Liz's Journal

Adam Pick  Whoa! Thanks for sharing Liz! Very powerful! Love hearing about your return to a normal life and your appreciation for each new moment that awaits you! Stay healthy & whole! Adam

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much Adam!! I want to thank you for this wonderful website & everything that you've done to help heart valve surgery patients & their families. BTW...we have a connection to the University of Michigan...I went to grad school there! Take care & God bless...you're an inspiration to all of us!

Lilly Black  Liz, congratulations on your 1 yr anniversary. Huge accomplishment! I do hope that your heart irregularities work themselves out. Do keep us posted. Being grateful is such a wonderful experience! I'm happy for you.....I feel the same. Good luck!

Phyllis Petersen  Sorry to hear you're still having issues. I hope they resolve soon and you can complete your recovery.

Steven A Husted  i send you my best wishes and prayers for a smooth recovery in the future i pray the lord will help you thru this journey and give you peace and comfort

Peggy Whitecotton  Congratulations on your 1 year post op prayers on your recovery I'm little over 14 months feeling great occasionally, I may get a little winded when I really over do it like walking fast up a steep hill. Then I remember hey, I really did have heart surgery and I realize that I am still recovering. The reason I know that is every month that goes by I feel ever better.

Sophia Ridley  Well done! I finished my 1-2-1 rehab sessions last Thursday, I'm going to miss the routine. Got to find a way to ensure I keep it up, bit nervous of just having PT at local gym - any advice?

Wanda Mroz  If your rehab place offers cardiac prevent to keep going I'd do it. Mine offered a program at a small cost to me to continue in the program and I love it.

Liz Burroughs  My fitness center is associated with the hospital. They offer a nine week program for cardiac rehab transition called The Healthy Transitions Program. I had an initial assessment & I meet with the personal trainer once a week. I like the program but I don't see any difference between this program & a regular personal training program.

Whitney Nelson  I'm so sorry, Liz! I work for hospice and know that even though it may be expected it doesn't change the fact that it's your father. I always tell my family's to remember the wonderful 94 years he was here and not those last few weeks on hospice care. Big hugs for you and your family😘

MaryAnne Jardis  Hi Liz
We had surgery the same day last October .....I am so sad to hear about your dad. My dad passed in February 2012 and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. Just remember even though we are sad to see our dads pass, there is someone waiting for him above that is so happy he made it "home". He is with his loved ones now and I believe someday you will be reunited. God bless and be strong!

Jean Raber  I'm so sorry, Liz. My dad died on home hospice, too. It was very peaceful and my mother and I were there at the end. It helped that I was there during his last week. And Whitney, thank you so much for your work with hospice. You will just never know how much you mean to us families.

Enrique K  Dear Liz, may your Dad Rest in Peace! Very sorry for your loss. My mom passed away January 18 last year she was 62. I miss her so much each and every day. God Bless his soul!

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much everyone!! Your words are all very comforting & mean the world to me. I'm sorry for the loss of your loved ones. I'm going to remember the good life my dad had & all the good times we shared. I'm also grateful for the hospice care that my dad received. I'm going to live each day to the fullest & not waste time complaining or feeling sorry for myself. Life is too short! Thank you again my heart friends! Much love, Liz

Cheryl Shute Walter  Liz, I'm very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He and your Mom sounded like they were wonderful people and passed on their love to you.

W. Carter  WOW!!! So you should be fully recovered at 8 weeks. I'm glad in a way that I live by myself, therefore no criticism about certain things. It took me 6 mo. to feel good, 9 mo. to be almost 100%. And yes it is normal to get out of breath walking a flight of stairs at 8 weeks. It will improve in due time, just use ear plugs until it does. :-)

  Regarding the second remark, similar to above, I was told by my cardiologist that I won't feel 100% until at least 6 months post surgery (if I get to 100%). I am sorry that you have been told this. I felt this way before surgery when people made assumptions about me being "lazy" since I gained weight. I realize now how tired I actually was. Do the best that you can do and don't listen to what others say, especially when they haven't walked in your shoes. Best wishes to you.

