Shari's Posts

Hi Everyone! So it's been over a month since my surgery and a few days since my last doctor's visit. I have one more blood test to go and then I don't need to go back to the doctor's for a few more months. I've thought a lot about it and I think this is going to be my last entry. My recovery is well under way, and as far as I'm concerned, pretty much complete. I'm not quite up to doing cartwheels yet and I still miss big bear hugs, but in no time at all I'll be doing both of these, I hope. I cannot emphasize enough how incredible it's been to have this journal to keep track of my surgery and recovery, as well as to receive an incredible amount of support both going into the surgery and afterwards. Hearing from everyone, friends and strangers alike, made this process a lot less overwhelming. I also hope that this journal is helpful to others going into surgery, as others' journals helped me going into mine. Thank you Adam Pick for creating this site! And also one huge thanks goes to my parents who were absolutely awesome during this whole thing (and continue to be). I am now part-cow and I have spent a lot of time thinking about what this means in my life. I think it's a great excuse to eat ice cream, really, but maybe as time goes on I'll have a more profound realization. Thanks for the love! Best wishes for others encountering surgery and in recovery--my thoughts and prayers are with them. As always, much thanks and love from the bottom of my no-longer-leaky heart, Shari

It's a beautiful day out! I went back to my regular cardiologist for my first follow-up with her since surgery, and I got a great review! My heartbeat sounds great and things are returning to the way they should be now that the valve is functioning properly (YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!). After the appointment, my parents and I went out for Thai food to celebrate. Yum! I still have some minor chest pain as well as skin sensitivity around the incision site, but I can walk all over the place and feel pretty much back to normal. I have officially graduated from wearing exclusively button-down shirts and can wear pretty much anything, which is also a nice improvement. And I'm no longer on so many meds! I can start running again in two weeks, which I am looking forward to almost as much as my parents are ;) I can't believe where I was last March when we decided to do the surgery this year to where I am now...whew! I keep thinking about all the conversations I've had with people about it and how much I've learned both about the heart and about myself...and how much energy and thought I put into learning about the surgery, talking to people about the recovery, and now....now I am on the other side of it.... I am also thinking about all the other people on this site who are facing surgery and I am wishing them well! This site has been a great resource for me to help me know what to expect, as well as to glean pointers from others who've been through it. As always, many thanks. Enjoy the day! Shari

Hi everyone! I just thought I'd write a quick note on this beautiful Sunday morning! I've been home from the hospital almost two weeks now and I'm feeling GREAT! I am doing a lot of walking and I try to go out every day (except when it's really rainy!). I can go up and down stairs really easily now and I'm able to lift light things. I went to the nurse last Monday for a surgical follow-up and she took all the bandages off. She said I looked good and I also got to see a chest X-ray of myself with the new valve- it looks like I swallowed an earring! But it was SOOO COOL! I have so much more energy than I used to have and that feels good- I'm starting to recognize myself again! I am still mostly watching lots of movies and reading lots of books, but I'm starting to go out of the house more and see people...which, if you know me, feels AMAZING! I have another follow-up in a week and a half. Thank you everyone for following and for all your words of encouragement! I am so thankful for everything in my life. All my love, Shari