Marianne's Journal

Going back to work in three days. Super nervous. What if I crap out? I am a pharmacy tech and run all day. I’m scheduled for five days on even though I’m part time. I feel good but we had a baby shower for my son and daughter in law Saturday and it wiped me out. And I’m in good shape

Officially 8 weeks post ohs. Feeling more and more active. And my scar is really improving. I’ve been using biocorneum after a recommendation from a friend who had a double mastectomy. Planning a big bbq/baby shower in a few weeks for my son and daughter in law. Back to work August 16th. We have tons of blueberry bushes so friends have been coming out to pick. Nice way to catch up!

I was on Sam-e before surgery. I love the effect on my mood and appetite. Just wondering if I can start it up again. I can’t find much negativity about it. I am 7 + weeks post ohs. Also. I went to my first cardiac rehab and it was embarrassing. I had a valve fixed. No cardiac disease. I am way past their goals and not sure to stick with it. No bonding with this group either.

So I met with my surgeon last week. Released to drive. Unfortunately my first drive was 1.5 hours away to say goodbye to my best friend who I worked with for 15 years on the cardiac vascular unit. He dropped dead of cardiac arrest just as I was told I needed urgent mitral valve repair. It was a good group(private) and much love. Miss him so much But an awesome visit with my cardiologist today. He was so obviously tickled to see how well I was doing. Rather a joyous appointment. I’m still having some pvcs but I’ve had those for twenty years. Just more noticeable after this surgery. No afib. No infection. Lost all the fluid weight and then some easily. 4 more weeks till back to work. As a pharmacy tech in a hospital we run all day and lift crazy stuff. My manager has been wonderful. I feel lucky this was caught . Another month or two and not repairable. With no obvious symptoms. If you live near Salem Oregon I have the team for you

So I met with my surgeon. Everything is excellent. Snazzy scar. Going to start rehab next week. I’m in great shape ( for a 60!yf old)so they were kind of excited to work with me. I have no cardiac disease or blockage. Just a valve gone bad. And I can drive. One more month for my chest to heal before back to work as I am a pharmacy tech inpatient and we run all day

So this coming Wednesday I see my surgeon. My cardiologist next week. Seems like a long time post op but that’s how they did it. Finally almost off amiodarone. Hoping that is the cause of my dizziness. Dropped a plate today because of it. Seems to spike my anxiety too. Yikes. Is my heart doing sounds????? Arrrgh

5 weeks post op full sternotomy and I am feeling clicks when I move around my collar bone and upper chest. I think it’s normal and I see my surgeon next week but just curious if others felt this

I have been a roller coaster of emotions. What I hadn’t mentioned in my initial story was that during this rushed diagnosis/tests/surgery my best friend, the pharmacist I worked side by side for 18 years, dropped dead of cardiac arrest. I was overwhelmed with this and my own situation. He had retired a few years ago but we were in constant emailing, meeting up for lunch etc. we worked together on the cardiovascular unit in a hospital. The irony! I now work in a different hospital pharmacy. Right after he passed I was at work and went into afib. I walked over to the er. By the time they hooked me up to monitors I had converted. And when they found out my friend had passed they almost immediately blew it off as anxiety. 2 days later I went into afib at my cardiologist office. They took me seriously. So surgery went well. No afib after( on amiodarone for another week). The 14 July I am going to a gathering for my friend. Not sure how I will hold it together 😪

Well 4 weeks flew by. I have to admit I hit a slump last week. But now I’m feeling positive again. My right side of muscles are starting to “wake up”, but Tylenol seems to help that. I was also started on an Amiodarone drip during surgery and am on oral amio for another 2 weeks. Being a long time pharmacy tech on a cardiac hospital floor I completely forgot that Amiodarone is photosensitive. So I got a stupid sun burn/ tingling today. Ugh I’ll be glad to be off of it but it’s half life is sooooo long , can take 3-6 months to leave your system!!!!

I think I’ve hit that time where some people could get depressed. The flurry of surgery and post op attention is gone. Feeling ok. Still a bit tired. Now just healing. My sternum stitches are healing. Still some pain from area right chest tube was in. And some clicking? But pvcs are gone.

Last night was rough. Lots of pvcs and a little temp. Decided to nap through the night getting up every few hours for deep breaths Such a difference today. Walked around outside on our property most of the afternoon. Lots of deep breathing. I’m glad my legs were strong before. Really helps getting up and about. Most of the fluid weight is gone

Hasn’t been too bad. Pain is manageable and able to putter about My hospital was very nice. Staff super helpful and very clean and quiet At home is good. My husband is a nurse

Sunday afternoon after surgery Wednesday afternoon. . My doctors were great able to repair a “.gnarly” valve with 0 regurgitation after! Worst part was the chest tubes ugh.

Hi! So my surgery was scheduled as urgent which made me quite scared and anxious. The most calming part was meeting with my surgeon. She spent so much time with me and was very compassionate. Even though my husband and I are very knowledgeable in the medical world, she explained everything beautifully. She also explained a newer technique to reduce stroke risk after surgery. It’s called left atrial appendage ligation. A small useless flap everyone has that can collect blood during afib and form clots. So that’s cool At this point I’m ready. Reading the posts about recovery. Is helpful. Seems we all will have a different story!