Amy Goines - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

June 26, 2019

Im a little late in writing about my amazing surgery. I underwent a massive 12 hour repair surgery on May 3rd.
Dr. Unai and his team fixed so many heart and vascular issues as my vascular system diasected in Jan. Of 2012. 6 months later my aorta valve tore. I survived a miracle surgery at Nortons Hospital Audoben in Louisville, KY on Aug. 1st 2012. They did their best and their best kept me alive thanks to Dr. Abdhul Attumn. Although I wasnt quite right after surgery I lived. My heart got bogged down over the years and my bp dropped out of nowhere that floored me.
To make a long story short, Cleavland Clinic just successfully repaired my corroded arteries, my illiacs and all arteries running of of my aorta artery. They installed a mechanical valve, fixed a whole in my heart that had been there since my birth. They repaired my ascending aorta, the arch, the descending aorta and most of my Thorasic Aorta.
They also repaired blood flow to my right kidney as well as adding blood flow to my right leg where a cabbage procedure had been done with my first surgery. My leg is getting stronger and my kidney function is A ok. I have the best kidney function Ive had for 7 years.

Im preparing to go back for my final repair. They will be completing repairing my Thorasic and Abdominal Aorta. I am so blessed. God has saved me 3 times with the help of the most excellent surgeons I could have ever asked for.

I recommend Cleavland Clinic to anyone that needs heart and/or vascular surgeries. The staff is amazing and help you every step of the way.

Like | Susan Lynn, Tim Saint , Shannon Gray and 9 others like this

Susan Lynn You are incredible!!! Glad you posted your story. It's truly miraculous what surgeons can achieve. Your strength and perseverance are inspiring! Wishing you all the best! ❤💪

Tim Saint Amy, that's quite the shopping list. Sounds like You have found an ultra capable team to overcome your heart deficiencies. Speedy recovery and great health outcomes for you. ALL the best.

Rose Madura God is good! Glad you are doing well considering all you've been through. I'm sure your positive attitude has helped.

Marie Myers Wow! That is a lot of surgery! So glad all went well so far. Hoping your final repair goes very smoothly.

Tracy Fallu Wow! God is good! We are lucky to have Doctors who bless us with our skills.

Frank DeGrazia Amazing Amy! Keep the Faith and stay the course. Great job by the Cleveland Clinic. But also your resiliency and perseverance Well done!

Joy Vera Your surgery was the same day as mine, Amy, although mine was in Austin, TX. Great to read that the Cleveland Clinic was able to do so much for you. I wish ... Read more

Joy Vera Your surgery was the same day as mine, Amy, although mine was in Austin, TX. Great to read that the Cleveland Clinic was able to do so much for you. I wish you well with that final repair & look forward to updates on your recovery.

Robert Bach Amy, I'm so happy for you. You are very brave!

Holger Lutz Incredibly inspiring, braveheart!

Update posted on...

February 27, 2019

I am packing today for my journey to Cleavland Clinic for my OHS.

Ladies, will you help me pack for surgery? What will I need? We have an 8 hour drive home...
I dont want to overpack.

Like | Rob Sparling likes this

Susan Lynn Amy - I found a robe, pajama pants, and a cell phone charger to be all I needed. You might want to bring a pillow so you can be comfortable on the ride home. Everything will be fine! Best of luck to you. ❤

Marie Myers I did not use/want much while in the hospital. A pack of facial wipes was nice, as was a neck pillow. My neck and shoulders really ached for several days, and ... Read more

Marie Myers I did not use/want much while in the hospital. A pack of facial wipes was nice, as was a neck pillow. My neck and shoulders really ached for several days, and I begged for neck rubs anytime my husband was there. Don't overpack. You will be going home before you know it!

Meredith Bray Cotton shorts with a light elastic band for modesty under your hospital gown, cotton tank top in a dark color with no embellishments (ward off incision irritation), ... Read more

Meredith Bray Cotton shorts with a light elastic band for modesty under your hospital gown, cotton tank top in a dark color with no embellishments (ward off incision irritation), phone charger with long cord, definitely the neck pillow for the ride home. I didn't use my toothpaste/brush-I used what the hospital provided. Maybe bring some moisturizer to use after your face-wipes?
Best of luck!
Meredith

Louanna Miller I was glad I packed some extra socks because the ones the hospital provide got dirty when walking on the hallway floor. Also, a good lip moisturizer. I gave ... Read more

Louanna Miller I was glad I packed some extra socks because the ones the hospital provide got dirty when walking on the hallway floor. Also, a good lip moisturizer. I gave mine to my husband and when he came to see me in ICU he put it on me. Very dry lips from intubation. I packed a very small bag for the stand nectvto the hospital bed with face cream, hand cream and lip gloss and a small mirror. I did not care using anything else. A pillow or 2 for the ride home and a soft throw.

