Dora's Journal

I had my aortic valve replaced Feb. 7, 2014, with a tissue valve. Since then I cannot bring myself to eat red meat. I was not a big meat eater, maybe once or twice a week. I have no problem eating chicken, but I am eating mostly veggie meals. Anyone else develop an aversion to red meat after getting a tissue valve?

Nine weeks ago, I could not have imagined that I would attend Easter Sonrise Service, and later cook a full turkey dinner for my family. God is good, I am proof that God hears our prayers. Happy Easter.

One month ago today I was in ICU after having surgery that morning. This evening my husband and I were out shopping. Amazing how our bodies can recover after a major surgery. Still taking it slowly, but it's great to be getting back to normal:)

I know everyone is different, but I was wondering how long it takes to be removed from the medications that you were sent home with. I'm taking 5 medications, 3 more than before surgery. It's been a challenge for my body to adjust. Thanks for any advice.

I came home yesterday, after a 7 night hospital stay, due to a mixup with my aspirin desensitation. There is no way I could have done this without all the prayers. I truly felt them! I am so grateful. The very best medicine for me has been sitting on my couch with my 2 year old granddaughter watching her favorite show. This site has been so helpful for me as I prepared and as I continue to recover. Thank you to everyone who shares their experiences. My husband of 40 years Joe, stayed by my side leaving only to go off to work and returning to sleep on the couches the hospital so graciously offered. I married a winner! It was wonderful waking up after surgery to the beautiful faces of my 4 wonderful children I'm blessed, and I came to the conclusion that God loves me so much He wants me around to enjoy my 2 grandchildren (so far) and my 4 wonderful children and their spouses.

Surgery is tomorrow @8:30am. I'm already in the hospital and am being treated great. I'm in God's Hands and no other hands I'd rather be. God bless everyone for your thoughts and prayers, I appreciate them.

My surgery has been changed from Feb. 13 to Feb. 7. I feel calm about this. A highly recommended surgeon was able to fit me into his schedule, I'm grateful for that. I will need to be admitted 2 days before surgery because I am allergic to aspirin and they need to desensitize my body to it. Not looking forward to being away from home and my very supportive husband and family for so long. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their experiences. It has helped me so much to have an idea of what to expect. Looking forward to feeling 100% at my daughter's May wedding and enjoying my two beautiful grandchildren.

I've read some journals where some people find it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner once home. I don't have one. Would putting lots of pillows on my bed work as well? Thank you for any suggestions

Did anyone have weight gain due to fluid retention after surgery. If so, how long did it take to lose the extra pounds? My daughter is getting married 3 months after my surgery and I thought I would have lost weight due to surgery not gain weight.

I'm having my surgery Feb. 13, at Kaiser in Los Angeles, Ca. Is anyone familiar with surgery at this hospital? I've had moments of fear, thinking mostly of the recovery, but I turn to God at those moments and feel at peace again. Grateful I found this site.