Donna's Guestbook

You will be on my mind all day tomorrow (wait...that's like most work days! But now it will be as I'm sending you positive vibes.) You are incredibly strong with a spirit like no other. You've got this and will come out with more energy than ever before (if that's possible). Hugs to you and looking forward to catching up in a few weeks.

Happy Belated Birthday Donna! My prayers will be with you through this journey and my Vita-mix is on 24 hour call waiting your return home from surgery! Yumm, Kale, veggies, fruit and flaxseed will be waiting just for you! :) D.

The only things I really used at the hospital were my iPad, some nice comfy Jammie's (they must button down the front to accommodate all the wires), some comfy clothes to leave in and my own down pillow from home. The pillow was crucial for me. The hospital had awful pillows, and your neck will be really sore after surgery so you will want to make it as comfortable as possible. Many people don't bring or wear pajamas, but I loved having mine. They were a lot more cozy and comfy than the hospital gown. Godspeed and God bless,

Hi, Donna. There is a posting on this website, if you put Women and Surgery into the search bar, you will see a listing, including "25 Tips for Women". Posted by a heart surgery "graduate" on what is helpful to have at the hospital. Best of luck on your surgery

I know exactly what you mean about the nesting thing Donna. My aortic root replacement surgery is exactly 37.5 hrs away and I've been working around the house cleaning the kitchen, cutting the grass and on and on and on. Trying to get everything done in time. I too would like some recommendations of what to pack for the hospital. So hope someone answers your post Donna. Wish you the best of luck Donna. My surgery is at 5:15am Monday morning at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. So far nerves are not getting the best of me, but I imagine that will probably change when I hit pre-op Monday morning. I guess at this point there's no getting out of this, under or around it so guess I'm in the place of, "let's just do it already." And all that we can do is hope for the pain and nastiness to be kept to a minimum and that the procedure goes well.

You are strong, smart, beautiful and will shine through all of this. Glad the chair was available and looks great in your living room. Right here for you sis!

Donna Love this site and love your story. This will be so great for everyone. Just glancing at the site - I can feel the support from so many directions. I can't wait show it to John. Love from Florida Mo

Welcome to the Community, Donna. It sounds like you moving the right direction. My valve replacement surgery is set for next Tuesday. What hospital will you be having the surgery in? My son is here with me and he lives in Bailey. CO. I have 2 granddaughter that live in Littleton, CO and a grandson who lives in Aurora. I am sure with all your friends and support group you will make out just fine. Stay steady and focused.

Hi Donna! Welcome to the "club," as it were. My aortic valve surgery was 52 days ago. Here's my advice for you: 1. Yes, your house is clean, you can stop "nesting." On the other hand, keeping busy keeps the mind from wandering in to the what-if game, so if you want to clean some more, go right ahead! 2. You are gonna look FABUKOUS in the hospital gown. They don't call it a gown for nothing! I took 2 pr pajamas with me, and never took them out of my suitcase. With all the tubes and holes and iv lines, the gown was the best thing to have on. I did take a few pairs of knit shorts with me that I wore when I was up and walking, for modesty sake. I was glad I had them! 3. If you think you feel good now, wait until after the surgery! I didn't know how bad I was feeling until I realized how good I am feeling now. The difference is huge! 4. Do what the doctors and nurses ask of you - breathe deep, sleep, walk, eat, walk, breathe, walk, and so on. Breathing exercises and walking are the key to recovery! 5. Sounds like you have a great support system to surround you. With their help, it won't be nearly as bad as you think it will. And my guess is that you won't need that raised toilet seat after your first week home! Keep us posted, even if you'[re feeling anxious or blue or bored or have any questions. We're here for you!