Joan's Guestbook

Hello Joan! Please forgive me as I read your journal and didn't realize that it was dated back in 2011!!! So I responded thinking that you had just come from surgery recently. (I had just gotten online after a brief afternoon nap and as you can tell hadn't quiet had my wits about me, Chuckle?! So forgive the "oddness" of my post and I hope you are doing really, really well by now Ha! Ha!(I should have woken up first! Take care. Terrie from the post prior to this to you but now fully awake and cracking up.

Hello Joan and Tim, thanks for posting for your Mom! Good job! I just read your story and journal now. My name is Terrie and I am 65 years old and headed for Aortic Valve replacement on Aug. 20th. I am sorry you had a rough time of it for awhile that must have seemed like and eternity. You mentioned being overweight which I have not noticed many people mentioning in their journal postings but want you to know I am also overweight and going into surgery "as is". There are many reasons for my being overweight(which are not excuses) but which have me concerned about my upcoming surgery as it certainly is not something I am happy to carry with me as I realize it isn't a plus for the surgeon. However I have always been active and never a skinny person by any means. Uo until 2 months ago I had spent biking 5 miles every day at our new home in a cute older neighborhood with neighbors(now friends). I also garden usually on a daily basis(up until now I can only do 40 minutes of careful pruning and weeding in the back! I also used to kayak and haven't been able to due to restrictions but intend to get back to it one day up the road! So I am not sure how much weight you have to deal with and if you are having specific problems that you want to share but I am listening as you are speaking to me and others who might be a bit shy about sharing those facts. Truth be is that you are overweight and you made it through a difficult time and you are on the way to a fresh new start with a happy healthier heart. I am pleased for you and your family who are there supporting you as we are here. Focus on getting better every day just the one day at a time. If weight is a big issue keep in touch with me as I am going to make some slow but large changes when I am on the other side of surgery and welcome your support and will give it back if losing weight is another goal you have in mind. If you are like me and gained weight as symptoms kept you from exercising the way you needed to you now have a brand new start and it sounds like much love and support! I hope you continue to gain strength and be patient with yourself in your recovery process. I will be looking to read up on your progress & hope it goes smoothly from here on out. Take care Lady, Fellow Heart Sister!.