Janis's Heart Valve Journal

18 weeks of ups, downs and moving forward.

May 6, 2012

My valve repair is golden. I am off all heart drugs other than 1 baby aspirin a day. My scar while visible in a v-neck does not upset me. It is still tender to the touch. I am not able to kayak yet, possible in late summer. I do suffer from RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and need to re-start those drugs so I can keep up with my walking. If anyone here has RA like me, leave me a message about your struggles. This has been quite a year. I had open heart and recovered. I became a new grandma and am madly in love with my beautiful granddaughter, Avery. If you are beginning this journey, do not worry. You will be fine. To all my previous HVJ's pals, I wish you continued health and happiness. Cheers to getting repairs, new parts and being well.

Surgery Today

December 28, 2011

4 am and I'm off to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. I have to be there at 5:30am and surgery starts at 7am. God, bless my surgeon Dr. Chris Malaisrie and his team. Thank you all for your support, blessings and prayers. All my love and thanks to my husband, Mike, son, Mikey, daughter Lauren and son-in-law, Josh. Love and thanks to my mother, sisters and brother. Thank you to all my friends here and at home. My next update will be from my family.