Guestbook of Judy S

My Guestbook

On August 29, 2018...

Sue Tom posted a note for Judy that says:

Hi Judy, glad to hear that you are doing well in your recovery. I would like to know if the Chest Buddy Seatbelt Cushion helped for the car ride home from the hospital. My surgery date is 9/18 and I was thinking of purchasing one.

Like |

Judy S Hi Sue, I haven’t used it as of yet because it is really for when you’re driving yourself. It’s not thick enough to protect your sternum right after surgery. ... Read more

Judy S Hi Sue, I haven’t used it as of yet because it is really for when you’re driving yourself. It’s not thick enough to protect your sternum right after surgery. At the hospital they gave me a pillow that went between the sternum and the seatbelt and also served as what I used in the hospital for walking and coughing. They’ll probably give you something similar. If not, a regular, firmish pillow would work.

Sue Tom Thanks Judy S.

Judy S Hi Sue, I just started using the heart buddy this week and definitely recommend it when you’re further in recovery. It’s not that large and seems like it will be very helpful for driving!

Sue Tom Thanks Judy. Glad that the heart buddy is working for you!

On August 14, 2018...

Valerie Altman posted a note for Judy that says:

Hey Judy you really are my hero now, just read your story and I'm following right in your footsteps! Due to schedule surgeon appt any day now.

Like |

On August 13, 2018...

Steven Methot posted a note for Judy that says:

Judy... any word? We're waiting with worms in our mouth. (Baited breath?)

Like | Valerie Altman, Valerie Altman likes this

Judy S Hi Steven, I’m home and doing great! I have to remind myself to take it easy!

Steven Methot Please do!

Valerie Altman Judy you have inspired me! You make it sound easy lol

On August 13, 2018...

Sue Tom posted a note for Judy that says:

Hi Judy, was wondering how you are coming along. Hope things are going smoothly.

Like |

On August 10, 2018...

Bonnie Pearson posted a note for Judy that says:

How are you doing? Remember take it day by day!!

Like |

On August 6, 2018...

Judy Shaw posted a note for Judy that says:

Thoughts and prayers go out to you today. Praying that all went well and now you can begin a smooth recovery.

Like | Mark Wilbur and 1 other likes this

Judy S Thank you Judy! All went well and I am primarily dealing with some Afib which sounds pretty common based on this site. Hope your recovery continues to go well!

Judy S

Judy Shaw I'm happy to hear your surgery went well. I'm sorry though that you are dealing with Afib. I'm at 6 weeks post op and doing well. My cardiologist said I was ... Read more

Judy Shaw I'm happy to hear your surgery went well. I'm sorry though that you are dealing with Afib. I'm at 6 weeks post op and doing well. My cardiologist said I was a tough woman. So far I've had no issues and everyone says I look good and makes me wonder what I looked like before surgery haha

On August 6, 2018...

Bonnie Pearson posted a note for Judy that says:

Judy - Best of wishes on your surgery and healthy recovery!

Like | 1 person likes this

Anna Jones Sending best wishes and prayers. Thinking of you. Keep us posted.

Judy S Thanks Bonnie and Anna. Things went well on Monday, and I was out in no time! We’re dealing with some occasional Afib so hoping that will resolve soon as well!

Judy S Thanks Adam for all the support you provide individually and to the entire community!

On August 5, 2018...

Dan Vechiola posted a note for Judy that says:

Good luck tomorrow Judy. Let go and let Dr. Castro handle the rest. Take it one day at a time and we look forward to hearing your progress. We will all be thinking of you tomorrow plus I will be watching closely because I have the same condition as you and my surgery is exactly one month following yours.

Like | Jennifer John likes this

Judy S Thanks Dan! I am actually surprisingly calm even though I need to be at the hospital in five hours! I’m just enjoying knowing that I have done everything ... Read more

Judy S Thanks Dan! I am actually surprisingly calm even though I need to be at the hospital in five hours! I’m just enjoying knowing that I have done everything I can and as you say, I have a great surgeon to work with!

On August 3, 2018...

Susan Lynn posted a note for Judy that says:

Thinking of you, Judy! We'll be here awaiting your good news! You've got this. 💖

Like | Adam Pick, Bill Gillam likes this

Adam Pick Love the support of Fran! Thanks Judy!

Judy S Thanks Susan!

Adam Pick Thoughts are with you Judy!!!!

On August 3, 2018...

Bill Gillam posted a note for Judy that says:

Judy, best wishes on your upcoming surgery!

Like |

Diane Maher Sending many best wishes down the coast to you.

Judy S Thanks Bill and Diane! Had my Preop today so all systems are go for Monday!

On July 27, 2018...

Tom posted a note for Judy that says:

Hi Judy! You are in great hands with Dr. Castro! Great job finding him!

