I did not go into 2015 knowing what it would hold for me and open heart surgery was not on the list of things I thought I would do. Today over 6 months after ...Read more
I did not go into 2015 knowing what it would hold for me and open heart surgery was not on the list of things I thought I would do. Today over 6 months after surgery I am feeling good! Finally, feeling like the pericarditis is getting better. Starting to slowly build an exercise program that includes power walking and horseback riding again. I am excited and I can tell my heart is strong! Wishing all my heart bothers and sisters a Happy New Year! Blessing upon all of you!
Michael Marranca Steroids / Colchicine or Indocin will do the trick
Christine Oliva Julie, praying for your recovery. Hang in there kid.
Kimberly Biddick I was just thinking of you today, Julie, and was wondering how you were doing with the pericarditis. ... Read more
Kimberly Biddick I was just thinking of you today, Julie, and was wondering how you were doing with the pericarditis. I will pray for relief for you! Hope you feel better very soon!!
gary storm Praying for a miracle healing from the Lord Jesus for you...I had pericarditis after mitral valve rep ... Read more
gary storm Praying for a miracle healing from the Lord Jesus for you...I had pericarditis after mitral valve repair...it will improve with time
Michael Marranca I had the same...high dose Prednisone 50mg/d X 7 days, then down my 10mg every week till off...then 3 ... Read more
Michael Marranca I had the same...high dose Prednisone 50mg/d X 7 days, then down my 10mg every week till off...then 3 months of Colchicine....has done the trick so far. MY latest echo from Monday shows much improvement and melting of the rind!
I was feeling so great - walking and riding and now walking up my stairs causes extreme pain because I have to breathe deeply. I would just say to anyone ...Read more
I was feeling so great - walking and riding and now walking up my stairs causes extreme pain because I have to breathe deeply. I would just say to anyone having surgery - really start out slow - "Normal" may be different...I think because I was feeling so great I started back exercising too much too fast and now I have to work through this set back.
I ended up going into the ER on Sunday with chest pains, I have pericarditis and they sent me home with medicines...however, it was not getting better - the other night I had server pain, hot/cold flashes, fever and more uncomfortableness. I had an appointment with my cardiologist on Wednesday and this is what I have found out - we need to make sure there is only inflammation and not fluid (because if there is fluid, it will need to be removed via needle) So I have an Echo today to check that...need to redo blood on Monday to make sure meds are working (ER did not give me the right dose) and reconnect with the cardiologist on Wednesday to go over it all...Please keep my in your thoughts and prayers as I figure this out.
Elaine Cutri Prayers and good thoughts - you got it from me.
Jackie Owens I had the same problem and my cardiologist gave me a steroid to clear it up. I felt great last week ... Read more
Jackie Owens I had the same problem and my cardiologist gave me a steroid to clear it up. I felt great last week and the last couple days felt terrible. Went to urgent care today with lower back pain and it seems I have a kidney infection. Some days it feels like it will never end! Get better! :)
Terrie Syvertsen Julie- Saying a prayer for you that you progress with your healing journey now that you see what we a ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Julie- Saying a prayer for you that you progress with your healing journey now that you see what we all experience on the road to healing up.....All are healing at different times and off and on it isn't comfortable to find we overdid it...I hope you will continue to treat yourself "gentle" when you need it and especially patient while you and your cardiologist work through the latest kinks! Keep us updated as you go? Take care.
Tammi Gunwall I've been praying hard for pain relief for you Julie. Hopefully you are on the upswing of this now, i ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall I've been praying hard for pain relief for you Julie. Hopefully you are on the upswing of this now, if not soon. I don't think many realize how painful this really is...way worse then surgery recovery! Continued thoughts and hugs to you heart sister. ♡♡
Gerald Schaffer Sorry to hear of this set back. It is good advise you gave though on not pushing it too fast. In time ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Sorry to hear of this set back. It is good advise you gave though on not pushing it too fast. In time we will all heal. I hope you get better soon.
It's hard to believe that just under 3 months ago I had Open Heart Surgery! Rehab is complete and felt so good, I would recommend it for anyone after surgery. ...Read more
It's hard to believe that just under 3 months ago I had Open Heart Surgery! Rehab is complete and felt so good, I would recommend it for anyone after surgery. I have a mechanical valve now, but I am back to work and back to riding horses...back to normal! Back to watching my sons football games and my daughters volleyball games. I feel good and I am grateful that the process was uneventful! I wouldn't have made it through without the many stories on this site, so Thank YOU!!
I saw Dr. Campbell today, I just love him! He takes the time to explain everything and has patients for all my questions. And, again they have bumped up my ...Read more
I saw Dr. Campbell today, I just love him! He takes the time to explain everything and has patients for all my questions. And, again they have bumped up my work at Cardio Rehab...love this program!! I am feeling good and have energy. My INR is still stable, the scar is healing nicely and the only have soreness I have is in my muscles and chest from time to time. All good, also going back to work Tuesdays and Thursdays next week and full time on 9/14 (with the exception of some vacation that was planned even before the surgery). I got great news about riding too...I can get back in the saddle in two weeks....YAY!! :) Just have to be careful!!
