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\u00a0Sylvia Woolworth – Aortic Valve Surgery Patient<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Thankfully, before my procedure, I read your book which greatly helped me prepare for surgery. My doctor, John M. Brown III<\/a>, Chief Thoracic Surgeon at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey, also prepared me during our face-to-face appointments.<\/p>\n I wanted to be in the best physical and mental condition for the operation. So, during the past twelve months, I lost 35 pounds. I went to the YMCA four-to-five days a week and I joined Weight Watchers to learn better eating habits.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the YMCA, I entered both exercise and swimming programs. After six months, I discussed my reason for joining these classes and everyone was extremely supportive. When I said out loud, “I’m preparing for heart surgery!”, it gave me confidence that I was doing everything possible for a successful result.<\/p>\n Also, I wanted to address Marianna\u2019s question about aortic valve replacement. Prior to surgery, I had a cardiac catheterization<\/a> to find out if there were any blockages in my arteries. The catheterization is an outpatient procedure and you are awake – although, I was given a Benadryl and Valium to calm me.<\/p>\n Everything was explained by the nurses. The only sensation I felt during the catheterization was warmth. My cardiologist was talked to me during the procedure. He told me exactly what what he was doing and what to expect. My arteries were in good shape.<\/p>\n
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