Judy's Journal

rich monoson  Rotator cuff repair (I had two of them) we way worse than my valve surgery. Hope you're doing great with both the valve and rotator cuff.

Judy Shaw  Thank you. Did your shoulder injury come from your OHS? Mine was fine before my surgery. A friend of mine is a surgical nurse and she called it positioning injury. I've done almost 4 months PT with the diagnosis of frozen shoulder. Now they saw rotator cuff impingement. Go for MRI August 8th.

rich monoson  Hi Judy, sorry I just saw post. Both shoulder injuries were hockey related well before OHS.
My only post OHS was the facet joints in spine from pressure from opening up chest traumatizing the facets and causing the only pain I had from the entire surgery. Impingement is easier to fix and frozen shoulder can be a bit more complicated. Both very fixable

Jennifer Barnett  Absolutely. I always had pain when sitting up from lying down. It takes time but eventually it does subside it can feel quite odd, sometimes it felt like the sternum was moving and the wires were breaking. All the best with your recovery.

Anna Jones  I decided to go walking in the mall. I walked the entire bottom and second floors. I did it slowly. I was very careful. I got back from the mall and my chest hurt incredibly badly. I had pain all night. Not sure what is up with this. I really believe I should be able to walk the mall by now.

Marianne Charters  I am12 weseks open heart surgery, went back to work last week(Im a pharmacy tech at a hospital and run drugs all day,always at least 5 miles in) but my right chest area has been very bothersome...itching and aching and numb, more than a few weeks ago...guess things are waking up more and more....hopefully a sign of healing but annoying

Anna Jones  I still have discomfort at 9 weeks and no one has told me that it is strange. Everyone just says it takes time to finish healing. I hope you will feel better soon.

Susan Lynn  I think physicians make generalizations about healing even though everyone is different. I've also heard doctors say that it takes a year before you feel normal. I still have sensations of numbness and tingling since my procedure last December.

Alina FH  Judy, I remember that I went in for a routine exam with my surgeon after about two months or so ( I cannot remember exactly but it was a long time, weeks, months from surgery) and I was telling him that my chest felt ‘crunchy’ like it was made of pieces instead of one solid piece. And he started punching my sternum to give me confidence that the sternum is solid and it’s not going anywhere. I wanted to kill him, it hurt so bad, but he made me understand that it was ok. However, my chest was sensitive and sore for many months. It took about a year for me to be able to stand to wear a seatbelt over it again. It took six months to be able to sleep flat on my back again because of the pain. So, I think it’s ok, and it takes different amounts of time for everyone. With that said, it’s defintely a great idea to go in and have it checked out. Just to make sure there is nothing off with the incision and the sternum. By the way, I had a scab in my incision, at the very top ( I called it the ‘the knot’) for 2-3 months. It was itchy, but itchy is good, it means it’s healing, but it took forever to close up.
Hope you’re feeling better soon. Much health!

Judy Shaw  Thanks y'all. I wish they wouldn't put everyone in the same category. I certainly am not a standard person ha

Kim Lonergan  I had my post op follow up at my surgeons office last week, 6 weeks post op. She said it is normal to have tenderness and pain around incisions, but It is part of healing and that it can take some patients 3 months or more. Recovery is so challenging for all of us. Hope yours gets better each day!

Marianne Charters  Judy..I am at 11 weeks post op.....my surgeon told me at 6 weeks it could take up to a year to be with out discomfort. She has been very honest and straightforward with me. I am in great shape otherwise but I have pressure/aching through my shoulder/clavicle area, plus all the muscles and nerves that are still "waking up". I return to work tomorrow...eeek

Jennifer John  Hmm. Seems a bit soon, but what do I know? I’m at 11 weeks after a right thoracotomy and still have some discomfort during and after cardiac rehab sessions. It’s not severe pain, just soreness in the healing muscles and nerves. Everyone’s different.💪🏼❤️

Kelly Stoll  Well said Jennifer! I was told 8 weeks for sternum, and about 12 weeks for muscle and tissue.
Hang in there and do go with your gut. You know you better than anyone.

