Ericsson Hi Joan. It really is a stressful time. I hope you will find some comfort and support here. We are all pulling for you!

Joan Lovell Thank you for your kind words. How is your recovery going?

Joan Napier Joan, we are all here to listen and support you during this challenging time. You have certainly been ... Read more

Joan Napier Joan, we are all here to listen and support you during this challenging time. You have certainly been through some tough times recently. My prayers are with you as you prepare to undergo your heart surgery. God bless you, Joan