Cheryl's Guestbook

Cheryl, Thinking of you as your 2 year anniversary is coming up. Hope you are doing well as we walk this earthly journey. Sending you best wishes and wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for keeping in touch. Amazing how, even though we have never met, we feel "connected". God Bless you. Elaine

Cheryl, Just wanted to reach out and thank you for connecting with me! I just read through your journal - you are so strong. Your faithfulness, prayerfulness, and courageousness shine through your entries. Thank you for being such a wonderful spiritual role model for me as I begin my own heart surgery journey. God Bless! Ashley

Hi cheryl - just read your story. Have you been with severe regurgitation for 22 yrs?at what age did you get the repair done? I am in Texas with severe regurgitation and will need a surgery soon. Am 33yr old born with defective valve. Did your insurance cover all the surgery? What was your out of pocket hospital expense for repair?

Hi cheryl - just read your story. Have you been with severe regurgitation for 22 yrs?at what age did you get the repair done? I am in Texas with severe regurgitation and will need a surgery soon. Am 33yr old born with defective valve. Did your insurance cover all the surgery? What was your out of pocket hospital expense for repair?

Hi honey, this is really big news. So glad you have it behind you. To me, it seems pretty scary. Much love to you, Meghan Please give your momma my love ♡

Was yours repair robotic? I am scheduled for Jan 6. 57 yr old female. Only ever been in the hospital to have my girls 36 & 32 yrs ago. Pretty nervous. But a very tough young lady! Cheryl Smith

Hi Cheryl. Thanks for the response to my post today. I am still processing my visit with Dr. Badhwar. I guess I hadn't even considered a robotic procedure because the other surgeon (Dr. Horvath) indicated that it takes longer (i.e., higher risks)....he also said that there are misconceptions about the recovery process with both side access procedures. Minimally invasive doesn't necessarily mean less painful recovery as you have shared. Dr. Horvath actually said that the recovery process for the mini-sternotomy is the least painful of the three. He said that if you polled the surgeons at John Hopkins, most would likely choose the mini-stern. Dr. Horvath has performed around 10,000 cardiac surgeries and 60-70 percent of those have been valve related. I can't imagine he would steer me wrong. At the same time, the mitral valve is Dr. Badhwar's primary focus. He is among a small number of surgeons who perform robotic repairs on a regular basis. Decisions, decisions. I am penciled in for surgery with Dr. Horvath for November 11 and Dr. Badhwar November 13. Both know I've interviewed other surgeons. Now I need to get to a place of peace with the right one for me. Thanks again for the note! I appreciate the support. :o)

Cheryl, thank you for your very sweet message. Yes, let's keep in touch. It's great to hear you are doing so well. Today, I have a follow-up appointment with my local Cardiologist...not the one that did the surgery. My surgeon and I still keep in touch, but he is 3.5 hrs away from me. I had an Echo done in August, so this will be the follow-up after the Echo. I'm excited about it because I have been feeling great physically! I hope you continue to progress in your healing process. It's definitely a long and winding road :o)

Hi Cheryl- Read your post to Ben and wondered when my time comes for my ablation in the future(not long probably) I would like to contact you with a few questions and want to know if I can email you at the time. Also, were you having SVT's? I have heard there is a 95% rate of success. Also think it would be like having a heart cath? Glad you are doing well! Oh yeah, they did not do the ablation prior to valve replacement due to the fact my valve was getting a little bit sketchy so they decided we would get it done after the surgery when the heart was in better shape after recovery. I have been taking a pill for it which has curbed the incidence well. Take care! P.S. Since I first saw your photo when you joined the community I have to tell you that I get up and go to the mirror and practice giving a smile like the one you wear and I can't quite get it but I get darn close(Ha Ha) You do have a happy gorgeous smile Lady!