Pam Monahan - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

2554 days ago

Michelle Vecchione, Rose Madura, Lisa Hunley and 1 other reacted to this

Yeah! I made it a year! A bit of a scare today but it is not related to the valve. For all those having surgery, best wishes and prayers.

Anna Jones Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary. Sending best wishes for much health and happiness ahead. ... Read more

Anna Jones Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary. Sending best wishes for much health and happiness ahead.

Lilly Black Congratulations, Pam! May you have many more anniversaries 😊✌️

Pam Monahanposted a journal

2821 days ago

I am three months post TAVR surgery. Recovery has been pretty good. I get bouts of dizziness. They don't last more than 10 seconds or so, but it can ...Read more

I am three months post TAVR surgery. Recovery has been pretty good. I get bouts of dizziness. They don't last more than 10 seconds or so, but it can be a real pain. Anyone else get these? For all those with surgery scheduled - blessings and prayers? Pam

Cathleen Weed Hi I had TAVR too in August 2015. I was told specifically to report dizziness, fainting, or shortness ... Read more

Cathleen Weed Hi I had TAVR too in August 2015. I was told specifically to report dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath. It could also be from new meds.
💛

Pam Monahan Thanks! Will do

Pam Monahan Medication adjustment

Pam Monahanposted an update

2894 days ago

Have had the stomach flu all weekend. Down for the count. Not the best way to recover.

Shannon Gray So sorry! Hoping you feel much better very soon.

Ellen Leng Ouch, that's tough! Hope you're feeling better.

Pam Monahan Thank you Shannon Gray and Ellen Lang. I am feeling better although fatigues. Onward!

Pam Monahanposted an update

2901 days ago

Matthew Russo reacted to this

Good luck and best wishes to those scheduled for surgery this week. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steven A Husted yes may god be with you in your surgery and recovery

Pam Monahanposted a journal

2901 days ago

Darlene Smith, Matthew Russo, Phyllis Petersen reacted to this

Hi Everyone, Thank you so much for your encouraging posts. I enjoy reading about you and your journeys. Tomorrow marks the third week anniversary of ...Read more

Hi Everyone, Thank you so much for your encouraging posts. I enjoy reading about you and your journeys. Tomorrow marks the third week anniversary of the TAVR procedure to replace my bicuspid aortic valve. Visited the cardiologist this week. I'm doing very well and am very grateful. We changed some meds around, most of which because I am hearing the "ocean" in my head. In all likelihood it is a side affect of lasix, and it has improved already with stopping it. However, it depends on the daily weigh-ins to see what will continue. Emotions have improved, so has stamina.

Pam Monahanposted a journal

2908 days ago

Robert Harris, Cathleen Weed, Shannon Gray and 1 other reacted to this

Emotions Thirteen days ago, I had my aortic valve replaced via TAVR surgery. While I am doing very well, I am crying at the drop of a hat. I was unable ...Read more

Emotions Thirteen days ago, I had my aortic valve replaced via TAVR surgery. While I am doing very well, I am crying at the drop of a hat. I was unable to for the past few years but now the waterworks keep coming.

Joshua Trimberger very normal. I had real bad depression and anxiety for a few weeks afterwards. Its all very normal an ... Read more

Joshua Trimberger very normal. I had real bad depression and anxiety for a few weeks afterwards. Its all very normal and will get better.

Robert D'Aurora I was pretty emotional too the first few weeks after surgery. Not sure what caused it. Anesthesia sti ... Read more

Robert D'Aurora I was pretty emotional too the first few weeks after surgery. Not sure what caused it. Anesthesia still in my body? Just the realization that I survived major surgery? I was frustrated at the beginning of how slow my recovery was going too. Wasn't sleeping well, had pain, tired easily with walking,but it gets better, just takes time. Good luck and prayers.

Deborah Hudson I had tavr Nov 17 2016. I still wonder if I am progressing as I should. I must be. Go to cardiac reha ... Read more

Deborah Hudson I had tavr Nov 17 2016. I still wonder if I am progressing as I should. I must be. Go to cardiac rehab tomorrow Jan 2 2017. I have gone from being unable to walk to the mailbox to being able to go to a store for two and a half hours. Guess that is good. I have been staying with my daughter all this time. In three days I will be on my own at home. Kind of scarey. I think I run out of energy too soon. Doing ok I think. Happy New Year. Today is my birthday. Deborah Hudson

Pam Monahan Happy birthday Deborah!

Pam Monahan Thanks all for your kind words. I finally realized it a few days ago and thought I was going nuts. ... Read more

Pam Monahan Thanks all for your kind words. I finally realized it a few days ago and thought I was going nuts. So glad I found this group. Happy New Year!

Phyllis Petersen Pam, If it continues, it's important to speak with your doctor about it. Depression is normal after h ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen Pam, If it continues, it's important to speak with your doctor about it. Depression is normal after heart surgery. I'm surprised they didn't discuss it with you. But, it shouldn't be ignored if it continues. Congratulations on a successful replacement and wishing a good recovery.

Rita Savelis You are releasing all the intensity you felt before surgery and all the intensity of what you went th ... Read more

Rita Savelis You are releasing all the intensity you felt before surgery and all the intensity of what you went through. There is a lot to cry about. It's okay. You are processing.
You are certainly not going nuts. You are just human!
Take care.

Steven A Husted you will get better it takes time

Robert Osmachenko I totally understand. This is a new normal and it takes effort and time. Peace be with you.

Cathleen Weed Heart surgery does cause psychological trauma short-term. Part of it is the shock of recognizing you ... Read more

Cathleen Weed Heart surgery does cause psychological trauma short-term. Part of it is the shock of recognizing you have a serious condition. It's totally normal and will pass thankfully as life goes on with all it's crazy glory :). Talk to your physician about it because it could also be a side effect of new medication. xo

Pam Monahan Hi All

I've been off the boards since January 1. Had the aortic valve replaced via the TAVR method ... Read more

Pam Monahan Hi All

I've been off the boards since January 1. Had the aortic valve replaced via the TAVR method in December.

I chose to participate in a post-TAVR follow up and had a CT scan on Monday. Today the study coordinator called me and my cardiologist.

There are some issues with coronary arteries that have become calcified. This latest test will be compared to the cardiac catherization I had before surgery. There may be the need for a few stents and/or pacemaker.

This is a complete surprise and has thrown me for a loop. Of course this would crop up on a Friday afternoon.

We'll see what happens. I'm very grateful I participated in the study but concerned about what comes next.

Phyllis Petersen We're with you no matter what comes next. You can do it!