On June 4, 2012...
Best, best wishes Vel. Hang in there.. your body will get adjusted to all this "newness" on its own schedule and you will be just fine. I know it's hard... one day at a time. Kate R, fellow regurgitater :)
On June 4, 2012...
Vel, checking on you every day and really happy to see your progress!!! Sounds like Carl is finally getting some rest too -yea! You are such a strong woman and will continue to have everyone's love and support! With our continued prayers,
Cheryl & Dick
On June 2, 2012...
Hey Vel, Prayers are going your way. Hope they can get that new heart beating to the drum the right way. Tomorrow will be better but you have a nice new room so that is all good. Good luck to you.
For the long haul
Linda H
On June 2, 2012...
Best wishes, Vel. Hang in there. Take it one hour at a time.. and you will do great! You are in my thoughts and prayers today. Kind Regards, Kate R
On June 1, 2012...
Vel,
So glad to hear you are doing so well. I'm praying for your speedy recovery.Isn't is wonderful what the Dr.'s can do with God's help. Love you. Your in our prayers. Carol C
On June 1, 2012...
I pass on the email from your friend after your surgery to our small group.
bonnie polk
On June 1, 2012...
Thanks, Vel, for helping us to understand just what you've been going through as you've prepared for the heart valve surgery. You've handled this with grace, faith, and unbelievable organization! Now all that's left is for you to heal and fully recover, which all your friends are praying for. And Carl, we're including you in our prayers, too. Blessings, Jane Clapp.
On June 1, 2012...
Wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and continuing to keep you in my prayers! Anxious to hear an update of how you are doing. You can do this!
Holly P
On June 1, 2012...
Hey Vel Have been thinking about you. Glad to hear all is going good for you. Keep up the good work and will be looking forward to hearing from you. Prayers and hugs. Good luck.
For the long haul
Linda H
On June 1, 2012...
Hi Carolin girl, just "dropped by" to see if we had an update on how you are doing. I didn't feel like journaling myself for several days, so I'm guessing you are concentrating on getting up and getting out! Take care and God bless!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
On June 1, 2012...
yea!! It's OVER!!! Now the healing can begin and you will get better every day! Love , Dick and Cheryl
On June 1, 2012...
Dear Vel,

I am praying for and thinking of you these days when you are going through this period that can't be pleasant - to say the least. I'm looking forward to seeing you again at bookclub and having someone who usually agrees with me on books!

Get well soon!!!!

Love,
Betty Moak
On June 1, 2012...
Vel, congratulations! My mother-in-law's mitral valve repair (at nearly 80) restored her earlier vitality, and she was much weaker than you (preparing food for hours just before your Big Day!).
On June 1, 2012...
Great news, Vel. You're moving down the road to a mended heart. Hope the recovery goes well.
- Jim Smith
On June 1, 2012...
Way to go Vel! Let the healing begin -- DVB
On May 31, 2012...
Vel, I'm glad your surgery went well. Amie wagged her tail and chased Higgins around the yard because she's glad it's done. We sent prayers your way all day. Carolyn H.
On May 31, 2012...
Vel, I am glad to hear that your surgery went well today. You and Carl are in ny prayers. I don't know how they will make your heart of gold any better...but now it will work like it is supposed to do. For your listening pleasure while recovering...I am going to send youa cd by Il Divo. They are a classical quartet and are fabulous! Love you, Krista
Vel Turner  Krista,

Just now getting to responding to some of my guestbook entries - thank you for yours (both o ... Read more
On May 31, 2012...
Vel - I was just thinking about you and wanted to say hope the recovery goes well. Glad the surgery went well.

Rest relax and ease back into it.

Jimmy Johnson
On May 31, 2012...
Thanks for the update. Glad to hear Vel is resting after surgery.

