Thanks for sharing your story with me. Sorry your repair in 2017 was not successful. Can you share the reason the repair was not ...Read more
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for sharing your story with me. Sorry your repair in 2017 was not successful. Can you share the reason the repair was not successful?
Thanks,
James
Bonnie Stone-Hope I had a mitral valve prolapse (my Mom also had mitral valve prolapse, at same age, and had a successf ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope I had a mitral valve prolapse (my Mom also had mitral valve prolapse, at same age, and had a successful replacement) so repair was a difficult surgery
Hi Bonnie.....a few days late but thank you so very much for all the good tips!! The pashmina, facial wipes and socks (my fave to help me sleep) are all great ...Read more
Hi Bonnie.....a few days late but thank you so very much for all the good tips!! The pashmina, facial wipes and socks (my fave to help me sleep) are all great ideas I hadn't thought of! Merry Christmas and continue to feel better every single day! xxx
Bonnie Stone-Hope My Mother had a mitral valve replacement 21 years ago. As soon as she was able to speak, she asked â ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope My Mother had a mitral valve replacement 21 years ago. As soon as she was able to speak, she asked “where’s my lipstickâ€. Keep smiling💜
Hey Bonnie:
Just returned from 12 days in Canada. Read your post re: wearing a med bracelet. Who said that it would be a good idea? Is it for the mitral ...Read more
Hey Bonnie:
Just returned from 12 days in Canada. Read your post re: wearing a med bracelet. Who said that it would be a good idea? Is it for the mitral valve ring? I carry my card but nothing else. I say the pic of the bracelet too but wasn't sure what was engraved or what it said. When you get a chance please let me know about this.
Hope you are well and enjoying summer. Unfortunately I came down with a bug on the 2nd day of our trip and still feel lousy. Last time we visited canada I had the same problem, came home sick. It also was when my heart problems were detected.
Thanks!
Judy Monti
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Judith,
I was advised after surgery at discharge, by my surgeon and NP, that I should wear a Medi ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi Judith,
I was advised after surgery at discharge, by my surgeon and NP, that I should wear a Medic Alert bracelet, because of the mitral valve repair and mitral valve prolapse. It has the serial # of the Edwards ring, and also advises that I need antibiotics prior to procedures, such as dental, accidents, etc.
I seriously did not like wearing it as it is a constant daily reminder of the surgery. So, finally decided to make it into a "custom" piece of jewelry, and had a jeweller attach the pendant to a gold bracelet I had received years ago. This bracelet was a gift from a previous employer so is a positive memory. Now, I quite like wearing the Medic Alert info:)
Likely, most folks do not mind wearing the standard bracelet, but it was just something that seemed to bother me so wanted to advise others that it is possible to wear something "discreet" if one wishes.
Glad to know you are enjoying summer. So to learn you fell ill while away. Hope you are all good now:)
judith monti thanks Bonnie. They have never mentioned it to me. The antibiotic issue is very important Don't kn ... Read more
judith monti thanks Bonnie. They have never mentioned it to me. The antibiotic issue is very important Don't know if I told you one of the Dr's in cardiac rehab had dental work after heart surgery. They told him no need for antibiotics. He has a regular dental cleaning and bacteria entered his heart and he had to repeat surgery. My dr's told me no need for antibiotics but I thought I would want them and after hearing this story, I certainly had antibiotics prior to my dental cleaning!
Bonnie Stone-Hope Yes, cannot be too careful. In February, my 8 yr. old friendly dog, decided to bite me......not much ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Yes, cannot be too careful. In February, my 8 yr. old friendly dog, decided to bite me......not much of a bite, a nip, really, but the skin was broken. Was actually still on blood thinners, due to Afib., so looked like a big bruised mess. Had to go to the clinic to get antibiotics, just in case.
Thank you Bonnie, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I have been reading a lot of the journals on this site and along with your words, plus reading ...Read more
Thank you Bonnie, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I have been reading a lot of the journals on this site and along with your words, plus reading as much as I can, I feel a little more comfortable with the whole idea of surgery. I like to research, but sometimes knowing too much makes for more apprehension! As you did, I want to have the surgery before I start having symptoms and more stress on my heart. I get more hopeful for a successful outcome when I read of so many other's having success with their surgeries.
So encouraging to see your smiling face after a successful mitral valve surgery. I too am 69, healthy and diagnosed with the same as you. MVP was diagnosed ...Read more
So encouraging to see your smiling face after a successful mitral valve surgery. I too am 69, healthy and diagnosed with the same as you. MVP was diagnosed 30 years ago and now a recent echo shows regurgitation in mitral is severe with some tricuspid regurg. It's imminent I need valve surgery. I go in for a TEE and heart cath this week to see if valve is repairable. I'm so scared to have open heart surgery! Any words of encouragement would be so appreciated. Wishing you the best for long term recovery! You are so brave.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Vicki,
Thank you for your post and well wishes.
