Annette Corbett posted a note for Barbara that says: Happy to hear things went well for Barb. Deep breaths and move forward. She will do well.

Tom in Kansas City posted a note for Barbara that says: Great news. Now the healing and recovery journey begins. It is hard to believe that my aorta surgery was 6 weeks ago today.

Susan Smith posted a note for Barbara that says: Barbara and sister Suzie, Thanks for the update on the surgery. Sounds like a good start on the recovery. Keep us posted.

Clare posted a note for Barbara that says: Glad the surgery went well. Will be anxious to hear how your recovery is going.

Carol Noble posted a note for Barbara that says: Love and prayers, Barb.

Carol

Anna posted a note for Barbara that says: Barb,
All the best to you tomorrow. Get well and come back to Pilates. We miss you.

Joe and Doris posted a note for Barbara that says: Barb,
Since we didn't get to see you at Bible study last night, we just wanted to remind you that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will be awaiting news of a successful surgery!
Give our regards to Suzie.

May our Lord give you strength and peace,

Meredith Bray posted a note for Barbara that says: Best of luck, I'm following your story and praying for you & your surgeons!

Tom in Kansas City posted a note for Barbara that says: Barbara,
I will be thinking about you and your family on Friday. It is amazing the number of us that have had surgery on Friday in the last 2 months. Friday and Monday seem to be popular heart surgery days in the USA.
I know that God will be with you, your surgeon and staff, and your family.
I can relate to the surgery. I had my aorta vavle and the aorta replaced on Dec 27th. Some days go slow, but overall the time has gone pretty fast. The worst part is that I haven't been able to walk outside except one day. Too cold. But I do get to drive to cardio rehab 3 mornings a week. That he's with cabin fever. And I have my wife take me somewhere on Saturday or Sunday.
I can also relate to the cat. I think Iwas home about an hour when our cat Max deciding he had to get up I the recliner with me. I kept my chest protected and he sat on my lap. It really was OK.
Tom

Peg & Jerri posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi Barb!

We'll be thinking of you on Friday. You are on our prayer lists- Have Charlie call us after OR we'll figure out how to check your blog!

Dora posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi Barbara, I was supposed to be at the hospital at 5:30 but I will be admitted on 2/5, so that they can desensitize my body to aspirin. God bless you, you will be in my thoughts and my prayers

Clare posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi. I had aortic valve replacement 1/9/14 with the traditional incision. They had me in a bra (hospital issue) when I woke up in ICU. I wore that 24/7 in the hospital. Since coming home, I wear regular bras and clothing. I do still sleep in a bra. Getting shirts over head have not been an issue as long as they are knit. My incision has been open to air since day one. I think they used glue....no stitches or staples. At three weeks, I am doing well. My four year old and I do light chores (dishwasher, recycling, some cooking) after I get the other two kids off to school. I am usually ready to sit and relax when my husband gets home from work. Good luck. Email if you have a question.... autenclare@gmail.com

Dora posted a note for Barbara that says: HI Barbara, my surgery was changed from 2/13 to 2/7. I know that the Lord is totally in control, and that brings me great comfort. I look forward to reading how well you're recovering. God bless you and thank you for the comforting scriptures. There is no way I could go through this without God holding me up.

Susan Smith posted a note for Barbara that says: Barbara just stay focused and all will be well. Scriptures are a great way to stay focused. I will be continuing to pray for you and your family. Frances too.

Susie posted a note for Barbara that says: I'm glad Bill and Desirae are coming al I love the note from Susan Smith re: her 19 lb cat.

Joanie Kaufhold posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi Barb PLEASE Keep me posted. I;m such a dummy!! I accidently said I did not want,but it said it would not keep me updated. up date on you,but I hit cause I thought it said it would keep me updated. confused?
I know I am. Glad your family is helping you out. Have you in my prayers. Joanie

Susan Smith,pre-op and Waiting posted a note for Barbara that says: Barbara, staying God centered will be help. Prayer is important and you will be in my prayers for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. Frances, my cat is a big girl. She weigh's in at 19 pounds we are both in losing weight mode. Me because the Dr told me to lose 50 and the vet said she needed to reduce as well. I have lost 40 and France's has lost 2. She gets cranky. LOL. You are going to do great.

