Lynn's Heart Valve Journal

Philippa Morrison posted a note for Lynn that says: I cannot believe it is FIVE years since your surgery Lynn!
How time flies--or tempis fugit as the old saying goes.
I am so pleased that you have done so well post AVR and it is truly incredible what 'they' can do these days.
Loved the photo of you and Chloe with the Golden gate bridge in the background.
I do hope you are managing to enjoy life in Houston, although no doubt it must've been hard to leave San Francisco, as I have heard many wonderful things about that part of the States.I don't know it myself and am determined to visit one day as I would really like to do a bit of a road trip and explore Yosemite and all the beautiful areas along the West coast.I know a good bit of the East, and I have visited Houston before but one day will return and hope to visit you 'across the pond'!
I am going to give up my Lung Care Nurse Specialist job by Christmas as I need more time for holidays! So after we visit Emily on the Gold Coast in Australia next year we need to plan to come and see you guys.
Hope all the family are well and happy ( including little Poochie) and do keep in touch my friend.
You are a very special lady.
You have a way of writing that touches.
Like the light---in The Lion King!
Love n hugs for now

Philippa
Your English friend from KL days and 'Across the pond' xxoo

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Houston, Tx, Lynn! Now that is a big move. I hope all is well with you and your family! It seems so hard to believe it has been 5 years for the HVS Class of 2013. So many memories. Sorry I can not help with referral for you but I can see the community is weighing in with great names. All the best!

Ann Jackson posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi Lynn!! Welcome to Texas!! Dr Stephen Little is an excellent cardiologist at Houston Methodist. He also has a really great team of doctors. Highly recommend him, as I go to him once a year for a checkup as well as my doctors in Dallas.
I live south of Dallas in Corsicana so not too far away.
Best of luck on your tests.
Ann Jackson.

Ann Jackson posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi Lynn!! Welcome to Texas!! Dr Stephen Little is an excellent cardiologist at Houston Methodist. He also has a really great team of doctors. Highly recommend him, as I go to him once a year for a checkup as well as my doctors in Dallas.
I live south of Dallas in Corsicana so not too far away.
Best of luck on your tests.
Ann Jackson.

Jimmy posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi, Ty 😀Congratulations on the 5 year heart valve anniversary! We are so grateful that you are doing so well. 💪♥️😀Love to you, Steve, Erin, Matt/Bruna, and Chloe♥️ Love, Jimmy and Bob

Jim Ennis posted a note for Lynn that says: Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary, Ty :) We are very grateful that your recovery has continued to go so well.
Sorry for being so down on the phone. I'm better.
Love and Cheers,
Jimmy and Bob :)

Ernie Keen posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn!!!

Congrats on your anniversary! Glad to hear you are doing well. I'm feeling good, too. I have a cardiologist appointment on Tuesday. I haven't seen him in about a year and half, so we'll see what he has to say about how I'm doing. My 2 year rebirthday was in September. Your scar looks better than mine. It still itches now and again, so maybe it's still healing. :)

Take care, and continued good health.

-----Ernie

Emily Rowley posted a note for Lynn that says:
Hello Lynn,
Congratulations on your two year Post-Op Anniversary! 😤
What Valve Replacement did you have I.e animal or mechanical?
Cheers, Em.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,

How are you, I hope all is well with you and the fam.
Had my two year anniversary this Friday so you just had yours as well.

Take Care,

Dan

Karin Baloian posted a note for Lynn that says: Hello Lynn: Your first anniversary is here and my third has now come. November 7 remains a landmark day. Cannot say enough about how appreciative I was for your notes and drawings. You have been so generous with your talents. As this date approached I looked forward to hearing from you again! Getting the good word from you was perhaps the best part of this special day. Cheers!

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Oh, Lynn, the happiest of 1st anniversaries! You did it and you did it so well. I just took a moment to view your pictures again and I love them! You captured everything so well. I am so happy that you are doing well and I hope for a wonderful second year for us both. Treasure each moment. I look forward to the opportunity to get together some time when all our schedules permit. Congratulations and enjoy!

