Guestbook of Valerie Altman

My Guestbook

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2357 days ago

Dan Baltazor and 1 other reacted to this

Rob Sparling posted a note for Valerie that says:

Valerie, how are you? It’s been awhile. Hope you are well and improving!

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2528 days ago

Dan Baltazor reacted to this

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Valerie that says:

So glad you got home and are enjoying Christmas with hopefully none of the work. May God Bless you and keep you safe. P.s. I’m still not allowed to ...Read more

So glad you got home and are enjoying Christmas with hopefully none of the work. May God Bless you and keep you safe. P.s. I’m still not allowed to drink wine, it’s an absolute disgrace. Starting to come off meds in January - hallelujah!

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2557 days ago

Dan Baltazor, Rob Sparling and 1 other reacted to this

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Valerie that says:

Valerie, I’m missing you! How are you doing? I went for assessment for rehab yesterday and I officially start program December 4. I’m looking forward ...Read more

Valerie, I’m missing you! How are you doing? I went for assessment for rehab yesterday and I officially start program December 4. I’m looking forward to getting going in the gym.

Dan Baltazor Yes, hoping your recovery is making strides.

Valerie Altman Dialysis Port comes out tomorrow and I'm getting stronger everyday BUT still no home trip in a sight. ... Read more

Valerie Altman Dialysis Port comes out tomorrow and I'm getting stronger everyday BUT still no home trip in a sight..30 steps to our apartment I have to tackle! My insurance is up at the this rehab facility and that is disappointing bc I do an hour of pt ot and speech everyday and the next place is like 7 hours total a week. I am getting a tad tired of hospital beds...but a long way from the ecmo machines I was on from Oct 16 to nov 7! Thanks again for your thoughts means sooooo much!!

Valerie Altman Dialysis Port comes out tomorrow and I'm getting stronger everyday BUT still no home trip in a sight. ... Read more

Rob Sparling Keep pushing, Valerie! Can you hear the applause? I hope so! 👏👏👏

Dan Baltazor Thank you for the update Valerie. What a super rough road you've had. Glad to hear of your improvem ... Read more

Dan Baltazor Thank you for the update Valerie. What a super rough road you've had. Glad to hear of your improvements. Keep fighting girl. We're praying for you!

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2569 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Rob Sparling posted a note for Valerie that says:

What is today’s goal, Val? Let us know!

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2569 days ago

Valerie Altman reacted to this

Fay Kozas posted a note for Valerie that says:

Great news, Valerie! Be strong and keep the faith. You can do this!

Valerie Altman It's kicking my butt but considering everything I'm doing better! Soooore sternum. Can't stand alone ... Read more

Valerie Altman It's kicking my butt but considering everything I'm doing better! Soooore sternum. Can't stand alone but walked 66 ft with a walker yesterday in the gym! The big challenge is . There are like 30 steps to get to my apartment... Long way to go but have come a long way too

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2575 days ago

Dan Baltazor, Valerie Altman reacted to this

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Valerie that says:

Valerie, so relieved to hear from you but sad that you have had to go through so much. Here I thought you were off gallivanting but instead you were fighting ...Read more

Valerie, so relieved to hear from you but sad that you have had to go through so much. Here I thought you were off gallivanting but instead you were fighting for life. I am so glad that you are now in recovery mode. It must have been a very scary experience for you and your family. Please know that I have been thinking of you a lot and keeping you in my prayers. God Bless.

Valerie Altman Thanks buddy ! I'm back possibly going to a rehab tomorrow,,!!

Dan Baltazor We hope you are getting stronger each day. Keep going! What a tough outcome.

Jennifer McInerney You’ll have to let me know how the rehab is. I’m seeing my surgeon for first time on Thursday. ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney You’ll have to let me know how the rehab is. I’m seeing my surgeon for first time on Thursday. I threw a small clot last week and was blind in my right eye. It’s caused quite a kerfuffle. Sight returned but a very weird experience. My rehab starts November 26. Unfortunately my appetite has returned so weight loss is slowly recovering darn it! Scar is looking better so that’s a plus. Keeping you in my thoughts!

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2575 days ago

Susan Lynn, Dan Baltazor, Valerie Altman reacted to this

Carole Harvey posted a note for Valerie that says:

Dear Valerie You wont have heard of me but I have been following your journey and thinking of you over here in England and I am so very pleased to hear from ...Read more

Dear Valerie You wont have heard of me but I have been following your journey and thinking of you over here in England and I am so very pleased to hear from you! So sorry about what you've been through, but sounds like things are now moving in the right direction for you. My son has to have the same surgery soon. Wishing you very well as you carry on with your recovery.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2575 days ago

Valerie Altman reacted to this

Fay Kozas posted a note for Valerie that says:

Valerie, so sorry to hear of your setback. I wish you a smooth recovery from now on.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2582 days ago

Dan Baltazor reacted to this

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hey Val, I hope everything is going well. Champagne is still on ice as I can’t drink for three months. Seems a little unfair as I live in Niagara wine country, ...Read more

Hey Val, I hope everything is going well. Champagne is still on ice as I can’t drink for three months. Seems a little unfair as I live in Niagara wine country, wineries and vineyards everywhere. Anyways, haven’t heard a peep from you. Would love to know you’re ok and if you need some support I’m here for you, heart sister.

