Guestbook of Lilly Black

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Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

142 days ago

Rita Savelis, Rose Madura, Kimberly Eisenhut and 1 other reacted to this

Elaine Foster posted a note for Lilly that says:

Dear heart sister,

Celebrating our 10 year aortic valve surgery! Thinking of you and hope you are doing well. Hard to believe 10 years has ...Read more

Dear heart sister,

Celebrating our 10 year aortic valve surgery! Thinking of you and hope you are doing well. Hard to believe 10 years has went by! I have not had any issues, that I know of ! 10 years older and a little less energy! lol...Thinking of our other heart warriors, John, Terrie, and others that we shared our fears and hopes with and encouraged each other. And again a big Thank you to Adam for starting this site and bringing so much needed information to all. Blessings to you!

Lilly Black Elaine, heart sister! thanks so much for your note! I feel exactly the same! I'm so grateful. I am s... Read more

Lilly Black Elaine, heart sister! thanks so much for your note! I feel exactly the same! I'm so grateful. I am so happy for you! Happy 10th anniversary and may you have many more

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

227 days ago

Mirza Baig posted a note for Lilly that says:

I read your story. You are one courageous lady

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

508 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Lilly that says:

Hi Lilly ,
Congratulations on your nine year anniversary !!!

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

740 days ago

Klara Čičić reacted to this

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Lilly that says:

Hi Lilly! Of course I remember you! Your constant support and comments with all the others here was what helped me through th first surgery and I do hope you ...Read more

Hi Lilly! Of course I remember you! Your constant support and comments with all the others here was what helped me through th first surgery and I do hope you are doing great as I write this! I will keep in touch as things progress.this week towards surgery.

Lilly Black Terrie, so good to hear back from you! Yes please keep in touch as things progress.

I am doing real... Read more

Lilly Black Terrie, so good to hear back from you! Yes please keep in touch as things progress.

I am doing really well and so grateful that I'm doing well! In hind sight, for at least 10 years it was a roller coaster ride mixed with fear and anxiety. I healed and recovered, was much more active and managed my panic attacks. Then Covid hit! another 3 years of fear and ambivalence. Now I'm in a better place... I know how to keep safe and am enjoying life more. No heart problems and my bovine valve is doing great!

I wish you great success with the surgery! definitely looking forward to receiving your updates as things progress on your end. I will be on the look out for them....Good luck, Terrie!

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

873 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Lilly that says:

Hi Lilly ,
Congratulations on your eight year anniversary !

Lilly Black Thank you so much, Ruth!!

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

1978 days ago

Christine Pittelli posted a note for Lilly that says:

How are you doing? Did they find an AAA? You were going for the test in May. Thanks for sharing your symptoms.

Lilly Black Hi Christine. How are YOU doing? so nice to hear from you! I feel like so much has happened, but AAA ... Read more

Lilly Black Hi Christine. How are YOU doing? so nice to hear from you! I feel like so much has happened, but AAA was not recent problem. My AAA was found back in 2007. You can read my journal to get the most current information. I'm doing well thanks for asking! However Tinnitus is still a problem and sometimes PVCs. I have not followed up on my brain tumor diagnosis since the neuro surgeon didn't seem concerned. I've spent so much money on MRIs, and tests...I'm done! I guess there will always be something going on at this point. I am 68 years old! In general, I'm feeling fine and will continue working hard to maintain my health. Please let me know how you are doing!!

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

2623 days ago

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

Lilly Black Not yet Carmel. But I am working on it. I will not be defeated! In a way it’s worse than the 2 hear ... Read more

Lilly Black Not yet Carmel. But I am working on it. I will not be defeated! In a way it’s worse than the 2 heart surgeries I had because it seems there is no hope. My heart surgeon wants to help me find the cause and that in itself is reassuring. He recommended an MRI, which he will order and review. Thank you for checking in! I will absolutely keep you/everyone posted because we can learn from it. I hope that no one else has to deal with this .... it can drive you crazy! 🤪

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

2688 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Lilly Black Hi, Elaine. Great to hear from you, and I'm happy that you are doing so well! Even though I had some ... Read more

Lilly Black Hi, Elaine. Great to hear from you, and I'm happy that you are doing so well! Even though I had some struggles, I can honestly say I still have nothing to complain about. I have had no complications with my heart! I am so grateful! I too need to lose weight and I do intend to start a diet in 2018. It sounds like you are having fun with your family and that is so important. No need to apologize about corresponding at all. Great to hear from you! have a wonderful holiday season! All the best to you and your family. May 2018 bring you some peace and great health! take care.....

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

2695 days ago

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.

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

2695 days ago

1 person reacted to this

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.

