Andrea's Guestbook

Andrea, What an amazing story of courage and community support. I had an aortic valve replacement using bovine tissue, and like you questioned my choice based on my age (though I am much older than you). By the time we need a replacement (my surgery was in Feb. 2014) they may have perfected the less invasive procedures for everyone. I do not relish the thought of having my chest cracked open again. Best wishes to you and your family! Sonya P.S. My younger daughter has your name :-)

Andrea, You have had so many major changes in your life in such a short time. I feel for you. I thought I had a lot going on over a 5 year period from when I was diagnosed to the time I had surgery, but that was nothing. I think you will find others on this website that will see your story and respond. You might also put something out on Adam Picks Heart Valve Facebook Closed site. Sometimes there are other people that are on that site that are not on this site. Can you get involved with a church young mother's group? There has to be some research out there about having another child. What does your cardiologist say? Keep the faith and continue to put it in the Lord's hands. I am 6 months post op and in the last 2 weeks I have been a little depressed. My feelings are hard to explain but I think it is post op delayed feelings. I will keep you in my prayers.

My prayers are with you Andrea. We have different problems, but I can understand your fear. I'm always second guessing my self. Do I really need to have this surgically taken care of? Am I going to risk not seeing my son graduate college, he only has two years left, and it's what I want to be there for so badly. I still think of myself as a newlywed, married in late 2011. I saw you said you have faith. Cling to that, keep voicing your fears and pray for strength. I have a feeling you are going to be fine and another baby is in your future. YOU have to believe and know that, too. You were meant to live and now just do that. Live <3

You are a brave woman. I am 57 and had mitral valve repair 9 months ago at Houston Methodist for severe regurgitation, without symptoms. You reach appoint at about 6months post op when you don't notice the sternotomy any more. The worst thing that happened during my recovery: my dad died at 6 was post op. I think you'll do fine. Good luck.

My name is Cherilyn. I was diagnosed with mitral stenosis after the birth of my son at the age of 29!!! They also asked me if i ever had rhumatic fever? My mom and I had no recollection of me ever having it!! You are the first person that I've heard of with my same story!!! I'm now 35. I've been lucky to hold off this long with no surgery, but my luck is running out.. I have 4 kids. Oldest is 12, 11, 8 and 6 and they are all so busy with school and all their extra activities.. My life and theirs is going to be difficult to manage when I'm out for so long. Luckily I have great friends and family and a husband who has a Very flexible schedule.. At times I am at peace with what lies a head, and other times at war with my mind.. It's so nice to have this community of people that know what others are going through.. And it's crazy that at young ages we were both diagnosed right after the birth of our sons... I'd like to hear more about your recovery, the ups and downs... I'm glad I read your story... All though we were diagnosed the same. Over these last 6 years, my aortic and tricuspid valves have developed regurgitation. So lucky me, I have 3 valves now to replace... They are actually hoping that they can put a "ring" around the tricuspid that will last. Lifetime... Which would also eliminate some time on the surgery... I have no info on when my cardiologist wants me to see a Surgeon, I do have an appt with him tomorrow, 4-4, and hopefully I will have some answers... Anyway, that's my story in a really short summary... Hope to her from you soon.

Wow, just read your story and as you can see from this site you are definitely not alone having valve surgery at your age. I constantly still get that from people, wow your so young...well actually. Anyway welcome to the site. I of course can't answer your question being a guy, but I'm sure you will find the answer within yourself. Reading your story you got the confirmation that you can go on and have more kids and you made to decision to make it more possible. Put it in God's hands. I can tell you, as a father of 3, my wife and I were not ready for a 2nd for a long time. It is hard to get through that first (compound that with your heart surgery and I can only imagine) so you are probably still getting settled into life with a newborn, plus life after heart surgery, so you are a swirl of emotions. Let time tell and you will know when you are ready for another. God was a comedian with us, we had our 2nd 4 years after our first, then while we were deciding if we wanted anymore God decided we should have 3 (The last 2 just 18 mos apart). Wouldn't have it any other way. The last 2 seemed like a blip for several reasons as they just seem to grow up so fast. Love it. Welcome to the group here, I'm sure you'll get quite a mix of opinions but most of all lots of love and support.

Just read your story and journal. I am a 46 mother of 3 (2 are adopted from Guatemala). I live in Ballwin. Surgery was at St. Luke's but my 5 year old was born at Mo Bap. My surgery was 1/9/14. I understand some of the emotions you are feeling. Let me know if you want my email or look me up on Facebook.

Andrea, So glad to read your story and hear that we have A LOT in common!! First off, glad you are doing well and are enjoying motherhood! :) I know you and I could share experiences and really connect! I could hog up some serious space on your guest book; do you have Facebook? Or we could share email addresses, I would love to chat with you. This website has been so great, but I kept wishing for someone my own age with a similar story and here you are!! I'm looking forward to connecting and sharing, thanks for reaching out!