Dan Baltazor Yes, we think of you daily.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2582 days ago

Dan Baltazor reacted to this

Sommer Russell posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hey Valerie! Thinking about you and would love to hear from you. Hope everything is going so well that you have felt too good to be at a computer and post. ...Read more

Hey Valerie! Thinking about you and would love to hear from you. Hope everything is going so well that you have felt too good to be at a computer and post.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2589 days ago

Sommer Russell and 1 other reacted to this

Dan Baltazor posted a note for Valerie that says:

We are ALL missing you here and I’ll dare say worried. Thinking of you!!!

Rob Sparling Indeed.... 🙏

Jill Mullikin I’ll second that! (Or third as the case may be!).

Susan Lynn Thinking of you! ❤

Jennifer McInerney Thinking of you Val 🤗. I heard jazz hands work to lift the spirit

MARIE PICUN Payers for you

Nancy Luth Yes, hope all is going well.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2593 days ago

Susan Lynn, Rosemary Bobicz Creutz and 1 other reacted to this

Jill Mullikin posted a note for Valerie that says:

I’ve been thinking about you! I hope you are getting stronger by the day!!

Rob Sparling We have all been thinking about you! Hope you are well and improving!

Dan Baltazor Yes, here too. Hope you are doing good and stronger. Looking for the onesie post.

Jennifer McInerney Hey Valerie, you are never far from my thoughts. Hope everything is going well. My Recovery is slow ... Read more

Jennifer McInerney Hey Valerie, you are never far from my thoughts. Hope everything is going well. My Recovery is slow but I’m not the most patient person either. I’m able to do 5 minute walks outside a couple of times per day. Reading and watching Netflix the rest of the time.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2600 days ago

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Valerie that says:

Woke up it super duper recliner this morning and my first thought was you. I can really say, I have been down the road you are travelling. Just know so many ...Read more

Woke up it super duper recliner this morning and my first thought was you. I can really say, I have been down the road you are travelling. Just know so many people are praying for you, put faith in your surgical team (they really have done this a few times before) , wait patiently for the good drugs. Before you know it, you’ll be waking up in ICU and you’ll be joining me and so many others on the recovery side. Looking forward to seeing your next post. P.s. when you hear medical people say “it’s just a valve” try not to punch them in the face”.

MARIE PICUN Listen to Jennifer. I was nervous stomach was hurting and these wonderful people talk to me. I just g ... Read more

MARIE PICUN Listen to Jennifer. I was nervous stomach was hurting and these wonderful people talk to me. I just gave myself to my team of doctors and nurses and I knew God had me. They gave me a shot to calm me as we were going to the surgery room. I was gone never saw the surgery room.

MARIE PICUN Woke up in ICU

Valerie Altman Thanks girls! Pre op hospital visit today and lots of running! I'm calmer than I thought

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2603 days ago

Rob Sparling reacted to this

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Valerie that says:

Your surgery date is getting closer and I just wanted to let you know you can do this. I’m the biggest chicken when it comes to medical stuff and it was ...Read more

Your surgery date is getting closer and I just wanted to let you know you can do this. I’m the biggest chicken when it comes to medical stuff and it was completely manageable. Far less pain and discomfort than I thought, but left me feeling tired and weaker than I thought. Take it slow, one day at a time and you will get through it. I’m not ready to run a marathon yet (well, actually I’ve never even wanted to run a marathon) bad example. However, trips south in late winter are becoming a possibility once again. People you don’t even know are praying for you!

Rob Sparling Valarie, Jennifer nailed it. All I can add is “yep, me too!”

Valerie Altman Thanks guys! I'm excited that my wardrobe is going to consist of onesie PJs from Walmart.,😶Josh an ... Read more

Valerie Altman Thanks guys! I'm excited that my wardrobe is going to consist of onesie PJs from Walmart.,😶Josh and I can't wait to make our hallway cruise debut as Mr and Mrs potato Head!!! Bet they have never seen that 😎

Valerie Altman Thanks guys! I'm excited that my wardrobe is going to consist of onesie PJs from Walmart.,😶Josh an ... Read more

Dan Baltazor 👆 Pics please

Jill Mullikin My daughter and I did matching pjs at the hospital for Bastian’s stay but they weren’t Mr. Potato ... Read more

Jill Mullikin My daughter and I did matching pjs at the hospital for Bastian’s stay but they weren’t Mr. Potato Head!! Keep finding the moments of light!!

