Hi Jerry,
Best of luck tomorrow.....will keep you in my thoughts.
You have a wonderful attitude, you'll do great!

Nancy B

Hey Friend!!! Finally the day is drawing near. Tom and I send you our love and positive thoughts. I know you will come through this ordeal with flying colours. Your positive attitude is an inspiration to all of us. Big hug to you and Jackie.
Talk soon,
Love Tom & Donna

Hi Jerry, yes the swabs are for the prevention of spred of MRSA, the Staph bacteria that is spred so easily in hospitals. I had my AVR at Cleveland Clinic, did not have to use the ointment, as my nasal swabs were negative for MRSA, but I suppose some places may treat everyone and not do the screening. Anyway...it won't hurt.
You have a great attitude, I assure you, this is the hardest part...waiting on the surgery. I found every part of the surgery (even the dreaded breathing tube) to be much easier than it had been in my imagination. You will be amazed at how quickly you recover. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Keep us posted.
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

Hi Jerry,
I've heard of others washing with antiseptic soap (hibiclens) a couple of times just prior to surgery also.
My surgery is 6/4, I haven't heard from them about the use of either as of yet.
best of luck to you on the 31st.

Nancy B

Hi, Jerry -- I had 5 days worth of the nasal swabs as well, compliments of the good people of Mt. Sinai Hospital.

Selma K

I had my work done at Cleve Clinic. Started with the nasal swabs 36 hours before surgery, and continued several days into post-op. This was on the basis of tests done during pre-op, couple weeks earlier.
Hospitals are really clamping down on staph infections, so I think your experience is typical. Best regards.

J Teeftt AVR 5/4/12

Hi Jerry, Tell your wife not to be upset. There is a reason why. You will be fine. By waiting like this you just might be saving a lot of othere lives, then it will be your turn. Good luck to you. Keep you and everyone else in my prayers also.
For the long haul
Linda H

Hi Jerry, that's a real bummer I admit, but try to look at it as there is a reason for everything, this was just not the right time, God's plan is for next week!
God bless,
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

Hi Jerry,
I so agree with your comment about being thankful we live in a time where these surgeries are possible. It was not too long ago that we all would have gone undiagnosed and died of heart attacks before our time.
I guess we should be grateful!

Take care,
Nancy B

Hi Jerry,
God Bless, and good luck to you. I will be praying for all of us HVJers; I, too, will have surgery on 5/14.. Here's to a speedy recovery for all of us. Best wishes, Kate R

Hi Jerry,

Your attitude is amazing. Thanks for sharing your experience and your perspective with all the patients and caregivers in our community.

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

Thanks for the update Jerry. I got a call from the Cleveland Clinic today scheduling me the aortic valve job for June 6th. They will now schedule me for probably some of the same tests you just endured.

Tom

Jerry, I appreciate the updates. The info is great and informative. I have marked down your surgery date to remind myself to pray for you. Blessings, Jeff

Are you kidding me!!!! NOTL - Niagara On The Lake


Red

Jerry, glad your have your surgeon picked and your date, you are on your way.....best of luck to you on your day, my day is coming up on May 7th.

Let's do this and start our recovery!!!!

Cindy Pastrano

I'm glad the dates have been set - now you can mentally prepare and get better. Good for you asking all the questions. Puts your mind at ease and lets the doctor know you're proactive. Going to NOTL on the 8th....can we stop by and say hi?

Hi, Jerry:

I will be learning from your experience. You are well prepared and informed. As you say, "you just want to get it behind you". You are in good physical shape which will aid in your speedy recovery. Good Wishes and Good Health!

Lotte

Linda is right! The first surgeon told me I didn't need to know all that stuff, it was his job- I never went back! A good surgeon welcomes questions. Find a good fit for you- the customer is always right! Good luck to you,
Vicki Pierson, mitral valve repair June 2011

Hi Jerry, if the surgeon gets annoyed at your questions...find another surgeon!! Knowledge is power...ask away!!!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

This site is a good idea, and you won't have to keep repeating details to everyone that calls. I know that you will recuperate just as well as my brother and our neighbour both did! You have always been strong and healthy, that will pay off for you now. Life long friends, Marc & Marilyn

Hi Jerry,
Reading your journal I couldn't help but notice that you said your valve opening was down to .8c2 and you are getting ready for surgery. mine is .64c2 and Dr. Gillinov apparently doesn't think it's bad enough to require surgery any sooner than the endof summer from what his nurse said (when she finally called me after having my records for 4 weeks or more). So I guess .6 is OK huh? I at least learned from your posting that 3.0 is the normal. I don't have any symptoms either.
Good luck to you.
Joan D.

Donna put me on to your journal. I know you are having the best of care and a great attitude. Our prayers and love are with you and like Donna says "It takes a long time to grwo and old friend". Jackie, you are the best for Jerry and if you need anything, just call. Love you both.

Geez.....the previous comments are so nice!

It takes a long time to grow an old friend so hurry up and get this crap overwith!!!!! Sending you big hugs and visual images of humping dogs.

Love Tom and Donna
xo xo

Hi, Jerry --
Sounds like you're on your way. And how fortunate that they can take care of your blockages while they're already in there. We're lucky to be having our surgery during this most excellent time of year for being outside! This is a fabulous group of people who have a wealth of information among them. You'll do great.
Selma Kaplan

Jerry

Best wishes with your continuing health challenges.
You have a gr8t attitude and that will help.
Keep me posted.

Bob H

Hi Jerry, welcome to the HVJ site. So glad you are not having any symptoms but glad they are going to get it fixed before you start to develop symptoms.

I think you will find this site such a great resource for information and support, I've been on here for a couple of months and now my big day is 21 days away on May 7th.

Look forward to following your progress and if you have any questions ask away, this is the place for it.

Cindy Pastrano

Hi Jerry, Welcomce to HVJ. You will find this site amazing and very helpful. It has helped me while I am 65 years old, with Aortic Stenosis/regrugitation and anuersym. My problem is I am just hanging out and waiting. Although I think I might be getting there. I just want it over with as well. You will find a lot of new friends here, everybody is so wonderful. My thoughts and prayers will be going out to you. Keep us all posted and good luck.
For the long haul
Linda H

Hi Jerry,
How was your angiogram? Ill be having mine in the next week or two. Can't say I'm looking forward to it.

Nancy B

Jerry, what a very generous idea -- this will be a great help to others going through the same procedure. I have 2 members of my family that have experienced heart attacks and who now have stents. They are living very active and full lives. Please keep me posted on your progress. I suppose you could just notify me when you've made a posting. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Jackie.