Fran's Heart Valve Journal

Carol Ullrich posted a note for Fran that says: Fran, I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. So happy to hear you now in the
Rehab facility.

Marsha posted a note for Fran that says: This sounds like progress, Fran. Keeping you in prayers for continued improvement. Take care. Hugs,
Marsha

Cheryl posted a note for Fran that says: Well now you have another tentative date and goal to reach. So glad you are finally moved to the recovery hospital where improvements will really be encouraged. You can beat this Fran. Hang in there dear friend. Bless Peter for keeping us all posted as to your progress. And, you are making progress! Hugs and Prayers

Terri posted a note for Fran that says: Sending you love and well wishes. Keep up the great work. You all are an awesome team

Linda Lanza posted a note for Fran that says: Hello Fran, Joe and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!!! We send our love and hope to be able to see you soon!!! You are a brave and resilient woman of great faith . , , stay positive!!! Much love, Linda

Cheryl posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran
Thank you Pete for keeping everyone updated on Fran's progress. That is so kind as we are all wanting to know how Fran is managing. So you now have another date to "look forward" to. Hope the hospital serves up a good Thanksgiving dinner! Good news is that you will be well and fit for Christmas. Can't imagine the pain and discomfort you are in Fran. Keeping you both in our prayers. Hugs,

Marsha posted a note for Fran that says: Thank you for the updates. This sounds like a difficult journey for you both. What a mix of good and bad indicators. Hopefully each day will bring more "good news" . Keeping you both in prayers and wish I were there to hug you, too. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Carla Hansen posted a note for Fran that says: Keeping you in my prayers Fran! Keep trusting the Lord. Keep your eyes on Him in the midst of the storm!

❤️Carla

Erin posted a note for Fran that says: Hope you are on the mend and feeling better soon Fran. Sending lots of love.

Erin Breagy Gross

Carol posted a note for Fran that says: Good morning Fran read latest update in your journal. I can only imagine how difficult getting out of bed must be. I am with you in thoughts and prayers. Love Carol

Theresa posted a note for Fran that says: Fran,
So so sorry to hear newest update! Prayers are sent your way! Please do not be discouraged! You are always someone I looked to for encouragement and faith. Please hold our hands tight...we are with you...your journey is our journey! You will be ok...God is holding you! ❤

Carol posted a note for Fran that says: My dear Fran so sorry to hear of your fall. Thank you Peter for calling. Fran you are in our thoughts and prayers. We do not have 7 day candles in our church. Instead of going everyday to light a candle I am going to light a few days worth. Rest, my friend. Love Carol

Penny McIntosh posted a note for Fran that says: Oh Fran, I am such a coward - I didn't want to read your earlier posts because i guessed what it would mean but I never expected this! I am so, so sorry to hear about your fall, my goodness you must have been in some pain. i do think of you often (and the rest of the class of 2010!) and I'm sending those energy waves your way across the ocean. I am in Florida next month (Fort Lauderdale) for a conference, if you want to chat on the phone while I am 'local' let me know. With love and very gentle hugs from Penny in Scotland xxx

Terri posted a note for Fran that says: Wishing you a quick recovery

Marsha posted a note for Fran that says: Oh, Fran, I am so sorry to hear of your fall and injuries. I imagine this will make a difference in your schedule, but I'm keeping you in prayers for steady healing and your medical team for answers to your kidney and heart issues. Rest well and take care.
Sending positive thoughts and hugs.

Marsha posted a note for Fran that says: Oh, Fran, I am so sorry to hear of your fall and injuries. I imagine this will make a difference in your schedule, but I'm keeping you in prayers for steady healing and your medical team for answers to your kidney and heart issues. Rest well and take care.
Sending positive thoughts and hugs.

Richard Ingham,HV buddy posted a note for Fran that says: Richard and Susan are writing to wish you the best and most speedy recovery of this set back so you may get on to your next speedy recovery for that very special heart💕
We will say prayers for you for the absolute best case scenario all the way around.

Carol posted a note for Fran that says: Fran, was so sorry to hear about your fall. Please know I am thinking of and praying
for you.

Theresa posted a note for Fran that says: Fran,
I am glad you have a time period, although an exact date would be best! I have been thinking of you!! You will be in the best hands...Cleveland Clinic....and God's loving guidance from above! Get those projects going...time will pass..and you will be done!
God Bless

Terri posted a note for Fran that says: love you Franny

Carol posted a note for Fran that says: So sorry to hear about the long wait for the valve replacement. I know this is not what
you were hoping for. Praying for patience.

