jaime's Guestbook

Hi Jaime, I\'m sending you all kinds of peace and calm for your meeting with your doctor tomorrow and in the days that follow. Listen, I don\'t know WHAT someone may have said to you about whatever you said, but I do not see anything you have written that is bothersome on any level. Some people are just rude and insensitive and do not realize what experiences have brought some of us to the anxiety-ridden place we are in now. I too have experienced this from someone and I will be posting on it later. You have been through a lot in your lifetime, and I can certainly understand your apprehension. We all react differently to stress and medical procedures and, especially, major surgery. Jaime, I too am totally stressed about my upcoming surgery, so I understand what you\'re feeling. I am using Peggy Huddleston\'s \"Prepare For Surgery\" book and relaxation CD and it is helping me. I have also ordered another similar CD and I\'ll let you know how it is. If you can manage to get your hands on Peggy Huddleston\'s CD, plese do. I think you will find it helpful. And to anyone who may have said something rude or insensitive to Jaime, get over yourself and grow a little kindness. Let us know how you make out tomorrow. Ruth Howell ruthjohnhowell@gmail.com

hi jaime, i know its scary but its almost routine now ! if it werent for modern tech on heart problems, i wouldnt be alive. im 2 years post op now and i feel terrific ! i had my surgery at 45 yrs old and i have a mechanical aorta and root. my valve caused an anuerysm, that moved my surgery up to sonner, rather than later. just remember one thing : the dr\'s have the work to do, you just have to sleep through it ! haha, but its true, your job is the recovery. im in new jersey by the way. feel free to email me at jeffstoveken@yahoo.com

Hi Jaime I am a 3X open heart Believe me I know what you are going through. Take a few minutes and read my story and you will see some similarities. Hole, valve repair and recently mechanical valve replacement. Extensive family history. I have found through the years that choosing the right medical providers and facilities and educating ones self is so important. Attitude, family and friends support is so key to the whole process since our heart issues are a lifetime of care. I will continue following your postings. Take care and keep in touch Susan VandenBussche North Carolina

Hi Jamie, Welcome to this wonderful site. I found much strenth from the words of all the people who left me messages. I am amazed by the power we have to help each other! I live in western Ma. I had my surgery at MA Gen. Hosp. Do you know where the surgery will be done? My surgeon was Gus Vlahakes, what an amazing man and great Doc. Trust your instincts! They have led you well so far. Take Nancy\'s advice and have friends and family freeze food. Let the kids and your husband help you. (I know that is harder than it seems) I wish you peace and positive energy!

Jaime: God bless you. You\'ve been through so much already, and you\'ll be getting a new lease on life. Where is the surgery being done? You\'re in luck to be in Boston (where my son was born 51 years ago) where so many of the most wonderful doctors in the world practice. Keep us posted and best of luck. Terry C in Florida

Hi Jaime, Welcome to HVJ. You have been through a lot so far--it\'s amazing what doctors can do these days! It sounds like you have some wonderful reasons for getting this surgery over and done....a wonderful husband and beautiful children! You will be fine....just make sure you line up lots of help and support for when you get home. Take any and all help that is offered so you can concentrate on resting and healing. Make and freeze all the favorite foods you all like so you can all feel comforted and content when you are not able to cook. It will all be fine....you\'ll be ok. Good Luck and Happy, Healthy New Year! Nancy H.

Hi Jaime, Welcome to HVJ... You are in great company here, and will find many people who have been through valve surgery who can help with any questions you have. I had AVR surgery on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) of this year at 49. Like you I had dealt with the knowledge of my congenital valve deficiency since birth; and the impending need one day I would need it repaired. It is a chellenge to ready yourself for, but our surgery is very common and it is met with great success. Hopefully you have purchased Adam\'s book and read it. It is very accurate in what to expect. If you have questions or concerns, just ask them and you will get our responses on how we dealt with your question, or what our experience was like. Knowledge is power, and it give you a good understanding of what it really is like. You find in reading our journals we all seemed to have a hiccup or two, but we work through them and get to recovery. I wish you the very best and stay positive. Kind regards, Mark Keller, TX