Sherry's Heart Valve Journal

Laurie posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, I live in Sun City & I'm in your boat, only at the beginning. I have a feeling we have the same Doctors. (Dr G on Talavi & Dr A) Can we talk, please?

Ruth Valenzuela posted a note for Sherry that says: I don't know how I deleted your post in my guestbook. I did not intend to. "Thank you Sherry for posting to my guestbook. I read your story and journal and it was so encouraging to see how well you did. Thank you for your offer to answer any questions I may have. I'm sure I will have some once I get further along in this "adventure". Again, thanks for writing. I don't take anything for granted anymore."

Joe Kusiak posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,
I am so happy for you. You are doing great. Keep it up.

Jim Jones posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry:

I am so glad to hear how well you are doing! This is great news. I hope the next 6 months are even better for you!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Sherry that says: Thanks for the update. Glad to hear you are doing well. Keep it up.

Jim Jones posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry
What an encouraging post! I am so gld you are doing well - it's inspiring. Thanks for the cardiac rehab pointers. I am in the process of scheduling it and I look forward to it. Keep up the fine job and enjoy the holidays. Best.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry!!!!! Where'd you go. How are you doing? Hope all is well and that you are doing great.

Ernie posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry!!!!!

You're kicking some butt, lady! Good to hear. Keep on smiling and mending. You're doing great!

Jim Jones posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry
This is all good news! I can not believe how much you can do after just 6 weeks. Congrats! Also glad that you are back driving. Thank you for the details. I will have surgery in 6 weeks and you are helping as a guide. I hope this will be you best week yet.

Barb Brooks posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,

Glad you're doing well! Thanks for sharing about rehab. My husband said he is going to look into it for me, and I think it's a good idea. I hope I'm able to drive by then, as I won't have anyone to take me. Not looking forward to the whole ordeal, but if it goes as easy as yours seems to have for you - I'm all set!

P.S. - SORRY for calling you Debbie in a previous message. I must have been sleeping!! :-)

Lisa Obst AVR 6-11-13 posted a note for Sherry that says: So glad to hear you are doing well. I was going to add to your information. I am now back to work full time. I feel like a human being and things are going well. For anyone facing this surgery, it's not that bad and I have already forgotten all about it!! It's not near as hard as you think it will be. Just have a good attitude and laugh. That makes all the difference. Like you said Sherry, a month post-op and you are o.k. I was driving the second week. Not far, but would go to Walmart alone and do just fine. Glad you are doing well!! Keep up the good work!!

Barb posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Debbie... glad you're doing well! Keep us posted on cardiac rehab. My husband mentioned it, but I haven't looked into it yet.

Week 3 seems to be 'hump' week for most... weaning off pain meds, etc... Pain meds every few hours for 3 weeks is a LOT of drugs. I'm sure I'll be taking just as many, as my pain level is paper thin!

Good luck in rehab!

debbie j posted a note for Sherry that says: so glad to hear you are doing well. I am not sure if I am going to rehab, my surgeon was joking and said if I have no help at home he will send me to a nursing home. I will have t much help all 4 kids are coming for the surgery along with my sister. When they all said they were coming I was like are you kidding, am I dying. But I am glad. I want to make a freezer full of meals for them while I will not be able to after the surgery. They told me no but that is what makes me happy. Keep up the good progress

Aubrey posted a note for Sherry that says: I am looking forward to hearing about your first cardiac rehab. I am only 2 1/2 weeks out of surgery and will be starting cardiac rehab in week 3.

Keep up the progress and good luck in your rehab.

Joe posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, It sounds like you are doing great. And I am sure you will enjoy rehab. I have my 3rd session at 9AM this morning. Please be careful doing laundry and lifting. Though you can use your arms a bit and should, you must be careful and how much you lift and stretch the chest.
And I have found using a foam wedge helps sleeping in bed. I also use a recliner to augment my bed sleeping. Even after 5 weeks lying flat is still uncomfortable for me.

Jim Jones posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry
It is wonderful to see how well you are doing. You have a great attitude and recovery plan. Continued healing!

Denise posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry: I live in Goodyear. I will contact his office today. Thank You so much for the information - I will keep in touch with you!

Denise posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry: Thank you for sharing your inspirational story! I will be having aortic valve replacement surgery in the near future and would like to know the name of your surgeon. Thank you and God's continued blessings to you.

Ernie posted a note for Sherry that says: Yay! Hope your recovery is smooth.

