So good to hear from you. How are things going for you? Do you still live in Dallas area? We visited our oldest grandson and family in McKinney ...Read more
So good to hear from you. How are things going for you? Do you still live in Dallas area? We visited our oldest grandson and family in McKinney for Thanksgiving. I remember your encouraging notes...thanks again. Blessings to you ! Merry Christmas!
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 ...Read more
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 Batzing Sweet Elaine, Thanks for your kind email! Happy 2 year anniversary to you as well, my dear! I agree-- ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Sweet Elaine, Thanks for your kind email! Happy 2 year anniversary to you as well, my dear! I agree--heart sisters forever! Wishing you a Merry Christmas as well...and hope to hug you in person one day. Blessings!
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, ...Read more
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
Cheryl Batzing Glad to be of help, Ashley! Please stay in touch and ask any questions! You can also reach out to me ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Glad to be of help, Ashley! Please stay in touch and ask any questions! You can also reach out to me offline at pcbatzing@att.net.
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 ...Read more
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 ...Read more
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?
Meghan Plunkett meggyplunk@gmail.com posted a note for Cheryl that says:
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 ♡ ...Read more
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. ...Read more
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
Cheryl Batzing Cheryl, I'll post on your page. Mine was not robotic, but I believe called port access "minimally inv ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Cheryl, I'll post on your page. Mine was not robotic, but I believe called port access "minimally invasive." Went through right side. Understand your nerves! Would love to chat/support you, dear!
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 ...Read more
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 ...Read more
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 ...Read more
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!
Cheryl Batzing Happy to chat with you Terrie! Email me at pcbatzing@att.ne! And thanks for your words.
Cheryl,
Sending out prayers for both your dear friends.💗
Cheryl Batzing Thanks Jackie! It's 2:15 CT and I hear they are both now recovering in their ICU's with successful su ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Thanks Jackie! It's 2:15 CT and I hear they are both now recovering in their ICU's with successful surgeries. Praying for quick "off the vents"!
Hi, Cheryl! What a true blessing to find your post!! Thank you so much!! These last few days I have found myself scurrying around trying to prep my house ...Read more
Hi, Cheryl! What a true blessing to find your post!! Thank you so much!! These last few days I have found myself scurrying around trying to prep my house for coming weeks and the caretakers that will be coming in; however, Monday I had a huge moment of anxiety because I hadn't heard anything from the hospital or Dr. Ryan's office about stopping certain supplements, etc. I'm guessing I'll get all of that information tomorrow when I go for pre-op testing, etc.? My husband is also wondering if he'll be able to stay overnight with me while I'm in ICU. I'll send you an email later today. Thank you again for reaching out to me!
Chery, I am having minimally invasive surgery via DaVinci robotic. What type did you have. I am hoping that my recovery will be a little easier than OHS. ...Read more
Chery, I am having minimally invasive surgery via DaVinci robotic. What type did you have. I am hoping that my recovery will be a little easier than OHS. I would love your input,
Thanks, Linda
Robert Osmachenko Thanks for sharing the story about the Z pacs? Very good.
Cheryl Batzing Linda, let's talk! Feel free to email me at pcbatzing@att.net. I had an option to have the DaVinci r ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Linda, let's talk! Feel free to email me at pcbatzing@att.net. I had an option to have the DaVinci robotic repair, or a port access repair. I went with the surgeon who I was most comfortable with....and he did the port access repair. I think either would have been fine and fixed me well, but the other surgeon was a bit abrupt and didn't listen to me well. In retrospect, the nurses told me the "minimally invasive" portal access is alot more painful than the mid incision, or Davinci. Now they tell me! BUT, recovery is alot quicker for any minimally invasive. I was bored at 2 weeks and back at work part time. Started cardiac rehab at 4 weeks out of surgery, and quit at 5 weeks out and went back to my gym slowly. Slept well at home from day 1. Did have a bit of pain, but I'm a wimp, and still have nerves "waking up" even though I'm 6 months out now. Please ask questions, or read my journal. And email me! Will keep you in my prayers for wisdom and a successful repair.
Hey Cheryl, I got your email and sent a reply. I just wanted to make sure it went through. Take care heart sister! Talk to you soon!
