The fastest route to happiness is through acceptance ❤️. Once you do that then you can turn your fear into curiosity 🤓. I personally think it's pretty cool to have some of the greatest minds in medicine (cardiac surgeons) touching my heart. I always think about my surgeon (Dr. Alfredo Trento at Cedars Sinai) growing up in Italy like he did and what made him decide to become a doctor and move to America to save so many lives. I'm humbled by that ❤️. Changing your mindset to one of curiosity changes your perspective and creates such a bigger picture and new meaning to what is happening. It's so much bigger than any of us. Someone is watching you right now to see how you handle this and get through it. You can become the bravest person they know.
Brady Busch Some of your thoughts,remind me of the main surgeon,who helped me,Dr.Oyetunji,growing up in Nigeria,w ... Read more
Brady Busch Some of your thoughts,remind me of the main surgeon,who helped me,Dr.Oyetunji,growing up in Nigeria,where her father was one and who had an influence on her.She also had a medical problem,when young,that needed surgery,but instead of being fearful,looked on it with excitement and curiosity.
Cathleen Weed Brady, I love that I'm always so inspired by the backstories of people!
Deena Elani Cathleen, love it. Wisdom. Simple, well said. Thank you.
Marie Myers Totally agree, though acceptance can be a tough path. It is essential for peace!
1000% it's the reason I've shared my story....3 open heart surgeries and a TAVR....but I promise you that you could do it too if you had to. Everything you need already exists inside of you...just dig deep.
Inside the lab at Edwards LifeSciences in Irvine, CA where the leaflets are sewn onto the bioprosthetic valves! We are all so lucky to be heart patients in this time of advanced technology!
Richard Munson Nice of edwards to have you there. Inspiring for all the little leaflet people that sew them in. They ... Read more
Richard Munson Nice of edwards to have you there. Inspiring for all the little leaflet people that sew them in. They get to see living proof of their accomplishments.
Cathleen Weed Yes, they were just as emotional. I had a private meeting in a conference room with the actual group ... Read more
Cathleen Weed Yes, they were just as emotional. I had a private meeting in a conference room with the actual group of ladies who made my valve (they track it by serial number). Talk about surreal! For all of us!
Susan Lynn I have an Edwards Lifesciences annulplasty ring on my mitral valve. I'm sure these jobs are reward... Read more
Susan Lynn I have an Edwards Lifesciences annulplasty ring on my mitral valve. I'm sure these jobs are rewarding, but meeting recipients probably makes the team feel even more proud of the work they do. Glad you had the chance to meet them!
Civita Fahey Cathleen ! so nice to see you're doing well..
Cathleen Weed Thank you everyone! Super cool experience for sure! My hubby has been such a great support system ... Read more
Cathleen Weed Thank you everyone! Super cool experience for sure! My hubby has been such a great support system As a pro BMX rider who has never had an injury or surgery in his career, this is ALL new to him!!
Edwards LifeSciences Campus in Irvine, CA this year Such an overwhelming experience Two days of this! I cried plenty of times! Gabe and I were even invited to speak in front of a group of employees/patients about my heart valve story. I feel very blessed to have been invited to take part in this experience.
I love creating healthy comfort food for the heart . The more colorful your meal the more likely it is to be healthy I hope you all like food posts! I created this long ago and I make it all the time! I had it today for breakfast!
AVO SMASH EGG TOAST (each layer): Sourdough toast, dry (you can use any type bread) Avocado smash (1/2 an avocado, smash with fork onto toast) A sprinkling of baco bits (soy) Chopped fresh spinach Egg whites with lowfat cheddar Chipotle flakes (smoked chili flakes) Sliced sunburst tomatoes Cracked black pepper Himalayan sea salt
TIP: I make the egg whites in the micro so it's super quick. Just spray a bowl with olive oil and pour egg whites in and heat for about four minutes while you prep the toast and everything else. Fluff the eggs and add cheese (if you want it) and they are delicious and ready to go.
Takes maybe 5 to 7 minutes to prepare and it's so delicious, hearty, and healthy! Bon Appetit!
Valerie Allen Hi Cathleen, looks wonderful! I have a streamlined version of this for lunch often. Ezekiel no salt t ... Read more
Valerie Allen Hi Cathleen, looks wonderful! I have a streamlined version of this for lunch often. Ezekiel no salt toast, smash 1/2 avocado sprinkled with Everything Bagel, no salt. I haven’t salted my food for so long I don’t miss it!
Richard Munson I just had a dunkin sugar donut with red raspberry filling. Colorful but probably not heart healthy. ... Read more
Richard Munson I just had a dunkin sugar donut with red raspberry filling. Colorful but probably not heart healthy. I flunked i guess. But it was yummy.