Nancy B
On May 31, 2012...
Go get 'em Carolina Girl...you got this! Look forward to hearing about the view from the other side of this mountain! Will keep you in my prayers! God bless!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
On May 31, 2012...
Good luck Vel. Wishing you a grand heart "birthday"! Hope you were able to get a little sleep...I know I wasn't! :-)

-Thomas H.
On May 30, 2012...
My thoughts and prayers are with you Vel! You will do fine, stay strong and climb that mountain, one hour at a time!
Holly P
On May 30, 2012...
Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. May your surgery go smoothly and your recovery be quick. But be sure to take all the recovery time needed. I will keep you in my prayers.
Debbie Argetsinger
On May 30, 2012...
Hey Vel, It just hit me that it looks like your big day is tomorrow?. Just want to wish you all the best luck in the world. I will say a prayer for you. Hope all goes good and you will shine on the other side of the mountain. Keep us all posted. Hugs
For the long haul
Linda H
Vel Turner  Yes, tomorrow is my big day! Saw the surgeon this morning, and felt much better as a result.

I have ... Read more
On May 30, 2012...
Vel,

I understand what you are saying about people's reactions. Some say "oh, it is good that is it minimally invasive" or "don't worry I hear they do this all the time now", but then I find myself correcting them on the fact it is still OHS. I don't get "annoyed" by it really, just that I don't want to diminish the challenge in which we find ourselves. I look at it as this is MY thing, and I will feel about it the way that I want. I have chosen to look at this as a positive experience with a little bit of scariness thrown in for good measure.

I realize that most people are only trying to say comforting things because they simply do not know what else to say, and count that as a blessing.

As a side note, when I told some of my buddies about my "procedure", one of the group spoke up and said, "I get your spot on the river trip".... ha!! The nature of our group is such that I knew he was only making light of the situation, and that is the type of response I like the best.

Trent V
Vel Turner  Thanks, Trent. You did put into a positive light. I agree - people are uncomfortable and therefore ... Read more
On May 28, 2012...
Vel,
You will do fine. Glad to hear you chose one of the great surgeons in that great group.

I think I told you that I started feeling much better when I threw the pain meds in a drawer and started taking Tylenol.

Good luck.

Jan Beale
Vel Turner  Thanks! We're really close now, and I am anxious to have it over with.

Have followed your journal ... Read more
On May 28, 2012...
Oooooh, you got the iPad. You'll love it. Just remember to bring the charger with you to the hospital! Glad you're having a good weekend. I think we all stressed about the vent....it's like stressing about exams. You *know* it's gonna' happen, but hopefully it won't last long and then it will be over. Over the next few days, if you can keep yourself a little busy, write lots of lists, get your music together, and stay healthy -- before you know it, it'll be your turn at bat.
S (again!)
Vel Turner  If that supersalesman who talked us into the iPad had it right, with normal use it should stay charge ... Read more
On May 28, 2012...
I believe my ears were the only two places where tubes were NOT sticking out, so you're in luck!!!
Selma
Vel Turner  S - Guess I hadn't mentioned it, but I have two little gizmos (a/k/a hearing aids) in my ears, so I'l ... Read more
On May 27, 2012...
Vel,
I listened to a lot of music in the hospital. You are right about the reading...I love to read, but couldn't really focus enough for a couple of weeks. Somehow it just wasn't that enjoyable. I think music (of all types) is so good for us!
On May 27, 2012...
Vel, I bought a very inexpensive MP3 player to download the guided imagery recordings that Cleveland Clinic provided on their website. This was a relaxation recording for pre-surgery and post surgery (which by the way, I found very helpful). Anyway, I also added some of my favorite music, hymns to flat out rocking and country. They even allowed me to use this in preop which was very comforting to me. Don't know if you have a player or not, but you can get one pretty reasonably at Walmart. That way you can listen and not disturb anyone. Go for it!! It's a great idea!

Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Vel Turner  Linda,
I have a portable player with earphones, and I think I will get some new batteries and use tha ... Read more
On May 27, 2012...
Hi, Vel -- If you had all your music downloaded to an MP3 player or iPad and brought headphones, I can't see any reason why you couldn't enjoy music of your choice once you were out of ICU. Failing that, a small, portable CD player would work; you'd just have to deal with more stuff.
Selma
Vel Turner  Selma,
See my response to Linda above. I think that is my best bet. As long as they don't have tube ... Read more
On May 26, 2012...
You are right, it is great to have a good support group that helps out. Our church provided meals 3 times a week for 3 weeks for us! It was great, and I still haven't done much cooking, after one month! I'm enjoying the break, but am sure my husband is ready for me to step it up again!!!
If you have time, make some meals to put in the freezer, it really helps. And remember, you will need good protein to heal!!
Holly P
Vel Turner  Holly, Will try to do that - it's on my to do list still. We have a lot of salads at our house, whi ... Read more
On May 26, 2012...
Remember, after you get home from the hospital, you'll still have a bunch of water weight. they'll want you sticking to a low sodium diet. When I think of 'church lady dinners' what comes to mind are sodium laden casseroles and such. You might want to give them a heads up as to what you'll be able to eat. Same goes for those delicious canned veggies your hubs will be preparing.
Its not easy sticking to a healthy diet...how much chicken can a person consume before you start craving a good old hot dog?
We should start a 'recipes' section on this site. Maybe we should suggest that to Adam. We could share our heart healthy recipes that actually taste good!

