Aortic dissection & aortic aneurysm information support group

Aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm - The aorta - Life after an aortic dissection

Cheryl Kerber Minnetonka, MN United States: Share on Facebook

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Post hernia surgery
2 Replies

Started this discussion. Last reply by Nicola McMeekin Aug 14, 2012.

Any of you have charlie horses?
11 Replies

Started this discussion. Last reply by Patrick Gethin Oct 21, 2012.

recommendation
1 Reply

Started this discussion. Last reply by Harry Jun 20, 2012.

Have you had any reactions to food, meds etc., since your surgeries?
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Harry Apr 15, 2012.

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Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

I was informed by the surgeon who performed my hernia surgery this past July 17th that it's quite common to develop a hernia after the type of AD surgery I had last July. He said the muscles get severed and nerves get severed so blood flow doesn't travel to the muscle and they start to stretch. Lucky for me he didn't have to use a Mesh to fix it as the location was under my left rib cage and he said it would have hurt the rest of my life due to its location. And he went in through my original…See More

Aug 3, 2012

2 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

Any of you have charlie horses?

Since last July, I have had an increase of feeling like I'm going to get a charlie horse in my calves or feet - but it usually only happens when I'm sleeping. I can feel myself start to stretch and my muscle starts to tighten - so of course it wakes me up and I do whatever I can to stop it from happening.Until early this morning - it got me. Now my leg feels bruised and it gets my brain thinking (which isn't a good thing) and I research the internet and so forth.My issue is that I just…See More

Jul 13, 2012

11 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

recommendation

I was recommended to read this book "Close to the Bone: Life threatening illness and the search for meaning" by Jean Shinoda Bolen, by a woman(a healer) who has survived her own battle with cancer followed by a severe car accident which led to 7 surgeries.I have read 3 chapters so far, and considering what ADs do to our lives - I have found it very enlightening and I could relate to so much I've read so far.Give it a chance - it's at the library :)See More

Jun 17, 2012

1 Comment

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

Have you had any reactions to food, meds etc., since your surgeries?

Just a quick question for all of you --- since my surgeries, there are times that I will have a reaction to "something" and I'm trying to figure out what the trigger is. I know for an example that I can't have any meds with Erythromycin or Sulfa drugs - since my first surgery in 04. My face feels like it is sunburned even though it isn't, my eyes get agitated like as if they are puffy but it isn't extremely noticeable and I itch --- the reason I know it is tied to those meds is because as…See More

Feb 7, 2012

3 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

Since I always seem to write when I'm down - thought I'd write on a good day!!

I'm on the uphill of my rollercoaster ride -- like I said I feel like I'm bipolar at times though I don't think I'd be diagnosed with it -- but today is one of the high days - the I can conquer the world days.I knew as soon as I woke up today - and I've managed to clean my house and stay in a good mood which is so opposite of my angry day yesterday --- where everything I tried to do - my physical/health issues got in the way.So now I have the sad/depressed day, the angry day and the extremely…See More

Jan 15, 2012

5 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

Having a tough day today emotionally.

I feel like I'm bipolar with emotions since my surgery in July. I can go and go and go for several days - feeling confident and sane for the most part, and then a day like today comes and strikes me out of nowhere. Maybe it's the full moon, or the wind down from Christmas and New Year's - I just don't know. For 2 nights I've had angry/frustrated dreams and then my whole day felt like I could cry without any provocation. I keep just swallowing hard and push back the tears by keeping myself…See More

Jan 12, 2012

9 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

My gift for surviving this past surgery -- this is JoJo

She was recued from a puppy mill in October. She's a Dachsund/Yorkie mix - about 8 pounds (very skinny - but hoping with good food and love she'll put a little more on). She's never had a home, nor a family, nor human touch beyond reprimand for between 2 and 3 years (that is how old they are guessing she is).And yes, she is as cute as this picture (you just can't tell how boney and skinny she is).I'm starting my new life - and I needed to pay if forward :)A Very Happy Cher!See More

Nov 20, 2011

4 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a blog post

Pain clinic was a total waste of time!

I put off going to a recommended physical therapy place by a friend who helped me through my first surgery, because I did research online and found a pain clinic that sounded like a fit for me. I'm still trying to deal with post surgery effects - especially my sciatic nerve and my legs. I'm 12 weeks post, have cut down to 1 or 2 pain pills a day from the original 12 - back on the treadmill (granted not more than 2.4 at this point for a half hour) but it gets my blood flowing and helps me…See More

Oct 11, 2011

2 Comments

mrs elizabeth hurcombe left a comment for Cheryl Kerber

"thanks , no they dont think my tablets or asthama contributed. maybe uncontrolled high blood pressure. since i got pregant with my son now seventeen. but there not sure. when got o clinc their mainly men & older get asked…"

Oct 6, 2011

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

Genetic testing or not?

