Guestbook of Valerie Allen

My Guestbook

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

21 days ago

Fidel Martínez Ruiz reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Valerie that says:

Congratulations on your second anniversary !!! 🎈xxx

Valerie Allen Thank you Ruth Joy!

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

365 days ago

Valerie Allen reacted to this

Sue Maize posted a note for Valerie that says:

Dear Valerie! Happy belated 1 year anniversary! 🥳❤️💐 I don’t go on here nearly as much anymore but I do want to check in on some special heart friends ...Read more

Dear Valerie! Happy belated 1 year anniversary! 🥳❤️💐 I don’t go on here nearly as much anymore but I do want to check in on some special heart friends I’ve met over the past year! You’ve been a real encouragement to me and you are so strong and resilient in how you’ve faced your own heart surgery! I hope you did something special to celebrate! May God bless you and keep your heart beating strong for many years to come! Much love to you! 🤗🩷

Valerie Allen Sue, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to me. I can say the same about you and I ... Read more

Valerie Allen Sue, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to me. I can say the same about you and I hope you will continue to check in! ❤️

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

389 days ago

Maria DeMarco, Kimberly Eisenhut, Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie ,
Congratulations on your First Anniversary !!!
Have fun celebrating !!!

Ana Brusso Happy anniversary Valerie. Continued good health and God bless you 🙏❤️

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Happy anniversary, and many many more!!

Pamela Gregory Congratulations Valerie!!!

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

421 days ago

Michael Ponzio posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie, I pray all is well with you. Thank you for reaching out. My surgery is scheduled on Wednesday, March 19. I will be going to the hospital tomorrow ...Read more

Hi Valerie, I pray all is well with you. Thank you for reaching out. My surgery is scheduled on Wednesday, March 19. I will be going to the hospital tomorrow March 18 to have a catheter angiogram because on top of the stenosis and the aneurysm I have two blockages so they want to get a better look. I have been experiencing some anxiety which I think is causing my heart to have palpitations.

Valerie Allen Michael, not sure if it happens to everyone but once I got to the hospital I kind of let it go after ... Read more

Valerie Allen Michael, not sure if it happens to everyone but once I got to the hospital I kind of let it go after a year of anxiety. I trusted the surgeon and the team. I hope you experience this too.

Richard Munson Anxiety is very normal. Mine went away after i was sedated.

Rose Madura Michael, it's normal to be nervous and anxious. Remember that the odds are in your favor. God bless y ... Read more

Rose Madura Michael, it's normal to be nervous and anxious. Remember that the odds are in your favor. God bless you on this journey.

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

427 days ago

Valerie Allen reacted to this

Fidel Martínez Ruiz posted a note for Valerie that says:

Thanks Valerie, send me some country music titles or any other and I'll try training to do a few dabbles. Long live rock!, as The Who said in one song

🤣

😂. ...Read more

Thanks Valerie, send me some country music titles or any other and I'll try training to do a few dabbles. Long live rock!, as The Who said in one song

🤣

😂.

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

428 days ago

Fidel Martínez Ruiz posted a note for Valerie that says:

Talking about the Aortics Band… I play guitar and love country music, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Carter Family and others, besides Elvis and Bob ...Read more

Talking about the Aortics Band… I play guitar and love country music, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Carter Family and others, besides Elvis and Bob Dylan, of course.

Valerie Allen Fidel, I love most music too! However I do not play any instruments nor do I sing well. Oh well. I’ ... Read more

Valerie Allen Fidel, I love most music too! However I do not play any instruments nor do I sing well. Oh well. I’m sure we could come up with some great lyrics! 😂😂 Fidel and the Aortics?

