Jennie's Guestbook

Best wishes for a smooth surgery and recovery. I had a repair three years ago so I know how you feel. Hugs and prayers and healing thoughts. 💞🙏🏻

Good Fortune is on your page. I have had two open heart surgeries. The first was in 1987 when I was 46 and had my mitral valve replaced with a St. Jude mechanical valve. I received a mechanical valve because tissue valves do not last as long, and my team did not want me to undergo more heart surgery in 10-15 years. I received an aortic ATS AP mechanical valve in June of 2016. I was given a mechanical valve because I am already on coumadin and thus did not have to acclimate to this drug. I have been on it so long that it's only a comma in my life. I had rheumatic heart disease when I was 16 and my valves were compromised at that time. While I have not been able to be a competitor, I have always been able to be a participator: skiing, hiking, biking, fly fishing with my husband, traveling, competitive bridge player, career as a school librarian . . . mother to two and grandmother to 4 . . . I am 77 and my husband and I just returned from spending the month of July in Prague - - - walking all over those cobblestone streets . . . hiking in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park . . and taking the train to other day trips. Good Fortune to you on Monday. Judy Spinney . Colorado . . .

Hi Jennie- Please know the heart warriors are praying for you . I hope this weekend provides you family time and peace as you prepare for your surgery on Monday. Tracy

Hi Jennie, you will be in my thoughts and prayers on the day of your surgery. Be strong and think positive! It will be over before you know it and you will be on the road to recovery.

Hi Jennie, I was so touched when I read that some people have forgotten you. That sometimes happens in life. And it is painful. But, be assured, God has not forsaken you. Believe in Him and He will always be there for you and your loved ones. And, I am sure that your patients are so grateful for everything you have done for them along the years. I am amazed at the strides medicine has taken....all these surgeries to help heart patients. I am the Greek translator for the Mount Sinai Health System in NY (a teacher by profession). My dad died of coronary stenosis at 43. When I mentioned it to the nurses in the hospital, they all told me that today they would have saved him. It broke my heart. I wish you all the best, be strong, and remember, when you wake up, the risk will be over. Thank you for everything you do for your patients.

Thanks for sharing your story Jennie. I wish you the best with your coming surgery. As I was reading your story, I noticed you mentioned tinnitus. I have had ringing in both ears for some time. Is that common with valve patients? It would be awesome if it was gone after my valve replacement.