Terrie's Heart Valve Journal

Tony posted a note for Terrie that says: Congrats and time does fly when you are having fun
Tony C-P

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie!
I think of you all the time and always am excited when I see that you have written a new post. You are still such an inspiration to this community through your writings, your journey and the way you have shared it with all of us. If any one in this community needs assurance whether you are new to the community or have been here for years, Terrie's posts are beautifully descriptive, and yet simplistic and I would encourage you to read her journal.
Thank you again Terrie for your post. Wishing you health, happiness and fun
Robin

Barbara Wood posted a note for Terrie that says: Thank for your note Terrie, & apologies for the late reply. I LOVE your stories ( I've read every one)!

Adam Pick posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie, Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say "Hi" and "Thanks" for all your support of the people in our community!!! Adam

Robun posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie,
I love reading your posts as they bring hope and healing to so many people in so many ways. I still love reading the stories of Kat and Rylee and seeing the gentile rememberences of Hunter. I can still remember the stories of how he and Kat used to play hide and seek in and out of your rose bushes and bring a smile to your face as you were recovering. I know that Rylee is still a growing boy and will bring you many, many, years of joy.
I hope you are feeling better, and that your health is improving. I am sure that you are happy to be able to get back to your art work. I know that your creations are just beautiful, and I love the ones that you sent to me. You are one of the people on this site that holds a very special place in my mended heart. There is not a day that goes by that I don't remember you and say a prayer for you. Feel free to email or call me at any time!
I love you my heart sister!
Robin

Mary Myers posted a note for Terrie that says: Terrie,
Thank you again for pouring out your heart. You always make me smile as I read your posts.

Hard to believe over two years have gone by since our surgeries.
Am so happy you are back to drawing and soon carving.

Lets talk soon!
Mia

steven a husted posted a note for Terrie that says: thank you terrie for your post i agree with every word you and this community are precious and i love you all and hope you had a happy thanksgiving

Robin posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie! Happy Thanksgiving to you and to your family, including of course your four legged family! I always love your notes, and hearing from you. I know that life speeds on once we are well on our way to the living again side of our surgeries, and I know that we no longer spend almost every waking minute on the site, because we have learned that it is ok to live again. My rainbow heart hanging in my bedroom window reminds me every day of you, where we have been, the friendship that grew and of how far we all have come. I pray for you and your family that this will be a season of great joy, love, and happiness that will continue to grow. I pray that you will find a new found health and that your struggles will fade. Write or call when you can my dear heart sister. You know that you hold now and for always a very special place in my heart!
Your friend and heart sister,
Robin

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello my dear heart sister! Happy 2 year anniversary. And with it an important milestone as you can rest in the assurance that your mended heart is healing and will keep beating for many years to come. I am so happy to hear that the other health concerns you have are responding to treatment and you are continuing to improve. I trust that you have been able to find the time to get into your studio and create some of those beautiful cards that you make. You are so wonderfully gifted and talented, and you art work shows it. I am also happy that Rylee has taken up the mantel where Hunter left off, and that he and Kat have also become friends. You are so right in that our pets have a huge roll to play in our healing process. I know that mine did and still are.
I am so glad to see your post and to hear from you. I still think of you and pray for you each day as I look at my crystal heart. It is such a beautiful and gentile reminder of our journneys, and the blessings that we have for each and every day that we are given. Please write back as you have the time. You hold a very special place in my own mended heart.
I also read your post about the Plavix. I have never taken it so I have any knowledge of that.
I pray for continued healing for you and for good health for you, Gary, Rylee and Kat.
God bless you my Heart Sister,
Robin

Mary Myers posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello myheart sister Terrie, Happy 2 year anniversary on your tissue valve. We are so blessed to enjoy each day! Sending big hugs to you and Gary (of course butterfly kisses) (eskimo hugs )! Lets talk on the phone sis! Love Mia