Valerie Herndon-Vitarella  At rehab I wasn't allowed to even do the arm bike or rower until 8 weeks to allow for healing of the sternum. I still had some muscle pain when I started doing those. I really haven't had muscle pain now since around 12 weeks.

Debbie Chatzky  At my rehab center they didn't want me lifting weights or putting my arms over my head until I was 8 weeks post and then started with 1 pound weights.

Judy Shaw  Thanks for the info Debbie. I did the exercises but didn't use weights. Been sore ever since just from that. I messaged the doctor myself about this. To be sire if I'm still having pain I wouldn't be expected to ise weights.

Anna Jones  I still have pain from the exercises at 9 weeks. The only person so far that I've seen using weights was the triple bipass man.

Debbie Chatzky  I also am still having pain at 11 weeks. Chest muscles and should blade. The doctor said a massage may help.

Susan Lynn  I had a 5 lb. lifting restriction from my surgeon until 12 weeks and I didn't have my sternum cut. Usually, rehab will start you with one or two pound weights for a little resistance. You'll only increase if the weight gets too easy.

Jennifer John  There is no weight training in the first round of my cardiac rehab. Just cardio using treadmill and step machines, along with upper body strengthening using arm pedals. So far, so good. After 18 visits, they’ll re-evaluate me, and we’ll continue or move on to more strenuous activity.💪🏼❤️

Susan Robichau  only up to 5 lbs a hand and no weights over my head until 12 weeks. rehab has me doing bis and tris, 5 lbs each hand.
I am at 7 weeks

Jim Harvey   I just finished 36 visits to rehab. Like many others here, no arm involvement until a minimum of 8 weeks post OHS. Then they introduced arm involvement with elliptical bike, and started with lower level weights until I said I was ready to do more. I don't remember what weight level I started, I think around 5 and finished with 12 on dumbbells, 14 on the pulley unit, both of which were comfortable by the end.

Jennifer John  Judy, just soak up the good vibes! I’ve found people often don’t know what to say. Or perhaps they expect you to look worse because of the OHS and you’ve surprised them. What’s also amusing is how they’re afraid to hug you. I say, “Hug away!”😍

Judy Shaw  I agree Jennifer. I think people assume we should be weak and frail. As far as the hugs, hug me gently ☺

Diane Maher  Jennifer and Judy....this is exactly how I expected anyone to look if they had OHS....until I started reading this website!

Meredith Bray  I know my color was greatly improved in just a few hours from pre-op to post op. I was pale & ashy & gray, and now I have healthy looking skin & regular rosy cheeks! So yes, there is a difference before/after with skin color and general healthy looking.

Marianne Charters  Haha. So many people asked if I needed to change my diet. I didn’t have cardiac disease. Just a valve gone wonky! And people that say I have good color. What???? It’s summer. I’ve been outside. I do feel good though

Anna Jones  I'm sorry. On the bright side it was only a mini meltdown and not a maximum-utmost meltdown. Keep the faith. It will get better and better.

Sue Waterworth  Judy, we all need mini-meltdowns from time to time......I pencil them in regularly! Staying heroic isn't good for your heart.

Helen Daw  Judy, I planned my trip 2 months after my surgery. I'm leaving this Wednesday and feeling a bit nervous. Not sure how I will feel on the plane. I got the OK from my Dr , but "once a heart patient, always a heart patient" My surgery was On Feb 13, 2018.

Judy Shaw  Maybe we can schedule a weekend getaway. Have to check my schedule to make sure it doesn't conflict with my scheduled meltdowns....haha

Meredith Bray  I found that planning a getaway for after surgery gave me something to look forward to. And I have several meltdowns leading up to surgery. It's OK.

Judy Shaw  He's been wonderful throughout my recovery. I watched him mow and picked vegetables in his garden outside then come inside and do the dishes, laundry, sweep, mop and vacuum inside. All while I'm laying on the couch most of the day. He is taking great care of me.

Anna Jones  Hi Judy, I'm glad you are taking it easy. I shoveled leaves into bags yesterday and that put me into bed the whole day! We have to listen to our bodies.