Jim E. posted a note for Lynn that says: Good day, Ty ☺
I'm so happy and grateful to celebrate your wonderful recovery anniversary. You have come full circle, and we are sooo proud of you and all the Dees. Be well and congrats.
Love and Cheers,
Jimmy and Bob ☺

Terrie posted a note for Lynn that says: Hello again Lynn.
I am glad to hear of your success and that you were at Kaiser S.F. as I will be having mine done in Kaiser Santa Clara.
Haven't heard much of Kaiser in either location other than they both are supposed to have excellent Cardiac people.
I also heard from Ginger in the Land of Oz that She has been following you with your journey. She and I are going forward to surgery pretty close and are enjoying all the "graduations" that are taking place in our community. I appreciate the strength & positive energy that you seem to generate and the fact so many people have seemingly gone the distance and continue to support you is great to witness on site. I can't wait to be on the other side of this path life has chosen and will equally be happy to report I don't remember ICU, ha!!!?

Annette Corbett posted a note for Lynn that says: Love the art work.

Impressed by the jogging and hiking.

This is my crazy busy season at work. Aside from a few early morning swims and inside bike rides I am not doing enough. Missed my 6 month check up due to work. So July I am promising myself to refocus. In April I went to CABO and that was wonderful! It was an amazing time - OHS - sharing stories with my older club members has given both of us new connections.

Susan Smith posted a note for Lynn that says: Dearest Lynn, being only 2 months out from OHS, I can relate totally to your photos and comments. I am still foggy and really do not remember much about ICU. I had to ask my son how long was I in ICU. I do remember a nurse or someone telling me they could not take the tube out of mouth till I could life my head off the pillow and I immediately lifted my head off the pillow. No further rememberance of ICU. Jim gave a blow by blow description of the all the noise in ICU, but for me it does not exist. Now in step down room I remember the tubes in the belly coming out and other such things. The Alice in Wonderland picture of you falling down the hole that never seems to end, it spot on target. Every time I shut my eyes I felt like was in free fall. Thanks for sharing. Only a fellow graduate would really appreciate them.

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn:
Wonderful post from my "soulful" cardiac buddy. Great photos.

So, so glad you have progressed to this point. Love the photos. Indeed, it was quite a journey, wasn't it. Surreal at times, vivid and absorbing throughout and, for sure, one journey I want to graduate from just once!

I plan on posting an update next week at the 8th month mark. Hope Maui ended as well as it started and that Matt has healed. Hi to all and keep on living richly and fully, my good friend.

Ginger (in the Land of Oz) posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,
Love your artwork! RELAX BREATHE
and the OR is amazing. Your words now that it has been some time for you are encouraging. I go in to have a congenital Bicuspid Aortic Valve replaced on July 31. It seems much too soon! We just got the date last week, but my stenosis is at the critical stage, so I am thankful this can be done!

Again, thanks for your works and your encouraging words,

Sabine Grandke-Taft posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn - as your neighbor and just after setting up for our big garage sale tomorrow at 7 am and a nice glass of white with you I have tears in my eyes. I have witnessed so much of your life for your last year. by "accident" last week I saw your Dr. dates in my appointment book from a year ago. Your art brings It all back 3-dimensionaly from across the street. Visually experiencing your expressions of that time allows me to see an even deeper realm. I am grateful to have been a part of your journey and I am blessed to know you.

We'll have a beautiful time tomorrow.

good night
Sabine

Terrie posted a note for Lynn that says: Hello Lynn from San Francisco! This is Terrie from Manteca(across the Bay(born in Oakland, CA.)now living the other side of Tracy, ca. in Manteca.
Just read your latest post and enjoyed the contents, especially your 30 page graphic memoir. Found it played out as a visual movie of your experience.
I am on the assembly line headed for AVR on Aug. 20th. I was wondering where it was you had your surgery performed.
I appreciated the way you described the Community and it's help to you. I am happy to hear of all my fellow heart brothers and Heart sisters moving on proving there is indeed life after this long road to surgery!
Very happy that you continue to support the community with your posts.
You also gave me an idea to do block prints of this adventure as it progresses.
Thanks, something else to share with our heart community.
Have to run and let "Hunter" spaniel out to chase the cat! Take care Heart Sister and looking forward to reading more about your continued healing!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,
I love the pink recliner/pills painting and also the operating room painting. What a neat thing that you did. Glad to hear you are doing so well. It was so great that we had this site to communicate and give each other support. Like you ... at times I totally forget about the surgery but then I exercise too much, feel it in my chest and then remember what I had done. The best to you!

