Leona 's Photos

Hi Everyone! It's been quite awhile since I've posted anything as life surely has kept me busy . I thought I'd relay a happy story of the silver lining in my surgical journey! Today is a special day for me as it is my friend, Amy Berger's one year heartiversary! We met on this website over a year ago after I had my surgery / this past Dec. 20th was my one year out!! The support (and laughter!) we had for each other through our recoveries was one of the greatest blessings of my life! We are both doing well and have remained good friends! Hearing her voice today just made me smile when I think of what a difference a year can make!! Here is a picture of us when we visited her and her husband last summer in Rhode Island! We are planning on another get together in March! Can't wait to see my good friend again!! There is so much life to live after surgery'. There's no other words to describe me before surgery than I was a complete wreck. My wish is that those of you going through the anxiety before can maybe find some comfort and hope after reading this!❤️❤️❤️

Yesterday, on Valentine’s Day, my husband and I also celebrated my 8 week post op aortic valve replacement- how appropriate!! This is us out for one of our daily walks and we’ve been blessed with some warmer days here in NJ ! I’m up to 2-3 miles a day and feeling good!! I wanted to thank all the incredibly supportive people from this wonderful heart warrior group! With all of you cheering me on and the support of family and friends I’m amazed how I am truly progressing and getting through this! I’ve learned to give myself some grace when I am tired and embrace and enjoy the days I feel more energetic! Feeling so grateful and blessed to be at this point in my recovery . For those of you anticipating surgery , you can do this too! ❤️

Hi Everyone ! It’s three days out from surgery and Im starting to feel like I’m turning a corner and starting to improve! The worst part was truly the days leading up to surgery. The anxiety was enormous. I almost left the hospital the night before! Here is a picture of me day three/ certainly not the prettiest but the happiest- my new lease on life! Anyone having upcoming surgery, you can do this !!!! Don’t let your fear overtake you like I did and when you feel if, remind yourself of all the wonderful health care providers to help you get through this ! They are awesome!’