Tammi Gunwall Great news Julie!! You look amazing! :)
Blood draw to check my INR - this is stable at 2.2 and I am able to go 2 more weeks - Yay!
Education class - Great information on diet and reading labels, ...Read more
Blood draw to check my INR - this is stable at 2.2 and I am able to go 2 more weeks - Yay!
Education class - Great information on diet and reading labels, need to keep working on this!!
Rehab - Got bumped up today, working harder on the treadmill, bike and now 8 inch step instead of 4 inch.
Echo cardiogram - was told I have a beautiful heart...made me smile :) but most of all it really resonated that I needed this surgery my valve was narrowing and to the point of "sudden death" - those words really hit me. I was also told that the St. Jude valve I received is one of the best and the tech has been seeing valves for 25 years...All in all feeling very good!!
It's almost been a month...I am meeting with the cardiologist today....so many questions to get answered - can I drive? How much pain is too much? Where should ...Read more
It's almost been a month...I am meeting with the cardiologist today....so many questions to get answered - can I drive? How much pain is too much? Where should pain normally be....here? Can I use my arms more, how careful do I need to be? And so many more. I hope he will have some answers.
Tammy Pilcher Hope you get some good answers, Julie! Congratulations on 1 month! God bless you!
Gerald Schaffer Congrats on doing so well that you can drive again. You still need to take it easy but it must be gre ... Read more
Gerald Schaffer Congrats on doing so well that you can drive again. You still need to take it easy but it must be great to be able to go somewhere without depending on someone else to get you there.
Having lots of pain in my shoulders and chest. Could be rehab, so yesterday I did not use my arms. Anyone have this? I was doing so well and maybe I over ...Read more
Having lots of pain in my shoulders and chest. Could be rehab, so yesterday I did not use my arms. Anyone have this? I was doing so well and maybe I over did it.
Kim Schurman I have also been having that on and off. I have burning pain that starts in the back of my shoulders ... Read more
Kim Schurman I have also been having that on and off. I have burning pain that starts in the back of my shoulders and radiates down my arms- hurts like heck! I was told that it was from the position they put you in during surgery for several hours that stretches the nerve bundles in your shoulders. It should improve over time...
Tammy Pilcher Julie, the pain I had after getting home from surgery was like Kim said, in my shoulder blades. I wa ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Julie, the pain I had after getting home from surgery was like Kim said, in my shoulder blades. I was able to manage it with Tylenol until it finally went away. Then later in my recovery after I started feeling like I could do anything again, I made the mistake of pulling myself up into my son's truck by using one arm. The next day I was in alot of pain in my chest and shoulders. I went to the ER after two days and they said I had some inflamation. They said I probably caused it when I pulled myself up like that. I took high dose motrin and after a couple of weeks it went away.
W. Carter From my personal experiences it will take 6 or 7 months before the arm, shoulder, and chest pain goes ... Read more
W. Carter From my personal experiences it will take 6 or 7 months before the arm, shoulder, and chest pain goes away. I also did cardio rehab for a couple of months and it didn't help the healing at all that I noticed. Hang in there, the pain, numbness (if you have any), and thumping of the valve will get better. It just takes time, God bless and speedy recovery!
Donna Gavin I am having shoulder and neck pain but not in my shoulder blades. It comes and goes. It has been he ... Read more
Donna Gavin I am having shoulder and neck pain but not in my shoulder blades. It comes and goes. It has been here before cardiac rehab. I am hoping mine goes away soon, too. I am not on any pain meds, and I hesitate to take tylenol unless I really need it.
Ericka Carlson Yup, From what I can tell this is really common. I'm 8.5 weeks out and the back pain is finally subsi ... Read more
Ericka Carlson Yup, From what I can tell this is really common. I'm 8.5 weeks out and the back pain is finally subsiding. I do have a pain in the upper left back of my head that is stubbornly holding in, I filigree it's a nerve, those take a very long time to heal.
Julie McDonald-Lundgren Thanks everyone! The thumping of the valve, numbness and pain, I hope will go away. I am being care ... Read more
Julie McDonald-Lundgren Thanks everyone! The thumping of the valve, numbness and pain, I hope will go away. I am being careful not over do it, but it's hard.
Well I'm retaining water (no salt diet....too many chips, popcorn etc. Over the weekend) and my INR is high....blood too thin, hold the warfarin for a couple ...Read more
Well I'm retaining water (no salt diet....too many chips, popcorn etc. Over the weekend) and my INR is high....blood too thin, hold the warfarin for a couple days...but otherwise good!
