I'm Alive.
I have been home for a little more than a month and a bit over six weeks since my Aortic surgery. I was just putting on some face cream, noticing the smell of it and then I started to cry. I am starting to notice thing aside from my pain and my body. I can't think of my direct surgery, hospital stay or the week or so I was home from the hospital so I thing I will continue this blog sort of in parts.
Today was a good day. My good friend Marcy, sister from another mister, came over and brought me Pasta and veggies. It was so good and I ate plenty. My taste buds have been off because of medication but it is ever so slowly coming back to life. I feel I am coming back to life too. Marcy was just saying recovery is not just to body healing but the spirit alinging with the soul and body again.
Wow is she right on. I was crying because I was happy to be alive. This feeling is good. I feel pretty good.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Days Before My Heart Surgery
18 June 2010
Yesterday was a pretty long day for me. I worked with my friend Sandy in Petaluma. I also went downtown Petaluma to find a furniture store where my friend Lennie works and found the place pretty easy. I went inside and noticed the beds are on the first floor and the furniture is on the second and third floor. I wasn’t sure I could make it up two flights of stairs but it wasn’t too bad. Of course, I saw Lennie fluffing pillows. (I think she was born fluffing pillows.) I then creped over to an overstuffed chair and sat down until she moved over toward me. Another customer was browsing so I was pretty hidden. Lennie was about ten feet away from me and I said, “I wonder if this is a good color.” She looked up at me and did a double take. I started laughing too hard. I love doing little things like that. She showed me around the place and I fell in love a few pieces.
That really helped to boost the old spirit. I came home and had a lot of pain so I rested and did some reading. Vanessa called and I went to pick her up at the movies. Mother duties never end.
After dinner I watched the movie “The Lovely Bones” I read the book a few months ago and really wanted to see the movie. It is so strange how fast movies go to DVD these days. If a person didn’t read the book it would be sort of hard to follow. I loved the special effects and acting. I would recommend this movie only if you read the book. It will help fill in the holes. Of course a movie can never live up to a good book but the magic of film is in a field apart from text.
I was having pretty bad chest pains so I went to bed. I can’t take anything for the pain but the beta blockers and ativan seem to relax the muscles enough to fall asleep.
I have another headache this morning and some chest pain. I am really doing well mentally. The hospital gave me a cd to listen to designed just for surgery patients. It really helps me to meditate and rid my body of most of the pain.
Writing is what is helping me the most. Thank you all for being there for me.
Sarah was just here and brought some baby chickens down to give to Caty. They are really called Chicks but I find that politically incorrect to call them that.
I LOVE CHICKENS. So does my grandson Achaius. He was loving on them so much I thought he was going to love them to death. He was showing me how they eat; he then started straightening its head out so much I thought he might tug too hard. . I just had to stop that. So we both got on my bed and cuddled a baby chicken. HOW MUCH Better can life get?
Off to t pool we went. He liked staying in the hot tub for so long he looked like a little prune. At one point he put his hand on my shoulder and said in the most loving voice “You are my best friend.” My heart melted. I know he says that to everyone, but I didn’t think about that. His love is so special.
When I got home I had to take a nap. Now I am feeling pretty good and rested. I would like to stay that way. No chest pain. Wow that is good.
Well I am out for now.
Thanks for listening.
Jenny
Yesterday was a pretty long day for me. I worked with my friend Sandy in Petaluma. I also went downtown Petaluma to find a furniture store where my friend Lennie works and found the place pretty easy. I went inside and noticed the beds are on the first floor and the furniture is on the second and third floor. I wasn’t sure I could make it up two flights of stairs but it wasn’t too bad. Of course, I saw Lennie fluffing pillows. (I think she was born fluffing pillows.) I then creped over to an overstuffed chair and sat down until she moved over toward me. Another customer was browsing so I was pretty hidden. Lennie was about ten feet away from me and I said, “I wonder if this is a good color.” She looked up at me and did a double take. I started laughing too hard. I love doing little things like that. She showed me around the place and I fell in love a few pieces.
That really helped to boost the old spirit. I came home and had a lot of pain so I rested and did some reading. Vanessa called and I went to pick her up at the movies. Mother duties never end.
After dinner I watched the movie “The Lovely Bones” I read the book a few months ago and really wanted to see the movie. It is so strange how fast movies go to DVD these days. If a person didn’t read the book it would be sort of hard to follow. I loved the special effects and acting. I would recommend this movie only if you read the book. It will help fill in the holes. Of course a movie can never live up to a good book but the magic of film is in a field apart from text.