Rebecca S. posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry. So glad you are doing well. My surgery for mitral valve replacement is August 28. Lots of anxiety here. Thank you for not posting all the scary details of your procedure and recovery. Some of the posts are hard to read and not internalize. Tell me. Do you remember being on the ventilator? If so, how did you deal with it?

Kim posted a note for Sherry that says: Best Wishes to you Sherry.
I think the valve replacement is a new lease on life. My surgery was Aug 8th, 2013. I reiceved a bolvine tisuue Ao valve, to replace my bicusbid. All went well in the hospital for me. I am recovering fine, lost all of the post op fluid retention and am up puttering around the house. I have a 4-5 inch midline scar that at this point doesn't look like it can be hidden with jewery.
This week it was been most important for me to remember that my Aortic Senosis is gone. I will not be concerned with sudden death from Aortic senosis now for a very long time.
Wishing you the best year ever.

Kurt Young posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry,

I was born with a bicuspid aortic heart valve. I wanted to join the military, so at my first MEPS physical I discovered the condition due to an abnormal EKG. I had to fight all the way, but I'm still enjoying an active lifestyle and service in the Navy. One day I know I will have to have the valve replaced, which I am fearful will limit my activities. Anyway, I just wanted to share.

Jim Jones posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry
Wonderful news and great advice. (I go in in November)
All the best as you make your transition to home. Keep up the great recovery.

Joe posted a note for Sherry that says: Congratulations on your discharge and successful surgery and hospital stay. I am about two weeks ahead of you and can tell you it gets better and better each day.

Lisa o. Avr 6-11-13 posted a note for Sherry that says: Glad you are home. After 7 days I know I was ready to be out of the hospital. You sound like you are doing well. It's not as bad as we all thought. I'm hoping anyone reading your blog that hasn't had the surgery will be comforted to know its not as bad as you think. I am about 10 weeks post op and feeling like a human being again. Are you taking amiodarone? If so have them get you off as soon as possible. It makes you very sick. Bad side effects. That's the only thing that has been unpleasant since I came home! I am off of it now. You will have good days and a few not so good days, but you do get better quickly. Hope you recover even more quickly than I have! Don't overdo your first few days!

Aubrey - AVR pending posted a note for Sherry that says: Hello Sherry, I will a close follower of yours. I am scheduled for AVR August 28th here in Indianapolis IN. Your journey seems to have gone well and I hope mirrors it. I will follow you as you continue your recovery and keep you in our prayers.

Don posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, keep us posted as to your progress. Sounds like all was a great big success. I think my worst part was prior to surgery, trying to decide which valve. Decided on the bovine and I like your attitude about if there is an issue later, then deal with it then. My surgery was in Sept, 2012 and have had no problems. Wish you the best and it is all in God's hands.

Susan Smith, Jensen Bch., FL posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry, you are an inspiration to me. Your story sounds a lot like mine. I too have Aortic Stenosis (Bicuspid) and am in the 6 months watch phase. I just had my echocardiogram and will see my cardiologist in 2 weeks for the results. Keep up the good work and I will keep praying for you and your family.

Ann Dreyer posted a note for Sherry that says: A speedy recovery to you, Sherry! Glad to hear you're up and about so soon. Prayer works!

DD posted a note for Sherry that says: Sounds like you are doing great! Hang in there-home is around the corner. You will feel so much better once those garden hoses, I mean drainage tubes are removed!!!!!

Nancy posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry, Thanks for sharing your journey. My thoughts and prayers for a speedy, but successful recovery where you are feeling better very soon. I have to do this surgery at some point. I am 58 with AS and AR. Can you tell us who your surgeon was and where you did your surgery at? Keep us posted on how you are doing. Prayers. Nancy

Michael Sullivan posted a note for Sherry that says: I will need an aortic valve replacement in approx. a year or sooner . I also have a-fib. Would you be able to recommend a surgen. I moved here from illinois and currently looking in ca for a doctor. I live in prescott,az. My main thoughts and prayers have been for you. I am glad to hear that you are recovering well. My prayers will continue for your continued recovery.

debbie@cmcconsult.com posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry,
It sounds like you are doing fantastic. That's great. I had mitral valve repair in December of 2008 and went back to work 5 weeks later. I must say that it was 5 months before I felt fully recovered, but now 5 years later; I feel as though it never happened. Hang in there and stay well. Debbie Berman, Chicago

Joe posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,
That is such great news. Congratulations! It sounds like you had a very good surgeon and are a very good patient. You will continue to feel a little better each day and the pain and discomfort slowly diminish.

