Charlie's Guestbook

Charlie, I too was bumped from my valve replacement I found out about 12 hours before the actual surgery and had to wait another 9 days. The first time when I was supposed to go in was probably the hardest day of my life, I was so scared and had a lot of tears. I felt so helpless. Truthfully having it delayed helped me the 2nd time because I knew not to get too excited or worried because I could get bumped again. It sure worked miracles. The waiting is the hardest part for sure. Sounds so cliche around here but really once you get the surgery done, you will be a lot better off. I worried so much, and really for nothing! Good luck. I will keep you in my thoughts! James Robertson

I was at the hospital with the family waiting to be taken into surgery. It was early Friday morning-very early! The beeper went off and I went to meet the medical team, or so I thought. I was told my doctor was preparing for a heart transplant and the surgery had to be done immediately. I was happy for the transplant recipient but I was disapponted for myself. I would finally get my AVR the following Monday. It was an emotional roller coaster for sure but we survived (as did the gentleman that received the new heart).So for those who have to postpone surgery, take a deep breath and enjoy the extra time with family!

When I was waiting for my mitral valve repair, several folks here were \"bumped\" for more critical cases, some for over a week. I can\'t even imagine how tough that would be... once you\'re psyched for getting it done, you just want to DO IT! Good luck tomorrow -- I\'m about 7 weeks out from my surgery and (I can hardly believe this myself!) I feel great! Selma Kaplan

Charlie, Tom Petty must have had valve surgery, lol! For he is surely correct...waiting does seem to be the hardest part for everyone I know. It\'s a real bummer to get bumped back a day, that didn\'t happen to me, but I understood it was a possibility if either a transplant or someone more critical came in. Welcome to HVJ and good luck with your surgery! Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12