Cheryl Batzing I'll go double-check Tammy! Hope it works out to meet you and Melinda! I actually hurt my foot 2 days ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing I'll go double-check Tammy! Hope it works out to meet you and Melinda! I actually hurt my foot 2 days ago and cant' walk. I went to CareNow today to see if it was broken/fractured, etc. She said it was "strained" from over use. That made me smile, as I have been really walking tons more than I used to prior to OHS. So a good thing--exercising more than ever! Bad thing...hurt foot that puts me out for awhile. Making sure I can walk on it ok before I head to Florida! Will let you know!
Tammy Pilcher Oh no, well I'm glad it's not broken! You're right though, if it's gonna be hurt at least it's from ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Oh no, well I'm glad it's not broken! You're right though, if it's gonna be hurt at least it's from exercising! I hope it gets better soon! Hugs!
Elaine Foster Cheryl so sorry to hear about the strained foot. I, too found my "old joints" are complaining about ... Read more
Elaine Foster Cheryl so sorry to hear about the strained foot. I, too found my "old joints" are complaining about all this exercise too! They are saying" look lady, we liked the slower pace" Haha. Sure hope you get to meet up with Tammy and Melinda, I wish I was close by to meet you heart sisters! God bless you all
Hey Cheryl, I just saw your post. I live in northwest Florida ( the panhandle). I believe Polk County is near Tampa. If you're driving down there, you'll ...Read more
Hey Cheryl, I just saw your post. I live in northwest Florida ( the panhandle). I believe Polk County is near Tampa. If you're driving down there, you'll probably take I-10 through the panhandle. Depending on when you'll be coming through here and if you have time, I would love to meet up with you! Melinda Hatcher actually lives in Tampa, so she would be near Polk County I think ( I'm not that familiar with that area). She and I met in person Feb. 13th when she was coming through here also. She posted our picture on her journal. It was so nice to get to meet her and I would love to meet you too! If you're going to be driving down, email me at bearcreek64@yahoo.com and maybe we can get together. I hope you're doing well! Talk to you soon!
Hi Cheryl, thanks for the rehab info. Wow $200 a pop. maybe ill do what you did and just do half a dozen. hope all is well, take good care.
Cheryl Batzing Curtis, the cardiac rehab group was great. They know my co-pay situation and were very willing to wo ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Curtis, the cardiac rehab group was great. They know my co-pay situation and were very willing to work with me. If you let them know your needs and situation, they seem to want all to succeed no matter what. Will pray your cardiac rehab goes well.
Good Morning Cheryl-- saw your question to me about numbness. ;-) Well, initially my entire right breast was numb yes. As nerves find their new pathways, ...Read more
Good Morning Cheryl-- saw your question to me about numbness. ;-) Well, initially my entire right breast was numb yes. As nerves find their new pathways, I find I still have a minor degree of numbness on the right side of the breast by the incision line. I do however have a very tender bundle of nerves along the breast bone, where I envision the end of the surgical retractor was possibly. Nothing horrible, I did manage my annual mammogram in November for example with only a wee bit more discomfort than usual. All in all it is all resolving slowly- I am 6 months out, I suspect it will take a year for the nerves to rejenerate or find their new home. Support even with a soft sports bra, or one without a wire which runs right over the incision has been the most comfort during this process. A very small post operative price to pay to have the health I have now, I would say..... ;-)
Any of this ring true for your experience? This site needs a private message abilitly- but if you are more shy than I you can reach me at zizzr@hotmail.com
Take good care!!
Cheryl
I am taking a moment to reach out to you and first off, wish you the very best on your recovery as it sounds like you are doing well. Your kind words ...Read more
Cheryl
I am taking a moment to reach out to you and first off, wish you the very best on your recovery as it sounds like you are doing well. Your kind words and support have been very much appreciated by me, as I try to cope with the loss of Lisa. The support from you and so many others on this wonderful website have given me not only incredible support, but a far better perspective on life itself. While I may never understand how everything went so wrong for Lisa, that woman inspired me in so many ways and my memories of her will remain vivid for as long as I live. As I indicated in a recent post on made in Lisa's guestbook, with the help of others, a memorial 5k walk is in the works and will likely be held in the middle of July here in Lincoln, IL. I am going to make it the event of the summer to honor that crazy running lady's incredible courage and spirit. Lisa would have just been so overwhelmed if she saw how much support you and others on this site have provided me and Sarah and God Bless you for being such a caring, loving person.