Feeling good, made my goal of being at the horse show as a spectator...I was able to watch my daughter compete in all of her events. Very happy about that. ...Read more
Feeling good, made my goal of being at the horse show as a spectator...I was able to watch my daughter compete in all of her events. Very happy about that.
I see the doctor today, and hope my INR is still stable and find out what restrictions I will still have. Pain has been manageable with Tylenol for the last two days. Just sneezed though and that sent me through the roof....OWWWW!
Eleanor R I do remember coughs and sneezes (the latter particularly) as being breath taking, and not in a good ... Read more
Eleanor R I do remember coughs and sneezes (the latter particularly) as being breath taking, and not in a good way! So good that you can be out, climbing into stands, and even walking/standing enough to go to your daughter's show. Aren't our bodies amazing things! Keep recovering. Eleanor
Tammy Pilcher Sounds like a good recovery, Julie! God bless!
Wow! I do have to admit the rest and recovery is much better than the anxiety of waiting before surgery. I also would say that the day of surgery and the ...Read more
Wow! I do have to admit the rest and recovery is much better than the anxiety of waiting before surgery. I also would say that the day of surgery and the day after were the hardest, but at least they went by fast.
Feeling better and better everyday! I have my fit-bit on and am walking 3-5 times a day. So blessed to have so much support - friends and family!
Kimberly Biddick Wonderful news!! So glad you're feeling better and better!!!
Jeanette Davidson Julie I just had that thought since my surgery is Monday. The anticipatory anxiety is such "brain noi ... Read more
Jeanette Davidson Julie I just had that thought since my surgery is Monday. The anticipatory anxiety is such "brain noise. " and really uncomfortable. I get nervous about the presurgical area and waiting! I am so happy things went well for you and you are on the mend! Amen sister!💞
Tammi Gunwall Yay!! Happy dance for you. So glad to hear you are getting stronger each day. :)
John Jones I read your first sentence and was encouraged. Thanks for posting it. Glad you are doing so well. Ma ... Read more
John Jones I read your first sentence and was encouraged. Thanks for posting it. Glad you are doing so well. Many of us will be joining you very soon.
That is so good to hear. Keep up the good work!
Cheryl Batzing sounds like you are doing well, Julie! Continued prayers for your complete recovery and healing!
Rafael Martinez Good news...hope you do better everyday I'm in the same path. Almost exactly tomorrow is my day #10. ... Read more
Rafael Martinez Good news...hope you do better everyday I'm in the same path. Almost exactly tomorrow is my day #10.
Nancy D I have to agree with you. The waiting was tough, the first week was hard, but then it gets easier and ... Read more
Nancy D I have to agree with you. The waiting was tough, the first week was hard, but then it gets easier and I felt like I was more in control afterwards, and responsible for working hard to get well. Prior to that, the appointments, tests, results, and scheduling were so out of my control and I was along for the ride. And I am in no way a control freak, but found that phase most stressful. Keep up working toward your short term goals and soon you will be amazed at how far you have come!
kristin ott so glad to hear things are going well- stronger every day!
I have never felt pain like that before...all in all a good day and recovering nicely, however; Yawning, coughing, sneezing.....really hurt! Had my blood test ...Read more
I have never felt pain like that before...all in all a good day and recovering nicely, however; Yawning, coughing, sneezing.....really hurt! Had my blood test and my INR is staying stable so no blood draw until Monday ...so happy to not have to be poked for an entire week...Yay! I can handle this with the help of God. He is good!
Clare Auten Yes. Yawning, coughing and sneezing all hurt. I vomited about 10 days after surgery. ...don't recomme ... Read more
Clare Auten Yes. Yawning, coughing and sneezing all hurt. I vomited about 10 days after surgery. ...don't recommend that.
Bob M Yes, God is good! Amen! Take it easy heart sister.
What a difference being home makes, when the cold flash hits, my husband casually says lets go sit on the deck and let me tell you the sun sure feels good and ...Read more
What a difference being home makes, when the cold flash hits, my husband casually says lets go sit on the deck and let me tell you the sun sure feels good and warms me up!
Meds, walks, shower, figuring out schedules for the week ...lots going on. So many good things so much support! Thank you!
Julie McDonald-Lundgren Yes, still tired and still have pain but pushing through...resting...recovering...
Susan Wozniak Home sure helps! Glad all is going well.
Clare Auten Being home is awesome. Being tired is normal for now but it is always one day at a time.
Anyone have hot and cold flashes after surgery...wake up sweating one minute and then freezing and numb fingers because of being cold.?.
Judith Collins Yes I have the same thing almost every nite. This is very common when you have trauma to your body f ... Read more
Judith Collins Yes I have the same thing almost every nite. This is very common when you have trauma to your body from the surgery we had. It will get better with time. I have taken my temperature when this happens and I do not have a fever. Hope everything else is going well for you.