So now that I'm 12 weeks post surgery, they are encouraging me to do some genetic testing. I know that sounds like it should be a no brainer -- but there are several reasons I am hesitating.Where they want to send my is an hour and a half drive from my house and that is one way. I also know they will want to run all their own health tests and I have had enough of that over the last 3 months already - and not to mention the cost (granted I reached my deductible so the insurance company is…See More

Oct 1, 2011

8 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

Anyone develop leg issues after surgery?

Since my surgery on July 7th, at least once a day when I stand up or bend or even stretch my back, I will feel a burning/tickling sensation that runs from my tail bone down my legs and they get weak and start to wobble a bit. I haven't collapsed yet - gotten close a couple times, but it makes me have to wait til the feeling passes. I am thinking it is a sciatic nerve issue maybe from the inflammation (at times there will be this throbbing stinging deep into my left hip/upper thigh) or maybe…See More

Sep 16, 2011

4 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

Shout out to Kimberly! (but everyone else too)

Just checking to see how you are doing? Are your kids all back in school and life changes once again until next summer?We moved one of my sons to a house on campus for the year which feels very odd since I'm used to at least saying goodnight to all 4 of my kids.It was like they all left at once --- since they all went back to school on the exact same day --- 2 to college, one to junior high, and my youngest to her last year in elementary school. They all grow so fast.I know having my surgery…See More

Sep 7, 2011

3 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a discussion

Low iron and Warfarin(coumadin)?

I am new to taking blood thinners, but my last blood work up showed I was low in all 3 of the hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood count, so my MD is suggesting taking an iron supplement. I thought at first maybe it was due to the 9 plus liters of blood transfused, but as I've researched more on the internet - it states that Warfarin can interfer with iron absorption.Have any of you run across this issue? or do you have any suggestions? I'm not thrilled at the thought of adding another…See More

Sep 6, 2011

3 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a blog post

Back and spinal chord pain - anyone?

Do any of you, or did any of you remember having such tiring back/spinal chord pain after your surgery? I have reached that point in my healing process.I know from having to sleep in a chair and such doesn't help, and the fact they cut thru my core muscles contributes, but I'm finding my pain meds do nothing to alleviate this issue. I have tried icing my lower back and even tried lying slightly on my right side just to take the tension off my back.Do any of you have any suggestions?My doctor…See More

Aug 28, 2011

7 Comments

Cheryl Kerber posted a blog post

Medical terms can be challenging but internet explanations can freak you out.

I started looking through the paper work I have gotten since my surgery, so I started looking up what all the big words meant like Thrombocytosis, Leukocytosis, Mondor's disease and my list goes on.I do know that I developed a blood clot in my upper chest post surgery (not any where near the incision and such) along with the 2 dvt's in my left leg and that is what led them to research my blood tests and that is when they found out that I had this factor 10 which is Lupus Anticoagulant disorder…See More

Aug 22, 2011

7 Comments

Harry left a comment for Cheryl Kerber

"Glad you are much better! You were an inspiration going into my surgery & I hope you make a speedy recovery. I will swap a few post opp stories etc when i can focus. I can just about use the PC, but my mind wonders & the pain…"

Aug 18, 2011

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Pain clinic was a total waste of time!

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Posted on October 11, 2011 at 14:55 — 2 Comments

Back and spinal chord pain - anyone?

Do any of you, or did any of you remember having such tiring back/spinal chord pain after your surgery?

I have reached that point in my healing process.

I know from having to sleep in a chair and such doesn't help, and the fact they cut thru my core muscles contributes, but I'm finding my pain meds do nothing to alleviate this issue. I have tried icing my lower back and even tried lying slightly on my right side just to take the tension off my back.

Do any of you have…

Continue

Posted on August 28, 2011 at 20:05 — 7 Comments

Medical terms can be challenging but internet explanations can freak you out.

I started looking through the paper work I have gotten since my surgery, so I started looking up what all the big words meant like Thrombocytosis, Leukocytosis, Mondor's disease and my list goes on.

