Brenda Hawkins posted a note for Denise that says: Praying for continued peace, wisdom for Dr R, speedy recovery and that you'll feel like you're 30 again soon!!! Love you girl😍

Jan McCabe posted a note for Denise that says: Praying for a speedy recovery. God will bring you thru it.

Helga posted a note for Denise that says: Dear Denise, I have had difficulty finding where I can write on your journal. You know I'm computer challenged... The first time I think I forgot to hit "post". I pray these words of encouragement reach you. Like your friends, I too am so sorry you are having to endure another test. My fervent prayer is that it goes smoothly and the results are read accurately and that a God-wise decision is made. May God guide your doctor's hands so that surgery will be done skillfully and successfully. Most of all, may you trust in our Great Physician and that all fear be removed. Upholding you in prayer and love.

Barbara Sudhoff Laurash posted a note for Denise that says: Hey there Denise... Been praying for you, as have many others! Prayer is effective!
Miracles can even happen!
PS... Let Ric know we appreciate his posts about you. Keeping him in special prayer too.
Peace and Joy!
Barb

Brenda Hawkins posted a note for Denise that says: Sorry to hear about your additional testing...pray it goes smoothly. Thank you for keeping us updated. Will keep praying!

Mary Jo Kepple posted a note for Denise that says: Really glad to hear it went well!! Thanks for the update Ric!

Holly Pomeroy posted a note for Denise that says: Hi Denise! I'm so sorry you are traveling this road again. My heart ached when I read that you were having surgery again. Having said that, I know that you are in good hands and that you will do great through this! You've done it once, and you know what to expect, that is half the struggle!! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I tried posting several days ago but for some reason it didn't go through. This site has changed quite a bit in the last two years. I will be watching for updates!! You've got this!! Holly Pomeroy

Connie T posted a note for Denise that says: Hi Denise (& Ric). I was soooo hoping they would do the cath thru your wrist!! Yea... I was so worried because of your previous experience :-( sad news about the hair delimma tho... Wish you knew a good hairdresser ;-) but hey no worries.... Ric probably has some round brush skills he is just dying to try out!!! HeHe. Seriously HS....glad this part of "your climb" is in the rearview mirror! Take care. ...and know we continue to pray! Love your favorite HS...Connie T & Dan

Ramonam posted a note for Denise that says: So thankful that your heart cath went well. I didn't know it could be done thru the wrist. Continued prayers for you going up!

Helga posted a note for Denise that says: So thankful your heart cath went well and they were able to do it through your arm. Ric says you won't be able to lift your arm for a few days. I have every confidence that he can do your hair!!!! Rest & enjoy your weekend. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Helga

Mary Jo Kepple posted a note for Denise that says: So glad to hear testing went well today, for the most part anyway. Hope it continues tomorrow! Take care!

Connie T posted a note for Denise that says: Hey there heart sister!! Great to hear your first day went well with first round of testing. Hard to believe we are "talking" on HVJ again....but so glad we can keep tabs on your progress. Won't be long now till you are on the other side of the mountain :-) We continue to pray for you and your family as you start your climb! Be strong and remember.... If HE leads you to it...HE will lead you through it". !!! Love you HS....(your favorite ;-) HS ..Connie T

Brenda Hawkins posted a note for Denise that says: Glad today went well! Praying for you and your family😍

Fran Petkus posted a note for Denise that says: Hi Denise,
Contacted George and Lillian and they have their 'Prayer Worriers' covering you.
Also, a friend of mine added you to her list. Continue to do as well as can be.
Fran

Craig Gay posted a note for Denise that says: Thinking of you, hope your pre-op testing goes well!!! Yvonne

sandy posted a note for Denise that says: Praying for a successful surgery and quick recovery!

Jan McCabe posted a note for Denise that says: I will be praying for you. Jan.

