My Guestbook

Linda, thanks so much for all your posts. I have to schedule my surgery tomorrow with the Cleveland Clinic. I am very scared and having a terrible time taking this next step. Your journal has been blessing to me. Glad to hear how well everything went for you.

Hi Linda...
It is so hard to believe it has been a year since I read your journal from the "shadows"..... you drew me in...got me hooked...and gave me confidence I needed to "jump on that table" :) Some of the best advise I was given was to get that travel pillow! I asked for it as soon as they removed the vent...LOL...it was my constant companion for weeks!! You were a wonderful support (even when you didn't know I was here)....Thank you for not only myself...but for the countless others you helped along the way....Congrats on a successful year.....may you and Gilli share many, many more!!!!
Connie T

Linda,
Glad to hear you are doing so well!! You were so helpful and sweet as I was leading up to my surgery last April, and I am loving reading all the updates from you guys who went a month before me. I think I lucked out because you were an awesome and inspiring group to follow, both literally and on HVJ. :)
Kerry Thomas

Linda the Tiger... CONGRATULATIONS!!! I was thinking of you on your big day. Sorry I am late.
I am so thrilled for you. You sound amazing. One year was a big day for me too. Glad I got to meet you and Tracie. Still tear up thinking of the great care from Cleveland Clinic. Just wonderful. Take care my friend. You and Gilli. Steph

Wow a year already. Seems like yesterday you were whining about the wait and how all of us got to go first. LOL!!! So glad you are doing well. Amazing how this consumed us a year ago and now it is like a distant memory.

Take care my friend.
-Mitch Friedman

Wow! It is hard to believe a year has passed. It will be a year on the March 22nd that I got the news from my cardiologist that I needed to think about surgery for my valve. You were one of the first people I talked with on HVJ and gave me so much encouragement and hope as I was making all the arrangements for my surgery in May. So happy to hear how well you are doing. Happy Anniversary to you and Gilli! I plan to post something this week so stay tuned for an update from the "energizer bunnie" - LOL

Blessings to you, Denise

Yay Linda!!! Glad to hear that you are doing so well a year later! You and your journal were such an inspiration to me when I was preparing for my own surgery. Thanks for the great information and encouragement you give everyone on here!
Holly P

Great to hear all the good news. Great name for a valve.."Gilli"..LOL..I love it! Keep on tickin' as Adam would say. All my best to you Linda

Jeff Shebovsky

Linda,
I'm so glad to hear your good news. I've been thinking about you recently, as our mutual anniversary has been on my mind for the past several weeks. It meant so much to me last year that you and I "met" in the HVJ community before our surgery. It really helped to be able to share our plans, questions, concerns, hopes, and dreams. I do hope that we're able to meet in person sometime.
ake care.
Your surgery mate,
Jim Smith
3.13.2012

Congrats and God Bless. I am so glad you are well. You have been an inspiration to many. Janis Kielbasa

Hi LInda and Tracie--it's so good to hear from you and to hear how well you're doing! One year ago today--wow! God is good. We hope to meet you in person sometime. Keep on ticking'!
--Donna Smith

Hi Linda and Gilli, Elsie is happy to meet you lol. Anyway Happy Anniversary and have many many more. I have missed talking to you. And still waiting to meet you. Now we could race up the hills at Clemson. Hope we can someday. I have been thinking about you knowing your day was here. I 'm doing pretty good myself. Just joined the YMCA, think it will be pretty good. Well until later friend.
LIfe is good.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

YAHOOO!!!!!
xoxox Selma

Oh happy day! -- DVB

Way to go Linda!! Life is good and I am glad to see you doing so well!

Jimmy Johnson

Crazy New Yorker....hmmm....So, I have been really bad about checking in on HVJ. I feel like I missed All Star day at the stadium with so many of my close HVJ friends posting in the past week or so, including you! So great to see you are doing so well. I mean with all your complaining pre-op, not sure we could have stood it if we did well and you didn't! LOL!!! Just kidding, you know I love you. And you know I am so glad for you and for all of us. Life is great. BTW, I am running a half marathon on 10/7. 8 months post op!!!

Take care friend,
-Mitch Friedman

Hi Linda - Happy anniversary!!!

I am 3 1/2 months out and still on 12.5 mg of metroprolol in the morning and 12/5 mg at night. It does make my blood pressure go way low at times, but accordidng to my cardiologist the valve does not have to work as hard if my blood pressure is lower than normal. Mine has gone as low as yours at times and once in awhile I get dizzy, but all in all, not bad. My resting heart rate is usually in the high 60's to mid 70's so that is a good thing.

I will be starting my 4th week of cadiac rehab tomorrw and that seems to be going better now that the incision from my seroma surgery is has healed up.

