Cheryl Shute's Heart Valve Journal

Mindy Currence posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Cheryl,
So glad to hear you are feeling better! I hope you had a great Christmas morning! Life here is good. I have had some wound issues, no infection, just coming open. This is a side effect from tissue damage post radiation treatments at the age of 11. The surgeon mentioned this could be a complication prior to surgery and it seems he knew his stuff. I am thankful it is not infected and fortunately, I feel pretty good. Doing more and more every day. I hope you are able to get your coumadin figured out, I know my levels are all over the place...can be quite frustrating! :|

Know I am thinking about you,
Your moo buddy :)

Mindy Currence posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Cheryl,
So sorry it has taken me so long to get a note to you. It sounds as though you had a rough go of it! I am so sorry. While my surgery went well, and I was home by Dec. 7th, I really struggled with nausea the first few days which made me a not so happy or pleasant person. We determined it was the pain medicine, so now I am only on ibuprofen and I am doing 100% better! How are you feeling? I am sorry you had to have a pacemaker, I am sure that added to the soreness quite a bit.

Have they been able to get your coumadin levels right? Mine was way too high on Tuesday, but I go back this Tuesday when I see Dr. Rhinehart. Who is your cardiologist? Do you go to the heart clinic at PHR on the Suite 300 of the heart center? Maybe I will get to see you! It would be neat to finally meet you! I hope you are feeling better and I will send prayers your way!
Mindy

Enrique K posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Dear Cheryl, Good vibes and thoughts are heading your way! Hoping all goes well with your upcoming surgery.

Mindy Currence posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Cheryl, I do not know how I missed you were having surgery here in Columbia! I will be across town one day later with Dr. Yarborough at Providence. I wanted you to know I am thinking of you and sending prayers your way. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Lynn Jorgeson posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Hi Cheryl,
I just caught your note and wanted to wish you all the best with your surgery. I am waiting to hear about my own diagnosis, still kind of in denial.
Lynn Jorgeson

Judi Butler posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Cheryl -
The waiting can be hard and, yet, the longer you are waiting the better medical procedures become. I had to wait for either critical numbers for my bicuspid aortic valve tests or symptoms. Both came about the same time although the symptom was only the feeling of not being refreshed when I finished my walking.
You need to be comfortable about where you are going for the surgery, too. You are doing the right things for now.

Sidney Nash posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Hey Cheryl!
I'm used to seeing people from NY and California, but glad to see another Columbian!

I had my valve surgery at Duke on October 3rd. I went through the process of determining who to see and what to do. It was overwhelming, but it turned out great. If you would like to discuss anything ( I had bicuspid also) please feel free to call me or email me. Good luck with everything.

Jim Jones posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Cheryl
So pleased you had a chance to check in with your doctor. Now you can live your life. The very best to you in the months ahead. I hope you have a wonderful year. All the best!

Dora Chavira posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Dear Cheryl, I think I know how you are feeling. I meet with my surgeon 1/27, and surgery is 2/13. I too have moments of being anxious then try to focus on recovery, my family, grandchildren, future grandchildren, my daughter's May wedding and that helps me want to get this over with and on with my life. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kevin Woodard posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Cheryl,

Just wanted to say welcome to HVJ. This is a great site to get advice and questions answered. It helped me so much to be able to talk with people in similar situations and ask questions. Everyone on this site is more than happy to help you in everyway. Whether you have pre-op or post-op questions. Just ask!

I had my surgery on Dec 16 and thankfully all went well for me. I too had no symptoms but trusted the surgeons opinions and knew I needed to have surgery before anymore damage was done to my heart. I believe it is best to do it sooner rather than later and get on with you life.

I was very anxious before surgery and just wanted it all to be over so I could move on. Yes there will be a lot of things you have to do to prepare before but staying busy helps you to not think about it some much. However, make sure you stay positive and take care of yourself leading up. I hope your appointments go well and wish you all the best on your journey.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Cheryl,
Good luck with your surgical team. I also felt like I really didn't have any symptons, but I now realize I did. You can read my journal where I have listed helpful hints on the Nov. 22 journal.
It is 3 months since I've had my ascending aortic anuersym repaired. the surgeon decided not to replace my aortic valve since he said fixing the AA would make my valve work better---he was right. I am not out of breath anymore when I climb stairs or swim laps.
Also recovery is faster than I thought it would be. They get you up and moving. You will be fine. I hope this helps.

Jim Jones posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Hey Cheryl:
As you know from many HVJ journals you are like so many - no symptoms but indications for surgery. I'd encourage you to take the long view. By having surgery you are setting yourself up long term for the best life possible. So many HVJs have, post-surgery, made that point.

BTW, I have found recovery to go pretty quickly with weekly improvements.

I hope you have a productive meeting with your surgical team and come up with the best decision for you.

All the best and Happy New Year.

Susan Smith posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Like you Cheryl I have BAV and have had some out of breath episodes and some chest pain (not sure if heart of heartburn), but no fainting or dizziness, but find that I am classified as severe. I am in the weight loss mode per Dr. instructions and so I am 37 down with 13 more to go to get to what he wanted. I plan on making goal by March 7th - D day (doctor day) . I believe that timing is a factor and as we all do, we must trust our Cardio dr. and his judgment call. You will do just fine. Keep us all posted on your progress.

Judi Butler posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Hi Cheryl -
I know what you mean about asymptomatic and wondering why? But I was reminded that it has to be repaired at the right time so we can be the best we want to be and have the best valve. I am aware that there are new techniques and each day procedures are getting better and better. Keep the course. And the plan to keep busy is good. God helps us give Him the stress and reminds us that He is in control. Blessings, Judi

Judi Butler posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Welcome Cheryl -
I am a newbie too. But feel a part of this community. And it has been helpful. I am sorry about your Mom's passing. I miss mine. I believe when we are facing 'uncertain times' we do miss our Moms.
I, too, was asymptomatic and even now since my surgeon told me not to exercise find my fatigue is gone. He calls me atypical. So join the party. I am in the severe category. What is your valve measurement?

Jim Jones posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Hey Cheryl
Welcome! I see you have met Ernie and Susan. They are both "good people". I am sorry for the loss of your mother. And congratulations on your new store. I hope you find this community as helpful and warm as I have. I had mitral valve repair on 11/05 in NYC at Mt. Sinai. If you want some fun reading please check out my journal. Folks on this site were incredibly helpful when I had questions and have been supportive throughout. Welcome aboard!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Yay, I beat Jim Jones again to welcome you to the website.

Plenty of people have been through this, so you have plenty of journals to read to answer questions you may have. I learned so much from this website pre-operation. Come time for surgery I was plenty prepared and feeling confident for a successful surgery.

Good luck.

Susan Smith posted a note for Cheryl Shute that says: Cheryl, welcome to the community. We are all on the same path to have a good quality of life. I'm in the pre-op waiting period. Glad to hear you have a surgery date. You will do fine. Keep us all posted.