Joan Summers - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

3130 days ago

Joanne Casserly, amy ., Cheryle Bird reacted to this

Today marks 3 weeks post OHS #2. Each day brings me closer to normal. I had known I needed heart surgery back in November 2015, so it was a long, anxiety ...Read more

Today marks 3 weeks post OHS #2. Each day brings me closer to normal. I had known I needed heart surgery back in November 2015, so it was a long, anxiety ridden, 4 months until surgery in late March. Looking back now, I feel like I was living in a fog! I am still VERY protective of my scar - meaning, I can barely let my shirt/top touch my chest. It's too sensitive. Does anyone else feel this way?? Someone on this site suggested standing up straight, shoulders back to help the wound heal properly and I've been doing that. It is uncomfortable though. Trying to use the strong pain meds only at night, but so far the over-the-counter pain meds don't quite cut it!!! Having my INR checked regularly, but not settled just yet. Looking back, this time around has been surreal!!! My cardiologist gave me an order for rehab, but I think it's too soon. Maybe next week I'll sign-up. I pray for all of you. Wish we could all hold hands!!!! :-)

Alina FH Hi, Joan, I am at 3 months post-op and although my sternum has gotten stronger, my scar is still very ... Read more

Alina FH Hi, Joan, I am at 3 months post-op and although my sternum has gotten stronger, my scar is still very sensitive. Can't stand anything on it, shirts, bras, seat bels, covers at night. Very uncomfortable, although it healed just fine.
I signed up for rehab at 3 weeks post-op and then did 4 days a week every week for 6 weeks, and I think I did too much, too soon. It's different for everyone, but listen to your body. If you don't feel ready for it, don't do yet. It'll be there waiting for you.
I wish you all the best and fast healing!!

Cathleen Weed Hi Joan..typically when they do a second OHS they excise the first scar (for aesthetic reasons) and t ... Read more

Cathleen Weed Hi Joan..typically when they do a second OHS they excise the first scar (for aesthetic reasons) and this will make the new one a bit tighter and sensitive for a bit. I remember I felt that way. It's better though because the scar isn't as big as it would be. I don't know what they did with yours...there's the possibility that they went through the first one without removing it I guess...which would also cause sensitivity with the extra scar tissue. My guess is though that they removed the first one when they began the procedure. The sensitivity will subside. Keep those shoulders back and open up that chest wall and all the muscles. You'll heal properly that way :). Even if you don't want to start cardiac rehab yet, I would contact them and get on their future schedule so they don't fill up. If you wait until the last minute when you feel ready they might not have space. I would at least call and find out. If you are still taking pain meds be sure to double up on your water and be as healthy as possible with your nutrition. Lots of fruits and vegetables and alkaline water. Personally, I would make it a goal to get off anything too strong as soon as possible. They will only prolong your recovery. Good luck!! <3

Bill Harrison It's 3 weeks tomorrow since my OHS. I acquired the Incision Shield before my surgery, and I've been v ... Read more

Bill Harrison It's 3 weeks tomorrow since my OHS. I acquired the Incision Shield before my surgery, and I've been very glad to have it as it prevents clothing, bed sheets from rubbing on the incision area. Even at this point you might want to check on that - www.incisionshield.com.

Denise Campbell 3 weeks isn't vey long at all. Of course you're still sore. You will feel better and not so sensitiv ... Read more

Denise Campbell 3 weeks isn't vey long at all. Of course you're still sore. You will feel better and not so sensitive as time goes on. I'm just starting rehab and its 8 weeks for me

Joan Summers Alina thanks for your feedback. I'm hoping as time goes on our sensitive chests will calm down!!
An ... Read more

Joan Summers Alina thanks for your feedback. I'm hoping as time goes on our sensitive chests will calm down!!
And I know strengthening the lungs is very important so I do want to start rehab very soon. I think I'll at least sign up now, as someone else mentioned, so I can get the process started and get enrolled.
Be well!

