Valve Replacement Surgery - Free Day Today!

No Doctor's appointments, clinics, or research meetings today. I feel free as a bird! Getting up, bathing, dressing, and getting to the appointments still seems draining to me.

Kris and Lisa took me for a 10 minute walk this morning. I pushed the oxygen tank all the way but had to rest a couple of times along the way. I'm trying to do a little something extra on the walks each day. For example, I'll walk faster, farther, push the oxygen tank or just do something to make the walk a little more strenuous each day. Felt some congestion in my lower right lung this morning, so I am hitting the spirometer hot and heavy today.

I'm keeping up with my weight every morning and noticed that I've been losing 2 lbs. a day for four straight days. Called Dr. Blake, thinking that she would want to reduce the Furosemide (a diurectic). Dr. Blake's nurse got right back to me and said that, "yes, reduce the Furosemide to once a day".

Too much weight loss could mean that you're heading toward dehydration, while too much weight gain could mean than your retaining fluid. All these pills we're taking right now are necessary, but they sure don't do as good of a job at keeping our fluids balanced as our own healthy bodies can.

So, as you can see, weighing yourself every morning and keeping an on-going record could be critical to your recovery.

Instead of trekking around to appointments today; Kris, Lisa, and I watched Slum Dog Millionaire. It was good to just relax. They are leaving to go back to California early in the morning, I'm missing them already.

Since it is their last night here, we decided to go to Sandiago's, a New Mexican Food Restaurant located at the Tram. The restaurant over-looks the city of Albuquerque and has a spectacular view of the city. I took my oxygen tank, but there was an elevator, so I didn't need it. I did get a little winded as the elevation is about 1000 feet higher than where we live.

I was a pretty tired cookie by the time we gat back home; however, we had a wonderful time with family and friends, so it was well-worth the effort. I do find that my recovery times are getting faster and faster. I guess, the trick is to do a little more each day.

Valve Replacement Surgery - Rehabilitation Orientation

Lisa and Kris fixed a wonderful breakfast this morning including a Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole. They will be leaving to go back to California in a couple of days. They have spoiled me rotten, and I will truly miss them. They've taken me to Doctor appointments, taken me on walks, cooked for us all, walked our two canine companions, and kept me company.

Today, was my first appointment with the heart rehabilitation center. New Heart, Center for Wellness, Exercise and Cardiac Rehabilitation, located right next to the Heart Hospital here in Albuquerque, will guide me on my path back to full recovery.

New Heart has a terrific set-up. Their Doctors carefully evaluate you and the surgery you've had, and then they develop a customized rehabilitation program just for you. While you are exercising at New Heart, you are constantly on a heart monitor. They can tell you when you are over-doing, or if you need to pick up the pace.

When the staff showed us the gym and machine area, an elderly female on the road to open heart surgery was going 90 miles an hour on some type of stair stepping machine that could also be converted to an upper body workout machine.

Just two weeks out from my own valve replacement surgery, the sight of this lively woman putting herself through her recovery paces was just plain scary. It made my chest hurt just to watch her. Actually, I think I cringed when I saw her.

Dr. Blake, my Cardiologist, was insistent that I get right into the New Heart program as soon as possible after surgery. Right now, I'm doing two, 10 minute walks a day, so I think I'm getting a jump on things.

Valve Replacement Surgery - First Follow-up Vist To Cardiologist -

Kris and Lisa, took me for my first open heart surgery post operative visit with Dr. Blake, my primary cardiologist today. Because you will be moving a little slower, allow plenty of time to get to your appointment. This first follow-up appointment will be a big outing for you, and you will more than likely be exhausted once it's over. You will have to wait in the waiting room, in the little cubicle, and you will be examined, and have an EKG. Some of your medications will be adjusted and you'll be able to get some of your questions answered. Prepare a list of your questions before you get to the appointment.

Here are some of the questions I had for Dr. Blake? How long will take for the rather ugly knot at the top of my sternum to go away (two months)? How long until the bruising goes away? How long will I need the oxygen? What about the pain and how are we going to manage it? Your list may include these questions or you may have an entirely new list.

Dr. Blake, bless her heart, also took the time to explain to all of us about the extensive heart surgery I'd just had. It was much more extensive than we had originally thought. Actually there were nine separate points to the surgery.