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much W. Carter & Laura! I'm going to continue with my cardiac rehab and my recovery. I won't listen to any negative remarks by others. They will only pull me down & impede my progress. I'm so grateful to have my heart friends!!

Elaine Cutri  The second question is way off base. A year or more is more like it for a complete recovery. I know it's hard for an observer, but you have been through quite an ordeal, before, during and after surgery. Your sternum is still healing, let alone the soft tissue.
The first question, I have mostly good days, but every now and then I get winded when I don't expect it to happen. I'm not sure what's going on. I have a pacemaker and I'm seeing my cardiologist on Tuesday to tweak it a little. Best wishes!

Wanda Mroz  Yes you will feel short of breath after 8 weeks. When I walk the stairs at work, there are 24 steps to the 2nd floor and I'm short of breath after 4 months. If you recover rather quickly you're doing good. No one at work has said that to me yet, but I keep mentioning I'm not 100% until at least 6 months. people that haven't been through this don't understand... So just ignore it and focus on you and getting stronger.

Christine Pittelli  Liz,

I have heard over and over - one to three years for patients to feel really like themselves again. From patients and cardiologists. This site is invaluable in that we have lived through it, they have not.
I have learned that there are some who do not take the time to understand or gain the wisdom needed to fully understand our situation. Why that is, I am not sure. Ignorance is bliss?
That is a difficult statement to hear, one suggestion is that you ask that person to go on heart valve and read and learn what you are going through before such a statement is made.
YOU ARE DOING GREAT. That is what that person should be saying to you. That is what you need to hear, and you will hear it from us, so keep coming back. :)

Lewis Garlisi  Agree with the comments above. Recovery generally starts out pretty fast, but at 8 weeks your far from completely healed. Just keep pacing yourself. In some very small ways, I think I'm still healing at almost 1 year.

Liz Burroughs  Thanks, everyone, for your comments, concern, & encouragement. I feel better already! The people who really understand & care are on this website. Thank you so much!!

Terrie Syvertsen  Liz- I am seeing that many good answers are coming your way to your questions. I am post-op one year and 4 months and still feel I am healing. I consider this to be the norm for me and many others in that it is MY body healing. My body has encountered a very special opportunity to continue on in this life journey and my opinion is this has been and will continue to be my special adventure and realize that only fellow survivors of this type of surgery can fully understand the experience. I also have found I have no intention of listening to those who have heard enough of my heart story as in the healing process you never know from day to day in these precious months of healing just how your body is going to respond to certain things that were commonplace daily events in our lives prior to surgery. I find that people who aren't interested in the conversation heading in any way towards my surgery are just a bit jealous of all of the great questions and comments others(especially at the gym) have about the surgery itself, and how some know people who are about to have similar surgeries and want to help someone with support and information.
Most people are intelligent enough to realize we have been given a second chance at life and that we have had to work hard for our successes which sometimes garners attention and admiration from others as they witness us begin our exercise regimens and let our bodies build our strengths to continue on. We are getting attention and they are not. They should be supportive and let this natural course of events take place and you should be proud of each and every effort you make to get back to what will become the norm for you no matter how long it takes. Aren't our individual bodies just damn awesome!!!!!! One thing I will also mention is that an old friend of mine who heard of my surgery talked at length about it not long after I returned home from the hospital and since has not phoned much as she just knows that the sound of having a serious surgery made her panicky and fearful as she learned the truths about what it entailed. So for some, maybe it is also that fear of the unknown that we have had to stand up and face.....make peace with....to move on with our lives and we are all stronger and better for it for the most part.
Keep on healing Lady and I wish the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years to you and those you love and that your healing days long as last as they are meant to!!!!!