Nancy B
Vel Turner  Nancy,
Thanks for the heads up on the low sodium. I actually try to do that now, but I am not drasti ... Read more
On May 25, 2012...
Hi Vel,
Sorry to hear about your ear infection. Hope it clears up ASAP.
You can buy Adam's book online...no waiting, you just download it and have it instantly.

Take care,
Nancy B
Vel Turner  Thanks, Nancy. I'll look into that, although I still am one of those people who wants to "hold" the ... Read more
On May 24, 2012...
Your day is getting closer! Glad you were able to identify the ear infection and get on some drops!! It's hard waiting, and then to think it may be postponed again. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you get through these next 7 days!
Holly P
Vel Turner  Thanks, Holly! I just signed your guestbook because for some reason couldn't get mine to let me resp ... Read more
On May 23, 2012...
Hiya, Vel --
I stumbled on this website while doing research on my MVR. There's another forum out there, valvereplacementforum, which deals with a lot of the same issues. Dr. Adams' office actually sent me home with a copy of Adam Pick's book. I did a bunch of reading here and finally got up the gumption to start journaling and reading the journals of others. Smartest thing I did before surgery.
Selma
Vel Turner  Hey, Selma -
Thanks for the background on this. I wish now that I had purchased the book, but it is ... Read more
On May 23, 2012...
Hi Vel...Linda D. here! (Fellow Carolinian...South, but hey, Carolina girl just the same!). I found Adam's book several years ago when I "googled" aortic valve replacement. And the rest is history! It was even through Adam and this site that I came to be seen and treated by Dr. Gillinov at Cleveland Clinic. I read the book when I initially purchased it and then re-read it last year when I finally heard the words "its' time"...YIKES!
The only bad thing I can say about the HVJ site is - BEWARE!!! HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!

Linda Dixon, AVR, 3/13/12
Vel Turner  Thanks, Linda. Good to know the backdrop of this with you, especially because you have been such a " ... Read more
On May 22, 2012...
Good morning, Miss Velma. :-) I'm allowed, since I'm Miss Selma. Just checking in on you today -- I'm following a few folks out there who are on deck. I can't even imagine how crazy-making it must have been to have had the surgery postponed, so any time spent "in your head" is totally understandable. If you *didn't* have a certain amount of anxiety before this, I'd be wondering about you!

Glad you're picking up on nesting. :-) We work hard and are firm believers in the "my home is my palace" concept, so we've tried to arrange comfortable, peaceful places for ourselves. Some are inside, some are outside. I'm acting a lot like my cat -- following the sun from room to room, walking a bit, resting, eating a little kibble. Oh, wait. I don't eat kibble.

In any event, you'll go through it, it'll be hard for a few days, then it will get better, and you will be amazed at how fast you start feeling like yourself again. We couldn't have a more beautiful time of year for our recovery and that helps a LOT.

Take care, you.
Selma
Vel Turner  OK, Selma, you may call me Velma, but you are one of the very few!

Thanks for checking in on me - ... Read more
On May 21, 2012...
Hope all systems will be a "go" for launch attempt #2.
I'll be tracking your take off as I'm in the gate right after you.

Nancy B
Vel Turner  Nancy,

I just went back and read through your journal and recent guestbook entries. (Got behind on ... Read more
On May 10, 2012...
Oof. Treat yourself well, get some TLC and shake this thing. If the surgery has to wait a little bit, that's OK. You want to be strong going in. -- DVB
On May 9, 2012...
Vel,

Hope you get feeling better before the big day.