Also, got a copy of the operative report. This report is a blow by blow description of the operative technique used during surgery. It is quite detailed and covers points like how your body is cooled to 23 centigrade during the procedure and how many minutes you were on the cardiopulmonary bypass machine. This report might be too much information for many of you, but some will find it entirely fascinating.

We read and hear about medical research on every front, but how often do we have an opportunity to have it applied successfully to our own bodies. I benefited from extensive research for mitral heart valve repair, the Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation, heart valve regurgitation, and tricuspid valve repair to name just a few of the hundreds of research studies completed prior to my complex valve repair surgery.

Valve Replacement Surgery - The Mighty Spirometer!

When I took my temperature this morning, it was 99.3. My chest felt heavy and congested, more so than usual. My breathing had become somewhat shallow. And, I noticed that I was automatically avoiding any deep breathing. Lynn and I recognized these symptoms as signs that I might be retaining fluid in my lungs. Are you taking your temperature every morning?

So, I've been using the Incentive Spirometer (the plastic breathing gadget they give you at the hospital) on a regular hourly basis today. It is now 6:00 P.M., and I can tell that my chest doesn't hurt as much as it did this morning.

The importance of the Spirometer's use in your recovery is not emphasized enough during the discharge process. It could be the difference between a setback or continuous recovery. YOU will have to be the one to remember to use it frequently. Aim for 10 times per hour, but spread the 10 times out over the whole hour. Think of it as almost a full time waking job.

Lisa and Kris took me down to flat ground for two, 10 minute walks today. The walks were a little harder today due to the fluid retention in my lungs I'm thinking.

This morning, I took a nap, but haven't had one this afternoon. Will most likely turn in early and skip the afternoon nap.

Tomorrow, I'll see Dr. Blake, my Cardiologist, for the first time since being discharged from the hospital. I'm scheduled to see her once a week for a few weeks. Also, I will visit the INR clinic located in Dr. Blake's building.

Rita, one of the nurse's in the INR clinic, had two open heart surgeries in her early thirties. She is quite an inspiration. You get no BS from Rita. I find that it is more helpful to get information from someone who has been through the whole valve replacement surgery process.

Remember though, that you are unique. Just because someone else recovered in two months doesn't mean that you will, or that you are doing anything wrong. Go at your own pace and you will reach your recovery goals.

Friends and relatives have called to check on me, but talking on the phone seems to wear me out quicker. What about you?

All in all, I think I'm doing great for the shape I'm in. Will post again tomorrow. Feel free to jump in and add your thoughts.

Valve Replacement Surgery - Post Surgery Pain!

Today is Memorial Day, 12 days post surgery. I've had two long walks today and worked with the Incentive Spirometer each time I've thought of it. The pain from the incision in my chest has been quite a bit worse today. I think I've let the pain level get too high again. It's important to not let the pain get ahead of you. If you wait until you're at a 6 or 7, then it takes more medication to knock it back.

Kris and Lisa, my niece and nephew from California, and Lynn just prepared a wonderful cookout on our back patio. We were hoping to eat out there, but the rain ran us inside. Still, it all tasted great and it was wonderful to spend time with caring friends and family. I'm usually a very independent person, so, it's been an adjustment to let people help me do certain things.

So far, I've needed help with putting on the support hose, blow drying my hair, and taking my walks. We live in the foothills of the Sandias, so we have to drive to a more level area for my walks. I really can see an improvement in my endurance every time I walk.

Remember, you must let your support people know what you need from them and when. For example, you'll need to put on the hose before you start your day. Communicate this need to your designated helper ahead of time or you might be sitting there on the side of your bed waiting, with socks in hand, for a while. You will find that your loved ones and friends want to help you, but you must let them know ahead of time what you need.

Valve Replacement Surgery - Surgery Day Memories

Upon awakening in the ICU after surgery, I had expected to see my friends who had been with me through the surgery, instead I remember the voices of the two ICU nurses talking to each other about my care and when they might be able to remove the ventilator tube. They told me that my friends had just left and that no one was allowed to stay with me during that first night.

The second thing that I remember about waking up in the ICU after surgery was the rather uncomfortable feeling in my throat. Although I'd known that I'd probably wake up with a ventilator tube, I guess I'd forgotten about it. Also, I was extremely thirsty.

At about 10 P.M. (four to five hours post surgery), the ICU nurses finally removed the necessary, but very uncomfortable ventilator tube. Removal of the vent. tube hurts like the dickens. The pain doesn't last long, but it does hurt. I remember crying during the removal process.

