Pamela's Heart Valve Journal

So good to hear from you, Pamela.

What a scare you must have had! Are you continuing to stay active?

Blessings to you.

Sheila Garrison

Hi Pamela,
I was wondering...what are you wear during the day? I thought I'd wear loose tank tops and cotton capris, but am wondering if I;ll be able to lift my arms over my head.

Sheila Garrison

Dear Pamela,
You're home? That was fast. So happy to read the stressful part is over. I'd love to stay in contact with you and know details of your recovery, if possible.
I'm hoping I won't need 24 hr care for long. But, I'm fiercly independant and am trying not to be stupid about the post-op care.

Take care!

Sheila Garrison
Sheilagarrison10@yahoo.com

Dear Pamela,
My thoughts are heavy on you and your surgery tomorrow. Lots of prayers for you also.

Looking forward to reading that all went well.

Sheila Garrison

Hello Everyone,

Tomorrow is the date that I am scheduled to have my aortic valve replaced at New Yor-Presbyterain Hospital. As the date approaches I am feeling more ad more at peace with the surgery and what I have gleaned about the recovery process. Most of my anxiety which started as terror has been reduced after a few sessions with my therapist.She had surgery ( not heart) and helped me see the positive aspects to this reality. Having been blessed to find the problem by accident - having another blessing to know that this can be resolved and last but not least fortunate enough to have a gifted heart surgeon Dr Craig Smith available to perform the surgery.
I pray that the surgery and my surgery will be successful like the it was for so many on this website.
I cannot thank all who have sent supportive messages about the CATH and surgery.

Love,
Pamela

Sheila,
Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts as I approach my surgery date next week. My plans are to get a few loose-ends in order before next Friday. I am married and have a very supportive husband and daugthers but I have never been in a hospital other then to have children so I am considering getting a nurse for a few days when I return home.

I am told by the doctors that all should go well with my recovery but I pray this will be the case. As soon as I can send a note to you I will. Each surgery and recovery is different but I will share my experience once I am lucid.

As a very independent person, I also struggle with asking others for help but for a month or so I will not have a choice - so I will ask and hopefully receive the help I need from those who care.

Wishing you all the best,

Pamela

Bill,
Thanks for the information. You are right, there was little pain during the CATH. I was sedated a bit and all went well.

Pam

Hi Pamela, Thank you for the note. There is nothing to fear on the heart cath. I was scared! but I went to sleep during the process, the only thing painful was the having no water before the procedure! Your leg is sore for the day and no driving after until the third day. Bill (William Keefer)

I'll be thinking about you as your surgery day arrives. What will you be doing in the days before? I'm curious how your recovery will be. You're single, right? I'm having some concerns of my own wondering if I'll be able to "let go" enough to let others help me. It will be quite the role reversal for me.
I wish all the best for you.

Sheila

Hi Sheila, Debbie Z and Emilyrae,

I had my Cardiac CATH yesterday and I thank each of you for the advice and caring messages. It was just as you said, relatively painless and not very long at all.I was really nervous so I was sedated and given Valium to relax before the procedure.
The really good news was that I had no blockages in the aorta and a healthy/normal heart with the exception of the severe stenosis which I knew before the test.

The staff was wonderful and caring and now I will have aortic valve replacement surgery this coming Thursday at 11am. I will be at the same hospital for surgery (NYPH) and if the staff where I have surgery is as caring and professional as the CATH Lab, I will be in very good hands. Praying all goes well for me and for you as well.
Pamela

Hi Pamela,

I hope everything goes smooth for you today. Let us know when you can.

Sheila
Apple Valley, CA

I have had many caths done for several (4) ablations and you are in la - la land and won't feel a thing - you can hear people talking around you but don't care what they are saying. . Emilyrae

Hi Pam,
I had my heart cath done in March and it was a good experience. The staff was very professional and calming. It was the first time I had been in the hospital as a pt. and was still nervous. No discomfort at all. Just didn't like laying on my back for 4 hrs.
Sheila

Hi Pamela,

I had a cath done in January, and I was terrified to have it done. I can honestly say, it wasn't bad at all. Certainly nothing like I imagined it to be! You will be sedated enough to not feel anything, but you will be awake enough to follow instructions. Mine only took about a half hour and then I had to wait a couple hours to be released. Your groin will be sore for awhile, but it isn't bad at all. I've certainly had worse tests done. Good luck!
Deb Z