Lisa's Guestbook

Hi Lisa, I had a mitral valve replacement at Vanderbilt in 2009. Dr. Petracek was not my surgeon (Dr. John Byrne has now moved to Boston), but I have heard many wonderful things about Dr. Petracek. The care you will receive at Vanderbilt will be second to none, and the care your family and friends will receive will also be second to none! Your journey will not be a picnic, but when you come out the other side, you will have a completely new view of life. Best wishes, Don Hull Decatur, Alabama

Hi Lisa.. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you face your surgery. You will do very well. Keep the faith and take comfort in knowing that you are being g treated at one of the top heart centers in the world at Vanderbilt. They will take great care of you. I am 55 years old and had open heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic on April 30th this year. I was born with a deformed aortic valve that eventually resulted in the growth of an aneurysm just above the valve. My coronary arteries were displaced at birth as well and had to be reattached in the normal places. It as a major surgery, but I went into it with a positive mind and faith in God that he would see me through it. I recovered pretty quickly once I got home from the hospital. You will want to make sure not to lift any more than 10 lbs. I was placed on a couple of meds to keep my heart in sinus rhythm and to prevent blood clots. Once I hit the 3 month post-op period, I was feeling pretty strong. I knew I'd have to return to CC for my followup and to see an Electrophysiologist. I had an arrythmia preop that this EP wanted to ablate. She has since put me on meds instead. I wish you all the best. You will be fine, Lisa. Remain positive and try to do a little more each day as your body allows you to. Let your family and friends help you. Just know you are not alone in this challenge. God bless you! ! Let me know how you are doing.....

I had my valve and bypass surgery 1 1/2 years ago. I don't think I was ever Moore scared than the hours before the surgery. Each day after the surgery I could feel myself getting stronger. With the support of my friends, family, and doctors, I can lead a normal life. My son also had a similar surgery near the same time. Among other activities, he is a competitive snowboarder, and he too is enjoying life again. I am praying for you and have faith that you will be feeling better in a short time. By the way, be as scared as you need to be. It helps you to be strong and ready for your experience. I think my journal is still on this site.

Lisa, Thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare for surgery tomorrow. May God bless you, your surgeon and medical team throughout your procedure and as you recover. I agree, you've got this! Keep us apprised of your post op status. Joan

I know you are busy getting things ready for your surgery, just wanted to let you know that a lot of prayers will be going up for you on Tuesday. My best advice- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowedge Him and He shall direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6 Hope you will let us know how things go for you. We are all cheering you on!

Hi Lisa Wishing you the best with surgery and recovery, fortunately you have a loving mate by your side, I'm certain you will manage very well. One must be very patient and not overdo physical activities, plan ahead as much as you can for post surgery, no lifting over 5 lbs., no lifting arms above head, etc., God Bless you with a safe recovery Geri

Lisa, your wait is almost over. Think positive thoughts ( yes, I know that's not always easy, but it does help). Slow, deep calming breaths also help both before and after surgery. Good luck, you'll do fine.

Hey Lisa, Almost a year since surgery and I rarely think about it. I think you have made some good decisions not postponing the surgery after the heart cath. You are going to feel great in a few short weeks, take it slow after surgery, baby steps and all..... Take Care and keep us posted.

You will be so glad you found this site- it is an amazing source of information and support. Adam's book is also great! Going back and reading others journals with the same diagnosis is very helpful. As someone mentioned we are all different in how we view things and how our body responds, but it is still good to have an overview of all that is involved. God bless you with peace. I will be praying for you.

Very sorry to hear that about you!! Also a mess about your trip but there will be more and you will then be feeling good!! Much better than getting stuck far from home with an emergency. Lisa I am 8 weeks out from. Mitral valve repair and I feel pretty good. Not driving yet and limited with house stuff as my chest still hurts. So get your game on and line up your "recovery team". It really will help. I will pray for you and keep your surgery date in my phone so I remember to pray extra that day!! You are gonna do great!! Best. Erin