Kirk Bepler  Judy - Did that last week, as I have been told just because you great does not mean you can go back to normal doing whatever you want.. I ended back in bed for 1 1/2 days, it's hard to slow down but just take a deep breath and relax...

Judy Shaw  Goodness Anne. I bet it did get you. I didn't do anything that strenuous. All I've done is driving, pushing a shopping cart, and helping with dinner. Knocked me down for the day.

Kirk, I read your journal post you posted recently. I agreed. It's hard for your brain to remember but your body sure will remind you that you're still healing and to stop pushing yourself. My husband understands doesn't mind picking up my slack on my days off haha

Mark Wilbur  Thanks Judy, Kirk, Anna for sharing your experiences. As a bystander, I'm taking notes and hopefully learning from your missteps. Sorry you've had these setbacks, but know that you are helping me (and others, too) to be aware of pushing too hard, too soon after surgery. Thanks.

Mark Wilbur  Slow down a step, Judy. As Catie said, be gentle and be careful to not overdo yourself. But, I am glad to know how energetic you feel!

Susan Lynn  It's definitely a conundrum. It's great that you feel strong and energetic enough to even attempt that activity list, but you have to be cautious at the same time. Hope you're feeling well, today, Judy!

Judy Shaw  Thanks Catie and Mark. I think it's because I was confined for 4 weeks that now my mind is thinking I should be doing more. But I do have to remind myself it hasn't been that long ago I had major surgery.

Sommer Russell  Judy, you exhausted me just reading that list. Are you suppose to be lifting gallon buckets right now? My goodness!!! I can't imagine what you will be doing this time next year. Swimming with Great Whites? PS, if you do swim with Great White- I would love to come along!!! In a cage.

Kim Lonergan  I think you and I are in the exact same situation! I was just going to post asking for anyone else feeling like they had set backs. Yesterday I had to go with my mom (who doesn’t drive) to her dr appt and get her prescriptions refilled. After that I stopped to get lunch with her. I took her home and did a few bookkeeping things for her. After returning home I unloaded the dishwasher and did some light housework and made dinner for my husband and I. I was exhausted last night, had a headache, felt a lot of pain on my right side incisions and through my right chest/ribs. Today I feel like a ran a marathon. No energy, a bit dizzy and nauseous! Very sore! Is this normal? I feel discouraged!

Kim Lonergan  I should have asked if you are feeling better today Judy! I hope your recovery gets back on track too! Hang in there!

Mark Wilbur  Very sorry to hear your problem, Judy. I hope your doctor, perhaps a dermatologist, will have an answer as well as those here who may have experienced the same condition. I hope you find a solution very soon.

Rose Madura  Judy. I remember the pain of anything touching my incision - even air. I wore very large T-Shirts around the house and if I had to go our or someone was coming over to visit, I would put on the soft surgical bra that I got at the hospital and then wear a large blouse over it. It got better in time. I hope yours does too.

Anna Jones  Mine is very sensitive to touch also and I am at 6 weeks. I wear very soft fabric and very loose sun dresses or night gowns. Nothing has buttons or zippers. Even my blanket has to be light and soft so I bought a baby blanket. Sending best wishes.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Judy,

I found that oversized, 100% cotton or bamboo tops were very comfortable. This allowed for better healing also. Other than gently allowing warm shower water to cleanse my incision each day, and gently dabbing it dry, I did not apply anything to my incision. The loose tops allowed the air to flow to assist in healing.

Judy Shaw  Thanks y'all. While we were shopping tonight I bought a few soft, higher neckline shirts and some lidocaine patches. Something has to help.

Sue Waterworth  I started massaging my scar in the second week with coconut oil - at the surgeon's suggestion, and while it's tender, it's hardly sore now at two and a half weeks. I only use organic coconut oil that I've whipped and added a small amount of quality essential oil...can't remember exactly what I used, but reckon it was sandalwood and lavender.

Susan Lynn  It takes awhile. The blood thinners and aspirin certainly don't help. I bruise like a banana, but everything does fade with a bit of time. You'll be surprised in a few months. Hang in there, Judy!

