Tom's Guestbook

Tom, thinking of you as today is your surgery, and remembering you in my prayers. Before you know it you will be on the road to recovery with a healthy heart. Rest ,and ask for pain meds if your pain gets bad. I found if I took my meds with graham crackers and milk, that it smoothed the stomach. Look forward to hearing from you once you are ready to journal. Hugs from your heart family! Mi (Mary)Mia

Have a great vacation!!! The before surgery fear never totally goes away but you can be very confident that you're going to a great place!! I've heard nothing but good stuff about that hospital and their doctors!!! Best wishes ,

Hi, Tom. Congratulations on taking the next step. I had valve replacement surgery 22 days ago, and I am getting back to normal, or beyond what had become normal for me. Decision factor in my case sounds familiar, increasing size of heart due to extra load carried. Surgeon says over time it will "remodel" itself now that the aortic valve (in my case) does not need to work so hard due to closing by stenosis. I had never even thought about any of this, no one caught a heart murmur until recently. I didn't even have a cardiologist! Scary news to deal with, but I found a surgeon that is specialized in valve replacement (he actually replaced Dick Cheney's heart in a transplant), so I waited to see him, then waited to get on his schedule. Glad I did. For me, once I knew I was in, had the appointment and plans made, I was more calm. I even slept the night before. The surgeon did his part, beautifully, now the rest is up to me to exercise, rest, breath, and do the dreaded spirometer, even cough a bit (painful on chest muscles). Every day I am better, and relieved that it is over and that I had the courage to do what was needed. I wish you the very best.

Geez Tom I'm so sorry about all my mis spellings and strange use of sentences :) I sound illiterate lol Anyway, you get the point... We all understand what you're going through and are here to listen and maybe help . (And that's "validate that you're pursuing " ) hahaha Think I need dinner!!

Hi Tom. Boy am I picky who I listen too for that stuff and actually never found women's voices that relaxing :) did some at my chiropractors office and it was a man but sorry don't know his name. It's very a very personal choice. Just wanted to touch bases with you and valid you perusing this because fear is strong during this process and anyway you can find to ease it is great. Myself, information ... As much as possible ... Eased my mind! But it's something we all face and it's never easy . But you're not alone so keep posting and we are out here listening!!! Best of luck!!!