Guestbook of Melissa Houser

My Guestbook

On January 29, 2021...

Charles P posted a note for Melissa that says:

Hello - How is your On-X valve working for you? Any regrets?? Thanks!

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On May 26, 2018...

Bob posted a note for Melissa that says:

Glad you are doing well. Had same thing and replacement surgery 4 years ago next month. If it wasn’t for the scar, wouldn’t know it had been done.

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On February 24, 2018...

Wanda Blackwood posted a note for Melissa that says:

Hey Melissa, I was reading your journal and saw you have the On-X valve. I was wondering if you hear any ticking sounds from it and if so is it very bothersome?

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Denise Campbell Hi. I have an on-x. At first you’ll always hear it. After a while you’ll struggle to hear it. I’ve had mine for two years.

On May 22, 2017...

Sean Hunt posted a note for Melissa that says:

Made it to Cleveland. This place is amazing. Thinking about you.

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Melissa Houser Thanks, Sean - yes, it is a maze here! I am at the Intercontinental Hotel and Suites. Settling in for the evening. Ready for tomorrow, reporting bright and ... Read more

Melissa Houser Thanks, Sean - yes, it is a maze here! I am at the Intercontinental Hotel and Suites. Settling in for the evening. Ready for tomorrow, reporting bright and early at 6:15 am. Surgery at 7:30 am. Take care, meet you on the other side of OHS :)

On May 20, 2017...

lijo Joseph posted a note for Melissa that says:

All the best Melissa ,god bless you....

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Melissa Houser Thanks :)

On May 17, 2017...

Lori Phillips posted a note for Melissa that says:

Melissa! You're here at the Cleveland Clinic? We both should have worn a yellow rose or something so we could detect or another better! Ha Ha! I'm so glad you have Dr. Najm and his team. He is awesome! Did you come in for pre-op labs, or are you and inpatient? (I noticed your surgery date wasn't until May 23,17) Tomorrow is my last visit - for awhile anyway! I've got a dark blue walker with a seat. At 50, the red in my longish hair is fading. If you're there, we may bump into you!
God bless you Melissa as you go into surgery. You have an awesome surgeon, team and you are at the best place! All is well, my dear! My thoughts go out to you! ~ Lori

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Melissa Houser Thanks, Lori - I was in Cleveland Tues and Thur this week. Tues was for my preoperative evaluation and Thur (yesterday) was for my hematology evaluation. ... Read more

Melissa Houser Thanks, Lori - I was in Cleveland Tues and Thur this week. Tues was for my preoperative evaluation and Thur (yesterday) was for my hematology evaluation. CCF is a huge place, so I didn't expect to see anyone I know. All the best to you in your recovery :)

On May 13, 2017...

Ruth Ann posted a note for Melissa that says:

Hi Melissa,
I'm on week 3 post AVR for bicuspid valve. I'm doing pretty well. I do have some tips though. Do purchase a large wedge for your bed. I use that with two pillows and it helps alot. I put things on the third self in fridge as it is difficult to reach up. My tee shirts are all oversized and soft cotton for ease of putting them over head. A rolling table or light weight TV tray is very helpful too. Rest in the thought that your surgical team will do their work then your work begins post surgery. I prayed Psalm 23 all the way to the OR .My Lord gets all the glory. He carried me then until now. I absolutely believe He is in charge of this entire situation and yours too. Your outcome will be awesome and you can do this. Peace and blessings to you and all who await surgery.

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Lynda Ruiz He,indeed,is the Great Physician!

Melissa Houser Thank you for the suggestions, Ruth Ann. And a big "AMEN" - our Lord Jesus is the Savior and Great Physician! :)

On March 31, 2017...

How Are You Doc? I hope everything is going well for you. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You Melissa.

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Melissa Houser Thanks, Keith - I've been busy and haven't been on her too much lately. I happened to see about you being hospitalized for CHF. Sorry to hear that, but it ... Read more

Melissa Houser Thanks, Keith - I've been busy and haven't been on her too much lately. I happened to see about you being hospitalized for CHF. Sorry to hear that, but it sounds like your doctors and wife are taking care of you. Glad to see you are on the other side of OHS!

On March 4, 2017...

Bridget Feeney posted a note for Melissa that says:

Hi Melissa,
My name is Bridget and I am a 21 year old college student. I had an aortic valve replacement at age 15 with a bioprosthetic valve(that was my 3rd OHS) and now have severe stenosis again. I am going to get a mechanical valve in May. I also struggled with the decision between the Ross procedure and a mechanical valve. I do want to have children someday, but know each time I go through this the risks are higher, so I am hoping that I am able to get an Onx valve and that this will be my last surgery.

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Melissa Houser Thanks for your note - all the best to you Bridget! I am twice your age and can't have children, so the decision was easy. I also am a doctor and have both ... Read more

Melissa Houser Thanks for your note - all the best to you Bridget! I am twice your age and can't have children, so the decision was easy. I also am a doctor and have both the knowledge and finances to deal with anticoagulation therapy. It is something that will take a big commitment for the rest of your life. The Ross Procedure would probably be a good option for you, as you wouldn't be on lifelong blood thinner and wouldn't have the risks with pregnancy. However, it does have the commitment of future procedures (and you've already had several!) . Certainly a discussion to have with your surgeon and cardiologist. I pray you make the best decision about what to do and have a great outcome.

On February 13, 2017...

Civita Fahey posted a note for Melissa that says:

hi Melissa.. I read your story and it looks like a month ahead of you for surgery.. Mine is April 24th.. how are you holding out with the anxiety.. I do ok some days and others I can't stop thinking about it.. hope all goes well for you.. hopefully you will be reading about my successful surgery right ahead of yours.. civita

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Melissa Houser Thank you so much, Civita! I think I am ready. Had some serious anxiety yesterday, but I think I have things more clear in my head today :)

Civita Fahey Yes there are good days and bad days.. I feel the same way.. I'm ready but there are days that I feel like why should I do this right now? should I wait? ... Read more

Civita Fahey Yes there are good days and bad days.. I feel the same way.. I'm ready but there are days that I feel like why should I do this right now? should I wait? I guess this is why this page is so comforting as there are others who feel and have felt the same.

On February 12, 2017...

Hello Melissa, I have a leaky Aortic Valve and I too have chosen the On-X Mech Valve for my replacement. I am hoping to ride this Open Heart roller coaster just once if possible. I wish you much luck on your journey to feeling better. God Bless and Take Care.

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Melissa Houser Thank you, Keith - I too am hoping to only ride the OHS roller coaster once :) Was considering the Ross Procedure, but there is much more risk for reoperation. I think my mind is set!