Then, I remember craving water, I was so very thirsty. At that point, I was allowed only ice chips. They don't want you to get sick and lose your cookies.

That's about all I remember those first hours after surgery.

First Walk Outside- 10 Days Post Surgery

It is a gorgeous day here in Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains are lovely, with a light cloud cover that dips and flows westward over the mountains. It's a perfect day to be alive and on the planet.

I've had a vicious allergic reaction to the electrode adhesives and other tape adhesives used on the various tapes to keep the bandages in place. All of these places itch like sin, so, I haven't been able to sleep for more than an hour or two at a time. Dr. Levy's nurse finally called in a script for Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1%. The reaction has quit spreading and is beginning to dry up.

So, last night was the first night that I've slept. I didn't wake up the first time until 4:00 A.M. I felt like a new woman. About, 9:00 A.M., however, I began to feel really lousy. I was short of breath, and just wanted to get back in bed.

My friend and I figured out that I'd not had any pain medication since the night before, and the pain from the incision area had gotten so bad that I was afraid to take a good long breath. I took a couple of pain pills and in a couple of hours, I started to feel better.

I'm thinking that it is a good idea not to let the pain level get too bad. Take the pain medications as long as you need them. Only you, know what your pain level is like

I've had two long 10 minute walks today, thanks to Kris, my nephew from California, and Lynn, my best friend. The walks are getting easier, and I think I'm walking faster. Everyone is unique, walk at the pace that is suited to you and your condition, but do walk. You will feel better faster if you walk on a regular daily basis.

It's hard to remember to use the incentive spirometer as often as you should. You are supposed to breath in on it 10 times an hour while you are up and awake. Spread the 10 reps out over the hours. Don't do all 10 reps at one time.

I'm in for a treat tonight, Kris and Lisa, my support tag team from California, and Lynn are making homemade pizza. This is going to be delicious. I'm so very grateful for these wonderful friends and family during this recovery phase.

We all plan to watch a movie in the early evening and Kris and Lisa might go to the Sandia Casino later on.

This has been a good day for the most part, with more highs than lows.

I am HOME!!

Valve Replacement Surgery - Discharge Day! Wednesday

Dr. Levy unexpectedly scheduled my discharge for today. I'm happy to be going home, but a little scared to be that far away from the ICU unit and immediate help.

All the hospital people come to pay you a visit on that final day. You'll hear from your case management expert, from your hospitalist, your surgeon, your cardiologist; and, your discharge nurse will go over all the medications you're to take when you get home.

Good Lord! Sue, the wonderful harpist even came by to play one last time.

Tim, my one and only son and one of the most miraculous gifts to my life, has been staying with me in the ICU unit has already started getting us all packed to leave for home.

We have to take all the new scripts by Walgreen’s on the way home. If you're like me, you will most likely have 8 - 10 new medications to keep up with. Just this, can be overwhelming in the first few days post operation, so have someone besides yourself listen to the discharge nurse as she goes over the medications you're being sent home with.

We arrived at home safe and sound to spectacular 'welcome home decorations'. The Cedar trees outside even sported yellow streamers. Yellow and blue streamers were all over the dining room, and little yellow smiley-faced containers held my favorite chocolate Hershey candy. Lynn, my beautiful best friend of many years, had even found the time to blow up balloons. How did she find the time? Do I ever feel special!

Tim is going to cook a special welcome home dinner tonight. I've heard that it might be his world famous spaghetti. He is a great cook, so whatever he cooks; I'm in for a world-class treat.

Valve Replacement Surgery - Pulling The Drainage Tubes-Tuesday

Yes, those darn things are out and I do feel 1000 times better. Linda, my RN for today was very matter of fact about the whole process. She has completed this procedure many times.

She loads you up with pain medication, lets it take effect, comes in and tells you that it will hurt for only a couple of seconds, and then pulls those babies out of there. Getting rid of those darn things is instant relief. Right now, I'm a happy camper.

Valve Replacement Surgery - Day Before Discharge

Dr. Levy, my surgeon, is still trying to get me to the point of pulling the 3 drainage tubes in my chest. They are to help with pulling off the fluid accumulation from my valve replacement surgery or rather, as it turned out, a double valve repair, Maze procedure, and implantation of a spare lead. Quite a bit of work! There was more to repair once Dr. Levy got my chest opened and could observe the heart 'up close and personal'.

