Guestbook of Kim Jones

My Guestbook

On March 3, 2017...

Mary Owens posted a note for Kim that says:

Hi Kim, I wish you well, my husband had his mitral valve repaired along with Maze procedure, double bypass and finally a pacemaker in the spring of 2015. Needless to say it was a life changing event, he went through the months of rehab which he really seemed to like. He plays racquetball and eats better now, vegetarian. About 6 months after the surgery he began going through a "mood disorder" but would never admit anything wrong. I hope that you can maintain an "even keel" but if people who know you tell you you may be going through emotional difficulties, please listen and find a professional to help. You are lucky to be in Florida, sunshine! My best to you and your family, Mary in Ohio

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On March 2, 2017...

Dick posted a note for Kim that says:

Hello Kim,
My name is Dick and I live in western Colorado.
I started a note and had a fat finger attack on my computer. I don't know if you got it or not.
A year ago I had a double bypass to correct two blocked stents and had my mitral and aortic valve replaced. I am doing great and it is awesome what can be done these days. Just took a while to regain full strength.
Recently a visit to urgent care and a regular appointment gave a bit of a start. Both found a strong heart murmur. I felt very good and could not understand it. A regular follow up with my interventional cardiologist brought a chuckle after an echo. Turns out the ring that is stitched in to hold the valve causes turbulence in blood flow. All is great with my valves. Congratulations on your successful valve replacement and now you may look forward to a long normal life!

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On March 2, 2017...

John Contoulis posted a note for Kim that says:

Good to hear all is going well. Keep up the spirits, and enjoy yourself.

Sincerely,
John

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On February 17, 2017...

Tricia patriciaharrison02@gmail.com posted a note for Kim that says:

Hi Kim, my name is tricia. I'm going in on the 24th of feb. I'm so scared! How are you feeling? I feel I was pushed into going mechanical because of my age what did you go with? Please let me know! Tricia

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Stephen Phayre Tricia, don't be scared - it's going to be ok. I have AVR surgery 9 weeks ago, and I'm back at work, back driving, loving time with my little kids, able to ... Read more

Stephen Phayre Tricia, don't be scared - it's going to be ok. I have AVR surgery 9 weeks ago, and I'm back at work, back driving, loving time with my little kids, able to being a normal person again! I went with a mechanical value because I'm only 41 and that decision was backed up by 3 separate "second opinions". My surgeon said to me just before my procedure "it's not going to hurt nearly as bad as you think it will" and he was 100% right.

Kim Jones Hi. I went biological,i am 40. I didn't want to mess with Coumadin. I have a gardening business, plus I am awelder. I didn't want to run the risk. My mom is ... Read more

Kim Jones Hi. I went biological,i am 40. I didn't want to mess with Coumadin. I have a gardening business, plus I am awelder. I didn't want to run the risk. My mom is a retired RN and director of surgery, her colleagues backed me up. I also didn't know if I could stand the noise. Not sure if anyone has a problem with noise on this site but I have read on other sites it's quite bothersome.
I know you are scared, as Stephen says it's really not as bad as you think. For me the chest tubes bothered me the most, I was relieved when they took them out, no pain for me.

I wish I could take your fear away, just keep busy. It came in waves for me. I feel so good now, I may have done too much today, tired but it's been easy so far. Practice standing up with your arms crossed in front of you. No using your arms to get up.

I did get to drive a motorized grocery cart at Publix today after Dr appts and x-rays, I was tired. It was a first, kinda fun. I won't tell you to not be afraid, but know your fear is valid because of the unknown at the same time know it really is not bad when you wake up. Weird drug induced dreams and lots of sleep...
I am here for more details if you have more questions. You will start your period a few days after if you still have one. It's not fair ;)

Stephen Phayre Agreed on the chest tubes - to me they were the most uncomfortable, but not for a couple of days in. Then they took them out :) I have an On-X mechanical valve ... Read more

Stephen Phayre Agreed on the chest tubes - to me they were the most uncomfortable, but not for a couple of days in. Then they took them out :) I have an On-X mechanical valve and everyone can hear it click but it doesn't bother me! The On-X valve is being treated with Aspirin only in other countries and the US is under trials to recommend that too :)

Kim Jones I didn't even listen to mechanical options knowing it would mean another surgery down the line, or maybe the technology will be more advanced in 10-15 years. ... Read more

Kim Jones I didn't even listen to mechanical options knowing it would mean another surgery down the line, or maybe the technology will be more advanced in 10-15 years. All I could think of was Edgar Allan Poe and the Tell-Tale Heart. Lol, I might be crazy. I don't know if the same technology goes for the mitral valve, it's a bi-valve, while the aorta is a tri-valve.

