Gabbie Jones posted a note for Alexa that says:
Hey girl, I can not even tell you how nice it is to find someone close to my own age on here! I was just wondering how you worked on mentally preparing yourself for your surgeries? I'm having my first oph on the 31st of this month, and I'm terrified. I know waiting is the hardest part but I think I'm more freaked out about waking up after the surgery and being in pain. Any suggestions on overall healing or positivity boosters? Thank you :)
Alexa Aveta definitely! honestly this site really helped because seeing all of the success stories really put my fears at ease. I was just about to start my junior year ... Read more
Alexa Aveta definitely! honestly this site really helped because seeing all of the success stories really put my fears at ease. I was just about to start my junior year at college so that was really adding anxiety to it because I was afraid I was going to have to take a semester off and be behind. However, I honestly found out that if you go into surgery with a positive mind that you're going to feel a million times better once it's over, it actually makes your body react in positive vibes. I had no emotion about my surgery until I was literally sitting in the waiting room before heading into the OR and I was hysterically crying because I was so scared. But I literally kept telling myself that I will get through this and make this surgery like my bitch lol. I had an amazing recovery and I think that's because I kept reading success stories and kept having the mindset that this will have an amazing outcome!
p.s. if you have any questions about recovery or what happens after surgery feel free to message me on Facebook or something! I'll be more than happy to talk to you more about what's going to happen to help ease your fears! :)
Nina Gill Thank you! I have to find the surgeon who I feel most comfortable with! Yes and this period is so hard waiting before so glad that you made it through and it ... Read more
Nina Gill Thank you! I have to find the surgeon who I feel most comfortable with! Yes and this period is so hard waiting before so glad that you made it through and it is behind you..what a relief that must be❤️I will touch base on FB 💕
On January 17, 2017...
Briana Morgan posted a note for Alexa that says:
I enjoyed reading your story, Alexa! I too had a Ross procedure done by Dr. Stelzer. I flew all the way over to New York to have him do my operation. I didn't want to be on coumadin the rest of my life either. It is great to see you doing so well. I am getting close to three months since surgery and will be going back to work soon. I'm a bit nervous about that, but for the most part I feel pretty good.
Alexa Aveta I went back to work after being a little over a month post-op and I started my fall semester in August right on time! I was still in pain pretty much after ... Read more
Alexa Aveta I went back to work after being a little over a month post-op and I started my fall semester in August right on time! I was still in pain pretty much after 2 months and I realized just taking it easy and figuring out what your body can do is the best. I wanted to start driving and hanging out with my friends just 3 weeks after surgery and as much as I wanted to, my body was like no way.. I was patient and i took care of myself and i had a fantastic recovery period! Time really does heal all wounds and when you go back to work you'll find out what you can and can't do right away. Overall, your recovery takes awhile but it is soon worth it!!!
On July 29, 2016...
Luke P posted a note for Alexa that says:
Was your 1st operation at NY Presbyterian? I had my aorta valve replacement don e there and fortunately everything went well. Glad to hear things are going better the second time around for you.
Alexa Aveta Thank you very much and yes it was, I did not have a pleasant time there however. Also, I was in the pediatric department when they attempted to repair my valve. ... Read more
Alexa Aveta Thank you very much and yes it was, I did not have a pleasant time there however. Also, I was in the pediatric department when they attempted to repair my valve. I personally do not like the place, but that's solely because terrible things happened to me there. I'm so happy that everything went well for you though!! They do have great doctors!
Luke P This was my second operation too, at 13 I had my aorta valve repaired. That repair lasted 30 years. The last few years the stenosis and regurgitation got worse ... Read more
Luke P This was my second operation too, at 13 I had my aorta valve repaired. That repair lasted 30 years. The last few years the stenosis and regurgitation got worse and it was time to replace the valve. These decisions on what to do is tough. I wish you the very best as I know how difficult it can be to deal with this at a young age.
On July 22, 2016...
Aayush Ambastha posted a note for Alexa that says:
You will be fine. Everything is possible in world when you believe. Dont stop believing. My prayer are with you.
Dylan Florio posted a note for Alexa that says:
Hi Alexa,
This is Dylan's mom. I haven't had a chance to read your journal which I intend to do. Dylan had a rough night last night and I told him about you. He seemed interested but of course what was going on with him drew his attention away. It would be great for you two to connect. I have to go for now but will be checking your journal first chance I get. I have added you to my prayer list sweetie pie!
