Mabel Juric - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2086 days ago

Joey Hardee, Naomi Gray, Tim Saint and 7 others reacted to this

Hello everyone!! The 9th marks 6 months since my mitral valve repair. What a journey, tears, joy, fear, sadness, frustration, but finally, physical repair ...Read more

Hello everyone!! The 9th marks 6 months since my mitral valve repair. What a journey, tears, joy, fear, sadness, frustration, but finally, physical repair and spiritual strength. Wishing all of you warriors continued success and healing and may we have our best life!!

Kevin Bradley Mabel, thank you for the post. This gives me hope that everything will get better. I’m 5 weeks post ... Read more

Kevin Bradley Mabel, thank you for the post. This gives me hope that everything will get better. I’m 5 weeks post-op and although I know it’s still somewhat fresh I want to feel better and be more independent. It’s drives me crazy not being able to jump in my car and go grab a beer with some friends or go for a nice drive along the beach. I know I will get there but there are days where it’s hard to see that vision. I keep my head up and keep moving in hopes that soon I will be back to almost normal if not better than normal. Please keep posting so we can see the light! :) Thank you and I wish you continued success in your journey.

Susan Lynn Congratulations on your 6-month Anniversary, Mabel! It is quite the roller coaster, but it very reaf ... Read more

Susan Lynn Congratulations on your 6-month Anniversary, Mabel! It is quite the roller coaster, but it very reaffirming that you were strong enough to get through it! Wishing you all good things ahead!

Mabel Juric Kevin: It does get better before you know it, you will be with friends, doing all the things you did ... Read more

Mabel Juric Kevin: It does get better before you know it, you will be with friends, doing all the things you did before.

Mabel Juricposted an update

2110 days ago

Jennifer John reacted to this

Happy Friday everyone!! Just hit my 5 month mark from my mitral valve repair!!!! I can finally sleep on my left side with no discomfort and best of all, playing ...Read more

Happy Friday everyone!! Just hit my 5 month mark from my mitral valve repair!!!! I can finally sleep on my left side with no discomfort and best of all, playing golf again. Not as much as I would like, still get tender at the sternum, but making progress. One of my main issues after surgery was really painful spasms, sometimes on my shoulders, lower rib area or just on one side. Glad to say those have stop about a month ago. Hope everyone has a great weekend and moving forward to our great recoveries!!!!

Mike Roskowinski Awesome! Congrats on 5 months. Truly a blessing

Claire Kreger-Boaz Mabel! I am excited to read your post. Not the same surgery, but I am having the painful shoulder spa ... Read more

Claire Kreger-Boaz Mabel! I am excited to read your post. Not the same surgery, but I am having the painful shoulder spasms and other areas! How long did they take to go away? If you're playing golf (go girl!) I assume they've dissipated?

Mabel Juric Hello! they finally stopped for me at about 4 months. Awful pain, putting me in the ER twice. The ... Read more

Mabel Juric Hello! they finally stopped for me at about 4 months. Awful pain, putting me in the ER twice. The only thing that worked was toridal via IV. I just tried not to do much lifting arms exercises and that seemed to ease them. I hope you are getting better

Mabel Juricposted an update

2149 days ago

Debbie Kelly, Susan Lynn, Valerie Herndon-Vitarella and 3 others reacted to this

Hello everyone!! Cold is getting better. almost done with rehab and finally drum roll please...…………………………………. I can finally sleep ...Read more

Hello everyone!! Cold is getting better. almost done with rehab and finally drum roll please...…………………………………. I can finally sleep on my side... and all night!!!!!!!!!! Man did I miss that!!!!!!!! Also played a full round of golf. NO STERNUM discomfort or pain after. Time does heal all.

Susan Lynn More milestones achieved, Mabel! Congrats!

Rob Sparling Time and a battle of inches! Great news!

Louanna Miller Awesome!!! Sleeping on your side is a huge step. Took me a good while.

Mabel Juricposted an update

2155 days ago

Ok, panicked, got over it and just realized I will get sick even after open heart surgery!!! First cold, cough and sneezing since my operation. I hadn't been ...Read more

Ok, panicked, got over it and just realized I will get sick even after open heart surgery!!! First cold, cough and sneezing since my operation. I hadn't been sick in over a year so this one caught me off guard. Going back to work, being around staff, etc.. got a cold. Boy does coughing my sternum to get sore again!!!!!!! As much as you want to not sneeze or cough, just can't be stopped. My daughter is also sick so taking care of her as well. Dr. said all is well and it will take its course. UHG will I ever get over the stress!!!!!!!!

Dan Vechiola Its easier said than done but KNOW that you are more healthy now than ever. Hang in there and BELIEVE ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Its easier said than done but KNOW that you are more healthy now than ever. Hang in there and BELIEVE!