Like | Barry Kanick and 2 others like this

Adam Pick No doubt. Dr. Castro is currently our #1 recommended surgeon with over 110 patient testimonials. You can learn more at https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Luis-Castro-Redwood+City-California.php. ... Read more

Dr. Luis Castro - Heart Surgeon in Redwood City, California

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Luis-Castro-Redwood+City-California.php

See patient reviews, physician biography and videos of Dr. Luis Castro, heart surgeon, with phone number and address in Redwood City, California.

Judy S Thanks Tom! I found him before I dug into this site, but reading all of his reviews here Adam gave me great confidence!

On July 23, 2018...

JoAnn Lenhart posted a note for Judy that says:

Best wishes on your surgery and recovery

Like |

Judy S Thank you JoAnn and glad you have time to explore your options!

On July 21, 2018...

Peter willard posted a note for Judy that says:

Judy what kind of valve.I had a tissue valve put in 2010 at 67 and now at 76 working out 6 days a week. My birthday is August 6 so you will do just fine.

Like |

Judy S I am getting a tissue valve. I would be a walking bruise with lifelong Coumadin so we decided to pass on the mechanical. Glad to hear August 6 is a lucky day!

On July 20, 2018...

LINDA ROBERTS posted a note for Judy that says:

Glad you did your homework. You do not need to be a clinical experiment if that surgery is not proven to be the best one for you.

Like |

Peggy Mahoney Had mitral valve repair by robot anyone else and how are you feeling

On July 3, 2018...

Chris Purvis posted a note for Judy that says:

Hey Judy! I read your story-are you going with TAVR or a minimally invasive procedure with Dr. Castro? Either way you will get through this journey and do just fine. Hope all is well with you!

Like | Susan Lynn likes this

Judy S Hi Chris, I decided on the minimally invasive approach with Dr. Castro. All of this has moved both quickly and incredibly slowly at the same time. My sister ... Read more

Judy S Hi Chris, I decided on the minimally invasive approach with Dr. Castro. All of this has moved both quickly and incredibly slowly at the same time. My sister was the one in the family with the heart murmur from birth and then was diagnosed several years ago with aortic stenosis. The thought of her having open heart surgery was so unbelievable and now here I am doing it (and she’s just fine without).

As much as I loved the idea of avoiding OHS, in the end, I felt the people who were pushing TAVR seemed more interested in selling me something rather than taking care of my health.

I’ve read about some of your recent experiences and hope things are turning in the right direction for yiu!

Chris Purvis Thanks Judy. I have felt pretty amazing since surgery so I feel truly blessed for sure. I did spend 1.5 days in the hospital for A Fib but that’s part of ... Read more

Chris Purvis Thanks Judy. I have felt pretty amazing since surgery so I feel truly blessed for sure. I did spend 1.5 days in the hospital for A Fib but that’s part of recovery...was hoping to avoid it. I’m not symptomatic but it was something that needed to be addressed and thankfully the medicine has helped to keep me in sinus rythm.

On July 2, 2018...

Sue Tom posted a note for Judy that says:

Hi Judy, I can relate to your feelings when you visited your surgeons to determine your choice. I was not completely satisfied with 2 local surgeons. I found Dr. Castro's name on this site and made an appointment to see him. As you said, he treats you like a human being and I felt very comfortable with his patience and his answers to my many questions. I will get a heart angiogram next week for further evaluation of my aortic aneurysm which involves the arch, yes, complex. After that, I will need to decide which surgeon will do the OHS. I hope to make connections here that will help me through this process. Hope to see your postings as you travel through your journey.

Like | Susan Lynn likes this

Judy S Hi Sue, the one positive thing that came out of the months of delay working with all the other doctors was that I was able to recognize the difference when ... Read more

Judy S Hi Sue, the one positive thing that came out of the months of delay working with all the other doctors was that I was able to recognize the difference when I met Dr. Castro. While I had seen this site, I don’t trust online reviews typically and hadn’t read the news feed. I made my decision based on my gut and that has been validated by all the testimonials I am now reading. To help you with the fear and anxiety, you really want a doctor who inspires your confidence and trust. I hope you find the surgeon who can do that for you!

Kathy Blank Judy- I also had several different opinions from both the cardiologists as well as the surgeons I consulted with. By utilizing the expertise and information ... Read more

Kathy Blank Judy- I also had several different opinions from both the cardiologists as well as the surgeons I consulted with. By utilizing the expertise and information from this wonderful community, I was able to ask the best questions and determine which surgeon was the expert in the exact procedure I needed. Getting the right surgeon and consulting with expert surgeons early in the process has saved me undue anxiety and unnecessary testing. I know exactly what you mean when you feel so much more confident when you find the best expert and just know that they have the expertise and skill for complex OHS. Keep us posted on the preparations for surgery and I look forward to hearing all about your recovery!

Judy S Thanks Kathy and glad to see you have recent positive news for your own situation! It’s ironic that I really dug into this community after I had made my decision. ... Read more

Judy S Thanks Kathy and glad to see you have recent positive news for your own situation! It’s ironic that I really dug into this community after I had made my decision. I feel completely validated by my choice after reading all the positive responses here, and it definitely feels less isolating to have a place to discuss these issues!