Joan's Heart Valve Journal

Terrie posted a note for Joan that says: Hello Joan! Please forgive me as I read your journal and didn't realize that it was dated back in 2011!!! So I responded thinking that you had just come from surgery recently. (I had just gotten online after a brief afternoon nap and as you can tell hadn't quiet had my wits about me, Chuckle?!
So forgive the "oddness" of my post and I hope you are doing really, really well by now Ha! Ha!(I should have woken up first! Take care. Terrie from the post prior to this to you but now fully awake and cracking up.

Terrie posted a note for Joan that says: Hello Joan and Tim, thanks for posting for your Mom! Good job!
I just read your story and journal now.
My name is Terrie and I am 65 years old and headed for Aortic Valve replacement on Aug. 20th.
I am sorry you had a rough time of it for awhile that must have seemed like and eternity.
You mentioned being overweight which I have not noticed many people mentioning in their journal postings but want you to know I am also overweight and going into surgery "as is".
There are many reasons for my being overweight(which are not excuses) but which have me concerned about my upcoming surgery as it certainly is not something I am happy to carry with me as I realize it isn't a plus for the surgeon.
However I have always been active and never a skinny person by any means.
Uo until 2 months ago I had spent biking 5 miles every day at our new home in a cute older neighborhood with neighbors(now friends). I also garden usually on a daily basis(up until now I can only do 40 minutes of careful pruning and weeding in the back! I also used to kayak and haven't been able to due to restrictions but intend to get back to it one day up the road!
So I am not sure how much weight you have to deal with and if you are having specific problems that you want to share but I am listening as you are speaking to me and others who might be a bit shy about sharing those facts.
Truth be is that you are overweight and you made it through a difficult time and you are on the way to a fresh new start with a happy healthier heart. I am pleased for you and your family who are there supporting you as we are here.
Focus on getting better every day just the one day at a time. If weight is a big issue keep in touch with me as I am going to make some slow but large changes when I am on the other side of surgery and welcome your support and will give it back if losing weight is another goal you have in mind. If you are like me and gained weight as symptoms kept you from exercising the way you needed to you now have a brand new start and it sounds like much love and support!
I hope you continue to gain strength and be patient with yourself in your recovery process. I will be looking to read up on your progress & hope it goes smoothly from here on out.
Take care Lady, Fellow Heart Sister!.

Donna B posted a note for Joan that says: Thank you so much Joan, I will keep in touch

Donna B posted a note for Joan that says: Joan,

Hi am responding back to your response..Did you have any problems later with the platelets, heparin allergy etc. Any side effects from the treatment. My Mother has been in almost 30 days as well, she developed afib as well and all is being treated. She is going to rehab next. .Good news the platelets have come up!! Also how long did it take for you to recover totally?

Donna B posted a note for Joan that says: Joan, I have a question. My mother had surgery 2 weeks ago and she too has the heparin "allergy" she is the hospital waiting for the platelets to co.e back, Did you have any issues relating to this issue later down the road

Hello Joan

You have had a rough time but your faith has kept you strong and it is so very pleasing to know that you are OK now. I guess you couldn't have known beforehand about your allergy towards Heparin. Never mind, you have a bright future ahead now and can put it all behind you. May you continue towards good health and an enjoyable life.
Audrey Meyer

Joan,

I am so glad to hear you all made it through!

You are so strong and brave. Now take one day one step at a time. And remember to breathe.

Still sending you positive thoughts and good energy!

Amy Sz.

Congratulations to all!!
The worst is behind you....healing and better days ahead.
The love and support you all give the patient is the strongest medicine there is!
Warm Regards,
Nancy H.

Hi Tim

So very pleased to hear your Mum is doing well. I imagine each day will see small improvements and she will begin to feel better. Thank you for keeping us informed. Tell her that we are all thinking of her.

Audrey (from New Zealand)

that is sooooo cool we so confident this would turn out. please pray for my dad who just finished his surgery and is doing well. Hopefully we will meet some day and celebrate together

Tim:
Tell your mom that from now on she's got a new lease on life. The first few days are the toughest, but all of you will be amazed at how quickly she's on her feet, walking around, and then going home.
Life takes on a whole new meaning, and this adds to her life expectancy, so the pain now gets paid for with life's renewal.
Terry C

Hello Tim

Thank you for keeping up to date on your Mum's progress. I'm so pleased that she is through the operation. When she is awake tell her that I am thinking of her and hope for a speedy recovery.

Audrey Meyer

Its amazing what surgeons can do and the technology that's available today. My grandmas name is Joan also so I have special prayers and positive vibes headed your way. i look forward to communicating with you during your recovery.
Good luck to you,
Jenny

Joan,

You are going to do great!

