Cathy's Guestbook

Cathy, thank you for your posts and comments on mechanical vs biological heart valves. I have my surgery next Friday and have to make my mind up soon. How are you finding your valve now? Is life back to normal or do you have to make any allowances? Does the valve make any noise? And do you know what valve you had, was it the Carpentier-Edwards?

Hi Cathy, we are glad to hear you are out of the hospital! It sounds like you are on the right track despite the pain. Anyhow, my wife Kim would love to talk with you if you are up for it. You both seem to be in very similar circumstances. We are having a tough time with life after surgery. It has been a difficult adjustment in the household. If you want to chat, let me know and I'll give you her number. You can always start by texting if you prefer. She isn't really into the social media stuff as much as I am so that's why I am writing on her behalf. Best! Ben

Dear Cathy, it's really great to hear that your surgery is over! Remember to just take it one day at a time, and, in no time, you will be completely healthy again. Sending you the brightest wishes to say, hope you get well soon. Best wishes, Enrique

I pray that all will go well with your surgery and recovery will go well. The first few weeks after you go home can be a little rough but you are young and in good shape and so will recover much quicker than you may think. I am 9 weeks post-op today and returned to work three weeks ago. (And I am 64 years old). I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy- I wish you a smooth surgery tomorrow and hope that tonight you feel confident your outcome will be excellent and life will continue on for you with dreams and plans for you and those you love sharing your path of recovery with all of the support and comfort you can handle! Know your heart community of Brothers and Sisters are with you in spirit as you make your way into surgery! You are going to be well!!!!!

Hi Cathy, best wishes for a successful surgery and a complete recovery! We're all praying for you. I look forward to hearing from you after your surgery! Take care. Liz

I wish you the very best in your Open-Heart Surgery today. I have been thinking of you and praying for you. I think you have made the right choice to not participate in that experiment, instead going with a sterilized Tissue Valve :) I know you can pull through this, I know it is very hard and I'm experiencing this too. Talk to you on the other-side (Post-Op). Take Care, Emily.

Dear Cathy, Prayers all will go well with your heart valve surgery and recovery next week. Sending highly energized energy your way. You will do great. Best, Enrique

Cathy I read your story and I had my last surgery 2 years after my son was born and I was 44 when I had my last one. My first was 31 with my valve repair, and 37 with my porcine valve replacement. I remember my second surgery with my babies I was so scared. This time around I was more scared and thought that my heart could not take another surgery. Clare is right about taking warfarin and it is not a big deal really. Don't focus so much on the issue of coumadin/warfarin because so many people take it with no complications. You will get through this with no problem. You are young and strong and you have the strength to get through this for your kids and husband. You are a mommy and us mommy's are very strong.

Hi, you asked me about my warfarin on another thread. I am 23 months post op and was 44 at the time of surgery. My warfarin dosage has been pretty consistent since the 3rd or 4th month post op (there was a little blip about 12 months when my numbers went wacky). I get my blood checked every 4 weeks or so. It isn't a big deal for me. I get the 3 kids (15, 9, and 6) on the bus and am able to stop at the lab and still get to work on time. I do work full time, have done 3 half marathons post surgery and do a lot around the house including mowing the yard. I don't do any extreme sports but my surgeon has said no restrictions. I am not a wine drinker but know that can raise your INR. Spinach, broccoli, and kale can lower it. I eat everything in moderation. If I want a salad, I have one with my lunch instead of as my lunch. I still eat things like Beef and Broccoli and Pasta Con Broccoli but in moderation. Consistency is the key to the diet. You can't binge on spinach one week or it will affect your numbers. Sorry that was so long. If you have any questions please ask autenclare@gmail.com. Clare