Lindsay's Guestbook

Lindsay, My thoughts and prayers are with you now and on Monday!!! Great job finding Dr. Gerdisch. He is one of the most dedicated heart valve surgeons that I know. Many patients from our community have had extraordinary results with Dr. Gerdisch and his team.. Please keep us updated when you are on the other side. Keep on tickin! Adam https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Marc-Gerdisch-Indianapolis-Indiana.php

Just had to let you know you are in great hands. Literally!!!! Dr. Gerdisch and crew are super. I had my second aortic valve replacement in 15 months done 21 August 2019. Cutting to the chase, I took no pain pills, was able to sit up and have breakfast the next day and within 1 month I did the 5k AHA at IUPUI on 21 Sept 2019. I am now 14 weeks past surgery and am 7 miles 4 days a week on a treadmill. Mine was also Severe Aortic Stenosis. Difference this time was his experience and with Blu chest plates he put in instead of wires. Cindy was wonderful and able to handle any questions herself. Do what they say and you will be fine. The worst part is the waiting and worrying. The way I looked at it , is that ours is treatable unlike some of the other people that will be there that day. Say a prayer for them and I'll say a prayer for you. Best wishes

Hey, beautiful! I'm not on FB often, but just happened to see your post referring us to your journal, so I am now following & think I'm caught up. Was a little shocked but glad I saw your post when I did so I can follow and pray. Thank you so much for sharing and being real. I wish I was there in Indy right now to support you in person. I am definitely praying and lifting you up to the God who heals, who knows your every thought, who created you and knows every fiber of your being. The One who never leaves your side. Here is a big hug and kiss to you. Please reach out if you need anything, I am here for you. Thank you for always being there for me. You are precious. 💙

Hi Lindsay, Some points in your post triggered feelings, reminders and memories from my own journey. I also was diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis and managed 12 years of regular follow up before I heard the magic words, “my dear, it’s time for your surgery.” I was on an emotional roller coaster...strong one minute and then filled with fear the next...then feeling guilty because I should have had a stronger faith...then strong again and over and over....the waiting is certainly hard. You are right that your path has this challenge for a reason...I did not know mine until afterwards....I volunteer with Mended Hearts and see patients in the hospital either before or after surgery...I have one thing to offer...hope. People look up from the hospital bed and ask, YOU had open heart surgery????”. When I tell them yes, they have hope that life continues after OHS. Now, I know exactly why this was my path. You will find a changed Lindsay after your surgery and once you get through the healing, you will have a clearer picture of why this event was necessary. My outlook on life has changed. I work less, volunteer more and certainly love more deeply. My new heart valve brought me so much more than more energy, better breathing and a longer life....it brought me a more fulfilling life. I hope the same becomes true for you. Please reach out if I can help or you want to chat. Lea Houston, Texas

Hi Lindsay; I just read your story and the beginning sounds much like mine. I was 55 when I was diagnosed and never knew that I had a murmur until I went for a colonoscopy in 2016. Didn't think much of it and never followed up because I thought "lots of people have murmurs" so what...Then in 2017 I was having breathing difficulties (which turned out to be back related) but I went to see a cardiologist and once he heard that murmur he scheduled me for an echo in March of 2017. His suspicions confirmed I had a bicuspid valve and never knew it. Now you would THINK that out of all the drs I've visited in all my years on this earth ONE of them would have heard it and said something..ESPECIALLY my pediatrician! At 1st the cardiologist said I'd need it replaced in 2-3 years..then 3 mos later he loked at the same echo results again and said...hmmmm..you may want to get this done sooner rather than later. Needless to say it was quite a shock since I figured I had a few years before really starting to worry about the surgery. Fast forward 12/12/17 I was getting it replaced. PS: I had no symptoms at all even though it was categorized as "severe" stenosis.

Hi Lindsay I knew for five years I had a bicuspid aortic valve. I had surgery three weeks ago today at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach California. I also had my ascending aorta replaced because I had an aneurysm. By far the worst part of the whole process was the waiting. The surgeons do this every day and it is very routine for them. My only complication was transient atrial fibrillation which resolved after 45 minutes on day 3. The only thing I took for pain out of the hospital with Tylenol. I did become anemic so I am taking some vitamins and iron. Tomorrow I begin my cardiac rehab. I had the Edwards Inspiris Resilia valve which should last 20 years. I do some meditation from Headspace. This helped me before and after surgery. I’m sure you’ll do well.

The waiting room is the hardest place to be-I waited over a month as well. I had many of the emotions you described. Denial, anger,greif,sadness and finally acceptance. I had some violent bad dreams like the surgeon sewed the heart pillow to my body and in one he fixed my valve but cut off both of my hands. The anxiety was eating me alive! The more you know the better prepared you will be. I got good advice from someone on here to spend the energy you would normally spend worrying getting ready for your return home and making your recovery plans. That was good advice. I am 2 weeks post op now and it was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay easier than my mind had played it out to be. Blessings to you.

Hi Lindsay, Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! I loved reading all of your posts! Great job finding Dr. Gerdisch. He is downright fantastic and has helped many patients from our community. You are in great hands!!! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Marc-Gerdisch-Indianapolis-Indiana.php