Steven's Guestbook

Hi Steven. I've only ever been to North Wales once, years ago, and that was to Llangollen for the Eisteddfod so you've most probably seen more of Wales than I have lol. It is completely different to the South though. We're more friendly in the South or so people say!! They talk mostly Welsh in North Wales too which we don't in the South. As for Porthcawl, spent lots of happy days there when the Kids were small. Nicest Beaches are in West Wales, Tenby, Saundersfoot and especially 'The Gower' - Beautiful!!! Anyway, nice to meet you and wishing you an early 'Happy New Year' in case I don't log on. Nos Da 😀😀

Stephen...I am sending hugs for your asymptomatic question. It brought a hearty laugh for both my husband and me......my first in 5 weeks. If you read my latest/recent journal postings, all will be self explanatory :). Granted, I am locked still into present, rather than longer term, considerations but under the circumstances, I am sure I will be forgiven. I too was asymptomatic...although I was finding myself getting more tired at the end of the day before my surgery. Also, I was on no meds. which was a surprise to all who would ask for my list at any consults relating to my heart. My question now is, did my body go into some kind of shock after surgery? Once my cath. showed clear arteries, both my surgeon and anesthetist said I was a 'straight forward/clear cut case'. Mmmm. Although my surgery was an unbelievable 5 weeks ago today, it is all the subsequent drama that I am pushing back into the rear view mirror on a daily basis.....and the top milestone.....it has been several days now since my bladder started working on its own now....which I can't find myself really celebrating yet as it has left me with a pretty strong case of wariness about everything at the moment. However, I am still focusing on gaining control of what I can....VIHA is sending a physio tomorrow to help me restart my cardiac program and at least build some confidence from that and my GP returns from holidays on Friday, so I will be able to have some discussion from his point of view of where we go from here. First echo is on the 4th, then the cardiologist consult followed in mid October by the surgeon consult. But the great thing which I am so thankful for, is my feeling of strength to accept and overcome all that tries to block my path to a strong recovery...which no doubt will not find me being the same "old" that I was but still a really good and happy manageable....and with luck, even more than that ?? Everything that I have read in your journal Stephen, indicates you will face your future whatever it may be, with resilience, matter-of-factness, courage and strength. And this I wish you an abundance of for both you and your loved ones.

Thank you for taking the time to share your words of experience and wisdom. I am copying them and putting them in my file for when I have my mitral valve repair. I'm in the wait and watch group for now. You posted on my 70th birthday so thank you for a unique and relevant birthday gift. Thank you for # "3) I am not a piece of flesh or machinery to be worked on." While I certainly want to be treated as a person and not a "mitral valve repair" you gave me the tools to remember that they are not the "nurse/s", the "ward staff", the "doctors". They are people too. I need to connect with them unique person-to-unique person. Without your reminder I can envision myself being so caught up in my own fears that I would forget recognizing their need to be appreciated as individuals. I join all of your long time supporters in wishing you the best. You are a special person. And please thank your wife for urging you to write your post.

Hey Steven-I know your asymptotic but getting that aneurysm fixed will feel good knowing it’s gone. Mine was 5.3 and stopped before the hemi-arch and walking around with that scared me daily. You might not feel better immediately but over time you absolutely will and again getting Aorta corrected is a huge deal.