Tracy's Guestbook

Ginny Turner posted a note for Tracy that says: Appreciate your post today . As one who’s “in the waiting room” for mitral valve surgery, it’s encouraging to hear how active you are (wow!) and how well you feel. Thanks for the inspiration!

Cameron Peek posted a note for Tracy that says: Thanks so much for reminding me to be patient with the journey. Reading your full story is so encouraging.

robert simpson posted a note for Tracy that says: hello tracy hope your doing ok

Paul Rose posted a note for Tracy that says: Hi Tracy,
Thanks for the post. It’’s great to see your healthy and and continued running, long may it continue. I too was an asymptomatic avid athlete prior to sudden shortness of breath prior to Diagnosis and went through the same emotions as you. My rehab was similar to yours albeit after having my chest cracked vs noninvasive, I went all out through rehab and was a regular runner until I started to get just too many calf injuries, probably a result of always pushing a little too much and predisposed from the effects of a bad calf tear while skiing (boot split back of my calf in a wipeout racing Giant Slalom!). I stopped running when I hit 63 and turned to golf but pleased to say I’m still fit and healthy.

Stay fit and keep running as long as you can

Stay safe

Paul

David Pearl posted a note for Tracy that says: Loneliness, depression, other health issues, being alone, cardiac issues go hand and hand and feed off eachother.

I don't even have a person to drive me home post op

I have lived alone since 2000

In three years I will need open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve

I've never had a wife, kids, partner or even live with anyone other than the family I grew up with

My family is all dead except brother

Depression and being lonely cause inflammation and damage the heart.

I'll ask again: Anyone here lonely ? Alone ? Live alone ? Unable to count on a single person to assist in regards to operations or health ?

Anyone else here going into or in old age alone ?

Jackie Lehman posted a note for Tracy that says: Hi Tracy I thought I would let you know that the wonderful Marc Sakwa, M.D. repaired my mitral valve with a minimally invasive procedure and everything turned out so well. I feel fortunate he moved to Orange County California last year and my cardiologist hooked me up with him. Two weeks after my surgery I was released from his care. I will be forever grateful of his skill and knowledge.

Joel Kahl posted a note for Tracy that says: I am interested in your journey I am having a heck of a time running it is so frustrating as I used to do Ultra marathons

Linda Gilmore posted a note for Tracy that says: It gives me much hope to learn about how well you are doing after an ovarian diagnosis and then years later heart surgery. My health journeys are very much like yours. In 2009 I had surgery then chemo due to ovarian cancer. I also had no symptoms. I'm now 10 yrs cancer free. Then in July 2018 I had a complex mitral valve repair at the Cleveland Clinic. So far I feel great and fully appreciate each day. Thanks for sharing your story. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Marita Ballas posted a note for Tracy that says: HiTracy! Congrats you been 2yrs after your surgery, we both same mitral valve replacement this coming Jan.11,2020 i've been 12yrs in God's help,,Godbless for both of us, regards🙏🙏🙏

Sharon Cotter posted a note for Tracy that says: Congratulations, Tracy! You are truly an inspiration! You look great and are so encouraging. I am 2 months post the same surgery and a little frustrated that I’m still tired and have incision soreness. I walked 2 miles today and now I’m worn out. You are living proof that it does get better!

Chris Purvis posted a note for Tracy that says: Hey Tracy I saw your post about moderate regurg...praying that never changes. Your advice is exactly what I needed about worry, anxiety and enjoying everyday. I was worried about my cardiologist visit today..don’t know why when everything seems way better than before. I guess we all are built to doubt and wonder but thanks for the great reminder!

Linda Richards posted a note for Tracy that says: '

Barbara Blackwell posted a note for Tracy that says: Tracy, thanks for the suggestion of the "dry" shampoo. Ugh, what a thought, but I guess better than greasy hair!! 😝 I actually had read that someplace, but thank you, for reminding me. Thinking of you and hoping things have settled down a bit for you. You are a warrior goddess, I can tell. xxxxx

Fay Kozas posted a note for Tracy that says: Hi Tracy, I am sorry about your ordeal and so glad you are doing better. I admire you for your emotional strength and for your determination. Your closing words have made an impact on me. They will be my mantra every time I need the emotional strength to tackle life's challenges. I wish you good health and much happiness.

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Tracy that says: Your story is so inspirational. This is a difficult road and it seems each individual has very unique issues to deal with. However, we are joined by this experience. In a common goal to return to health in a new normal. I have had a TIA, that made me temporarily blind but have recovered. My new challenge is my mental state of overwhelming (at times) anxiety. I’m hoping cardiac rehab will help with it. Your words “one day she discovered” have been written down to remind me of who I was and who I want to be again. Thank you.

Carol Ahuja posted a note for Tracy that says: Hello Tracy, I am so sorry you are going through so much. Sending you prayers and hope you are feeling better very soon.

Molly Ivers posted a note for Tracy that says: Hi Tracy, I had my repair at Henry Ford on the boulevard. So how long did it take to not hurt?

Ernie Castillo posted a note for Tracy that says: Inspiring story, Tracy. I lead a discussion group at my church focusing on parishioners dealing with heart disease and if you ever want to tell your story in person, you would be most welcome.

I am a fellow Michigander and in August rode my bicycle 65 miles to celebrate my 65th birthday and 30th since my aortic valve replacement surgery. I also had a successful ablation October 2017 at University of Michigan Medical Center to address severe arrythmias. There are a lots of issues with my heart including mitral valve leakage that has regressed from mild to moderate but until it regresses to severe, and as long as I can exercise without chest pain or dizziness, my doctors are advising against surgery.

Bridget Sawmiller posted a note for Tracy that says: Hi Tracy, I just read your story. I am also from Michigan and had OHS in August 2016 at the Cleveland Clinic. I had a fibroelastoma on my pulmonary valve. So great to hear that you are doing well!!