Once I complete my rehab, I have an appt at CC on Nov 2nd for an echo stress test to see how my mitral valve is functioning with exertion. I have not had any trouble when exercising, so am hoping for positive results!

I too think of Cindy P quite often - she was such a positive and encouraging woman - I am sure her family misses her immensely.

Take care and keep in touch - glad to hear you are doing so well:-)

God bless, Denise K

By the way I am assuming you never got my emails about a "valve union" of all our friends from first quarter 2012 getting together in FL?
Jeff

Linda, I'm so pleased to hear how well you're doing. Getting the meds right to manage heart rate and blood pressure optimally can be tricky, but it seems you have a good handle on this now. Take care, and Go Tigers!!!

Your March 13 surgery twin - Jim Smith

Hey Linda, Glad you are back here, welcome back, I have missed you. Glad all is well with you and you're doing great. Just hope I will do as good as you have. The nerves have really been kicking in. Just be glad when I am on the other side of the mountain. I think I have been climing Mt Everest. It sure does feel like it.So until later friend
Almost there
Linda H

Hi Linda,
Glad you are doing so well. Not the worst things to be on a little low dose meds if you have to. Could be a lot worse obviously. Anyway, keep up the great work. Amazing how worried you were and now look at you!
Jeff Shebovsky

That is so wonderful !!!
It is amazing how time passes and the surgery , although always present, seems like a distant memory..
God Bless
Enjoy
JOHN MADONNA
Las Vegas NV

Linda,

I'm glad you're keeping yourself busy. Sounds like you know that you have to stay occupied. I have to admit, I would have laughed out loud had I been there when you pulled the "reminder" out of the mailbox. "Oh, by the way, we just wanted to remind you that you have a little procedure we have set up for you . . ."

Keep going down your path, and by all means, enjoy the snow! I may be in Georgia now, but I grew up in Wisconsin. Snow through a window from a warm comfortable room can be beautiful!!

You're right -- you Will do this!

Chuck Holmgreen

Hey Linda, Are you ok? We will have this behind us in a couple of weeks.

Hang in there. it will be ok?

Jan

Hey Kido,
How are you doing? I know yesterday was a difficult day with the news about Kelly. I reread her journal entries last night and my " heart hurt".
We have found this wonderful family on this site. We cheer for each other and cry for each other as well. Now we must also stay strong for each other. Your will be a poster child for heart surgery. You will do so well. I insist and I don't take no for an answer.
Thinking of you,
Jane

Hey Linda, Thanks for the sad news. I must say I lost it. I hope you are ok. Thought about you and Jan. Just realized how close this family that I have joined is so close to me. I just have to concentrate on all the good things that have happened to so many of us.
Do you know of an address to send her family a card?
Guess I will go walk for now.
For the long haul
Linda H

Thank you so much for this update on Kelly, I have been thinking about her everyday. My heart is deeply saddened today!

Jamie McGuire

Hi Linda, I am so sorry to hear about Kelly. I will be sending her family prayers.
As for you.... Hang in there. I never heard about a big cry but I HAD it. It lasted 3 days. Got bad news on vacation, bottled it up. Cried, cried, cried. Not even sure if I'm done. If this happens to you, my advise is go with it.
As for packing, I would bring boots, hat, mittens. What size r you? I could mail you an old pair!
Your Valve Partner, Steph

Linda, thank you for letting us know; I had been wondering about Kelly. She is with the Lord now--may she rest in peace.
--Jim and Donna Smith

So sad to hear about Kelly. -- DVB

Oh, that is such sad news. I'm so sorry for her family. God Bless Kelly. Janis Kielbasa

Gosh, just don't know what to say about Kelly. Sad beyond words. She had lots going on prior to this surgery, at least she is at peace now. God bless her.

-Mitch Friedmam

Hi, sorry I haven't been on hear lately so much going on. I see your still high spirited and that's good. I'm so ready for this to be over so we can finally get together and meet and rejoice. Don't worry about much clothing i took alot with me I mean I took clothes, haircare products everything and I was cute before surgery but afterwards I was like whatever lol. Nahhhh do you whatever makes you feel good. I will keep in touch the closer you get and stay high spirited I'm keeping you in prayer
Tameika

SO sad to hear this. Like Jane said, sad beyond words.
Jeff Shebovsky

Linda,
Definitely sad news. If you know how I could send a card to her family, I would appreciate it.

How are you doing? Do you leave this weekend?

Jan

I would welcome a call from you anyday anytime.
I have a heavy heart upon hearing about Kelly.
Please try to draw upon all of our positive experiences. Remember we all bring very different bodies to this surgery and hers was unable to complete the journey. Sad beyond words.
There is a different plan for you.
Jane

So sorry to hear of Kelly's passing. I'm unable to write on her FB page. Is there another way to convey a message to her family??
Sheila Garrison

Linda. Tho saddened thank you for letting us know about Kelly. That is tragic. And our thoughts& prayers are with her family.