Ana Brusso Very funny guys. Sounds great. I just Watched a concert with Johnny Cash, Willy Nelson, Waylon Jennin ... Read more

Ana Brusso Very funny guys. Sounds great. I just Watched a concert with Johnny Cash, Willy Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Amazing 👌👍

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

439 days ago

Sher Follett posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie,

This may sound a bit odd but I am just wondering after surgery did you have a problem wearing a bra or have to change what kind you wore? ...Read more

Hi Valerie,

This may sound a bit odd but I am just wondering after surgery did you have a problem wearing a bra or have to change what kind you wore? Just wondering if the scar caused any problems with wearing one or a need to change to something different. Also, did you have any issues with trying to raise your arms after surgery? I think I am over thinking things but as I get closer to surgery I am trying to check off all my boxes :)

Valerie Allen Hi Sher - you are not overthinking, those issues come up often. It is best to get a couple of surgery ... Read more

Valerie Allen Hi Sher - you are not overthinking, those issues come up often. It is best to get a couple of surgery bras that snap or zip up the front, as otherwise it is hard to do them for a while. I ordered one that Grace Mason recommended and found it very comfortable. I also got a couple of free ones after surgery at Cleveland Clinic. They weren’t quite as good but tolerable. In the hospital I did not even try to put them on. You won’t want to raise your arms above your shoulders for a while -and probably not able to. If you live alone put your piles of dishes and mugs/glasses down on the counter before surgery. Also you will need someone to help with shampooing for a couple or 3 weeks. Ask Grace about the brand of bra if she doesn’t see this. Although they do stretch out a bit, don’t start with one too tight!

Sher Follett Oh Valerie, thank-you so much for this information. I will check out what Grace Mason. I so apprecia... Read more

Sher Follett Oh Valerie, thank-you so much for this information. I will check out what Grace Mason. I so appreciate you answering. So much to organize and think about prior to surgery. It feels very overwhelming sometimes but making a list has really helped me to stay focused!

Robert Miller I am male so I can't speak much for bras. But for me, even the lightest t-shirt produced some sensati ... Read more

Robert Miller I am male so I can't speak much for bras. But for me, even the lightest t-shirt produced some sensation where they cut my chest. It wasn't any pain at all but just produced some funny feeling. It went away after a few weeks. I suspect it will be worse with bras. Again, I am male so don't have expertise with bras but you might want to get one that is maybe larger than what you would usually wear (like sports bra vs regular bra) with softer material and no underwires. And one that closes in the front. After open heart surgery, it will be harder to reach your back for a few weeks.

Sher Follett Robert thank-you so much. I appreciate your perspective as a man and the sensation even with a t-shir ... Read more

Sher Follett Robert thank-you so much. I appreciate your perspective as a man and the sensation even with a t-shirt on. When I broke my ankle it took along time to put on a shoe and to this day I still can't wear a boot with a zipper up the side where my scar is...it drives me crazy. I am having a soft bra made front closure without a zipper but flat snaps and a soft cloth over the snaps. Hoping that will do the trick for awhile. It's crazy all the things I am thinking about prior to surgery. Again so appreciative of your response.

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

452 days ago

Amit Naik posted a note for Valerie that says:

Thanks

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

480 days ago

Michael Ponzio reacted to this

Michael Ponzio posted a note for Valerie that says:

Glad all is well and you’re doing ok. Like you I have aortic stenosis and aneurism. My surgery is scheduled for March 19. Surgeon says I might be a candidate ...Read more

Glad all is well and you’re doing ok. Like you I have aortic stenosis and aneurism. My surgery is scheduled for March 19. Surgeon says I might be a candidate for the Ross procedure. Praying that works out.

Mohammed Abdulrahman Do not worry, everything will getting well. The surgery is very easy and we are all experienced these ... Read more

Mohammed Abdulrahman Do not worry, everything will getting well. The surgery is very easy and we are all experienced these times..

Valerie Allen Michael, that sounds good as a lot of people here have had Ross including our founder, Adam Pick. You ... Read more

Valerie Allen Michael, that sounds good as a lot of people here have had Ross including our founder, Adam Pick. Your surgeon is highly recommended. Is that the plan then…Ross unless they do not think it is the best option? If you end up with OHS like I did, it is still a good option and not nearly as “bad” as I had thought going into it.