Cheryl, I just reread your comment in my Journal, and want to thank you for your reassurance to me regarding Dr. Ryan. I hope that you are feeling well. ...Read more
Cheryl, I just reread your comment in my Journal, and want to thank you for your reassurance to me regarding Dr. Ryan. I hope that you are feeling well.
How wonderful it would be to have you visit me when I am in Plano. That would be very special! If we can get together, you will be meeting my younger son, Eddie, who will be accompanying me, and staying with me the entire time. My husband is wheelchair bound, and can no longer travel. He will be home with his caregiver, and extra help while I am away.
Thanks, again, Cheryl. Be well. Hugs...Edie
Cheryl I wonder how everything is going for you ? I too have Mitral Valve regurg but have yet to set a surgery date. I will very soon. Just wondering what I'm ...Read more
Cheryl I wonder how everything is going for you ? I too have Mitral Valve regurg but have yet to set a surgery date. I will very soon. Just wondering what I'm in for. ? Hope your doing well.
Sandy Wratten Hi Judi.......thanks for asking!!! I had my aortic valvereplaced with a bovine tissue one week ago ... Read more
Sandy Wratten Hi Judi.......thanks for asking!!! I had my aortic valvereplaced with a bovine tissue one week ago today. I got home yesterday!!! It feels soooooo good to be home, and I am doing well! I wish you the best of health with your new heart!!! Please let me know when you have your surgery.
Judi Nunez glad your feeling well Sandy. i will let you know when I have my surgery.
Cheryl Batzing Judi, would love to chat off site here if you want. My email is pcbatzing@att.net. Bottom line, I was ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Judi, would love to chat off site here if you want. My email is pcbatzing@att.net. Bottom line, I was 5 weeks post surgery this past Tuesday with a mitral valve repair and really doing well. I'm a huge wimp, so the actual surgery and first week were hard, second week was moving slow but improving, and by the end of the second week I was feeling good and ready to drive, go back to work. They would not let me, of course. Other than having a bout of afib during my hospital stay once the pacing wires were removed, I have had no major "bumps" or set backs. I'm an exerciser and was able to start cardiac rehab at 4 weeks post op that felt great. I'm pushing hard there, and they are holding me back. I have 2 part time jobs and went back to one the beginning of week 3, and added the other one the beginning of week 4. So pretty much back at full life pace now. Ask any other questions you have!
Hi Cheryl,
So you're in Richardson? My wife, Leslie, and I moved up to Durango, Colorado from Richardson. Leslie taught in the RISD (speech and language pathologist) ...Read more
Hi Cheryl,
So you're in Richardson? My wife, Leslie, and I moved up to Durango, Colorado from Richardson. Leslie taught in the RISD (speech and language pathologist) for 20 years. We're both retired now. I had my surgery at Baylor downtown, and my cardiologist in Dallas is Schumacher, with Cardiology Consultants. Always nice to see a Texan!
Cheryl Batzing Hi Rob! Yes, we're in Richardson. What a gift to be a speech/language pathologist! Your wife might ha ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Hi Rob! Yes, we're in Richardson. What a gift to be a speech/language pathologist! Your wife might have done some testing on my son, who's a senior this year. My cardiologist is Vallabhan at Cardiology Consultants of Texas--small world! I've heard of Shumacher. I actually saw my cardiologist today for my 4 week followup after surgery. I had surgery at Heart Hospital Plan vs. downtown Baylor. So you are doing well? Thanks for saying hello!
Hi Cheryl,
I wanted to chat with you real quick about Baylor Heart Hospital, as I just met with the team yesterday. I can't find the email you sent me to ...Read more
Hi Cheryl,
I wanted to chat with you real quick about Baylor Heart Hospital, as I just met with the team yesterday. I can't find the email you sent me to contact you direct? You can email me at donlaporte@yahoo.com
Cheryl Batzing Just sent you an email Don. Glad you liked the Baylor group!
Hey Cheryl! I'm also having my surgery with Dr. Ryan at Baylor Plano Heart hospital. We'll just miss each other if your followup with him is on Jan 20. I ...Read more
Hey Cheryl! I'm also having my surgery with Dr. Ryan at Baylor Plano Heart hospital. We'll just miss each other if your followup with him is on Jan 20. I will be there bright and early on Jan 22. I'm so impressed and encouraged that you're already back at work! Will you do your rehab at the Heart hospital? How many days a week will it be?
tina fluhrer I know right Emily~...............Cheryl, what are your two part time jobs?
