Guestbook of Laura Bickford

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Laura Bickfordgot a new guestbook post

52 days ago

Christine Maiorano posted a note for Laura that says:

Hi Laura, just read your story and your message of support to another patient. My diagnosis is similar to yours. I’m scheduled for mitral valve repair at ...Read more

Hi Laura, just read your story and your message of support to another patient. My diagnosis is similar to yours. I’m scheduled for mitral valve repair at Cleveland Clinic on 4-10 Dr Gillinov is my surgeon. Hopefully my surgery will be robotic! How long was your hospital stay? Any tips regarding recovery? I’m actually feeling pretty good,asymptomatic ! 😊

Laura Bickfordgot a new guestbook post

667 days ago

Howard Powders posted a note for Laura that says:

Thank you, Laura. I'm a walker anyway, so I will be doing that. The incentive thingamajig. Probably hurts a lot breathing deeply given the incision and... Read more

Thank you, Laura. I'm a walker anyway, so I will be doing that. The incentive thingamajig. Probably hurts a lot breathing deeply given the incision and muscle soreness, but I will do what I have to do! Glad you are doing well!

Laura Bickfordgot a new guestbook post

677 days ago

Erik W. posted a note for Laura that says:

Hi Laura I am glad to hear your recovery has been going well. How long would you say you had reduced lung capacity / function?

Laura Bickford It's hard to say. It has been gradually improving. I still get a bit winded when I am hiking up hil ... Read more

Laura Bickford It's hard to say. It has been gradually improving. I still get a bit winded when I am hiking up hill or climbing several flights of stairs. Overall feel great

Laura Bickfordgot a new guestbook post

678 days ago

John Errico reacted to this

Kristine Schroeder posted a note for Laura that says:

Hi Laura. So happy to hear your surgery and recovery is going well. I will be having robot assisted mitral valve repair in 10 days here in Tampa. Feel like ...Read more

Hi Laura. So happy to hear your surgery and recovery is going well. I will be having robot assisted mitral valve repair in 10 days here in Tampa. Feel like I have done my part and it’s time to relax and let the surgeon and medical team take over. I am ready to get on with it. God is Good.

Laura Bickford You are now on the recovery side Kristine! Hope your recovery is going well. Take it a day at a tim ... Read more

Laura Bickford You are now on the recovery side Kristine! Hope your recovery is going well. Take it a day at a time. Let me know how you are doing

Kristine Schroeder Hey Laura. My surgery actually got pushed to July 25th and found out I am no longer a candidate for r ... Read more

Kristine Schroeder Hey Laura. My surgery actually got pushed to July 25th and found out I am no longer a candidate for robotic surgery. My CT showed that my arteries are not large enough for the cannulation for by pass because of my paralysis. I am still extremely blessed my surgeon will do minimally invasive surgery. Thank you for your support. I will be rocking recovery in a couple short weeks.

Laura Bickfordgot a new guestbook post

693 days ago

LA Heatley posted a note for Laura that says:

Congratulations on your success! I have my surgery at CC on August 2,2022 and my surgeon is Dr Douglas Johnston. I have a mitral valve prolapse like you, 3... Read more

Congratulations on your success! I have my surgery at CC on August 2,2022 and my surgeon is Dr Douglas Johnston. I have a mitral valve prolapse like you, 3 coronary fistulae, and a nasty arrhythmia so OHS for me. If there are any tips/suggestions you can give me as a woman to help my surgery/recovery less painful and run more smoothly I would appreciate them. It's a case of "If I'd known then what I know now" and you do know and I hope you'll pass on your wisdom to me. Did you wear a Posthorax vest or Hearthugger at anytime? Thanks! Sincerely, Lizbeth

Laura Bickford Hi LA- I did not use either of those devices. I had my surgery robotically. One bit of advice is ... Read more

Laura Bickford Hi LA- I did not use either of those devices. I had my surgery robotically. One bit of advice is to get a comfortable soft (no underwire) bras that are adjustable before surgery. I went braless for weeks after surgery because bras were right on my incision and holes (from the robot). You will need something soft and comfortable. When I was researching hospitals and surgeons, I was told by a nurse that worked at CC than Dr. Johnston was the best....so you are in very good hands!! I will be praying for you