Kimberley 's Guestbook

Dear Kimberly, This is Lena fromLeesburg, I had the same surgery in January, and I really want to help you! I am from Ukraine, and I can make some grammatical mistakes:) Yes, you will feel better very soon! Hold on about 2 more months. You will sleep again, etc! I just get back from Spain, I cannot believe I was hiking crazy trails! If you need like talk (I was a bit depressed after my surgery) my phone number is 757 3582964. We lived in Williamsburg VA thats why its 757:)

Hi Kimberley I sent two previous messages but somehow they disappeared, I live 10 min.drive to VHC; I had aortic valve replacement exactly 5 years ago at Fairfax Inova Dr. Alan Speir and team were top notch as was the hospital, VHC was just beginning extensive heart surgery 5 years ago; Dr. Rhee has a excellent reputation, they will decide if a ministerotomy is possible for you, faster recovery, I will be at the hospital on Thursday for testing, maybe I will search for you. I'm certain all will go smoothly for you as it did for me, I am decades older but never had symptoms either, only the loud heart murmur was the alert for the doctors years ago. God Bless you and please contact me if I can be of help gigi419@verizon.net Geri Frank

Hi Kimberly! I just read your story and wanted to drop a note to you. I had a bi-cuspid aortic valve with an aneurysm of my aorta. My valve wasn't stenotic but (regurgitant) leaked and the leak got progressively worse. I am 16 days post-op now from a "Bentall" procedure where they replaced the valve and also replaced my ascending aorta. I am doing well in recovery. Its such a blessing we now have the imaging technology to discover these defects and the surgical technology to fix them. I believe this defect may have been why my grandfather on my father's side passed away suddenly when I was a child. I am happy your issue was discovered because you will feel so much better in just a few short months. I will be happy to answer any questions the best I can. I know you will do great. Praying you recover quickly from the surgery.

Hi Kimberley, My surgery is the day after yours, sending many positive vibes! I’ve also done tons of research—reading, but no watching heart surgeries on TV or You Tube lol. My imagination doesn’t need any help! I’ve made lists and prepped my husband and house as best as possible. I am very comfortable with my surgeon (and adore my cardiologist) so I guess I’m as ready as I’m going to get. Best of luck to you!

Hey, my name is Lena, I am from Leesburg, VA. I guess we are neighbors. In January, 21, I had aortic valve replacement in Inova Fairfax, my surgeon Dc. Alan Spier. He is the best! If you need any help, just text me or call me , my phone number is 757 358 2964. I remember this shock when they told me I need OHS..... You will be Fine!!!! Inova team is great!

I so understand your shock..i think I left my body when I was told. I had to go within a month also. It's been 3 months since. My comfort was in reading as much as I could about what to expect.i got Adams book immediately. It was a good support tool. I realize now that my fear was real, but not so necessary, because the hopital I went to was so incredibly wonderful in their care. The staff will guide you and be right there by your side every step. So much care is given after your surgery. I was amazed every day how supportive they were. I did everything they asked me to do, even though at times I may not have wanted to. You will get thru this just fine. Just take it at your own pace, no race. I personally think heart surgeons are geniuses beyond comprehension. You will be in such good hands. you will do well😘blessings to you

I understand exactly how you feel. I am a fitness instructor, had no symptoms - at my annual physical my doctor said my "whoosh" sounded bad. Had surgery two months later for mitral valve prolapse. I was very scared. I live in Arlington - great Docs in the area. Keeping you in my thoughts. You'll do great. My best advice - go to cardiac rehab. I didn't think I needed it so I avoided it at first. Finally went three months late. It was the best thing I could have done.

Hey Kimberly, I’m down in Richmond va. I was surprised when I found out I needed aortic replacement 3 years ago. I went with an On-x mechanical valve. Very low warfarin. And yeah the worse part is the waiting. This site is a great source of info and comfort. You’ll be fine, honest