Judi Butler posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi Barbara -
I am in NC so our winter isn't as cold as yours but I just had valve replacement surgery on Jan. 14. I am thankful I have several button in the front pjs and tops. Extra soft material has helped as I am itching from stitches, where bandages were and shaving was done. I can rub the area gentle and get relief. I have a few with zippers but they are harder to close and zip up. A bra has not come yet. I have a cut under my left breast just where the bra would hit. I have to keep it dry with gauge.
You are going to do fine. And my cat has not only been a 'pain' but a comfort. Animals sense when things are different. And do rely on friends. God's blessings and speed.

Dora Chavira posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi Barbara, My surgery is in 3 weeks. Same surgery as yours. I found out in Oct. 2013. I pray that as my date nears I will feel as peaceful as you. I love the scriptures you posted. Thank God for His comfort and peace. You will be in my prayers.

Sandy Brackett posted a note for Barbara that says: Barb, I am excited for you that your body is going to have more strength and energy! What a heavy weight to know that your heart has a problem.... Now it will be repaired! You have continued to deal with less and less activity.... In just a little while!! ....so much healthier!!

Lots of prayer and love for you!
Sandy

Doris posted a note for Barbara that says: Barb,
Isaiah 40:28-31 is a passage that has always meant a lot to me. I hope it will give you some encouragement, too! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
One of your 'sisters',

Carol Noble posted a note for Barbara that says: I am praying for you, Barb. I like your journal, it is very helpful in keeping everyone informed. I miss talking to you, let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I love you, ' Sis'.

Marci Stanwix posted a note for Barbara that says: Hello Barbara,
I am about 5 weeks post surgery so I feel I can answer your questions about clothing. I didn't have many button up shirts but found that as long as the shirt is knit and can stretch a bit, then its not too terrible to put them on. One thing I do recommend is getting some bras that close in the front for at home and the hospital. I did have a binding on me for the girls for a few days but then switched to bras. My dr also recommends wearing the bras to sleep in for a while as the weight of the girls tends to pull at the incision.
Hope this helps

Wes & Carol Poling posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi Barb,
Thank you for sharing the information, and thanks to Susie for the alert. How wonderful that you were able to relax and enjoy the Cancun sun. Next year you can enjoy the sights and sun with your repaired heart! Please know we are thinking about you lots and keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs & love,
Wes & Carol

annette corbett posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi Barb,
I brought a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. They were great for doing laps in the hospital and while sitting up in the chair. You won't be allowed to put your hands over your head for awhile.
I had a button up light top and a robe that alternated over the hospital gown for walks. I love hot tea and brought 10 bags of my favorite decaffeinated and regular and they were great on my throat after surgery. I highly recommend you bring your own soft bra. If your have one that fastens in the front all the better. Don't forget your floss and toothpaste. Flossing is key to keeping bacteria away from our hearts. Look forward to seeing your progress!

Susan Smith posted a note for Barbara that says: I see that things are moving along for you and in good order. I am a cat lover and have posted a picture of my cat, Frances. She was a survivor of Hurricane Frances in 2004 as a 2 month old kitten and then rescued. She is now Queen Frances. Take care and keep us all posted.

Jill Claire posted a note for Barbara that says: Hang in there Barb! You're in good hands :)

Joanie Kaufhold posted a note for Barbara that says: Hi Barb, You just answered my?'s
Will keep you in my prayers every day.
Charlie is great guy an your a great gal too. Your kitties will miss you soooooooo much. Once your home, things will be better,kitty-wise.
PLease keep in touch when you feel up to it. MAY GOD BLESS YOU REAL GOOD, Love,Joanie

Sandy Davis posted a note for Barbara that says: Good luck, Barb. You are in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be until you reach full recovery. I know how excited Sue is, having been medically cleared herself to come help you. Love, hugs & prayers. Sandy Davis (Sue's friend in Safety Harbor, Fl)

your sister! posted a note for Barbara that says: Hey Barb, This is really neat. I like it a lot! Great way to communicate with everyone. PS I've been in Florida 32 years!

Love you, Cathy posted a note for Barbara that says: Isaiah 46:4

Susan Smith posted a note for Barbara that says: Barbara, welcome to the community. Sounds like you have things lined up. Good for you. I'm pre -op and waiting. I have aortic stenosis with mild mitral valve regurgitation . I see my cardio march 7. Last visit he talked about replacement surgery plus more test. I'm in weight loss mode. I'm 73 and hope to get this over with and to get on with life. Do keep us posted.