Lisa's Guestbook

Hi Lisa, Congratulations on being on the other side of surgery, I am a year now post mitral valve repair surgery. I read your request about Bras. It has been really hard to find anyone even talking about this, plus hard to find a bra that isn't too awfully uncomfortable. ( I had surgery from the side of my right breast between the ribs to my heart, perhaps you had that too?) I am still sensitive, although nothing like the first few months. There is a post surgical brassier that looks perhaps comfortable, but way too complicated for me. I am wearing a Leading Lady front closure bra called the Meryl, style # 110. You can order them on line form a lot of sources, they're very inexpensive, and cotton. This bra is not the best support, but it is easy to wear, and separates the gals to some extent. It can be modified with darts and such if you so wish... I have worn armored tank wired brassiere since high school, this is actually quite a relief to wear a soft bra.. I bought a size larger around so there wouldn't be a lot of pressure, and sometimes I would fold a cotton handkerchief to block the elastic band from pressing so directly. Sometimes I wore it over a tank top so it didn't have as much pressure.. After I felt better I started working on designing a comfortable bra, but then covid came along and life became more complicated. Hope this info helps, sorry for chattering on. Liza

Lisa, how are you doing? 2 weeks to go "valve sister"! I have things ready for when I come home like an electric recliner someone gave me. Made 4 kinds of soup and put in the freezer. Was told I may loose taste. Oh well. Maybe I won't. Be glad when this is behind me. Right?

Hi Lisa, You will ace this on Oct 27th. I also had a bicuspid aorta and had surgery Aug 11, 2015. Like you I didn’t want to wait to get really sick. I think it is much easier on recovery doing it before you’re in an emergency. So kept your head up despite your nerves etc. and before you know it this will be on the other side with a whole new life ahead of you!

Lisa, I had an aortic valve replaced 2013 at the age of 72 and was obese with type 2 diabetes. It was a quick decision to get the surgery cause the surgon said I had a year to live maybe with out the surgery. Anyway I advise not to wait. Get it while you are in relatively good health. If I survived with my problems you should do very well with a quick recovery.

Hi Lisa, I was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. I became symptomatic slowly, so I did not realize how sick I was until after I had the valve replaced and felt better. I had been adapting to my diminished capacity for any type of exercise. My only regret is that I did not have the valve replaced sooner. My St. Jude's valve was implanted nearly 26 years ago. I was 42 years old. Today, I am still healthy. I still work at a demanding job and I enjoy life. Every day since my surgery has been a bonus day. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. You will be amazed at how well you feel within weeks of getting your new valve.

Hi Lisa, I am two years post surgery. Had the same diagnosis as you do. I feel great and the recovery was easier than I expected. Be strong and you will get through it. I was back on my bicycle 6 weeks after surgery and have been riding strong ever since. Yo will be back out there running before you know it. Medical teams know exactly what they are doing! You will be in good hands.