Using my own tissue, I ended up getting my severely regurgitating tricuspid valve repaired instead of replaced (it had been severely damaged by the lead extraction procedure in early March). Yahoo! No long-time blood thinners or pig valves for me. Valve repair is always preferred over Valve Replacement Surgery.

While Dr. Levy had the heart opened for valve replacement surgery, he was also able to repair a mildly leaking mitral valve, do the Maze procedure to hopefully eliminate my A-Fib forever, and he also put in a spare pacemaker lead.

WOW! With all this wonderful work, I'm now bumped up into the Double Valve replacement class. I've just received a wonderful tune-up for my heart, which should last for years to come.

The plan is to pull the drainage tubes later today. I've heard it hurts, but that you will feel so much better once they are out.

I've not had the famous first bowel movement after surgery experience yet; however, I have heard the crying and moaning from other open-heart patient rooms near by. The nurses call it the 1st poop experience.

At The Heart Hospital Of NM, the nursing shifts run for 12 hours. In other words, I had the same RN for 12 hours running. The nurses come from different backgrounds and all have different training and healing philosophies.

This was one of the most bothersome inconsistencies in my care. My day nurse might be a stickler for dispensing pain medication immediately after you request it while the night nurse might let you lay there in pain for 45 minutes; or, they might just arbitrarily decide that you're too little to have a full dose.

Also, the day nurses all want you to get up and walk, but some are satisfied with 3 short loops, while others want you to walk 4 large loops. Some are concerned, helpful and compassionate about my adhesive allergic reactions while some do not take it seriously.

I'm one of those people who are highly allergic to most adhesives used in the hospitals. So, I had the usual pain problems, but also had to constantly content with the ever-present insane itching. Roxanne, a compassionate, and highly skilled night nurse tried her very best to relieve my itching. I will never forget her 2:30 A.M. efforts in my behalf.

I have found that my moment-by-moment hospital comfort and care is directly determined by the attitude, training philosophy, and compassion of the ICU RN in charge of me on any particular shift.

Heart Valve Replacement Surgery --- Help is here..Sunday.

Valve Replacement Surgery - Post Op Day 3-Saturday

Javier

Heart 99

Valve Replacement Surgery - 2 days post op- Friday

Day -1 Post Surgery Tricuspid Valve Repair -Thursday

Boy, do I look like a train wreck or what? They don't want you to get dehydrated, so they load you up on fluids. Scary!!!

The very first day after surgery they have you up in a chair and then walking. You're also connected to oxygen tubing, a variety of drips, and a foley catheter line. When you get out of bed, all of these connections have to go where you go. It's quite a process, but your first nurses are experienced and know just how to get you where you are going with the least amount of effort.

The first time the nurses get you out of bed, they give you a bright red heart shaped pillow. This red pillow becomes your ever-present bed buddy for the duration of your stay in the hospital. You will learn how, with the nurse's help, to use the pillow to avoid damaging or ripping out the stitching in your chest.

The trick is to use your lower body only to get yourself out of bed.
When they tell you to extend your booty back before sitting down, it is to your benefit to do so. You will gain strength in your legs very rapidly. At first they are kind of weak and wobbly, but they soon improve.

The first day after surgery, I spent 11 hours either in the chair or walking.
I thought it was cruel and unusual punishment at the time. Really, I was very glad to finally get back in bed that night. They nurses kept telling me how well I was doing and that it was all good for my recovery. I still have my doubts!

Valve Replacement Surgery - Sugery Day!

It's 6:00 A.M. on valve replacement surgery day. How do I feel? Honestly, my predominant emotion is optimism peppered with real excitement. I feel like I used to when I was about to start a 10 mile run. Today, I'll start to get my life back. Today I'll get my tricuspid valve fixed. Beginning today, my energy will gradually return. Of course, I'm not looking forward to the rehab, but now we're getting somewhere. At last, there will be no more waiting. From today forward, I'll be on recovery row!

My beloved Boxer and Shih Tzu will once again get their long walks in the beautiful Sandia foothills above Albuquerque. It's already a gorgeous day here; a perfect day to have this surgery, a perfect day to start really living again.

Studies overwhelming show that listening to music during surgery increases healing, so last night, my wonderful friend down loaded some Liquid Mind music to my Ipod. I've already made arrangements with the surgery staff to play the calming, healing music into to my head phones while the surgery is going on.