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie! I know you were having some health concerns the last time we talked, so I hope this finds you better, or at least getting some things attended to. I hope you are having some fun this summer. Keeping up with a new puppy and a puppy that likes a kitty, and I am sure that it keeps you somewhat busy. Have you had time to get to work on any of your cards? The ones you sent to me are just so beautiful, and you have such a special gift to be able to do what you do. I have never seen anything like them.
I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July. Drop me a note when you have the time.
Your heart sister,
Robin

Karen Pineda posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie,

I just stopped by to change my profile picture and decided to leave you a note to say hello and to thank you for all of the many ways that you have shared with me your beautiful heart. Your sisterhood and friendship have been, are and will always be the biggest blessing that Aortic Stenosis has brought my way.

Thank you from the bottom of my "still waiting to be fixed" heart. ~Karen

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terri! We haven't heard from you in a while and I hope this finds you well. I think about you all the time. I am sure that Rylee and Kat keep you busy, as puppies tend to do. I bet he is getting big and loving his romps in the park.
I know that the last couple of storms that we have gotten here in Arizona have come from northern California, and hopefully this will be a little help with the summer drought, and your beautiful roses will bloom big and fragrant.
I pray that 2016 has gotten off to a good start for you and Gary, and that your new heart is beating strong and getting stronger every day.
Your heart sister,
Robin

John Noriega posted a note for Terrie that says: Terrie I send you a very special New Years greeting. I thank you for your constant kind words. You are one of the people who gave me the hope I needed to recover as I have from my surgery. You are an inspiration to many. Have a blessed 2016 and I will try to work it out that we can meet this new year. God bless you, your family and my you be abundantly blessed in the days to come. XO - Onward & Upward - John

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: What a beautiful puppy! I pray that you and Gary (along with Rylee and Kat), had a wonderful Christmas holiday. We received both your Thanksgiving and Christmas cards for which I thank you. I did not send out one card, or bake even one cookie as I was recovering from surgery. My spinal cord stimulator had to be moved and the battery pack changed. So with movement and lifting restrictions in place for the next 8 weeks, I am "grounded".
I hope that the New Year finds you feeling better and that you will be able to get back to your card desigining, We really need to find a time to catch up.
Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year,
Robin

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello my dear, sweat heart sister! Oh how I love to read your posts. They are always so encouraging and entertaining to read. Thank you for the beautiful Christmas card and the pictures of Rylee. I love them so very much. I have so many things to tell you, but in a different forum.
I pray that you, Gary, Rylee and Kat have the most blessed of Christmas holidays and a very happy and healing new year.

Your heart sister,
Robin

Mary Myers posted a note for Terrie that says: Sister Terrie,
Thank you so much for your lovely writing. I am so thankful for you and all my other heart sisters and brothers that have been on this heart journey with me. Our heart family gave me strength to be positive and will always be so grateful. Merry Christmas to you and Gary! We will talk soon. Your heart sis Mia

Elaine Foster posted a note for Terrie that says: Thank you Terrie for your kind words and best wishes. I haven't been on the site much lately, but always love reading your posts. Thank you for your support to me thru this last year, it was greatly appreciated. It just seems we connect with those who went thru surgery around the same time, and you are one of my special "heart sisters" God bless you and yours, and Merry Christmas !

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello my friend!

I love hearing the stories of Rylee and Kat, and that they have become such great friends, As you said, our pets can make a world of difference in our recoveries and I am so thankful for our three little ones, Heidi, Torey, and Teah. I pray for your continued recovery and wish you, Gary, Rylee and Kat a healthy, blessed and happy holiday season.

