M
Mary
I know that others have had their valve replacements on June 7, but I can't reflect on my surgery without thinking of Cory (whom I haven't seen around here in a C*O*O*N'S * age! )
Two years ago today, I was saying last minute good-byes to family members in the surgical area and waiting for the long promised 11am surgery.
My dear brother-in-law, probably the least sentimental person I thought I knew, told me that if he could have the surgery in place of me, he would. I recognize that was probably the most generous offer I have ever received.
Anyway, they got the dirty deed done, and I truly remember nothing except a nurse saying, "Mrs. Stone, we're going to take your breathing tube out now." A few hours later, I muttered, "Have you taken it out yet?" and then realized that since I was talking, they must have!
My recovery has not been smooth. Three months after replacement I learned that I had developed pericardial constriction; a somewhat uncommon complication that can occur after any open heart surgery. It can be corrected by surgery, but the thought of THAT operation truly leaves me feeling weak in the knees. After watering flowers in 85+ heat and 70+ humidity, this morning, I'm exhausted. I expect the cardiologist to say at my upcoming appointment, "Well, you know there's only ONE* sure-fire way to fix that!"
*grumble, grumble*
I could use some old, corny expressions to soothe myself as to why it happened to me . . . . but that wouldn't change a THING! I prefer to spend today celebrating the second anniversary of my aortic valve replacement!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CORY!
Two years ago today, I was saying last minute good-byes to family members in the surgical area and waiting for the long promised 11am surgery.
My dear brother-in-law, probably the least sentimental person I thought I knew, told me that if he could have the surgery in place of me, he would. I recognize that was probably the most generous offer I have ever received.
Anyway, they got the dirty deed done, and I truly remember nothing except a nurse saying, "Mrs. Stone, we're going to take your breathing tube out now." A few hours later, I muttered, "Have you taken it out yet?" and then realized that since I was talking, they must have!
My recovery has not been smooth.
Three months after replacement I learned that I had developed pericardial constriction; a somewhat uncommon complication that can occur after any open heart surgery. It can be corrected by surgery, but the thought of THAT operation truly leaves me feeling weak in the knees. After watering flowers in 85+ heat and 70+ humidity, this morning, I'm exhausted. I expect the cardiologist to say at my upcoming appointment, "Well, you know there's only ONE* sure-fire way to fix that!"*grumble, grumble*
I could use some old, corny expressions to soothe myself as to why it happened to me . . . . but that wouldn't change a THING! I prefer to spend today celebrating the second anniversary of my aortic valve replacement!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CORY!
