Donna's Heart Valve Journal

Joan Napier posted a note for Donna that says: Hi Donna,
Glad to hear your surgery is behind you and that you are doing well in your recovery. I am also having MV surgery in Chicago on 10/16 ( at Loyola with Dr. Bakhos). May I ask where you had your surgery and who was your surgeon? I am searching for positive outcomes that will increase my feelings of confidence. The fear and anticipation of the impending surgery is so difficult at times! Joan

Michaeljnunes@hotmail.com posted a note for Donna that says: Donna,

I had surgery last week and have been home for 2 days. The first few days are a blur, but I can honestly say you improve leaps and bounds each day. Let me know if you have any questions.

Mike

Meredith Bray posted a note for Donna that says: This week will fly by! And you'll want to savor it as well. And then time will drag, like your date will never get here. The key to this week is letting go of the anxiety and looking forward to what will be possible after surgery. I had a family reunion in the mountains to look forward to. I wanted to ride roller coasters again. To go out on the kayak again. To get back to work and not need a nap at 2pm every day.

I tried not to really think about the surgery, but to focus on what my life would be like after. No difficulty breathing. no cold toes & fingers in July.

Look around, appreciate the beauty of life and teh miracles of modern medicine.

Ask for help when you need it. We're all here for you!

Eleanor posted a note for Donna that says: Hi, Donna. I wrote a few journal entries about how to prepare yourself and your home for your homecoming. Feel free to check it out (Eleanor R). Most recently, I left a Guest Book entry from me on Steven Halsted's Guest Book, e.ncouraging him to prepare his home since he would be alone. You're lucky to have your husband, daughter and sisters. I had daughter, nephew and brother and sister in law with me, which was a blessing. I am six weeks post surgery and feel great. I wish you the very best

Michael Meyer posted a note for Donna that says: Hello Donna:

Once you have educated yourself, chosen your hospital and surgeon it is really out your hands. I hope that you feel a sense of peace in your decisions and choices at this point.

I am >4 weeks post from minimally invasive MVR surgery. Please feel free to look at my journal for some very specific advice with regard to advocation and having your caregiver with you the first night. Physically I am doing very well.

I have a high level of confidence your surgery will go well based on the data and how skilled these surgeons are at doing their jobs.

Mike Culpepper posted a note for Donna that says: Donna-

Your story and timing timing VERY similar to mine.

My murmor became significant in late October. Additionally, I developed atrial fibrillation in January. Otherwise healthy 63 year male, my surgery was 2 1/2 weeks
ago.

I had mitral repair via minimal invasive ( right thoracotomy ) , plus a MAZE procedure . Feel free to browse the back pages of my journal for my experience going through it all. I have every confidence that this was / is the right thing to do, You should do fine!

Best wishes to you and your family !

Terrie posted a note for Donna that says: Hello Donna, Welcome to the heart community. I just read your story and journal page about your upcoming Mitral Valve.
I am having an aortic valve replacement done on Aug. 20th. I am sure you will begin hearing from people who have had Mitral Valve Surgery from people on this site.
I think you will feel reassured when reading the journals of others and get a chance to hear what the surgeries and recoveries are like from people in our heart community.
It is good to know you are not alone and that if you have questions or feelings that you want to share you have an excellent place to go here as there are some great people in this community who I have found a great help to me as well and will be ready to help you in any way they can. I hope things go smoothly for you. My best to you and your Family on your Heart Journey.
All the best to you-Take care!