Mary K  People say ignorant things for all kinds of reasons. What made this person the expert on valve surgery recovery? I agree with the others here. Recuperation takes time, and do your best to ignore the ignorant comments.

Tim Goff  liz, I'm 9 months out now from MV repair and on the whole feel great. Walking up steep hills and stairs were a challenge out of the gate and continue to be. The cardiologist says it doesn't make sense as I should be fine. All other activities, swimming, rowing machine and bike are no problem, but stairs still get me winded. don't worry- keep working towards good health

Sophia Ridley  I think that it's easy for others, especially if they haven't been through surgery, let alone heart surgery to a) make assumptions that we all have the same symptoms, recover at the same rate and have the same physiology and b) assume that we're all healed as we look well (your pulse can be dancing, and you feel like you're going to faint, which was my case when told today "you look fantastic"!).

I'm sure too a lot has to do with visibility.., If you had your foot in a plaster cast or the scar was very visible then they could see how "ill" you are... And too, it's a sign of frustration that our love ones want us well and are powerless to make this happen.

My husband is attending all appointments which is making him appreciate what I'm going through. I try to do all I can, but then I need to rest. He's doing all the day to day stuff and working so I need to cut him some slack as it's stuff I can't do.

I'm also conscious that my recovery will be longer than some people's attention spans and so actively trying to ensure I divert the chat away once I've updated them and ask more about the other person.

Liz Burroughs  Thank you to all my heart family!! You all help me so much & I don't know what I'd do without you!! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, & may we all have a very Happy (and Healthy) New Year!!!

Steven A Husted  I THINK YOU SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM NEGATIVITY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND BEING OUT OF BREATH AFTER SURGERY I THINK IS NORMAL BUT MY BEING OUT OF BREATH I THINK IS MORE DUE TO MY WEIGHT PROBLEM THAN HEART PROBLEM I THINK TIME IS A HEALER AND IT MAY TAKE TIME TO FEEL BETTER BUT WEIGHT AND AGE ARE A FACTOR IN BEING OUT OF BREATH ESPECIALLY ON STAIRS MAY YOU HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Cheryl Shute Walter  Wow, I'm sorry you have had negative comments about your surgery. People can be so insensitive, and until they have been in your shoes, they will not understand. As far as your heavy breathing goes, it is much harder to climb upstairs than it is to go down or walk on a level surface. Don't be frustrated. We each have our own pace, and as long as you keep trying, you will get better!

Elaine Cutri  Wow, it sounds like you're doing very well. Just remember to allow yourself to have days with lots of energy and days with low energy for the next couple of months. I'm 6 months out and there are still a day or two when a nap is calling :-)

Gregg Nissly  Liz, congrats on getting through the first work week. I know I'm going to find it hard as well. I have a side business that I've already been doing a little bit for, but not much. Even though the benefits are more direct to me I still don't have a lot of desire to do even that work.
Anyway, enjoy your short week and your son's graduation.

Liz Burroughs  Thanks so much, Elaine & Gregg! I'm off of work now until December 28. I'm really looking forward to the break! My week & a half of work really wore me out!

  Good luck to you tomorrow going back to work. Hope you are able to gradually return and build up strength for full days. I imagine your feelings are quite normal, but I hope you find that returning to work is better than expected!

Liz Burroughs  Thanks so much, Laura! My first day back was long but I made it through. I'm hoping that each day will be better than the day before. Take care. Liz

Doran Herritt  Congratulations. Take care. Drn

Ps I always tell people to write down questions before going to the doctor.

Liz Burroughs  Thanks, Doran & Steven! It seems like even when I write down my questions I still don't ask them. Oh well, live & learn!

Frances Halley  Thanks for your kind word of support. I have an appointment with the surgeon on Wednesday 12/9, but I hop it isn't a long wait after that to get a surgery date.

