Dear Jim and Susan; As I write this at 8:30 West Coast time, I can't help but think you may be right in the middle of the operation. I am thinking of both of you, and wish you the very best.

Paul

Dear Susan and Jim,
Michael and I have been thinking about you
constantly since we heard the news.
We send our best and hope all goes smoothly
today.
Much love!!!!!!!!!
Kris and Michael

Dear Suni and Jim,

Lorene, Aurora and I are sending the best from our hearts to your hearts.

Love you,

Suzy

Dear Jim and Susan,

Have been thinking about you all day and sending good karma your way. You are young and strong and in the best of hands. I am expecting a speedy recovery and lots of hiking on your next visit.
Love you,
Diane

Hi Jim,
Well, it's less than 24 hours away, and I'm sure your trying to relax today! I was going to call, but thought it might be best to send my thoughts to you this way. I will be praying for you tomorrow and will anxiously await Susan's update! I hope you get some sleep tonight and that tomorrow goes very smoothly! I love you and can't wait to see you soon...
Love,
Patti XOXOXOXOX :~)

Jim and Susan! Thanks so much for sending this info. We were going to be in touch to see what your schedule is and now we know.
Our prayers are with you.
Carolyn and Dave

Dear Jim and Susan,
Michael and I send best wishes for your heart surgery on Tuesday.
Glad you went fishing and got Oysters!
Love you both !
Kris and Michael

Hi Jim, I am really happy that you set this up so we can all keep up with you and all that's going on. Even though we're not right there with you, we're there with you in heart and spirit! Stay strong and heal quickly! I'm sure Susan will take wonderful care of you. I love you Jim!

Lori

Hi Bro! This is a wonderful resource for all of us to keep up with your progress, both before and after surgery! You'll do great! I love you and will be sending healing thoughts your way. I'm sure it's stressful waiting, especially in the last week! Your trip to the Cape sounded awesome! Take Care Jim...I love you...Patti

Hey, brother! I am envious once again of your pursuit of the mighty mollusk and am counting on having some of those - and perhaps a few of those good local crustaceans as well when we come to visit! Great idea to get out of the house and breathe some of that good salty air. We've been locked up in the house since Sunday under the Atlanta blizzard of 2011! Let's try to catch up tomorrow... Cheers! Marty

Hi Jim,

Happy Birthday! Thanks for your entry in my guestbook. Yes, recovery has been remarkable. Just 2 1/2 weeks since my surgery which was traditional open heart for mitral and aortic valve repair. Pain is at a minimum and pretty controlled though still very present. I have been out walking every day, a bit slower than my usually NY frantic pace, but nonetheless more than I thought I would. Did a couple of walks up to almost an hour long without any significant fatigue. I just have to remember to really listen to my body and take it slow and ask for help when I really need it.

Keep up your spirits. I found it really helped me to be relative strong of mind and deep down knowing that this was the best course for me. It also helped and was really reassuring to tell as many people as possible and asked them for their thoughts and support as I was going under. I felt very much watched over!!! One of my friends told me: "you had your broken heart fixed"! That was a really powerful statement to me. Mentally I am in such a better place now than before the surgery!

Good luck with everything. You will be great!

Chris K

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
What a great gift to yourself!
Good Luck and don't worry.....
Nancy H.

Very best of luck to you. From what I've heard through my friends in Boston (I lived there 21 years), Mass General is a wonderful place to go for heart surgery. Did you know that John Wayne had his heart surgery there?
The hardest part is the wait, so find lots of interesting things to do between now and then, and please have your wife post for you when you're in surgery.
Terry C.

Hi Jim Sounds like you are getting prepared, hang in there keep us posted
Susan V

Hi Jim,
Thank you for your note in my guestbook. My best wishes to you for a quick and easy surgery and a speedy recovery. Yes, it does seem as though this type of surgery is pretty common these days. It's really quite amazing that so many people have heart valve problems.

Is your problem with the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve? Mine is the anterior leaflet, and I am having difficulty finding anyone with an anterior leaflet problem.

I am feeling somewhat calmer, but I do have some pretty terrible moments as well. I just wish I were further along. Like you, I just want this to be a distant memory.

You are going to a great hosptial and I have every confidence that you (and me) will have an excellent outcome. Do stay in touch.

Ps... Happy Birthday fellow Capricorn. My BD was Jan. 3. Ruth in Maine

ruthjohnhowell@gmail.com

We have similar diagnosis and my Mitral Valve was repaired Dec 15th. Today I was chasing my 5 yr. old thru Toys R Us. Be patient and don't rush anything. Let things happen and be very optimistic.

best of luck!
Terry T.

Hi James,
Welcome to the Journal.....
I am 2 1/2 weeks post op from Aortic Valve Replacement surgery. I feel pretty good! The surgery was a bit overwhelming, but definitely nothing I could not handle. With all the right support, love and prayers you will get through this just fine.
A lot of what happens during the process pretty much just happens and you float along with lots of people telling you what is happening and what they need from you. It is really important to be honest with yourself and your medical team to keep your discomfort under control....take the pain meds if you are scheduled for them and or need them. It is amazing how much better it is for you and the staff for you to be comfortable all the time so you can move from day to day and accomplish what you need to in your recouperation.
It's nice that you can enjoy you holidays before the big day.
Make sure you eat really healthy and get lots of rest before the surgery.
When you get out of surgery, make sure you get out of bed as much as possible when they say you are ready and use your spirometer frequently...it really does make a difference in the rate of your recovery and avoiding setbacks.
I am here if you have any questions or concerns tha I can help with.
Merry Christmas!
Warm Regards,
Nancy H.

Hi James, welcome to HVJ a wonderful supportive community in which no question, concern, milestone or fear are too great for some kind person to listen and/or answer your log entry. Most of us follow each persons journey regularly.
I am what one would call a seasoned open heart patient. I am now 60 just had 4 months ago my third procedure of a mitral
mechanical valve replacement. In my 30's a hole repaired, 40's mitral valve repair and 59 the valve replacement. We have a long history of congenital heart issues, grandparent, sibling, children, grandchildren, so my story is not the years of mitral regurg or one shot ordeal. All in all, I have always been a very active person, had enjoyed earlier years of running, up until this summer swimming laps, snorkeling, working full time between recuperation of the surgeries. One thing I found helpful as I wish this site was available years ago is to take time to read the journals of those with mitral valve surgery, their story and updates. Although along the way I have experienced some complications, I have a far greater appreciation for life. You are young and I am sure will do well. Do not be afraid to talk to any of us if you feel the need. We all have had our ups and downs, physically and emotionally. Take care and keep us posted or feel free to send my a message as well.
Susan VandenBussche North Carolina

James,
I had my surgery at MA Gen. on Oct 18. My surgeon was Dr. Gus Vlahakes. As I am sure you already know it is a great hospital! Everyone: Doc's, nurses, administration, the security guard outside, gave me great care and help.
You are right, we have to accept this experience in our lives but it is a little easier knowing you have tremendously profesional and caring people helping you.

FYI: my family and friends say the food in the hospital's cafeteria is excellent. I personally was not able to enjoy it.

I wish you peace and positive energy.

Amy Szalony