Lilly's Heart Valve Journal

Carmel Power posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly. I hope you have found the basis of your migraines and have achieved some relief. All the best. C

Elaine Foster posted a note for Lilly that says: Hello Lilly, I am sorry it's been so long since I have corresponded with you. Our heart anniversary came and went, and I really forgot about it! I was in Florida with my old grandson and his family. He has a 4yr old boy and 3 yr old girl. I was kept busy to say the least! I am well, unfortunately, I have put on about 15 lbs since my surgery, and that seems to be slowing me down a little. Other than that things are going great. My daughter and I have made a pact to start a diet the day after Christmas. I will see her in 5 weeks, so we both plan to lose 10 lbs by then! She lives in FL also, and I am in IN.
I am sorry to hear you have had such a struggle, I hope things are improving for you. I haven't forgotten you, and I send you Christmas blessings. Elaine

Peter willard posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly Arnold S. had the Ross operation which is not a bovine valve and last a long time also Adam Pick had the same operation.

Maria Williams posted a note for Lilly that says: Thanks for sharing. I can relate to so much of what you described. I think we met at Patient Day in Feb., 2016.

Chrissie posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly! I too celebrated my 3rd year anniversary in May . Then June brought me pain in my face neuralgia, headaches and then double vision .
Finally diagnosed with an inflammatory illness in the orbit of my eye. It’s been difficult for sure and now I’m about to start radiation therapy combined with steroids. It’s really hard but I have to deal with it . I found help in meditation and good nutrition. Keep fighting and take care .

Tina Williams posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly- I will never hear "Rise up" without thoughts of this journey again:). I am hoping to be discharged tommorrow - and looking so forward to it. I know I have made progress but hope it comes full circle once home....

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Lilly that says: Hello Lilly! I wanted to say thanks for the congrats. on my 3 yr. Anniversary!
I also want to tell you that I hope your finger is healing well! It makes you feel
"off" when those types of accidents happen, doesn't it! Like...who would think?!!
I did something similar when I was opening up an old MJB coffee can and reached
to pull the lid off and sliced the side of my left hand and left pinky! Ouch! I had stitches as this was in the olden days(Ha,Ha) where they couldn't glue it back together.
Very inconvenient when the fingers impede daily work, isn't it?! I am glad to know you are doing well and still giving your inspirational input here at the community where your many words and thoughts have been touching many lives for some time. I applaud your 3yr. mark as well and wish you many more heart beats!!! Take care Lady..Terrie Syvertsen

Judy Stokes posted a note for Lilly that says: After receiving new cow bell , my name is Princess Moo Moo. Lol

Pino Correale posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly, thank you so much for your down to earth and very honest update !!! It's really refreshing and reassuring the way you describe your recovery and your symptoms. Well i really think i had them all as well, but definitely on the way to recovery. I am almost six mont's post/op OHS/AVR and walked 8 km. this morning. I am also doing my first 5km. walk/run post/surgery on June 5th for the ""HEART&STROKE"". So i cannot complain when i think that six month's ago i was lying on the operating table and put on heart/lung machine. Continue to do well and all the very best to you.
CHEERS.......

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly and thank you for your kind and supportive words. They mean very much and I know what you mean as far as being humbled and grateful. Please keep on ticking!!

;))

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly and thank you for your kind and supportive words. They mean very much and I know what you mean as far as being humbled and grateful. Please keep on ticking!!

;))

LaDonna Mangile posted a note for Lilly that says: How are you doing now. Read some of your posts and really found them inspirational!

Linda Whitney posted a note for Lilly that says: You are a real Trooper, Lilly. I'm positive your story has inspired many to forge forward no matter how daunting the outlook. Thank you.

Petrer Willard posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly I just came across your journal and at 67 in Feb.2010 I also had a bovine valve put in and at 72 I work out 6 days a week.I know it is a tough call mech. or tissue and I'm you did what was right for you.
Good Luck

Lynne Jeffreys posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly,
I did see my family doctor and showed him the bruising which has gone now. He said sometimes they the arteries may take time to heal. i thought the doctor that did it was a bit rough in doing it and that's probably why I still have issues. The scar is very prominent and had to heal from the inside out which could be some of the problem too. Good luck with the nurse and surgeon Friday.

Jim Hernandez posted a note for Lilly that says: Thinking of you today and wishing you well thru out you recovery! ❤️

Wilmer D. Brown@facebook posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly, I'm a 73 year old. Had a mechanical St, Jude Aorta Valve done 2 June 2008 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore MD. Stayed at my Daughters house for 4 days before making the 170 mile trip to Gloucester VA. Been doing good ever since. I won't lie to you, it does hurt a male also, maybe not as much, but it still hurt. Best thing to do at home is sleep in a recliner for a few days, pain pills and prayer worked for me. Praying for your speedy recovery.

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly, If all is going as scheduled, it won't be long before you and those you love most in your life will be walking beside you on the beach as part of your recovery process. You have the hearts and prayers of this community with you on this day and while you are recovering. Peace continue to be with you.