Ronald Gatan That happened to me several times through my first week post surgery. No longer experiencing them, i ... Read more
Ronald Gatan That happened to me several times through my first week post surgery. No longer experiencing them, it's been just over 3 months since.
Yes, Julie....I had similar symptoms. I'm on Coumadin, so very newly post-op, I was getting cold very ... Read more
Yes, Julie....I had similar symptoms. I'm on Coumadin, so very newly post-op, I was getting cold very easily, but no numb fingers.
I woke up sweating practically every night,(for about 5 weeks) until my heart pill and blood pressure pill were discontinued, due to frequent lightheadedness. (I was being weaned from the heart pill, already, and had only one left)
Scott Hess I was shivering in the icu right after surgery.Later on only my hands were a little cold.
Meredith Bray Yep. for a week or so. I also had a slight fever one night. I was scared, so I called the doctor at ... Read more
Meredith Bray Yep. for a week or so. I also had a slight fever one night. I was scared, so I called the doctor at 10pm! He told me what to take, and I felt better.
Terrie Syvertsen Another YES! Mostly cold/chills/feet got cold, hands.
"Aint recovery grand?!!! It is part of it and c ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Another YES! Mostly cold/chills/feet got cold, hands.
"Aint recovery grand?!!! It is part of it and can happen on and off but eventually goes away. It is just the body and the magical healing process & part of the healing process so have a small soft blanket handy to toss across your lap or a favorite blanket handy when you wake up in the night feeling everything suddenly cold so you don't have to get
up and down.
Janice Smith Yes. I am 9 months post-op now, but the hot/cold flashes didn't start until around my 5th month post ... Read more
Janice Smith Yes. I am 9 months post-op now, but the hot/cold flashes didn't start until around my 5th month post-op. They have been so frustrating, but now are finally starting to subside. Recovery is a roller coaster ride!! Also had numbness in fingers, but
that is better now also. Many blessings to you during your recovery.
Finally settled on the couch at about 9 and slept until 440..yay! Got up had meds then back to sleep until 7...sitting in the medical lift chair now. Good ...Read more
Finally settled on the couch at about 9 and slept until 440..yay! Got up had meds then back to sleep until 7...sitting in the medical lift chair now. Good breakfast and getting things (meds, wounds and rests) organized and cleaned. Feels good to be home. Still trying to get used to the new noise my ticker makes!
kristin ott did you have a mechanical valve put in?
Julie McDonald-Lundgren Yes, a mechanical valve. I do not want to do this again! So at 44, I felt, it really is the only op ... Read more
Julie McDonald-Lundgren Yes, a mechanical valve. I do not want to do this again! So at 44, I felt, it really is the only option.
Tammy Pilcher Yay Julie! So happy you're on this side of surgery now! God bless you!
Clare Auten I was 44 at the time of surgery and did the same thing. Mine is an On-X and I am happy with it so fa ... Read more
Clare Auten I was 44 at the time of surgery and did the same thing. Mine is an On-X and I am happy with it so far (18+ months)
I made it home. Wow, I was expecting this to be easier... clothes-what a pain, the hospital gown was way more comfortable, seatbelts hurt, should have used ...Read more
I made it home. Wow, I was expecting this to be easier... clothes-what a pain, the hospital gown was way more comfortable, seatbelts hurt, should have used my pillow and no more nurses to call whenever I need something.... and my medical chair is not as comfortable as I thought it would be.... hope to pillow it up tomorrow. It will be a better day tomorrow.
Meredith Bray Jam some pillows up under your arms to support your shoulders, and don't forget to support your neck! ... Read more
Meredith Bray Jam some pillows up under your arms to support your shoulders, and don't forget to support your neck! I slept in a reclining/propped up position for almost a month. Each day is a little better, keep walking, keep breathing, keep resting. Sorry your chair isn't comfy, I'll send you mine? :)
Jeanette Davidson Meredith, I was thinking of buying a chair, any suggestions?
kristin ott one day at a time...... sometimes one hr at a time. Be kind to yourself
Tammy Pilcher Hang in there, Julie. Each day will get better. Keep trying pillows in different ways until you're ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Hang in there, Julie. Each day will get better. Keep trying pillows in different ways until you're comfortable. Prayers for your recovery. God bless you!
Gerald Schaffer Congrats on making it home. Hope things go well little bit at a time.
Julie McDonald-Lundgren One day at a time....so true! Chair is better today with more pillows. Working on staying positive ... Read more
Julie McDonald-Lundgren One day at a time....so true! Chair is better today with more pillows. Working on staying positive too.