Gary Stripling  Thanks for sharing your journey, Liz. I'm 3-months post OHS for MV repair. Rehab has been a life-saver for me and really helped me mentally get "back in the game" of life, so to speak. I had a home healthcare nurse visit weekly for the first month after surgery as well as home physical therapy (I'm 100% pacemaker dependent, so I've had a few complications). But I look back now and my wife and I marvel "wow, I had open heart surgery" 3 months ago! Enjoy the journey!

Wanda Mroz  Sounds like you are doing great! I had MV OHS repair surgery in August and it took me weeks to get into a rehab class they are so busy. You are going to work pretty quickly! I haven't bee back yet... I go back Dec 1. I know how you feel. I don't want to go back either. Have gotten use to doing what I want when I want to. It'll be hard to get through rehab and work but we'll both get through it! Hang in there.

Liz Burroughs  Thank you Gary & Wanda for your words of encouragement!! We've all been through quite a journey & have come a long way! I'll think about you, Wanda, when you go back to work. Yes, we'll get through it & everything will be okay!

Tammy Pilcher  So happy for your great recovery, Liz! Prayers and best wishes for your continued healing. God bless you, heart sister!

Terrie Syvertsen  Hello Liz- Think you will agree that the Journey is worth it and hope you continue to heal both mentally as well as physically as both are important to a return to normalcy and our lives slipping into a confident return to our activities. You sound great and I wish you luck as you return to work. Hope that finding your quiet times continues as does your mending!

Elaine Cutri  So glad to hear your progress. Hopefully there is a friend or two that might want to take you out for a light lunch or movie over the next few weeks.

Enrique K  Hello Liz, there is no place like home! Hope you feel better in the coming weeks. Trust me it does get much better. Hope you have a quick recovery. Stay busy I watched Homeland from the beginning in my spare time. The most important health wise is to walk, walk and walk even if you feel tired. This worked for me through the whole process.

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much Enrique, Kimberly, Tammy, & Cheryl for your well wishes!! I'm encouraged to continue with my recovery & to keep walking!

MaryAnne Jardis  Hi Liz
So happy you are doing so well. I am like you three weeks past surgery and everyday gets better. I walk three times a day and my appetite has returned and had a few problems with heart rate and bp, but forging ahead. So glad I can look back now:)
Have a wonderful holiday ahead!

Steven A Husted  yes it will get better each day take your time do not rush anything time is a healer prayers for your recovery

Elaine Cutri  This is a challenging time. Post surgery, but still fragile. Please be patient with yourself. As Steve says, it gets better from here. There may be ups and downs, but it does get better. Best wishes and continued prayers.

susan kotansky  This doesn't sound much different from my first week at home.....even to the tempers flaring. In the hospital everyone caters to your every need and understands how challenging it is...then you go home and you're helpless and no one really understands how uncomfortable it is. My husband basically gave me a shower for the first week and a half. I cried through it each time, feeling so helpless. So now it's almost six weeks and although I've got a long way to go, there are parts of everyday where I forget I've had surgery. It does get better and better and you'll look back at those first few days and realize just how much better it's gotten. I'm very happy to hear that you didn't have any serious complications and got to go back home. Go easy on yourself....this is hard work! Best of recoveries to you!!!

Kimberly Biddick  I am glad to hear it was nothing serious! Hoping and praying each day you make a little bit more progress than the last! :)

Enrique K  Dear Liz, I'm glad things are stable now. Be patient with your body and believe that each week you will make progress. It usually takes 2-3 months to start feeling back to normal again. Time is of the essence. Walk, Walk and walk even if you feel tired that is the best exercise for your body. Take Care!

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much, heart friends!! You're all so supportive & encouraging!! I always feel a lot better after reading all of your comments! God bless you!

Jean Knappik  Liz, that is awesome, so happy for you...live life to the fullest...it really makes you appreciate all the little things. I hope your recovery is smooth!

Elaine Cutri  Boy, you want an uninterrupted night's sleep? Congratulations on your discharge. Best wishes for a continuing successful recovery!