Cheryl Batzing Emily...I don't think I'm supposed to be back at work....but I was so bored at home! So I sort of rel ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Emily...I don't think I'm supposed to be back at work....but I was so bored at home! So I sort of released myself knowing I could come home if needed....and I did about 3 in the afternoons. I go for rehab orientation this Tuesday, Jan. 13, then they'll set me up to go M, W & F on a regular schedule...so I"ll see what they say on Tuesday. I was told to walk 15 min, 4X a day, but with the weather so cold and rainy lately, it hurt to walk outside to breathe cold air deep. I went to my gym and did the treadmill there first slowly, then a little faster, and it's been fine. I've been doing that during week 3 & 4 post op for 15-30 min, about 3X a week. Best of luck to you Emily! You'll really like the Heart Hospital.
Cheryl Batzing Tina....I'm very blessed with my 2 part time jobs. I work part time for a children's furniture compa ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Tina....I'm very blessed with my 2 part time jobs. I work part time for a children's furniture company "virtually" from home, and I am the Communications Director part time at my church that's 7 minutes away. I only go in there 3X a week. Both have been very understanding/flexible during my surgery. Again...feel very blessed.
tina fluhrer ;) good stuff! I work from home too! ~ for a home builder in our community. ~ My dream job would be ... Read more
tina fluhrer ;) good stuff! I work from home too! ~ for a home builder in our community. ~ My dream job would be for a church! (I (we, (hubby and I) serve in the marriage ministry now and did kids ministry for 15 years with our kids) I worked for Joey for 17 years. (commute, long hours, lots lots of work, stress, blessings, work, work work- commuite home again) ~ I am so thankful to work from home now. The owner is growing and in due season, I will have an office to visit occasionally. :) As I dreamed of what kind of job I would most excel at and enjoy (with all the perks).... I dreamed of what I am doing now from home ~ Its a God thing! ~ Pinch me! :) My gifting is admin and would love to work at a church one day. ~ right now, my full time ministry is in my home ~ "love it"
Cheryl Batzing we are both blessed Tina! so glad to have met you on this site!
Emily Shively So I think I must not have been logged in when I sent my original message bc my picture and full name ... Read more
Emily Shively So I think I must not have been logged in when I sent my original message bc my picture and full name didn't show up. Just wanted you to know it was from me!
Cheryl Batzing Will be thinking & praying for you Emily! Holler if you have any questions on anything.
Hi Cheryl,
How are you feeling now? I will be going to Baylor Heart in Plano on Tuesday, for a 'heart clinic', where they will be doing another echo and ...Read more
Hi Cheryl,
How are you feeling now? I will be going to Baylor Heart in Plano on Tuesday, for a 'heart clinic', where they will be doing another echo and surgeon/cardiologist feedback. Surgery in 3 weeks in Cleveland, but 4 months since last echo. Looking forward to meeting the team at Baylor.
Don
Cheryl Batzing Don, I'm really feeing great! Just having trouble realizing I'm healing and to not overdue it until I ... Read more
Cheryl Batzing Don, I'm really feeing great! Just having trouble realizing I'm healing and to not overdue it until I crash, plus the cold weather is making walking outside 4X a day very difficult, as I hate the cold. I've ended up going to my gym and doing the treadmill for 30 minutes a few times a week, but should be walking more. I'm not even 4 weeks post surgery yet....and back at 2 part time jobs, since Tuesday. I did the "heart valve clinic" thing at downtown Baylor--they did the TEE, pulmonary tests, bloodwork, and then I met with 2 surgeons, a cardiologist, and a nurse for my "evaluation." You'll get great advice with the Baylor team whether downtown or in Plano. And local or Cleveland seem to be great places for surgery with great surgeon track records in the thousands. The only difference I seem to see from this website is Heart Hospital Plano does not have a step-down room after surgery & ICU. The room they take you to is the room you stay in for the entire hospital time. I didn't understand how nice that was until I experienced it. I got out of surgery in my ICU room, which converted to my regular room. I had chest x-rays there, all meds there, and only left to walk around the floor for exercise. Even when I ended up with afib and needed cardio conversion, they brought the equipment to my room, along with the cardiologist & anesthesiologist and I just stayed put until I was released. That was very nice! Praying for your decision--you'll know what's right for you!