Lila Robinson Pillows are your best friend!!! and also staying "ahead" on your pain meds....Don't try to be too he ... Read more
Lila Robinson Pillows are your best friend!!! and also staying "ahead" on your pain meds....Don't try to be too heroic about that. You'll know when to lighten up; it's sort of when being dopey or foggy bothers you more than the pain! But first days home, don't even think about it; take your meds when they're due! Once you find a comfy enough way to sleep, you'll start loving being home. But I totally agree with the "clothes" comment!!!!
Good morning. Slept from 9 to 6...up at midnight and 6 for blood draws...up at 4 because I was sweating a lot...hot flashes or something, holy moly! Otherwise ...Read more
Good morning. Slept from 9 to 6...up at midnight and 6 for blood draws...up at 4 because I was sweating a lot...hot flashes or something, holy moly! Otherwise good deep sleep, finally. I was told have plate too, I get an xray today and hope too see it. Feeling pretty good this morning
Cheast tube out today, made a big difference! However; still trying to get pain meds right - too much and I'm sick not enough and extreme pain! Working on ...Read more
Cheast tube out today, made a big difference! However; still trying to get pain meds right - too much and I'm sick not enough and extreme pain! Working on finding a happy medium. People here at Abbott-Northwestern heart hospital have been great! Thanks too all my family and friends for all the support on line and in person!
Meredith Bray Make sure you stand up straight when you are walking! There is a natural instinct to hunch over, to ... Read more
Meredith Bray Make sure you stand up straight when you are walking! There is a natural instinct to hunch over, to curl in to protect the chest. All that does is stress your back muscles. Stand as tall as you can and you'll alleviate a good chunk of back pain. Mine was so vicious the pain meds wouldn't touch it. My physical therapist was the best things that happened to me - stand tall like you're the king of the world! And make sure when you're resting that your head and neck are supported. Even when you're in the recliner, a small towel or pillow under your neck will work wonders!
Keep breathing, keep walking, each day is better than the one before!
Eddie Patton Week out myself. Keep fighting better days ahead. Getting that tube out was glorious, wasn't it.
Larry Fuller Julie I experienced the sAme thing. You won't believe how much better you will feel in two MORE days ... Read more
Larry Fuller Julie I experienced the sAme thing. You won't believe how much better you will feel in two MORE days when all is straightened out.
Getting home is the best,
Larry
Tammy Pilcher Prayers and best wishes, Julie, for continued progress! God bless!
Bob M Feeling better day by day! Amen! And yes, great advice to walk straight up.
Bradley Lum Three weeks post op tomorrow for me. It gets better everyday.
I've made it to the other side! Took a walk today...down the hall, got some oatmeal...food to stay down and sat in the chair. All big accomplishments! At ...Read more
I've made it to the other side! Took a walk today...down the hall, got some oatmeal...food to stay down and sat in the chair. All big accomplishments! At times I still fee like I've been hit by a bus, and can only look at a screen for about 5 minutes. Enjoying the visitors and all the posts. Thanks for the kind words and support. God is good!
Hi - ths is Mary, Julie's mom, surgery went great, mostly she has been sleeping but had some nausea and wretching, not good by meds have made it better. She ...Read more
Hi - ths is Mary, Julie's mom, surgery went great, mostly she has been sleeping but had some nausea and wretching, not good by meds have made it better. She will spend the night in ICU. Thanks for your prayers and concern.
Tammi Gunwall I'm so glad to hear she is doing well and resting!! Continued prayers for healing Julie!
Tammy Pilcher So happy for Julie and her family! God bless!
Terrie Syvertsen Good news and will continue to send prayers her way hoping too that she has a restful evening and nig ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Good news and will continue to send prayers her way hoping too that she has a restful evening and night and that the nausea passes! Thank you Mary for giving the Heart community an update!
Hope she rests well tonight and tomorrow will feel stronger.
Gerald Schaffer Congrats on a successful surgery. I hope her recovery goes smoothly for her.
Kelly Weisgarber Thank you Mary for the update. I have been thinking about her. Hope she has a good night
Bob M God bless that the surgery went great! I pray that Julie's recovery will be uneventful and that the n ... Read more
Bob M God bless that the surgery went great! I pray that Julie's recovery will be uneventful and that the nausea will pass soon. God bless and rise up!
Cheryl Batzing Thanks for giving the update mom! Will pray Julie continues a smooth recovery, nausea subsides, and f ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Thanks for giving the update mom! Will pray Julie continues a smooth recovery, nausea subsides, and for a quick release from the hospital.
Ericka Carlson I had the same thing, it should pass pretty quickly. Sending healing thoughts!
Meredith Bray My stomach didn't "wake up" for about 36 hours. Hope you're feeling better. My favorite meal in hos ... Read more
Meredith Bray My stomach didn't "wake up" for about 36 hours. Hope you're feeling better. My favorite meal in hospital was cottage cheese and fruit. (And fajitas and fries brought to me from the cafeteria!.)