Kim Lonergan  Hi Judy! I am released to drive today. I am anxious to go out on my own for the first time. I also have a lot of bruising and scabs too. I am very sore on my right side incisions and under my right arm/chest area. Maybe from not using it very much the last 4 weeks. Have you had a follow up with your surgeon yet?

Anita Edmonds  What a wonderful feeling of freedom! I drove around the block yesterday for the 1st time1 Yey to us Judy !

Judy Shaw  It is an awesome feeling. Glad I didn't forget how haha. But me and the seatbelt are having some issues. I got to find some kind of small padding to go between it and my incision.
We live in a small town so 5 minutes to the grocery store. My longest drive was about 15 miles away to Wal-Mart.

Judy S  Great news Judy! I haven’t had my surgery yet but I bought this on Amazon for post-surgery driving. It looks like it might do the trick!

Breast & Chest Buddy - Seatbelt Cushion for Open Heart Surgery and Chest Reconstruction Sites - Solid Gray with Heart https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OGSPP7A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_omvwBbAB68874

Rita Savelis  Nothing like cardiac rehab.... (or even the cardiologist's waiting room) to make one feel young again!
Take care, Judy.

Nancy Surprenant Takahashi  Hahah, I thought the same thing, then thought he must be doing a good job if all his patients are that old.

Susan Lynn  Yeah!!!! Great news, Judy! It's another milestone when the appointments start winding down. Continued success with your recovery! ❤

Anita Edmonds  Hi Judy, hope you are doing well. I just had my 2wk visit and they did blood test, Chest X-ray and Card. Electrocardiogram my stitches were also removed.

Judy Shaw  Thanks Anita. I hope I don't have any removable stitches because I still have scabs over my incision. Ouch!

Jennifer John  At my post-op visit with surgeon, I just had an EKG and chest X-ray before seeing him. Easy peasy!👍🏻❤️

John Lant  Judy, do not give up. It will get better over time. Instead of looking for day to day improvements look to week to week improvements. Prayers are with you..

Anna Jones  Judy, I'm sorry you are still in pain. It seems to be true that improvement comes very slowly and you have to look at it in terms of weeks instead of days. I notice that now, in my 4th week I am moving more easily, the pain is somewhat less, I can take deeper breaths, I can sneeze without peeling myself off of the ceiling but coughing still hurts. I am able to sleep. I am able to lie flat. I am able to cook myself a simple meal. I can open the refrigerator.

This may not seem like much, but it is more than I could do last week. It is my hope that next week my heart will cooperate enough to let me walk more than 5 minutes.

Sending prayers and best wishes. Hang in there. You are improving even though it is beneath your notice.

Kelly Stoll  Well said John.
Judy, one day at a time. Progress will happen. Until then, lots of self-care and healing vibes.

Meredith Bray  My physical therapist gave me a tip that improved my outlook as soon as I tried it - stand up straight! It will help re-strengthen your core muscles. Also, make sure you are supporting your head & neck when you are resting. I remember not being able to sleep much because I was afraid I would move and hurt myself. Once I started using a travel pillow to support my head & neck, I started falling in to deeper, more restful sleeps during my naps. It'll get better!

Phyllis Petersen  Someone on here had mentioned that muscle relaxants helped, so I tried taking one at night (I already had some) and it really helped me.

Alina FH  Judy, not giving up is the right thing to do. It will get better. I promise! Try to squeeze the chest pillow when getting up, and use your thigh muscles instead of your upper body to pull up. Hang in there! Be well!

Frence Tanque-Metoda  Im on 5th month post op and still experiencing pains and discomforts but God's new mercies everyday gets me through. Just keep the faith these too shall pass! God bless you.

Kathi Mancuso  I think you are expecting too much at your two week mark !
I remember at two weeks I still had pain. Sleeping was miserable til I got the travel neck pillow. I was still in a recliner at two weeks and still taking a pain pill at night.
Trust me it gets better each day! You will feel better each week. Just take it slow. The best thing to do for yourself is to walk....walk....walk!!!!

