Cristen's Heart Valve Journal

Michele posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen! Hope you're recovering well!!! Did you have a root replacement too? Did you have any post op complications? Thank you!!

joan duncan posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen- I've followed your story here with great interest. My husband has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm at the root. Surgeons have told us he is a candidate for the David Procedure with minimal repair work to his aortic valve. We're finding that there are only a few surgeons out there who do this surgery via a mini-sternotomy. Did you have the David Procedure? Sounds like your mini-sternotomy was a success. Thanks for any feedback!

Peter Willard posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen that is a great story we are lucky to be born when we did because years ago they did not have these operations.I had a bovine valve in 2010.
Good Luck
Pete

Adam Pick posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen, I could not resist sharing your pictures and your incredible story with our community across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and my blog. Absooooolutely amazing what Dr. Roselli did to your unicuspid aortic valve! Thanks for sharing! http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2015/02/05/incision-healing-after-heart-surgery/

Teddy posted a note for Cristen that says: Pulling for you on the regular... Here's to "bad days" being few and far between in the coming weeks and months! Stay strong, Bearcat!

Amy DiGiovanni Noack posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen! How are you doing? I'm up on Monday and I'm a ball of nerves...I'm supposed to get the confirmation tomorrow. How has your recovery been so far? Hope all is well:)

Emily Shively posted a note for Cristen that says: Hey Cristen! Thanks for the message. Yes, I noticed that our stories are very similar so I've been following your surgery and recovery closely! Hearing how good your experience was gives me hope. I hope you're continuing to get stronger and get back to normal. I'll be so glad when this is all over!

Ron Shaw posted a note for Cristen that says: I praise God for your successful surgery and the strength that he has given you , it seem you have a great support group with , My prayers will continue to be with you and your family , May the blessing of God continue to be upon you . be bless my friend . I miss yah !

Terri Alberta posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen, thank you for posting! I have been following you because my son Cole (age 37) is scheduled for surgery with your surgeon Dr. Roselli on Jan 7. He is going to have his mitral valve repaired and his bicuspid aortic valve repaired or replaced. I am so glad that your surgery went well and you are now home with your family and on the road to recovery. We have not met with Dr. Roselli so it has helped us so much to follow you. Happy New Year! Best, Terri

Darby posted a note for Cristen that says: Hello Cristen! I'm so happy the 2nd surgery went well! I just wanted to let you know that I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Please let me know if you need anything, Happy Holidays to you and your family, your post only is an awesome present! Keep your spirits up and take care. Darby

Torsten Brandt posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen,
just heard about your heart problems today. My thoughts are with you. Stay strong! How are you doing now?

Rafael Martinez posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen, how you doing. You didn't post any other news. Good luck to you Girl.

Jim Hernandez posted a note for Cristen that says: Thinking of you and wishing you the greatest of success today! Looking forward to hearing all about the surgery and your recovery!

Deborah Marcucci posted a note for Cristen that says: Hello Mimi! I feel like I know you as your mother is your greatest supporter and over the years any conversation with her absolutely must include her babies -as it should. The power of a praying parent has worked for many years and at some point it is by your faith that God must work. How wonderful via events such as this that we learn that lesson.
Myself and a couple others have come into agreement with your mothers prayers. No need to re-pray for God is not deaf and he expects faith to accompany prayer and it I believe I must ask again for the same thing then where is my faith? So at 11:00 I began to praise God for working through the hospital staff for the wisdom, skills, and compassion he has instilled in them to serve you well.
I cannot imagine the fluctuating emotions at a time like this. You have always been a strong person per your mother's reports and that same strength, positive speech, and perseverance will assist in this leg of your life journey.
I look forward to speaking with your mother after your surgery and hearing of your awesome and beyond normal rate of recovery.

Rich Sandberg posted a note for Cristen that says: I was thinking of you my friend and know this will be nothing but a bump in the road for you. Your one tuff cookie, recoup quick!!!

Rafael Martinez posted a note for Cristen that says: I read your story and I'm 100% confident on you success.

Loni Cocca posted a note for Cristen that says: Good luck today! I'm sure that everything will go smoothly and I'll be praying for a speedy recovery! You got this girl!

Katie Farrow posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way today and in the future. Meow meow

Jim Johnson posted a note for Cristen that says: Best wishes for a smooth procedure and speedy recovery. Getting your heart fixed is an awesome Christmas present!

Lisa Fuller posted a note for Cristen that says: Best of luck to you today!

John Noriega posted a note for Cristen that says: Praying for you Cristen as well as your surgical team and your post-op support! Onward & Upward!

Tom Bender in KC posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen,
My thoughts and prayers to you, your family and surgron. I had the surgery 1 year ago. Had BAV since birth. Got it replaced at age 56. Feel great. Did not have many symptoms. My coworker who steered my to this website had it done 2 years ago in her 20s. God will take care of you.

ONeal Ray posted a note for Cristen that says: Prayers to you and the doctors who will be performing this operation!! One thing I do know is your a strong women, your smile and energy is contagious and I know that will carry you through the tough days ahead! Love you girl!!!