I was having pretty bad chest pains so I went to bed. I can’t take anything for the pain but the beta blockers and ativan seem to relax the muscles enough to fall asleep.
I have another headache this morning and some chest pain. I am really doing well mentally. The hospital gave me a cd to listen to designed just for surgery patients. It really helps me to meditate and rid my body of most of the pain.
Writing is what is helping me the most. Thank you all for being there for me.
Sarah was just here and brought some baby chickens down to give to Caty. They are really called Chicks but I find that politically incorrect to call them that.
I LOVE CHICKENS. So does my grandson Achaius. He was loving on them so much I thought he was going to love them to death. He was showing me how they eat; he then started straightening its head out so much I thought he might tug too hard. . I just had to stop that. So we both got on my bed and cuddled a baby chicken. HOW MUCH Better can life get?
Off to t pool we went. He liked staying in the hot tub for so long he looked like a little prune. At one point he put his hand on my shoulder and said in the most loving voice “You are my best friend.” My heart melted. I know he says that to everyone, but I didn’t think about that. His love is so special.
When I got home I had to take a nap. Now I am feeling pretty good and rested. I would like to stay that way. No chest pain. Wow that is good.
Well I am out for now.
Thanks for listening.
Jenny
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Hello All,
The link below is sort of what I am having done.
I found this site and thought I was going to faint looking at it. I finally could and found it fascinating. Just wish it wasn’t going to be performed on me.
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/aorta_marfan/marfansurgery_actual.aspx
The link below is sort of what I am having done.
I found this site and thought I was going to faint looking at it. I finally could and found it fascinating. Just wish it wasn’t going to be performed on me.
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/aorta_marfan/marfansurgery_actual.aspx
Aneurysm Surgery
6-17-2010
Time is flying by. I went to visit Sarah at her new place yesterday and then we went to
I had to leave my beautiful dog Reggie with Sarah and I was very sad. I miss her. She has always been with me for the last few years.
I got a call from Kaiser’s admitting office this morning to go over some details. The reality still evades me. Sometime denial is a good thing.
I found some information on aneurysm surgery and this is a great website. If you want to look at it but beware it is sort of graphic. So only look if you like this sort of stuff.
6-15-2010
Hello All,
I wanted to let you know everything is falling into place. Lots of family and friend support. I am doing pretty good but I get tired very easy. Do a bit then have to rest. I am sure part of it is the beta blockers. I am not having too much pain, only if I get stressed. So I am staying pretty close to home. I am going to go hang out with my grandson tomorrow at the lakes. It should be beautiful. I will be with my three beautiful daughters and my little man. How great is that? Oh and my big ass dog, Reggie. She loves to go in the water with me. It is funny to see a poodle swim.
Not much planned for today just a lot of writing. Got all my comfermations yesterday for pre-op and surgery. I just have to keep busy and my mind on my work. I want to thank everyone who has sent me well wishes. It really helps to know you all are out there.
I will add more soon.
Peace,
Jenny
Hello All,
I wanted to let you know everything is falling into place. Lots of family and friend support. I am doing pretty good but I get tired very easy. Do a bit then have to rest. I am sure part of it is the beta blockers. I am not having too much pain, only if I get stressed. So I am staying pretty close to home. I am going to go hang out with my grandson tomorrow at the lakes. It should be beautiful. I will be with my three beautiful daughters and my little man. How great is that? Oh and my big ass dog, Reggie. She loves to go in the water with me. It is funny to see a poodle swim.
Not much planned for today just a lot of writing. Got all my comfermations yesterday for pre-op and surgery. I just have to keep busy and my mind on my work. I want to thank everyone who has sent me well wishes. It really helps to know you all are out there.
I will add more soon.
Peace,
Jenny
Heart Surgery
Hello,
This is turning into a blog.
I worked yesterday for about 5 hours. When I got home I took a little nap. FOR TWO HOURS.
The meds I am on to lower my (already low blood pressure) drains me. I also get headaches. whine whine whine.
So I guess I just have to let that go. Today is beautiful and sunny. I would love to go kayaking, but can't do that. I am getting so far behind on my writing I will be cramming all next week. At least writing is comforting. It is the interview and running around part I miss.
