Lori's Journal

Liz Burroughs  I'm so glad that you made it to the other side & that all is well. Yes, take your time recovering & feel better soon! I hope you can go home tomorrow!

Kelly Weisgarber  Good for you Lori. I can't wait till I'm on the other side of surgery like you. I pray you get stronger every day.

Shirley Turner  That's great news and comforting to know it was all over before you knew it. Let your healing begin. Hugs Shirley

Steven A Husted  i had the same feeling it was over before i knew it take your recovery slow and easy time is a healer

Meredith Bray  I had a HORRID muscle cramp around my sciatic nerve, I think it's called the piriformis. It was about 3 years before surgery, and I missed some work because of it. The worst went away with ibuprofen, and I learned some stretches as well. I received a gift card for a massage after surgery, and went at about 8 weeks post-op. The therapist really zeroed in on my outer cheek/hip area, and I haven't had ANY symptoms since then. I still get minor foot cramps when getting out of bed in the morning, but they are manageable with a few seconds of brisk walking. My experience has been fewer muscle cramps since surgery. Be aware that if you are on an anti-coagulant you should find something other than ibuprofen to use. I think tramedol is a good substitute. I also do a lot more stretching now, that I learned how to do in cardiac rehab. All you have to do is ask the therapists, most are more than happy to share information and teach you!
-Meredith

Lori Rees  Thanks Meredith. The worst is a cramp from my groin down to my inner knee. I can't even walk. I'll be on Coumadin for 6 weeks. I had broken ribs, so I've lived on Motrin. I've stopped for now. Thanks again.

Steven A Husted  my leg cramps came after surgery if i would streach to hard the calf of my leg would cramp and i would stop and try to rub my leg and it would subside but hurt for awhile maybe it has to do with circulation

Christine Oliva  Lori, best wishes for your surgery tomorrow. Sorry to hear about your cramps I also get them and they have increased to along with numbness in my toes. I'm about 8 days away from my big event. My cardiologist said it could be related to circulation. He also said it would be something they would look out for during my recovery. Again fingers and toes crossed for your surgery and recovery. May it all be quick and fruitful. God blessings to you tomorrow.

Lori Rees  Thanks Christine and Steven. I have numbness in my toes as well. My sugar has also been elevated, and my pancreas or spleen is enlarged. Not sure what that all is. Hoping its related to stress my body is under with a heart that doesn't function. Very afraid of the open heart and stopping my heart thing. It's been beating a really long time. I just hope it remembers how to beat when they restart it. I'll be glad when this is over.

Tammy Pilcher  Amen Lori! God will be with you every step of the way just like He was with me. Isaiah 41:13 "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee."

Alma Mater  I am praying for the Lord to give you peace and trust. May he guide your surgeon's hands, and may you have a safe surgery and easy revovery.

Meredith Bray  Sounds like you have things under control. I like the idea of a rebirth, a second chance. I now have two birthdays (more cake!) and have changed the direction of my life. Once I let God take my worries, the process was much easier. You got this!

Terrie Syvertsen  Lori-From what I have been reading it sounds as if you are taking the exact attitude you have to have while getting ready for the big day tomorrow and it is a big day! Meredith was one of the people who really boosted my thoughts of this second chance we are all given in putting the power of God as the navigator and letting me understand the true talents and knowledge all of the members of your "Team" possess to get you to the other side. But I don't remember the "Cake" entering into the progression of things but a grand Idea it is! I will be among all of the other's in the community saying prayers for your surgery tomorrow and that you ease into a steady and progressive recovery shortly thereafter. Go into this with confidence that at the end of the day tomorrow you will be working your way home! You are and have always been in the "Greatest of Hands"....

Mary K  Dear Lori, you can tell us that you are scared. Many of us would say that we were scared to death before surgery. And It made me crazy when people sat there and said "you'll be fine". How do they know that I'll be fine? Easy for them, they don't have to be connected to a heart lung machine. It sounds like you have a lot of stress all at once. Know that we are here for you. Most of us on this site have already made it through "just fine" albeit wirh some scars, and despite the complications that you know about. Keep in touch. Sending love and prayers, heart sister.

Clare Auten  I agree with Mary. This is a great place to share fears. We have all been there. Some have had bumpy recoveries while others sail through. Regardless, we are here for you and we "get" it.

Alma Mater  It can be infuriating when our concerns are belittled. Someone told me, when I expressed concern about the surgery, "there are risks walking out the front door." Yeah. He meant well, but it is a little invalidating.

But this board is great. Great information, and wonderful support from others who understand and aren't going to placate, or belittle.

Welcome!