Trent V
On May 9, 2012...
Vel, drink LOTS of water, flush your system of whatever it is! Thinking of you as you prepare for that day you've been waiting for. You'll do fine!
Holly P
On May 9, 2012...
What lousy luck!
Thank goodness for the wealth of experience here. Sounds like your not the first to get a cold before surgery. Hopefully it will be mostly cleared up before your surgery day.

Best of luck to you!

nancy B
Vel Turner  This is an almost constant reminder of how valuable the HVJ community is for each of us. We get so m ... Read more
On May 9, 2012...
Hi Vel,

Before my surgery I had a wicked sore throat and was very congested. I also went on some meds. When I when in for my pre-op they just wanted to check how clear my airway was. As I was on the meds log enough to kick out the infection if I had one.

I was that way right up to the morning of Surgery when I started feeling better. They did seem that worried.

When you go in for your Pre-Op you will meet the Cardiac Nurse Laurie. She is great and will take good care of you.

You will be in such good hands and you will be fine.

Jimmy Johnson
Vel Turner  Oh, thank you, Jimmy - you have made my day!

They did ask me how long the meds were for, and they ... Read more
Vel Turner  Jimmy,

Been meaning to write you this for a week now...when they went ahead with my pre-ops (even th ... Read more
On May 6, 2012...
Hey, Vel --

Manoman, can I relate. I've been hanging around waiting since last NOVEMBER! Now I'm 5 days out and absolutely ready, willing, and able to get this done.

Hope those of us who are coming up for surgery next week will be able to help calm your nerves and reassure you that you'll do fine. It sure helps me to see all the people in front of me coming through with flying colors.

Selma
Vel Turner  Thanks, Selma, for your email. Actually, I had you on my list for tonight, since I know your date is ... Read more
On May 4, 2012...
Hi Vel,

I know how you felt my journey began in early February and now finally May is here and the long wait is almost over, May 7th for me so just a few days now. It's been an emotional ride but we are about to climb that mountain and come out better on the other side!!! Hang in there as you approach those final days, God is good and he will see you through....

God Bless.....Cindy Pastrano
On April 27, 2012...
Hi Vel, Thanks for your thoughts about my friend. At this time all I know is that he made it to Madison Wi Va Hospital ok. His vitals were good and he is on heart bypass until one comes in. Haven't heard anything since.
I see my reg doctor in May and am going to be telling him a few things and wanting to get a second opinion. I am so tired of this emotional roller coaster Im on. Makes you feel like you are living a bad dream and its all in your head espically when I have been healthy all my life. Good luck to you. Hope you are having a good day.
For the long haul
Linda H
On April 26, 2012...
Vel--I checked with my stepmom--she bought a recliner for my Dad who had Parkinson's--I remember it took awhile to get just the right one. I thought it was really comfortable--it was a brown leather Lane brand. I think it did have an electronic control. It also boosted you forward a little so it was easy to get in and out of.
--Jim and Donna Smith
On April 26, 2012...
Vel
Thank You! I am doing well. I’m glad you read my journal, I hope something in there helps you!
The leg massager’s that I talked about in my journal are what the hospital had me use while I was in there. I just wrapped them around my lower leg and it would automatically massage them. The hospital said it was to keep the circulation going and to help prevent blood clots. You may ask your surgeon if they have those available in the hospital your having surgery at, then you won’t have to worry too much about that issue.
When I first met with my surgeon and cardiologist, they both said that I probably wouldn’t hear my valve ticking. But sure enough, I can. I still hear it and it has been 5 ½ months. It’s not a bad sound though, it sounds like a small wrist watch or a small clock. I like it and I’m used to it. I don’t hear it all day long, most of the time its if I’m alone and it’s really quite. It doesn’t keep me awake at night or anything like that either, it really just seems like I have a watch on. My cardiologist now says that sometimes it just depends on the person and how the valve resonates in the chest cavity. I know another lady that just had her Aortic valve replaced with the St Jude’s mechanical valve and she couldn’t hear hers at all. I guess it just depends?
Jamie McGuire
On April 26, 2012...
Vel, try to locate a "Best" recliner (that is the brand name). Very easy to use, very smooth operation. Like I said, I bought an electric recliner just for surgery, but find myself preferring my "Best". Hope you can find one to rent. Happy to provide any helpful info!

Linda Dixon
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