Theresa's Heart Valve Journal

Hello Everyone,

Today marks my one year anniversary for mitral valve repair surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital NYC with Dr. David Adams. Last year at this time I was undergoing the surgery and my family was anxiously waiting. I have been reflecting on all of this and amazed that my journey has traveled this far. I was trying to think of something really inspirational to say on this day, but decided that our stories are the inspiration for all who have begun their journey. Adam has started a chain by linking all of us through this site, and the chain is strengthened by each link of a new member who shares their story. This chain can not be broken for we are forever connected by friendship, shared memories, and our most intimate feelings. The chain is strong because we are strong and together we will make it through this journey together.
Even though I do not post, I still check the site often to see how everyone is doing. I am doing great, and can honestly say this surgery has changed my life. I am so thankful to all who have helped me through their stories on this site, Adam for starting the chain, and to my surgeon and all the wonderful people at Mt. Sinai Hospital.
I know that there are those struggling with anxiety and fear, of course this is understandable. We each can only add our experience without judging the feelings of others. If I could share one thing, I would say I just accepted my fate with the help of the relaxation tapes. This was totally not me, I was a nervous wreck when my daughter had open heart surgery, and when my husband was seriously injured by a drunk driver. I surrendered totally to the outcome and gave up that I controlled it. This was hard because I am the type that does not like flying because I am not in control of the aircraft. I just thought I can't change this so I will hope for the best and I will either wake up or...I had an easy recovery compared to a lot of people, with a fast heart rate as my most worrisome problem. Please do not think I am judging anyone, I am sharing my experience. There were many people who shared my experience such as Duane. Duane is a man of faith, way ahead of me in how he lives his life, yet he faced every challenge possible...and he made it! The point is we each try to make it through this experience o our terms, and in our way...all we can do is share the steps we took to complete our journey. If we help someone along the way, we have done our job. Good luck to all on this site, remember the odds are so strongly in your favor. Remember the power of prayer, because we all pray for each other, and remember there is strength in numbers..and Adam has forever linked us together and the chain will never be broken! Thank you to all who have shared this journey!
Take Care,
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

Please know that we are praying for your family. She sounds like a remarkable person who was clearly loved by many.Today is a sad, sad day for the Heart Valve Journal...my heart breaks for you.
Our deepest sympathy,
Theresa, Bob and Jen Callanan

Hello everyone,
Today was my last class in cardio rehab. It is both a happy and sad occasion for me...happy because I have accomplished this feat...and sad because I will miss the great people I have met there. I do not know if all places have a graduation ceremony upon completion of your required classes, but my rehab did. Yes, you put on a gown and cap, and march around the exercise room. The class throws confetti, and then pictures are taken and a certificate is awarded. The nurses all hugged and congratulated me....they told me I worked real hard, which I did. But as I said before, it was the others who inspired me and pushed me to work harder than I thought I could. They never gave up in spite of their ages and aches and pains. I feel I have entered a new level of recovery....I really feel great, inspired, thankful and wanted to share this with my fellow journal friends. Only you can understand what these steps mean...because you have all been on this journey with me. No matter where you are on your journey towards surgery and recovery, do not give up...push on...you will make it..take my hand...we are all on this journey together...thanks for your support!!!!
Theresa C.

Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for your words of support and your prayers. My brother-in-law, Mark, passed away yesterday. His heart stopped three times while on the ventilator, and he had brain swelling. The decision to turn off the ventilator was made by the family, and within five minutes Mark passed away surrounded by his family. His wife, understandably, is very distraught. She decided to cremate him, and is going to travel from Arizona to NJ to bring some of his ashes. We will have a memorial to celebrate his life and throw his ashes out to sea on the beach where he and his wife met. I feel very fortunate to have the chance to discover my heart condition, as I am sure you all are. I do not think Mark ever got his heart checked out and had 100 percent blockage in 4 arteries. He and his wife lived in NJ in the beginning of their marriage, but their love of horses brought them to Arizona. This did not end how we all wished it would, but God is in control and Mark is in his arms. I will be back on shortly supporting all those undergoing surgery. Kimberly and Trevor, so thrilled you are both recovering nicely. Does anyone know about Diana? Good luck to all the new people on this site.
Thanks again for your support and care,
Theresa Callanan