Lee Anthony's Journal

It's good to be back.. .I am glad the community is vibrant than ever.. .at a year and a half.. .I can say I am with my old self again.. .a new normal as they say.. . My heart goes out to those who are about to have their surgery.. .This site has helped me a lot.. .I am sure you will all do well.. .Prayers are on your way.. . :)

Im almost 6 months post op from mitral valve replacement.. .have been on coumadin for 10 months since diagnosed.. .and still on propanolol.. .did any of you guys (with mech valves) had unexplained bruises appearing?.. .it's not painful though.. .ive read its side effects on coumadin users.. .will it disappear on its own?.. .what dis u guys do?.. .

Recovery is not as smooth as it is.. .these past few days, I am awaken by elevated heart rate and high blood pressure almost every 3am or 5 am. Taken to ER again for the 2nd time since going out from surgery. Bp reached 180/100, but easily got discharged as doctors told me that it is just part of my body adjusting to what has been done. Also, due to some medications, I am yawning excessively as I can feel that there is always a lump on my throat. In the afternoons, I feel really tired, I don't know if anybody is going through the same. Optimistic as I can be, other than that, everything is doing well. I get to see my son everyday, work is going well. Still glad that I am on the other side of OHS and Life is indeed wonderful. Recovering and Thankful.

Went to the ER last Saturday when my blood pressure suddenly went up (160/100) while I was about to take my lunch. Resident doctors said that it was stable angina and gave me Isosorbide mononitrate (imdur). I had second thoughts on the diagnosis (im not really sure why) so I inquired the nurse if they had informed my cardiologist on what happened and he said yes - but didn't. So, went to my cardiologist two days later and he said he wasn't informed and I shouldn't be taking imdur cause I am not a by-pass surgery patient and as these can only give me headaches. Whew! had taken the medicine for two nights. Fortunately, didn't have headaches/migraines. He said to take it easy on salt intake and take plenty of rest. Above it all, I am still glad that recovery is going well, amidst these bumps and finally, hit my inr mark of 2.88 (2.5-3.5 range). Another test will be next month. Crossing fingers! Prayers and Good thoughts to Maureen, Suzanne, Jean, Sam and Laura for their upcoming surgeries. Peace of mind to you guys. You can do it.

Time flies. With over two weeks at home, I'm glad to be with family again. Recovery at home is slow and steady. My hear rate during mornings is at 90's and about bedtime drops to 76. My cardiologist says as long as I take my Propanolol, I will be fine. Also, he says I can now eat "normal" so I'm really glad about it cause I have lost 10 kilos in this journey. Time to get back those muscles and fat. Incision is healing nicely with a little discomfort in some areas near the sternum also in my armpit and some numbness in my left hand. Doctor says its all part of the side effects after surgery and it will just go away. Tomorrow, follow up checks with surgeon and polmunologist. Crossing fingers for another set of good news. It has been a tremendous experience, a life-changing. I thanked a client yesterday for sticking with me even after surgery. I thanked him and his wife for the opportunity and in helping me be "normal" again focusing on work and in what I love to do. Everyday, I am just thankful. For those who are up and coming, Kelly, Natalie, Roberta, Michael, and Eric. My prayers and good thoughts are heading your way.

Finally!.. .going home.. .discharge papers are in.. .I'm still at the hospital but were packing our things.. .Yesterday was a battle. Pleural effusion on my right lung and they had to drain it out. The situation made it worse when the radiologist somehow marked my back wrongly. After two tries (thats two shots of anesthesia) I was about to pass out. Good thing my wife was there, and I just hold her hand and told her to keep talking to me so I won't faint. At the third try, the doctor was able to drain most of it, and were good -but not quite - I got Pneumothorax from the drain. Fortunately, after assessment from the doctors, they cleared me to go home but should be back by next week for another x ray. Now, on to the spirometer as this can help my lungs to expand and let my body absorb the air that got in. Above it all, I am thankful to be going home and positively looking with these bumps-on-the road to full recovery. Btw, my St. Jude mechanical valve is doing great, although i haven't heard any ticking yet. Can't wait to see my son. :-)

I made through. Mitral valve replaced. I'm out in ccu and in the room. Its been a great ride. Thankful for all the support from my family and friends and from you guys. Can't be thankful enough. Will be on the details more in the days. Good luck to those who are up and coming.. .you can definitely do it. Faith and trust your medical. Prayers and good thoughts always. :-)

I'm at the hospital. Already checked-in. Blood drawn for matching with donors. Now that I'm here at the room, I feel less anxious. Reading all your posts gave me the picture of what to expect and that feels less worry of the unknown. My surgery is yet on Tuesday, the 27th at 8am (3 days away). Prayers and good thoughts always. My prayers and wishes are with Serena, Helen and Patricia for their surgery today.

Having rheumatic heart disease and tuberculosis - (which was being treated for 2 months now) have taken its toll. I have lost so much weight. All skin and bones. Good thing my lung doctor gave me the "go-signal" for this surgery and declared "low risk". My last x-ray showed the "patch" in my lung getting smaller. It was a little relief after-all what's been happening. When I got my haircut yesterday, I can't help but feel down, but I reassured myself that I have a son and a wife to get me back up and get pass through this next week. Prayers and good thoughts always. A lot of people are going through surgery this week. My prayers and best wishes are on your way.. .

Its finally set. I have already the admission papers from my surgeon. We will check-in at the hospital on the 24Th. With all that's been done, I can't thank my wife enough for being there for me. Every step of the way. And more so, when recovery starts. Time feels so slow now that it is already in the calendar. Maybe I'm' just anxious to get this done and focus on healing and recovery. This community has helped me a lot. You guys have helped me lessen my fears with your precious stories. With families and friends, we can always be strong. Prayers and good thoughts always.. .

Just came from my cardiologist today and its a good thing my wife wrote the questions down before going in the clinic. She does this all the time when taking the groceries and is somehow effective in asking the doctor as suppose to staring blank at a wall and thinking what else to ask, coz that happened to us with the other doctors we get to see. The doctor glanced at our list and smiled that its just a short list. Btw, Charles, Elizabeth and Lori are having their surgeries soon. Sending Prayers to them and best wishes.. .

Hi, Im Lee. So glad to have found this site. This community is great. For the past few weeks, I was hooked in reading your stories esp the post op. Finally, my wife convinced me to join in. I am going to have my mitral valve replaced sometime at the end of October. Although this is not my first surgery, I had an appendectomy 6 yrs. ago, Its really comforting to have first hand info from all of you. Wishing everyone here with all the best. Keep Posting!.. .