Cathleen Weed Richard - LOL I'd say you had a good morning! haha. Valerie - I love all the salt substitutes too! ... Read more
Cathleen Weed Richard - LOL I'd say you had a good morning! haha. Valerie - I love all the salt substitutes too! Spike salt free is so yummy! I make this for my hubby also so I use the Himalayan salt. Klara - sooo yum!!
Cathleen Weed Also....I just added this as a helpful tip up top. I make the egg whites in the micro so it's super q ... Read more
Cathleen Weed Also....I just added this as a helpful tip up top. I make the egg whites in the micro so it's super quick. Just spray a bowl with olive oil and pour egg whites in and heat for four minutes while you prep the toast and everything else. Fluff the eggs and add cheese (if you want it) and they are delicious and ready to go.
Robert Miller That looks very delicious, especially with that toasted bread. I agree with @Valarie Allen about the ... Read more
Robert Miller That looks very delicious, especially with that toasted bread. I agree with @Valarie Allen about the Avocado and some Taijin seasoning (salty, mind you).
Reminder: Life goes on after heart surgery!! I'm 52 and I've had my aortic valve replaced 4 times since 1991. You can absolutely do this and come back stronger than ever!! Dig deep and find all your courage! I haven't been on here in what seems like forever!! I've been beyond busy but I'm happy I checked in because I love seeing all the smiling faces :). I know a lot of you who are new to this are struggling right now..and you know what? That's normal!! It really is! So embrace it, all of it, because acceptance is the fastest route to happiness. You'll learn so much about yourself through all of this. Your courage will surprise you! Took this photo yesterday :) This is a life long journey. You've got this! You'll feel strong again. It's a process so let it happen. Get into cardiac rehab after your surgery. It will help so much! Best wishes to everyone facing surgery next week or soon <3.xo
Grace Mason I'm glad to see you on here again. I came across a post you made on stretching out shoulders post su... Read more
Grace Mason I'm glad to see you on here again. I came across a post you made on stretching out shoulders post surgery and read your story recently and found more helpful information you shared in your journals. I am preparing for an upcoming OHS
Cathleen Weed Hi Grace! Thank you! This site is great and there are so many people willing to share their stories s ... Read more
Cathleen Weed Hi Grace! Thank you! This site is great and there are so many people willing to share their stories so everyone can find someone to relate to on here :). Keep me updated on your upcoming surgery 🙏🏻. Happy to answer questions ♥️
Mike McKenna Thank you for your story and encouragement.!
Cathleen Weed Hi Mike :) I read your story and I know exactly what you are facing. Just five more days until it's b ... Read more
Cathleen Weed Hi Mike :) I read your story and I know exactly what you are facing. Just five more days until it's behind you and you can start the recovery process! Get out of bed as soon as they will let you and start walking the hospital halls. Getting moving is THE most important thing you can do after surgery, even if it hurts (it will). Pain is temporary! You'll do great if you do your walking and the deep breathing exercises (incentive spirometer is awesome for that - they will give you one at the hospital). Best wishes and I look forward to hearing how it went!
Mike McKenna Thank you, Grace! All great advice that I hopefully will stamp into my brain for day 1 recover :) M ... Read more
Mike McKenna Thank you, Grace! All great advice that I hopefully will stamp into my brain for day 1 recover :) Motivated to get back to life as soon as possible... without rushing of course.
Rose Madura Beautiful picture. Congratulations on your marriage.
Grace Mason Cathleen, yes, this site is a wonderful discovery for information and so helpful when I was feeling ... Read more
Grace Mason Cathleen, yes, this site is a wonderful discovery for information and so helpful when I was feeling overwhelmed by the actuality of facing OHS.(still very nervous but feeling better) Everyone here can relate and empathize like no one else Mike, thinking of you with your upcoming date with your surgeon and team. Sending you all best wishes
Lilly Black Hi, Cathleen. Wonderful to see you again! Looks like you are doing really well. You are a brave soul... Read more
Lilly Black Hi, Cathleen. Wonderful to see you again! Looks like you are doing really well. You are a brave soul. Welcome back!
Sue Lee Hi Cathleen, thanks for sharing your journey. It’s great to hear you are doing well after so many b ... Read more
Sue Lee Hi Cathleen, thanks for sharing your journey. It’s great to hear you are doing well after so many battles. Keep on ticking!
Deb Michalowski Thanks Cathleen for the inspiring words. New to this process with surgery two weeks from today. Lov ... Read more
Deb Michalowski Thanks Cathleen for the inspiring words. New to this process with surgery two weeks from today. Love this community and this site which is helping me learn about my bicuspid aortic valve stenosis and the surgery types with their risks and benefits. Yes, life goes on and this process will be over before I will even know it. We've got this!