Enrique K  Liz, great to hear that you are getting discharged and the operation was a success! Wish you a fast and quick recovery!

Gary Stripling  Great to hear how well you're doing, Liz! Be patient with yourself during your recovery and you'll be fine. Congrats!

Ruth Valenzuela  I will be praying for you. I had my surgery 4 weeks ago and I'm doing good. I feel better every day. You will do good too. May God give you His peace as you begin this journey.

Michael Bowes  Liz, let not your heart be troubled (is that a pun?). You are going to do just fine. Anytime that you get a negative thought or a frightened thought, push it out on your mind and think of the positives. In a few weeks you are going to be looking back at this surgery, so happy that it is over and so grateful for feeling much better. You have many more things to do in this world, your mission is not not complete, keep up your spirits and know that everything is going to work out. Have a good surgery and get plenty of rest.

Kelly Weisgarber  Good luck Liz, sending prayers your way. I'll be facing my surgery nov 16th and you'll be feeling better by then :)

susan kotansky  By now you're probably almost done with your surgery. I wish you the very smoothest and rapid recovery. Looking forward to seeing your first post.

Betsey Osgood  Trust in those wonderful people that will be taking care of you for the next few days! The waiting and worrying about the surgery is over. You are on the healing side of your journey now!!! Prayers for a fast and smooth recovery...

Steven A Husted  dear lord i ask again for you to watch over liz and give her your healing touch for a smooth surgery and recovery thank you jesus amen

Whitney Nelson  Good luck on your travels and with surgery! I look forward to hearing from you when your on the other side of it! I will be praying and sending good thoughts your way!

Sophia Ridley  All the very best Liz. I have pre-op assessment on Monday which is making my surgery seem very close, I have you in my thoughts. We are here every step of the way with you.

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much Whitney, Jean, & Sophia! Tomorrow is the big day! I'm here in Charlottesville now so this is really going to happen. The 26th seemed so far away but now it's almost here. It's so nice to have my heart friends praying for me!

Debbie Bentley   Good luck and praying for you . I have a Arotic Valve Replacement in my very near future . Thinking of you :)

Steven A Husted  dear heavenly father watch over liz and take very good care of her and see her thru this surgery and recovery give her your healing touch in jesus name we pray amen

Christine Oliva  God Blessings to you today Liz. I got my toes and fingers crossed to for you today and your recovery. Hugs from a two week aortic valve tissue recipient. It does get better. Yes, it does.

W. Carter  You won't be alone. Your qualified Surgeon will be looking out for your best interest all day Monday. With your Surgeon's great knowledge and God's help everything will be fine! You will be back on here in no time wishing new heart patients good luck on their surgeries.

Mindy Currence  Even though I am still a little over a month away from surgery, I have the same feelings. Preparing every day with the thought in the back of my mind that I want things in order "just in case." Some may think this is silly, but I think it is brave. You are obviously very strong, as we all are, and I want you to know I will be praying for you this weekend. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.

Lori Rees  Good Luck Liz. I'm now almost 3 weeks postop. Not going to lie, it's a rough surgery. Women are tough though. Hard to not think of everything that could go wrong. Fear of the unknown, I guess. Have faith in your surgeon, and in God. That's what I did. Came out on the other side in better shape than before, and with the chance of a better life. You will too. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️

MaryAnne Jardis  Hi Liz
I feel the same was as you mentioned in your post. We will get through this. And back to work and feeling normal down the road. Things to always look forward to...all the best!

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much Mindy, Lori, Elaine, & MaryAnne! It's so good to have all of you thinking & praying for me. I'm truly blessed!!

Meredith Bray  Oh my gosh, you're SO close, it's really kind of exciting, isn't it? My surgery day was pivotal for me. And now i get birthday cake TWICE a year! :) Not everyone gets a chance to get healthier like we've been given.
-Meredith

Kimberly Biddick  I completely understand your feelings. I feel like I have been blocking it out a lot and making myself busy with the kids' activities and all the preparing for surgery around the house that has to be done. Some time to your self to think and reflect sounds very good for the soul. I think it is important to be prepared mentally, physically and emotionally and it sounds like you are doing an excellent job at all three.