My Mother had the same surgery for mitral valv ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Vicki,
Thank you for your post and well wishes.
My Mother had the same surgery for mitral valve regurgitation 20 years ago so she is the one who showed me how to recover. She sailed through the surgery, and had no problems at all. She had an excellent quality of life after surgery and no further issues with the valve. The only difference is that back then, valve replacement was done, rather than repair.
I had a mitral valve repair but the surgeon did not have to do anything about the tricuspid valve, which was nice. The atrium was enlarged from working too much so I wanted the surgery done ASAP while my heart was still strong.
I am not brave, but when faced with the fact that surgery was recommended, even though I had no symptoms other than fatigue when going up stairs, felt it had to be done, so let's just do it!
I do feel that this site, with personal stories, words of encouragement, sharing of information, plus reading Adam's book, allowed me to be fully prepared for the task of having surgery. As they say "knowledge is power" and learning from others is a great help.
Had a few "issues" post op. For example, needed a blood transfusion and did get atrial fibrillation (expected that from the videos on this site) But, surgery was successful and no infection so no complaints.
I had read that the surgical procedure was not really painful, but had a hard time believing that. Please to report that my discomfort was minimal. Biggest issue for me was having to sleep on my back while the sternum healed.
It is now hard to imagine that I had surgery. Just nice to know my heart is now as strong as before this valve issue.
Really happy for you. My surgery is March 28th. Your smile is helping me be calm and brave. Thank yiu
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi J P,
Thank you for your comment. Will follow your posts and wishing you a successful surgery and ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hi J P,
Thank you for your comment. Will follow your posts and wishing you a successful surgery and easy recovery.
The surgery seems like it was a long time ago. Feel fine now, so happy that the valve is now "fixed" so life can once again be normal. It will be the same for you. Once your surgery is done, you will be great!
Regards,
Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
I see you've underwent heart surgery to repair your Mitral valve due to Mitral Regurgitation like me. How are you feeling at this early stage post-op? ...Read more
Hi Bonnie,
I see you've underwent heart surgery to repair your Mitral valve due to Mitral Regurgitation like me. How are you feeling at this early stage post-op? Wishing you the best of health to come your way 😊
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Emily,
Thank you for your post. I feel fine, no problems.
The surgery seems to be a long time ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Emily,
Thank you for your post. I feel fine, no problems.
The surgery seems to be a long time ago.
You look great! Best wishes and God bless.
Emily Rowley That's great you are sailing along smoothly 🙂 Aww thank you for your lovely compliment. May God co ... Read more
Emily Rowley That's great you are sailing along smoothly 🙂 Aww thank you for your lovely compliment. May God continue to bless you with a smooth journey and good health ðŸ™ðŸ¼ Look forward to hearing your updates.
Hi Bonnie. I have been following your heart journey and have been impressed by your positive and upbeat attitude! It all seeems to be going well. Would you ...Read more
Hi Bonnie. I have been following your heart journey and have been impressed by your positive and upbeat attitude! It all seeems to be going well. Would you mind telling me if you had any problems with heart enlargement? I am electing to have my mitral valve repaired even though I have few symptoms ( only have shortness of breath up a very steep hill), I have normal heart function but I do have a mild to moderately enlarged atrium. I’m afraid I will feel worse than I do now long term after surgery but I didn’t want my heart atrium to get worse. How different do you feel now you have had your surgery to before? Many thanks for answering these questions.
Pre-op I had no symptoms other than fatigue, which I attributed to age. Also felt exhausted when going up stairs. This I attributed to being out of shape. Would never had gone to the family physician with these symptoms, and hardly ever went to family physician other than annual checkups. That is probably why he jumped at the chance to listen to my chest when I requested a renewal prescription for arthritis meds:) He had "thought" he heard a murmur so sent me for an ECHO.
Results were normal heart function. BUT
left atrium was moderately enlarged
severe mitral regurgitation
mitral valve prolapse
I spoke with the surgeon as a result of an urgent referral sent by my family physician and surgery was booked ASAP. Wanted to go into surgery with the strongest heart function possible.
The surgery was successful and I feel great. Find it hard to believe that I even had surgery. Still do not have my pre-surgery endurance back yet, but that will come:) However, can tell already that going up stairs causes less "puffing".
Post op, the worst part for me was having to sleep on my back while the sternum healed.
Also do not like taking Amiodarone 200 mg. daily for 6 weeks (8 pills left) as it makes me very tired for about an hour afterwards. This is for atrial fibrillation I developed after surgery (on Christmas Day)
Do hope this has answered your questions. Please feel free to ask any questions. Hope you have an easy time, and speedy recovery.