Cathleen Weed Hi Deb Two weeks from today you'll be able to mark this off your TO DO list By day three or so pos... Read more
Cathleen Weed Hi Deb Two weeks from today you'll be able to mark this off your TO DO list By day three or so post-op you'll feel such a sense of relief and accomplishment. I'm sure you'll surprise yourself with your courage . You've definitely got this!!
Deb Michalowski Cathleen, Hi and thanks for the encouragement. Definitely looking forward to marking this off my To... Read more
Deb Michalowski Cathleen, Hi and thanks for the encouragement. Definitely looking forward to marking this off my To Do List and moving on! I feel I've got this too!
Gina Fiorentino Hi Colleen, I had that experience last year from June-October after meeting my new cardiologist, and ... Read more
Gina Fiorentino Hi Colleen, I had that experience last year from June-October after meeting my new cardiologist, and receiving sudden news about Echo results on my mitral valve. I won't go into the details, but I later learned I had a trauma response and went into shock.
Thankfully, since then I have received a lot more information- but remember being vaguely aware of the seasons changing "oh, it is summer outside, etc", which was a very strange experience for someone who is otherwise very healthy & active, engaged, and passionate about
life.
I'm new to this community, and now surgery time is imminent. Grateful for the kindness and gentle support here in other folks post and journal entries. Thanks for your post. I see you've been through a lot and still have a sense of humor. It makes me feel like perhaps I am also stronger than I think, and maybe I can go through this and also be ok with whatever life brings next.
80 degree Thanksgiving in Huntington Beach, Ca 🌴☀️🌊 Guess who loves it? Lol 🐾🙌 #RickyandLucy 😍
Barry Kanick I'm always hugely happy with 60-65 degrees Cathleen but in Colorado. What can I say,,,,,,,I'm a Mount ... Read more
Barry Kanick I'm always hugely happy with 60-65 degrees Cathleen but in Colorado. What can I say,,,,,,,I'm a Mountain man!!!
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Cathleen, Happy Thanksgiving!
Love your photos of your doggies.
We lived in Sacramento, CA fo ... Read more
Bonnie Stone-Hope Hello Cathleen, Happy Thanksgiving!
Love your photos of your doggies.
We lived in Sacramento, CA for 4 years and LOVED IT! Great area.
Enjoy:)
Catie B Gosh, he has so much personality! I love all the pics you post of him. Can't help but smile!
❤️ When asked at the hospital how she recovered so quickly she said "my Hello Kitty slippers" 😍
These pics were posted by a cardiac nurse (not my child) 💕
Ruth Howell My aunt had an atrial septal defect repaired when she was young. She is now 87 year old and has never ... Read more
Ruth Howell My aunt had an atrial septal defect repaired when she was young. She is now 87 year old and has never had any problems since the surgery. So your adorable little girl should be well on her way to a wonderful, worry-free life.
Cathleen Weed Hi Ruth ❤️ I went back and added a note that these photos are from another cardiac nurse. She isn ... Read more
Cathleen Weed Hi Ruth ❤️ I went back and added a note that these photos are from another cardiac nurse. She isn't my child 😊. She's super cute though and a brave little girl. Yes, septal defect repairs are very successful 💕
Barry Kanick Glad to see that this little girl is doing ok Cathleen!!! ,,,,,,,,way way cool
Lisa Courkamp Thank you, for the additional information Cathy! I've been having increased and more intense palpita ... Read more
Lisa Courkamp Thank you, for the additional information Cathy! I've been having increased and more intense palpitations but they seem to be tied to the roller coaster ride of estrogen extremes (off the chart highs and then dropping off to low....goes back and forth) now that I am in perimenopause. However, my cardiologist is going to do the arrhythmia study to be sure the palpitations are benign given the mild biatrial dilation detected on my echo 2 weeks ago. Even if they are benign I am wondering if the palpitations could still cause the mild biatrial dilation. By the way, Dr. Trento is one of the surgeons I have researched and he seems great! Lastly, as much as I would like to think we've met since I grew up in H.B. too, I am thinking probably not. You're a baby at 4 years younger than me! Haha....=)
My Heart Healthy soup ❤️ Perfect for fall 🍁🍲. Ingredients in comments below 😊
Cathleen Weed My Heart Healthy soup: ❤️
Low-sodium organic vegetable broth, then add hulled barley (which I si ... Read more
Cathleen Weed My Heart Healthy soup: ❤️
Low-sodium organic vegetable broth, then add hulled barley (which I simmered first for 45 minutes in a separate pot), cannellini white beans, sweet corn, diced fire roasted tomatoes, chicken apple sausage, sea salt, pepper, garlic, and then after it's hot you add fresh spinach and let it wilt down into the soup. So easy and good!! Serve with corn bread for extra yum ❤️
#hearthealthy #yummy
John Dodson thanks for sharing your recipe and your amazing surgical history!