Lillian's Heart Valve Journal

Daniel Spurgeon  I'm staying quite busy, thanks. The weeks fly by, but I do my best to appreciate the people in my life. I took my kids on a bike ride in the Santa Monicas ... Read more

Daniel Spurgeon  I'm staying quite busy, thanks. The weeks fly by, but I do my best to appreciate the people in my life. I took my kids on a bike ride in the Santa Monicas Sunday which had just received lots of rain and we got to see fresh mountain lion tracks (wider pad spacing, three lobed rear edge, etc). Beautiful cool day for a ride.

Lillian Mark  Thank you Christine and all who have kept me in their thoughts. Christine, I wish you a fulfilling and progressive rehab experience.I do indeed fell supportive ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Thank you Christine and all who have kept me in their thoughts. Christine, I wish you a fulfilling and progressive rehab experience.I do indeed fell supportive strength from those who offer it to me.I may not visit this network often,but I definitely keep so many of you in my thoughts, hope,care,and healthy wishes. Yes,I am being watched quite closely. I have been feeling more energy even with the beta blockers. Tomorrow my 21 year old youngest son is moving to Colorado, about 1 year ago he had moved back home with my husband and myself. I have enough energy to have prepared a breakfast for family and friend tomorrow just hours before he leaves.As happy as I am for him,he is such a neat man,that I will really miss him. Thanks again for responding💗💖

Lillian Mark  Thanks...it feels kinda like an air plane circling an airport in holding pattern waiting to land and running low on fuel and there are things waiting to be ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Thanks...it feels kinda like an air plane circling an airport in holding pattern waiting to land and running low on fuel and there are things waiting to be done back on land. Hoping tonight we don't get the postponement call. Thanks for the message💟

Mary Myers  Lillian, wishing you a good nights sleep. If you are like me, I didnot even crawl into bed until almost midnight the night before my surgery. I figured I ... Read more

Mary Myers  Lillian, wishing you a good nights sleep. If you are like me, I didnot even crawl into bed until almost midnight the night before my surgery. I figured I would get a chance to catch up when I was having surgery. LOL Thinking of you my dear friend and heart sister. You will be on your journey to healing like so many of our heart brothers and sisters. Looking forward to communicating with you again as soon as you are up to it. Big hugs and butterfly kisses coming your way! Love your heart sister, Mia
P.S. Can your husband post a note to the community when you are finished with surgery?

Lillian Mark  Awe Mia, what generous words and support. You are sweet. I whole heartedly agree....this community is at an amazing level of genuine Unconditional caring and ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Awe Mia, what generous words and support. You are sweet. I whole heartedly agree....this community is at an amazing level of genuine Unconditional caring and loving supportive people!! I am trying to take these extra days as a gift to relax after my trials to get the care I need. Actually today in the mail we got our legal notice my care inpatient/surgery is covered by my insurance......they approved it on my original surgery date this week. I am so glad that even though I had a breakdown when I fought to stay on schedule. ....they wanted to restart my 30 day pre op tests.i spoke up to the surgeon who FINALLY agreed to sign his approval for the hospital I chose. Then I collapsed in public.... kindhearted strangers came out of the woodwork to try to comfort me. Ironically as my husband held me, the kind people were telling me how great that surgeon is whom , unknown to them, was the one we were not comfortable with and who gave me such a hard time saying he was better surgeon. BUT,Now I can relax. Thanks for allowing me to vent here.....i know i am safe here.thank you, hanks to all here💟💟
NOTE, my surgeon of choice only had good things to say about the more negative one.he is a class act and I will be in good skilled hands☺

Lillian Mark  You are correct Adam, I am anxious and everything that goes with it. I so appreciate your support Adam. Previous experiences can be too informational sometimes.I ... Read more

Lillian Mark  You are correct Adam, I am anxious and everything that goes with it. I so appreciate your support Adam. Previous experiences can be too informational sometimes.I have fearful anticipation of what I know is ahead, what maybe ahead, and what can be too eventful. I am very grateful for this site and the unconditional sincere support.💟

Eleanor R  Lillian, good luck with tomorrow. You will be on everyone's mind with your surgery and recovery. I hope it goes smoothly for you, and that before long you ... Read more

