Guestbook of Debra Gann

My Guestbook

On March 23, 2016...

Wanda Mroz posted a note for Debra that says:

Hoping everything went well for you today! Hugs💞

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Petey Bello Prayers with you today Debra!

On March 22, 2016...

alexdgreat@fuse.net posted a note for Debra that says:

I pray and agree with you Debra and all others praying for a succeesful surgery: Jesus is with you - Mathew 18:19 - “Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about whatever they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

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On March 18, 2016...

Barbara Laurie posted a note for Debra that says:

Debra, since it looks like we're both heading in on the same day, just praying for you to have a really good outcome and that you'll begin recovery with a hope filled heart❤️ Best Regards 💕

Like | Barbara Laurie likes this

David Alejandro As I'm recovering, I pray Jesus be with you Debra, and bless you with a prompt recovery.

On February 29, 2016...

Artie Rubin posted a note for Debra that says:

Great, please keep us all informed.

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On February 29, 2016...

Artie Rubin posted a note for Debra that says:

Hi Debra,

Your PCP saying "Why do you want to read all this stuff?" is a turn-off to me. The caregivers, hospital and surgeon I had encourage their patients to be as well-informed as possible. They want patients to be up on all their options. My own feeling is that your PCP shouldn't have even thought to ask that question, but to actively encourage you in "reading all this stuff" and then guiding you to make your own decision.

As for the horse valve, I'd be very clear about the advantages--and disadvantages (if any)--it has compared to other valves. Make a list! That's where the research from a variety of sources comes in.

Finally, if you feel in your gut that the horse valve is the best one for you, I'd do everything possible to get one. But if all my efforts weren't working, I'd ultimately acknowledge to myself that It wasn't right for me after all. It's a spiritual thing for me: the Universe is saying to me, it just isn't right for you or you would be successful in getting one.

Anyway, don't let ANYONE ever disparage your gathering as much information as possible--especially when it comes to your heart.

Happy Leap Day!
Artie

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Debra Gann Thank you very much Artie I needed to hear all that. I think I'm going to make an appointment with my surgeon and have a heart to heart! !
Happy leap to you too!
This is a leap no pun
Intended.

On February 28, 2016...

Artie Rubin posted a note for Debra that says:

Hi Debra,

I'm doing fine, thanks for asking. And YOU'RE going to do fine too. Your operation's on Joan Crawford's birthday and she won't ALLOW anything bad to happen to you on HER birthday!

You'll be up and watching "Mommie Dearest" again in no time. And don't forget to hug that heart pillow while you're laughing your head off.

As always, my very best to you,
Artie

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Debra Gann It stuck in my mind what you said about research research research. I've been doing that but have noticed some frustration goes along with that. I have been ... Read more

Debra Gann It stuck in my mind what you said about research research research. I've been doing that but have noticed some frustration goes along with that. I have been researching the horse tissue and am fascinated with what is said about the low phospholipids in the tissue making it ideal for valves. Well nobody wants to listen. I am by nature a researcher. My pcp
said to me Why do you read all this stuff?
Well one I was a nurse for 23 years. Just want to say thank you. My surgery is March 23
Just wish I could have the horse tissue valve as a choice.

On February 4, 2016...

Artie Rubin posted a note for Debra that says:

Hi Debra, Welcome! You've found the right place. Three suggestions for now: (1) if you can have your surgery done minimally invasively, go for it. There's a faster recovery rate than with full open heart. (2) Make sure that your surgeon/hospital has performed LOTS of these operations already and that they do it a few times a week, not, say, once a month. (3) Research, research, research. You've got plenty of time still and the internet is a fantastic place to learn about all this. (Adam's site is one great example of that.) All the best, Artie

Like | Jean Knappik, Debra Gann and 1 other likes this

Wanda Mroz Go with your gut is what I say. Minimally invasive was an option for me, but after speaking with the surgeon and having it all explained, something told me ... Read more

Wanda Mroz Go with your gut is what I say. Minimally invasive was an option for me, but after speaking with the surgeon and having it all explained, something told me stick with the regular way. Glad I did. But go with your gut... it will lead you to what is right for you. Do some reasearch, ask LOTS of questions. Everyone on here has been through something and can answer any questions and help with concerns. Best of luck to you.

Debra Gann Wanda I am researching and always keep an open mind. What are reasons for going regular way verse minimal invasive? Artie glad you said that. I thought I might ... Read more

Debra Gann Wanda I am researching and always keep an open mind. What are reasons for going regular way verse minimal invasive? Artie glad you said that. I thought I might be driving my cardiologist crazy with questions. Thanks for the insight.
I know they can definitely diagnose Bicuspid at surgery but knowing ahead can effect a decision. Like the equine tissue valve is contraindicated with Bicuspid. I've read the equine valve doesn't deteriorate as fast as other tissue valves. Research like you said Artie
to make informed decision. No turning back. Thank you!