The Heart Hospital here in NM believes in the healing power of music, and even lists it as a surgery option. Neat, huh? You may have your own unique, calming music or maybe you'd like to down load some of the Liquid Mind. If you're interested, here's the link:iTunes Store Music

We have an 8:30 A.M. check-in at the hospital this morning, so I have to take my final shower before surgery. I'm supposed to use Scrub Care, a special antibacterial soap all over my body. After the shower, I'm not to use any powder, deodorant, makeup or lotion. The NM weather makes your skin extremely dry anyway, and I can only imagine going a few days without lotion; however, I'm not letting it dampen my spirits.

I'm the second case today, so maybe I'll have time to post again before they wheel me down to the surgery suite.

Valve Replacement Surgery - Cardiac Catherization Nitty Gritty!

Up at 4:30 A.M. to shower, take the girls (my dogs) out to powder their noses and then arrive at the hospital for a 6:30 A.M. check-in for my scheduled pre-surgery heart catherizaton procedure. We, my best friend and I, were a little late leaving the house, so I was a little nervous about getting to the hospital on time. Other than that, I was calm with my blood pressure at 104 over 76 when they took my vitals in day surgery.

My little hospital bag was all packed and ready to go in case the heart catherization revealed something that necessitated my staying in the hospital overnight. As it turned out, everything looked superb (no clogged veins or arteries around the heart); however, now, in addition to my severely regurgitating tricuspid valve which has to be fixed, I also have a mildly prolapsed (leaking) mitral valve.

Dr. Levy, my surgeon, said that he may or may not repair the mitral valve while he has my chest open tomorrow. It depends on how complicated things are with the tricuspid valve repair or replacement.

He wants to do a repair if possible, but a pig valve will be used if repair of my own valve isn't possible. In that event, as some of the valve replacement surgery patients recounted in Adam Pick's book, The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery, you will be inundated with oink oink jokes from friends and family.

Barbara Bush, (we're in good company), recently had one of her heart valves replaced with a pig valve, and she said that good natured joking was one of the unexpected hazards of choosing the pig valve replacement option. Personally, I'd rather have my heart steadily ticking along with a pig valve than not ticking at all; how about you?

For me, the catherization procedure was a breeze; it was educational, and I would even use the word "fun". While conscious sedation was used, I was entirely awake for the whole thing, and got to see on the monitor's screen the same things that Dr. Fredrici, the friendly, knowledgeable cath. specialist, was seeing.

Of course, I was asking lots of questions, and he was kind enough to answer my questions as he ran the tiny cath. tube from one side of my heart to the other. The procedure itself only lasts about 15 minutes, but, then, you have to lie flat for at least two hours after the procedure is completed. Lying flat on your back for two hours while they are running fluids through your IV is no small accomplishment. I was dying to urinate almost all of those two hours.

By far, the most painful part of my heart cath. procedure was when the nurse placed the IV line into top of my left hand. Another rather disconcerting part of the procedure prep was the shaving of the pubic area. The prep. Nurse shaved both sides of the area, leaving a stand-up Mohawk dead center.

She used an electric razor, which tended to grab and pull and hurt like she was rapid-fire tweezing each hair separately. It didn't last all that long, but was quite uncomfortable until she completed her task. I said, "I'll bet that's going to itch like sin growing out", and she said, "yes, most likely".

Well, tomorrow is valve replacement surgery day. I'll be in ICU for at least a day, but will post again ASAP. I'm thinking I'll be roller-skating around the halls of the hospital in a day or two.

Only 12 hours after surgery, they get you up to walk a little. Can you believe that?

Valve Replacement Surgery - Mother's Day Exhaustion!

Haven't been to church for a few weeks, but wanted to go on Mother's Day before my valve replacement surgery on this next Wednesday (just two days from now). Just thought going to church would make me feel better.

As you probably know, if you have valve problems, bending over and straining brings you to exhaustion rather quickly. By the time I'd looked in a couple of low drawers for the belt I needed for my church-going-outfit, I was exhausted and short of breath. I did go on to church, but had to curtail the getting up and down parts of the service. I'm usually a lively participant in the singing, and having to just sit there like a bump on a stump was quite different.

