Hi James - it is good to hear from you. It sounds like things are going well for you.
We have all had our ups and downs throughout our OHS journey which is ...Read more
Hi James - it is good to hear from you. It sounds like things are going well for you.
We have all had our ups and downs throughout our OHS journey which is what really make this website so vital. We have others who really understand us because they have been there too! It is so important that those of us who are post surgery check in from time to time to be there for those who are just starting their journey and do our best to answer their questions and put their hearts and minds at ease.
God has blessed us with this website and each other and I think we honor Him by reaching out to others who are just starting their journeys.
Take care and stay in touch!
Denise Kirchner MV Repair 05/29/12
Hi James, Glad to see you came back I was wondering what happened to you. It is important to talk to people, we all understand. Since I talked with you I am ...Read more
Hi James, Glad to see you came back I was wondering what happened to you. It is important to talk to people, we all understand. Since I talked with you I am 15 days out. I now have a cow valve and a 3 inch dacron graft for the anuersym I had. I am so thankful I found this sight. It helped me so much. All the messages I had touched my newly fixed heart. I remember how scared you were when you were facing surgery. We all were and or are, but it natural, then we find out what was all the fuss about. God is so good. I feel like I owe him so much right now. I think me just staying on here is helping out so much. I call it my new calling. So please let us all hear from you. You would be surprised how many people you have just touched. Keep doing good.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12
James,
I know you think it important to let others talk to you, but whether you know it, or not, it is still important for you to talk to us.
We all go through ...Read more
James,
I know you think it important to let others talk to you, but whether you know it, or not, it is still important for you to talk to us.
We all go through our own journey with all this heart stuff. It is both very personally a physical and a mental thing that we have to address. Some people can deal well with it and others need to talk and get things off their chest. No pun intended. Well maybe it was. LOL. Just remember that if YOU need to talk to someone, we are still out here for YOU too buddy. As long as there is the HJV site, no one has to go through any of this alone.
God Bless.
Paul G.
James Robertson Exactly Paul. I really appreciate that fact too. I just kind of keep it short and sweet if I have not ... Read more
James Robertson Exactly Paul. I really appreciate that fact too. I just kind of keep it short and sweet if I have nothing really to say. I just hope to help out others if they need it. Really it hasn't been that bad for me, minus a couple small setbacks.
James..
Congrats to you on your recovery....you sound so much better than when I started following you months ago!....Yippee....a new heart...a new man....Life ...Read more
James..
Congrats to you on your recovery....you sound so much better than when I started following you months ago!....Yippee....a new heart...a new man....Life is good :)
Thanks to paying it forward... The newbies here (like myself) have learned so much..and continue to do so, from all of you who have paved the way...and been so willing to share! We appreciate & celebrate you!
Connie T
James Robertson Thanks Connie,
I haven't really done much, but if it's helped in any way then I think that is a good ... Read more
James Robertson Thanks Connie,
I haven't really done much, but if it's helped in any way then I think that is a good thing. We all have something in common here, and if it helps another person out then it's a great thing. Hope everything is going good with you!
Hi James, My daughter,Stephanie is doing fine. She has moved closer to us so I am glad about that. She has gained a lot of weight which isnt good for her heart ...Read more
Hi James, My daughter,Stephanie is doing fine. She has moved closer to us so I am glad about that. She has gained a lot of weight which isnt good for her heart so she has joined Weight Watchers. I am still hanging in here. I now have a new cardio doctor and this week I go for a nucular stress test and another echo. So we will see, just want to feel better.
But Im glad you are doing good now. This surgery really changes ones life for the better in a whole lot of ways. We down south are roasting in all of this heat. Summer be gone bring on the fall. lol. You take care and let us hear from you more often.
For the long haul
Linda H
James Robertson Linda,
Glad to hear Stephanie is doing good. The weight thing I could see happening, I figured I woul ... Read more
James Robertson Linda,
Glad to hear Stephanie is doing good. The weight thing I could see happening, I figured I would have lost a lot more than I did myself but it was only like 10 pounds, and then I put it back on. So I stayed the same. I put most of my days in the gym trying to keep getting healthier and better. Ribs still hurt two months out a bit. Hopefully the stress test and echo can figure out what is up for you and they can get it solved so you can feel good!
It's pretty warm up in Edmonton where I live at the moment too. around 28celcius, not too sure what that is in fahrenheight but hopefully the heat dies down for both of us and we get some cooler days!
Hi James-
I can relate as to how you feel about wanting to be out there for moral support for others that are about to start their journey and/or are on their ...Read more
Hi James-
I can relate as to how you feel about wanting to be out there for moral support for others that are about to start their journey and/or are on their continued road to recovery. Funny I said to my husband that I admire what Adam started with his book and this website. After going to a couple/few cardiac rehab classes I also suggested that is a career path I might be interested in exploring. Mind you I have been working in mfg. purchasing for 26 years and will be 46 this year. An experience like we have gone thru puts a different perspective on things doesn\'t it? enjoy your holiday weekend as well.