I'll give u a call over the week end to make sure you're ok. Thinking of you. Lov. Nancy. St Louis

Hey again, I know what you mean about surgery before. I had a hysterectome 10 years ago. I have never seen an OR before other than on tv. When they wheeled me in there my blood pressure sky rocketed and that is the last I remember. When I woke up first thing I wanted to know if I was skinny lol. It took a little longer than usual and Frank and Stephanie got a little scared when they heard code blue. So tell your daughter not to worry if she hears that. It actually was somebody else,but they were scared. Same with my Dad I remember hearing code blue and it scared us. The nurses are really good about coming out to update you so that made me feel better.

Yes I am looking forward to meeting you. Some of us might not be running on 8 cylinders thou. I would like to think so lol. Stephanie is taking bets mine will be in the fall. I say the fall but it will probably happen in the winter. Like to get it over with. Im tired of waking up thinking anything bad about hearts.

Oh my grand daughter looks like she might be going to Coastal Carolina in Conway. She wont start until Jan. thou as she is also joining the Navy reserves. I thought it was kinda funny you coming here to Clemson and us going there someday.

Well better go get ready for church and then button the hatches down. They are talking of warnings going up tonight. Talk to ya later.
For the long haul
Linda H

Yup, really getting close now, indeed. Not a dream. But we are all here for you and will be in Cleveland too, well as long as you have access to a computer. Although Nancy is doing so amazingly well, and such a traveler, I would not be surprised if she showed up at your bedside in Cleveland!

Take it one day a time. Cry if you feel like, but not mandatory. You will do great. You have done your homework, have the top guy at the top facility, you are ready. You CAN and WILL do this.

Take it slow my friend,
-Mitch Friedman

I mean, even if you don't have snow boots….sheesh, I'm goofy today!

I didn't mean to say, "If not, the tread is essential." The tread is essential anyway when you're in icy, snowy climes.
--Donna

Hi Linda--I have a pair of snow boots because I visit my daughter in St. Paul; having a little height over and above running shoes helps keep your socks dry, if you're actually going to be going through the snow. If not, the tread is essential for not slipping on icy sidewalks, so be sure to have good treads on your shoes. I know what you mean about the anticipation…it will all be ok…this community really has helped me, as the spouse of the patient, and I know it's helped Jim too. It helps somewhat, sort of, that he's been through it before, and just today talked about how he was up and walking right away, and able to take walks after we got home (being such an athlete, it's hard to hold him back!) You're going to be in one of the best heart hospitals. I know it won't do any good to say don't worry though! We'll have to keep in touch as we both check in to our respective hospitals!
Blessings,
Donna Smith

No I have not found a new job yet...it will happen eventually...Las Vegas economy is pretty bad...but I have begun to see a few more job openings....it will all be Gods will....
JOHN MADONNA

Linda, oh my goodness sorry for the earlier post and calling you Nancy!! So good luck again don't worry I know that is so hard to do.

Cindy

Hi Linda,
This "anticipation" is the most difficult time....your feeling and roller coaster emotions are very natural and healthy.
Once you get to the hospital its all down hill from there....
Just Pray Hope and Dont Worry
JOHN MADONNA
LAS VEGAS NV

Hi Nancy, you can do this and everything is going to be okay you will get through this!! I can't imagine what you are feeling right now, just making the trip alone but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cindy

Hey Linda, Beings we moved from Erie Pa 2 years ago,here is my advice. I dont think you will need boots,probably good tennis shoes will do just fine. You will be in city and hotels and hospital, so if there is any snow the sidewalks etc will be cleared. Cause you are from the south, the cold will get to you and your daughter. I would take warm clothes, sweat shirts, sweaters that type of thing.. We were up there last Easter and where cold. It was like going back into Jan. Couldnt wait to get back here. It is hard to travel anywhere this time of year.

Just today Stephanie was telling me that when she went to hospital, she just about walked out,wasnt going to do this and then the little voice came in. I had that voice as well during her surgery. It really helped me and that little voice isvery powerful and you will feelfine. God will be in the OR holding your hand.

Hope this all helped you. You are still my rock to get thru this and then you in time will turn around.
For the long haul
Linda H

You are so ready for this, even if you don't realize it yourself. As far as control goes, it is a great feeling to hand it over to the trained people in the hospital. I only wish you were coming to New York so I could be there with you, but I can be a phone call away 24/7. 914-723-6986
Jane

Hi Linda. What have you heard about Kelly? I haven't heard anything

Jimmy