My son called me early, about 8:30 A.M., and I in turn called my Mother and two sisters to wish them a happy Mother's Day. My Mother had a stroke about three years ago which left her in pretty good physical health; however, it drastically effected her memory and cognitive skills. While she still knows who most people are, she gets confused and excited easily. In order to avoid stressing her out, we've decided not to tell her about my upcoming valve replacement surgery.

This is just one of the many unexpected individual decisions you may have to make before you get wheeled down surgery lane. This decision for me was particularly difficult because my Mother has always been a solid rock; she's been right there pulling for all her children through thick and thin.

Have you gotten your copy of Adam Pick's book, The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery yet? One of the things you'll learn from his book and research is that everyone's recovery is uniquely different. I'm reading the part right now about what he felt like and saw as he began to regain consciousness in the ICU after his surgery. His book describes in detail many commonalities of valve replacement surgery and lots of them are things you probably won't learn from your Doctor.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:30 A.M., I'm checking in to the hospital for my cardiac catherization procedure before the valve surgery on Wednesday. Jennifer, from procedure scheduling, just called to ask why my blood labs weren't done. I said, "no one gave me orders or told me to get more labs drawn". She said, "well, we can do it tomorrow after you get to the hospital; it might push your procedure back to a little later in the day that's all".

This bit of unexpected news made me nervous because family and friends (my support network) already have their reservations in place to be here in tag-team fashion to help through the recovery phase. Human error is another thing you may have to contend with. I'm trying to stay calm right now!

I'm planning to take my laptop with me to the hospital in the morning so I can keep you up-to-date with how the heart cath. goes.

Valve Replacement Surgery - Practical Preparation!

This is the Saturday before the Wednesday of my scheduled valve replacement surgery; it's only four days away now.

What kinds of things does a person think of doing in preparation for surgery? Of course, you get your affairs in order, you pack the items you’ll need in the hospital, (tooth paste and brush, pajamas, shampoo, underwear, Ipod, computer, books, shaving equipment if you’re a guy, and makeup if you are a gal), you talk (light heartedly) to family and friends, but you might also have various things unique only to you that you want to take care of before entering the hospital for the big day.

The last time I was in the hospital, I was admitted through the emergency room unexpectedly. No preparation at all! Not only had I not had time to prepare for any of the important things I’ve just mentioned, but also I’d been too sick to do anything with my hair. Really, I was too sick to even care if I had hair or would ever have hair again.

But, then, when I started to get a little better, the thing that bugged me most about being in the hospital was that my hair looked like a screaming Banshee who had just stuck her finger in an electric socket, caught her hair on fire, and then attempted to put it out with a rake. I became convinced that all the nurses and doctors, in order to prevent a complete guffaw, had to pause outside my door to compose themselves before entering my room.

My worst fears were realized when my very best friend entered my room, pointed to my hair, slapped her thighs, and doubled over laughing. She laughed so hard; it brought tears to her eyes! My feelings were hurt and I was more than a little miffed.

When I recounted the story to Dr. Blake, my Cardiologist, she thought I shouldn’t make too much of it because my friend had probably not been through sensitivity training as the nurses had. The piece of information only made it worse.

So, what did I do today? As you might have already guessed, I went to get my hair styled and colored. I told Cathy, my stylist, “I may be having valve replacement surgery, but I want my hair to look really good for the surgery and my subsequent stay in the hospital”. No way was I going to have a repeat of the last stay. In fact, I’m hoping that I’ll look so different with my new hairstyle and color that none of the hospital staff will even recognize me.

Do any of you have a funny, ridiculous surgery related story? Feel free to post a comment. It’s a known fact that laughter is the very best medicine around!

Heart Valve Replacement Surgery - Scared, Excited, Nervous?

I woke up this morning at a little before 3:00 A.M., and just couldn't get back to sleep even though I'd taken a mild sleeping pill before going to bed. My mind was going wild with all kinds of thoughts about the outcome of my upcoming heart valve replacement surgery on the 13th May, just five days from now. At times, I was excited at the real prospect of getting my energy and life back.

Then the negative thoughts would pan across my mind in vivid Technicolor. What if something goes wrong? What if I have a stroke? I saw myself floating above the operating table, listening to the Doctor saying, "time of death 2:15 P.M." (Too much Grey's Anatomy I think!). I felt myself leaving my loved ones and friends. They were sad and crying and so was I.

