On March 5, 2014...
Anna Thomas posted a note for Angela that says:
Prayers are with you and your husband and the surgeons! I am going to go back and read all your journal, but as of right now, honestly, I don't the full story. I do hope you've had a second opinion. Either way, I'm sure things will go great! It sounds like you are in more than dependable hands!!!
Angela Creason  Thank you, everything has fallen into place as we hoped, so I'm very happy. My dad will also be waiti ... Read more
On March 5, 2014...
Dr Sumanth naag ragunayakula posted a note for Angela that says:
hi im cardiac surgery resident india i want to go through ur case details recently we have operated similar case and presenting it in conference so awaiting ur reply +919985500187
On March 4, 2014...
Jimmy posted a note for Angela that says:
It can be normal. The Tee really lets them get in there and get a better look than heart cath. I had my TEE the morning of my surgery.

The waiting was the hardest part for me and the days leading up to seems long and short at the same time.

I have 4 boys under the age of 7. I am 40 now. I was 38 when I had my surgery. So I was hoping for the best recovery I could have. I would say for the most part that I did.

Good Luck and let me know if I can answer any questions.

Jimmy Johnson
Angela Creason  Thank you! Had some changes made last minute, so no TEE. I do have a pre-op echo tomorrow AM, plus la ... Read more
On March 4, 2014...
Clare Auten posted a note for Angela that says:
I hope the TEE goes well. I know one thing about my recovery has been trying to be careful to not do too much. As a mother, it is really hard to sit when the kids want/need something. Good luck. Feel free to ask if you have questions. autenclare@gmail.com
On March 2, 2014...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Angela that says:
I hope you enjoy my journal and glean some useful information. A little heads up, there's a bit of exaggeration in some parts for the sake of humor (my mom doesn't drink alcohol at all). I learned a lot by reading other people's journals and by searching on the website, so it really did help calm my fears. I was pretty confident and positive before I went into surgery. I was especially surprised to find out how routine open heart surgery has become. You'll do great, and you'll be especially happy once you've recovered and feel how much better you are than before surgery. It does take a lot of patience to be a patient, so expect some frustrations. Recovery is also more of a roller coaster at first than a train. You'll have good days and bad days, which is where the patience comes in. To help in recovery eat lots of protein to heal, get lots of sleep, and walk, walk, walk. Use the hell out of the spirometer to get your lungs back at full capacity and to avoid pneumonia. Recovery is not a race, so take it slow to heal (relatively) quickly.
Angela Creason  I feel like I'm ready, but it's nice to know others that can give me tried and true advice about reco ... Read more
On March 1, 2014...
Clare posted a note for Angela that says:
I was given a choice of valves but both the surgeon and cardiologist recommended mechanical so I went with it. I can hear it, especially at night but I am getting used to it so it doesn't really bother me anymore...it did at first. If you have other questions feel free to ask... autenclare@gmail.com.
Angela Creason  Thanks Clare! I'm sure my kids will want to listen to it a lot! :)
On March 1, 2014...
Ernie A.S. (After Surgery) posted a note for Angela that says:
Welcome to the website. Good luck with the heart valve surgery. I'll be 6 months post-op in a couple of weeks. I'm 50 and doing so much better physically than before surgery. It definitely saved my life.

Positive attitude brings positive results, so keep smiling, it'll all turn out great. You're so young, you'll recover quicker than us older farts.

Good looking family.
Angela Creason  Thanks for the kind and encouraging words. I got to read your story and most recent post, but will ce ... Read more
On March 1, 2014...
Clare posted a note for Angela that says:
No advice about lodging but wanted to wish you luck. I had my aortic valve and aneurysm repaired on 1/9/14. I got a mechanical valve. I am older than you but have 3 kids under 13. Things are going well here. Keep us posted.
Angela Creason  Thank you Clare! Glad to hear you're doing well, too! Did you choose the mechanical or were you given ... Read more