Your heart sister,
Robin

Robyn Tatu posted a note for Terrie that says: My good, good heart sister. I wanted to let you know I got your beautiful cards and thanks you so much for your continued good wishes. I am still grateful for your pep talk and encouragement before my surgery. You know what a stressful time pre surgery is for everyone. Even though it's exciting to come away with a new heart, it's a scary prospect and I just don't know if I could've actually gone through it without your encouragement. What happened to me was a rare accident that no one could've forseen - and when all was said and done my heart is strong and healthy. I am so very grateful for your participation on this site. You are a bright light, a backbone of this community, and a reason to keep checking in and posting.

I am Thankful for you, Sister.

Have a great holiday.

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: hi my heart sister! My husband and I were both thinking of you this morning as we watched the prisim rainbows from my special heart dance across the bedroom floor and walls. He also showed me how he likes to take his slot cars and hold them in the rainbows to change the color of the paint on the car bodies.
As always, I love to read your posts and hear of the antics of Rylee and Kat. It can be so much fun to watch a little fur ball grow into their seeming oversized bodies.
I am sorry to hear that you are not feeling well, and pray that you will soon find your health and strength again.
Feel free to call me at anytime. I will love to hear from you.
Love ya! Get better soon.
Your heart sister,
Robin

Robin posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello my heart sister,

You have been espically heavy on my heart and mind, and I just needed to drop you a note to let you know that I am thinking of you tonight and just praying for you that you are feeling better.
I hope that things are going well for Rylee and Kat, and that their relationship is growing and thriving.
Love you my heart friend!
Robin

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi my heart sister!
I am so happy to hear that you are finally getting some rain. How sweet it is to smell those fresh rain smells after a long rain absence. It is one of my most favorite smells.
I try to picture Rylee and Kat running and playing together. It must be a most joyful site for you to watch as the two of them learn just where the play boundries are.
and see the bond that is forming between the two. I wonder if Kat can see a bit of Hunter and the times she had with him as she romps and "snuggles" with Rylee?
I am also happy to read that your health issues are being attended to. I pray that you will soon be back to your full health. Let me know if there is anything that I can do.

Love you Terrie and thanks again for another captivating, descriptive post!

Your heart sister,
Robin,
With the changing angle of the sun, and the change in the time that it rises, I can see the change in the glow of my special heart. Thanks again for such a beautiful reminder of where we have been and where we are.

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie! I am so excited for you and the adoption of Rylee. It sounds like he has already made for himself a comfortable spot in your heart and life. And that he is a great help in adding up the foot steps on the fitbit.
I try to imagine the smell of your beautiful roses and picture in my minds eye the smile on your face as you care for them. I am sure that the drought in CA has taken a toll on everything, and as fall and then winter approach hopefully the rains and snow will come.
I pray that you are feeling well, and that things for you and Gary are going well. I don't understand how you and Gary can get up in what to the rest of us seems like the middle of the night. I guess it is all in what you get used to.
Have an awesome day my friend!
Enjoy Rylee and Kat
Your heart sister,
Robin

Mary Myers posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello Terrie,

It is your heart sister Mia. I am so happy that you have created your own rehab. Sounds like you are having a great time with Riley and Kat.

All is good here with the exception that I was in a car accident this past Monday. Was on my way to work at 645 a.m., and was sideswiped. This shook me up pretty good. I
managed to not get any scrapes or bruises, just stiff and soreness. Today I am getting back to my norm. Stayed home from work all week. My doctor suggested to just take it easy. The one thing that surprised me was my heart remained calm even after the car hit me. So very thankful as this could have been a lot worse.

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous. In the 70's. Sat out on the deck today and enjoyed the breeze.

We will talk soon. Sleep well my sis.

