I've made my decisions...surgeon, valve and date, Dec. 5.. And I feel peaceful and good ...I choose more experience ( 20+ yrs open heart and especially valves) ...Read more
I've made my decisions...surgeon, valve and date, Dec. 5.. And I feel peaceful and good ...I choose more experience ( 20+ yrs open heart and especially valves) over more innovative. And sooner rather than later, I could have waited until The first of January ...but my surgeon says he expects me to do well enough that I will enjoy Christmas. So now I'm waiting and purposely staying busy. I was wondering what helped those of you who have been through this, with your nerves as the date gets closer...so far affirmations about my surgeon, aortic valve replacement statistics and the CV teams excellence and my family and friends support are helping....I'm just hoping I'll still be as brave 1 or 2 days out from THE DATE!!
Tammi Gunwall Stay strong Cherie! You will do great! It's got to be a relief to have made your decisions and are se ... Read more
Tammi Gunwall Stay strong Cherie! You will do great! It's got to be a relief to have made your decisions and are set to go. Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving! :)
Tammy Pilcher Cherie, I'm glad you have everything set and can feel that peace that comes with it. The way I conti ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Cherie, I'm glad you have everything set and can feel that peace that comes with it. The way I continued to feel that was to keep reminding myself of the things you mentioned. The experience of my surgeon, the statistics, etc. I also made a journal of favorite scriptures that spoke to my heart. I took this with me to Orlando where my surgery took place. Doing the journal reminded me on a daily basis that I wasn't alone in this. Father God was with me every step of the way. Keeping you in my prayers.
Joseph Ballett You will be strong as all of us had to find the courage, you have to Believe in You and you will be ... Read more
Joseph Ballett You will be strong as all of us had to find the courage, you have to Believe in You and you will be fine, for me i kept on this site and loaded myself with information, i also listen to a lot of music of all kinds some peaceful and some just plain hard rock , but i am sure you will do fine with whatever you find to put your mind at ease.
Adam Pick Cherie, Sounds like you are locked an loaded for a great procedure. Your attitude is in the right pla ... Read more
Adam Pick Cherie, Sounds like you are locked an loaded for a great procedure. Your attitude is in the right place. Now, it's time to let your medical team do their job and get you all fixed up for Christmas -- and, the rest of your life! Happy Thanksgiving!
D. Carol Moore Cherie, You will be brave and strong... choose no other way. During my surgery twenty years ago, I ... Read more
D. Carol Moore Cherie, You will be brave and strong... choose no other way. During my surgery twenty years ago, I wasn't fearful or afraid (this was my second OHS) so I knew what to expect. Actually, I wanted to just get it over and done so that I could feel better. My recovery period was eight weeks. Technology et al procedures are more advanced now, more so than twenty years ago, so rest assure that you will be fine. I understand that this is new to you and of course there will be some anxiety so my advice to you is, Rest in God and never fail to call on 'the name of Jesus.' "And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 KJV
Nancy D I found once my decisions were firm and the date set, I felt as you do "peaceful and good!" It staye ... Read more
Nancy D I found once my decisions were firm and the date set, I felt as you do "peaceful and good!" It stayed with me until surgery was over, as I hope it will with you. I kept busy too- making ahead meals to freeze for post op, arranged my recliner in my recovery spot in the living room, even thought about filling out Christmas cards, although I didn't get to that. I walked, as I listened to a variety of my favorite styles, and visiting with family. I hope these days pass quickly and your time is peace filled! Take good care!
Cherie Farmer Allred Thanks everybody!! I appreciate your kind words..it really helps to hear this from people who have be ... Read more
Cherie Farmer Allred Thanks everybody!! I appreciate your kind words..it really helps to hear this from people who have been in my shoes!!
