Susan's Heart Valve Journal

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, Congrats on the first year coming up. Glad everything is now in working order and you are good to go. You sure have had quite a year. Keep doing good and don't forget HVJ. I still look around a little or help someone else out like Little Gabriel with the heart transplant. Keep doing good. Hugs

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Well Susan, you have been through a lot this past year but you are right- the Lord has been with you every step of The way. So glad you are doing well. We just returned from a trip to Israel where I truly felt God's presence as we walked the Sea of Galilee and Mt of Olives! God is good!

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Been wondering how you are my lovely Susan! Congratulations on the 12 month milestone, it has not been an easy ride for you! My addy is gabi41@bigpond.com if you wanna keep in touch!

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Thinking of you Susan, you sound so much better than when I checked in on you last month. Lots of love and prayers dear Biddy!

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Susan that says: Hello Susan. I am sorry I didn't get in a Happy Birthday to you on your Birthday on the 22nd. I hope you had a good one and that as your healing continues so do all of those Birthdays. I hope you're making it through your treatments well. Both you and Gabi were two of the people I received support from from the beginning of my own journey here at HVS and I want you to know how instrumental you have been and continue to be with your zest for life, fighting spirit and Faith in helping myself and others face walking on this path. You helped me take on some of that "Attitude" necessary to make it through and when things get a little "sticky"
I rarely miss thinking of your photos, the beauty that IS you and keep moving on!
Continue to fight the fight and know my heart as well as others is with you gaining strength from all the love and prayers as your continue on! Please keep us posted.

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Susan, Susan, Susan! I am shocked at this news, my darling biddy friend. This is such a lot to cope with, my mended heart goes out to you to help you through this latest setback. Please let us know how things are going for you my lovely Susan.

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Well, Susan, you certainly have found a way to extend this heart valve journey now, haven't you! Losing weight, another surgery, radiation, I don't know what to say! You inspire me with your attitude. Keep it up, we are all behind you. Also, keep shopping, I believe it is a powerful form of aerobic exercise that you should fully commit to.

All the very best to you as you face this head-on and put it behind you.
So glad your heart and lungs are well. Keep moving forward.

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, So sad to read this about you. You sure have been thru the mill, a lot more than a lot of us. I will keep you in my prayers. Glad your heart is doing good that will help you get thru all of this. God will take care of you just like he did when you had heart surgery. My best to you
Love and hugs

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Susan that says: Hello Susan. Sorry to hear you are having so much to deal with but glad to hear your heart is doing well. This is a very good thing. I was wondering if you know where you will be on the day of your Birthday and if you would mind contacting me at my email address passing along an address where I can send you something?
My email is: tsyvertsen1@sbcglobal.net. Continue to fight the fight and to heal!
Sending all the positive healing energy and prayers one possible can!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Susan,
Wow you've had quite a year! Your body has taken a beating! Hope things are better in 2015! Have fun shopping! I'm doing fine and had a good echo 13 months after my surgery. My mom had the new TAVR procedure in Dec. and did very well. Take care.

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: So shocked Susan to hear you are facing MORE surgery!! OMG! will def pray for your intention and swift recovery.

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: So this is why you have been very quite! This sucks that you have been struggling with all this stuff my dear friend. So sorry! Sending loving energy to keep you in a positive and healing mode, get ready to accept a blessing! All love and prayers coming your way!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Susan, glad to hear your heart is "ticking" along. Sorry to hear about all the other health issues. I will keep you in my prayers. I celebrated my 1 year anniversary on Oct . 8 and am doing great! Now I am helping my mom with her valve issues. She just had an angiogram and found no blockages. She is now on the list to have the TAVR procedure- replacement of aortic valve without OHS. Keep her in your prayers.

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Susan that says: Hello Susan. Terrie here. Wondering what you are up to and how your recovery is
doing. Haven't seen any recent posts. Hope all is progressing and you are out there enjoying life...drop a post if you get some time it would be good hearing what you are up to! Thinking of you.

Gabrielle Stinson posted a note for Susan that says: You OK Suzie Q? Gabi x

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says: So happy to hear that you had a good time at the wedding. Sounds like it was beautiful. But finding a hole. My oh my. Well take care of that foot and watch out for those holes.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Susan
Glad you made it to your granddaughter's wedding, but sorry about you breaking a bone. What a bummer! I bet you are really getting tired of Dr. offices. Hang in there....

Gabrielle Stinson posted a note for Susan that says: Some people will do Anything for attention! And you know what? I aint sayin' nothin'!! Even though you gave me the biggest blast after my Zumba session! Susan darling you are great, everyone just loves you - please just calm down a notch, enjoy your sister's company and heal your heel and heart!

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, Good to hear that you are doing a lot better. When they removed the fluid in my lungs while in the hospital, he did not take all of it. Left just a little said it was better that way. Hey have fun at the wedding a good time well deserved. Take care friend.