Kate Watson My scar became very sensitive after all the glue came off. It is still quite sensitive at 5 weeks. ... Read more

Kate Watson My scar became very sensitive after all the glue came off. It is still quite sensitive at 5 weeks. I put gauze secured with medical tape in between my skin and bra because though I've been wearing sports bras for the most part, it was still rubbing on there. I was actually thinking of getting an incision shield, but keep thinking this sensitivity will get better any day now! I agree with Cathleen, I'd get signed up for cardiac rehab right away. I signed up for it the day I got out of the hospital but it took me 6 weeks to get in because they were so full! So I won't be starting for a few more weeks yet, which is for the best because I really can't imagine doing it right now. I know that several us on here totally understand the INR issue, mine still isn't quite stable yet either and it frustrates and worries me. I know it will take time to get it right though.

Denise Campbell Kate, I started my rehab yesterday. It'll be three days a week. Hey start you very slow. I di ... Read more

Denise Campbell Kate, I started my rehab yesterday. It'll be three days a week. Hey start you very slow. I didn't even get out of breath. Though I will say by the evening my arms were tired and I felt it. But my arms especially my left arm has been sore since surgery. It's sore in upper biscep. I am wondering if they hurt a nerve when I was on the operating table. I'm hoping it gets better and is not permanent.

Joan Summersposted a journal

3135 days ago

Chris Vereb, Tim Alonso, Joanne Casserly reacted to this

Good Morning everyone, It has now been two weeks post surgery and I am gradually healing. My chest feels very tight and I often need to take my mind off of ...Read more

Good Morning everyone, It has now been two weeks post surgery and I am gradually healing. My chest feels very tight and I often need to take my mind off of it! The stronger medications do this well - i.e., I feel much better, but I don't want to become dependent on them, so I switch to non-prescription meds. during the day for as long as I can tolerate. It's rather hard to be so dependent on others! I pitter-patter around the house and help with minor chores like loading the top tray of the dishwasher and folding clothes. I have experienced "heart flutters" that my cardiologist says can be normal after OHS. The body is healing. My daily (hourly!!!) mantra - though not very original, is "day-by-day." Love to you all!

Petey Bello Joan, glad to hear you are home healing well. It is "day by day" or "one day at a time" process.

I ... Read more

Petey Bello Joan, glad to hear you are home healing well. It is "day by day" or "one day at a time" process.

I am 3 weeks post-op today. At this point I seem to celebrate the 'weeks'. At some point it will be the months, then hopefully the years! I feel different pains as my incisions heal, it's all part of the process. I had the heart palpitations just after surgery which I am still taking medicine.

Thank you for your update & I will pray for your continued recovery!

Kelton Glewwe Ice packs on the chest help a lot. I used several gel ice packs that I could rotate and always have a ... Read more

Kelton Glewwe Ice packs on the chest help a lot. I used several gel ice packs that I could rotate and always have a cold one ready.

Joan Summers Thank you Petey and Skelton for commenting. :-)

Joan Summersposted an update

3145 days ago

Barry Kanick, Shannon Gray reacted to this

I am very happy to say Hello to Everyone! I was discharged yesterday from hospital five days post surgery. Was wheeled chair out of hospital and actually ...Read more

I am very happy to say Hello to Everyone! I was discharged yesterday from hospital five days post surgery. Was wheeled chair out of hospital and actually went to lunch at a quiet, neighborhood restaurant - very low key. Slept most of one and a half hours drive home. My husband agreed to drive slower than normal for my comfort level!!! (Nice! :-) My surgery last Monday lasted 8 hours! Most of that was trying to repair the mitral valve and dealing with scar tissue from first OHS. I am now the proud owner of a tissue valve. So glad to be home but do miss the constant monitoring. No safety net at home -- oh well. It's 9:30 a.m. now and I feel sleepy already and want to return to bed, LOL. Praying for all of you with upcoming surgeries and those who are recouping. Blessings

Denise Campbell Which valve did you get?