Craig Gay posted a note for Denise that says: Denise, I just signed on after a busy few days out of town. You and Craig have made the board!!! For some reason, that gave ME butterflies. We pray that you have a peaceful week in preparation of your surgery. Hugs from Craig and Yvonne

Bridget Sawmiller posted a note for Denise that says: Denise, prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. I had my OHS 4 weeks ago today, Thursday August 4th at the Cleveland Clinic. It is such a great facility. I look forward to reading your updates post op!!

Ramona Maassenen posted a note for Denise that says: I know you will do great! Con'tprayers! Micah is adorable. Love his smile love to you!

Karen posted a note for Denise that says: Love you Mom!

Pat posted a note for Denise that says: To my old roomie, You are one of the strongest people I know. Sorry you have to go through this again. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! Your grandson is adorable!! Love ya, pat

Debbie Wilhelm Smalley posted a note for Denise that says: You've got this sister! Keeping close in thought and prayer as your OHS gets closer and closer. Love you.

Holly P posted a note for Denise that says: Hi Denise! I'm sorry I missed your post in June, I don't get on here as much anymore and somehow missed it. Glad to hear that things are going well for you, even with a moderate leak..... Way to stay positive and determined, take it a year or a month at a time. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Nancy B posted a note for Denise that says: Hi Denise!
so glad to hear your one year check up was a good one. It sounds like you are really on the right track now. I'm so happy for you.
Happy 60th Birthday! my husband just hit the same milestone on 4/29.

Hey Denise! Just happened to glance online and saw that you had a post a week ago. For some reason I never saw your response to my note below. Very sorry I missed that; something up with my email is my guess.

I did make it to the race Sunday and although I didn't meet my goal time, I ran the whole way, which was the most important thing to me. I finally hobbled across in just under 2 hrs 18 minutes. Monday I stopped at Cleveland Clinic for an echo and the 1-yr research checkup. Overall they say everything is looking fine, but I will need to get with a cardiologist to find out about all the details.

Sorry to hear you are still feeling tired from time to time. Hoping that your results come back good on June 6th nd there is no change with the leakage.

I will try to post an update in the next day or two, although I am so backed up at work I probably won't get to it until the holiday weekend.

Take care and will be in touch! -Tom

Happy Mother's Day Denise! I was glad to see that you had posted something, it's that time of the year, isn't it? Each of us are unique and the way our body handles things is different for all of us. My thoughts continue to be with you and pray for good news for you. I also know that you will handle anything that is thrown your way with God's help! Keep thinking positive thoughts!
Holly P

Hey Girlfriend!
Glad to see your post!. I knew your year was the 29th....so I have been checking the journals & wondering if you would post a little early.
My cardiologist appt is also on the 6th!, however, he told me he would not order my echo till July or August when I have officially met my "year".
I know you are anxious for the results of the echo. I have been thinking & praying for you that those little energizer bunny legs of yours will help bring great results....then you can truly relax & enjoy your vacation in sunny Florida! We need to meet for dinner soon......I miss laughing with you!! :)
Love ya,
Connie T

Hi Denise-

Glad to see your post. I've been behind in catching up on here, but it doesn't mine I don't think about it. I am sorry you are not feeling 100% and will await some positive news from your echo. I have to admit when I exercise on a regular basis I feel much better. If I do not exercise I do feel I tire easy. I'm trying to do the right things and am glad to say that a year later here we both are. Happy Mother's Day. Karen Campo

Hi Denise,
Nice to see a note from you. I'm not on the site too often these days, but as my one year anniversary approaches I've been trying to catch up on those that were on the journey around the same time frame.

Best of luck with the upcoming echo. Hope you find that all is well.

Take Care,

Chris Hanson

Hi Denise,

Just wanted to let you know I booked my ticket for Cleveland and I'll be running the half marathon on May 19h. The most I have ever run at one time is 7 miles so I have a lot of work to do! Hope you are feeling well and will keep in touch!

-Tom H.