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

480 days ago

Hugh Martin posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie, there are similarities between your position and mine. A question I cannot seem to get an answer to is whether TAVR and TAVI can be done at the ...Read more

Hi Valerie, there are similarities between your position and mine. A question I cannot seem to get an answer to is whether TAVR and TAVI can be done at the same time or a short distance apart. I feel I am being pushed down the OHS route by my cardiologist that I would like to avoid at all costs, partly because of the enormous stress involved beforehand, but also due to the long recovery period. Were you ever given an option? Hugh

Marie Myers Sorry to jump in here, but I think TAVR and TAVI are the same procedure.

Mohammed Abdulrahman I went through aortic valve replacement by minimal invasive surgery; without open chest. It is being ... Read more

Mohammed Abdulrahman I went through aortic valve replacement by minimal invasive surgery; without open chest. It is being year and 3 months during the surgery.

Valerie Allen Hugh, I actually first consulted with Cleveland Clinic for a TAVR. My local cardiologist said it migh ... Read more

Valerie Allen Hugh, I actually first consulted with Cleveland Clinic for a TAVR. My local cardiologist said it might be possible. Right away CC told me it would not be a good option. Honestly, I burst out crying. I had an aortic valve plus aneurysm, and they need to get in there to do all that work. Secondly, I was told a bicuspid aortic valve does not seal well with the new valve pushed up to replace it. The old valve is pushed to the side in a TAVR. So I had to accept OHS was needed. The wait was very stressful but the procedure and recovery not as bad as I envisioned. Hope this helps or at least gives you questions to ask! Now I’m all set up for a TAVR if needed in the future.

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

480 days ago

Hugh Martin posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie, there are similarities between your position and mine. A question I cannot seem to get an answer to is whether TAVR and TAVI can be done at the ...Read more

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

572 days ago

Sher Follett posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie,

I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing and is life back to normal for you? I hope you are doing fantastic!

Barbara Cimaglia Hi Valerie! I am doing really well, thank you for asking. How are you?

Valerie Allen Hi Sher and Barbara, things are going very well for me. It is now 6 months post surgery, tomorrow! Ha ... Read more

Valerie Allen Hi Sher and Barbara, things are going very well for me. It is now 6 months post surgery, tomorrow! Hard to believe. I did 30 sessions of cardio rehab and am now working with a personal trainer once per week to gain strength all over. I got my holter monitor off last week so in 10 days or so I’ll find out if the cardiologist will take me off of the Eliquis I’ve been on since surgery. All in all doing great! Sher, where do you stand with your surgery?

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

577 days ago

Ben posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie! Thank you for the comment. I’ve been so scared the last 5 days. I’m 32 and being told I have a bicuspid aortic valve and a 4cm aortic aneurysm ...Read more

Hi Valerie! Thank you for the comment. I’ve been so scared the last 5 days. I’m 32 and being told I have a bicuspid aortic valve and a 4cm aortic aneurysm is frightening. I’m feeling better and better each day though. I plan to get a few opinions in the coming weeks.

I believe we have the exact same diagnoses! I’m so glad to see that your surgery went smooth. How have you been since the surgery? I’m still in the “monitoring” phase and I’m unsure how long this will be but the anxiety is rough. Thanks again and hope to hear your story!

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

615 days ago

Valerie Allen reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Valerie that says:

Dear Valerie ,
Thank you !!! 😊

It was a very tough time in my life and I was very close to dying .
I was in hospital for 5 weeks and it ...Read more

Dear Valerie ,
Thank you !!! 😊

It was a very tough time in my life and I was very close to dying .
I was in hospital for 5 weeks and it was during covid times .
I try to keep my celebration low key / hardly mentioned now , with my husband and sons .
It was horrible for them to see me so poorly for so long and I can tell that they just to all get on with life and living now .
Every day is a gift !!!

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

691 days ago

Valerie Allen reacted to this

Cathy Dollarhide posted a note for Valerie that says:

Thank you Valerie for your kind note. Makes me a little teary when someone understands- he is only 59

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

737 days ago

Valerie Allen reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Valerie that says:

Dear Valerie ,
Welcome home

Recovery and travelling home after OHS is a lot to go through and now you have done it !
Give yourself some time to rest and... Read more

Dear Valerie ,
Welcome home

Recovery and travelling home after OHS is a lot to go through and now you have done it !
Give yourself some time to rest and catch up with yourself . You are doing great .
Take recovery nice and steady , there ‘s no big rush …..