Eleanor R  Lillian, good luck with tomorrow. You will be on everyone's mind with your surgery and recovery. I hope it goes smoothly for you, and that before long you are back on this site, giving encouragement to those still awaiting their surgery. At 9 weeks post surgery, I'm doing great, but really glad it is behind me and that I am healing well. I wish the same for you, for all of us. Eleanor

Lillian Mark  Thanks for your genuine support and we'll wishes. I will certainly be back when I am on the other side of this. I feel blessed to have a group of heart friends ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Thanks for your genuine support and we'll wishes. I will certainly be back when I am on the other side of this. I feel blessed to have a group of heart friends praying and sending healthy thoughts , well wishes, and positive vibes.Thank you is not strong enough, but thank you.☺💗💟

Lillian Mark  Thank you. I am taking our three day weekend here to avoid focus on surgery. It has been a romantic mini vacation...much less stress and three days of no calls ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Thank you. I am taking our three day weekend here to avoid focus on surgery. It has been a romantic mini vacation...much less stress and three days of no calls from Doctors or insurance.And you can be sure I notice the little things as it is a full time job staying well and I need those simplistic beautiful breaks and I adore my family. Thanks Mia for caring and sharing sincere support. Keep sharing your strength with us. YOU...AND THIS community is beautiful !!

Lillian Mark  Thank you for your kind response. I am not aware what parts of my posts you read, but I really appreciate your prayers. I have dealt with so much that a lot ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Thank you for your kind response. I am not aware what parts of my posts you read, but I really appreciate your prayers. I have dealt with so much that a lot of this upcoming surgery will play out with things I have already experienced. Some will be very new to be sure. I wish experience with issues made it easier to be brave, it does not. I am sooo glad I found neat people here whom I already care about and who are so kind like you.☺

Lillian Mark  I meant to add Karen P. That I have had years if Holter monitors and it is soooo frustrating when they don't work right. They have come a long way since I first ... Read more

Lillian Mark  I meant to add Karen P. That I have had years if Holter monitors and it is soooo frustrating when they don't work right. They have come a long way since I first used monitor devices in the 1980's. I am glad it is over for you. What stage of heart care are you in.💟

  Hi Lillian. I'm in the waiting stage. I have Aortic Stenosis and have had it for a long time but over the last couple of years the valve suddenly started ... Read more

  Hi Lillian. I'm in the waiting stage. I have Aortic Stenosis and have had it for a long time but over the last couple of years the valve suddenly started to get worse more quickly. A couple of months ago, we were sure I would be planning surgery before the year is out because the valve is moderate/severe and it appeared that my symptoms were from the narrowing valve. But after some testing, now it seems that it may not be the valve causing the symptoms just yet. It's hard to know because I have other health problems that could be causing symptoms. Some people say I should just get the surgery done since it's inevitable anyway. But it's not so cut and dry when you have risks from other illnesses. Right now we are trying to figure out if my fatigue, lightheaded episodes, palpitations and occasional shortness of breath is an indication for surgery. It would be, of course, if the symptoms are definitely from my heart but I had a nuclear stress test and although my valve is pretty calcified, my heart didn't show any damage other than the valve. But I do have a problem with PVCs and Afib. So at this point, I am waiting to see another cardiologist for another opinion and see what the deal is. Can PVC's and Afib cause my symptoms? Does that come from the Stenotic Valve or something else? If it's not caused by the valve the surgery probably won't change the symptoms. But with my Cancer follow ups not quite as good as they would like them to be and also having liver problems from some weird auto-immune thing, the doctors really aren't sure how I will do with Open Heart Surgery and I do worry about what my risks are. Yet I don't seem to qualify for the Transcatheter procedure yet either. So when I read your story about all of your past health issues, I felt a connection with you.

I agree with what you said in another post too about how just because you had past surgeries it doesn't make it easier to have surgery now. I've had my share and it's always stressful. I totally agree.