Nancy D posted a note for Lilly that says: Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for your surgery. Your team will do what they do best and soon you will be doing your best to enhance your recovery, breathing deeply, walking and resting. Take good care!!!

Joan Napier posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly, Positive thoughts and prayers are with you as you undergo HVS tomorrow 12/9. May God watch over you, your surgeon and your medical team throughout your procedure. Continue with your feeling of peace, as you are in excellent hands, God is with you, and so many of us are praying for you. Looking forward to hearing your positive news! Joan

Remember how many of us are praying and thinking of you. The first day or two are the hardest, but you can do it, because all of us ahead of you did it, you are no different. Talk to you soon!

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly, I'm sure you're having a great day with your family. I just want you to know I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and saying a prayer too! I know you will do great and I'm looking forward to hearing from you when you're able! Love, Tammy

Sophie Marsh posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly,
Prayers coming your way for your surgery tomorrow. I am so happy you are in a peaceful place...and such bravery as you've been through this before. I haven't been on in a long time, my mitral and tricuspid repairs were almost 2 years ago! Keeping you in my prayers!

Joseph Ballett posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly you will be in our hearts tomorrow, take comfort in the fact you will be in the excellent hands of your surgeon, put your faith in them as we all have on this site, There have been so many joyful stories on here and yours will be one of them!

Ben Schraegle posted a note for Lilly that says: Dear Lily,
I just wanted to let you know that you are in our prayers (my wife Shelley and I) - It sounds like you have a great attitude and I could definitely take some pointers from you. Best to you and prayers for a steady surgeon's hand and rapid healing.
Ben

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Lilly that says: Lilly, It is really great that the attitude you carry into surgery is seemingly so peaceful and filled with confidence as it should be. It is equally important knowing you have your Son Mike and his Wife waiting for you to head home for your recovery which will be even more important in beginning your path on recovering!
It also seems like you have every confidence in your surgeon, his team and with all of your information that has led you to where you are today this will be an amazing time of "mending" and growth for you both mentally and physically. I hope when you are "wheeled" into surgery you have the most wonderful and upbeat thoughts of what a miracle will be taking place within you. It sounds like you are one Lady with a big heart---Now it will be even healthier and fuller as will your continued life1
All the best to you and tell your son Mike that all will be well! We in your heart community(Family)will be up the road waiting for you to join us all again. Peace be with you and your "team" of specialists! (By the way I am headed for 66 in May and I will be in line with you by 80 for the new replacement procedure and like you"OUR" beauty will still take one's breath away!(chuckle).

Hi Lilly, thank you for your note. You look great at your age - never would have guessed 63. I wanted to ask you what you had done the first time you had OHS?

My surgeon said based on my repair and research, 96 percent at 20 years still do not need a repair, the remaining do, but mine would be via cardiac cath, not OHS again. So I just put it on the calendar....:) Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I will go every year for an ultrasound, so that will help.

I will seriously be thinking of you around surgery time. The great news is everyone always does so well. The night before surgery I could not fall asleep and my mother and I talked in the hotel room...she went to sleep and I never did. I was on this sight for a while as well..... I had to be there early. I actually was calm that morning, that was a surprise to me. For me, I just had to get mentally prepared for the car crash feeling when I woke up. And I did, and I know you will too.
Thanks for the brace info, that was interesting. Hang in there, and take it easy before surgery. Do not push yourself.

Lilly,

Thank you for taking the time to post a note to me. I appreciate you being honest with me, it is very helpful. Good to know the amt of grogginess helps and also good to know what your feelings are like (similar to mine right now, the anxiety, scared) and how you are able to say you made it through ok . I am so sorry you have to go through it again. I know the positive in all of this for all of us is that something CAN be done to enable us to continue living a great life. I saw the priest today with my girls and it was special - did the Anointing of the Sick sacrament (I am catholic) and I decided to do it because as strong as I am, with some recent events that I asked for (divorce) I felt like I had nothing left in me to fight, or be strong, for such a challenge. Your note was encouraging, as well as everyone's prayers...and I surprisingly am slowly finding strength that I did not know was possible. And I have to admit I can't believe I am doing this without a husband by my side....but clearly he would not have been any help to me, just stress. So I think I am lucky to be surrounded by the right people right now. I still want to run in the other direction, but I am sure when this is over, I will be glad I did not. I have to report 5:30 am Monday morning. I will use your visual technique, I like your example very much, and have already added a little to it. I will continue to do that all the way into surgery. Thank you for words - they were helpful. :)

I'm a repeat also !

Adam Pick posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly, Nice to meet you and welcome to our community! I just read your story and I'm sorry to see this is round #2 for you -- following your ascending aorta replacement in 2007. If you need anything, please let me know! Adam Pick (patient & website founder)

Shanna Farley-Judkins posted a note for Lilly that says: Hi Lilly,

I feel for you having to go through surgery again. My surgery is pending and I hope you all the best as you plan for yours.

Shanna