Surgery for me was two weeks ago, and I am feeling great!
Kevin: I am also considered the strong, silent type, and was somewhat concerned reading Adam\'s ...Read more
Surgery for me was two weeks ago, and I am feeling great!
Kevin: I am also considered the strong, silent type, and was somewhat concerned reading Adam\'s book about the importance of a support group. I only wanted my dear wife and my brother at the hospital, so that\'s who was there. Did not want any visitors for the first several days, then not many. And only a few close friends and relatives after coming home. Been home 3 days. The support I decided on has been just right for me. After my experience, my advice would be for YOU to decide what you want, and insist on it. Worked for me.
Hello Kevin & Linda!
You have come to the right place. My husband Richard found this site helpful for him as well as my surgery approached and progressed. Our ...Read more
Hello Kevin & Linda!
You have come to the right place. My husband Richard found this site helpful for him as well as my surgery approached and progressed. Our caregivers can be so supprotive, but unless you have actually gone thru the surgery, it\'s difficult to fully comprehend the emotions the patient goes thru. Being on this site gives you support as well as the patient and is just awesome! I had my aortic valve replaced on Feb. 22nd. This site is a wealth of support & encouragement! I have met some awesome people here tht helped me prepare for my surgery and the recovery. We are here to support you both as you take this journey.
Good luck to you & God bless!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode
Hi Kevin and Linda,
I found out through a routine echo that I had a severe leak in my mitral valve. I was operated on March 3 at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC ...Read more
Hi Kevin and Linda,
I found out through a routine echo that I had a severe leak in my mitral valve. I was operated on March 3 at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC by Dr. Adams and am now recovering. It is a shock to find out you need open heart surgery, but read all you can, talk to everyone you can that has knowledge of your situation, utilize this site, and then be at peace that you have done all you can and the rest is up to your surgeon and God. I truly was at peace and calm throughout my diagnosis and surgery. I envisioned the best outcome and accepted my situation. Any questions you have or any help anyone here can offer, please feel free to ask.
Good luck.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ
Hi Kevin and Linda
I just had my valve surgery on the 18th. I received so much support from so many special people on this Heart Valve Journal and I will do ...Read more
Hi Kevin and Linda
I just had my valve surgery on the 18th. I received so much support from so many special people on this Heart Valve Journal and I will do all I can to help others who will go through it. If you read my story you\'ll learn that surgery was always a possibility down the road and then last Nov. the cardio said the time had come. Still took me by surprise.Waited from Jan, 3rd till March 18th so had lots of time to research, read Adam\'s book and find the same people who helped me. One thing that really helped me was downloading the relaxation/guided imagery tapes that the Cleveland Clinic made available. Do a little research, you\'ll find something that will help you in this area. I went into the operating room in total peace and calm and I hope the same for you. Keep posting and know there are a lot of special people rooting for you.
Fran Z
Hi Linda and Kevin
I think we here on the site are finding the support offered goes well for both the patient and caregiver. There is lots of very useful ...Read more
Hi Linda and Kevin
I think we here on the site are finding the support offered goes well for both the patient and caregiver. There is lots of very useful information to be had and at the same time you will be meeting some very caring people.
I had a mitral valve repair done in October of last year and am now in rehab. Being told you are up for surgery can be frightening and for that we can all use support.
Will look forward to more of your journal entries.
Cheryl, Ontario
HI, I know how hard it can be to be told you have to have open heart surgery. I was in total shock when the dr told me my valve needed repair. I am scheduled ...Read more
HI, I know how hard it can be to be told you have to have open heart surgery. I was in total shock when the dr told me my valve needed repair. I am scheduled for next Thursday and scared to death. But I have many family, friends of which I include this journal site, that are a great support system. We are all praying for each other and will be for Kevin as well.
My name is Melany Strader, I am 36yrs old and have two wonderful children and a husband that I need and will live for! The irony in my situation is that I am a paramedic and told myself that my symtoms were stress related and have two small (4 and 1) ones at home!
We will be thinking of you and your family as I am sure he will do fine!