Lisa Guinan I had a cold shortly after surgery. Sneezing was the worst but I survived. Definitely not the ideal ... Read more

Lisa Guinan I had a cold shortly after surgery. Sneezing was the worst but I survived. Definitely not the ideal situation.

Mabel Juric Thank you!

Mabel Juricposted a journal

2163 days ago

Donghua Cai, Kaaren Carone, Joey Hardee and 5 others reacted to this

Next step for me is attempting to swing my clubs, been Nov last year since I have played on a course. I went out Sunday, thinking just chip , light pitch and ...Read more

Next step for me is attempting to swing my clubs, been Nov last year since I have played on a course. I went out Sunday, thinking just chip , light pitch and putt. Warm up was good, light stretching, warming up. Well I am so happy to report that I was able to hit my 5 hybrid , almost full swing just like before. This put in in such a positive energy location I hadn't felt in a long time. I needed to get out there and prove to myself that I could put my mind to this and conquer my fears. This morning no pain in the sternum. Going to rehab and celebrating with my fellow golfers there who have been so encouraging. It seems like recovery is conquering small goals to finally reach the big one, satisfaction with my new self.. new health.. and I am ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

John Isham Excellent News! Keep moving forward and conquer those negative fears!

Susan Lynn Pure inspiration!! Thanks for sharing this story, Mabel, and continued success with your recovery!

Jeff W I loved this post! Congratulations, and thanks for the inspiration 😊

Dan Vechiola Congratulations Mabel! That must have felt great. I want to return to golf this spring but I am havin ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Congratulations Mabel! That must have felt great. I want to return to golf this spring but I am having left shoulder soreess during full extension. Its common after cardiac surgery so I am trying anti inflammatories.

Mabel Juric Hello, Dan! I felt so thrilled that I was able to not have pain in the sternum. That was my bigges ... Read more

Mabel Juric Hello, Dan! I felt so thrilled that I was able to not have pain in the sternum. That was my biggest fear of all. I had played 3 times a week prior to the surgery last November and I was just so scared I would LOSE MY SWING!!!!!!! lol LIKE IT WOULD JUST DISAPPEAR. You know what I mean when you haven't played in a while after an injury. I stretched during pitching and chipping and brought my 5 hybrid just in case I felt gusty to try LOL So glad I did. I took two Tylenol that morning and I am sure that helped with any soreness later. I hope to be crushing my driver by June... and playing with my buddies again. Stay strong and do what feels right. Continued success in your recovery :)

Mike Henning Go for it! My surgery was April 6, 2017. Played my first round of golf June 2, 2017. In addition m ... Read more

Mike Henning Go for it! My surgery was April 6, 2017. Played my first round of golf June 2, 2017. In addition my handicap is down from what was about a 14. Right now with course conditions hovering around a 9 but last summer/fall I was down to about a 7. Shot a 73 +2 at Thistle in South Carolina. Just go girl! Wishing you all the best!

Richard Tilton Good News as to your recovery. To be able to do what you did before is great news .My self good r ... Read more

Richard Tilton Good News as to your recovery. To be able to do what you did before is great news .My self good results TAVR aorta valve replacement sept 2018

Jennifer John Congrats, Mabel! I’m going to get back on the links this spring.👍🏻😎

Mabel Juricposted an update

2167 days ago

Susan Lynn, Tom McDonald, Rob Sparling and 4 others reacted to this

HAPPY HEART DAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!

Susan Lynn ❤

Debbie Kelly Thank you, and the same to you!

Mabel Juricposted an update

2170 days ago

Hello everyone and happy Monday! This past weekend was a rough one for me, going on 14 weeks and honesty had a really bad weekend. Not a big fan of pity parties ...Read more

Hello everyone and happy Monday! This past weekend was a rough one for me, going on 14 weeks and honesty had a really bad weekend. Not a big fan of pity parties for myself, I found myself feeling really sad and frustrated. Sternum discomfort can really get me down and make me feel like will this ever be over. I know I can't rush my recovery, but I dont' know if anyone else feels like this. Does anyone else ever felt like OHS interrupted their life??? I love my progress and feel so grateful to be breathing again with no shortness of breath. I had such a bad weekend, pain started again in the sternum, xray confirmed NO issue with wires, etc... Its just very sensitive at the incision point on top of my chest. I had practiced golf last week, just 20 balls, felt great, didn't over do anything. I didn't attempt to hit balls again for fear of exacerbating this condition . Again, putting my life on hold.. Cardiac rehab is amazing, I even went back to lesser weight on the upper body exercises as to not stain my sternum area. I am not a whiner, just ready for this to be over. LOL UGH... Thanks for letting me vent...