God Bless
Carmel Power Many thanks Bonnie. I’m in Australia and I think we are behind the US in terms of early interventio ... Read more
Carmel Power Many thanks Bonnie. I’m in Australia and I think we are behind the US in terms of early intervention possibly because our surgeons don’t specialise in one area. All the very best.
Bonnie Stone-Hope I am sure that there are members from Australia who might be able to provide referrals of surgeons. ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope I am sure that there are members from Australia who might be able to provide referrals of surgeons.
Best wishes and good luck to you.
Carmel Power Hi Bonnie. Another question. How does your heart feel? Does it feel different or the same as before t ... Read more
Carmel Power Hi Bonnie. Another question. How does your heart feel? Does it feel different or the same as before the operation? Many thanks.
I feel exactly as before, just not as able to go for a very long walk without resting yet. Upon walking up our stairs, my heart does not seem to be pounding so much at the top. (14 stairs)
The body is so interesting, in that we accommodate to whatever our situation is. I was so used to being exhausted after going up stairs, that it eventually because my new "norm" to feel that way. Now, I am slightly fatigued and soon, that feeling will go away totally also, I assume. Taking it "slow and steady" at this point.
Carmel Power Thanks Bonnie. All sounds really good so pleased for you. I have a severely leaking mitral valve and ... Read more
Carmel Power Thanks Bonnie. All sounds really good so pleased for you. I have a severely leaking mitral valve and speaking to you reassures me I am making the right decision to get it repaired sooner than later. Have a friend coming today with the exact same problem as us but he has been in heart failure and I think only now they are recommending surgery. All the best. C
Thanks for your reply Bonnie. No I have not had surgery yet,they have me in meds and doing another echo next month. I will have to have an aorta valve replacement ...Read more
Thanks for your reply Bonnie. No I have not had surgery yet,they have me in meds and doing another echo next month. I will have to have an aorta valve replacement at some point in the next while -scares me for sure. Glad all is going well for you - hope we can stay in touch
Jeffrey Jacobs posted a note for Bonnie that says:
Congratulations Bonnie! You do look great! Here's wishing you a continued great recovery and many decades of heart health! JW Jacobs Alexandria VA (aortic ...Read more
Congratulations Bonnie! You do look great! Here's wishing you a continued great recovery and many decades of heart health! JW Jacobs Alexandria VA (aortic valve replacement June 2017)
Bonnie Stone-Hope Thank you, and how are you feeling? Got your energy back?
Just returned home yesterday from the hospital yesterday afternoon. So this is the first time I have really had adequate time to post the experience.
Firstly, the surgery went fine. Surgeon did a mitral valve repair, which is nice.
Post op pain: totally manageable with the meds provided.
However, first day post op, needed to have a blood transfusion.
Also, needed to have 3 days of respiratory therapy as my lungs would not respond to the breathing exercises I was doing.
Results were that I felt very exhausted for the first 4 days.
Then came the atria fibrillation episodes, which are being controlled with medications. Glad to know that on this site, it states that 94% of patients who experience A fib have it gone in 6 weeks!
Now gaining strength each day.
Felt all the prayers being said on my behalf and wish to thank everyone on this blog and all my friends and family.
So, to summarize, I would say that this site properly prepared me for the surgery, and I was able to deal with the few setbacks.
I'm so happy you made it out and remain with us! My prayers have been answered. Much praise! Now you must be a motivated patient in recovery! As a former RN, you know that how quickly and well you recover depends entirely on you. Keep up the breathing exercises and the walking. You'll get a little better every day. I'm 16 days post surgery and I finally moved from my lounge chair to the bed. Things are slowly getting back to "normal" but with one exception - my heart feels WAY better!
I'll keep you in my prayers for a quick and full recovery. May God bless.
Therese ODell Hi Bonnie! So happy you are home and the surgery was successful! Have been thinking of you and pray ... Read more
Therese ODell Hi Bonnie! So happy you are home and the surgery was successful! Have been thinking of you and praying for you daily. God is good and He is faithful! Rest and recover and please keep us updated on how you are doing.
Bonnie,
Will be praying for you to have a successful surgery tomorrow.
Therese ODell Hi Bonnie, I've been thinking of you all morning and praying for your surgery tomorrow. Please keep ... Read more
Therese ODell Hi Bonnie, I've been thinking of you all morning and praying for your surgery tomorrow. Please keep us posted on your recovery and any specific prayer needs you have. Praying for a quick and easy recovery due to a successful surgery!
Therese
Bonnie Stone-Hope Thank you both so much for thinking of me.
Did get the "call" so on for tomorrow.
So ready! Let's ju ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Thank you both so much for thinking of me.
Did get the "call" so on for tomorrow.
So ready! Let's just do it!!