Chasing down Lance Armstrong in the rain, laughing during City Council meetings with and old Press Democrat reporter, falling asleep during Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting then waking up just in time to grab a crazed environmentalist from the West County for a quote I will never use. What fun.
But my favorite thing is trying to sneak into the Sonoma County Court Rooms with my Digital Recorder. It only worked twice. Now they have me profiled. "Crazy looking white woman with big boobs trying to look like a dumb blonde." For some reason I feel that as a complement -- ho hum -- must get some work done. My email is my life right now so feel free sending me words of wisdom. Also My facebook page is
Jenny Terry Harris, please join me I will be putting some more photos of my kids up and my dog just like everyone else.
Peace, NOT PEACE OUT
love,
Jenny
This is turning into a blog.
I worked yesterday for about 5 hours. When I got home I took a little nap. FOR TWO HOURS.
The meds I am on to lower my (already low blood pressure) drains me. I also get headaches. whine whine whine.
So I guess I just have to let that go. Today is beautiful and sunny. I would love to go kayaking, but can't do that. I am getting so far behind on my writing I will be cramming all next week. At least writing is comforting. It is the interview and running around part I miss.
Chasing down Lance Armstrong in the rain, laughing during City Council meetings with and old Press Democrat reporter, falling asleep during Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting then waking up just in time to grab a crazed environmentalist from the West County for a quote I will never use. What fun.
But my favorite thing is trying to sneak into the Sonoma County Court Rooms with my Digital Recorder. It only worked twice. Now they have me profiled. "Crazy looking white woman with big boobs trying to look like a dumb blonde." For some reason I feel that as a complement -- ho hum -- must get some work done. My email is my life right now so feel free sending me words of wisdom. Also My facebook page is
Jenny Terry Harris, please join me I will be putting some more photos of my kids up and my dog just like everyone else.
Peace, NOT PEACE OUT
love,
Jenny
CT Scan of my Heart
Hello again,
I went and had my MRI it was really a long ass Cat Scan of my heart. They shot me full of nuclear waste and took 3 D pictures of my heart. But it showed my heart is in great shape BUT the aorta has to go. So the Doctor called and was happy to report I have a very clear strong heart. (I could have told him that) and the Aortic Aneurysm is stable. I am scheduled for Surgery at the SF Kaiser on Geary off Divisidero on June 22nd and will be in the hospital at least 4 days. After that I will be staying at Lee's -- I would love to have visitors but no flowers are allowed because of keeping the room clear of (what the doctors call)s pollutants. They are concerned about infection. I will accept plenty of love from everyone who visits.
Hope some of you can make it by.
I know it will help my recovery.
I will send out more information about Lee's address and phone number soon. I must go night night now.
Love you all,
Jenny
I went and had my MRI it was really a long ass Cat Scan of my heart. They shot me full of nuclear waste and took 3 D pictures of my heart. But it showed my heart is in great shape BUT the aorta has to go. So the Doctor called and was happy to report I have a very clear strong heart. (I could have told him that) and the Aortic Aneurysm is stable. I am scheduled for Surgery at the SF Kaiser on Geary off Divisidero on June 22nd and will be in the hospital at least 4 days. After that I will be staying at Lee's -- I would love to have visitors but no flowers are allowed because of keeping the room clear of (what the doctors call)s pollutants. They are concerned about infection. I will accept plenty of love from everyone who visits.
Hope some of you can make it by.
I know it will help my recovery.
I will send out more information about Lee's address and phone number soon. I must go night night now.
Love you all,
Jenny
MRI Tomorrow for Aortic Aneurysm
6-5-2010
Hello all,
I have my Heart MRI tomorrow to finalize what type of surgery I am having. The Doctor will call in the afternoon to let me know the outcome. The description below sort of explains what I will be having done. I will be in SF but back home in about 5 days after surgery. I have a lot of support but may be asking for a few more people to come and visit me while I am recuperating at Lee's house for the two weeks of limited activity. This is a big journey for me but with all the loving care from my close friends and family I know I will do fine. My biggest fear is I may be in too much pain.
It is late and I need to go to sleep. If you have any questions please email me. I will not be home much this week. But I check my email a LOT.