Then, I would take the optimistic position, and remind myself that I would probably come through just fine. I have a terrific, experienced surgeon, who specializes in valve replacement surgery. The mortality rate is only 2.4%. I'm a good candidate with few risk factors, etc.

This sort of back and forth thinking went on for more than a couple hours. Finally, I got up, went to the computer and re-read parts of Adam Pick's book, The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery.

Honestly, just reading about some of the 78 different successful heart valve replacement patients' stories calmed me down so that I could appreciate the birds, the spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains, and our cool refreshing NM wind. It wasn't long before I was thinking about the day ahead and how grateful I am for all that surrounds me.

Adam's book emphasizes that heart valve replacement surgery isn't the end of the world, but rather the beginning of a new energetic life. It's pretty funny in places too. He got shaved from the neck down in preparation for his surgery!

Time for my afternoon siesta!

Valve Replacement Surgery - New Symptoms!

Yesterday, I took my 14-pound Shih Tzu to the vet for her infected toe, got her treated, dropped her off at home, and headed on down to the INR clinic for the weekly finger prick. Then I stopped by the Research Dept. and signed up for the Heart Research Study I was telling you about before.

I stopped off for lunch on the way home; and, of course, brushed my teeth when I got home. I know you are wondering, where is this story going and what does it have to do with new symptoms or heart valve replacement surgery? Here's what happened.

As I finished brushing my teeth, I looked into the mirror, and saw to my surprise and fright three huge (about 3/4" in diameter) balloon shaped areas on the bulging veins in my neck. It looked like three bull frogs croaking at the same time. To say the least, I was a little unnerved by the image looking back at me in the mirror.

The new development was totally unexpected, and I didn't know whether to call 911 or to try and reach my Doctor. When I calmed down a little, I called my best friend. She is terrific in a crisis, level headed, knows all about my heart situation, and tends to think through unexpected situations rationally. She helped me realize that since I wasn't really feeling any worse that I probably had time to reach the Doctor.

Dr. Blake, my Cardiologist, called me back and explained that it was just a natural progression of the worsening regurgitation of the valve. And, my lifting my dog in and out of the car probably brought on the weird balloon display in my neck. Not to worry, she said, we still have plenty of time to get you fixed. Believe me, I was relieved to hear that news!

The point is, there are literally hundreds of questions that pop into your mind about your upcoming valve replacement surgery, some of them are very important and some of them are just a matter or curiosity. But, they are your questions, unique to your situation, and they deserve answers.

Last night, my friend got on the Internet and found a wonderful down loadable book by Adam Pick, a double valve replacement surgery patient. He calls the book, The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. It was written to give patients and their caregivers' valuable insight into the whole valve replacement surgery process.

If you want to avoid a lot of undue stress, have real curiosity about your heart surgery, and tons of questions, you've got to get this book. I read it in two sittings, and I now understand a thousand times better what to expect on the road ahead.

It covers everything from dispelling fear, to picking a surgeon, to the actual surgery, and gives you some real informative information about the recovery process that you probably won't hear from your surgeon. If you are interested, you can find it here: The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery.

Time to put my feet up for awhile!

Decided To Participate In A Heart Research Project

After debating for more than a week, I've decided to take part in the Medtronic Concomitant Utilization of Radio Frequency Energy for Atrial Fibrillation/Persistent (CURE-AF/Persistent)study. The study will involve 75 U.S. subjects at 15 different medical centers. The study, as I understand it, endeavors to measure if there are benefits to having surgery to treat A-Fib. My valve replacement surgery will be at the Heart Hospital in Albuquerque, NM.

The PROS to me are that I have an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of medical research. My feeling is that A-Fib patients may eventually benefit from the study. Also, I will be more closely monitored post surgery as a participant in the study. The CONS are that I might be tied to the study for up to 5 years, and that I will be on anticoagulant medication for 3 months. I don't fancy the blood thinners at all, and was hoping to get off them sooner than that after surgery.

Could be that your medical center may ask if your interested in participating in this study or some other heart related study. Hey, research is what has made valve replacement surgery the the success it is today!

Today, at 4:00 p.m., I'm pooped out and ready for a nap. Here's what my day was like. Up at six, fixed breakfast, cleaned up the dishes, took a shower, drove across town for an annual mammogram screening (yes, I am a woman, we have valve replacement surgery too), came home for lunch so I could take one of those horse pill antibiotics, took my angel Shih Tzu to the vet for an infected toe issue. As it turned out, these vets in NM require that you have an appointment, so we're now scheduled for in the morning.

