Judi's Journal

Hello to all of you on your heart journeys. I have great news from two angles. I shared with my Weight Watchers group that I have kept my 65# loss off for a full years. Also my echocardiogram (first after Jan. surgery and to be the point to compare others to follow)had my cardiologist doing her Snoopy Happy Dance and clapping her hands as she watched my valve working oh so well. I won't see her again for a full year. I am not taking any blood pressure meds. I give all the praise to my Lord Jesus and pray you all will have good reports. Keep us posted.

I am rejoicing today as my cardiologist took me off beta blockers yesterday. She said my blahness and heaviness especially noticeable following exercise were signs from the medication. Also I had no blockages in any arteries which helped in her decision. So no blood pressure meds unless my top number goes over 140. I am to take my BP every morning. I am very pleased and in 24 hours already feel better. Probably just my mind but nevertheless happy. She said I got an A in my cardiac rehab. I am very glad I took it but do not miss the early hours. I miss the wonderful people. I have joined my gym's "Silver Sneakers" and so will keep up regular visits as well as walking when I am able. I live in the south and cannot go out if it is 85 or higher. There is light at the end of all valve replacement tunnels. Get the Great Physician's help and the best human help you can. Now lets enjoy the rest of our wonderful lives.

WOW! We can all say that in whatever phase of our heart journey we are in. I went bowling with my grandson a couple of days ago and to my surprise I was not able to do more than four frames. The swinging of the 10# ball and the stooping to move forward with the swinging action really attacked my breastbone and between the shoulders. Has anyone out there found other sports more hard to get back in to following surgery? Keep rolling?

Hi community of heart patients -- It doesn't seem like I am out over four months from my heart valve replacement. My cardiac rehab is going well and I believe my beta blocker is mellowing. Or is that me?? I find myself getting a little emotional when I read entries especially new patients. I was there such a short time ago yet I have come a long way. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for His strength and continuing presence. Where would we be without Him?? I am looking at my heart pillow on the couch. Can you share where your pillows are now?? Thank you to all families and friends who have lost loved ones in war/battles. God bless.

Hello everyone - I am just past three and a half months out of surgery. I am in my fourth week of cardiac rehab. I have a target Heart Rate of 104-114 and I can only get up to 98. The RN suggested that being on beta blockers were probably hindering me from getting a higher rate. This also makes me tired. I keep saying I was suppose to feel better and I am not. I was wondering if anyone out there has been on beta blockers and experienced the tiredness and lower HR during exercise? What did your doctor come up with and how are you feeling now?? I'd appreciate any help.

Sometimes I get so "me" oriented that I forget to give the proper credit to Our Lord and Savior. He has sustained us and He never leaves us. What a wonderful community we have that recognize His great power and love.

I am very pleased with my progress. However, I am sore which I guess comes from adding 'things' to do? My husband had a bout with his neck and after he went to the doctor he was diagnosed with arthritis and given meds. So my caregiver got loopy and I seem to be stepping up what I have to do. I am about to be released to sleep on my side and I can hardly wait. Any one out there have suggestions or 'heads up'? I saw my cardiologist a couple of days ago and she was astonished at how good I looked and my incisions. I had an echocardiogram and will have a tread mill test next week so I can be released to cardio rehab. So progressing.

Today was a good day. Tomorrow marks three weeks ago I had my aortic valve replaced. The surgeon was very pleased with my progress. The healing of the breast bone was the only concern so no lifting 8#s, pushing or pulling and I need to continue to sleep on my back for 4 more weeks. I am sore in the chest and neck but only occasionally. I can walk now as much as I want but my power walking needs to wait awhile I have been handed off to my cardiologist who I will see in two weeks and she will handle my care. All of you keep moving a head. God will continue to keep us in His great care.

