Debby's Guestbook

Hi Debby, I enjoyed reading your story. I\'m pretty much in the same situation as you (only 10 years older). It must be disappointing to not get your running endurance back now that you\'re \"fixed\". I\'m sort of hoping me repair will fix all the problems in my life....do you think that\'s expecting too much? :) Your boys remind me of mine ten years ago....keep up the hugs as long as you can, it won\'t be long before they come once in a blue moon. Love your dog too! Take care, Nancy B

Debby, So glad you are on your way to total recovery. Sounds like like you and your family are doing well. Best wishes in your continued health. Vickie Cain

Hello Debby where was your surgery done? Let me tell you about my story, I live in Chino California and last month I was told that the only way to fix my valve regurgitation was by open heart surgery only, today I had an appt. at USC with Dr. Starnes and he told me that I don\'t need to have open heart surgery, he can repair my valve using minimally invasive. thank you Marina Becra

Hi Debby – My name is Darlene Nowak-Baker (age 46) and I had a mitral valve repair on Sept 2nd at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Sabik – When I read your posting it was as if I was writing my own (including the fact that I had ventricular tachycardia) – It is funny how you think that you feel pretty well so …. Do I really need this surgery ??? It isn’t until you have to face reality that your body isn’t performing quite the way that it should and Yep …. surgery it is !!!! I was fortunate and I had minimally invasive surgery (mini thoracomoty) – Everything went very well and I am grateful for that – based upon your dates it appears that I am just a little ahead of you along the recovery path – It must have been nice that you had “family” at the hospital to help ease your questions and help you through the process :) I have been walking around the neighborhood with my dog … I am not breaking any records but I am able to enjoy the fall days in Michigan !!!! Today was a fun day as I went out with my best friend and had a mani/pedi --- nothing like that to make a girl feel great !!!! I guess that is when you know that you are starting to turn the corner !!!! I am glad that you are off all of your pain meds --- I too share that accomplishment as well as still being on a small dose of the beta blocker – which I too hate for the exact reasons that you described!!!! One day we will be off of these and it will be time to celebrate :) Well I have taken up enough of your journal !!!! Everyday gets better --- If I can answer any questions for you or if you want to chat my e mail is lov2boat@comcast.net Darlene Nowak-Baker

Congratulations Debby! You are on the other side. It is sometimes a slow road to regaining strength, so be very patient, it will happen in its own time. I am on my 11th week post op. I did too much last week, and had a cascading muscle spasm starting in my shoulder or collarbone muscles, and cascading around to my sternum, and in the muscles between my shoulder blade. Moms tend to carry lots of stuff (laundry, gardening, cooking pots, groceries, stuff strewn around the house, etc.) My advice is to listen to your caregivers/rehab people, don\'t rush, listen to your body. (I slept 4 days in the recliner with the back, only one day after surgery, but I loved the recliner during the day while healing, watching cooking and gardening shows. I needed to rest daily.) I had a bit of regurg too post surgery, and was told this was expected to heal away. I go in for my 3 month echo in a few weeks, so I\'ll let you know. It is a hard thing you are going through. The dangerous part is largely over. I can only advise you to keep your chin up when it seems like healing is reaching a plateau. It gets better. I could sleep on my stomach by week 8, and take a bath, and open heavy car doors, and crack my own water bottles. All milestones. I go to rehab 3x week now, and I\'m the only young person. I recommend massage for back and muscle pain, and even loosening up the scar tissue and adhesions you may have. I go 1x/week. Happy healing, it gets better. -Jennifer Turner

Hello Debby, I had my surgery for an aorta replacement about 55 days ago...I also had severe regurgitation. I was in ICU 8 days as well. Just last week I was able to go out and take a walk by myself!!! IT WAS AND IS GREAT!!! Keep in mind there are a lot of bumps in the recovery journey BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER that each week you get stronger. My prayers are with you. JOHN MADONNA

Dear Debby, So glad you shared your story with me. It\'s amazing what your going through and how great you look! I am happy to help out in any way I can. I\'m glad you\'re getting the surgery done. Sooner the better!!! Thoughts are with you, Steve, the kids, and Sandy!!! Wendy