Joan's Guestbook

Hi Joan - I am just getting caught up on HVJ and was so, so very pleased to see an entry from you. And even more pleased that you are doing so well. I am very happy for you. Thanks for your kind words about me to. I think of you often. Be well, -Mitch Friedman

Janet & my mother are childhood friends. My email is asitlies@gmail.com We are currently on Fox Hollow Lake renting, but should be moving soon. Feel free to email. RTW

I was just speaking with my mother, Gloria, who told me that you live in the same town that I do. If I can ever be of assistance, please let me know. Rich Walker (Dear friends of Janet & Jim D)

Hi Joan, Glad to hear you are doing good. I was thinking about you, Mitch and Selma during that storm. Glad you survived it. That was pretty scary. I feel so sorry for all the poor people still suffering there. All we had was a cloudy day and a little wind, but we always get wind here. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be Thankful for. Mooing all over LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Joan it is so good to read your five month update. Very encouraging! I am so glad your home was not damaged by the tree! Wow! I heard from someone at my rehab that they went to a trainer to help them push to the next level and they felt it really helped. Happy Thanksgiving and prayers for continued solid recovery! Sherry Bradford. AVR 10/23/2012

Joan, You left an encouraging message on my journal. One question, did you have a minimall invasive surgery or did they need to open your entire chest? Just looking for info anywhere I can get it! Information is knowledge! Vicki E.

Look at you feeling good and like, \"what surgery!!!\" Wow Joan, I could not be happier for you. Rought start, fantastic finish. Better than the other way around! Keep up the good recovery work. Who knows, maybe you will start making regular trips to NYC just to see shows and have fun....OK, maybe not. LOL. Be well Joan. Let me know if you do make it back to NYC, would love to see you again. -Mitch Friedman

Hi Joan, It doesn\'t seem like it has been that long since your surgery. With Dr Oz I just watch him on tv. He my favorite doctor lol. I will be going to St Francis (Bon Secours) in Greenville SC with Dr Mazaraz and Dr Dennis assisting. What is so scary is the words ASAP, its complicated and having his partner being the main doctor cause of the anuserym. Not sure what he is going to do until he gets in there for anuersym but he did explain one of two things that he was going to do. He is the expert on anuersyms. It is all so close together that is what is making it complicated. But I have put my faith in God and the doctor told me his hands would also be there. I will just be glad when its over with. You take care and enjoy rehab. Cant wait to get there myself. Loosing all this weight I also need to get rid of a lot of flab, so I will have 2 purposes. Take care Almost there Linda H

Hi Joan...you sound great!! Isn\'t cardiac rehab fun? I only have one more week left (total of 12), but I also plan to continue once my time is up. I really enjoy it and I feel so much better when I go. I will do things there that I would never do at home. Yesterday was my 6 month anniversary and I almost forgot! 6 months ago I could not have imagined I would ever forget! So happy you are doing so well and about the metoprolol...told you so, lol! I tried to come off completely, but it looks like the 12.5 mg once per day is my new BFF. But that\'s okay, it seems to be keeping my heart rate down and I don\'t get too drowsy as long as I don\'t sit down, lol. Take care and let\'s keep in touch. Gooooo Tigers!!! Linda THE Tiger

Hey Joan, Thanks for the guestbook entry. 5 years of waiting for surgery. You are a world class procrastinator, but then again I feel very symptomatic. I can\'t imagine. I glad it turned out so well! All the encouragement has been really great. What was it like knowing you had a murmur at the age of 5? Did you know what that meant? Thanks, Carolyn