Karen Campo
James Robertson You are right it does change basically everything about your life regardless if you want it to or not ... Read more
James Robertson You are right it does change basically everything about your life regardless if you want it to or not. I have to keep it in my mind that I'm limited by certain things I used to enjoy, but now I have options for other things in life, and at least get to have a longer life hopefully. The career change could be a good option for sure that is a long time in at one spot so it could be good to shake things up! Hope you had a good holiday as well!
Hi James,
I\'m so happy you\'re doing well. You sound so much happier than you did pre-surgery!
Take care,
Nancy B
James Robertson Thanks Nancy,
Before surgery I was a wreck, I had no idea how to deal with any of this stuff. And rea ... Read more
James Robertson Thanks Nancy,
Before surgery I was a wreck, I had no idea how to deal with any of this stuff. And really coming on here and reading how everyone else has dealt with it has helped made me a better post surgery person. The only part I have a hard time with really is remembering to take my meds and keeping the restrictions in check. Not easy for someone as impulsive as I can be.
Hey Jame\'s thanks for the reply. Glad to see you are doing well. I am doing great (considering) as well. Sleeping has been the hardest part but its getting ...Read more
Hey Jame\'s thanks for the reply. Glad to see you are doing well. I am doing great (considering) as well. Sleeping has been the hardest part but its getting easier. Strange how that works out.
- Steven Dean
James Robertson Yeah tomorrow will be 2 months post surgery, and still sleeping is a little tough, my collarbones and ... Read more
James Robertson Yeah tomorrow will be 2 months post surgery, and still sleeping is a little tough, my collarbones and shoulders are the worst parts for whatever reason. how is everything else going with your recovery?
Hi James,
Great to hear an update. Nice work getting off the pain pills. At the 1 month mark, I have now finally made it a day with out any narcotics, only ...Read more
Hi James,
Great to hear an update. Nice work getting off the pain pills. At the 1 month mark, I have now finally made it a day with out any narcotics, only tylenol and ibuprofen.
I know what you mean about the emotional rollercoaster. I tear up just seeing our local gymnasts qualify for the Olympic trials or watching a documentary on PBS...lol. Never had that issue before :-)
Good luck with the continued progress and don\'t hesitat to post a few more updates. Always nice to read your posts.
-Thomas H.
James Robertson Thomas, Thats awesome to hear that you are off the pain pills. at times they are sure needed. Even al ... Read more
James Robertson Thomas, Thats awesome to hear that you are off the pain pills. at times they are sure needed. Even almost 2 months out of the surgery I'm still in pain a bit, but mind over matter. I hear you on the tears, I'm getting better, but a few weeks ago everything would make me sad!
thanks for all the kind words and I need to get on here more for sure. not for myself, but to help others who may be going through a difficult time.
Glad you hear you\'re feeling better, James. I am supposed to have my surgery August 1 for aortic replacement (probably Ross Procedure). I hope the dr doesn\'t ...Read more
Glad you hear you\'re feeling better, James. I am supposed to have my surgery August 1 for aortic replacement (probably Ross Procedure). I hope the dr doesn\'t let me hurt -that sounds scary!
Prayers that you continue to heal and feel good both emotionally and physically!
Mollie Renforth
James Robertson Mollie, Thank you for the kind words. August is only a month away now. Like everyone told me, the wai ... Read more
James Robertson Mollie, Thank you for the kind words. August is only a month away now. Like everyone told me, the waiting is the hardest part. The recovery is tough at times, but no where near as difficult. I hope you get through it no problem. If you ever need to talk just send me a message. You will be in my thoughts!
Good to hear from you James, glad you are doing well. Great job getting off the pain meds!!!! They can be tough to let go! I am just finishing up cardiac ...Read more
Good to hear from you James, glad you are doing well. Great job getting off the pain meds!!!! They can be tough to let go! I am just finishing up cardiac rehab, and I would recommend it. It sure helped prepare me for getting back into the work force! Keep up the good work!
Holly P
James Robertson Holly,
Thanks! I am supposed to be entering the cardiac rehab here right away. I had to postpone it a ... Read more
James Robertson Holly,
Thanks! I am supposed to be entering the cardiac rehab here right away. I had to postpone it a few weeks due to some other issues. I am ready for it though. what all does it entail if you don't mind me asking?
James - so glad to hear all is going well for you - it is good to be on the other side of the surgery - the waiting was the hardest part! Take care! Denise ...Read more
James - so glad to hear all is going well for you - it is good to be on the other side of the surgery - the waiting was the hardest part! Take care! Denise Kirchner - Mitral Valve Repair 5/29/12
James Robertson Thanks Denise! you are so right about the wait. How have you been healing up? good recovery so far?