Wanda Mroz Well the surgeon explained the minimally invasive through the right side and was very honest about the fact that it is still the same invasion to your heart. ... Read more

Wanda Mroz Well the surgeon explained the minimally invasive through the right side and was very honest about the fact that it is still the same invasion to your heart. He also told me there would be a groin incision for the heart/lung machine and that the surgery actually takes longer to complete so you are on bypass longer. There is also, albeit slight, greater chance of a stroke. If something were to go south then there is the chance of a sternotomy also on top of the other incisions. As it was my mitral valve had both leaflets needing repair which made the procedure trickier. I also asked the surgeon the golden question... Which way would he choose for himself or his family... He said sternotomy and be done with it. I gave it thought and listened to what my gut told me and went with that. As it turned out when my heart was restarted during surgery after fix the valve still leaked so the surgeon put me back on bypass and redid it differently. So it took over six hrs to complete. Had I chosen minimal it would have taken over 8 hrs. So my gut was right. That's why I chose the regular way.

Get all the facts, listen to that sixth sense and choose what is right for you. Whatever that may be. I don't suggest one over the other... But these were my reasons. I don't regret it... Either one is still a big invasion to the heart, will cause pain and will take time to heal although the minimal is supposed to be a little quicker recovery... Each patient's recovery is different and unique to them.

Your cardiologist won't be driven crazy... I had two appointments with the surgeon so I was clear on everything and then decided. He was most patient and explained in depth each visit. They understand that. You will make the right choice for you Debra... Hugs

Debra Gann Thanks for the hugs Wanda that is comforting. I guess what happened to me last Friday may have hurt my confidence some. I know complications can occur. If you ... Read more

Debra Gann Thanks for the hugs Wanda that is comforting. I guess what happened to me last Friday may have hurt my confidence some. I know complications can occur. If you didn't know my coronary artery tore during cardiac catheterization. I had heart attack. It was repaired with three stints. Now I'm taking Plavix. Found out that this is very rare.

Wanda Mroz I know I read that... I'm sorry that happened.... Hopefully you are now on the mend from that and can move on to the next step. Double hugs!

Debra Gann Mr Artie Rubin was wondering how you are doing?

On January 16, 2016...

Hi Debra, I saw your post and had surgery at the Heart Hospital at Baylor Plano. Let me know what questions you have. There are several folks who are on here who had surgery at the Heart Hospital.

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Cheryl Batzing Debra, I had surgery there as well and had a great experience overall. Ask questions!

Debra Gann What surgeon would you recommend ?

Hi Debra, I had Dr. William Brinkman. He specializes in minimally invasive AVR. Another surgeon recommended to me was Dr. Kathryn Harrington. She has done research ... Read more

Hi Debra, I had Dr. William Brinkman. He specializes in minimally invasive AVR. Another surgeon recommended to me was Dr. Kathryn Harrington. She has done research with folks at Cleveland Clinic and apparently is a dynamic surgeon (she was on maternity leave when I had my surgery). I had my surgery with Dr. Brinkman on 12/1 and received a scented bovine valve. He put in a valve on the larger end of my window so that I could have a TAVR for my next round. He said this is where the technology is heading. I have a three inch scar and while we had a minor clot scare with my valve on an echo, a CT scan revealed it looks great. From what I hear, there is sometimes leakage in the valve where they sew it in and mine doesn't have that (although there is some normal regurgitation). Very pleased overall. And the Heart Hospital is top notch!!!

Debra Gann Thank you for all the insight. I'm just now getting back to reading posts because I've been recovering from hospital stay. Had an episode during heart cath ... Read more

Debra Gann Thank you for all the insight. I'm just now getting back to reading posts because I've been recovering from hospital stay. Had an episode during heart cath procedure. My coronary tore and had to have three stents placed. Found this is a very rare occurrence. Suffered a mild heart attack. I' going with Dr Michael Mack. Thank you for the support and info. Thank you Laura. Picking a surgeon is a big decision. I was told that there will be 2 surgeons there during the surgery so that is comforting.

So glad you are ok, but how scary! Dr. Mack is great too! I was power of attorney for my aunt who had alzheimer's and met with him about her heart valve issues ... Read more

So glad you are ok, but how scary! Dr. Mack is great too! I was power of attorney for my aunt who had alzheimer's and met with him about her heart valve issues last year. Great to have two surgeons too! Best wishes to you for a smooth surgery!

Debra Gann Thank you Laura

Debra Gann Thank you Laura. Since I recently was put on Plavix do to the stints I'm concerned about the greater risks of going off the Plavix for some time for the valve ... Read more

Debra Gann Thank you Laura. Since I recently was put on Plavix do to the stints I'm concerned about the greater risks of going off the Plavix for some time for the valve surgery. You actually supposed to be on Plavix for a year. Has anyone had this decision to make . I started Plavix Jan 29th and having surgery March 23rd.