Valerie's Journal

Jennifer John  Valerie, I had my MV repair 5/31 and haven’t experienced any heart palpitations. Might want to check with your cardiologist.

Anna Jones  Valerie, I also had an MV repair on 6/11 and don't feel palpitations any more. I did feel them in the first couple of weeks. Now I am getting migrains and/or optical migrains. Call your cardiologist.

Valerie Archual  Thanks guys, I am a year and 3 months out... waiting for echo in the next couple of weeks here in VA but also called my Cleveland doc. Anna my prayers are with you- those migraines were awful, hopefully they will start to subside very soon.

Phyllis Petersen  Only occasionally can I hear my heart, which has been a great relief. Before surgery, every time I laid down it would bang loudly. I hope it's nothing for you.

Michael Meyer  Valerie, I never had palpitations after the surgical repair only before. I did have tachycardia occasionally but that subsided after about 9 months.

Anna Jones  Valerie, that is a lovely post. I haven't worried about the scar either. I am past the age when people notice me, and have entered into the invisible years. I do worry about the pain and side effects that I might experience.

Barbara Wood  Wonderful post Valerie...so glad you've had a good year... ( I've never worried about my scars either:))

Gina Fiorentino  Can't wait to read this one. Your writings have been such an important part of my heart journey, and post-surgery healing (physically and mentally).

Steve Farthing  Hi Valerie - This blog post from Cleveland Clinic says 4 weeks after sternotomy heart surgery for rollercoaster riding (unless your doc says otherwise of course):
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-should-you-resume-activity-after-heart-surgery/

Meredith Bray  My favorite topic! I gave up riding rollercoasters about 2 years before my surgery because I would black out at the bottom of the first hill and be woozy for about an hour after riding. So I asked my surgeon how soon I could ride, and he said "If it feels good, do it." (He said that about a lot of stuff!)

Anyway, my surgery was March 5, 2014, and I have a photo of me riding Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa on June 13th. I was SO excited to ride again! And so nervous & scared. I kept my scar really covered up because I didn't want the ride operators to see it and turn me away.

There were so many GLORIOUS moments after surgery, and riding again was one of them - I will never forget that ride, being able to keep my eyes open the entire ride.

I don't think I could have done it at 4 weeks. Maybe at 8 weeks. But at 4 weeks I was still walking gingerly and taking lots of naps.

You'll know when you're ready. Enjoy!

Rita Savelis  Meredith, I remember you writing about that first roller coaster ride post-OHS!
No need to give up amusement parks Valerie!

Phyllis Petersen  So have you given it a try? I miss riding the roller coaster, but my neck and back really don't like it anymore.

Sue Sanchez Grela  Thank you Valerie and to you and your family as well! ❤ I am feeling particularly Blessed with my wonderful recovery.

Jennifer McInerney  Thank you. I went to our simple country church this morning. It was unusually busy and I had difficulty finding a spot. Actually I was annoyed that someone was sitting in my spot. We all seem to have our own regular spots and it really upsets the balance when someone changes their spot. However i digress. As the organs music filled the air and we sang the Easter hymns I became lost in the humbling story of Easter. God thank you for the gift of faith and the sacrifice of your son. Faith and prayer continue to sustain so many of us on this "heart" journey. God bless each of you no matter what beliefs you may hold and I pray you find comfort and healing.

Valerie Archual  Thanks for reading all and Sue I'm so glad that both you and Gina are recovering so nicely!!! God is so good!!! And Jennifer... I know what you mean about your "spot" lol!!!

Gina Fiorentino  Your blog is a gift to everyone who reads it. Thanks for taking the time to share your perspective, and for making a difference in my life.

Barbara Wood  Wow Valerie, I didn't realize you had been through so much during your recovery! What a stressful thing to go through! Happy to see you are doing well, your upbeat attitude always makes me smile! Take care, keep writing!

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hi Valerie, I have not had an EKG since surgery but my last one prior to surgery was normal. My heart was still functioning well enough in spite of the faulty mitral valve.

Rose Madura  I had many in the ER because of complications of Afib and Aflutter. But once I was released from the hospital for the last time, and saw my cardiologist, my EKG was very normal.

Sophia Ridley  Yes, there’s no computer generated comment “suspect regurgitation”. There’s a branch block that was present before and wiggles for ectopics but looks more normal than ever. 😊 I had AF post op so missed p-waves, I’m obsessed with seeing my p-waves!! I use an app on my phone fairly often to check too.