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keep on tickin!
Adam

Hello Joan

I am 74 and my doctor told me that the majority of his patients who have had heart surgery are in their eighties. He said that it isn't the age that's important as much as the state of your health generally.

Remember all of us are going to be thinking of you over the next few days.

Each time you have a negative thought - turn it into a positive statement - it works.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you real soon.

Here's a special hug for you.

Audrey Meyer

Joan:
A lot of us are over 70. I saw a lot of people in the ward that were both over 70 and very overweight. The doctors and surgeons know how to handle that.
You'll be great.
Terry C

Joan,

Your surgical team will do everything possible to put you at ease and remember its just another day at the office for them and that is not to diminish your concerns. I was anxious for months before my big day and now its almost three weeks in the past. I'm driving, surfing the net, walking upstairs, even carrying in groceries from the car. Life will return to normal very soon. Place your faith in the higher power and you will truly relax. An MP3 player with your favorite songs may also help?

Terry

Oops! Sorry, forgot to put my name to the last message (quotation Erica Jong.

Best wishes
Audrey Meyer

Hello Joan

This is just to let you know I am thinking of you and understand your feelings. I don't yet have a date for my surgery but I'll bet when you are over it and starting to feel better you'll be telling those of us who are still waiting not to worry and everything will be all right.

I'll leave you with a little quotation:

"I have not ceased being fearful but I have ceased to let fear control me." - Erica Jong

Hi Joan, Just want to wish you the best of luck. I too am facing surgery, mine is scheduled for a week from Wednesday. I know I will be nervous and anxious as I get real close. Its natural. Just wanted to know even though I am a stranger I feel just what you feel. Good Luck will be watching your journal. Gene

Joan

Today is six weeks since my AVR replacement.
Going into surgery was easier than I thought because I didn't have a choice - It needed to be done. I learned to worry about the things I can control and not those I can't. Your family and close friends will worry for you. Plan on the pleasant things you'll be able to do afterwards.

Diane P

Joan,
Being scared and anxious before surgery does not mean your faith in God is not strong. It means you are a normal human with emotions and fears.
Find ways to channel that nervous energy. I nearly drove my family and friends insane with my nervous energy. I changed every light bulb in the house. I changed all the batteries in the smokes. I cleaned my car on a daily basis. I am a lousy cook otherwise I would have done that. I even cleaned and organized the tupperware!
You will get to the other side of this mountain!
Amy Sz.

Joan:
In my experience,the people who feared the most in advance breathed the biggest sighs of relief and actually were more pleased with the results. It's the reverse wanting something terribly and being disappointed when you get it. You don't really want to do it (fear it), and when you get there you say, "Oh, that wasn't so bad after all."
T.C.

Hi Joan,

Best wishes on your upcoming surgery. My prayers are with you.

I too had surgery for an ascending aortic aneurysm that extended to the arch this past May. You will be fine.

Elaine

Joan,

This may come as a surprise but the stress and axiety leading up to the surgery, for me, was far wrose then the actual procedure and the post op. Here I am just 15 days after my mitral valve repair and I'm driving already! You will be fine. It's just another day at the office for your surgical team. It's the truth.

best wishes,
Terry T.

Hi Joan!

Welcome to Heart Valve Journals!

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

Welcome Joan!

I am almost 12 weeks post surgery. I also had an aortic aneurysm and a bi-cuspid aortic valve. They opted to leave the valve and only replace the aneurysm.

You have taken the first steps of journey. Yes there are MANY emotions (some at the same time), fears, and physical challenges but there are also many moments of joy, peace and growth.
You can do this. We all have and we will be here to answer any questions, thoughts or to just share. This is an amazing tool. It helped me.
One day at a time. One step at a time.
I wish you patience and positive energy.

Amy Sz.

Hi Joan,
Welcome to HVJ. I am 4 weeks post op from aortic valve replacement surgery. I have to tell you that at 4 weeks I feel very good so I hope that helps put things in perspective for you. The first week I needed a lot of help at home so hopefully you have that all lined up. The biggest help was having meals prepared for me. I didn't even want to look at food when I was in the hospital, not because of the quality of food; I just had zero appetite. But then, around the 4th post op day, I was ravenous! I had made some meals and froze them before I went in and my son was home to shop and cook for us so thank God for that! I made a lot of my favorites so it was very comforting and enjoyable and really came in handy!
If you have any specific questions, I would be happy to help.
Good Luck and Happy New Year!
Nancy H.

Forgot to say: I'm 71 and not exactly thin either.
Terry C

Hi Joan

Like you I am facing surgery in the new year though a date has not yet been set. I do understand your apprehension because I feel it too but I am so pleased to have found this resource to help me. I have signed up to get your updates and look forward to hearing more about your journey.
Your new friend, Audrey