We are up and on our way to Abbott Northwestern for my surgery this morning. Thankful for surgeons that can do this procedure, thankful for all the hospital ...Read more
We are up and on our way to Abbott Northwestern for my surgery this morning. Thankful for surgeons that can do this procedure, thankful for all the hospital staff that will be helping me through and thankful for all of my family and friends who are lifting my up today and through this! Blessings ♡
Tammi Gunwall Looking forward to chatting with you on the other side of heart surgery soon! God bless you TWIN hear ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall Looking forward to chatting with you on the other side of heart surgery soon! God bless you TWIN heart sister. You got this! ♡
Y ou will be up and about real soon! Thinking of you
In prayer.
Well, there it is...my name on the board of upcoming surgeries. I have been through a roller coast of emotions the last couple of weeks. I am finally in the ...Read more
Well, there it is...my name on the board of upcoming surgeries. I have been through a roller coast of emotions the last couple of weeks. I am finally in the place of - "let's getter done". I think I have everything ready, and I know that if I did forget something my family will take care of it. This site and people I have met on this site have really helped me...the stories, the word of encouragement and just knowing I'm not the only one going through this have been extremely helpful! My mom will post for me the first days of surgery to let everyone know how I am doing.
"Heavenly Father, Lately I've been so worried about things that are out of my control. Help me to trust that you are working every little detail of my life out and that I have nothing to fear or worry about. In Jesus name, Amen."
Robyn Tatu This is such an anxious time. Your post-srg brothers and sisters have been where you are. I will be ... Read more
Robyn Tatu This is such an anxious time. Your post-srg brothers and sisters have been where you are. I will be sending wishes for your ability to calm those nerves. You will do fine, Julie.
Tammy Pilcher Amen, to your prayer, Julie! Perfectly said! I'll be praying for you too! You sound like you're at ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Amen, to your prayer, Julie! Perfectly said! I'll be praying for you too! You sound like you're at the same place I was before my surgery, "Let's getter done". You'll do great! God bless you!
Dan D. It will be over before you know it and then it's focusing on recovery. You will get through the unple ... Read more
Dan D. It will be over before you know it and then it's focusing on recovery. You will get through the unpleasantness of it all with the help of your support people and be back home soon. I wish you good fortune and speedy recovery.
Nancy D Praying with you and many for a successful surgery, and a complete recovery!! Just know we are here f ... Read more
Nancy D Praying with you and many for a successful surgery, and a complete recovery!! Just know we are here for questions or concerns.....we have been there and done that!! Wishing you the best!
Larry Beck All will be well Julie! There are three of us, the three muskeeteers, tomorrow!
John Jones Praying for you as you "gitter done". I hope everything goes well.
Well the pre-op is complete and though I didn't learn anything new...I feel better! I was told it will go well because I am very healthy. May even get out ...Read more
Well the pre-op is complete and though I didn't learn anything new...I feel better! I was told it will go well because I am very healthy. May even get out of the hospital early...all along, I have heard was 5-7 day hospital stay and today I was told it could be 3-4 because I'm so young and healthy. Yay!
Tammy Pilcher Sounds great, Julie! My surgery was on a Friday morning and I was released the following Tuesday mor ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Sounds great, Julie! My surgery was on a Friday morning and I was released the following Tuesday morning. I was ready to go home and did really well. Best wishes! :-)
Cheryl Batzing Julie--great news all thew ay around! Prayers your way.
Bob M I pray that your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. June 23 will be a new ... Read more
Bob M I pray that your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. June 23 will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!
Rita Savelis Stay in the hospital as long as you can! This is not like other surgeries. Take advantage of any rest ... Read more
Rita Savelis Stay in the hospital as long as you can! This is not like other surgeries. Take advantage of any rest time available.
David Brunkhorst Surgery on Monday, home on Friday for me. Luck to you.
In a way I think this week will go by so fast and slow at the same time. I am really trying to slow down and stay positive. I am ready…got through the presentation ...Read more
In a way I think this week will go by so fast and slow at the same time. I am really trying to slow down and stay positive. I am ready…got through the presentation at work (had me stressed) and have my back-ups all lined up. I have my pre-op and class tomorrow (mom is coming with me), have the lift chair for when I come home and list of items to pack. The stress of it all keep sneaking into my brain, though….I think I hyperventilated twice, cried – I don’t know how many times, bit off my family member’s heads at least three times…and now my brain is mush!
Sharon Madden Deep breaths, keep positive. Sounds like you're ready. You will be fine.
Laura Metrano "organizing, stressing, packing, hyperventilating, crying, yelling" ... check!!
Laura Metrano "organizing, stressing, packing, hyperventilating, crying, yelling" ... check!!
All normal for the crazy days leading up to surgery. We do our best to stay positive but it's a lot to take in. Sometimes it made me feel better to talk to friends who acknowledged what a huge deal OHS is!