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2611 days ago

Jill Mullikin posted a note for Valerie that says:

I’ll ask Sebastian for some words of wisdom for you! Fortunately they were able to repair his valve so no decision on valve type was required for him.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2632 days ago

Valerie Altman reacted to this

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie, I felt way better when I met the Surgeon. I told him I didn’t have many symptoms. Then he started asking my husband and I questions. Needless ...Read more

Hi Valerie, I felt way better when I met the Surgeon. I told him I didn’t have many symptoms. Then he started asking my husband and I questions. Needless to say, he was able to identify that I was actually quite symptomatic and had been far longer than I thought. So, yes, I was definitely in denial. I think that is quite common.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2632 days ago

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Valerie that says:

Hi Valerie, I felt way better when I met the Surgeon. I told him I didn’t have many symptoms. Then he started asking my husband and I questions. Needless ...Read more

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2682 days ago

Sommer Russell posted a note for Valerie that says:

I poked around looking for help. I hope that one of these are beneficial. https://www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/copay-relief/ http://www.questdiagnostics.com/home/about/corporate-citizenship/community-giving/assistance.html ...Read more

Co-Pay Relief Program | Patient Advocate Foundation

https://www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/copay-relief/

A national 501 (c)(3) non-profit charity that provides direct services to patients with chronic, life threatening and debilitating diseases to help access care and treatment recommended by their doctor.

Valerie Altman Thank you so much!

Valerie Altman It is for patients covered by insurance who need help with excess costs ....ugh but thanks hopefully ... Read more

Valerie Altman It is for patients covered by insurance who need help with excess costs ....ugh but thanks hopefully someone can use that!

Sommer Russell I’m confused. Are you uninsured?

Valerie Altman Yes!!! I can't afford insurance and don't qualify for assistance.... bad timing for this to happen

Sommer Russell Ok. I found this one. I know that you mentioned making too much for assistance. I would still try ... Read more

Sommer Russell Ok. I found this one. I know that you mentioned making too much for assistance. I would still try and apply for programs out there. They could have different requirements. This one you would have to use one of their facilities if you qualified. So that may be a no for you right away. There do seem to be more assistance for lodging and travel than for cardiac related stuff. So if you do qualify we can always look into how to get you there then. I really hate this for you. How stressful!
https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/gethealthcare/affordable/hillburton/hillburton.pdf

https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/gethealthcare/affordable/hillburton/hillburton.pdf

Valerie Altman Sommer u rule! I think I've found some assistance thru the heart center at St Vincent's in Indianapol ... Read more

Valerie Altman Sommer u rule! I think I've found some assistance thru the heart center at St Vincent's in Indianapolis where I have been going! It's been very stressful trying to figure this out but between myself, friends, docs and people like YOU I think we r on the right track. My docs are great advocates also. Next stop...MRI results and surgical consult

Sommer Russell Awesome!!!!! I'm glad you found a great place. Now, go get healthy!!!

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2682 days ago

Susan Lynn posted a note for Valerie that says:

Valerie - I wish I had better news for you, but it's hundreds of thousands of dollars between pre operative tests, surgery, and post op care for most heart ...Read more

Valerie - I wish I had better news for you, but it's hundreds of thousands of dollars between pre operative tests, surgery, and post op care for most heart conditions even without complications. I have insurance through my employer - with a very large deductible - and I received a call from the hospital the day before my pre op cardiac catheterization asking me to pay at least half before the procedure. It was several thousand dollars just for that service. If you are able to get a job with a company that provides healthcare, that might be your best option. The average person doesn't have the kind of cash on hand to pay out of pocket for expenses of this magnitude. We have also seen folks who live in countries with socialized medicine who can't get treatment until their conditions progress to more critical stages. It's frustrating, but reality. Best of luck to you!

Valerie Altman Thanks for the ideas but my cardiologist is wanting me to have care sooner than I have time to find a ... Read more

Valerie Altman Thanks for the ideas but my cardiologist is wanting me to have care sooner than I have time to find a new job, work the probation period and then proceed. It's awful knowing I need this like asap and not finding someone or way to help.

Valerie Altmangot a new guestbook post

2683 days ago

Marie Myers posted a note for Valerie that says:

I can sympathize with the insurance problem. My job does not offer health care benefits to part time workers, and we make too much to qualify for assistance. ...Read more

I can sympathize with the insurance problem. My job does not offer health care benefits to part time workers, and we make too much to qualify for assistance. So, I have been paying $1239 a month with a $6400 deductible. Last year with my heart surgery, I paid over $25,000 in premiums, deductibles, and out of pocket costs. We are lucky to be able to do that. But on the bright side, my BCBS Blue Options network had lots of docs in it, and cardiac rehab was included for 35 sessions. Never thought I would be so happy to hit Medicare age this coming January !

Valerie Altman It's frustrating and scary! I'm scared of the surgery but more scared of not having the surgery!

Marie Myers I was very scared also. Reading all the posts and stories gave me confidence that I would do well, as ... Read more

Marie Myers I was very scared also. Reading all the posts and stories gave me confidence that I would do well, as you will, too!

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