Glenys Claverie posted a note for Lynn that says: Loved having a peak into your picture journal. Yes, it's been a journey and I'm really happy to hear you so positive and back to enjoying everything. :) x

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Lynn that says: Really Nice Pics Lynn but I was hoping for a graphic representation or a photo from mama's at the end of them........

Nathan Higginbotham posted a note for Lynn that says: Thanks for the update. Glad you are doing well and enjoying life again.

Jim E. posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi,Ty :) We are so glad that your recovery has progressed so well. Please keep doing what you have been. Thank you for being so strong.
Love and Cheers,
Jimmy and Bob :)

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: Yay!! Glad to hear you are doing so well. Keep it up.

annette posted a note for Lynn that says: Thanks for checking in..always glad to hear a success story and get a boost.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Lynn that says: Congratulations on your Journey. We are fortunate to have had this site to vent on. Thank You for sharing with us. I have my six month in about a week, it is amazing how fast the time gos and how little you think about it when you are feeling good. Jim J. tells me that you are giving him a lot of competition with the fit bit and from the sound of your post I can understand why runninng five miles a day while drinking and partying, thats what I'm talking about.
I don't think I have to tell you but, ENJOY!

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Hey cardiac and Fitbit buddy:
I could nor be happier for you! You have done wonderfully. It was a pleasure being on this journey with you. The very best to you during these next 6 months as you head toward the Nov 7th anniversary. Please tell Steve that Paris and Venice still have hotel availability! Just a thought...

Gabi x posted a note for Lynn that says: My love and congratulations to you 'classmate' I am very proud of the way you have healed. I have a little ways to go - I am better than I was, but not as good as I wanna be! So I will keep on keepin' on! Loving thoughts to you and Steve with your new repaired heart full of love.

Cheryl Rowe posted a note for Lynn that says: Congrats on arriving at this momentous milestone! XO

Susan Smith, still waiting posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn, it all sounds wonderful, I know you had to go through much to get much. I'm wishing for my turn to come soon. March 7 is my next cardio visit,so maybe..... do keep in touch with all of us. I will be listening to see how you get reconnected and the safety issue. Very interesting.

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn
I am so proud of you. You nailed it! It is wonderful the the results are as advertised! Hard to believe the difference, isn't it.
I am also absolutely convinced that you will grasp in your unique way the elusive "the meaning, the change, the quest for safety" aspect of the surgery. I don't think this aspect is to be rushed. I do think that we do it individually in our own way.

You are doing wonderfully. That indeed is what we signed up for.

I will blog very soon with great things to report. Did you REALLY think I was sitting on my hands in MA??? Come on now! Best to you all.

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Lynn that says: Congratulations Lynn! I am so happy for you. Started reading your journal after your surgery. Reading your last note is so encouraging for me. My appt. with the valve clinic surgical team is next Wednesday, and I'll probably find out my surgery date at that time. You and Jim have helped ease my fears. Enjoy the rest of your life, and don't look back!

Bob posted a note for Lynn that says: Congratulations. Enjoy life!

Bob Weisberg MD

Lynda More posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi Lynn, thanks for sharing your experience. As you know I has OHS one week before you did, and have gone through much of the same. Today I walk my dogs with energy, cook, clean the house. And do everything as before only BETTER. I do have some existential angst that was tucked away. That is how to go from here and eliminate the trivia, make more meaningful connections, and not be afraid.
I look in the mirror at my prominent scar and do not attempt to cover it up. I haven't sorted everything out yet, but I am so great flu I have the time and health to do so. Making the moment count is my first priority.
Good luck to you and good health!
Lynda

Jim E. posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi, Ty :)
Congratulations on your 12-week milestone! I hope all the family are doing well.