Tim Chapman  I was just going to recommend a donut pillow, well that is what I call them. One you would get if you had a hemorrhoids removed.

Mary Woods  Hi Judy I am pre-op for mitral valve surgery but I totally sympathise with your pain! I have had the same thing as I recover from hip replacement. All the sitting and sleeping on your back while propped up really are painful. Also after these major surgeries we lose weight and muscle so that poor little bone has no cushioning!
The things that have helped me are lots of walking (great for hip and cardiac rehab when you can) and paracetamol (works better than anti-inflammatories). Cushions behind your back in the car ease the pain as well.
Maybe when you start cardiac rehab you can start doing squats and anything else that can build up your glutes? My husband had triple bypass last year so I know how tough it all is. Best wishes!

Rose Madura  Yes Judy, I feel your pain. It takes a while, unfortunately. But you will get there. Hopefully the cushion your husband bought will help you.

Kim Lonergan  I can definitely relate. My tailbone is actually bruised on the right side and my right shoulder blade constantly hurts when I lay on my back. It truly is miserable. I hope the pillow helps. I never thought of that. I hope you get better sleep tonight!

Judy Shaw  Thanks everyone. Yes it is truly a miserable feeling.

Kim, mine is my left side. Right beside my tailbone. It actually goes partially numb. I've tried just about everything with no relief. The cushion my husband got doesn't seem to be helping. It's getting old not sleeping more than a few hours a night. I go to my regular doctor to see if she has any ideas.

Rita Savelis  I'm so sorry to hear this Judy. Not being able to sleep is very hard. Maybe take some sleep meds (even if you don't normally) to at least allow your body some rest? I did that occasionally although it's not my usual solution....

Anna Jones  Judy Shaw, I'm very sorry you are experiencing this. No one has contacted me either. I guess I really didn't expect anyone to. I'm not sure what goes on with people. Maybe they think they will be bothering us and we need our sleep. Maybe it is because they see we are in need and they don't want to be bothered. Maybe it is because they are fearful that they will "catch our heart cooties". Maybe they are just very busy and it never crosses their minds.

When things like this happen, don't stand on ceremony. If you want to talk to someone, call them, and see how it goes.

I would definitely call your pastor. If he can't be bothered with you, I'm sure there is another church you might like better.

Judy Shaw  Thank you Anna. I'm sorry you are going through this also. My husband had an appt yesterday with a urologist to discuss whatever it is on his left kidney. He ended up having to go alone. I felt so bad for him especially since the doctor told him that 2/3 of the type of lesions are cancerous. He was very upset of course. The doctor said since we had so much going on he will recheck it in October/November and decide about surgically removing the spot.
My husband and I discussed the church situation before my surgery. When I get well enough we plan on visiting other churches. There is nothing like a good church family!

Anna Jones  Judy Shaw, I am so sorry your husband had to go to that appointment alone. That is a very difficult thing to have to do. I'm very glad his urologist is compassionate and will recheck him in October/November.

You're right. A good church family is very important. You will know when you find the right one.

God has been good to me. He always sends someone to help in my darkest moments. I try to think of this poem at times when someone is disappointing me:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you figure out which one it is,

you will know what to do for each person.


When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty;

to provide you with guidance and support;

to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend, and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.


Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.


Some people come into your life for a SEASON,

because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.


LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;

things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,

and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.


— Unknown

Mark Wilbur  Judy and Anna: I am truly sorry that you are hurting.
I haven't been through what you have... the prep, surgery and aftermath, plus all of the emotions that go with it. But, I do know what it is to feel let down by friends and relatives. I have said before that some of it comes from a failure, not of lack of empathy, but a failure to know how to express it. That's true regardless of sickness, surgery or death. Some people just don't know what to say and when to say it. Part of our journey as heart (and cancer) patients is to allow our healthy emotions to aid in the healing process. For me, it is helpful to forgive, rather than to dwell on the hurt. I'm human and I find that I don't hold some people as close as I once did. But, we can remember that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” The act of forgiveness can truly release endorphins that can aid in our well-being. I wish complete healing for you both... and for all who read this. Be well.