Hi Joan, it was good to hear from you. I am having some issues with my computer and my guestbook, it is just easier to respond in your guestbook or by email right now. I am still on the metoprolol, 25 mg, once per day. I am having issues with my blood pressure, however, it is really on the low side and I feel very fatigued and drowsy as well. The only time I don\'t is during rehab, when I actually feel great. I think getting my heart rate up actually makes me feel better. I have issues with blood pressure getting too low there as well during cool down. I plan to call my cardiologist tomorrow and ask to try to come off of the metoprolol. I am almost 6 months out from surgery, so I think he will give the ok. It was supposed to be a temporary thing anyway. I don\'t think anything was done really to my aortic root, it was just slightly dilated, so I know they don\'t want my blood pressure to be on the high side, but this is getting to be a real pain feeling so \"blah\"! As for the echo, I had my first post surgery echo done at 4 months. I have noticed some get theirs much earlier, don\'t know why there is such a difference. About Clemson....YES!!! There are still Tiger Paws on the roads, wouldn\'t be Clemson without them. That should be a real test for me in a couple of weeks. You know how \"hilly\" Clemson is. Another reason I want off the metoprolol! It was really good to hear from you, let\'s talk via email, if you like, until my computer issues are resolved. lindathetiger@yahoo.com Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

Hi Joan, I don\'t know how I missed your journal before, but I\'m so glad I found it now and that you are doing great on the other side. I\'m scheduled for surgery with Dr. Stewart next Wednesday and while I\'m feeling pretty good about things, it\'s always nice to read that someone else has been through the same thing, and successfully at that! Summer

Hi Joan, So happy to hear that you are doing so well. I know you did a lot of worrying about this surgery. Keep us informed about your progress. I\'m sure it will be uneventful and you will be better than ever soon! Anne Shannon

Wait who wrote this?!?! I can\'t believe it! You sound great. You sound exactly like everyone else. I bet you never expected to be pme of the ones telling folks how manageable all of this is, huh? Not only did you do so amazing with the surgery, now you are also doing great on the recovery. I am SO happy for you Joan. It has been quite a journey, but it is now all behind you. Keep up the good work. Drive somewhere flat and enjoy a nice walk when you can but watch out for the heat. Be well!! And if you come back through NYC and have a few moments, let me know. I would love to see you again. All the best, -Mitch Friedman

Hi Joan.. Congratulations with your recovery thus far! My surgery is scheduled for the 17th at CC. It is so encouraging for me to read these many stories of success with surgery & recovery. It gives me so much hope to know that perhaps in just a short month from now....I too, could feel like I am on the track to a new & healthier life. Thanks for sharing.....It is certainly the reason, those of us waiting, can walk in that hospital with pure excitement. Continued success on your journey! Connie T

Joan, It\'s Karla. Glad to read that you are doing good and back at home. Give us a call when you are able. Allen has been extremely worried. We love you Cousin! From the too-hot South in Texas.

Way to go Joan! And a sighting of the legendary Mitch too. Extra value there. Keep us posted with the recovery and keep your body moving - it helps so much. -- DVB

Hey Joan! Welcome back to the HVJ and welcome to the other side!!! Now see...didn\'t we tell you??? Wasn\'t waiting the really hard part? So happy you are doing so well, jealous that you got to meet Mitch! Maybe someday I will as well. Just remember..don\'t get over confident, take things slow and easy, don\'t overdo. Whew! How glad are you that\'s over??? Actually, I think I know...about as glad as I was when mine was over. Now stay away from people for a while...don\'t want to catch anything. Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

Hi. Joan. Well like everyone else was worried when we couldnt find your journal. So very glad its all behind you ! And ypur special treat of meeting mitch had to be a special reward for doing such a good job! Congrats !! Im 5 month post & its like it never happened. I hope the same for you Everyday is better ! Thats the truth. Best Nancy friedman st louis. Ave. 2-9-12

Finally I get to say (ok, type) it...WELCOME TO THE OTHER SIDE JOAN AND WELCOME HOME!!!!! I am so happy for you that it is over and it went so well. I would not have missed the chance to meet you for anything. You did great. Now rest and take it easy. Sleep will be hard for a little bit, but still is better than being in the hospital. Walk as much as you feel you can. Try to do a little bit more each day. Be well, -Mitch Friedman