Danielle's Journal

Good afternoon from sunny Colorado!

I recently celebrated my 2-year Valveversary, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to this incredibly supportive community and everyone who responded to my last post. Reflecting on my journey, I remember how challenging the early days of recovery were. I was napping every three hours, experiencing hot flashes, feeling utterly exhausted, and struggling to take deep breaths. My mind was foggy, and making decisions felt overwhelming.

Two years ago feels like a lifetime now. I had to relearn how to learn for my college courses, find emotional resilience, and choose not to let my limitations define me. It’s been a transformative journey, and I realize now that even if I had coasted through it, I would have still grown.

To those currently in the thick of recovery, I wish you healing at your own pace. If I could go back and give myself advice right after surgery, I’d say: take the time to relax and be present. Give your body and mind the grace they need. One of my biggest struggles was dealing with the loudness of my new heartbeat—I could feel it throughout my body. Understanding the physiological changes and asking my doctors questions helped ease my mind.

Lastly, I’d tell myself not to fight the pain so hard. I only took Tylenol after surgery, fearing that stronger pain relief would make me too sleepy to complete my online classwork. In hindsight, I realize I needed more than just Tylenol, and those memories are still emotionally charged with pain.Stay strong, be kind to yourself, and remember that recovery is a personal journey. We're all here to support each other.