kathy's Heart Valve Journal

I'm almost 5 weeks post op and I can say after about week 3 I started to feel like a caged animal. I feel like I could lift things and move things but I'm not supposed to. The good news is that when I do try to do the stuff I am not supposed to I get a sharp pain in my incision, wake up call sort of and then I am put back in check again. Overall, you must take it easy to allow your heart the time to heal, but it is not easy once you are off the meds for the most part.

Brian Walsh

Welcome Home and may you have a speedy recovery!!
Debbie Argetsinger

I hope recovery is going well. Look forward to hearing your updates.
Debbie Argetsinger

Kathy,

I just came across your journal tonight. You are probably in ICU as I type this so you will be in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Steve Bond

My thoughts and prayers are with you. My husband has mitral and aortic valve stenosis, due to chi
dhood infection.

Hi Kathy,

My AVR was on 12/11/2012 and it has been pretty smooth sailing since then, all things considered. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mindset has been everything for me, so stay positive and focus on recovery.

Eric Rovin

Kathy you will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow. I had my AVR on 12-13-12 and can't believe how much better I am already. It is tough but if you decide that you are going to be okay the mind is a very powerful tool in your recovery along with the love and support of family and friends. Will look forward to updates on your recovery.
JoAnen

Hi Kathy,

I can remember and relate to many of the emotions you expressed in your last journal.

So you know, I started to this website to help other patients just like you.

As your surgery is tomorrow, please know that you are in great hands. I read that you are traveling to Ann Arbor, so I imagine you are having the procedure at the University of Michigan? If so, that is a great cardiac center with several phenomenal surgeons.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. If you have any interest, here are some links that address the fear / anxiety associated with heart surgery.

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/valve-mortality-surgery-repair-replacement.php

http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2011/05/14/fear-anxiety-marc-gillinov-interview/

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

Heck...we're practically family! That is funny!! Safe travels.
Debbie A

Kathy, I too am a MI girl. Our families are from Central Lake-East Jordan-Boyne City! Murray & Dougherty on my side and Argetsinger and Bergmann on my husband's side. We are in NC now (left in the 80's). Sure is a small world.
Debbie Argetsinger

Kathy
I will be having my surgery @ UofM in March. I will be praying for you tomorrow. If there is anything I can do for you or you husband while your here in Mi please contact me. My e-mail is attached. Feel free to reach out any time.
Chuck Robertson.

Kathy, 2012 was quite the year for me, too! I learned I had BAV since birth. I was 56. It sure explained a lot (in retrospect). A murmur was heard in February and my valve was replace on April 2, 2012. But it is important to keep this in prospective....without the surgery our life is in jeopardy. Sure I felt bad (no energy, lack of enthusiasm, fatigue, etc.) but I never felt as tho I could die!! But that is our new reality, isn't it? We got a warning and the opportunity to change our future. Many before us did not get a second chance. My dad died at 56-maybe if he had been warned....

It is important that you face the surgery with courage and faith. Embrace this wonderful opportunity for a long and healthy future. We may never be quite the same but what a story we can tell.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I look forward to reading your updates.
Debbie Argetsinger
AVR 04/02/12

Hi Kathy,
I feel your anxiety. Try to picture the alternative (death) and trust in your surgeon.
I used guided imagery and I think it helped. There's lots of info on the net regarding guided imagery and surgery.

best of luck,,,you can do it!

nancy B

Hi Kathy

I identify with what you have written. When I was diagnosed I have since realised there were a lot of obvious signs I had put to one side that I should've acknowledged. Now I am a way off surgery but it is not far from my mind most of the time - I am glad you have not got long to wait now.

The good news is now we know we can look to get better. I hope you feel alot better soon & update us on how it goes.

Rach S