Butterfly kisses and Eskimo Hugs!
Mia

Hi Terrie,

I was just sitting down after a long week and feeling really tired. With thoughts of jobs, and bills and illness and doctors and appointments, etc., my mood started to plummet and I could feel a migraine in the making. I knew I didn't want that to continue as I know I have much to be thankful for despite life's ups and downs. So as I worked on "keeping my chin up" and not allowing myself to fall into a funk, I thought of the wonderful friendship I was blessed with when you and I became friends. Thank you to you and Gary, Rylee and Kat for being part of my life. You guys are major blessings that came from my heart valve diagnosis. Love ya Heart Sister.....Karen

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie! I so love hearing about Rylee and his new discoveries as he grows. I can hear the excitement in your voice through your writing, and I so love hearing it. Our furry friends add so very much to our lives, and I can tell that Rylee is keeping you busy and active. I am sure he is helping to add up the steps on that fit bit too! What a good boy he is.
I think that for us the weather has finally turned. We will still have a few of those 100 degree plus days, but not as many of them and not the oppressive heat. We have had a few rain storms roll through, and they were so needed.
I am sorry that it took me a few days to catch up with you. I have been having some problems with anemia again and spent last weekend in the hospital. My red count was 4.4 and my iron and immunogoblins (?) were to low to count. So, I spent some time in the hospital receiving 4 units of blood and oxygen. I also had a echo because my heart was acting up a bit (no wonder with all the hard work it had to do to try and keep things going). My hematologist said that my mitral and tricuspid valves are leaking, that the aortic valve is showing some stenosis, and that my pulmonary pressure is way to high. I am not sure where all of this is going to go. Hopefully nowhere, but I will wait and see.
As always I love hearing from you. I pray that you and Gary are doing well. Enjoy your adventures with little Rylee and the memories that you will share.
I love you my heart sister!
Give Rylee a big hug from me,
Robin

Karen Pineda posted a note for Terrie that says: Just thinking of you.

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello my Friend! I know just what you mean about peach trees. We had a wonderful peach tree, and , because of the dogs, kept it fenced off. Well, one day our Airedale got through the fence and to that wonderful tree and it's peaches, and stripped the bark off of the tree. No matter how hard we tried, well that was the end of the peach tree. the dog had no side affects from her adventure. It's so nice that Rylee and Kat are beginning to enjoy each other. I am sure that they will become great buddies.
I hope that you are feeling better and that the soreness has gone. I am sure that your beautiful yard is enough to make you feel better about what you and Gary accomplished together.
Love you my heart sister and friend,
Robin

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie! It is so good to hear the joy in your writing as you share the adventures of your new little family member. It sounds like Rylee and Kat are making fast friends, and soon Rylee will be chasing Kat around the yard like Hunter did, (that ought to rack up the steps on that fit - bit)! one of the thing that I love the most about is your openness and the way in which you share. You are so honest and open, and you bring so much joy to so very many people. I am sure that no one could ever take the place of Hunter or Sherlock, , but I am also sure that little Rylee will bring you and Gary so much joy.
Our little ones have meant so much to me as I have walked through this journey and I love them for always being there for me. One of our little ones is very near the end of her time with us here, and I understand the pain that come with the loss of such devoted family members.
I can't wait to hear of the adventures of Rylee as he grows and gives you and Gary so many more amazing memories and adventures (even if it is going to the potty in the right spot at 2:30 in the morning).
Love you my friend! Your heart sister,
Robin

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Terrie that says: Terrie, thank you so much and yes, I have been so blessed to have all of y'all at this time in my life. I know it would have been so much scarier and harder to have gone through all of this without this amazing heart family. My heart was happy reading your post this morning! I'm so happy for you to have Rylee now. I know Hunter and Sherlock will always hold a special place in your mended heart and now you, Gary, and Kat have this precious new family member to make many new memories with! God bless you Heart Sister!

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Congratulations Terri on your one year anniversary, and on the adoption of your newest family member! Our pets are our family and I would not want to be without ours. They just make life so much fuller and richer. So, welcome to the heart family Rylee! I can't wait to hear of your adventures as you thrive in your new family. Terri will be the best pet mommy you could ever have.
And by the way, as a side note, my heart surgeon was Dr. Riley and I may not be here without him.
Love you heart sister!
Your heart sister,
Robin

Tony Copeland-Parker posted a note for Terrie that says: Congratulations
It is a pretty good feeling isn't it?
Tony

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: I'll be waiting for that post tomorrow when I get home from work.