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Susan that says: Hello Susan. I am glad to read that you are back online and doing so well. I wrote several times but with the new changes in format have had trouble picking up with some of the group I began and went thru surgery with. So bottom line it is really good to know how you are doing. I hope you have a really good time at the upcoming Wedding and very happy you will have some exciting times with your Family. You take are and if you ever want to connect off the site you are welcomed to get in touch with me at:(tsyvertsen1@sbcglobal.net) Take care Terrie

Gary posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan was concerned with no post, glad to hear you are on the mend. Hang in there I am 6 months out and finally fully recovered, it's a long road but when you consider the alternative it's not so bad.

Julia Hsu posted a note for Susan that says: Susan, it's good to hear from you. Glad that things are better, especially the fluid in your lung. Adam revented the webside, but a ome of us "old timers" are still around. Take care, Julia Hsu

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Yah Susan you're back!!! Welcome! Glad you have surfaced out of your shell and that you are doing well. I don't much like change, and am a bit impatient with the new format here! Showing my age a bit as I know older people don't like change! Just lovely to have you back and very interested in the wedding of the year! You are gunna shine!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Susan, Glad to hear you are doing so well. Wow...losing 73 pounds! That's great! Enjoy your grandchild's wedding. Time marches on. I'm coming up to my 1st year anniversary on Oct. 8. Take care.

Ruth Valenzuela posted a note for Susan that says: Susan:

Hope you are doing better and your lung capacity has improved. It's been a while since I've heard anything about you, so I'm a bit concerned. I don't always post on here but I read what different people post and ensure prayers for all that need it. It really is a beautiful blessing to have this group of people to relate to. Much prayer for you!

Ruth Valenzuela

Terrie posted a note for Susan that says: Dear Susan, Haven't heard from you in awhile and I am wondering what and how you are doing? How are the lungs doing? Are you working with any physical therapy? How are your Kitties doing? Overall, are things getting better for you?
I have been home 12 days from the Hospital. Really surprised at the uselessness
feelings since I can't seem to get out of my own way but I am looking to all of you who have shared your stories to keep in mind how things change as we go and looking forward. Hope your lungs have gotten into better shape Lady. Drop me a line if you get a moment with an update on how you are doing please?! Thinking of you heart Sister. Love Terrie-

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Hey my biddy friend! What you upta? Love Gabi x

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Susan that says: Hello there Susan. Terrie here! Just got out of the hospital and got lost trying to figure out how to get in and out to the people at our site.
Worried about you and your beautiful lungs while I was inside and wanted to let you know now that I am home I want to catch up and see how much progress it seems you are now making with the right lung? I missed chatting back and forth before I got into the hospital and used a lot of what you gave me a heads up to while in the hospital. So now that I think I am getting the hang of the site again I will be tracking you down to get updates, please? Stay strong and I will be here with you getting stronger and through this healing process. Take care Lady! Love to you and gentle, very gentle hugs sent your way tonight. Love, Terrie

Gabrielle Stinson posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, I do hope you are going OK. I replied to an email to you that landed in my junk mail. Keep a look out in YOUR junk mail please as I am feeling a bit disconnected from you all. Gabi x

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Susan that says: Ditto what everybody else said. Good luck. Wishing the best for a good outcome.

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, Hope this works for you for the final time. Good luck.
Hugs

Lynn Quast posted a note for Susan that says: Yay Susan!! I hope you feel so much better after that fluid is removed!!! I sure did!! Big hugs!!!

Eleanor posted a note for Susan that says: You have waited a while for this appointment, so I am glad they are going to take care of you today. I hope they get it all, and make sure they keep a close eye on you going forward so you don't have a recurrence. Time to feel really good and strong now. Continue to heal, my thoughts are with you.

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Good luck, Susan! Here's to your good health. Best.

Lynn Q posted a note for Susan that says: Trying not to get worried Susan . Hoping you didn't end up in hospital with that fluid in your right lung ! Hugs!!!!!!

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: You OK my lady friend? You have been a bit silent - hope this means you too busy to post! This is just to give you a gentle poke and let you know I am still thinking of you Susan.

Lynn Quast posted a note for Susan that says: Hey there Susan !! Just checking in and hope you're doing ok ? Let me know when you're up to it . Hugs!!!!

Patti posted a note for Susan that says: Sounds like being troopers runs in the female genes in your house. You and your sister have certainly been tested. My thoughts are of you both and hope each day will be easier.

Just for good measure I am sending you some Irish good luck.

Hope you have a great week.

Lynn posted a note for Susan that says: I am sorry this fluid continues Susan . Did you mean it's not very much fluid or it is very much fluid? I hope it's not much cause that seems like a long time to wait to see your pulmonary dr if it's a lot of fluid!!!!
I'm sorry your sister had to have another surgery!! But am glad she's ok. It must be so hard not to be with her. But you do need to really care for yourself right now !! Please take care and thinking continued healing thoughts for you... And your sister !!

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Yes you are a trouper Susan. This is annoying the fluid is persisting on gathering in your lungs. It is not what we want to hear. However, your attitude is one of gratitude and I admire you for that! Treat yourself softly, gently and kindly. Your sister will look forward to your calls and you can encourage one another..

