April's Heart Valve Journal

April Curington  Yay, I made it! Wasn't as bad as I anticipated but wasn't good either lol. It was all of your kind words and prayers that gave me strength to go thru with ... Read more

April Curington  Yay, I made it! Wasn't as bad as I anticipated but wasn't good either lol. It was all of your kind words and prayers that gave me strength to go thru with this. I have encountered some great prayer warriors and I am so blessed. Words cannot describe the amount of support I received. Big hugs to you all!

Tammy Pilcher  April, I'm also keeping you in my prayers. You have an awesome surgeon in Dr. Accola. He did my AVR in October 2014 and I have done very well. Isaiah 41:13 ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher  April, I'm also keeping you in my prayers. You have an awesome surgeon in Dr. Accola. He did my AVR in October 2014 and I have done very well. Isaiah 41:13 "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee.". God bless you, heart sister!

April Curington  Oh wow Tammy that makes me feel so much better knowing you a good experience with the same surgeon. My time at the hospital today has been a long but good ... Read more

April Curington  Oh wow Tammy that makes me feel so much better knowing you a good experience with the same surgeon. My time at the hospital today has been a long but good one everyone is so nice and say such good things about Dr Accola. I'm not as worried about surgery tomorrow I know I'm in good hands. Thanks Marie for your prayers as well! ❤️❤️❤️

Kathy Blank  April- I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair done robotically on February 8th of this year. Are you having robotic surgery? I have heard good things ... Read more

Kathy Blank  April- I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair done robotically on February 8th of this year. Are you having robotic surgery? I have heard good things about your doctor also. I didn't have a big appetite right after surgery - wanted ice chips and popsicles which I think is to soothe my throat after the breathing tube. I did eat, but I was so tired that I didn't really get my appetite back for a week or so, once I got home from the hospital. You will probably be recommended to follow a heart healthy diet and avoid salt. Now that I am increasing my exercise during cardiac rehab, my appetite is back and I especially want protein. Sending you positive wishes and prayers for a successful and uneventful mitral valve repair!

April Curington  Kathy I was hoping for minimally invasive but unfortunately I'm not a candidate I guess. I've heard good things about my surgeon as well and he was so nice ... Read more

April Curington  Kathy I was hoping for minimally invasive but unfortunately I'm not a candidate I guess. I've heard good things about my surgeon as well and he was so nice when I met with him. I plan to pick up some things from the store this week so I was just wondering. Thanks for the positive wishes,

Rita Savelis  Well, yes, your desire for food can change for a bit. I was astounded when presented with a regular meal almost immediately in hospital when all I wanted was ... Read more

Rita Savelis  Well, yes, your desire for food can change for a bit. I was astounded when presented with a regular meal almost immediately in hospital when all I wanted was something light. I was told that some are hungry. I ate, without an appetite for a long time. I also didn't want anything sweet for a long time afterward. There is no special diet to follow unless you are someone who wasn't eating properly before your surgery. I think eating everything in moderation is a good plan for most. I had a hard time regaining weight after surgery and the cardio nutritionists weren't very good at helping as they are used to getting people to lose weight. I saw a cancer nutritionist who at least understood what it's like to lose an appetite.... It really is different for everyone though. Wishing you the best!

Cathleen DeWitt  Any significant weight gain after heart surgery would usually be due to fluid retention. Your doctor will give you a temporary diuretic while they check for ... Read more

Cathleen DeWitt  Any significant weight gain after heart surgery would usually be due to fluid retention. Your doctor will give you a temporary diuretic while they check for the cause. Typically weight gain isn't an issue.

Cathleen DeWitt  You'll probably have an intermittent compression device on your legs after surgery with an air pump to squeeze your legs throughout the day and night to help ... Read more

Cathleen DeWitt  You'll probably have an intermittent compression device on your legs after surgery with an air pump to squeeze your legs throughout the day and night to help with that 💛. They are a soft inflatable material and actually feel pretty good. At home you can use compression sleeves.

Catie B  A warm welcome to you, April. I'm glad you found your way here. I know the journey is scary, but I'm so glad you've found a good surgeon and I hope you'll feel ... Read more

Catie B  A warm welcome to you, April. I'm glad you found your way here. I know the journey is scary, but I'm so glad you've found a good surgeon and I hope you'll feel very confident in him at your appointment later this month. I also hope you'll find it very helpful to interact here.

April Curington  Thanks for the warm welcome and I am so blessed to have found this site. I look forward to talking to all of you and getting some answers to the many questions ... Read more

April Curington  Thanks for the warm welcome and I am so blessed to have found this site. I look forward to talking to all of you and getting some answers to the many questions that I have and I have a lot lol.i hope your Easter was blessed and filled with love.

Phyllis Petersen  Welcome! You've already had quite a journey with your health. I'm glad you found this site to help you through this next journey. You'll go into surgery feeling ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen  Welcome! You've already had quite a journey with your health. I'm glad you found this site to help you through this next journey. You'll go into surgery feeling prepared and ready to reclaim your life on the other side.