Hi Ricki!
I am Lindas daughter Stephanie. Thank you so much for going to see mom the other day.
Its all she and my dad keep talking about and a beautiful orchard ...Read more
Hi Ricki!
I am Lindas daughter Stephanie. Thank you so much for going to see mom the other day.
Its all she and my dad keep talking about and a beautiful orchard you brought her.
Thank you also for helping her get with a good surgeon. He did really good.
Her scar is a little longer than she I think wanted but I tell her its a battle of courage and the war she went through.
Shes hoping to get out tomorrow. We are just mostly worried about that blood pressure of hers.
Just wanted to say thanks again.
Stephanie
I was so happy to finally meet your mom and dad and to find her doing so well. I hope she gets to go home tomorrow and that her recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Once she's up and about I hope Linda Dixon will head up this way and we'll all go out and celebrate our healthy hearts (and cow valves!)
Hi Ricki..
Thanks for the update on Linda! I bet she was just thrilled to see you! She is such a sweetheart and gives you credit for her wonderful surgeon. ...Read more
Hi Ricki..
Thanks for the update on Linda! I bet she was just thrilled to see you! She is such a sweetheart and gives you credit for her wonderful surgeon.
You are such an important part of her journey. Thanks for paying it forward. I know she will be eternally greatful! :)
Connie T
Thx so much ricki for your kind & great words 3 mo ago when I was first on. I too am bidding onf adiu ? To HVJ. Not on near as long as you but the need to ...Read more
Thx so much ricki for your kind & great words 3 mo ago when I was first on. I too am bidding onf adiu ? To HVJ. Not on near as long as you but the need to move on is greater Traveling a lot but in the USA. Hope to get to Israel ths or next year. And a river cruise
So - enjoy life. I\'m having a ball & like you & most of us - do appreciate ths new found freedom
Best & give a call when in st Louis. Yeah. Right
Best.
Nancy. 2-9/12. Avr.
Hi Ricki,
I\'m so so happy that things are going so well for you. I must admit I haven\'t been on here nearly as much as I should. But, you said it just right ...Read more
Hi Ricki,
I\'m so so happy that things are going so well for you. I must admit I haven\'t been on here nearly as much as I should. But, you said it just right when you said there is a new generation of heart patients.
I\'m doing ok. I still have some ups and downs. I think a lot of it is from my weight, which I MUST control and reduce a bit. I think I\'ll feel a lot better when I do that. That\'s on the agenda right now. Otherwise, I feel great. I did develope a thoracic aorta aneurysm, which they are watching closely. Right now. not a big deal. May you continue to do well and enjoy life as you should.
All my best, Diana
Happt Birthday to you. Hope you have many many more to come.
Cant wait to meet new doctor. I feel good about it even if is early lol. 33 miles from here, but ...Read more
Happt Birthday to you. Hope you have many many more to come.
Cant wait to meet new doctor. I feel good about it even if is early lol. 33 miles from here, but closer then going to Newberry. I would love to keep in touch with you, my email is lmyrrah@charter.net and my phone is 864 369-5068. I look forward to meeting you this summer with Linda D
For the long haul
Linda H
Hi Ricki
Happy second birthday. Glad you are doing so well. No reason not to keep it that way. I\'ve had a few bumps in the road but most likely because my ...Read more
Hi Ricki
Happy second birthday. Glad you are doing so well. No reason not to keep it that way. I\'ve had a few bumps in the road but most likely because my heart was enlarged before the surgery and it has also had a few more birthdays. But, I know I wouldn\'t be where I am without the surgery. Take care.
Fran
Ricki,
Your history is very similar to mine except my problem was not discovered until February (2012). I was born with a bicuspid valve and have felt sluggish ...Read more
Ricki,
Your history is very similar to mine except my problem was not discovered until February (2012). I was born with a bicuspid valve and have felt sluggish and worn out for years. Until February, I was told there was nothing wrong. My valve was replaced on April 2. My question to you: When did you notice a difference? I start the process for rehab on Monday, but I really do not feel as tho I have any more energy than I did 2 months ago. Now I am trying to determine if it is \"me\" or am I still in recovery stage. My family thinks I should be back to a normal routine @ 6 weeks post op. And maybe that is the problem. I don\'t really remember what a \"normal\" routine was like. I would appreciate your thoughts. I am glad you are doing well. Thanks for your thoughts.
Moo moo birthday to you, moo moo birthday to you, moo moo birthday little toddler valve, moo moo birthday to you!!