Bill Thune posted a note for Fran that says: Thank you for the update. You can do this. I have a weird sinking feeling in my stomach that I will be next.

Marsha posted a note for Fran that says: I'm so sorry to hear that you are still waiting. Hang in there--keeping you in prayers! Thank you for keeping us posted.

Terri posted a note for Fran that says: The wait must be hard. Stay positive, stay strong, keep your faith.

Carol Ullrich posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran, thinking about you. I know the waiting is hard so hoping you get a date soon
for the procedure. You are on my prayer list.

Theresa C. posted a note for Fran that says: Fran,
Hang in there...not much longer! Soon you will be filling us in on this new procedure, and passing on advice and wisdom to all who request it. You always were a calm ,steady voice as I traveled through my journey with heart valve disease. Our prayers and your fighting spirit will carry you through this! We have this..prayers!
God Bless,
Theresa

Carla Hansen posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran!
I often have wondered how everyone is doing that had surgeries in 2010. I read through my journal every now and then as an encouragement to myself to how faithful God has been. Sorry to hear about the new developments in your heart but my uncle had the TAVR about 2 + years ago at the age of 90 and is doing very well! He had the procedure done in Marshfield, WI. It is such a blessing the advancements that have been made in the last few years. I know it is hard to wait when the procedure is so needed but the Lord knows and His timing is always perfect.
My last mitral valve repair was 4-15-10 in
Cleveland so praying that I won't need additional surgeries but one never knows what tomorrow holds. I'll be praying for you and waiting for your next update.
❤️ Carla

Theresa posted a note for Fran that says: Fran,
Thank you in your time of need for remembering my daughter! My daughter is still stable....shocking since she was told in 2012 she needed surgery immediately. We go to Phili again in October for a yearly visit! You are in my prayers, and I am so glad you eligible for the TAVR procedure.
God bless you,
Theresa

philly mcmurrain posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran, I miss you in the therapy pool. your story is inspiring, as are you! xxoxox Philly

Joy Vera posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran. I've thought about you many times since our 2010 surgeries & wish we weren't reconnecting with this news. It's great that this procedure is available now & I'll keep you in my thoughts. Best wishes - Joy

George posted a note for Fran that says: I'm 69. Last September I had triple bypass and aortic valve replacement surgery. I was in the hospital for ten days. I took minimal pain killers when I was discharged. I started walking as soon as the doctor would allow. I went to the gym as soon as he would allow. I now do over six hours of cardio and three hours of weights every week. I get my heart rate up to 140 regularly and I eat a healthy diet. I feel great.
I am nothing special. I was never an athlete. If I can do it, almost any one can.
My best to you.

Helen booth email : helenbooth@waitrose.com posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran
I live in England and had an aortic valve replacement in 2012
then had to have another one in march this year
they said it was an infection that caused the replacement to curl and so
calcium build up caused the stenosis.
Was it another aortic valve replacement you are having and did they tell you the reason
for the replacement after only 8 years.

Many thanks
Helen

Jean and Ted posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran, would love to be kept informed of your surgery and progress.
Thoughts and prayers. Jean and Ted

Norma Sugerman posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran,
Wishing you the best of luck with TAVR.
It has been two years since my TAVR. I had trouble breathing at the high altitude in Denver Co metro area where I resided. The surgery was pain free and I was walking with a smile the next day without breathing problems.

Sandy posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran, have not spend much time on the site since my AV replacement at The Clinic. I was a month behind you when Dr. Gillinov did my surgery. I know you had problems with fluid, etc. This procedure is not like you went through 8 yrs. ago. We are lucky that TAVR has advanced as we got older. I know you'll do well and I will eagerly await your journal after the procedure.

Ray & Leslie posted a note for Fran that says: You will always be in our thoughts. May Lady Luck ride your shoulders.

P Tiger posted a note for Fran that says: Will be with you all the way/.

Annie posted a note for Fran that says: I’ll follow your site. Keep me posted on your progress. Good luck. 🍀

Love, sharon & jim posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran
So sorry you have to go thru this surgery again but it seems you are in a good hands where the surgery will take place.
Will have you in our thoughts & prayers.

Theresa posted a note for Fran that says: Dear Fran,
I have been thinking of you lately! Funny how our inner instincts work! My prayers, as always will be with you! Please keep us updated! Best of luck...and Godspeed!!!