I'm very grateful that you have healed as fast as you have. As you said, you are different now, but in many ways better than before.
Your journal has comforted many scared souls, and has given hope to countless others.
As Bob has taught me, the psychological wounds are always the most painful. Please keep doing what you're doing. Be well :)
Love and Cheers,
Jimmy and Bob :)

Lynda Moore posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi Lynn, maybe you are finished with your incredible blog, but I just found it today. I was at Kaiser Sf and had my stenotic aortic valve replaced about a week before you did. What an incredible journey it has been. I was released from the hospital on November 4th and will never forget that day.
I am now "almost" normal,but with great energy.. Thank you for the blog.

Peter Willard posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn what kind of valve did you get?I had a bovine valve for my aorta in Feb 2010 and I wonder how long do they last.This is the same valve Robin Williams had.

Higgy posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,

Happy New Year! I hope you have a healthy and prosperous 2014.

Debby Miner posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn-It has been nice to read how you are doing with your heart valve replacement. My husband is almost 64 and he is in the process of waiting to have the same surgery. I saw you had a tissue valve. What kind and how old are you? I didn't read all of your journal and you probably enclosed those details but I hope you will inform me.My e-mail is debbyminer@charter.net

Karin Baloian posted a note for Lynn that says: Hello Lynn: It was a great privilege to share November 7th with you. Two years after my surgery I appreciated things you articulated in your journals. For that I thank you. It made my 2nd anniversary more meaningful as I prayed for you. I am grateful to God for His answers and so glad we have "met"! Wishing you all the best.

Sandy W posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn, You certainly were a "model" patient! congrats to you and please keep posting. You are a real encouragement for those coming. Hope all is well out there on the west coast, here in Pa it is snowy and COLD. 14 degrees this morning.Florida is looking better all the time. I laughed at Ernies post to you.. a "pug" valve??? hope not. LOL

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Lynn that says: I'm so very happy for you, Lynn. Take care, and enjoy the rest of your life!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn!!! Congrats, you're doing great. Now go out and conquer. I'm at 19 pages in my journal and will probably quit posting at 20 after I do a summary for other valve patients about to go through surgery. I plan a 6 month and 1 year follow up, and hopefully you'll do that, too.

"Then plan on sleeping all day, snoring , eating whenever possible and farting a lot!" Hmm... sounds like they gave me a pug valve already.

Continued healing and good health.

Kevin Woodard posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn,
Awesome news! Go live your life to the fullest and watch every sunset you can. This community will always be hear for all of us but I agree you need to move on with your life. We are all so proud of your progress and your support. Onwards and upwards! Gods speed!

Gabi x posted a note for Lynn that says: How liberating no more Drs appts! It will be so good to look in your diary and see FUN things to do instead! Enjoy all those fun things Lynn, you so deserve it all and more, for what you have achieved to enhance your life. I have so looked forward to reading your posts and messages, and now must let you fly like the beautiful butterfly you are.

Susan Smith posted a note for Lynn that says: Lynn, each post you do brings new insight in, not only you, but myself. Thanks for sharing with us your experiences. Please have a very Merry Christmas and and Happy healthy New Year. God bless you and your family.

Jim Jones posted a note for Lynn that says: Ah, Lynn, you are graduating! Congratulations!

I am so glad that you are at this point. Well done. It has been my pleasure getting to know you and going thru this together. I'll miss you but I am delighted you are at this point and know you will do extremely well.

Now as they say "Go live your life!".
FYI, I will continue posting thru my rehab period to finish the story.

The best to you and your family and a very special holiday season!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Lynn that says: I think if my bovine valve fails, and I need a replacement, I may go with a pug valve.

Philippa Morrison posted a note for Lynn that says: Hi again Lynn,
So pleased to read that you are coming along so well.I do think those tears had to come...the way I describe it to my patients is...we are a bit like pressure cookers...we have feelings and emotions which well up inside us..they simmer away quite well for the most part while we deal with life's troubles and traumas,trials and tribulations.BUT, every now and again,we must let that valve go at the top of the cooker and let off steam....once the steam is released we can simmer away nicely again.
SO pleased you sound as if you are simmering away nicely!
I wish I were!! LOL
Anyway wishing you all the very,very best for a fabulous and very Happy Christmas.Much love to you and Steve,Erin,Matt and Chloe and all the best for 2014.
4 mile walks sound pretty good for anyone .......never mind someone who has just been through heart surgery so GO LYNN!
Take good care

Philippa xxoo