Shellie's Guestbook

Hi Shellie, Best of luck on your surgert today. I hope all goes well and you recover quickly and are better than ever after all is said and done. I just found out that I too have Aortic Stenosis and will probably need a valve replacement. Scary stuff. I am very active and worried about what happens post surgery. This website and the stories on it have been very encouraging. All the best, Bob

Praying for you today, Shellie. You'll do awesome, I'm sure! Update when you feel up to it but rest and recover. It gets better in such an amazingly short period of time!

Shellie- Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way! You're already a rock star - you're just solidifying that status, today! You're going to do just great and we'll be here awaiting your post-op thumbs up. You can do this! ❤

Shellie, Best wishes tomorrow. After a short nap( that's what it felt like) you'll be on the road to recovery and feeling much better with each day. Your in my prayers!

Shellie, Your will be fine, this is a procedure that is very common and done every day. I read the book that was written by Adam Pick two times before my surgery, it was the best thing that I could have done prior to the procedure. Just relax and let the surgeon do his job. I had Aortic Stenosis and had the replacement surgery on April 12, 2018. My surgeon was Dr. Esmailian, I was in Cedars for only three and one half days. The valve is a bovine valve made by Edwards Lifesciences . I have had no issues and a new lease on life. Be well, look forward to hearing from you in the next few weeks. God bless you!

Hi Shellie! Best to get this done sooner rather than sit and worry. I had 3 valves OHS in May with two weeks to prepare. Buy a bean bag neck pillow and possibly a “my pillow “ because you will be sleeping on your back for sometime and head/neck/shoulder comfort is paramount. I think BBB has both. I did not have these items until later... they would have made a huge difference. Also move stuff you need down to waist level. After surgery just relax and breathe. If you do not feel well tell them immediately and then breathe. I had difficulties but when I was able I got up and walked as often as J could, day and night. I figured it helped my breathing. And it did. If you have anxiety, ask for something to calm you... whenever necessary. Big help!!! I did not have energy to text or talk so my family handled all communications. Before surgery have plenty of protein, hydrate well and start walking now if you can! You’ll do great! Keep in touch!

Hi Shellie & welcome. I also had a bicuspid aortic valve am on my second tissue valve since 2010. The most recent surgery was this May. Something that influenced my decision was that I've always bruised easily & an prone to having nosebleeds. So I wanted to avoid possibly worsening that with blood thinners. I was 57 at the time of my first surgery, 10 years older than you are now & my age was also was a factor. I wish you the best with your surgery & know that whatever decision you make regarding valve choice will be the right one for you.

Welcome Shellie, This is a great community of people. We are here for you, to answer questions and ease anxiety associated with heart surgery. All the best in your journey ahead. You'll be in recovery soon!

Hi Shellie, Welcome to our community! I hope the educational info and wonderful people at this website can help you as you prepare for aortic valve replacement next week. If you need anything, please let me know. My thoughts are with you! Adam (patient & website founder)