Rita Savelis  I get EKG's every time I see the cardiologist (every 6 months) and they are "normal".... whatever that means. My heart does beat fast, of course...

Sandy Laine  I was told that I had a 'new normal' - 138 instead of the standard <120 for that certain reading...

Valerie Archual  Lol! I sure am Kathy?? How are you doing??? You got off the metropolol all together too didn’t you??

Bonnie Stone-Hope  Hello Valerie, Good to hear you are doing well.
As it seems you really like those rides, hope you get the OK to enjoy them.

My personal opinion would be to avoid them, but that is not based on any scientific evidence:)

Phyllis Petersen  Besides the treadmill, what did they have you do in cardiac rehab?

BTW, good choice of song to keep you moving. A radio station out here has an awesome metal/alternative concert twice a year that goes from 1 pm until around 10 pm with an incredible line-up. My sister and I love to go and get our rock on. I consider myself fortunate that I love a wide range of music.

How are doing now? Are you still having migraines and dizzy spells?

Valerie Archual  Hey Phyllis!!! Thanks so much for reading!!!! How are you doing???
I also did the elliptical and the bikes! I’m doing well!!!

Phyllis Petersen  It's amazing how different each cardiac rehab center is and their approach. I was told that there were several centers I could go to, but chose to go to the hospital where my cardiologist is located. I wanted to know I was completely safe should anything go wrong, plus it's only about 1 1/2 miles from home. No special parking. I had to search with all the other hospital visitors for a spot in the garage, then walk to the other end of the main hospital for the Wellness Center. They gave me a pile of questionnaires to fill out before returning, showed me the ropes, checked that my cardiologist had things in order. When I returned the next time, I had nearly forgotten everything they told me, but there were plenty of people to help. They did recommend having someone with you for the first few sessions, but I was on my own too. At least I had been driving for a couple of weeks already. I'm sure you were also stared at. I was 62 and a lot younger than most of the people there. Because my hospital is Level 1 heart center, there are often heart transplant patients in the rehab center, and many of them were much younger. It's tough to start over, but being in good shape before surgery puts you ahead of the game. You'll move along more quickly. A "mistake" I made was asking the exercise physiologist if I should bring in my workout notebook for him to see. Sealed my fate for a really hard push forward, and changed his approach for me.

Valerie Archual  It is a different experience for everyone ! I know in many cases it’s up to the patient as to whether or not they choose to participate in rehab but I would strongly suggest doing it! It was so incredibly helpful to me and my recovery!!

Jill Krajnovich  I haven't been on this site in some time but saw your blog and am so glad I took the time to read it! Hope you are doing well and wish you a year of sunny beach days!

Phyllis Petersen  I absolutely adore the beach in the summer. It was one of the things that made me hesitate to move inland. I used to have the beach a few minutes from my house and would walk the boardwalk or along the ocean fringes. But I most loved sitting there listening to the ocean and wading into the powerful waves (I don't go swimming too deeply anymore). But, I also used to go down to the beach in the winter, all wrapped up against the chilly wind, with only weak sunlight to keep me company. I'd have to wend my way through the beach fences, there to keep the sand from washing away, and sit and just think. The ocean speaks with the voice of God and can tell us our hearts' desires. This sounds like the perfect way to say goodbye to a difficult year and hello to whatever the future brings.

Valerie Archual  That was beautiful Phyllis! I too love the ocean! Jill, give it time- it will fade- mine’s not so bad now lol

Phyllis Petersen  Popular toys are being bought up and then resold for outrageous prices on the internet. It really stinks. It takes a lot of fun out for both the kids who can't get what they really wanted and the people who love buying something special for them. My sister bought her grands different finger puppets, that I'm sure they'll love, since Nana is bringing them in person this Christmas (along with Aunt Phyllis). I remember some special toys from childhood, but mostly I remember everyone winding up at our apartment in the evening and dancing and singing and just loving being together. I also remember how over-decorated our home was from one end to the other. The tree was in the bay windows and could be seen up and down the block. When we got a little older, we would visit the houses of our friends on the block, before we all headed to church for Midnight Mass. It's the traditions of love that really stick with us through the years.

Valerie Archual  Amen Phyllis!!!! You jogged another memory for me!!! We had a bay window in one of our houses too and that's where our tree sat! <3 The important things stick with us <3

Phyllis Petersen  The only day I actually went into the store that weekend was Saturday for Small Biz day. My sister and I headed down to our sorta "Village" with it's kitchy little shops, until her beeper went off and she had to head into the hospital for a case (she's a cardiac cath nurse). I did, however, get some great deals online, which didn't interfere with enjoying family and friends and feeling very thankful.