Stephen Phayre The decision is so personal and, of course, has so many factors to build in. My choice was based on my age, the current technology, and the chance for better ... Read more

Stephen Phayre The decision is so personal and, of course, has so many factors to build in. My choice was based on my age, the current technology, and the chance for better technology in the future. I didn't worry too much about the coumadin because the mechanical valve that my surgeon wanted to put in has patients using aspirin-only to control blood thinning in Europe and other areas. The FDA is doing trials now and the hope is that my mechanical valve will last forever and in the future, I will be able to drop coumadin in place of aspirin. Like I said, so many variables so each person's journey is unique.

Jane Welp These discussions are so helpful. Thanks to you all for your willingness to share your experiences as I prepare for my aorta valve replacement coming up in March.

Kim Jones Absolutely Jane

On February 17, 2017...

Yay Kim ! So great to see you on the healing side of your surgery! Glad everything went smoothly for you. You will be back full speed in no time. You look great and seem to be bouncing back from this ordeal quite well. I wish you continued success my friend and I hope your recovery continues smoothly and swiftly. Take Care and God Bless You Kim

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On February 1, 2017...

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Kim that says:

Hello Kim. Thinking of you this morning and hoping your "Repair" is smooth
and you are set up in recovery in no time!

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On February 1, 2017...

Kathy Blank posted a note for Kim that says:

Kim-Will be thinking of you and look forward to hearing about your successful MV Repair and recovery! You are one week ahead of me!

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On January 31, 2017...

Heath Larner posted a note for Kim that says:

Hoping tomorrow goes well. Praying for you.

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On January 30, 2017...

Sue Sanchez Grela posted a note for Kim that says:

Kim what a beautiful, heart-felt post. I am waiting to be scheduled for my appointment with a surgeon and your words touched me (as have everyones). Prayers for you ❣

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Kim Jones Thank you. The waiting is hard, some days I feel like I am gonna kick butt and others I curl in a ball and cry. I am sure we all feel this range of emotions. ... Read more

Kim Jones Thank you. The waiting is hard, some days I feel like I am gonna kick butt and others I curl in a ball and cry. I am sure we all feel this range of emotions. Prayers for you too! Tomorrow I find out and I will let y'all know. :)

Alina FH Kim, the best of luck! Thinking of you tomorrow and in the days to come. Wishing you strentgh and peace.

KEVIN RYAN You've got this, Kim! Get 'er done! We'll be waiting on the other side.

On January 30, 2017...

Emily Rowley posted a note for Kim that says:

Hi Kim. You must of read my mind, because today I too was going to send you a guestbook message. Thank you for your lovely message! Aww I'm happy to be here to help you 😊 I turned 22 last November, had my 1st OHS at 16yrs old & 2nd OHS at 21yrs old & probably another one down the track-think I could perform surgery with all this experoence lol hehe 🤓. I have been in your position, I understand this is one of the hardest parts as there is no turning back, no way of stopping the enivatbly, but I also know you will come out of this life-saving Operation stronger. You too are very brave! Naww how many babies do you have & will someone be looking after your children while you are in Hospital? Nowadays Hospitals like to get people feeling well to go home in little time. This is now your time, so take your time to relax and enjoy the care given to you 🙂 I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼 I found thinking of a place that makes me happy, made me feel at peace going into my operation, you might like to think of your beautiful children who will be so happy to see their Mother again with her [your] mended heart. 💟 Know that I never too far away to talk. I look forward to hearing updates from you. Take care xoxo

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Kim Jones My parents are coming in from Alabama today. They will help with everything. I am so fortunate to have a large support team, my neighbor will take care of getting ... Read more

Kim Jones My parents are coming in from Alabama today. They will help with everything. I am so fortunate to have a large support team, my neighbor will take care of getting our 2 boys to school and the sitter on Wed. She will pick them up, feed and bathe ten 3 year old and help the 8 yr old with homework and such. A friend of mine started a meal planning web page for the people who want to help. We will have at least 2 weeks of meals brought from friends and clients of mine. I am so humbled by the kindness shown by others. I can't wait to repay the love. What a life changing experience.
I got my MRSA test back positive today and am a little concerned. I had hernia surgery and a tubal in Aug last year. I had no clue I had it.
I know once I sign the paperwork and get in the gown there is no turning back. I feel like I have some of the best doctors in town so it's all up to God.
I bet you never thought you would know so much about the heart. Ha! I certainly never thought I would. Thanks for all your kind words , you are such a sweet and caring soul. Talk soon. Kim