I located a source for the Liquid Mind CD I was telling you about yesterday. If you're interested, here's the link. iTunes Store Music


Off for my nap now!

Valve Replacement Surgery - Tips For Dispelling Fear

Today, I’m having a good day for several reasons. I have a little more energy than usual even though the veins in my neck still look like they are playing bongo drums from the damaged valve’s regurgitating process.

I started listening to a CD called Liquid Mind all through the night. I don’t know how or why it works, but somehow it is supposed to balance your mind.

The beneficial effects for me have been, that I feel more refreshed in the mornings, and I also have a more optimistic outlook for my valve replacement surgery and a speedy recovery. As my CD was a gift, I don’t know where you can obtain it; but will try to find out and post the information later.

When I catch myself going down the slippery slope of fear, I try to remember to immediately interrupt my negative thought pattern with some positive self-talk. For example, I might say, “I’m happy, healthy, wealthy, healed, and whole”. Just breaking the gloomy thought pattern works wonders. The trick is to recognize immediately that you are on the downhill slide, and then switch your thoughts to something more positive.

I limit my TV time to watching shows that bring me laughter. Sounds kind of corny, but honestly it does work.

Still, I wish there was something out there that would tell me exactly what to expect on the road ahead. It would be great to hear from some folks who have actually been through heart replacement surgery. The heart surgeons have insanely busy schedules and really don’t have the time or inclination to address your feelings or fears, or what the entire process might be like for you.

Ten Days Until Surgery Day

Dang it all! During my annual physical exam, my primary care Doctor found a suspicious odd shaped mole on the base of my neck. She thought it would be prudent to remove the thing rather than wait until after my valve replacement surgery.

I'm extremely allergic to a lot if tape adhesives, but what I didn't know is that I was also allergic to the nylon suture material she used to close up the wound. Three days post removal of the nasty-looking little mole, I developed a blistering rash (looks like a poison ivy rash) beginning with the suture line and spreading out to about 5 x 10 inches.

Believe me, I want to get this allergic reaction cleared up before my valve replacement surgery. With all the tests and anxious waiting we've done, I would be very disappointed if the surgery had to be delayed.

At first, I thought that I probably should have waited until after my valve replacement surgery to have the mole removed, but then I thought, no this is terrific. Why terrific? Because, now I can inform my heart surgeon not to use nylon suture materials when he is closing up my chest.

In spite of the rash issue, my spirits are up today. Yesterday, I was in the pits most of the day. Waiting for me has been a roller coaster ride.

Valve Replacement Surgery - My Story, Your Story!

Ever since early March of this year, when Dr. Death Drums (a hospitalist I'd never seen before or since) entered my hospital room with an authoritative, pompous flourish and proceeded to ask me if anyone had ever discussed my severe congestive heart failure with me; thoughts of my heart have not been far from my mind.

I must have looked as wild-eyed as a baby Orangutan watching his first mating dance of a Bird of Paradise because, although I'd had tachybrady syndrome and A-fib for more than thirteen years, it was well controlled by my pacemaker and Cardia. I had lived a normal, very active life all those years and really never thought about my heart unless it was time to change the pacemaker's battery.

When Dr. Death Drums saw the look of terror flash over my face, he immediately took two steps back from my bed and exclaimed, "don't blame me, I'm just the messenger". I consider myself lucky that I didn't stroke out right then and there.

My thoughts about my heart ran then and continue to run the entire gamut from total optimism to complete despair. One minute I'm listing my positive non-risk factors for open-heart surgery and the next I find myself trying to digest the mortality rate for valve replacement surgery (which is very good by the way). Well-meaning people telling you that it's not much more than the risk of being hit by a car does not help at this particular juncture.

Dr. Death Drums, as we now refer to him, was technically correct, I had been hospitalized for congestive heart failure; however had he taken the time to read more than the front page of my chart he would have known that a few days earlier, I'd had a pacemaker lead extraction procedure.

Complications from extracting a thirteen-year-old pacemaker lead had caused extensive damage to my tricuspid heart valve. The valve was severely regurgitating and now I needed either a valve repair, if possible, or a valve replacement.

I am now awaiting valve replacement surgery, which is scheduled for the 13th of May.