Kelly Stoll  Dearest Judy and Anna,
One of my best friendships began over ten years ago on a forum like this one. Another in a game. Not that i recommend this as a recommendation for making friends. Only that sometimes we need people in our lives who are in similar situations or with similar interests, to share our journey. Thank you both for being a part of my journey. May we all heal well together. ;)

Rita Savelis  Sometimes others don't know what you expect of them. They don't want to bother you, they are afraid, they have other worries. It may bring up their own fears. You may need to let them know what you need.... Everyone is different. This doesn't mean they aren't worrying about you.
But it's also true that there are usually a few people, unexpected, who do and say the right thing. Or at least the right thing for you. It won't be everyone, but there are usually a few. They often have experienced similar things.
I had cancer as a child and I have always felt very comfortable asking patients about their chemotherapy and how treatment was going. It doesn't make me uncomfortable. But I know that many could not discuss this topic with me at the time and so avoided it.
Wishing you some peace.

Catie B  Judy, I'm sorry for that disappointment from people you would have expected to check in on you. I can well understand that. I hope, as often seems to happen, that the Lord will bring just the right provision of comfort and encouragement, perhaps from unexpected people and places. Warm wishes and prayers for a continued, strong recovery!

Susan Lynn  I am sorry Judy and Anna. I agree that most people don't know what to do or say. Mark, you beautifully expressed how we all need to view our disappointments during recovery and in life. Well said.

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hello Judy and Anna,
As has been previously mentioned, some people cannot deal with hospitals, illness or even talking about such subjects. And, they may be very concerned about "bothering you" when you are recovering. I think you will find that family and friends that you least expect to "step up to the plate" will be there for you. An experience, like OHS is very interesting in that way....you learn who are the friends who are with you in your time of need.

LINDA ROBERTS  Yes, I agree. This is a very eye opening experience to see the people who are there for you. I am so grateful for my relative who will be with me during surgery and the friends that have reached out to me and want to help during the healing process . This experience really reawakens your feelings about who truly cares about you and saddens you when you feel someone is not there for you. I am grateful for this site where one can share their feelings.

Miriam Salvador  I am grateful for this site where I can learn first hand what to expect. I understand everyone's pain tolerance is different. I understand our friends and family for whatever reason, May not respond as we expect them to. I just hope I remember all this when my time comes. I am assured I will have you as my family and friends supporting and praying for me. I do have my children and grandchildren helping me. My MVS will be Aug 9. Thanks for being there. Miriam

Chris Purvis  Glad you finally got some sleep Judy. For some reason I’m only sleeping about 7 hours a night and then I’m up all day. I used to need 8 hours at a minimum but now 7 seems to get the job done which is strange considering the surgery. Glad your recovery is going so well!

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Judy,
So happy to hear that you had a good sleep. Sleep is a basic need, and helps your health in so many ways.

I found that was the most challenging part for recovery was trying to get my required sleep.
Having to sleep on my back due to the sternotomy needing to heal was so uncomfortable. Spent the first night in a recliner, watching TV, rented a hospital bed so could adjust height as needed, had many, many pillows, but never enough! Spent one night, all night, watching reruns of a favourite show! I knew that there was just no point in trying to sleep so did not try.

So, here are a few tips from experience which did help:
1) Put essential oil, lavender, on my wrists at night time.
2) Had a drink of milk at bedtime.
3) Listened to nice music to relax me just before bed.
4) Bought a product at Lush called "sleepy" or something like that, which was advertised to help insomnia.
5) I slept in a spare room, with a baby monitor. Wanted hubby to get his sleep so he could help during the daytime but he was not comfortable if he could not hear me so the monitor was great. If I needed assistance, I could call.
6) Tried to get fresh air each day (but it was difficult during the winter)
7) Have a plan as to what you can do if you do not sleep that night. For example, plan your next trip, in your mind, as to where you will go when totally recovered:)

Happy dreams!

Rose Madura  Hi Judy. So glad you found rest! It feels so good, doesn't it? Hope you get many more restful nights.

