MARIE's Guestbook

Marie Thank you for your comments and Just curious as to what your low platelet count was. Did your doctors seem very concerned? The hematologist I am seeing now wants an ultrasound of my spleen and liver. This is freaking me out. My white and red blood cell counts are not elevated and in the normal range My liver functions are also in normal range. Wonder if he is being overly cautious??? Thanks again

I turned down an August surgery so I could get an October 2nd opinion in Cleveland. I logged on today to just mention it and I saw your surgery (same as mine) is today. Best of luck!

Hi Marie, Wanted you to know I was thinking of you and saying prayers for you. It was only 6 days ago, I was heading into surgery and now here I am at home recovering. Just like you will be. God is with you, my heart warrior. Take care and God Bless.

I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Can’t wait to hear from you, when it’s all over and you are in recovery mode. I am not on any pain meds as discomfort is minimal, but my stomach is causing issues due to other meds. They think it might be the iron pills. Making me quite nauseous. No appetite but I am walking around on floor. Feeling very grateful for recovery . God bless you and keep you in his healing hands and may his wisdom guide your surgical team

Marie, by now you are following instructions in ICU. We are thinking of you. We know this part is hard to but it will only get better and better from this point! Stay strong. Soon you will move from ZiCU to a step down unit. It’s all good. Your new valve is with you for good. Welcome it, love it, embrace it and let it be a part of you. Thank God for it and in novtime st all it will be opening a new life for you. It’s worth the pain. It’s worth the wait and it’s worth the love

Marie. No one could be more frightened then me. I cried for weeks before my surgery. I was terrified. I imagined every horrible thing. Everyone said ‘oh, you will be fine’. Or ‘don’t be negative. You have to be positive only’. Boy, nothing helped. Nothing. Every day that came closer was bad for me. Until about three days before. Something clicked. Thousands and thousands of people survive this surgery every day. If I died, then I would never know it. If I lived, then terror would never grip me morning, noon and night. I somehow found myself doing what I had to do. I followed the instructions from early morning on the day of surgery. We stayed at a hotel in NYC and walked into the surgery unit that a.m. the nurses were awesome. So nice. So comforting. Next thing I know I woke up in Icu. Wow! Done!! Unbelievable. A team there telling you every single thing. Hardly a bit of pain. I’m not kidding. Marie, you’ve got this!!!

I feel we are in good hands. To see my team being pick to do the study iam in , is reassuring. Edwards Valve only pick 17 teams out of the U.S and Canada and buffalo team in it. There very through as to all your test.

I went online and listened to relaxing U-Tube videos. The ones on relaxation, relieving anxiety, and surrender were the best for me. I also took an occasional lorazepam for sleep. Getting a good nights sleep helped tremendously . I also regularly do yoga and meditation, and that was very relaxing for me. I cut work back to 2 days a week in the time approaching my surgery. Working made me focus on the task at hand rather than worry. Only working 2 days left me a lot of downtime to slow down and relax. Lastly, I went for a massage every couple weeks to help me also. I tried some acupuncture treatments , but did not feel any different from them. Hope that helps!

Hi Marie, I left the site for awhile but now I’m back. My last echo showed severe and some symptoms have started. I have been referred for angiogram and AVR. No dates yet. I’m scared but keeping my faith in God, the great healer.

Hi Marie, I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. I am doing better n that I am off BP meds. Cardiologist tells me its just a short delay in scheduling surgery but I'll take it. I leave for my sons wedding in two weeks. I never thought I would be able to go so I'm very excited and of course so are my kids and grandkids. Hope you ar keeping well. Jen

I am inth same boat. I was in waiting room for mild/moderate AS for 62 years. I have just moved into severe. Cardiologist is doing another echo in three weeks, valve size is .96 , 46 is gradient. It is stressful inthe waiting stage knowing that urgery could be anytime. Reach out if you want. I get it !