Lilly Black  Clare and Mary, well said....and I also totally agree with you. Lori, I have had 2 open heart surgeries, 8 years apart. I was devastated but my husband was even more so. I spoke on the phone with 3 people several times who went through valve replacement surgery before I had the surgery, and also came on this site. It was so helpful! As for the people who tell you don't worry, it is difficult to know what to say to people when you know they will be going through such a complicated surgery. You are doing the best thing for yourself by opening up to us on this site. It will greatly help you. Let me know if you have any specific questions. I am doing very well! I just came back from a 30 minute brisk walk before I go to work. No more chest pain, lots of energy and I feel so much younger! :o) I wish you the best!

Gerald Schaffer  I had my aortic valve replaced 5 weeks ago. It's no where near as bad as I thought it would be. After the first 3-4 days I no longer needed pain meds and was walking laps around the hospital floor. Just follow the directions of your medical team and you'll be fine.

Steven A Husted  hi lori welcome to our community and family of heart brothers and sisters there is a lot of information and help and stories on this site it is what got me thru my ohs i wrote a post on fear a few days ago you can read it if you like also my story it may give you some comfort steven a husted (popeye) you have a very large family here praying for you your heart brother

  Hi Lori, it's natural to be afraid. I had my Aortic valve replaced 5 years ago with a tissue valve and it looks like I am heading for a 2nd replacement surgery. Like others have stated in 3 to 4 days you will start to feel much better. Hang in there

Eddie Patton  Hey be afraid, cry, throw things and don't feel guilty about it. The pros will say it's routine but to us it is damn not routine. Do what you need to be ready and don't let anyone tell you that you are over reacting. I told my anesthesiologist when he said it is no big deal to bring me a saw and a knife and lay on the table. Educate yourself. Most find peace as our date draws near. This is one time in your life you get to be selfish.

Meredith Bray  I felt like nobody understood - some brushed it off, some over-dramatized, and others just clammed up and avoided the topic. NOT HERE, we know what it's like to face the surgery. I was terrified, and I thought I was well informed. My worst fears....all the "what ifs" ... never happened. I rode a roller coaster at 10 weeks post op - best ride of my life. There's so much to look forward to after surgery, so many things to plan. Once I realized that I had an exciting future, I was able to face the surgery head on.
It'll be ok!
-Meredith

Doran Herritt  My two cents...this scares the poop out of all of us. Others without issues just don't understand. They mean well but they just don't get it. With that said. The issue has been caught. We won't live without the fix. I am moving forward. Surgery is the 21st. I'm gonna power through. I'm gonna wake up the next day. I'm gonna greet my 3 beautiful daughters the next day. I'm gonna celebrate Halloween thx giving and Xmas. I'm gonna see my kids drive, graduate college get married. I'm gonna meet my grand kids I'm gonna live!

Lori Rees  Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. I have one 12 hour night shift down, two to go, including tonight. Then my countdown begins. As scary as this is, I cannot wait for it to happen. I have all sorts of things I want to accomplish before Monday, so there won't be much time for worry. I've had this for many years, was diagnosed with MVP for many years. An episode of SVT sent me to a cardiologist. He gave me the diagnosis, but I had no idea this was eventually going to lead to surgery until last year. Now, just walking in from the parking garage, and I can't breathe. My heart squeezes and tightens. My heart skips a beat quite often. I know this was a congenital abnormality. I had an older brother who died at 6 weeks from a cardiac anomalie. My other brother had a murmur as an infant. I have shared with him his predisposition to aortic anyerism because of the family history. He is going to fill in his doctor, which I'm happy about! I work with moms and babies, so I'm reaching way back to nursing school to remember about heart stuff. I was excited to see the video of Marc Gillinov from the Cleveland Clinic with Adam. I knew and worked with his father who was an obstetrician. Everyone tells me my surgeon is "the man" for valve replacement. I'm in good hands! I know just enough to worry more than the average person, but I'm also good at finding answers. I think this site is a Godsend! Thank you all! ❤️

Terrie Syvertsen  Lori- Every wise person above who poured out their mended hearts(including me) know what you are experiencing right now and know each heartfelt exchange of support is some of the most honest support you will receive before you head in for your surgery. Some of the best people, your heart brothers and sisters are letting you know that you, too, can do this and like Doran stated" You must BELIEVE IT!" We are all with you in spirit and we have your Heart!

Jacqueline Cook  Lori. Welcome to our community. We are here for you and will walk with you throughout this process. Sending thoughts, prayers, and a big hug.

Tammy Pilcher  Welcome Lori, I too add my support to you like all of our heart family above. You are welcome to read my experiences in my journal and if I can help answer any questions, I will. God bless you!

Rita Savelis  I'm sorry that you have to go through this Lori. Put words on all that you are feeling. It helps. It's okay to be terrified. It's a terrible experience. And you'll get through it. You're strong.