Kate Watson Glad everything went well! My surgery also went longer than expected, 9 hours, because of scar tissu ... Read more

Kate Watson Glad everything went well! My surgery also went longer than expected, 9 hours, because of scar tissue from my previous. Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

Barry Kanick Forge ahead Joan & I'm happy for you too!!! ,,,,,,,Barry

Joan Summersposted a journal

3155 days ago

Emily Rowley, Chris Vereb, Cheryle Bird reacted to this

Thank you so very much Adam Pick for creating this website. My first open heart surgery (OHS) was in 2005. I had my mitral valve repaired. At that time I ...Read more

Thank you so very much Adam Pick for creating this website. My first open heart surgery (OHS) was in 2005. I had my mitral valve repaired. At that time I couldn't find this kind of information and certainly not the support. I sometimes find doctors rather guarded and you need to really know what questions to ask to eliicit complete information from them. After surgery I was told I didn't need cardio-rehab so never got to meet a community of fellow heart patients. And here I am again! Late last year an echo showed my mitral valve had gone back to it's pre-surgery state of severe regurgitation and prolapse. I was a-symptomatic. OK, I was tired a lot, but who isn't, right? I took a lot of time researching my options, mainly trying to see if another repair could be performed. But, it looks like I will now be receiving a new valve. Still deciding on a mechanical or tissue valve. So many pros and cons for both. My surgery is this Monday, April 25, 2016. I wish I could say since I've been through this before and all went well, that I am confidently heading into this second surgery . The reality is I'm really crazy anxious! I intellectually know things will be fine and am focusing on staying positive and calm. Thank you all for sharing your stories. It truly helps and I am grateful for you all. :-)

Kate Watson I hear you because just two weeks ago I had my second OHS and I was no less afraid than I was with my ... Read more

Kate Watson I hear you because just two weeks ago I had my second OHS and I was no less afraid than I was with my first. I am happy with my choice for 2 mechanical valves because I don't want to worry about it again or go through this again! Wishing you the very best on your upcoming surgery and your decision.

Emily Rowley You're in the same situation as I was. I can relate as I underwent 2 OHS (so far) for my Mitral Valve ... Read more

Emily Rowley You're in the same situation as I was. I can relate as I underwent 2 OHS (so far) for my Mitral Valve and didn't have the wonderful supportive community or cardiac rehab. With so many things wrong with my valve+being 2 OHS, my Medical Team prepared me for Valve Replacement+Pacemaker but they were able to Re-Repair my Mitral Valve and they might be able to do this for you too 😊 Let me know if you have any questions.
Emily.

Steven A Husted every one of us is different i was very undecided before surgery first i wanted the mech. for the lon ... Read more

Steven A Husted every one of us is different i was very undecided before surgery first i wanted the mech. for the longevity then i read that the mech. could fail the same as the tissue sometimes even sooner so i read alot more about tissue and mech. and asked alot of people about both and my doctor and in the end i did not want to be on blood thinners the rest of my life so i chose a bovine valve and now i am glad i did because the surgery was not as bad as i thought it would be and by the time i need another surgery they will have a new procedure for heart surgery i wish you the very best and you are in my prayers

Steven A Husted every one of us is different i was very undecided before surgery first i wanted the mech. for the lon ... Read more

Tracy Simmons This site is so very helpful. I wish you the very best of luck and will keep you and your medical te ... Read more

Tracy Simmons This site is so very helpful. I wish you the very best of luck and will keep you and your medical team in my prayers.

Emily Rowley Pre-Op I spent months deciding on what valve I will have. I came to decide on a Pig's Valve (That is ... Read more

Emily Rowley Pre-Op I spent months deciding on what valve I will have. I came to decide on a Pig's Valve (That is the type of tissue valve my Surgeon uses), to be told due to my heart's autonomy I can't have a tissue valve I would need a mechanical valve but they were able to re-repair my valve for this time. In the future more advances will be made.

Joan Summers Thank you all for your comments and prayers. Still trying to figure out how to operate the website!! ... Read more

Joan Summers Thank you all for your comments and prayers. Still trying to figure out how to operate the website!! :)

Mary Wagner Joan, I have had a mechanical valve for 26 years with no problems. This year they found a large aneu ... Read more

Mary Wagner Joan, I have had a mechanical valve for 26 years with no problems. This year they found a large aneurysm during a routine echo. The surgeon thought he would need to replace the valve but when he got in- he said it still looked brand new. Having a second surgery at age 64 has been rough. If I had the bovine put in - in another 10-15 years I would need yet another surgery. Not willing to do that! Good luck tomorrow!