I do know that I developed a blood clot in my upper chest post surgery (not any where near the incision and such) along with the 2 dvt's in my left leg and that is what led them to research my blood tests and that is when they found out that I had this factor 10 which is Lupus…

Continue

Posted on August 22, 2011 at 1:28 — 7 Comments

I'm back --- still drugged up quite a bit --- but I'm here

I'm not going to say that everything is wonderful and pain free and perfect as I think you all know that would be false but I have to say, I'm glad to be on this side of it.

I'm back home now - got home Saturday afternoon. They got the Heparin level to a point where I don't have to give myself shots (there was no way - as is I got to the point of crying just seeing the lab people come in to draw more blood. They all tried so hard to not hurt me using pediatric needles, warming the…

Continue

Posted on August 2, 2011 at 1:52 — 8 Comments

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At 9:27 on October 6, 2011, mrs elizabeth hurcombe said…: thanks , no they dont think my tablets or asthama contributed. maybe uncontrolled high blood pressure. since i got pregant with my son now seventeen. but there not sure. when got o clinc their mainly men & older get asked why i'm here . even if there a new nurse on.it great to know there othesr out there like me.im not alone.when get frustrated at doctors all want to over me councilling or drugs.

At 5:30 on August 18, 2011, Harry said…: Glad you are much better!

You were an inspiration going into my surgery & I hope you make a speedy recovery. I will swap a few post opp stories etc when i can focus.

I can just about use the PC, but my mind wonders & the pain is always in the background - waiting!

Catch up soon.

Harry

At 18:54 on May 31, 2011, the.mrs.2010 said…: Hey,

Thank you very much! Actually I am not the one with the conditon, its my mom! She recently found out and I was hoping to use you guys as a resource and plan on sharing this site with her as well. She was just released from the hospital and I personally still do not fill fully confident on what her actual condiditon is and how exactly her life will continue. So I will def. need support advice ect. you all seem like such a great resource and I appreciate the welcome mat! :)

At 0:18 on March 6, 2011, Richard Deal said…: aye aye,

i was just catching up with the forums and blog posts when i saw your question about my wellbeing.

all hunky dory here - after the week of skiing in france i had a few days back at work then jumped in a plane headed for south africa for just over a fortnight of southern sun. it has worked wonders on the tan (although i now have two skin-shedding snakes for arms) but was just that little bit too hectic to have really got some good relaxation and forget-it-all time...

ho hum, guess i'll just have to start thinking about my next holiday - if i can get my doctor to prescribe one to me then my health insurance has to pay, and work has to let me go ;)

take care!

r

At 1:18 on January 19, 2011, Carol Pont said…: Cheryl i hate the pain where the ribs were removed. As for a bra where it hits the scars is like torture. I am not at the itch stage yet. When does the tiredness stop. Some days i am awake all day. Yet some days i am awake an hour and need too sleep again. Not sleeping well at night either. But that is more fear.

At 16:45 on January 12, 2011, Graeme said…: Hey Cheryl,

Thanks for the nice compliment on my writing style and overall for the site..yeah..it sorta gave me the 'hump' (english slang in the uk for being p**ed off) that you had to be John Ritter or Amy Yasbek (Johns wife) to get the story about AD and AE out..so my wife kicked my backside into gear in 99 and i started this..it does give me a great deal of satisfaction to be able to reach out and to let all of us survivors help to heal each others wounds - both pyschological and physical.. the human spirit is unquenchable and it works wonders on a forum like this.. and btw.. the more you write the better..get it out!!!

you take care..you are a special person! :-)

Graeme

At 13:58 on January 11, 2011, Kimberlee Jones said…: Welcome!

At 10:05 on January 11, 2011, Graeme said…: Hi Cheryl,

and welcome to the Aortic Dissection Group...Yes, all of us are real and a real mixed bag when it comes to dissections..I had a full on type A that dissected up and over and also trashed my aortic valve ..many of us have had more serious (if that's not serious enough!) dissections and yes...only yesterday at my annual cardio ultrasound the nurses shook their heads in wonderment and said.."do you know how lucky you are " etc etc.. so yes we are ALL lucky..and i think left on this earth to help others with the same..so jump in ..tell us some more about yourself and above all we are all here to support and help one another!

cheers

Graeme Archer

Founder

At 7:21 on January 11, 2011, Richard Deal said…: hey cheryl,

welcome to the group! make yourself at home, in the blog section you can tell other members about your story and read other members' stories. the forums have a few ongoing discussions that you may find interesting too - don't be scared to comment, or start new topics - none of us bite!

take care,

r