Betsey Osgood  Waiting for the surgery was very hard for me. My surgeon went on a three week vacation right after I choose him! About 4 days before surgery, I had a calmness and peace come over me. I wasn't worried or scared or dwelling on all the "what if's". I recognized it as acceptance. I know you will find it too! It's key to this journey!

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much, Kimberly & Betsey, for your kind words/advice. Yes, I think that acceptance is the key!

Michael Bowes  I know that feeling myself Liz. Each time before I had to undergo another surgery, I would always psyche myself up before the big day and then when it finally arrived, I found that coming to terms with it, what the risks were, and connecting with my family, always helped me get into the right frame of mind.

When is your surgery and where is it going to take place? Is this your first OP?

Claire M Miller  My thoughts are with you I honestly feel the same. I found that if I just try my best to keep calming thoughts it would sometimes help. Iam waiting myself my surgery is on October 29th and I to get a little off track with the thinking game. My prayers are with you!

Terry Shermeister   So I read your story and can tell you that you have made the right choice to have the surgery. I had my MVR on May 14, and am glad I did. I had no symptoms, and actually biked and swam the days immediately before the operation. I'm now five months post op and am actually doing better now than before the surgery. Healing thoughts and prayers along with a fast and uneventful recovery.

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much Michael, Claire, & Terry! I just read your comments and they're so helpful & encouraging. I feel so much better about having my surgery (even though I'm still scared). I know it's the right thing to do. Best wishes to all of you! Liz

Kimberly Biddick  Doesn't it make it so much easier knowing we are not alone? Even with good friends and family surrounding us, it's hard to not feel isolated with what we are facing... this site helps so much with that! Best of luck to you in the upcoming weeks and months!

Liz Burroughs  Thanks Kimberly! We are all truly blessed to have each other...friends who understand what we're going through.

Patrick Kennedy  Liz, I'm not far from you, in Richmond Va. I had my mitral valve repaired back in May and I'm feeling great. Recovery was much smoother than I excepted! This pages is a great resource. Keep your head up and stay positive. Do what your told and after surgery ... walk... A lot!

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much, Patrick, for the encouragement & advice! Where did you have your surgery? I'm glad that your recovery was smoother than expected & that you're feeling great. I'll definitely follow your advice!

Patrick Kennedy  Mine was done at VCU Medical Center. Cardiologist: Dr. Gertz, surgeon: Dr. Kaserajan. (Spelling may be off on the surgeon.) my experience there has been top notch.

Terry Shermeister   Hi Liz: Last March I went through all the tests and got the advice that you did. I had no symptoms, biked, swam, and lived a very active life. I had all the doubts that you did. May 14th I went in for Mitral Valve repair. Two days before, I went for a fast 3/4 mile swim, and the day before a 15 mile bike. I murmur was very pronounced. No symptoms. All my research was that it's better to have this surgery rather than wait for symptoms. I'm five months out, biking, swimming, walking, lifting, and doing yoga. Trust your surgeon. I know how stressed I was, it is only natural. I'm glad I'm done with it, but also glad I had this procedure before symptoms occurred.

Gerald Schaffer  It sounds like your medical team is really good. Having confidence in them will help you relax going into the surgery. Best of luck to you.

Liz Burroughs  Thanks so much everyone for all your words of wisdom & encouragement! I'm trying not to think too much about the actual surgery but I know now that I'm making the right decision.

Tim Goff  Best wishes Liz for peace and calm going into your surgery. With a great medical team, prayers and positive energy you will do fine.

Liz Burroughs  Thank you so much, everyone, for all your prayers & best wishes. I will have all of you with me in spirit as I go into surgery.