From one \"moo moo\" valver to another!! ...Read more
Moo moo birthday to you, moo moo birthday to you, moo moo birthday little toddler valve, moo moo birthday to you!!
From one \"moo moo\" valver to another!!
Goooooo Tigers!!!!!!
Linda THE Tiger
Hi Ricki,
So good to hear your doing so well. I too, am doing terrific. I feel great, back to my life, no shortness of breath, life is good once again. I did ...Read more
Hi Ricki,
So good to hear your doing so well. I too, am doing terrific. I feel great, back to my life, no shortness of breath, life is good once again. I did have a little bump where I developed a keloid with my incision. But, have seen a dermatologist and she injected steriods into it, and I\'m happy to say that I\'m pain and itch free from it. Has even flattened. I had my checkup with my cardiologist and a Echo and all is very good.
All my best to you, Ricki.
Hi Ricki
Great to read your update. Those of us who are CC alumni can\'t help but sing their praises, right? It\'s great to get another lease on life, so to ...Read more
Hi Ricki
Great to read your update. Those of us who are CC alumni can\'t help but sing their praises, right? It\'s great to get another lease on life, so to speak. Stay happy and healthy. Best wishes for many more healthy years.
Fran
Ricki Shine Thanks Fran! I hope you're doing well.
Hi Ricki! You go girl!!!! Thank you for writing on my site and giving so many of us inspiration!
By the way, I noticed you live in SC?! Gamecock by any ...Read more
Hi Ricki! You go girl!!!! Thank you for writing on my site and giving so many of us inspiration!
By the way, I noticed you live in SC?! Gamecock by any chance???? I went to school at USC, marched in the Carolina Band for 3 years.
Anyway, thank you Ricki! Keep rockin/tickin!
Christy Naughton from ATL
Ricki Shine Hi Christy! I'm so glad you're doing so well!!
Not a Gamecock! I'm not a South Carolinian (I've be ... Read more
Ricki Shine Hi Christy! I'm so glad you're doing so well!!
Not a Gamecock! I'm not a South Carolinian (I've been here 5 1/2 years) and I work at Clemson!!
I hope you're staying calm as you get ready for surgery. Not much longer! (You'll do great . . . positive attitude goes a long way and you are VERY positive!!)
Ok, rub it in! How many times can you mention your office (Tillman Hall- CLEMSON UNIVERSITY) in one journal entry????
Good to hear you are feeling (as Tony ...Read more
Ok, rub it in! How many times can you mention your office (Tillman Hall- CLEMSON UNIVERSITY) in one journal entry????
Good to hear you are feeling (as Tony the TIGER would say) GREAT!! (You may be too young to remember that).
I, of course, am still waiting, got another call from CC today, seems the computer wanted to reject my insurance, but we got it straight, thank goodness!!
I downloaded my guided imagery last night and I think it is going to be helpful when I get into meltdown mode.
I\'m trying not to dwell on it too much beyond just getting ready, just in case they call and tell me to come earlier. Although...I\'m not liking all the snow they are getting in Cleveland. I am a true South Carolinian and you know how we are about snow, lol.
Okay, I\'ll let you go, (back to your OFFICE in Tillman Hall - CLEMSON UNIVERSITY).
So jealous!!! Take care and.....
Gooooo Tigers!!!!!
Lindathetiger
The guided imagery was very helpful. Fran even took her iPod into the operating room and listened until they knocked her out!! I found it very calming.
I'm glad you got the insurance straightened out. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is that!!!
Although it's VERY hard, try to keep all thoughts of the surgery out of your head. The only surgery I ever had before this one was my tonsils when I was 4 so I had NO idea what to expect. Other people's journals and Adam's book helped but I did find that everyone's experience is different. My experience at Cleveland was terrific . . . everything worked very smoothly and everyone there was wonderful. I hope you'll feel the same.
And the snow?? Yuck! I lived my whole life with snow until I moved to SC . . . I'd be happy never to see it again! I hope you won't see any while you're up there. But it is pretty . . . .
I wish Hartsville as closer to me . . . I'd come visit!