Lisinopril is what my cardiologist put me on before my surgery. You do have to be careful about bottoming out, and I think you should increase it slowly if he wants to up the dose. Some people have trouble with a nagging cough or kidney problems, be aware of that and report any difficulty! How do you take your BP? Do you have an automatic wrist monitor or do it manually on your upper arm, or with an automatic machine somewhere other than at home? All three of those factors can make a difference in the readings you are getting. morning and evening readings can differ too. The most accurate is with a stethoscope and a manual machine, but that's probably not available for you. Just keep track of your symptoms, and especially if you get light headed or dizzy alot during the day.
I'm doing good! Guess I better update my journal, it's certainly been a while!
Holly

Happy New Year Denise! Praying that 2013 is better for all of us here on HVJ!! What ace inhibitor did they put you on? I'm glad you were able to get off the Metoprolol and are feeling somewhat better. Good for you for staying active and walking! I'm trying to keep a regular schedule of exercise but it is so much harder than it should be, I usually am lucky to get in 3 days a week. My goal for 2013 is to bump that up!
Yes, enjoy those grandchildren, they are so precious. I enjoy seeing mine and spending time with them, it always lifts my spirits to get those hugs and kisses!!!
Continuing to pray for you and will be watching for your updates. Stay strong! Everything happens for a reason!!
Holly P

Hi Denise,
So glad to hear you're doing well. It's been a long road for you, but it sounds like you're finally on the right track.

My job keeps me behind a desk most of the day too. I used to get out for a walk at lunch everyday, but my walking buddy took another job. I haven't got back into the habit of getting outside, instead I read at my desk while I eat....not a good habit.

Hope 2013 is a good one for you! Take care.

Nancy B

Hey Denise!
It was good to see your 6 month post!
I wish I had an answer to your med question, but I do not. I need to ask my daughter, I'm sure she would have an answer.
You have certainly been through a lot on your journey....but through it all you have kept a very positive attitude. You may not have a perfect repair...but you have the determination to do all that you can do to keep it as healthy as you can. Your faith, family, and attitude is key to moving forward. So you still win!!! :)
It seems like yesterday you were walking into my hospital room and I had "patient envy" that you were walking without assistance & no tubes attached! LOL... I am so glad you reached out to me that day... It has been one of the most rewarding things about my journey! :)
Dan & I wish you & Ric a very Merry Christmas..and a wonderful New Year, filled with many blessings!
After the holidays, we need to meet for dinner again...( I have been sick with strep throat, then got a nasty virus on top of it...woe is me)...So will wait until I am good and healthy!
Take Care...and Congrats on reaching your 6 months with those great little energizer bunny legs...LOL (I can see the smoke from your treadmill all the way in Anna) hehe
Connie T

Hi Denise,
I had the same surgery as you at CCF about 6months earlier than you, and while my valve only leaks minimally now, I still have ALOT of palpitations. I also get quite short of breath going up and down stairs.....not sure why. Maybe that happens to everyone, and I am just more aware of it now? Don't know. I am on a low dose beta blocker (bisoporol) for the palpitations, and while it helps with the palpitations, they certainly aren't gone and I feel every one of them. I am in Colorado this week and the altitude (9000 ft) is making them ten times worse. I am really hoping to find something that will make them go away as we hope to move here someday. Right now, I just want to go home because I feel so awful. Would you please let me know if you feel any better on the ace inhibitor? I would really appreciate it!
Like you, I am very grateful for my many blessings and my three grand daughters. While my surgery didn't give me perfect results, I am still so thankful to be here enjoying a blessed life! I hope your hilodays are filled with joy and happiness, and your valve remains stable for many years to come.
God Bless,
Deb Ziegler

Hi Denise!
Glad to hear you're doing well. I'm sorry to hear you're still leaky, but it sounds like you are doing everything you can to keep yourself healthy. after all, that's all we can do and the rest is out of our control.
I still read the blog daily and will look forward to your updates.
Nothing new with me. I have an appt with my cardiologist in December for a routine check up. I'm still going to cardiac rehab only because I haven't completed all of my authorized visits. I think I only have a couple left, then it's up to me to keep exercising....winter is hard as I tend to hibernate in the cold, short days.
Take care!