Good for you for taking care of your health. You're young and smart and brave and doing what needs to be done... You got this!
Larry Beck I asked for extra work projects this week just so I will focus on work instead of what's ahead next M ... Read more
Larry Beck I asked for extra work projects this week just so I will focus on work instead of what's ahead next Monday. And now I get to design a customer satisfaction survey tomorrow! Something I enjoy doing that will allow me to forget about "life" for awhile :) (Thank you Billy Joel)
Susan Wozniak Good luck- I am this Thursday (finally). Trying not to clean too mych- That is my stress reducer! E ... Read more
Susan Wozniak Good luck- I am this Thursday (finally). Trying not to clean too mych- That is my stress reducer! Enjoy your family- You can bite off their heads when you get home! 😄
In two weeks, Monday, I will be heading to Abbott Northwestern for open heart surgery. Tossed and turned all night, I'm scared to death! Please don't comment ...Read more
In two weeks, Monday, I will be heading to Abbott Northwestern for open heart surgery. Tossed and turned all night, I'm scared to death! Please don't comment - "I'm in good hands" or "They do it all the time, it will be ok". Instead please keep praying for me, my doctors and my support team.
Larry Beck I'll be right beside you, figuratively, my surgery is scheduled for June 22 as well. It's nice to kno ... Read more
Larry Beck I'll be right beside you, figuratively, my surgery is scheduled for June 22 as well. It's nice to know we're not alone, this is a great group of people who've "been there, done that", and people like us, who are concerned about the future.
Mary K I love Annie Lamott. This is from her most recent post on Facebook
Mary K I love Annie Lamott. This is from her most recent post on Facebook
I want to hear, "Me, too. I have that, too. I know what that feels like." Gandhi and Jesus knew what it feels like, the loneliness, the sadness. The brutality. Jesus often said, "It's very hard here. Have you eaten? Look--you all stick together, go to the beach and have some fish. Share what you have. We'll talk later."
I want to hear, "Wow, thank you for trusting me with that. What a big f-ing drag. I've been through that, too. Let's file a brief with the Complaints department. Come, we'll sit down with a nice cup of tea and plan our strategy."
I will pray for you Julie. I am sitting here waiting for a date. As much as I despise the term, "it sucks". This whole thing was absolutely not in my life plan. I did not want to get in on this group tour. Not a bit.
Lora Lee Peterson Mary K just said exactly how I feel too, and I hear you, I hate it when people say it's not big deal. ... Read more
Lora Lee Peterson Mary K just said exactly how I feel too, and I hear you, I hate it when people say it's not big deal. Unplug them from their heart for 45 minutes or more, and see if they think it's a big deal! I'll pray for you and your doctors, and support team, and the people who don't know what to say, so they say the wrong thin.
Tammy Pilcher Hi Julie, I left a note in your guestbook with a scripture that helped me before my surgery. I foun ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Hi Julie, I left a note in your guestbook with a scripture that helped me before my surgery. I found your note in my journal, but I think it had been there awhile before I checked it. I'll be praying for you. God bless you!
Duane Beeman Julie. I'm going in tomorrow morning. I was scared too.......until I almost died last Saturday becau ... Read more
Duane Beeman Julie. I'm going in tomorrow morning. I was scared too.......until I almost died last Saturday because of this unresolved valve problem .It caught up to me between a cold beer and a cooling dip in the lake. (not a bad way to go, but the timing was poor). I'm a tough guy.........faced a few scary situations in my day, but never came close to dying before last Saturday. But for a cool-headed, combat tested friend who was with me at the time, I'd most likely be dead today. The EMT's confirmed that when they loaded me in the ambulance. As a result, I can't WAIT to hit the hospital tomorrow morning and get this done. Don't be scared of the surgery. Be scared of NOT getting the surgery. THAT'S what kills you. TRUST ME.
Ben Hyman Hey Julie, I'll be having my Mitral Valve repair done at Abbott by Dr. Farivar sometime this fall, pr ... Read more
Ben Hyman Hey Julie, I'll be having my Mitral Valve repair done at Abbott by Dr. Farivar sometime this fall, probably October/November. I was very impressed with him when I had my consult with him in May. They have a highly regarded heart valve program. We should compare notes. Let me know if you ever want to chat by phone
Kenneth Cole OK Julie, I'll be praying for you. How about some more pictures of you with the horse.?
Julie McDonald-Lundgren Thank you for all of your kind words and prayers! My emotions are getting the best of me as I get cl ... Read more
Julie McDonald-Lundgren Thank you for all of your kind words and prayers! My emotions are getting the best of me as I get closer. I do know it will be ok and am truly blessed that this is fixable. Reading your comments and others that are going through the same thing really does help.
Ben Hyman - I too was impressed with Dr. Farivar when I met with him in March.
Duane Beeman - I hope all goes well!