Lilly Black Maria, thanks for your note. We met in 2016 at Edwards Sciences patient day? Where were you sitting? ... Read more

Lilly Black Maria, thanks for your note. We met in 2016 at Edwards Sciences patient day? Where were you sitting? and how did we meet? :)

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

2696 days ago

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 ...Read more

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 .

Lilly Black Chrissie, I hope this message will get to you, because I cannot find your profile. Thank you for sha ... Read more

Lilly Black Chrissie, I hope this message will get to you, because I cannot find your profile. Thank you for sharing that you also celebrated 3rd year anniversary! congratulations! But....inflammatory illness in the orbit of your eye? My goodness. I can't even imagine how painful that might be! Sorry to hear. Meditation and good nutrition definitely will not hurt. You too, I will keep fighting....there is no alternative. One day at a time.....thank you for reaching out to me. All the best....take care.

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

2769 days ago

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 ...Read more

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....

Lilly Black Tina, I hear you! I cried when I heard it cause I felt it! I felt myself rising up and it gave me th ... Read more

Lilly Black Tina, I hear you! I cried when I heard it cause I felt it! I felt myself rising up and it gave me the strength and courage to survive! Your progress will continue at home! One day at a time....I wish you a great recovery! Keep walking and using the spirometer....be patient, you can do this!

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

2810 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Lilly Black Terrie, that is so nice of you to write me a guestbook post! thank you! it will be 3 yrs for me at t ... Read more

Lilly Black Terrie, that is so nice of you to write me a guestbook post! thank you! it will be 3 yrs for me at the end of this year....so not quite there yet! My finger, after 3 weeks, has healed up quite well. Thank you for asking! I was extremely afraid of infection, but I did all the right things! 1. soaked it, 2. took antibiotics, 3. kept the dressing clean. No problems what so ever. I'm glad to hear that you are doing well too! We are blessed and so lucky! "And the beat goes on"....is the song I am reminded of. I hope I will continue to see you on the site. I enjoy reading your warm and inspirational messages that is so helpful to us all! I hope you will take the time to celebrate the 3 yrs doing something you love to do! take care and continue to be well.....Peace!

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

2837 days ago

Judy Stokes posted a note for Lilly that says:

After receiving new cow bell , my name is Princess Moo Moo. Lol

Judy Stokes Cow valve. Sorry. Valve looks just like a crown. Check it out

Lilly Black Judy, that's funny! with your new name, Princess Moo Moo, no wonder you said cow bell :) By the way, ... Read more

Lilly Black Judy, that's funny! with your new name, Princess Moo Moo, no wonder you said cow bell :) By the way, if you look through my journal, you will see a picture of my bovine valve. I met the 2 ladies at Edwards Lifesciences who have assembled my valve. It was quite an experience!

Peggy Whitecotton I call my new valve Bessie the cow

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3278 days ago

Tina Williams reacted to this

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 ...Read more

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.......

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3525 days ago

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 ...Read more

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!! ;))

Lilly Black I do intend to. It's difficult at times but it helps to keep things in perspective. Take care of your ... Read more

Lilly Black I do intend to. It's difficult at times but it helps to keep things in perspective. Take care of yourself :o)

Terry Shermeister Yes, you take care too. It's good to here that you are well.

Lilly Black

3525 days ago

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 ...Read more

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!! ;))

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3701 days ago

LaDonna Mangile posted a note for Lilly that says:

How are you doing now. Read some of your posts and really found them inspirational!

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3704 days ago

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.

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3732 days ago

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. ...Read more

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

Lilly Black Peter, it wasn't tough for me. I knew I didn't want a mechanical valve. I was thankful that at my age ... Read more

Lilly Black Peter, it wasn't tough for me. I knew I didn't want a mechanical valve. I was thankful that at my age that I was able to meet the criteria for electing a Bovine valve. Thank you! good luck to you too!

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3787 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Lilly Black Thanks, Lynn. Does it impact your ability to walk? it does for me. From being a fairly fit person, s ... Read more

Lilly Black Thanks, Lynn. Does it impact your ability to walk? it does for me. From being a fairly fit person, slowed down by the valve, my legs were always strong and I was pretty quick on my feet. Now I feel like an old woman who has problems walking.....I won't stop, but my right leg hurts around the hip area and the groin area. :( my husband keeps reminding me I haven't even been out of the hospital long enough to even make a dent in my recovery. He's right....I need to give my body the time it needs to heal. :o)

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3796 days ago

Jim Hernandez posted a note for Lilly that says:

Thinking of you today and wishing you well thru out you recovery! ❤️

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3796 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3796 days ago

Linda Crawford reacted to this

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 ...Read more

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.

Lilly Blackgot a new guestbook post

3797 days ago

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, ...Read more

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!!!