Michael's Heart Valve Journal

Peter (Rachel's dad) posted a note for Michael that says: Michael,

You're doing so well, we're all really pleased to hear of your progress. Rachel is coughing in sympathy with you! I sympathise with your wife, it's so hard to watch and wait while people you love go through all this. She needs support just as much as you, we pray that you'll both have the love and practical help you need.

Susan Smith posted a note for Michael that says: Michael, step by step, you are doing great. Keep your focus and you will do just fine. In your picture, you look to young to have a grown daughter that is an RN??? LOL. Moving forward is your goal.

cheree posted a note for Michael that says: so glad to hear you are doing better...thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery..

Laurie Baquol posted a note for Michael that says: Posting so soon! I love it! It seems you are off to a great start. Keep up the great work. Look forward to reading more posts as time passes. Recovery seems to be on point!

Jim Jones posted a note for Michael that says: Michael
You are a recovery animal! Good for you. Real pleased you have your daughter as an RN there. That does matter a great deal. Keep focused on each day's goals. Continued healing, my friend.

Kevin WoodRd posted a note for Michael that says: Great to hear everything went smoothly and you can now focus on recovery. Hope your wife gets some much needed rest. Wish you both the best!

Vicki (Rachel's sister) posted a note for Michael that says: Hi Michael,

Great to see a post from you - can't believe you are posting so soon. Hope this is the start of a smooth recovery. Thinking of you and sending a big hug to your wife too - hope she can rest now.

Jim Jones posted a note for Michael that says: Michael
I can not believe you are posting this quickly. All the best to you as you recover. Real glad to read your positive report.

Susan Smith posted a note for Michael that says: Interesting that as patients we forget this is tough on our loved ones. May your wife get a good nights sleep and may you continue in your recovery. Blessing to you both.

jeff o posted a note for Michael that says: Hang in there Micheal. We're rooting for you!

Susan Smith posted a note for Michael that says: Hope we hear from you via your liaison.

Joseph Kusiak posted a note for Michael that says: Today will be a tough day for you but it gets better and better. They will have you sit up today and most likely go to a step-down unit by this evening. When you have a little strength get the pt person to 1) show you how to get out of bed without using your arms and 2) take a little walk. Doing the spirometer, walking and of course getting lots of rest are crucial in your recovery.
You made it and things will be normal again in a few months.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Michael that says: Good luck Michael , it will be done with in a flash, you will be fine.

Laurie Baquol posted a note for Michael that says: In my thoughts today Michael! You will do fantastic! The waiting game is finally over. Can't wait to see your next post.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Michael that says: Michael,
You will be on the other side of surgery before you know it and you will be saying is that it?
Best of luck to you!
Keep us posted

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Michael that says: You're going do great.

Jim Jones posted a note for Michael that says: Hey Michael
You are ready for this. Please, if you are able, have someone post on your behalf for a few days after surgery. You have a community that is supporting you 100%. All the best.

Kevin Woodard posted a note for Michael that says: Good Luck tomorrow, will keep you in my thought and prayers! I have pre-op on the 10 and surgery on 16 so I know what you are feeling. Stay Positive!

Jackie keys posted a note for Michael that says: Good luck, I know you will be just fine!

Susan Smith, pre-op and waiting posted a note for Michael that says: Michael, you will do fine tomorrow morning, even at 5:15 a.m. Dec.5th is your day to start on the road to recovery. Do you have someone to let everyone know how you are doing while in the hospital? Hope so, we will all want to know how things are going. "Get er done" as Larry the Cable guy says.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Michael that says: People say " you'll be fine" all the time because its true- you will be fine. Recovery is a whole new ball of wax however! But at least the op will be over. Take deep breaths and stay calm!

Jim Jones posted a note for Michael that says: Michael
You have got this. Keep busy and connected to your loved ones now and that will keep your spirits up. If you have time, check out your cardiac rehab options. Rehab, in my opinion, will really help you as it has helped others. Best.

Barb Brooks posted a note for Michael that says: Michael... I, too remember party lines (although my Grandmother had them). Wishing you good luck with your surgery on Thursday. Sending positive thoughts your way, and looking forward to hearing about your experience.

