Linda's Heart Valve Journal

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Linda that says: Hello Linda- Hoping you are doing well and taking it a little at a time. Just know we are out here thinking of you and hoping you are getting along well with the beginning of your healing process. Take care heart sister.

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Linda that says: Hello Linda- Hope that you are on a smooth path to recovery. Haven't read other than "It went well". Hope to see a posting from you with an update when you are up to it unless I missed it somewhere out in the "News". Just know you are being thought of! Be well.

Cheryl Batzing posted a note for Linda that says: Linda, will be praying for you tomorrow--for a successful surgery and swift recovery!

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Linda that says: Good morning Linda. Terrie here from Calif. I forgot to mention on the earlier post that since I live in Manteca, Calif. if you ever want to come a bit south after you are into your recovery phase you are welcome to come on down and have a visit with me and I will be happy to share "greystone Park" here across the street from me with you and we can swap "new beginning" stories! Are you still on for tomorrow as I didn't see you posted on the "Lineup!". If so I want you to know that prayers are with you for a smooth and successful outcome and that we will hear you have entered the path of recovery part of your journey soon! Take care and be confident! I will look forward to reading a post in the near future from you. Sending a "Big" hug out to both you and Sandy Wratten pre-surgery!

Sandy Wratten posted a note for Linda that says: Hi Linda,
Thanks for your post........we are going to be "heart sisters"!!! When you get home from the hospital, have you got a recliner or your bed to sleep in? I'm concerned about comfort......and (lack of) pain!!! Where is your surgery taking place? I hope and pray that our surgerys go well for each other.......

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Linda that says: Hello Linda- Appreciated the post to me today as it took me immediately out of the "mood" I had been in so thank you so much! You also cracked me up at the mention of my colorful hospital P.J's as they did bring a measure of humor to every trip up and down the halls and a bunch of laughter from my neighbors when I got home as the weather was in the 70's at the time and I needed something colorful to
walk the neighborhood and so walk I did. (I might add that the bottoms came with a solid matching button down top which gave room for a soft cover over the incision which was a great help while walking and comfortable. I must add that the bottoms also had matching underwear(I know too much information!) of which I also did not share until a recent stint at the ER where I let them know it isn't often I share my "lobster" print p.J's and underwear to which the male nurse said it could have been worse.....they could have been printed with "crabs"............
Main thing to remember is that you will find these long(to the knees pajama's with elastic make maneuvering in and out of bed easy when coupled with the standard hospital gown and at the first days after surgery no one is concentrating on if you match but that you are comfortable getting to and from the restroom, up to sit in a chair, eat or take your walks(which is a great feeling as you smile at every person you pass and your heart is lighter because you are through the worst part and getting ready to start that journey on recovery with so many of us!
Linda, you made a comment about how you tend to "compete with yourself which I think was one of my issues recently of wanting to move faster and accomplish more than I was really able to do. I do know it will get better and that I have to be patient with my mind and body at the same time! If there is anything I can do to help you make your waiting time easier or questions you have, please feel free to email me at home at(tsyvertsen1@sbcglobal.net) as sometimes you may want to ask more private questions. Also, if your husband wants to ask questions of my husband that may make him feel more ready for this "adventure" his name is Gary and he would be happy to discuss things with either of you too regarding hospital or recovery . Take care- Terrie

Bill Bard posted a note for Linda that says: Linda, thanks for the information about therapy for my latest "condition". I have an an appointment with a group called Hand Therapy Specialists here in Portland who are said to do wonders for people with this problem both pre and post op. I also am putting together a short list of specialists in the surgery recommended by the first doctor (who is retiring this week) and will get a second opinion and decide next steps early next year. And welcome to this fantastic site and the great community of people sharing the journey with you.

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Linda that says: Hello Linda. Welcome to the community. We are waiting to read about your story or for you to post in your journal so we can be supportive and help a heart Sister in her (you're)journey if we can be of assistance! I am Terrie, live in Calif. and out of surgery 6 wks. Looking forward to reading your post! Take care. Terrie