Kim Lonergan  I hope you are feeling better each day! 6 hours of sleep a night is what I am getting right now too. I find the recliner gets uncomfortable too. Just not enough cushion. My back starts hurting, just can’t get comfortable. Hope your recovery continues to progress and you feel better each day!

Judy Shaw  It's comforting to know that we all seem to have uncomfortable sleep in common. It seems we've all tried so many of the same things in search of precious sleep that can be elusive for so many of us. Praying we all find enough of it for our bodies to heal. Best wishes to everyone.

Thomas Brusstar  Welcome home! I hope you can get some sleep tonight. I'm sure they gave you meds to speed that process....

Phyllis Petersen  I did still need a couple of pain killers a day after leaving the hospital, extra pillows on the bed, and throw pillows on the chairs. Hopefully, you find the right solution for you soon. Welcome home!

Helen Daw  Pillows were my best friends as I recovered after I transitioned to my bed. It could be very uncomfortable the first few days you are home, but it gets easier as you get to know what makes you comfortable. Welcome to the recovery side.

Mark Wilbur  I don't have any suggestions, but I will empathize with you anyway, Judy! I'm sorry that you can't get comfortable. Let us know if you find that rest you are searching for... and what you did to find it. I'm sure that you and Jim are happy that you're home. And so am I.

Chris Purvis  Hey Judy so glad your home. A recliner and pillows seemed to help out for sure as a matter of fact I’m still sleeping in mine. I did manage the bed last night but the recliner is still more comfy for now. I hope you get your snuggle on and rest easy.

Rose Madura  I'm sorry you are not able to rest. You are probably on pins and needles, as others mentioned, pillows help. If you have a recliner, a travel pillow is extremely helpful on your neck. Hopefully you will rest better in the coming days.

Judy Shaw  Thanks y'all. I did get a few hours sleep. I piled up pillows in my recliner and tried to get comfy. Bad thing is all the pillows made me hot. I used a cold wet washcloth on my face and used a fan blowing on me. The AC is on but here in NC the nights are around 80 outside.

Mark Wilbur  Judy, We hope you are feeling better soon. The heat bothers my wife, too, so we know how that adds to your discomfort. Get as much rest as you can and know that better days are ahead. (Yes, they are!)

Adam Boyadjis  Congrats on the tubes! What a relief, right? Getting the tubes out will mean fewer pain meds for sure. Big step! Congrats!!

Barbara Laurie  Hoping your rest today will invigorate you so your at home recovery will be rapid and energizing. There will be days of pain, or real fatigue, but it’s all part of the process. SO SO happy you are doing well! Yay! 🌸🍃🌸🍃wishing you a summer of healthy YOU! ❤️

Chris Purvis  WooHoo Judy so happy for you! Can’t wait for you to get home and here about your recovery. As I’ve been told my many friends take it easy...

Dan Vechiola  Great news! After all you have been through it probably feels awesome to have the all the tubes removed and hear the word "home."

Chris Purvis  Hey Jim-I a week ahead of Judy exactly and yes today and tomorrow morning didn’t land so pleasant. As long as she manages the pain, she should be ok. Thank you for the update and when you get chance let he know we are pulling for her.

Susan Lynn  Thanks for the update, Jim. The initial recovery can feel like one step forward, two steps back. But, when the forward momentum finally starts, the progress happens pretty quickly. Give Judy my regards and let her know we're cheering her on!

Vicki B  Please let Judy know she is my fearless warrior - 5 days ahead of me. I am praying for her and hoping she is making great progress every minute.

Alina FH  Jim, thank you for the update! This is great. I hope she continues to do well and enjoy the new valve! Much health!

Judy Shaw  My breathing tube was removed in the OR. Must be a rare thing the way the doctor said. Most are removed in the ICU.

  Will keep you and your surgical team in my prayers. Just remember these surgeons do this every day at a very high rate of success. You got this and will have a heart ready to take on the world in a few months.