Shannon Gray Thinking of you! I get it... I totally do. The hardest part is knowing we can’t go back to the way ... Read more

Shannon Gray Thinking of you! I get it... I totally do. The hardest part is knowing we can’t go back to the way things were, but how are we supposed to continue on? Sometimes through cardiac rehab a counselor is on site to talk with. I met with one a few times and it was really helpful.

Paulette Azon It is discouraging to hear this after 14 weeks. It has been 8 weeks since I had mitral valve and tri ... Read more

Paulette Azon It is discouraging to hear this after 14 weeks. It has been 8 weeks since I had mitral valve and tricuspid valve repair and still have shortness of breath. I am concerned by this and wondering how long before breathing becomes easier.

Sara Moyce I’m 11 weeks out post full sternotomy, and yes the top of the incision still extremely sore - soft ... Read more

Sara Moyce I’m 11 weeks out post full sternotomy, and yes the top of the incision still extremely sore - soft clothes still are uncomfortable. I take it one day at a time and try to focus on the New Heart!! I too have good days, and then not so good. I am sending you healing thoughts!!

Mabel Juric Thank you for all your responses!!!!

Mabel Juricposted an update

2177 days ago

12 weeks and feeling so much stronger!!! I finally let go of the fear in rehab, the nurses and others there are so supportive and truly care about how everyone ...Read more

12 weeks and feeling so much stronger!!! I finally let go of the fear in rehab, the nurses and others there are so supportive and truly care about how everyone is doing. No having a lot of discomfort, only feel incision tenderness when I push or pull things. Today I hit the golf course and pitched and putted, I felt so thrilled to be able to be out and not out of breath like before. I didn't think I could be hitting balls this soon but it felt amazing. To the fellow golfers on this site, give it time and you will be out there again!!

Mabel Juricposted an update

2188 days ago

Hello everyone: I am almost 11 weeks post op and really enjoying cardiac rehab. Each week I am getting stronger and flexible in the upper body. My question ...Read more

Hello everyone: I am almost 11 weeks post op and really enjoying cardiac rehab. Each week I am getting stronger and flexible in the upper body. My question is this. Did anyone experience pectoral discomfort on and off during rehab? I ice when I get home and it helps. I had a mitral valve repair with Dr. Adams in New York and its has been a long journey to feel better physically and mentally. My group at the rehab center are all so supportive but have been years since they had there open heart surgeries. Any comments are truly welcomed. When does the sternum feel NORMAL??? I am doing the arm thingy that you crank, free weights up to 3 pounds now, and the Nu step with the arms.

Thomas Brusstar I did have some kind of sharp pains in my pectoral muscles, not near the sternal incision. Slightly ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar I did have some kind of sharp pains in my pectoral muscles, not near the sternal incision. Slightly mysterious, because I didn't know why pain would arise there. It went away eventually, like 3-4 months post. I guess just the stress in the muscles getting used to load bearing again, and then maybe miscellaneous nerve damage in there? I'm just past 6 months now. At 4 months, I still had an aching pain in my sternum, but I've been shoveling snow in the past week, and have been downhill skiing like 7 days in the past months, and I think the sternum is basically normal now. Some small ache in there, if I'm paying attention, but I don't notice a thing when I'm actually trying to do any activity.

Patti Kinsey I too had pectoral pain and as Thomas said it was sometimes very mysterious. I had 2 surgeries 8 mont ... Read more

Patti Kinsey I too had pectoral pain and as Thomas said it was sometimes very mysterious. I had 2 surgeries 8 months apart and while I have lots of skin numbness, my pectoral flaps still creat pain and I am over s year out from the last surgery. I still have eternal pain but everything keeps getting better. Just takes time.

Rita Savelis 11 weeks is still very early. I kept wondering when my sternum would feel "normal" and then realised ... Read more

Rita Savelis 11 weeks is still very early. I kept wondering when my sternum would feel "normal" and then realised after several months that it was going to feel different for a long time, and at some point I would get used to this new different feeling. I felt discomfort for a long time after any exertion, even walking quickly. Now, 4 years later, I am less aware of my sternum. Wishing you a speedy recovery and keep up the rehab. But go easy on yourself.

Mabel Juric Thank you all for your responses!!

Mabel Juricposted an update

2194 days ago

Good morning!!! Today makes 10 weeks since my mitral valve repair. It has been a long journey with some blimps along the way. I will say cardiac rehab has ...Read more

Good morning!!! Today makes 10 weeks since my mitral valve repair. It has been a long journey with some blimps along the way. I will say cardiac rehab has been amazing in my healing mentally and physically. The group support there along with knowing the nurses were there monitoring each session, was very calming. Hope to be on the golf course soon, slow but steady at this time. Still get sore if I get a little excited and try to do more around the house LOL. Wishing all of you a healthy 2019 and may we all continue to thrive and like I refer to me, MABEL POINT 2 IS ready to move forward. So thankful for Dr. Adams and his team in making my heart surgery possible.