Happy Anniversary my friend
Your heart sister,
Robin

Dear Heart Sister. I am writing this today in honor of your one year anniversary tomorrow as I have an early day tomorrow and may not get computer time before I leave my house.

On August 20, 2014, you were wheeled into the operating room after several months of your constant support in this community. You and I became fast friends and I knew I would be holding my breath until we received word that you made it through the surgery safely. When Gary left a message here with an update, I was able to fully exhale. "Hooray!!!, Terrie has her new valve and ready to take on the process of recovery". It wasn't long before you were home, on your computer, supporting other Heart Brothers and Sisters even when your recovery had just begun.

During your recovery, you shared your short walks in the beautiful park across the street from your house. Then you shared the longer walks and with each extra distance you traveled, my heart felt joy for I was witnessing the recovery of my dear friend. You were kind enough to post a couple of photos where you proudly held onto your heart pillow. It was comforting to see you standing there, back home where you were supposed to be. I must mention though, there was that one photo that made my heart skip a beat and I wanted to scream, "GET AWAY FROM THAT HOSE, YOU'RE GOING TO TRIP ON YOUR....ahem....you know what." :-)

Now here you are, one year later, my heart sister, dear friend and kindred spirit. Congratulations on a job well done. Love you. Karen

robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello my dear friend! I know that in a couple of days that you will celebrate your one year anniversary. The amazing things you have done and the countless lives that you have touched are all a true testament to the amazing lady that you truly are. The stories that you have told have encouraged us and helped us as we began and made it through our own heart journeys. I understand also that the last couple of weeks without your beloved Hunter have been difficult ones. Know that you are loved and being thought of and prayed for. So be encouraged my friend. Your new life is only just begun. Your heart brothers and sisters are all celebrating you!

So happy one year anniversary my friend!
Your heart sister,
Robin

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Oh Terrie, I am so sorry to read of the passing of Hunter. I know he was a very loved pet and family member and was so very important in your recovery. I pray he is at peace, and is running happy, healthy and free. I pray for you that God will fill that void in your heart with all of the ways Hunter blessed you and that He would put a smile on your face every time you think of him. I will hold you tight in my thoughts and prayers. May God bring you comfort and peace.
Your heart sister and friend,
Robin

Cheryl Batzing posted a note for Terrie that says: Terrie, just checking in on you to see how your SVTs are going, and if you are still feeling well, or are they still thinking ablation soon? It is very similar to the heart cath...in my case exact same procedure going in through the groin. Very similar recovery. I was able to go home before end of day with my ablation and heart cath. Please email me whenever you have more questions. And as always, so enjoy reading your journal. Blessings!

Don Badger posted a note for Terrie that says: TERRIE,
i did not mean to alarm you. My surgeon at MGH informed me that I was the earliest patient in his experience to have had this failure with this valve. Here are the specifics on the valve. Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve Catalogue number LXA25. This was implanted on March 9th 2011. About a year ago he stopped using the Mitroflow and switched over to the St. Jude bovine model. I will pass along any further info to you pertaining to my time with the Sorin Group valve as it becomes available. Thanks for your response. God bless you.

Virginia (Ginger) French posted a note for Terrie that says: Terrie,
Sis, just wanting you to know that we are animal people, too, and highly prize the presence of another living breathing soul during those long stretches when we're home and our guys are away. God is faithful to provide us with warm, furry companions who we love almost as children. May the prayers of all of us shower you with peace and love.

