Guestbook of Tonja M Dodd

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Tonja M Doddgot a new guestbook post

824 days ago

Susan Lynn posted a note for Tonja M that says:

Welcome, Tonja! I am a fellow mitral valve and chord repair heart warrior. I'm sorry to read that you haven't regained your stamina since surgery. I'm hoping ...Read more

Welcome, Tonja! I am a fellow mitral valve and chord repair heart warrior. I'm sorry to read that you haven't regained your stamina since surgery. I'm hoping that someone can share their own story on what may have helped them. I attended cardiac rehab and stayed on in their extended class until they closed due to Covid. I would advise that you continue to search for a resolution. There's no reason you can't resume your active lifestyle. Please keep us posted on your progress. Good luck!! ❤

Tonja M Dodd Thanks Susan! Nice to meet you fellow valve warrior! I understood because of the major open heart sur ... Read more

Tonja M Dodd Thanks Susan! Nice to meet you fellow valve warrior! I understood because of the major open heart surgery repair (a ring was placed around my valve too) that it is a longer recovery but not sure why I can't seem to get back to my old self. I also did cardiac rehab and was in phase 3 but stopped with Covid - and doing on my own now so I'm thinking maybe I'll try to go back once Omicron blows through. :) I'll keep the group posted as I continue to try. I used to be a runner so I know what it takes which is why I'm sure the fatigue and inability to build up is different than just simply being "out of shape." Thanks for your support.

Richard Munson Tonja, i echo all susan said but add that i never attended rehab due to covid. I had all the same stu ... Read more

Richard Munson Tonja, i echo all susan said but add that i never attended rehab due to covid. I had all the same stuff done to my heart. Lucky to have a treadmill home which i use daily even a year later. I was told walking is the best medicine. My expectations are a little different being 79 but it never stopped me from busting butt on my own. Good luck

Tracy Fallu Hi Tanya,
I had mitral valve repair at 48 years old, a bit over 4 years ago. I was a runner prior to ... Read more

Tracy Fallu Hi Tanya,
I had mitral valve repair at 48 years old, a bit over 4 years ago. I was a runner prior to surgery. I had a very rough recovery and wondered if I would ever run again. I do workout, hike and run. I’ve been able to run a few marathons since surgery; however, not at the pace that I was used to. I’ve come to realize that running is harder and not to get down on myself. Please know o empathize with you; it’s never easy when one feels an obstacle in the way. As hard as it is, you can run, maybe not as fast and give yourself grace.

Tonja M Dodd Thank you Richard Munson and Tracy! I just celebrated 5 years since my surgery and still haven't gott ... Read more

Tonja M Dodd Thank you Richard Munson and Tracy! I just celebrated 5 years since my surgery and still haven't gotten back to running but I haven't given up! Thank you all for your support and inspirational words.

Tonja M Doddgot a new guestbook post

825 days ago

Annabelle Picz posted a note for Tonja M that says:

Hi Tonja! I’m Annabelle and I’m new here. My mitral valve regurgitation diagnosis came after I had covid in August 2021. It was a shock to me because I’m ...Read more

Hi Tonja! I’m Annabelle and I’m new here. My mitral valve regurgitation diagnosis came after I had covid in August 2021. It was a shock to me because I’m very diligent with my doctor’s appointments every 3 months due to my high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Not ones that my Nurse practitioner mentioned of a heart murmur which the ER doctor found during my covid illness. Long story short,, I was seen by a cardiologist and now scheduled for open heart. I’ll be admitted on February10th for my heart cath and surgery the next day. I have confidence in my surgeon and I’m at peace about the procedure. I guess I’m a bit naive. I didn’t think about the recovery time. My heart goes out to you.. I’m 64 years old, in good health, asymptomatic and been blessed with a good life. I would like to say,, just take it one day at a time.. Baby steps, it’s only been a year. I understand you are used to living an active life and now you find yourself with some restrictions.. Be gentle with yourself and your new heart. Everyday is a blessing and a gift. I will pray for your comfort and swift recovery. I hope and pray this community can help you with some good advise. 🙏🏽💝

Tonja M Dodd Hi Annabelle- Thank you so much for your supportive thoughts. It really means alot. I am so sorry to ... Read more

Tonja M Dodd Hi Annabelle- Thank you so much for your supportive thoughts. It really means alot. I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this unexpectedly as well but glad you're feeling at peace going in. That's the best way - stay confident and positive before the surgery. I'm sure it will go well. Prayers and hugs to you.