Amy DiGiovanni Noack posted a note for Cristen that says: Sending positive vibes Cristen! All the best to you and your loved ones tomorrow. You'll be on your way to a healthy you in no time:) from one heart sista to another...God Bless

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen, I will keep you in my prayers for tomorrow. I hope everything is successful and you have a great recovery! Best wishes heart sister, Tammy

Joey K. posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen,

Oh my sweet friend. I'm sorry you're having to go through this. I truly love you so very much as a friend. I'll be thinking and praying about you in the upcoming days and weeks. You're strong and I know you'll overcome this obstacle. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Jeff V. posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen - Good luck tomorrow and best wishes for a quick recovery! You will bounce back from this quicker than you think and I expect your experience in Cleveland will be awesome. Take care - Jeff V.

Aljaz Britvic posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen, good luck with the surgery and get well soon!

Verena (Germany) posted a note for Cristen that says: Hey Cristen!
Probably my englisch is not good enough to tell you how much I care. I'm so sorry.
But I do.
So I know I'm really far away but I'm thinking of you. I would like to hug you right now. But I can't so I'm sending you all my love and all my prayers.
Thank you for this blog so even I, on the other side of the planet can follow your healing process.
Hugs and Kisses

Lynne Jeffreys posted a note for Cristen that says: I know you have been very busy preparing and just so you know we're all thinking of you. Lots of prayers.

tina fluhrer posted a note for Cristen that says: Its been nice to see the loving notes to you from your friends. I am praying for you too as you prepare for your big day and healing journey. ~

Tegs posted a note for Cristen that says: Sweet and Happy soul, You are SO LOVED. I've been thinking about camps together and how you have this special way of turning a dull dinner into a fun adventure. I know that the childlike joy we got out of things and your brilliant art history background that made conversation worth having will carry you through the time at the hospital and will transform the sanitized halls into a resort your staying at for just a little while :)

Thank you for having this online space for all of us to keep up with you. I'll be thinking of you Thursday, and every day.

Love and Light - Sat Nam

Ron Shaw posted a note for Cristen that says: My sweet co-worker and friend , I am lifting you up in prayer , stay strong and be encouraged , I know that if God brought you to it, he will bring you through it ! you are one of the most positive women I have ever met ,keep that beautiful smile and continue to trust the lord , God is a present help in times of trouble . see you when you get back to them M " Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Colby posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen, I just want you to know I will be praying for a successful/perfect surgery and for your speedy recovery. It sounds like you are in great hands with love all around. Hang in there, I will definitely be looking for you back in the office once you are back on your feet //big hugs

Ryan posted a note for Cristen that says: The Salsgivers will certainly be thinking of you and we will possibly be able to visit you while we are in Cleveland. Good luck

Amy DiGiovanni Noack posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen! My prayers are with you for a speedy recover. I noticed you are in your 30's as well...I have a very similar heart condition and will be undergoing surgery in January. I am wondering what type of valve replacement you chose and why...all the best to you:)

Teddy Gorman posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen-
Everyone at Stillwater is thinking about you and the loves of your life... here's wishing you a world of smiles before and after your procedure! We are with you! #ChargeOn

Teddy Gorman posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen-
Everyone at Stillwater I'd thinking about you and the loves of your life... here's wishing you a world of smiles before and after your procedure! We are with you! #ChargeOn

Melissa Dearfield posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi there Sweety!
I am so glad you sent this email to me. It was very informative & I will follow your journal as time progresses. Us Dearfield's are cheering you on my dear & wish you the best of luck & a great recovery! This doctor sounds awesome! You are definitely in great hands.
You are in our thoughts & prayers as you undergo this Cristen.
You also have an awesome boyfriend(if I say so myself haha!) to be there by your side through this. As well as your wonderful family & friends.
God bless you sweety & I'll stay updated through this & Michael.
We Love you,
Melissa

KFun posted a note for Cristen that says: Major prayers going your way, girl!! God is awesome and using this for GOOD! Just hang in there during it all! Love you!

Jeff V. posted a note for Cristen that says: Hi Cristen, I was just released from the Cleveland Clinic on 12/9 and had a great experience and result. I see that your surgery is coming up soon and thought I'd give you a shout out in case you wanted to read my journal as there may be some helpful info. Likewise, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Best of luck to you next week! Jeff V.

Bob M posted a note for Cristen that says: Cristen, I pray that your procedure and recovery will be perfect! See you on the other side of heart surgery, heart sister. God bless and rise up! By the way, I have participated in 2 mission trips in Memphis staying at the Catholic High School downtown. My experience in Memphis was awesome!

y2kfay@aol.com posted a note for Cristen that says: I, too, was hesitant to share my story, which is similar to yours (BAV) and I will be creating a journal shortly, as my surgery for the Ross with Dr. Stelzer was just scheduled for the end of this month. Can I ask why you decided against the Ross, if it was an option for you, since you are young and athletic? It was the recommended procedure for me by everyone I spoke with, and I live right outside NYC so Dr. Stelzer and his expertise sold me on it, as well as the idea of living a life without need for blood thinners or reoperation. Thank you for posting your journal; I will be right behind you in surgery, and wishing you all the best.

Welcome. We used to be neighbors, I was living in Germantown, TN but moved back to the northeast a couple of years ago. You are welcome to read my journal, I am 2 months post op and doing well, I had the same issues. Any questions, let me know.