Bonnie's Guestbook

Terrie Syvertsen  Hello Bonnie- Joining in with our community of Heart Brothers and Heart Sisters who are wishing you the best outcome with your surgery tomorrow. I hope you get a good rest tonight and feel confident in what will be taking place tomorrow. It is going to feel wonderful mentally having this all behind you and exciting to know that your recovery time begins soon. You have my prayers tonight and tomorrow. Take care....

Bonnie Washel  Hi Terri,
Thanks for the post. I had an aneurism (aortic descending) in '06. They removed it and repaired the arch. My valve was sustaining on its own even tho it was in almost moderate stenosis. So, no new one at that time. Now, that repair needs repaired, I have a slight blockage, and of course my aorta is in severe stenosis. Has been for over a year now. Had to have a hip replacement in January so that I could have this surgery done. I really should have done this sooner but I really don't want to. I have functioned well and still am, up until now, but deep down, I know it has to be done. But I'd rather just not, ya know? Part of it is because of the pain of the healing of the chest and not being able to move around a lot.
In my mind, I feel that I'll be up and running in no time but we both know that's not gonna happen for awhile. I'm also worried about catching something else while confined after surgery too. Infection, mrsa, rejection of the mechanical valve, taking blood thinners. Etc......
So there you have it. Hope I have not bored you. And thank you again for writing.

Terrie Syvertsen  Hi Bonnie. I just left you a before surgery post as I didn't catch your above response until just now...Sorry! In case you get a chance to read this before tomorrow I hope that you will try not to worry about all of the things you mentioned above and concentrate on putting it in your mind that you will get through this as you are a survivor and will make it through this. I know it is hard not to worry but you want to present yourself to this surgery with thoughts of getting behind it and moving forward with your life with all of this mended and ready for you to help that big heart of yours heal and then get back to "Living"! The community is with you in spirit tomorrow and will be pulling and praying for you to go through this smoothly. I do hope you have a nice evening tonight and can get some sleep. Be strong and confident Heart Sister! Recovery and healing is right around the corner.....

Jean Raber  Kenny, my husband went to St. Clairsville to school. At that time, they had the only historical preservation program for working carpenters in the nation. Lovely part of the country.