I also had a cushion that Velcro’s to the car seat strap and protects your sternum. You may want to order one from Amazon before you go. I traveled close to 3 hours and it helped a lot. You have a long ride.

Amy Goines Thanks so much everyone. We are going to be here for a couple of weeks, so my hubby needs clothes. I have testing tomorrow, then free Sat. and Sun. So I packed ... Read more

Amy Goines Thanks so much everyone. We are going to be here for a couple of weeks, so my hubby needs clothes. I have testing tomorrow, then free Sat. and Sun. So I packed a couple of cute outfits as its going to be a date weekend. I packed leggings and pjs. My friend got me a couple of zip up moo moos. The short idea is a good tip. We are about 3 hours away from tbe hospital so I have time to go to Dollar general.

Lisa Guinan If you're still having periods be prepared for a possible surprise period after surgery. I didn't know of that possibility and got a surprise.

Marie Myers Leave it to "Auntie Flo" to visit after the surgery! :-)

Meredith Bray What Lisa & Marie said. I actually started the night before, and at that point I really didn't care. Nothing I could do to change it! My nurses were awesome ... Read more

Meredith Bray What Lisa & Marie said. I actually started the night before, and at that point I really didn't care. Nothing I could do to change it! My nurses were awesome - they got some some of those fancy disposable padded underpants from the maternity floor :) My only male nurse (in his early 20s) was visibly unimpressed (gigglesnort)

Meredith

Amy Goines Thank goodness I dont have periods anymore. I did however start after my first OHS. My surgery was moved to May 3rd as my condition is much more complicated ... Read more

Amy Goines Thank goodness I dont have periods anymore. I did however start after my first OHS. My surgery was moved to May 3rd as my condition is much more complicated than originally thought. I am so blessed to be going to CC. A team of special surgeons came up with a plan to fix my whole situation. I don't think comfort riding home is possible, but I will be so happy and tired. I am thinking I am going to try to sleep on the way home if at all possible. Thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers....I am just thankful Flo left me about a year ago. lol

5 days til lift off

Journal posted on February 23, 2019

Its getting closer. We will be leaving for CC in 4 more days! I have had so many friends stop in. I am a very blessed lady, now to quiet my nerves.

Like | Sue Sanchez Grela, Marci A Orr, Shannon Gray and 2 others like this

Christopher May Amy, I think you’re headed to the right place. We'll be there at the same time. My tests start the day of your surgery and my surgery is on th 8th. I’ll ... Read more

Christopher May Amy, I think you’re headed to the right place. We'll be there at the same time. My tests start the day of your surgery and my surgery is on th 8th. I’ll be thinking of you. We’ll both be on the recovery side very soon!

Kenneth Miller Amy will be thinking of you for a speedy recovery. I start pre surgery testing tomorrow 2/25 with surgery on 3/4.

Michael Meyer Amy:
I have mitral valve repair at CC in 2014. It's a good place to be for heart surgery.

Debbie Kelly Just think, you and your husband will be dancing, in no time. Praying for you, Amy!

Catie B Amy, Dr, Petterssen did my aneurysm, root and valve surgery at CC in 2016. You will be in amazing hands there. They are wonderfully experienced in dealing with ... Read more

Catie B Amy, Dr, Petterssen did my aneurysm, root and valve surgery at CC in 2016. You will be in amazing hands there. They are wonderfully experienced in dealing with complex cases and repeat heart operations. I have no doubt, reading what you went through with your aneurysm, that the Lord truly rescued you in 2012 and will see you through your upcoming surgery and recovery. Best to you!

Paul Pierce You are a trooper you have been through so much. CC is one of the best heart hospital. You are going to do well there.

Amy Goines My surgery was rescheduled until May 3rd. I am a complicated mess but the surgical team have come up with a plan...bigger surgery, but less worry after. Thanks ... Read more

Amy Goines My surgery was rescheduled until May 3rd. I am a complicated mess but the surgical team have come up with a plan...bigger surgery, but less worry after. Thanks guys. I hope everyone's surgeries were successful, your home and feeling better.