Sharon posted a note for Michael that says: Michael,
This site has been a God send for me. My surgery isn't until January and I have already seen so many fantastic outcomes that my anxiety has truly decreased. You will be in all of our thoughts and prayers on Thursday. And we look forward to your words of wisdom from the other side:)

Laurie Baquol posted a note for Michael that says: Thinking about you today Michael. I am new to this site, but want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have heard that as you get down to the last 48-24 hours, anxiety levels oddly decrease. Feel lucky that this time next week you will be on the road to recovery!!

"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind."

Jim Jones posted a note for Michael that says: Yeah, that is the deal, Michael. Once you get engaged in the process your anxiety level does go down. You move from anticipatory anxiety to performance. You will do fine.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Michael that says: Trust in your medical team. They do this ALL the time. It's their job. You're going to be fine. You can have some King Cake afterwards.

Peter Shelley posted a note for Michael that says: Michael
You have an amazing team working on you and nothing to fear,we pray for the best outcome from your surgery
Peter (Rachels dad)

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Michael that says: Sorry about your saints!

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Michael that says: Michael,
As you will find out my reading most of the journals this is way more doable that you have in your mind at this time. You will find this site to be an unbelievable help is almost every way. There are some on this site that would almost go do the surgery for you if they could.

Knowledge is Power!

Take Care,

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Michael that says: A good dose of strippers and hookers helps keep your mind off the upcoming surgery, also. :)

Jim Jones posted a note for Michael that says: Michael
So pleased today is a better day for you. Keep connected to friends and family that can make you laugh and are upbeat. That helps. I also keep real busy at work with deadlines which kept me distracted pre-surgery. You have a great day!

Joseph Kusiak posted a note for Michael that says: Hi Michael,
Getting your heart problem fixed will be one of he best things you ever do. The surgery is in the hands of an expert doctor and their team. The recovery is doable and long but you will do it and your family and friends will help. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Susan Smith posted a note for Michael that says: Hey, Michael, you better listen to Ernie, he is our enforcer and keeps us all on track. Do a step at a time and don't over do. Your recovery will be slow and steady. You can do it. Have a much better day today.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Michael that says: Dude. You got this. No problemo.

jeff o posted a note for Michael that says: Michael you're going to do great. For me my heart surgery was tough but completely doable. Not a walk in the park, but not as difficult as I worried at all. For your medical team this is what they do every day so they have seen it all and know what to look for and how to prevent problems. You can rest assured you will get great care. I had only one issue a collapsed lung which is a consequence of getting chest tubes put in. It hurt but my pain was completely managed. Other than that I had no other serious issues at all. Pain was never a problem as long as I took my pain meds. I was tired, sore and achy for weeks but didn't have a whole bad day from surgery on. In a way I found all the tests harder than the surgery and days in the hospital. If I can answer any questions for you please let me know.

Jim Jones posted a note for Michael that says: Hey Michael
Yes, you can do this. Many on this site have traveled the same path, had the same fears, had surgery and have or are in the process of recovering. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone that knows you well and you trust and discuss your fears and concerns. This approach has helped me stay calm and positive during my toughest times. All the best.

Cheree posted a note for Michael that says: welcome to the online family Michael. I have read alot of great journals here, they are helping me cope with my upcoming AVR surgery on the third. Have a great weekend and keep us posted ..

Susan Smith, a part of the HVC posted a note for Michael that says: Welcome, welcome on this special thanksgiving day. Listen to Jim, he is a person who knows what you are going through. I am also pre-op AVS and am in between Cardio visits (moderate to severe). Read the journals, they are filled with good information and much encouragement. Have a great day and keep us all posted.

Jim Jones posted a note for Michael that says: Hey Michael, welcome to the community. I understand how you are feeling. You will find that members of this community have had the identical feelings that you have. It is a big deal. On November 5th I had my mitral valve repair. I am recuperating at home now. What helped me was finding this site before my surgery, asking all thevquestions that I had and forming relationships with others that knew exactly what I was going thru. My best to you as you prepare for your surgery.