Love ya,
Jenny
*Ascending Aortic Thoracic Aneurysms After Surgical Repair with
Dacron Tube GraftSurgical Treatment of Ascending Aorta
Thoracic** **Aneurysms*
Aneurysms in the ascending aorta are usually operated on immediately. AATA surgery involves the surgeon locating the aneurysm, clamping the artery to control bleeding, and removing the enlarged section of the aorta and replacing it with a Dacron tube graft. If the aneurysm is affecting the aortic valve, the valve will also be replaced. Use of the heart-lung machine is required for this type of surgery. Following the operation, a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) is usually required, followed by another five to seven days in the hospital. At right we show the repair of the aneurysm illustrated above.
Hello all,
I have my Heart MRI tomorrow to finalize what type of surgery I am having. The Doctor will call in the afternoon to let me know the outcome. The description below sort of explains what I will be having done. I will be in SF but back home in about 5 days after surgery. I have a lot of support but may be asking for a few more people to come and visit me while I am recuperating at Lee's house for the two weeks of limited activity. This is a big journey for me but with all the loving care from my close friends and family I know I will do fine. My biggest fear is I may be in too much pain.
It is late and I need to go to sleep. If you have any questions please email me. I will not be home much this week. But I check my email a LOT.
Love ya,
Jenny
*Ascending Aortic Thoracic Aneurysms After Surgical Repair with
Dacron Tube GraftSurgical Treatment of Ascending Aorta
Thoracic** **Aneurysms*
Aneurysms in the ascending aorta are usually operated on immediately. AATA surgery involves the surgeon locating the aneurysm, clamping the artery to control bleeding, and removing the enlarged section of the aorta and replacing it with a Dacron tube graft. If the aneurysm is affecting the aortic valve, the valve will also be replaced. Use of the heart-lung machine is required for this type of surgery. Following the operation, a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) is usually required, followed by another five to seven days in the hospital. At right we show the repair of the aneurysm illustrated above.
Heart Problems
Hello Friends and Family,
I have had quite a strange week. I was feeling pretty bad on Monday night and couldn't sleep so I went to the Dr. on Tuesday.
I had pretty bad chest pains and the doctor ran some test. He ordered me to see my Primary Care Doctor in the next day or so.
I woke up Wednesday with pretty bad chest pains so I called the doctor again -- they said to go to the Emergency room. I called Craig to take me to the hospital. A bunch of tests were taken and an enlarged aorta was found. Some of you know this because I have talk to you but I need to help everyone's get their mind at ease. I am ok.
I am on medication and I am waiting for a call from the DRs in San Francisco. They are great doctors and I have at least a 98 percent of full recovery. I may need to have heart surgery. But it is pretty easy and quick. So PLEASE don't worry.
Funny how I am so concerned for others. Hmmmmmmmm I wonder why.
It is pretty easy for me to feel ok because I have all the answers from the doctors. You all will just have to trust me. I am really OK.
I had been feeling bad for over a year and didn't know what it was. My primary care doctor said after I get things straightened out I will feel better than ever.
Today is Saturday and Bex is coming down tomorrow to help me do some house work. I will keep you all posted. Please no phone calls. I am resting most of the day. I will check my emails as often as I can. Thank you.
I love all of you so much.
best,
Thanks for listening,
Jenny
I have had quite a strange week. I was feeling pretty bad on Monday night and couldn't sleep so I went to the Dr. on Tuesday.
I had pretty bad chest pains and the doctor ran some test. He ordered me to see my Primary Care Doctor in the next day or so.
I woke up Wednesday with pretty bad chest pains so I called the doctor again -- they said to go to the Emergency room. I called Craig to take me to the hospital. A bunch of tests were taken and an enlarged aorta was found. Some of you know this because I have talk to you but I need to help everyone's get their mind at ease. I am ok.
I am on medication and I am waiting for a call from the DRs in San Francisco. They are great doctors and I have at least a 98 percent of full recovery. I may need to have heart surgery. But it is pretty easy and quick. So PLEASE don't worry.
Funny how I am so concerned for others. Hmmmmmmmm I wonder why.
It is pretty easy for me to feel ok because I have all the answers from the doctors. You all will just have to trust me. I am really OK.
I had been feeling bad for over a year and didn't know what it was. My primary care doctor said after I get things straightened out I will feel better than ever.
Today is Saturday and Bex is coming down tomorrow to help me do some house work. I will keep you all posted. Please no phone calls. I am resting most of the day. I will check my emails as often as I can. Thank you.
I love all of you so much.
best,
Thanks for listening,
Jenny
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