Thanks for your response. Oh and what a cute little dog you have. I think I will post a picture of my little guy. - Karen Pineda

Lillian Mark  Karen, ((((hugs)))), I could have written much of your post. Last year I had more symptoms than this year. The stress tests said my severe regurgitation was ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Karen, ((((hugs)))), I could have written much of your post. Last year I had more symptoms than this year. The stress tests said my severe regurgitation was still being handled well by my heart.But we knew it would be close to the year I fit all the criteria (now).I spent several months recovering from colon cancer treatment/surgery.My symptoms went away. In my case my abdomen was so full of adhesions and mesh that I could barely eat and breathing was tough. I had a bowel obstruction last year and the year prior due to all that mess in my abdomen.
I would love to see a pic of your doggie☺
I appreciate your statement that was in agreement with my post of past procedures do not make it so much easier each time. I had a few breakdowns in public today....crying...panic so overwhelmed with "everything valve". Thanks for your post....well wishes to you💗

Lillian Mark  HI, I have been having trouble with the site, so sorry if I seem confused. I know they are updating it . I am feeling extremely frustrated and over whelmed. ... Read more

Lillian Mark  HI, I have been having trouble with the site, so sorry if I seem confused. I know they are updating it . I am feeling extremely frustrated and over whelmed. Insurance fights, several past complications, , normal stress. Physically my symptoms have been the same for quite a few years, I quit my daily workouts a couple weeks ago. That was very hard and I know it will be hard not feeling active enough. I have had many surgeries and I do know it takes time to get back once the Doctor gives clearance. Today I had my 3D TEE. I was okay . it was very long and I was not sedated despite their efforts. My cath went well over a week ago. I did bleed more than normal so they kept me ten hours. I was sorry to see you had vein issues with your cath. What was the damage fro myour precious cath all those years ago. I actually have several heart and valve issues that I live with, but the mitral is the one the main concern it leaks both ways as much as it can leak. Keep in touch as you can. <3

Lillian Mark  Thank you for caring.i feel the same.the cath ended up without any issues.i have the 3 D TEE Monday, I was wide awake last time and it felt like it went on ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Thank you for caring.i feel the same.the cath ended up without any issues.i have the 3 D TEE Monday, I was wide awake last time and it felt like it went on forever. ......tomorrow is dental clearance. Hugs back!!!!...i will come back and read and post when I am able to think clearer.

Lillian Mark  Lynn, it is amazing......the woman who gave each attempt at sedation, said she had PTSD and reminded the Dr that I have that issue. he He remembered and had ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Lynn, it is amazing......the woman who gave each attempt at sedation, said she had PTSD and reminded the Dr that I have that issue. he He remembered and had all ready given me the pre sedatives..... have been on high doses of Valium before though so I didn't think I would get sleepy. I never slept the entire day and got few hours the night before due to other stuff. The" other stuff", was our continuing saga of the local surgeon will not sign off on referral to have my surgery covered with my team of which has only been part of three years ago. He is do off the mark. He also will not sign off on the 3 D TEE. We are still doing everything. We do have a couple more hoops that if we go thru, may possibly get him to reverse His denial of benefits. It is a nightmare and also plays right into my trauma triggers and mental states. ......and those trust issues. Family plans to pool monies and assist in self pay by insured denial. It is too much stress now and I have stepped back more from the process and my husband will be my advocate and given authority to do so.He has been busy things up loose ends to be able to miss. Self employed and less income for a while. I am sick over the insurance battles. Plus December 1 our benefits change, may stay the same , but with deductible.
Good to hear you are cutting yourself slack. I really hope that is helping. I T is , middle of the nighr. So, back to sleep. Hugs to you to for wellness and appreciation. Nighty night ?

Lillian Mark  Perfectly clean and open....real good shape.i did have to stay 5 hours longer than planned due to clotting issues. I stayed 10 hours total.I have been home ... Read more

Lillian Mark  Perfectly clean and open....real good shape.i did have to stay 5 hours longer than planned due to clotting issues. I stayed 10 hours total.I have been home one hour and so far so good regarding bleeding. The doctor gave me four sedation cocktails throughout the procedure .......I was wide awake throughout. He also reminded me that the local surgeon will deny approval for insurance coverage. We are still sticking with our team at the UWM THANKS for asking how it went! I hope your day went well.