Ashley Cross - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Not feeling well.

Journal posted on April 12, 2016

Well for the past 5 days I have felt terrible. I can barely eat anything and have been experiencing stomach cramps. The last time I experienced these syntoms was when I had over 500cc of fluid around my heart and they had to do emergency surgery. So today I went to our local hospital for an echo. It took 15 minutes. They said I have no fluid around my heart and sent me home. When I was at Duke the echo took 45 minutes and was very detailed. I feel horrible and very nervous that my small town local hospital might have missed something. My mom doesn't think so though and keeps saying we are not going back to duke. Because I have been a patient there to many times. I don't know what to do. I just want to feel better.

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So sorry, Ashley. I hope you feel better soon. If you are not satisfied with the experience you had, you should consider following up with your cardiologist. ... Read more

So sorry, Ashley. I hope you feel better soon. If you are not satisfied with the experience you had, you should consider following up with your cardiologist. Hang in there and I hope you feel better.

Sorry your feeling bad keep faith that you will feel better soon.

Wanda Mroz I say what Laura said follow up. I sure hope you feel much better soon. Hugs & prayers.💞🙏🏻

Clare Auten I agree. If you aren't feeling right, get a second opinion . It's important to listen to your body.

Tracy Simmons I can understand where you're coming from in doubting local small town doctors if you've experienced great ones elsewhere. I agree with some of the other posts ... Read more

Tracy Simmons I can understand where you're coming from in doubting local small town doctors if you've experienced great ones elsewhere. I agree with some of the other posts about getting another opinion because you know your body and how you feel better than anyone.

Had Emergency OHS on March 4th.

Journal posted on March 21, 2016

I had a 3rd OHS on March 4th. I was told that if I did not have the surgery done that Friday i would not have made it passed the weekend. I am in a lot of pain and tired. But I am taking it one day at a time. I go back to duke for my post op appointment on Thursday.

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Lilly Black Ashley, I'm sorry that you had a 3rd OHS! I had 2 OHSs but I'm 64 yrs old. Yes do take one day at a time....it's the best and only way to go! my heart goes ... Read more

Lilly Black Ashley, I'm sorry that you had a 3rd OHS! I had 2 OHSs but I'm 64 yrs old. Yes do take one day at a time....it's the best and only way to go! my heart goes out to you. I know that pain all too well. I wish you the best of luck on Thursday! keep us posted on the outcome. :o)

Steven A Husted sorry you had to have 3 ohs that is one of my fears why did you have 3 ohs

Kate Watson Wow, did you get a double valve replacement? I wondered how you were doing, as I'm pretty sure I remembered you were having the same surgery as I'll be getting. ... Read more

Kate Watson Wow, did you get a double valve replacement? I wondered how you were doing, as I'm pretty sure I remembered you were having the same surgery as I'll be getting. I don't meet a lot of people who need both valves replaced. Sorry you have had to have 3 surgeries already. That is also one of my big fears, I'm hoping my next is my last for life. Wishing you well, glad to hear you made it through ok.

Wanda Mroz Oh goodness... You poor thing. Keep us posted... We'll be sending good vibes and prayers your way... Hugs💞

Kim Murray I am also having both valves replaced, how are you feeling? Hope everything is going good.

Lilly Black Ashley, how are you feeling? I'm hoping you are progressing each day :o)

Being admitted to the hospital tomorrow afternoon!

Journal posted on February 8, 2016

I will be admitted at Duke hospital tomorrow afternoon! I will be meeting with me heart care team. Surgery to replace both my aortic and mitral valves will be Wednesday morning!! I am so ready to be on the road to recovery and hopeful feel better than I have in years!!

Like | 2 people like this

Nancy D wishing you a perfectly performed surgery and a problem free recovery! Be gentle with yourself, takes time to recover but it is SO worth it!

Gloria Savannah-Austin Good luck to you Ashley- visualizing that all will be well and you will be kicking up a dust soon and back to normal. :)

Kate Watson I'll be in the same boat as you with those two valves, not sure when yet but am meeting with another surgeon next week. I assume you have to get two mechanical ... Read more

Kate Watson I'll be in the same boat as you with those two valves, not sure when yet but am meeting with another surgeon next week. I assume you have to get two mechanical valves in this case? I know what you mean- I too am looking forward to feeling good again someday! I hope your surgery is a success and you have a smooth recovery! I will be looking forward to hearing how it all goes.

Ashley Cross Yes I will be getting 2 mechanical valves. I pray that the doctors appointment goes well! Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers!

Cheryl Bass Praying for your upcoming surgery and that all will proceed perfectly in your recovery.

Whitney Nelson Good luck!! I will be praying for you!! And I'll be going one week after you!

Ashley Cross Thank you!!

Debbie Bentley Praying for you Ashley !!

Ashley Cross Thank you!!

Best wishes. Warm thoughts for a smooth surgery.

Ashley Cross Thank you!!

Wanda Mroz Many hugs and best wishes for a smooth surgery and recovery. 🙏🏻

Kimberly Biddick Best of luck to you!!

Sophia Ridley Best wishes for uneventful surgery and a smooth recovery. Eat well (keep your iron up), keep well hydrated and get rest before surgery.

Cathy Slipski Best of luck!!

Gail Magnus Best of luck to you. I'm 8 days Post Op so feel free to reach out with any questions.

Alina FH Best of luck tomorrow, Ashley!

Here's my newest picture!

January 21, 2016 Like |

Emily Rowley Cool. Is this hanging on a wall or booklet or Hospital sign?

Ashley Cross It is a hospital sign hanging on the wall.

20 Days till surgery!

Journal posted on January 21, 2016

Trying to keep myself entertained and not think about my upcoming surgery. I am so ready to be on the road to recovery. But I know that in my season of waiting God is with me!

Like | Paige Rupe, Emily Rowley, Lynee Casper and 1 other likes this

Mark Caswell Great attitude Ashley. Good luck.

Ashley Cross Thank you!

Paige Rupe You got this, friend!!!

John Murray Keep up the great attitude! It is a great help in both pre & post op.

Clare Auten Good luck with your surgery. I read your story. I have been a special ed teacher for 26 years. It is a very challenging and rewarding profession. I'm sure you are anxious to get back to school.

Ashley Cross Thank you all for your kind words! I was supposed to do 30 hours of field teaching experience this semester, but oh well. I am grateful this is happening now and not when I have a job!!

Wanda Mroz Best of luck to you. Great outlook. We're here to help if you have questions.

Lynee Casper Best to you Ashley as you approach your surgery. We will be thinking of you, and of course send our thoughts and prayers your way. Shifting gears to your future, ... Read more

Lynee Casper Best to you Ashley as you approach your surgery. We will be thinking of you, and of course send our thoughts and prayers your way. Shifting gears to your future, I am excited for you as you prepare to be an educator in special education. That goal will carry you through any times of doubt about your surgery. We need good, passionate, and courageous people who have valuable experiences to bring to the teaching profession. I know you will offer great things to kids lives! I have been a teacher, of kids, of adults, and lately to my grandkids, and it is just such a privilege and joy to teach. I am confident you will have so much to offer your students. Stay strong!

Ashley Cross Thank you so very much!