SO HAPPY that everything went well today!! I've been thinking about you all day.

Scott says if you're thirsty he'll bring you some beer ;-)

Now rest up, relax, and heal yourself - enjoy this downtime as best as you can - catch up on some sleep & some rubbish TV! :-) You're only going to get better from here!

Thanks for the update, Phil!
Annie & Scott xxx

Mari and Phil,

So relieved to hear that everything went well and was a big success. We were with the Bryants today and were all thinking about you. Looking forward to more updates on your progress.

Hilary Graves and Family

Mari and Phil,
Sounds good! You have been in my thoughts all day! Phil, thanks for posting here, it's nice to know she's out of surgery. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Diana

Great news, thank you for posting.

Mari and family are in our thoughts and prayers.

All the best,
Matt and Randy Sue Fountain

Good job Mari! You are a trooper and will be chasing after those boys in no time! I hope to see you soon!

Love,
Terri

Mari,
Anne and I are so thrilled and relieved to hear that your surgery was a success and you are resting comfortably. You and your sweet family are in our thoughts and prayers as you recover.
much love,
Julie

Dear Mari and Phil:

Wishing you much sucess and fast recovery.
I am in need of a valve surgery and am having trouble in search of good Dr.I have seen several and am confused.I hear
Dr G is great and you shoul be in good hands.We live in the south bay near San Jose.Would like to chat sometime when you feel better.Many prayers for you!

Mari and Phil,
You've been in my thoughts all morning. Thanks for the update, Phil. Glad to hear that Mari is out of surgery.

Sending love, Sally

I'm so happy to hear that the surgery went well. We're all thinking of you guys. Take care.
-Darcy & Mike

I'm so happy to read that Mari's surgery is completed and she's in ICU. (Now I can go to work!) Sending you prayers!!
Sheila
Apple Valley, CA (Mine's in 4 weeks)

Hi Mari. I had my surgery 6 days ago. YOU ARE GOING TO DO GREAT!!! I will be praying for a calm and quick recovery for both you and your family.

Please feel free to have your family reach out to me for ANYTHING. It be of some comfort to talk to someone who just went through it not even a week ago, 941-266-1065.

All the best,
Matt and Randy Sue Fountain

Hi Mari,
I wish you the best and will be following your journey of recovery. I've learned a lot from this site...the biggest is to keep it positive in your head!

Take care,
Sheila
Apple Valley, CA

Hi Mari,
Thank you for setting up this site. You have been on my mind a lot these days (though, for some reason I was thinking that June 20th was your surgery date) I'm so glad the day is finally arriving since I know that the anticipation of the unknown can seem worse than the actual surgery and recovery. You have done your research, and taken all the brave steps necessary to get to this point. Owen was discharged from the hospital 4 days after his 2nd OHS! I put a lot of confidence in cardiac surgeons, the medical technology of today, and the healing powers of the human body.
I look forward to seeing you through the next few days and weeks to come, and some bike rides in the not too distant future!
Hugs,
CeRae

Hey sweetheart...Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and having a wonderful lunch together. We all love you very much...

Hello Princess!
Thank you so much for including all of us during your journey. You will have lots of thoughts and prayers going your way for a speedy and safe recovery because there are people to see, places to go, and things yet to do in life that has your name all over it! We have missed you during our monthly get togethers but expect you to join us when you are ready. Being young, positive, and healthy are all good combinations for your safe return home. Hugs and kisses to you,
Terri :)

Hi Mari!

Love the blog! Hang in there & be brave! Can't wait to go mountain biking with you when you're all better ;-)

Lots and lots of love,
Annie & Scott xxx

Mari...you will be in wonderful hands. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We look forward to hearing from you.
Our Love,
Uncle Don and Aunt Tami

Hi Mari,
Just to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you proceed with your surgery. We love you very much
Uncle Darrell & Aunt Patty

Hi Mari

We will be with you every step of the way.

Namaste!