Hi Bonnie
It’s a big deal no doubts about that , my wife did all the research, and the only advice I would give would be, get your head in the right place ...Read more
Hi Bonnie
It’s a big deal no doubts about that , my wife did all the research, and the only advice I would give would be, get your head in the right place - try and stay away from too much emotion and focus - plenty of water and eat well few days before and try and be as calm as you can and you will be just fine - will keep an eye on your progress any help I can be - with a kind word here any there - it’s a given.
I am very happy - and my family are very happy - still abut sore here and there and the achey tired can get me here and there.
Will be thinking about over next few days.
Hope your surgery stays on the schedule for this week! Sending positive healing thoughts your way.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Thank you! I am hopeful this is the date!
Totally packed, just want to get it done:)
Appreciate yo ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Thank you! I am hopeful this is the date!
Totally packed, just want to get it done:)
Appreciate your kind message.
Lisa McLaughlin If you don't mind me asking, what are you taking with you to the hospital?
Bonnie Stone-Hope I have been given instructions from the hospital to bring only a housecoat and slippers as storage is ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope I have been given instructions from the hospital to bring only a housecoat and slippers as storage is very limited in ICU. Slippers have rubber soles and velcro strap.
However, on day 2, I can have toiletries, including dry shampoo, and comfy clothes. I have a lovely burgundy bamboo poncho, nice and loose, which will go over my head easily, and easy to lift up for surgeons' rounds to inspect incision. Want my phone there too, of course, with charge cord. And, travel pillow (tip from this site)
Hope this information is helpful.
Lisa Hunley Bonnie, I too bought a travel pillow because as you said, I read where it was recommended. Is it fo ... Read more
Lisa Hunley Bonnie, I too bought a travel pillow because as you said, I read where it was recommended. Is it for the bed or chair? Just curious if you knew. I will be praying for you and look forward to an update.
Bonnie Stone-Hope From what I have learned from this blog, it is for both bed and chair. Have a sore neck most days si ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope From what I have learned from this blog, it is for both bed and chair. Have a sore neck most days since a car accident so think that having my head tilted during surgery for several hours might cause more neck discomfort than the sternum. Not taking any chances:)
I hope you're doing well. I've been thinking about you and wondered how you were doing. Are you still enjoying each day until your surgery? That's what ...Read more
I hope you're doing well. I've been thinking about you and wondered how you were doing. Are you still enjoying each day until your surgery? That's what I am trying to do. I'm a week behind you. I will be praying for you.
Idske Rienstra posted a note for Bonnie that says:
You know I am praying for an easy surgery and a great recovery
You know I will have the blog up all day Friday
What you don't know is that all day I will ...Read more
You know I am praying for an easy surgery and a great recovery
You know I will have the blog up all day Friday
What you don't know is that all day I will be sending positive thoughts your way so if you are still unconscious but you hear a voice saying "You hang in there my friend" That will be me
Idske
Sending prayers for you today. It's going to be just fine! I'll be looking to hearing from you...real soon.
Bonnie Stone-Hope Thank you very much. You are very kind. Have been following your progress, and wishing you good hea ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Thank you very much. You are very kind. Have been following your progress, and wishing you good health.
Phil Wutz Bonnie - you're two days out and I'm two weeks out! I'm trying to keep my nerves in check. I'll pray ... Read more
Phil Wutz Bonnie - you're two days out and I'm two weeks out! I'm trying to keep my nerves in check. I'll pray for peace for you leading up to the surgery and a perfect outcome. We have to trust in the surgeon's skill and experience. We are living in an enlightened time regarding heart surgery. You'll do fine. You're on my prayer list!
Bonnie Stone-Hope Phil, I truly appreciate your kindness and prayers.
My Mother had this surgery 20 years ago when s ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Phil, I truly appreciate your kindness and prayers.
My Mother had this surgery 20 years ago when she was at my age (69).
She had no problems, no infection, had a replacement valve (pig). And now, there is even more expertise in this field of medicine. I am expecting no problems with the surgery, and feel confident that in a few days, you will be reading my post regarding recovery. At that point, you will be receiving my prayers as your surgery day approaches.
I'm not a particularly "brave" person, but when you think about it, I do not have an option about this surgery.
Got to be done, so want it done ASAP :)
Thank you Bonnie for your answer. It sounds like things moved pretty fast for you once your condition was found out. That's good! No waiting around for things ...Read more
Thank you Bonnie for your answer. It sounds like things moved pretty fast for you once your condition was found out. That's good! No waiting around for things to get worse. Again, best of luck next week - hope your Thanksgiving was a happy one, spent with your loved ones.
Thanks for sharing your story with me. Sorry your repair in 2017 was not successful. Can you share the reason the repair was not ...Read more
Thanks for sharing your story with me. Sorry your repair in 2017 was not successful. Can you share the reason the repair was not successful?
Thanks,
James