Tracey posted a note for Cindy that says: You know you have always been the perfect excuse for why I'm not running at Fishawack! Now, I'll have to do the 4 mile?! Looking forward to that run!! Counting down the next 36 hours with you. Prayers and hugs always..

Rebecca S posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy, it's getting close to time for me to do my special scrub and get to bed. I won't be able to say much to you tomorrow......well I'm pretty sure I won't say anything to you tomorrow. Please know I am thinking of you now and praying for the absolute best results for you on Thursday. God has his Hands on all of us. You will do well!
Love, Rebecca

Joe posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy,

In no time at all you will be singing and dancing again. My prayers and good wishes are coming your way. I am nearly a month post op from Aortic Replacement surgery. I feel great just slight pain which is being controlled now with tylenol. Day by day you get stronger and feel better.
Do not worry you are going to be fine and get through the recovery as well.

Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says: Hmm, now how in the world did I know that house cleaning would be your next project???!!

So glad you are coming up to the starting line. I think waiting is way overrated!

You and your family have a great day today.

Rebecca S. posted a note for Cindy that says: Wow Cindy. You seem to be doing a great job putting negative thoughts away or keeping them at bay. Time is getting close for both of us.....and a couple others. Coping mechanisms are good.....whatever works. For me I want to sleep or eat comfort food .......or watch TV.
Keep us posted.

Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says: Hey Cindy
Great post! Glad you are preparing in style. The meal sounded fantastic! A shout out to Jamie. BTW, I am waiting for you to start cleaning the house from top to bottom!
Keep up the positive energy. Have a great Sunday.

Ernie B.S. posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy,

I'm not sure how much of my journal you've read, but in one journal entry I have a link to a good song for us bovine valve recipients. This song's actually more appropiate for AFTER surgery. Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JohcbfO0OjA

Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says: Hey Cindy
I am counting down with you. Keep focusing on the prize at the end of this surgery/recovery race - a great quality of life. All the best as you and your family work your way to the starting line! Don't forget, this is the start of your training for the July 4th race!

Rebecca S. posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy. I'll get my new mitral valve the day before your surgery. I pray all goes well for you.

Ernie B.S. posted a note for Cindy that says: Cindy!!!!!!!

So, you're having your surgery a day after me. You copy cat!

Hope everything goes well and that recovery goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. Keep smiling and thinking positive thoughts.

Aubrey Jones posted a note for Cindy that says: Hello Cindy, I had my heart cath yesterday and had a similar reaction. Blood pressure went to 90 over 48 and did not pass out but did get sick for about 3 hours. Not fun. They called a vagal reaction and it had not happened to me the first time I had a cath about 4 years ago.

Anyway, I am doing great today and like you, can't lift anything over 10 pounds. Keep up the good work and spirits and I will be thinking of you during you journey.

God bless

Nancy, David and Megan posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy! We are here to ride with you on your journey. Sending lots of positive thoughts, lots of prayers, and always lots of love.

Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says: Cindy
4 mile race next year- indeed that is a great plan. I have to set post- surgery goals in October to get me focused! (Hmm, I seem to be to be thinking about other matters right now). All the pre-planning stuff.

Kudos to your husband. That takes running discipline. Hey, You will be coming up to 180 hours in a few minutes. And Don't forget, we are the crowd that is cheering you on for this race.
All the best

Shelly Poluka posted a note for Cindy that says: Cindy,
Where did you have your surgery? I read your first surgery was at Columbia Presbyterian my husband had a M.V.R.and A.V.R. at same hospital and is doing very well. Thanks for sharing the website, interesting.
Prayers to all,

Jim Jones posted a note for Cindy that says: Hey Cindy
That was a great article. Thanks! I plan to visit a local cardiac rehab center before my November surgery to see how well they follow the Baylor model. I have run for 47 years and want to run for another 30!
I wish you all the best with your upcoming procedure. The stories are inspirational on this site. Let's also be success stories that talk about how much the quality of life improved for us post surgery.
All the best

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy,

I am glad you made it thru in good shape! Everything seems worse in imagination! Thank you for the advice-I will have my cath ( pre AVR) in a few weeks- what, no swimming or driving??!Bummer...

Keep well,

Joyce B posted a note for Cindy that says: Cindy, I had a cath in October before my aortic valve replacement. I requested no sedation because my doctor uses versed which I had a bad side effects to during a TEE. I was completely awake during the cath and it only took about 25 minutes. There was no pain but I did feel a slight warm sensation when they injected the contrast. Afterwards I had to lay flat for several hours. The groin was a little sore for a few days. After the procedure, I couldn't believe that i spent so much time worrying about the procedure! You will be in my prayers.

jeff o posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy, I completely understand your worry, I have the same concerns for my cath in 4 weeks. The one thing that has helped me lessen my worries are the data about caths, they are very safe. And so safe that they are considered routine. Hang in there, you'll be in our prayers. Myself I am tiring of the waiting though I sure am scared. My depression solution is having a great project at work for the weeks before my surgery. I'm too busy to get depressed.

Deb ziegler posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy,
Everyone who needs valve surgery has a cath done. They want to make sure your cardiac arteries aren't clogged. It really isn't as bad as it sounds, so try not worry too much. It only takes about a half hour or 45 minutes, and then you just have to lie there for awhile.
God bless,

Basia posted a note for Cindy that says: Hi Cindy, Don't worry. It sounds worse than it actually is. I had a cath 3 weeks ago. I have aortic stenosis and will have a valve replacement very soon. During the cath I can remember hearing the doctor and nurses talking, but I was too sedated to remember or even care. When I was fully aware in recovery, I actually felt fine. I had to stay still and was told that I shouldn't raise my head because it causes strain. But, I only had to stay in recovery for about 3 1/2 hrs. afterwards because the doctor used a collagen plug as opposed to using just pressure with a sand bag to prevent bleeding. For a few days my groin was just a little bit tender, but really it was was not bad at all. I can still feel a small bump deep under my skin where the plug is located. The doctor said it takes about 6 weeks to be absorbed. I wish you the best with your procedure!

Carolyn posted a note for Cindy that says: I had this done 2 weeks ago. They do sedate you enough where you're aware but don't care what they do. They then numb the groin area. I had to lay still for 6 hours after. The worse part is they have to put pressure on the area until they achieve no bleeding. Unfortunately for me after I was brought to my room they tried to get me up and I started to bleed beneath the skin. They had to apply pressure again. The pain was excruciating. Then had to lay for another 6 hours. After that I was fine. They say sometimes this happens. You will be fine.