Jim Jones posted a note for Sherry that says: Wonderful news about Sherry. Continued recovery wishes!

Rebecca Schneider posted a note for Sherry that says: Good news for Sherry. Praying for speedy recovery.

Jane posted a note for Sherry that says: Thank you for the update! Sounds like wonderful news. Keeping you in my prayers.

Ruth Shore posted a note for Sherry that says: Good luck Sherry. i too have to have my aortic valve replaced sometime soon. Not sure when yet. I'll be following your recovery closely. I wish you a very speedy recovery.

Ernie posted a note for Sherry that says: You're going to do great!

Gabrielle Stinson posted a note for Sherry that says: Good Luck, Love and Blessings Sherry! You will be fine! Gabi x

Joe posted a note for Sherry that says: Hello Sherry,
It sounds like you are ready and in good hands. My surgery was 7AM on 8/2. You will be fine I am certain. The first few days you will see very slow progress but after the 3rd day you will feel so much better. Stay positive and God Bless.

Jim Jones posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry
The very best success with your surgery tomorrow! It looks like you have everything ready and under control.
The waiting is over. All the best!

DD posted a note for Sherry that says: Best wishes for a successful surgery! I just had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced tuesday and got home saturday. All is going great for me. I did not know that I would gain so much water weight after surgery. I gained 35 lbs. It is slowly going away, and should be gone sometime next week. The more you move, the faster it comes off. You are going to do great and feel better!

Carol Foster posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,
Just stopping by to say hello and let you know that you are in my prayers. I know it's getting close and your anxiety may be increasing but know that there are those who are thinking of you at this moment!

Lisa Obst AVR 6/11/13 (my new birthday) posted a note for Sherry that says: Sherry my surgery was originally scheduled for May 28th. We postponed it until June 11th. The waiting is the hard part. I too wouldn't have had the surgery on that short of notice. Just remember the day of surgery don't be afraid. Laugh and kid around with the nurses and doctors. It's not that bad! Not near as bad as you imagine. It's difficult, but it was nothing to compare with what's imagined. The second day you will be alert and able to get up, eat some, go to the bathroom, etc. just hang in there. Where you are at is the hardest part of it all. Rest assured that you will be fine and when it's over you will realize it wasn't as bad as you imagined! When I was released I had a three hour ride home sitting up in the car. By the time you leave you will feel like you can handle things. Use your heart pillow. It does help. We will be following you and please tell us your worries and fears that's what we are here for to support you. Soon it will be a distant memory and you will be doing well once again.

Renee Radocaj posted a note for Sherry that says: Good luck Sherry! I really enjoyed reading your journal. I NEvER thought to ask about the heart/lung bypass back-up! Good call! I go in on the 8th, which is rather sudden since I was just diagnosed on July 15th. I was lucky he had an opening because I feel everything is on hold until this is done. Again - best of luck and I'll look for updates.

Joe K posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,

Are you having the surgery in AZ? On which date? I am having mine on 8/2 in NYC.
I hope you are comfortable and relaxing as much as possible. The hardest thing now is the waiting and having to take it easy.

Paula (email later ) posted a note for Sherry that says: prayers from Dublin ireland.
i am praying that research will speed up and that a clearing substance will be found to clear away or reduce all calcification of heart vaves. !!!!
especcially aortic valve.
why replace what can be cured ... ???
Thanks

Tom Colavecchio posted a note for Sherry that says: Hi Sherry,
First let me say best of luck to you as you go forward.
The minimally invasive process sound like the most beneficial option...hoping that my own surgery will be able to be performed this way.
My timetable seems to be a bit behind yours. I am scheduled for the prelim tests on the 26 of July, followed with a consultation with the Surgeon on the 29th. Probable mid August for me.
Probably the same type of choice for me regards to the valve...not a fan of the idea of Coumadin and regular blood monitoring! We'll see!
My best wishes and prayers are with you.

LeRoy Kloss posted a note for Sherry that says: Hiya Sherry, first let me say good luck. I had the Ross procedure 16 yrs ago...and the day after that surgery I had an aortic anuerysm (sp)..
not a problem since then...I was 37 at the time..and my surgeon gave me a 50 yr guarantee...we'll see
I'm very active, still work as a railroader..jump on and off moving rail cars and things..very active job is my point..
I wish you the best..and would like to hear how things go for you...