Kim's Guestbook

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 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 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. 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 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  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.

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