Tony C-P posted a note for Terrie that says: Terrie, thanks for the shoot out.
Time does fly when you are having fun.
Keep up the good work and enjoy the ride
TCP
AKA Mini Zipper

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: My dear heart sister and friend,
We are so blessed to have people like you on this sight! Your stories are captivating and insightful and I love reading them over and over. I believe that God has put people like you on this sight because your wisdom and creativity encourages all of us no matter where we are in our heart journies. I am blessed that I have been able to get to know you a little more, and have been able to share with you. Thank you for all that you do to encourage us a little more, to make our day a little brighter, and to put a song in our hearts.
Congratulations on your 11 month anniversary. Very soon mow you will celebrate your 1st year of renewed life. I pray that God will bless you with many more. I pray that you will always have a warm cup of tea, that Gary will have many more years of watching you wave to him in the rear view mirror as he goes over the hill for work,
and that Hunter and Kat will give you many more adventures of which to write.

Your heart sister,
Robin

Tony C-P posted a note for Terrie that says: Setting goals and moving forward. I love it. Keep up the good work. You are inspiring others.

Jeanette Davidson posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie~
Your words really are helpful to me and I thank you so much. I think you you are 100% right. And I really like what you said about this site because it's true . I have made connections with people like thinking about Duane and it has been hard because he was so kind to me from day one ! I really appreciate you !❤️

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie! It's too bad that more of us don't take just a few moments to show a little interest in the lives of the people we see around us.
Hope you get all of your outside activities done before it gets to hot. It is 114 here in Phoenix today. To hot to even go out in the morning.
Stay hydrated and well!
Your heart sister,
Robin

Mary Myers posted a note for Terrie that says: Terrie
Hello my heart sister! It was wonderful chatting on the phone the other day. I will get room number for Duane and address for hospital once he goes to a regular room.

The update for today June 14th is basically the same, still on vent, kept pretty sedated , the doctors reassure the family that once he turns the corner, the progress should be fast.

Keep the prayers coming, and your lovely writing. Thanks for being there for our heart family. You really make a difference in many lives.

Love your heart sis!
Mary (Mia)

Mary Myers posted a note for Terrie that says: Hello my sister Terrie,
This is your heart sister Mia. You again have touched my heart with your lovely writing. Let's talk on the phone soon. What a wonderful heart family we have.

Not sure if you knew, I had the opportunity to meet brother Duane. He lives in the same city as me. It is amazing how strangers become family.

I am so thankful for all our heart brothers and sisters. During my journey I was able to connect with Ginger, Popeye,Olga, Nancy, Eleanor, and you! So many others. Since the beginning of the year Duane has been added to my heart family. Once he is stronger I will be visiting him. Please continue to do all you do.

Swimming would be great to keep you on track. I am going to add biking to my schedule.

Guess what, I am a grandma! My son got married on Sunday, and I gained a lovely daughter in law and her adorable little boy. He is three and a half.
Have him with us this week and loving every moment.

I will send pics to you soon.

Love you my sis!
Mia

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Ah Terrie! I so love your stories. I love reading about the adventures of Kat and Hunter, and the wonderfully descriptive ways that you describe the roses and the peach tree. I try to imagmine the beautiful smells that you must experience, and the beautiful vibrant colors that you must see. Even more It is wonderful to know that your recovery is progressing, and you are so gracious in taking all of us on that journey with you. You have become a true source of inspiration and encouragement to so many others, and I am so glad that we are friends.
Be careful out in the heat. It will zap you before you know it.
I will chat with you soon,
Your heart sister,
Robin

Tony CP posted a note for Terrie that says: I suggest swimming.

Robin Szymanski posted a note for Terrie that says: Hi Terrie! Living in Arizona, I get those 104 degree days. We have been really, really blessed this year with cooler weather. As for exercise advice, I am definitely not the one to give you advice. In fact, I could probably use some advice of my own! I do miss the hot summer days spent in the pool, maybe someday again.
It sounds like you are doing well, and I am glad to hear that. You are a fighter as well as an encourager, and I know that all of us here in the heart community have a great amount of respect for you and love for you!
Love you my friend. Hope that you get the advice that you need.
Your heart sister,
Robin