I am a 62 y/o active golf playing, traveling retired nurse. I was diagnosed 11 yrs ago with an aortic murmur . Eighteen months ago my murmur changed from moderate ...Read more
I am a 62 y/o active golf playing, traveling retired nurse. I was diagnosed 11 yrs ago with an aortic murmur . Eighteen months ago my murmur changed from moderate to moderate to severe and within the past 3 months my valve has progressed to the point I'm having exertion all angina and decreased exercise intolerance. My cardiologist made me an appointment with a cardiovascular surgeon after my echo last week. Sooo I'm a week away from talking to a surgeon about the right time for my surgery and wondering about everything from what valve to choose, what type sternotomy to have, which surgeon and how to prepare for this operation. I am lucky that we live in a city that has a hospital with an open heart program and at least two surgeons who specialize in aortic valve replacements.
I'm working on a positive attitude...wondering if a series of goals is a good thing to work on.. And how to realistically make these goals...the end goal would be to be well and healthy enough to make a trip to the British Open with my husband and friends July 2015...
Joseph Ballett Welcome, i think that goal of yours can be reached !
Tammy Pilcher Welcome Cherie! You will find so much support here.
kathleen savoy Hi, I think you and I have similar stories. I am a 64 yr old retired nurse. My valve went from mod to ... Read more
kathleen savoy Hi, I think you and I have similar stories. I am a 64 yr old retired nurse. My valve went from mod to severe in a short period of time as well. I just had a cardiac cath and now am waiting to hear from the surgeon to discuss valves and set a date for surgery.
Your end goal sounds like a good one to me! I would like to have the stamina to visit with and play with my grandchildren. They do not live near us and traveling is not easy for me.
My family keeps telling me to take care of my self and not to do to much. I will be glad when that statement no longer applies to me!
Welco
D. Carol Moore Nice to meet you and welcome to the Community, Cheri. Finish well!
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Cherie. Love the opening line to your Journal! Having a positive attitude is a great start. Aft ... Read more
Terrie Syvertsen Hello Cherie. Love the opening line to your Journal! Having a positive attitude is a great start. After selecting the surgeon for you and having a good cardiologist all of the preparations will fall into place. Have you had a heart cath yet? If you don't mind, where are you from? I am 65 and had my aortic valve replaced on Aug. 20th. I agree with Joseph that your goal is within reach! Will watch for your updates and know we here at the community will offer up some great support, shared information and ideas is you are interested. take care.
Cherie Farmer Allred Thank u everyone for your comments, yes Terrie I had my second cath in within a two year period a cou ... Read more
Cherie Farmer Allred Thank u everyone for your comments, yes Terrie I had my second cath in within a two year period a couple of weeks ago ...and then an echo last week...that confirmed changes in just the past three months...so my Huntsville, Al. cardiologist thinks my window of opportunity, worsening valve but not compromised heart, is here!
Angelo Varrone Cherie, My murmur was tracked for 6 years. I had my surgery (15 months ago) before any symptoms. Gett ... Read more
Angelo Varrone Cherie, My murmur was tracked for 6 years. I had my surgery (15 months ago) before any symptoms. Getting the AVS done sooner than later was the best advice my Cardiologist gave me. I was driving and back to work 4 weeks after surgery. You'll do great!
Lenore Mitchell Cherie - I'm a retired nurse too, and live in Denver, but I've elected to have my mitral valve repair ... Read more
Lenore Mitchell Cherie - I'm a retired nurse too, and live in Denver, but I've elected to have my mitral valve repair done at Cleveland Clinic in January. It's a fantastic place.
Good luck with all the decisions you'll be facing.
D. Carol Moore Great to know! If we're ever in Huntsville, will look you up. If you're in B'ham, please do the sam ... Read more
D. Carol Moore Great to know! If we're ever in Huntsville, will look you up. If you're in B'ham, please do the same. Have a thankful and happy Thanksgiving!
D. Carol Moore Cherie, you are in my thoughts and prayers... Blessings to you, the surgical team, family and friends ... Read more
D. Carol Moore Cherie, you are in my thoughts and prayers... Blessings to you, the surgical team, family and friends tomorrow, your surgery date, 12/5. Be strong and of a courageous mindset!
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