Cathy's Posts

First off its been a while since I have been on and I wanted to send my prayers with all the people with upcoming surgeries and bless the hands of the doctor's performing them. Today, it's been almost 10 months since my name has been on that list. I remember seeing it there and I thought omg this could be my last day here on earth, omg this is absolutely crazy me 38 years old needing heart surgery. To those of you whom I have not met yet on here. I was pregnant when I found out I had rhematic heart disease. My baby was taken 8 weeks early due to my pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. Delivery was good and I have a healthy 14 month old now who is into everything lol. I gave birth in August of 2015 and they scheduled my heart surgery for Jan 25 2016 to give my body a rest from running to circulatory sysytems. Getting back to that dreadful, terrifying day seeing my name on the upcoming surgery dates was surreal to me. The emotions that you encounter only my fellow peers of this group would understand. Today I had an echo done to see how my heart is doing after my mitral valve replacement. I opted for a bovine valve. The thought of Coumadin terrified me. I am 38 an active motocross rider, mom of 3 who is constantly on the go. Can't even remember what I did with my car keys nevermore take a pill on time everyday. So yes I did my research I asked questions and went against my surgeons advice and opted for a bovine. My surgeon who I must add saved my life and he will forever be in my debt. I spoke with him numerous amounts of times regarding mechanical and bovine. I don't know how long this valve will last but I am prepared to do this again to live a normal life a life with no pills and needle sticks. Normal for me. I am happy with my choice and confident in my Edward's sciences bovine valve. So back to my echo that I had today. It was the same woman who performed my first echo when I was pregnant and feeling so awful. When she was doing the test it was so quiet all you could hear was the pressing and scrolling of the ultrasound machine. My nerves were going crazy anxiety through the roof. All I could think about was what if the valve failed already, what If another valve went bad. So many what ifs. The test came to an end and she looked at me and said I can't believe the transformation your heart went to. Your heart was so enlarged last time and now it looks completely normal and your valve looks amazing! I just started to cry. Thank you Jesus after all I have been through, almost loosing my baby, and my life I finally received good news! So to all the people who are scheduled for surgery I will speak to you on the other side of your new life. The day I received my new valve marks a new birthday for me and after you receive your new valve it will be a birthday a new chapter in your book. I pray for all of you. Thanks for listening and God bless.