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

740 days ago

Mike McKenna reacted to this

Sue Giesy posted a note for Valerie that says:

I had a 3 1/2 hour direct flight home. Wheelchair was a must and the airline took excellent care of me with assistance through security, pre boarding ...Read more

I had a 3 1/2 hour direct flight home. Wheelchair was a must and the airline took excellent care of me with assistance through security, pre boarding etc. Was not fun being on lasix, though.

Valerie Allen I was concerned about the Lasix too. The nurse said ok to skip that day ( I think I have 2 pills left ... Read more

Valerie Allen I was concerned about the Lasix too. The nurse said ok to skip that day ( I think I have 2 pills left).
I hope all goes well. More confident today than yesterday!

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

740 days ago

JAMES SUSS posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie,

I hope all is well. I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm caused by a bicuspid aortic valve. My surgeon was Dr. Eric Roselli, and he really ...Read more

Hi Valerie,

I hope all is well. I was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm caused by a bicuspid aortic valve. My surgeon was Dr. Eric Roselli, and he really is the best in the world.

Valerie Allen James, I feel so fortunate to have my surgery performed by Dr Roselli and his team. Their’s is a we ... Read more

Valerie Allen James, I feel so fortunate to have my surgery performed by Dr Roselli and his team. Their’s is a well oiled machine where the staff is actually communicating with one another and they are all top notch. Hope you are well.

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

746 days ago

Bonnie Krafft. posted a note for Valerie that says:

Thank you Valerie for your encouragement but will encourage you as you are hopefully going to tell us soon that you are progressing well. I am practicing deep ...Read more

Thank you Valerie for your encouragement but will encourage you as you are hopefully going to tell us soon that you are progressing well. I am practicing deep breathing and enjoying sunrises.

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

748 days ago

Valerie Allen reacted to this

Sharon Behl posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie, Thank you for asking! At almost 5 months post op, I'm doing very well. I find I can go hours, even almost a whole day, without thinking about my ...Read more

Hi Valerie, Thank you for asking! At almost 5 months post op, I'm doing very well. I find I can go hours, even almost a whole day, without thinking about my heart though it's never far from my mind. I'm only on a tiny dose of Losartan and my usual supplements; I'm back to hiking,dancing and Yoga. Feeling SO grateful. Glad to hear you are well on the road to complete recovery.

J Alexander Lassally I like that. Almost a whole day! Eventually a memory alone.

Valerie Allen I can’t wait to get back to yoga. I’ve been doing chair for the past two years!

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

750 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

J Alexander Lassally posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hey warrior! By now, I'm sure you've stepped down and are making steps toward discharge !

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

751 days ago

Hi Valerie! I hope you’re doing well in your recovery! My surgery is coming up soon and I’m anxious. I can’t believe I am looking forward to the ...Read more

Hi Valerie! I hope you’re doing well in your recovery! My surgery is coming up soon and I’m anxious. I can’t believe I am looking forward to the aftermath of recovery but it’s definitely better than the alternative. Hope you’re feeling stronger each day! Best wishes to you!

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

751 days ago

Deena Z, Belinda Kenwood reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie ,
Welcome to recovery

MARK VALENTINE Very glad to hear you are doing well!

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

754 days ago

Rose Madura, Yumiko Ishida reacted to this

Kimberly Eisenhut posted a note for Valerie that says:

Sending you prayers and well wishes for you today and for a speedy, uneventful recovery

Anna Ma Prayers for you Valerie!

Sue Maize Thinking of our Valerie one day post-op, looking forward to an update! 🙏🏻❤️‍🩹🥰

Valerie Allengot a new guestbook post

754 days ago

Darrell Malone, Teressa Phillips, Rose Madura and 2 others reacted to this

Sharon Behl posted a note for Valerie that says:

Sending you heartfelt positive thoughts for your easeful surgery today, Valerie! You've been such a support for many and now we are all here for you!!