Nancy B

Hi Denise, your echo stress test is coming up! I wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. What a blessing to be able to spend some time with your sisters, especially after the year you have all had. Family is truly a gift from God, and we shouldn't take them for granted. I'm glad to hear you are doing so well, and the doctor couldn't hear the murmur. Praying for a miracle for you!!! Let us know how it goes, and have a great week!
Holly P

Hi Denise-
I am so glad to hear that you are doing well. I have been behind in checking this site and also blogging an update about myself. So happy you got together with your sisters and sounds like great cause for a celebration. Hope to hear of your continued good health. I stopped cardiac rehab 2 wks ago and really miss the nurses and the friends I met. Take care.
Karen Campo

Hi Denise,
Glad your MRI came back normal.
I can't for the life of me figure out what brings on my occular migraines. I had 3 in two days the weeks before last and none since. I've been having them for years and still can't figure it out. It's good to know there isn't some scary underlying cause though.

Nancy B

Hi Denise...
It's great you are enjoying your rehab! You look so darn great so it is certainly agreeing with you!
Hey, next weekend there is a 5K at the Minster Octoberfest on Sunday...you wanna try out your new energizer bunny legs and run it with me?!?....okay...stop laughing!!!!...
Keep up the good work....we are praying for good results in November!! (you need to stalk the journals for someone to visit!) haha..
Take care, talk to you soon....sorry about the other night.....my phone must have dropped the call! :(
Connie T

Hi Denise,
So glad to hear you're feeling well and you're enjoying rehab. How often do you go? I wish I could have worked part time while I attended. You're lucky. :)
will be looking forward to see your echo results in November.
Take care 'till then

Nancy B

Hi Denise, I was glad to see an update for you.. I'm glad you are still enjoying cardiac rehab, I wish mine would have lasted longer than it did. It's nice having that routine in your life isn't it? Are you still on any medication or has it all been stopped? Are you still experiencing any pain or numbness on your right side? Every once in a while I'll still get an ocular migraine. It's a reminder of what my body has been through!! I'll be watching for your update in November too, after your echo. I'm sure you're worried about it, how could you not be? Still praying for you and for healing!!!
Holly P

Hey Denise..
Look at you..."gettin all well-n-stuff" :)
I bet it feels great to finally be going in the right direction with your recovery! Prayers were answered....now go out there and beat Ric's record on that bike....haha
Talk to you soon,
Connie T

Such great news Denise. Keep up the great progress at cardiac rehab!

As for me I still have a tiny amount of leakage at the seroma incision, but my overall recovery is as good as I had hoped. Ran 2.6 miles today in 30 minutes on the treadmill. My goal of a 5k by rehab discharge (9/14) is in sight!

Wishing you all the best on your recovery!

-Thomas H.

Hi Denise, So happy to hear things are starting to look up for you. You sure have been thru a lot. Now on to a normal life and some good rehab. Keep up the good work.
Mooving on up
Linda H

Good news, have fun in rehab.

Trent V

Hi Denise, great job on the cardiac rehab!!! I'm so glad that you finally get to participate in it, and that your seroma / hematoma is healing well. What an emotional rollercoaster!! Good luck with going back to work on the 29th, another milestone reached!! It does sound like you are ready to cut out that medicine, we don't want that blood pressure to get too low!!
Take care and keep enjoying those grandchildren!!
Holly P

Hi Denise-

Just returning from our 18th annual beach vacation (so blessed to have made this one:) and what great news to check up on you and find you are doing well. Yeah!

On to cardiac rehab which you are sure to enjoy. It's nice that you were able to actually meet some of our fellow bloggers.

Take care and keep the updates coming.

Karen Campo

Praise God indeed! Great news Denise, I'm glad you were able to get some positive answers and won't have to go through an re-op. What an emotional week for you! Hope your seroma is healing well and you are able to start rehab now. You have to keep up with those grandchildren!!! Stay strong!
Holly P