Love always,
Kelly, Brian, and Bixby

Hi Lil' Mary! My prayers are with you through each and every day. Though times may be difficult remember to keep a positive outlook. With my past medical history staying positive was the number one medicine that helped me to stay strong and recover. Listen to what your body is telling you. I love you so much and hope that not too much more time passes before we can see each other...It has been far too long. I can't believe the boys are 8 already! Hugs and Kisses.

Your Cousin
Roxy :)

Hi Mari,
John and I are very familiar with the Community Hospital of Monterey. It is a wonderful facility and they provide excellent patient care.
We are saying prayers for a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you next year in 5th grade.
God Bless,
Linda Alexander

Love to you as you proceed toward an excellent surgery, my dear friend. With much support and love, susan sparling and family

Mari-
I'm thinking about you and Phil and sending you lots of positive thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and a quick recovery. Let me know how I can help.
Kim

I am sending you all the best and most positive energy I can muster, for a speedy and happy recovery.
I will "follow your heart"

Warmly,
Stuart

Mari,
My thoughts and my prayers will be with you as you go through surgery and I expect to see you even stronger and more energetic than before! I pray for a restful and speedy recovery for you too!

Thanks so much for the update.
I love the "follow your heart". :)

Fondly,
Christiane

Hi Mari! My surgery will take place a day after yours. Hang in there!!!! The waiting does seem to be one of the worst parts!!!

Christy Naughton

Hi Mari,

I'm getting the ON-X valve as well. My surgery is June7th. I opted for the ON-X valve for same reason, possibility of reduced blood thinners. I've got a really good surgeon here in Kissimmee FL, not too bad, about a 2 hour drive for us.

All the best to you and your family, and a speedy recovery.

Matt Fountain

Hi Mari,

Wow! Please post some pictures of your twins! They must be your pride and joy and giving you all the reasons to go forward with surgery.

I too, like Tia and yourself was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis. I had no symptoms and handled surgery pretty well with only one set back. Check out my journal if you are interested. I am currently out 4 months, finishing up with my cardiac rehab this week and feeling completely normal again!!

Best of luck with your decision making. Use this place to continue asking your questions: We are all experts in our own situations!

Lori Wakat

Hi Mari,
Just something to think about: I am 54 and have a bicuspid aortic valve which was leaking. I was able to have my valve repaired on Feb. 28, but my surgeon discussed the possibility of needing to replace the valve. We decided on a tissue valve for two reasons. 1. There are many risks associated with having to take blood thinners. 2. My surgeon said that by the time I may have needed a replacement valve, the procedure to replace the aortic valve through a catheter would have been perfected. That was what I decided would have been best for me. I just wanted to mention it, in case you had not considered this.
I wish you all the best.
Tia Phillips

Hi Mari. I too am having aortic valve replacement. My surgery is scheduled for June 2 at Ohio State Heart Hospital. I have chosen a mechanical valve for the replacement. Please stay positive. I'll be watching your journal for updates. God bless. Jon Farmer

I guess I should clarify....5 "weeks" :-) Have a great day

Hi Mari,
I am just 5 post op. I almost went with the ON-X valve. Ended up with a tried and true St. Judes. The only thing that swayed my vote was my surgeon. He said in his opinion he would use the ON-X valve in if thats what I wanted. His only concern was the long term reliability data wasn't there. Being a huge wimp and not wanting to ever do this again, I chose the St. Judes. and coumadin. My cardiologists has also mentioned there are a few alternative anticoagulants awaiting approval (within a few years) that won't require the contstant blood checks. Good luck and take what I say with a grain of salt and put your trust in your surgeon.

Garry

Hi Mari
Welcome to HVJ,its the right place to get advise on your journey through heart valve replacement.
I had surgery on the 10 Jan 2011 and I am doing well since.My advice to you is be positive and listen to what your surgeon says to you.The most important thing after surgery is take your time with your recovery,do not rush anything,you may feel great one day and do loads,but it will catch you out the next day,so nice and easy does it.
This site has helped so much knowing that your not the only person going through this .
Well all the best with your surgery and I will keep a look out for your updates.
God Bless.
Alan.