Chris Purvis  Yep-it’s been a week exactly for me since I was in your same shoes. My check in was at 530 and by then my mindset was let’s get this over with. Tomorrow you’ll have a different feeling for sure. Your going to do great Judy. Please keep us updated as soon as you can!

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Best wishes and prayers for you.
Finally the waiting is over for you and you can join the recovery team:)

Anna Jones  Judy, you will have to compartmentalized. Don't worry about surgeries down the road. Concentrate on your surgery first. When it is time for your husband to get his surgeries you can decide if you want to hire a nurse. Sending best wishes

Diane Maher  I agree, with Anna...great advice. Remember the instructions when flying, take the oxygen mask first before helping others.

Chris Purvis  Yep I agree got to take care of you first. Easier said than done but you have a big day coming up that needs 150% of your attention. It will all work it self out in the end Judy.

Judy Shaw  Thank you all. That's what my husband and I talked about today. To concentrate on me right now. My surgery is at the forefront then we'll deal with his in the following weeks. We have grown children, a great friend, and our church family that will help. It's in God's hands now.

Dan Vechiola  I agree one day at a time and one step in front of the other. Believe and have faith that everything will work out fine.

Janet Skinner  Yes, overwhelming to know there will be three surgeries coming up but my thought too, is one day at a time too. It sounds like you have great support around you ... accept all the help that is offered and also ask for help. You will get through this.

Rose Madura  Judy, I'm so sorrybtobhear this but you are strong and will get through this. Lots of good advice here for sure. Glad you have God's peace that only He can give. I will be praying for you. Please keep us updated if you can.

Chris Purvis  I only had that soap stuff the night before and morning of. Once I arrived I had to scrub myself down with these special wipes as well. Lots of cleaning going on to avoid infections. My temp went up and down from 97-100 and did that the entire stay they had me worried something was wrong but all was well no infections.

Chris Purvis  Thanks Judy I’m flying home tomorrow. Houston is a beautiful city it really is but I’m ready to go HOME!

Rose Madura  Judy. As bad as it is, I wish they would have had me use it prior to surgery. I got thrush on about day 8 and it was horrible. It did clear up quickly with medicine that the nurse told me to swallow - which made me sick. My brother told me not to swallow and just swish real good. (He's a doctor). His advise was wonderful and it cleared up very quickly (as mentioned) in a few days.

Judy Shaw  Sue, I don't know if it's the alcohol but it does have 11% alcohol content. I know it says it will affect the taste of food.

Kelly Stoll  Judy,
Enjoy it all now. Eat whatever you want! After, when your appetite comes back, you can take your time and rediscover your taste buds. Your doing great. Hang in there and keep rinsing.

Anna Jones  Judy, it won't matter that food has no taste. It won't have any taste at the hospital either :-). Sending best wishes and prayers.

Judy Shaw  Thanks Kelly and Anna. I'm hanging in there with rinsing. UNCs hosp food is restaurant style. It's the same food that is in the public cafe and grill inside the hosp. Many choices on the menu.

Chris Purvis  You’ve got this Judy! Believe in it...and tell your self that over and over again. Lord I believe but help my unbelief.

Mark Wilbur  Judy, you've done your homework and you know that you'll be in excellent hands on Thursday. Tell those gremlins to leave you alone and listen to your rational mind. You have the inner strength to encourage yourself as much as you have encouraged others. Listen to that voice... not those pesky gremlins! Keep your mind focused on the end result and know that all this worry will be history in just a few days. Sending prayers your way; embrace them and know that the Lord is listening!

Helen Daw  Nothing we say will ease you anxiety , just have faith and trust your surgeons. Can't wait for you to tell us that it wasn't that bad, because it is not bad at all. Good luck.

Rose Madura  Hi Judy. Very understandable. I'm sorry you are having a bad day. On my worst day prior to the surgery, I watched a You Tube video about the conspiracy theories of the JFK assassination - I know, crazy, right? But it was just the thing that made my mind focus on something else. Saying prayers for you for peace. Once it's over, you'll wish you didn't spend so much time worrying. I know from experience.

Debbie Chatzky  When you are in your way to surgery it will click. You will think the waiting is over. On my way to recovery!