Recent content by mwedlake

I had open heart surgery in March of 2011 to remove an atrial myxoma (tumor in my left atrium). I went to the Oklahoma Heart Institute in Tulsa, where the doctors use the sternal talons. That was part of my reason for going there, as my previous doctor had said because of my weight he would...

I received one of these necklaces for my birthday. I LOVE it! I haven't enjoyed wearing necklaces since I had my OHS and was left with this raised chest scar, but this is one necklace I don't mind bringing attention to my scar! http://www.dreswain.com/portfolio/repaired/ Anyway, just wanted...

Fantastic article. I love it that you decided to show your scar. It looks so similar to mine, except I have 4 drainage scars instead of 3 for some reason :) Thank you for making that decision. I just might wear a v-neck top again lol!

I understand what you are saying about your scar. I did not have the staples, so am guessing mine was cemented. It is still red and ropey. I have been using Mederma on it, but not sure it is making any difference. Thinking I might try your newspaper article's suggestion of petroleum jelly...

Sorry to hear you are having to go through this. I had gallbladder surgery 3 weeks before my open heart surgery in March, but was able to do the lap gallbladder. I will be praying for a swift and easy recovery for you!

Mine is the same as Mileena. Feels like band around rib cage and can't get a deep breath.

Hello from a fellow Okie! I grew up in Tulsa, live north of there now in Sperry. I had my heart surgery at Oklahoma Heart Institute five weeks ago. I really like the doctors there and have gotten good response on my follow-up. Start cardiac rehab there in June. Love the idea of your videos...

Will be interested to see how it works! My scar seems very "ropey". I picked up some Mederma to try on it.

Had my follow-up with my surgeon today (4 weeks 5 days post-op). Everything looks good, except my blood pressure is a little high. Told me to double up on my blood pressure med for a few days to see if I can get it down. Other than that everything is healing nicely and, best of all, I get to...

Thats what I keep telling myself, Steve! And I sure dont have as many complications to deal with as most on this forum. They do think a lot of mine is from fluid retention. I am also on daily lasix although im no really swollen Go for blood test tomorrow to check iron levels. I was...

Only couple of hours sleep. Everytime I lay down I get anxious and feel like I'm choking. Thought someone had left the vacuum cleaner on till I realized it's just my heart pumping. I thought hot flashes were bad but they have nothing on the cold sweats I've had since surgery! Just have to...

Melissa had another really good day today! She felt much better after they changed one of her med's. The doctor said another 2-3 day's and we will be headed home! The doctor also asked if they could use a video of one of her TEE tests as an educational tool. I'm not sure what to think of video...

You are SOOOO right! God is GREAT!!!

She is resting in-between. She is just working hard at what they are asking her to do.

Melissa had a great night and they are already going to move her out of ICU! They had her standing up and doing some shoulder exercises every 2-3 hours during the night. She is a fighter and is already working very hard to get back to our everyday lives. At the rate she has started out at it...