Hi James, Glad to see you back on here. Was wondering whatever happened to you. Glad things have improve and you are doing better. You kinda had a rough spot ...Read more
Hi James, Glad to see you back on here. Was wondering whatever happened to you. Glad things have improve and you are doing better. You kinda had a rough spot to go through. You will get use to the clicking. I have a grandfather clock and half the time I never hear to chime cause I am so use to it. My daughter really doesnt hear her valve very much unless she sits down and listens for it. Her kids like hearing it. But look at it this way, if you hear it thats a good thing. When you cant hear it I would worry.lol. Keep doing great.
For the long haul
Linda H
James Robertson It's funny because it's true, I kind of like hearing it because it reminds me that it's working. if t ... Read more
James Robertson It's funny because it's true, I kind of like hearing it because it reminds me that it's working. if the room is quiet enough other people can hear it so I get a kick out of it. Almost soothing at times like an old alarm clock. How is your daughter making out?
thanks for the kind words! sorry that It takes me a bit to get back to everyone on here.
Glad to see you are back at HVJ. Your postings were always truthful, even inspirational. Our OHS dates about the same, but boy, have you got me beat in recovery. ...Read more
Glad to see you are back at HVJ. Your postings were always truthful, even inspirational. Our OHS dates about the same, but boy, have you got me beat in recovery. So watch out, I will catch up!!!
John Teeftt
James Robertson John,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you, Like I said not really into the computer too much. I ... Read more
James Robertson John,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you, Like I said not really into the computer too much. I appreciate the kind words though. It means a lot. How have you been recovering? I'm probably about 95% healed. Just need to get the rehab started and get back to work, the downtime is the worst for me!
Glad to see you are making progress, even if it isn\'t as much as you would like. I am also young (26) and in need of a new aortic valve and am hoping my age ...Read more
Glad to see you are making progress, even if it isn\'t as much as you would like. I am also young (26) and in need of a new aortic valve and am hoping my age will help me heal quickly. My surgery is next week.
- Steven Dean
James Robertson How did you make out Steven?? Good Luck! I'm almost 7 weeks out now. Healing well.
Poppin? Isn;t that some sort of a dance? I hate to freak you out, but when I was in the ICU the guy next to me had poppin\' going on. They wheeled him out and ...Read more
Poppin? Isn;t that some sort of a dance? I hate to freak you out, but when I was in the ICU the guy next to me had poppin\' going on. They wheeled him out and went back in because his wires broke and his sternum was moving around. Then again he was coughing an awful lot. I felt bad for him.
Not saying that is what is going on with you....Good luck with that buddy! Keep on getting better.
Paul G.
James Robertson Haha thanks Paul. Cracking/ popping, just sounds I guess.
James, I\'m so glad to hear from you again! Sorry it sounds like you\'ve had a tough time of it, and especially with the pain medicine. I also have had occasional ...Read more
James, I\'m so glad to hear from you again! Sorry it sounds like you\'ve had a tough time of it, and especially with the pain medicine. I also have had occasional \"flashes\" of light with my vision, but they always go away, it happened several times in the hospital, and several times at home. Stay strong and keep walking, taking deep breaths!
Holly P
James Robertson Good to know I'm not the only one that has had it, Thanks for letting me know Holly. I use my spirome ... Read more
James Robertson Good to know I'm not the only one that has had it, Thanks for letting me know Holly. I use my spirometer daily, seems to really help!
James,
I am so happy to hear that you\'re okay!
I was imagining all sorts of bad things. What happened to your fever? Did it turn out to be nothing?
Take ...Read more
James,
I am so happy to hear that you\'re okay!
I was imagining all sorts of bad things. What happened to your fever? Did it turn out to be nothing?
Take care of yourself, so happy to see you\'re doing well.
Nancy B
James Robertson Fever has gone down Nancy, I still have a resting HR of 105, I hope it goes down soon, but everything ... Read more
James Robertson Fever has gone down Nancy, I still have a resting HR of 105, I hope it goes down soon, but everything else is going quite well!
Hi James - so relieved to hear that you are okay! All of us mom\'s on HJV have been very concerned since we have not heard from you since Sunday night. It ...Read more
Hi James - so relieved to hear that you are okay! All of us mom\'s on HJV have been very concerned since we have not heard from you since Sunday night. It sounds like you are on the mend now. I sure hope you have someone checking on you.
Keep us posted on how you are doing, and thanks for the happy mothers day wishes. I will be praying that you continue to recover with no more setbacks.
Take care, Denise K
James Robertson Thanks Denise for the concern. Just hard to get the motivation to come on the computer at times. Just ... Read more
James Robertson Thanks Denise for the concern. Just hard to get the motivation to come on the computer at times. Just trying to mend, I will make a better effort to reply on here and keep filling out the journals!
I am from: Edmonton, Canada