Hi Ricki,
Congratulatons on your journey. It\'s so good to hear that you\'re feeling so well. Even with all the problems I experienced, I am still feeling ...Read more
Hi Ricki,
Congratulatons on your journey. It\'s so good to hear that you\'re feeling so well. Even with all the problems I experienced, I am still feeling a lot better than I felt before my surgery. Cleveland Clinic and the surgeons their are just the best. I still go back every six months for check-ups. I wish you a long ,happy and healthy life with your handsome husband. Ruth Howell, Maine
Hi ricki. After I signed last time then I went to your page. Sort of bass ackwards but that\'s the story of my life. Am a tad older than u but in good shape ...Read more
Hi ricki. After I signed last time then I went to your page. Sort of bass ackwards but that\'s the story of my life. Am a tad older than u but in good shape so they tell me. Mid 60/s. always exercised and have been watching it for several years. Now feb 9 2012 is due date. Cath & all other stuff day before. St Louis mo. Great dr great hospital & great attitude. Now just hoping they don\'t find anything else. Am told heart is good. So happy about that.
I\'m still working - professional speaker. & travel a bit. Hoping I\'ll be able to continue come end of April as we have some big shows coming up
Any way. So appreciate your note. If there\'s anything you might feel comfortable Sharing lady to lady. Pls do. My biggest concern right now is how my hair will look. But I\'ve been told I won\'t care. Lol.
Sorry if I\'m duplicating some of this. I can\'t remember who I tell what on this thing. Am on another forum too which is also good. Valvereplacement.org.
Delighted u r back in the saddle again & hope to join u !
Be well. Nancy Friedman. St Louis mo
Thanks Ricki
So nice to hear from you
I reread your journal and am glad you were able to take your trip this past May. Sounds lke you feel terrific. Isn\'t ...Read more
Thanks Ricki
So nice to hear from you
I reread your journal and am glad you were able to take your trip this past May. Sounds lke you feel terrific. Isn\'t it great we have such supportive friends and family, expecially our wonderful husbands. In between bouts of medical issues we have traveled many short trips, whch has been great, Take care and keep in touch. Do you still live in Greenville?
Susan
Hi Ricki,
I saw where you posted a message on someone else\'s jounal so I looked you up and started readng your journal. It caught my attention because I ...Read more
Hi Ricki,
I saw where you posted a message on someone else\'s jounal so I looked you up and started readng your journal. It caught my attention because I too am from SC (Columbia). After finding out in May that I needed AVR because of Aortic Stenosis, I got an opinion from Providence Hosp in Columbia and then went to Emory in Atlanta. I really felt confident with either surgeon, so I decided to have it close to home. My next biggest decision was the type of valve I wanted. I know the pros and cons of both the tissue and mechanical. I decided on the bovine tissue valve and the surgeon here was OK with it. Well, after my surgery, he told me he put the pig valve in me because the bovine valve didn\'t fit me well. I was very upset and disappointed because I had done so much research on the bovine and that\'s what I wanted! I think it lasts longer. I know that I have to trust that he\'s telling me the truth. Anyway, I was curious why you picked the bovine valve and did they tell you how long it would last? I am not going to dwell on this and just focus on my recovery (I am 10 days post op) and I still have a ways to go.
It\'s good to read how people are doing one year after their OHS. Glad you are doing well!
Julie
Columbia, SC
Good to hear from another South Carolinian here. I'm glad to hear your surgery went well and you're on the road to recovery.
About the valve . . . when I spoke to my surgeon I told him I wanted a tissue valve. He said he usually uses bovine valves but
once I was opened, he would know best how to proceed. I told him he was the expert and to do whatever he thought best. I did end up with a bovine valve but if it had been a porcine (or even equine) valve, I would have been ok with it.
I've been told the bovine valves last an average of 15 years which, I believe, is the same for porcine. Of course, individual valves can last much longer or shorter. I'm hoping for longer!
If you have concerns about your valve, you should talk with your surgeon.
And if you have other questions or just want to "chat", my email address is rickishine@gmail.com.
Ricki,
sorry I didnt put my name on note.
I hope you remember me, Steve Nadel!
I had a picture of you at my bmtzvah, dancing when you were 13...remember ? ...Read more
Ricki,
sorry I didnt put my name on note.
I hope you remember me, Steve Nadel!
I had a picture of you at my bmtzvah, dancing when you were 13...remember ?
I am from: Greenville, South Carolina
I was so happy to finally meet your mom and dad and to find her doing so well. I hope ... Read more
I was so happy to finally meet your mom and dad and to find her doing so well. I hope she gets to go home tomorrow and that her recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Once she's up and about I hope Linda Dixon will head up this way and we'll all go out and celebrate our healthy hearts (and cow valves!)
Ricki