Tammi Gunwall Julie and Ben. I say we all three get together this coming Dec/Jan for a big "Happy Heart Valve", "Dr ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall Julie and Ben. I say we all three get together this coming Dec/Jan for a big "Happy Heart Valve", "Dr. Fairivar Rocks" celebration for ourselves. :) As you know already Julie, you are in my heart and prayers constantly. I'm happy to help in anyway I can.
Wow! It's June 1st. This is the month I have my surgery - in 22 days. I have been planning and s have help lined up...and I'm not afraid to ask. I am getting ...Read more
Wow! It's June 1st. This is the month I have my surgery - in 22 days. I have been planning and s have help lined up...and I'm not afraid to ask. I am getting my head wrapped around what will happen and thanks to a long talk with a new friend I am a bit more at peace with everything...Thanks Tammi Gunwall!
I am really trying to stay busy to keep my mind off this and thanks to another friend - Nona McLaughlin and her horse Sunny - it is working and helping! I was able to ride and show her this weekend and it was so fun!
This site is helping too! Thanks all!
Michael Donohoe I was just reading your notes...and they are appreciated. I am only days behind you for my surgery wh ... Read more
Michael Donohoe I was just reading your notes...and they are appreciated. I am only days behind you for my surgery which is 22 days now. U will follow your comments as we will be pretty close in our recovery. God bless.
Tammi Gunwall This site is awesome with the insight, love, prayers and "I get it" support everyone brings. It was a ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall This site is awesome with the insight, love, prayers and "I get it" support everyone brings. It was a godsend to me for my valve surgery just shy of 6 mos. ago. I have to admit though, it's nice to have a heart sister so close to home. (Not that I wish this on you one bit Julie!!) I've always believed God brings people into your life for a reason. I am grateful to have been able to meet you face to face Julie! I'd love to "pay it forward" in anyway I can for you during this time. You just say the word and I'm there. You are always in my prayers.
This waiting is really getting the best of me...I know I'm am prepared and have my support team ready, but I still feel like I need to do more. Reading about ...Read more
This waiting is really getting the best of me...I know I'm am prepared and have my support team ready, but I still feel like I need to do more. Reading about everyone's story helps. Not sure I would know what to do without this site, it is very helpful.
God is good! I know this is his plan, so I give my worry to Him and find peace.
Lora Lee Peterson I agree, this site is SO helpful! If all I had to look at was Web MD, I wouldn't know anything about ... Read more
Lora Lee Peterson I agree, this site is SO helpful! If all I had to look at was Web MD, I wouldn't know anything about what I'll be facing. Everyone's honesty is a gift!
Denise Cockayne this site is just amazing, nothing like this in Australia
Tammy Pilcher Amen, Julie, God's got this and He will give us everything we need. Psalm 28:7. "The Lord is my stre ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Amen, Julie, God's got this and He will give us everything we need. Psalm 28:7. "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him."
I,too, agree about this site. Plus I believe.... "Let go....and let God". :-)
Meredith Bray Hi Julie, I know exactly that feeling about needing to do more. The closer I got to my surgery the m ... Read more
Meredith Bray Hi Julie, I know exactly that feeling about needing to do more. The closer I got to my surgery the more frantic I felt about forgetting something. I filled up my freezer with prepped meals (we ate out of the freezer for more than a year, I didn't need all that food!). I think the best change that's happened to me other than the valve replacement is the ability to say, "Okay!" to anything i can't control. I couldn't do that before surgery, I had to know everything about everything, and exert some sort of influence on it. Now.....not so much. If someone wants to change their plans....okay! if someone wants to change my schedule....okay. If someone wants to slack off and not do their part on a group project.... okay! I'm also finding it much easier to say "No" to requests for my time or assistance. There's so much more to heart surgery than just the actual surgery and recovery. I agree with Pamla above - let go and let God!
-Meredith
This weekend I was able to take my mind off things for a while. The kids started the horse show season with great success! Amanda and Rodney had a great two ...Read more
This weekend I was able to take my mind off things for a while. The kids started the horse show season with great success! Amanda and Rodney had a great two days placing in almost every event. Nick and Holly were amazing and did well too! I really did notice how quickly I got tired though...I usually do 10,000 steps a day but by 6,000 I was really feeling worn out.
And then here I sit...thinking and stewing - why? - it's going to ruin the whole summer. Such an emotional roller coaster! I know it will be ok...
Meredith Bray It is NOT going to ruin the whole summer! You'll be out at shows watching your kids by July 22!
Sharon Madden My surgery is in one week, June 2. I feel the same way about loss of summer. We live by the water a ... Read more
Sharon Madden My surgery is in one week, June 2. I feel the same way about loss of summer. We live by the water and all of my boating activities will be out of the question due to the bouncy nature of boating. But I know next summer will be awesome and I will be alive and thriving. So I am willing to let this one go.