Sorry I have not been around the past 2 weeks.  It wasn't really planned this way.  

My mother had her mitral valve replaced on 3/15 and I had planned on visiting her from 3/20 - 3/29 to help her adjust at home.  I should know better - nothing ever goes as planned.  I arrived on 3/20, but she was still in the hospital.  No problem, another day or two and we would still have plenty of time.  She ended up staying in the hospital for 10 days - 5 more than planned.  Her complications were not major, but nothing to ignore either.  I am disgusted with the hospital and lack of management of care and the extra risks they put my mother in.  As it was, I ended up with a major bacterial respiratory infection from my mother's roommate.  Thank goodness my mother was already being treated with antibotics so she did not get as sick as I did.  I got my mom out of the hospital and got her settled at home and things were going pretty well, other than the fact I was obviously getting sicker by the day.  I left on Thursday.  I apologise to anyone that might have been on the plane with me - I tried to stay to myself - I even changed my seat to sit in the back row to avoid contact with people.  I was very sick.  By Friday morning I had a fever over 101, no voice, could barely breathe and was not totally aware of what was going on around me.  Went to Urgent Care - they went into panic mode, did the chest Xrays, masked me, started me on major antibiotics and codeine cough syrup and told me to go home and not move for 2 days.  The rest of Friday and most of Saturday I don't remember.  Sunday I came out of the fog and became aware of my surroundings and today I feel human again.  The voice is still rough and the cough is hanging around, but I can breathe without total concentration.

My original plan had been to check in from time to time while I was gone, but due to hospital incompetencies and my illness, it never happened.  Sorry.   I'm glad to see Sakina and Curlgirl kept things in good order and everyone behaved themselves.  Hello to all the newbies.  It feels good to be back!

Very sorry to hear of all your trials but glad you’re both back home again and on the mend. Had been wondering, thought you’d gone bikin’ somewhere ! That’s the trouble too with hospitals it seems these days, you can easily pick up the latest bug around so being a doctor or nurse is certainly a real commitment. It’s a wonder all visitors don’t insist on face masks before entering, that would set a precedent ! Imagine the looks you’d get !!   Next thing people would be wearing oxygen tanks, white overalls and goodness knows what else !

Which reminded me. Although I’ve no idea what happens as I’ve never been to a healer, I sometimes used to go along last year with a good friend who is a qualified Reiki healer to a weekly communal meeting of several other local healers as well. Usually there were at least 8 to 10 other qualified Reiki healers attending all led by a guy who was a Reiki expert of at least 40 years standing. He’d make us sit still, close our eyes for about half an hour and try to get some sort of “group energy” thingy going, and although I never felt a thing (!) they did relate afterwards of some interesting though far too spooky for me energy experiences.  Still don’t understand it all and not really sure I want to !  

Nope I think I’ll stick to long healthy mind blowing walks in the force 10 gales on our local beaches thanks !  

Oh man!  I hope your feeling better!

Oh BB,  I am soooo sorry you got sick.  Taking care of an ill parent is one thing, but to be sick yourself while caring for them is even more difficult.  I am glad tho you are recovering and I will pray for you to continue in good health.

Debr

Holy Crap!  That's a big, dangerous mistake!!!  I'm glad its been sorted out and she's recovering!!!

Most important is that you are getting better. I'll have to seacrh on what that valve does.

I was sick most of the first three months of this year with two bronchial infections and one intestinal, but seemingly NOTHING compared to what you just went through! So how long before you can bike again? Sometimes these linger long after symptoms are gone and re-infection is a concern. Best to take it easy for a while and reduce stress  (if that is at all possible.)

It's seems worse when you're not in your own familiar surrounding, too. Did you have major chest pains with this? I sure did!

LaDiosa, I've heard too many instances where poeple pick up staff and bacteria infections at a hospital. I've pretty much lost faith in the whole medical thing, especially after the fiascos with my MIL in the last year of her life.

La Diosa; problems with the mitral valve are not uncommon.  My boss had his repaired last year.  I know several others that have had theirs either repaired or replaced.  Repair is the easiest to recover from.  If they replace the valve, it would be replaced with either a tissue (animal tissue) or mechanical valve.  My mother received a tissue valve, which is easier to recover from than a mechanical valve, but the longevity is not as good as the mechanical.  A tissue valve lasts about 15 years.  For this reason, it is usually only used on elderly patients.  Mechanical valves will last much longer.  My father had his over 20 years and believe me, the technology has greatly improved since his!  I hope you don't have any additional problems with your valve.