Alexa Aveta Thank you so much he's in my thoughts and prayers as well. I completely understand how it feels I was in and out of it for 3 days before I started feeling better. ... Read more
Alexa Aveta Thank you so much he's in my thoughts and prayers as well. I completely understand how it feels I was in and out of it for 3 days before I started feeling better. I had bad nights as well I could never get comfortable enough to fall asleep as well as in constant discomfort/pain. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for your family it will only get better from here :)
Dylan Florio Thanks Alexa. I showed Dylan your post and he said he would like to talk to you sometime. He's having a hard time right now because he is going back in for ... Read more
Dylan Florio Thanks Alexa. I showed Dylan your post and he said he would like to talk to you sometime. He's having a hard time right now because he is going back in for surgery this Monday 25th to put in a new pacemaker and not liking it at all. I hope you are feeling well! Blessings
Alexa Aveta I can imagine how he's feeling it's so scary. I had OHS 4 years ago and I was in the hospital for 15 days. I was miserable, but it honestly only gets better ... Read more
Alexa Aveta I can imagine how he's feeling it's so scary. I had OHS 4 years ago and I was in the hospital for 15 days. I was miserable, but it honestly only gets better every day. Anytime he wants to talk i'll be more than happy to!! Keep us updated on how he's doing, he's in my prayers! :)
Dylan Florio I'm so tired right now. Dylan fell asleep so I am going to shut my eyes too. I can't believe all you have gone through. Thanks for your prayers. I have you on my prayer list... Blessings
Alexa Aveta I completely understand. Thank you as well for the prayers, after tomorrow things will get better. Keep us updated on how Dylan's doing, always in my prayers!! :)
On July 8, 2016...
Janette Rehua posted a note for Alexa that says:
sending love and prayers to you for your surgery today xx
Steven posted a note for Alexa that says:
Hi Alexa! I'm about your same age and have had the Ross procedure done before. It's a little scary at first but you will bounce right back and your life will to back to normal!
Alexa Aveta Thank you so much for the kind words. I am a little scared since I had complications before, but I'm excited for the future.
On July 7, 2016...
Elizabeth Devaney posted a note for Alexa that says:
Alexa! All my love....you are in the best hands with Dr Stelzer. I was so scared and many sleepless nights before my Ross in 2008. I found the waiting was the hardest part of my journey.....deciding on the Ross and waiting for the day....the morning of my surgery, I was calm and prepared....and when I woke....I was so happy it was over..... Dr Stelzer is an amazing surgeon and wonderful human being.....his kind eyes peering over his mask will forever be in my heart....when you wake....it will be over....and you will go on to fulfill all your dreams with a wonderful new heart....you are very strong....this journey will be simple compared to all you had been through....20 years ago I met you....and remember hearing that you had a murmur too.....you have always been very special to me....<3 Liz
Alexa Aveta Liz! thank you so much for the kind words! I know i'm in great hands i'm very excited for the future. Love you thank you so much for the support <3
On July 5, 2016...
Kathleen F. posted a note for Alexa that says:
Hi Alexa, I also had the Ross Procedure with Dr. Stelzer, a year and a half ago. Finding him and deciding to have the Ross as my valve replacement was the best decision I ever made, and I think you'll find the experience to be very different from your last surgery and recovery. All my best to you!
Alexa Aveta That's very comforting to hear thank you so much. I know I have a great support system with me, but I am a little nervous about being operated on again. Thank you for the kind words!
On June 6, 2016...
Rita Savelis posted a note for Alexa that says:
Hi Alexa, Just read your story and it sounds intense. It must be hard to be a young patient in the cardiac world. And it's normal to think of (and stress about) your past medical experience and surgery as you are faced with this upcoming one. But each experience is singular and new. Being able to have your valve(s) replaced with your own valve (Ross procedure) or repaired is really a good thing. Take care.
Alexa Aveta Thank you for your kind words. I'm excited for the future and to see this operation being done. I've read many success stories which helps.
Emily Rowley Hi Alexa, I too was reading your story. What is the congenital heart defect you were born with? There are a few of us young ones on here. I thought I would reach out ☺
Alexa Aveta I was born with Aortic Insufficiency and Mitral Valve Stenosis
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p.s. if you have any questions about recovery or what happens after surgery feel free to message me on Facebook or something! I'll be more than happy to talk to you more about what's going to happen to help ease your fears! :)