Adam Pick posted a note for Fran that says: Hey Fran!!!! Great to see you again!!!! Hope all is well with you!!!!

Penny McIntosh posted a note for Fran that says: It's a combination of jive and latin dancing - we go for 2 hours twice a week, and I had to make it a date night as the only way to get Steve to go (he can't refuse date nights :)) xx

Penny McIntosh posted a note for Fran that says: Hi Fran, so good to hear from you! Hard to believe it's 6 years, it seems like another life. We are all good and fighting fit in Scotland although there are times when I get complacent and lazy and forget how important exercise is although Steve and I have just started Ceroc and I'm loving it! Stay well and healthy, love Penny from Scotland xx

Crystal, Saskatchewan posted a note for Fran that says: Hello Fran,

I'm not sure why after all this time I re-visited my HVJ pages but was reading through all the notes posted in my guestbook and just wanted to touch base with you. I hope you are doing well and I wanted to thank you again for all the support you provide me and my family at the time of my surgery (2010).

Take care
Crystal, Saskatchewan

Dear Fran,

Good to get your message and especially to see your picture in Adam's latest blog entry. You are looking incredibly fit. Way to go!!!

I can't find your e-mail, which I know I had, so took to the Guestbook route.

I found the Fitbit at a booth CC had set up at a Cleveland area shopping mall for Christmas. But if you Google it, you can order online. Make sure you get the latest model - Fitbit Ultra. It does inspire me to get my 10,000 steps a day. Fitbit also enables you to enter other forms of exercise and food intake but I haven't gotten into that - although I should! Between our fitness club, the local rec center and taking care of the dogs, I really strive for those 10,000 - or more every day. With our local predator supply (think bears, mountain lions and coyotes to name the largest) I am a touch of a chicken to walk on some of the more deserted roads in our sub-division! When I am feeling like a slug, I try to force myself to do Leslie Sansome's DVD's.

Sorry about those multiple entries, I expect the journal entry to work like the guestbook and appear immediately, which, of course, it doesn't. Thus I manage to bore everyone with MANY entries of my pearls of wisdom. I'm sure they are wishing I would just shut up and go away!

Keep up the good work AND keep in touch!

Anne Shannon

Hi Fran,
Great to hear from you and thank you for the great advice on the walking program. I will definitely look into it because it is way too cold and icy in Maine to walk outdoors right now. Thanks again. Yes, looking at Dr. Gillinov's smiling face under valve surgeon spotlight brings a smile to my face. He's the best! Ruth Howell

Darling Fran, it is so good to read your journal updates! I'm coming up to my 2nd anniversary and have never felt better. I lost 28 lbs last year (deliberately) and that brought my blood pressure down to normal - as with all other measurements since I came off ALL meds in May last year. I am starting a 12 week fitness challenge today with the aim of increasing my stamina, strength and flexibility by 30% this year and it's pretty good to start with. I'm now 63 but feel 36 and you'll regularly see me dancing on stage at Tony Robbins events! Keep the flag flying girl!
lots of love Penny (Scotland)

Hi Fran,

Got your message in my guest book. Since I followed your Valve story when I was getting ready to go to CC, I was happy to hear from you. I think of Fran every time I do the Sansome Walking tapes!

I haven't been on blood pressure medicine but have recently had a couple of high readings. They seem to come and go but perhaps at 70, it is time to go on something. I was thrilled with the report from my cardiologist the other day. He sort of regards me as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. It's pretty amusing because of how his attitude has changed. I can't believe the change in his opinion on CC.

You and I know the benefits of that trip to Cleveland, Ohio!

Good to hear from you!

Anne

Hi dearest Fran!

Sorry you've got a colonoscopy in your near future. I had one (my first) about 3 months after my heart surgery when they were concerned about anemia and the possibility of an internal bleed. Because of my post-op stroke, I am a coumadin lifer. With my consultation with my family doctor, I expected to be taken off the coumadin and given the heparin for a few days, but the Gastroenterologist to whom he referred me felt comfortable doing the procedure, which also included an endoscopy, with me staying on coumadin. I'm trying to remember--I think I just skipped the dose the night before and then resumed later in the day after the procedure. I was surprised, but my family doctor was okay with it too (I asked). Anyhow, that's just my experience. Might not be prudent for you. So when's the "big day"? Take care! Love ya!

Duane

Hi Fran!

I'm not on coumadin so I don't have any real advice except, perhaps, to call Cleveland and ask their advice.

Hope everything else is well and you are having a good summer.

Ricki