Anna Jones  Valerie, I've been reading your blog and think you are a wonderful writer. I love your sense of humor.

Valerie Archual  Thanks so much for reading Anna! This site has really helped me in my heart journey through all my friends I have met!!! I'll get back on task next month.. lol... I just love Halloween!!!!

Barbara Wood  I'm really hooked on your story Valerie. I just hadn't realized all you were going through - I'm hoping all of this is behind you & you are doing well now!!

Leslie Bakos  I just had one but before OHS. Still on meds and heart is beating hard. The procedure was nothing but not sure it worked. Not sure if will help Afib after surgery as well..

Jim Stutler  Valerie, I had an ablation done at the same time as mitral valve repair. (Also a LAD bypass). I had a previous history of AFib, so the surgeon deemed it necessary. Have had no lasting or significant rythym problems post surgery (12 weeks).

Cathy Zuber  Hi Valerie...just read yr blog and realized we have lots of the same problems. Have you talked to an electro-physiologist!?? They are the gurus that know about this surgery. Because I have a mechanical valve..and my electrical problems are right next to the metal valve ..I shouldn't have an ablation. Currently I can do a-flutter very well. I can walk around and drive with a 140 heartbeat. Fortunately I haven't been in flutter for over 30 days..(shh) anyway..seems like my solution is ....a pacemaker..when..when I have more episodes!! Keep me laughing!!

Barbara Wood  Wow Valerie, I hadn't realized you had such a tough recovery! You do write with such a great sense of humor, I really enjoy reading your posts! Hope this is all behind you now & that you are feeling great!!

Jennifer McInerney  Loved your post. Too bad you cant get frequent flyer miles for those unplanned chauffered trips in the white wagon. Hang tough you got this, because after all you have been through this is just a bump in the road.

Rose Madura  I'm sorry you had to go through this. I was readmitted 4 times (twice via ambulance ride) so I feel your pain. Hopefully you are on the recovery road now!

Tina Williams  I just signed up and yours is the first post I've read. Just wanted to say "thank you"!!!! Having just found out that I even have a heart issue which needs intervention I am terrified and feared this site would be full of horror stories. Your words give me hope. Please know how much that is appreciated!

Jennifer McInerney  Love the picture Valerie. It portrays strength and courage. I'm impressed and now as I wait for surgery, I am keeping that picture in mind. Thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate hearing about the challenges of recovery. You and the other folks on here are definitely my superhero's.

Valerie Archual  Tina! Welcome!!! This is such an awesome site!!! I learned so much from others on here!!! No need to be terrified! My anticipation was much worse than my surgery (as you can read from my blog!)
Jennifer, Wonder Woman has always been my hero lol but yes our fellow heart surgery friends are far more heroic! Again, the waiting is truly the hardest part!!!
And sweet Barbara! How are you? Thanks for being a faithful reader!!! Hope all is well!!! I need to take some time to catch up!!!

Phyllis Petersen  Beautiful! I have such a relaxed, peaceful feeling after reading this. If I were still in NY, I'd want to make a trip down there just to soak up the warmth that can only come from people who know how to love.

Phyllis Petersen  I'm doing very well, thank you. I've been a bit more busy than I'd like, since a friend is in town, plus there's been a myriad of things going on. I think things will settle down soon. I'm glad I have more energy now or I'd be really sunk. How are you coming along?

Phyllis Petersen  It's good to see another update from you Valerie. I especially love the picture of you and your granddaughter. I had a 20 lb. orange tabby for 8 yrs. and he was very possessive of me, following me everywhere, except when he was up under the bedspread sleeping. There really is no place like home for healing the heart, physically and emotionally.

Jill Krajnovich  Thanks for thinking of me, Valerie! While my energy is lacking, I am definitely feeling much better and very glad to be home! Love your blog! Your home from the hospital sleeping position left quite an image in my mind, glad things have improved for you since then! Picture of you and your granddaughter is adorable!

Jennifer McInerney  Loved this story. I am also a Christian and my faith is definitely helping me get through all the challenges of my heart journey. Thanks for sharing it.

Lilly Black  Life is an amazing journey! Even at almost 66 yrs old it never ceases to amaze me. One thing life has taught me is you have to give in order to receive but the gift is truly in the giving! 💝