Comments on: “Any Last Words To Calm My Fears?” Asks Carole

By: Adam Pick

Adam Pick — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:10:40 +0000

Hi Joseph,

Nice to meet you. You can learn more about Dr. Stelzer here:

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Paul-Stelzer-New+York-New%20York.php

I hope that helps!

Keep on tickin!
Adam

By: Joseph Maniscalco

Joseph Maniscalco — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:06:27 +0000

To all:

may GOD bLes all of us whom have gone the way of this surgery and for those of us still in preparation. can any one tell me anything about Dr. Paul Stelzer at My Sinai Hospital?

My name is Joseph and I am a candidate for AVR in the near future. Thank you

By: joann

joann — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:37:51 +0000

Carol, I feel your fear, I’m in the same boat and will be having mitral valve repair at Columbia Pres. in New york with Dr. Michael Argenziano. He has assured me all will go well, i will wake up, my greatest fear is going to sleep and not. I’m still terrified and hoping to work out my fears before surgery. It has been a shock because i have no symptoms, however I now know that my heart is enlarged, and I have a heart murmer as well. If i don’t do this surgery, eventually i will go into heart failure. It is daunting to say the least, but there is no choice. I don’t want the alternative. I’ve decided to put myself in the good Dr’s hands and in God’s care. I am a young 70 year old, type A and on the go constantly. Its amazing how many people have this condition and so far from what I’ve read its all positive. So march forward, be brave, be strong. God Bless.

By: pat harris

pat harris — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:27:50 +0000

I’m still waiting for referral to surgeon. Cardio dr trying to stretch as much time as possible from my stroke (11/11) and surgery. Meantime, I am vacillating between being ompletely depressed, in tears a lot, and being scared spitless since I have no idea how good or bad my condition (mitral regurg) actually is. I feel like a walking time bonb. Find myself looking at stuff I’d normally be doing and just saying, “so what”, I might not be here to worry about it. Guess this is called depression. Totally unlike me, I’ve always been a Type A person, on the go all the time with multiple projects. My whole world is upside down, I keep running into brick walls, and I can’t even talk about it without crying. This just isn’t me and I hate it! Don’t have much family and 3 best friends are out of state. My only real buddy in ID is my daughter who is a single mom with plenty of problems of her own and I sure don’t want to worry and burden her further, even though she has been a real tower of strength since my stroke two months ago. I’m keeping a journal, and pretending to act normal. I know my hubby cares but is a man (age 83) of very few words and just isn’t particularly open to emotional discussions about himself (he’s had numerous serious surgeries) or anyone else.

By: David Tomkinson

David Tomkinson — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:46:25 +0000

I am facing mitral valve repair and have my first consult Jan 7w/ a highly reputed heart surgeon at my local hospital. I like the idea of staying in my community, which has a hospital w/ a heart center. But it certainly isn’t a Dr. Adams, who does this daily at Mt. Sinai in NYC…or even the big guns in Boston (an hour away). How did you deal w/ the question of big city hospitals vs smaller community hospitals for this surgery? Is the skill level so different that it’s worth the travel & practical complications, or is it more a peace of mind/emotional comfort thing of going for the “best,” which means a Mt. Sinai, or Cleveland Clinic or Peter Bent Brigham in Boston. I am not one who feels “the best” is always the best for each person. I’d like to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

By: Sharlene von BERG

Sharlene von BERG — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:24:10 +0000

Hi all

I have just returned to my home in the Middle East after mitral valve repair and maze surgery in Durban-South Africa(originally my home town). My surgery took place on the 9 November 2009 by a great surgeon and his team. I went into atrial fib a few days post surgery and had a cardioversion done and since then went back to hospital with collapsed lungs and cardiac failure…..all this took its toll on my recovery. Thankfully I was able to do a 9hr flight back home in time for Christmas.I unfortunately was not able to get hold of this wonderful book and from all the comments see that it has been a real help to all. I am still battling with atrial fib and in spite of increasing the meds it is still troublesome.battle to sleep and astill get fatigued after doing things……..is this normal…..7 weeks post surgery. Some days are better than others and I feel strong ,only to have a not so good day the next. Thank you all so much for the positive comments. I wish I knew more about the recovery period of the surgery….as I find this is what is concerning me more than ever. Trust 2010 will be all that you and your families have wished for.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:54:59 +0000

Hello everyone! Victoria here =O)
I am still waiting for another date…been postponed twice! I can not say enough how much this site has helped me. Between my belief in God and HIS power, the book (which I have read twice already =o) and the VERY positive words of encouragement that I get to read on this site, I have confidence that I will be fine and you will be too, Carol. Thank you EVERYONE. You really make a difference!

P.S. I look forward to my heart pillow too (hopefully Johns Hopkins has them???) =O)

By: Eric Desbonnet

Eric Desbonnet — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:41:34 +0000

Hi Carol,

I’m like Mark. I had my Mitral Valve repaired by Dr. adams and his team at Mt. Sinai in October of 2009. I read Adam’s book before and was very happy that I did. It alleviated alot of the fears that I had pre-op. I also found that I kept myself really busy up to the day of surgery so I wouldn’t dwell on what was coming up. My surgery was a success and I am chomping at the bit to get back to work. I am sure you will be the same way. Good Luck to you and we will all be thinking and praying for you.

Eric
Southold

By: Jan Michelsen

Jan Michelsen — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:54:02 +0000

Carol, I understand your fear. I am facing aortic valve replacement and bypass surgery on Monday, Jan. 4th. I have had numerous surgeries before but never invasive heart surgery. Yes, the breathing tube scares me, too. I have had gastric bypass surgery and am worried about intubation. If they ram the tube down too hard or too far, they could go right through my new stomach sac! I’ve been telling everyone about this so they won’t forget. I haven’t read Adam’s book yet but am downloading it tonight. I have a very supportive family and loads of friends, all praying for me. I know I will come through this with flying colors – but, I’m still scared! Let me know how you do, and pray for me, too. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Jan

By: Carmen D. Downey

Carmen D. Downey — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:29:53 +0000

Hello Carol…………I had my aortic valve replaced on 10/8/09 and a “maze procedure” done. I had read Adam’s book in the early summer, talked to two men I had met online who had valve surgery…..they encouraged me and did allay some of my fears..Adam’s book and his blog also helped me face the surgery with hope….I also believe in “prayer” and I had so many family and friends around this country who were praying for me. I was actually “blanketed” with prayer. I must say that I had “peace of mind” when I went into the operating suite. The one thing I wanted to see was the “heart-lung” machine”…..so I askied the Anestholgist to show it to me……..he did and than proceeded to be put to sleep. I can’t complain about my post-0p experience. I still had that “peach of mind”……..and on Thursday…….it will be 12 weeks ….I am doing Cardiac Rehab…..volunteering in the Heart Center at my local hospital and enjoy life………This folks on this blog and Adam are a great support group……….take care……..and success in approching your surgery with “peace of mind”…….C. Dixie Downey