Julie's Journal

Good morning Heart Valve Warriors!! 

So I am having a major bout of insomnia. Day 7 to 8 post op! I bet there is an article or posts about this. Around 10:30pm a cloud just lifted - everything feels lighter - deep deep tissue does not feel as uncomfortable. I can move myself around in bed … sure there is a little pain, but nothing I can’t handle!
Anyway, thought I’d use this time to connect with some of my heart friends, until I get sleepy again☺️

I have noticed so so many things through this experience! So many lessons. Here I go with lesson number 1:

Do not worry, instead prepare. I think back to the many anxious moments during this experience. All we need to do is prepare. Will we be able to prepare for every twist and turn, or set back? No - just prepare for what you can! Then sit back, relax and watch it unfold!
it is quite an experience.  One that 7 days out of surgery, am very thankful for! It’s life changing people- get ready!

Okay I that was quick , but now I am sleepy again. Back to sleep I go!

Happy Thanksgiving to my heart friends!! Sending you all love and prayers.  

Hello! Tysen here.  Julie’s phone was with her in ICU so I couldn’t update.

I’m finally allowed to be with her!

She’s doing well.  She spent 2 nights in ICU.  The first night she had some pain b/c  they had to stop the pain pump…the pain meds were reducing her breathing and she was building up Co2. She slept better the second night and she moved to the step down unit last night.

Chest tubes are out. They just removed the temporary wires to her heart.  All the strings, hoses and cables are out! She’ll take a shower later today.

Now it’s about getting the steps in. She did some laps of ICU and now in step down.

tip for other patients: apparently ICU is very loud and a little unsettling. Bring noise cancelling earbuds.

Good news post surgery.  The surgeon said there was significant calcification which validates doing the surgery. They used an Inspiris tissue valve and it is operating as it should. She didn’t require any blood transfusion.

She’s in ICU.

Unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVD and cann’t go and see her for 4 days.

Her sister is coming down this evening and our son will be here tomorrow.

This is Julie’s husband Tysen.

She just left pre-op and is heading up to anesthesia. We went to a nice French restaurant for dinner last night and she got a more or less full nights sleep. She’s going in calm and confident!!

Hello all- had heart cath yesterday - good results. No blockages
I am ready to go for tomorrow's surgery! Just need to connect with DeWayne for a pre-surgical photo op

Hello all,
I am currently at Cleveland Clinic with my husband .. awaiting surgery on Wednesday. Desperately in need of resturant suggestions near the clinic … please help .

Okay I am 3.5 weeks away from surgery. Feeling confident in my decisions with the surgeon and tissue valve replacement. Just curious about how it will feel after surgery? How long will I have tube down my throat? Will it be removed prior to me waking up from surgery?