Julia Hsu posted a note for Susan that says: Susan,

You are a trooper too. I am sorry the fluid in the lung complication continues to bother you. Hang in there & best wishes.

Terrie posted a note for Susan that says: Hello Heart Sister & Buddy, and of course Hello to Frances the Cat.
Just left a response to you in my guestbook! I wanted to wish you luck with your test tomorrow and hope and pray it all turns out well. It is time it did, eh? Thank you for the kind words about my journal post and hope you read my response to you as you are important to me! Take care and I look forward to an update on tomorrow. God Bless!

Eleanor posted a note for Susan that says: I am glad you have good doctors, Susan, who are looking out for you and suggesting the right procedures. Hope all goes well with the lung specialist. I was released by the surgeon last week and won't be able to see the cardiologist until Aug 18, but I have a visiting nurse once a week who checks on vitals and lung sounds. So far, so good. Day 21 post surgery, and every day is so much easier. Still don't have my arms completely back, but getting there! Take good care of yourself.

Terrie posted a note for Susan that says: Hello Susan. Sorry to hear you have to have another test but good to know you are still being checked on thoroughly! Best of luck with the ultrasound on Wed. and we will be waiting for another post hoping you feel well and continue on and with your recovery.
Take care Lady, you can do this until it levels out to healthy lungs and heart AND feeling better soon!

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says: Mercy Susan, You sure have been thru the mill. Here hoping the ultra sound comes out clear. Hope everything else is going good. Maybe Bossie is doing something down there and wants her picture taken. What do you think? lol
Good luck. Hugs and prayers.

Lynn posted a note for Susan that says: Hang it there Susan!!! And keep posting please. Big hug!!!

Lynn Quast posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,
It took me a good week before I felt good after my fluid around my left lung was removed ! The difference now is amazing and after 4 months since my surgery, I can finally start my cardiac rehab program!
Am wishing continued recovery for you!!! Keep me posted please!

Terrie posted a note for Susan that says: Hello Susan-
How are the lung's dong? I hope you are on the mend.
You mentioned that they gave you a "shot" while you were in for your lung of insulin? I wonder why that was if you haven't tested before?
Might be you were registering numbers because of the stress you were going through and you were higher than normal. Who knows? Are you pre-diabetic? Just curious. The fact they didn't address it when you were there probably means nothing but I would ask out of curiosity.
One of the reasons my weight Is off is that I am a stress eater. I eat well but like for the past three weeks I have been off my plan due to having 3 teeth removed and having to be careful not to irritate or cause infection with the surgery coming up.
I also stepped away from the bike that I had been on for the past year daily most weeks with the exception of weekends off. It makes a difference to get some kind of exercise in.
Also all the Dr. appts. that came up just made things hard to eat correctly.
Different tests, blood work, through off any kind of schedule but it seems things finally calmed down and now it is full on to the surgery on the 20th. I am looking forward to having it over with.
I see you are still dealing with anxiety and apprehension now and then and I think that is to be understood with the recent lung issues, don't you?
You have come a long way and also been very helpful to those of us who come onto the sight for support and just to touch base so thanks so much.
I understand there are many who experience the same thing after surgery for quite some time depending on how there recovery is going.
I hope you won't be too hard on yourself when it hits but that you are able to be feeling so much better soon that it finally takes a "hike".
I am going to continue to eat right too and hope, like you. I present the best person I can be mentally and physically
for surgery.
I just bought a book that someone online here suggested for our buddy "Steven" called "Little ways to Keep Calm And Carry on" It is 20 lessons for managing worry, anxiety, and Fear by Mark A. Reinecke, PH.D.
I am finding it helpful, I bought it at Barnes and Noble but it can be ordered on Amazon too. Small book but power packed and worth the $15.00 but I think you can find them used cheaper. (Just a thought).
Anyway, take care of yourself and I hope that your lungs continue to grow stronger and you feel better as a result real soon.
Thanks for the good thoughts.

Love from Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Awww! you not gunna take in a Zumba class? That's OK I am glad one of us has some sense!

Terrie posted a note for Susan that says: Good afternoon Susan.
Hope you are still doing well since the last good news and your "fluids" are behaving!
I never mentioned it but I am extremely impressed at your weight loss prior to your surgery and that you have maintained and lost inches since which can only be wonderful for that heart of yours!
I keep beating myself up lately for not having lost more weight as my time is coming up and I really have to admit that I didn't do all that I could have to lose more.
So here I am doing the best that I can and happy I haven't put any weight back on while losing slowly still but not what I had hoped.
The surgeons say they work on all sizes but we all know it is better to have the weight under control. Only makes sense. So I am looking at continuing on the path I have been on at present since it will also be a healthy one for after I can get home to recover.
Think the hardest part is not doing the physical stuff I was doing months ago due to the heart changes and being introduced to the world of "insulin".
Not complaining just learning new ways to Manage! So I may be hitting you up for the latest "tips from Susan" when I get home, LOL.
You take care and keep us posted as I enjoy hearing about your recovery. Gives us incentive to "Keep on Tickin"