I had an emotional day yesterday. The routine of caring for me is hard for everyone especially my husband who is use to be taken care of by me. He wants me up and at it. Recovery is over. My daughter has helped. She is taking him to lunch. Getting a handle on the medications has been daunting. And my feet are swollen so I began water pills. The blankets over the swollen feet are annoying. I hope I get relief. I am reminded that meds from the hospital and the surgery itself takes time to leave my body and heal. And my appetite is less but I need strength. I forget to eat smaller meals which it hard for me to believe as I love food. We have been blessed with lots of people sending flowers, cards, foods and prayers. Having prayer warriors are so important. And knowing that this is my recovery time. It is good to vent. Love to the heart community, Judi

Surgery a BIG success. Our Mighty God, Dr. Landvater and his team masterful. I have a cow tissue valve now and many bruises. Only a three inch incision so minimally invasive. Rex Hospital great care except was in the CCICU for three days because a bed on the cardiac floor was not available. But less than one day in a regular room and I got home. I am sore some but very little pain even in the first days. Getting up and moving a big help. Appetite does okay in smaller meals. I am sleeping well. AND I have a great caregiver. Also friends & family are very helpful and I do ask for help. Tell people what you need. My job now is healing,

Yesterdays pre-testing and instruction day went very well. I was told I am in the best shape I can be in for the surgery. I am showering with anti bacterial soap, again, and then we will drive over an hour to the hospital. Surgery is this morning about 8 am. I feel calm. I have my Lord Jesus with me and an excellent team ready to receive me. Not sure if I can get someone to post for me but will try to get updates to you all.

My appointment with Dr. Landvater at Rex Hospital went well. I am set up for pre op on Jan. 13. I am to have a bovine valve replacement but all veins okay so nothing new needed there. I will get a bovine tricuspid to replace the bicuspid. Lots of reading material yet patient friendly. My husband was quiet during visit. Adult children only slightly involved and don't seem to understand this is major surgery. But God is in control. I have peace.

God is so good. My heart cath went smoothly yesterday. I wasn't able to have it through the wrist but the groin experience has been good so far. They 'sealed' me with a vascular closure device called Mynx. It will dissolve in 30 days so no clamp or staples, etc. This also allowed me to only have to be on my back for 2 hrs. So far, overnight good. And best of all there was no blockage found in the veins and they measured my valve flap and confirmed that I am in the severe stage and need the replacement. I see my heart surgeon on Monday, Jan. 6th. The not bending over, squatting, etc. is the hard part. I am sleeping and eating fine. And my husband was a trooper yesterday but today seems to believe I should be okay and back to routine. If in Raleigh area and want to know about Rex Hospital I would recommend it. My cath team was super - in skill and manner.

Hope all have had a great Christmas reflecting of the birth of Christ and how precious life truly is for us all. I have my heart catheterization set for Jan. 2. This a test my surgeon has scheduled before surgery to see how my veins are doing. Any advice out there for prep? I am told it will be through the wrist which should be better??

Hi community - I have be experiencing pulling across the back shoulder blades. One friend thought I had a pulled muscle but it comes at unusual times not with same movement or after something in particular.. Somehow I keep thinking it might be my heart. Anyone else experiencing this?

In trying to schedule my heart catheterization and follow-up apt. with surgeon it go very 'hairy' because of holiday schedules. Now it looks like my daughter will not be able to meet my surgeon before my surgery. It is disconcerning. I even thought of postponing my surgery. However, everything cannot be perfect. It is just overwhelming to juggle everyone's schedules and take care of me. One thing keeps rattling around in my head. What is the post op attire when one gets home? Ladies please help me. So many want to help and want me to tell them what to do. Any suggetions? I often feel like a juggling clown.

I will have a Doppler study of my carotid arteries on Monday, Dec. 16. Dr. Lance Landvater of UNC/REX hospital is my surgeon. He is hopeful that I can have less invasive surgery so recent testing must be done. He said that my feeling fatigued, especially after exercise, was atypical. But with the recent ECHO showing the results that were in the severe category I need surgery. He is aiming for a tissue valve replacement. I have peace about the process. It is hard to understand what needs to be done as I don't have more symptoms and I feel overall good. My husband is the concerned one.