Deborah's Journal

Fay Kozas  Deborah, listen to your brain, "Everything will be all right." Do not ask yourself, "What if?" Think positive, be strong, and go through with your surgery. When you wake up, the risk will be over. It would help a lot if you
thought of something you would really like to do after your surgery. Focus on that and gain strength. I will be praying for you.

Robert Machado  For me the waiting was the hardest part. There was a small fear in the back of my head but the numbers are totally and way on your side when you look at all the stats. 85000 people a year have AVR surgery...You will do great. I had my surgery on Sept 10 and I was walking 3 miles a day in the neighborhood by the first week of October.

John Isham  Deborah....a couple of things that I hope will help reduce or eliminate most of your anxieties and fears!
First.....these Heart Surgeons are incredibly gifted and have trained and performed these types of Heart Valve Surgeries for many, many years! The Surgical Team that will be with you and your Surgeon are equally as talented so what you need to do is.........HAVE TOTAL 100% PIECE OF MIND IN YOUR SURGEON AND THE SURGICAL TEAM AND TURN “YOUR WILL AND YOURSELF” OVER TO THEM 100% TOTALLY! You do that as soon as you walk in your Hospital for your surgical procedure!
Secondly....prepare yourself now....mentally, physically and spiritually for this procedure next Wednesday! Visualize now (Right Now) of having a 100% totally incredible successful surgery and an equally successful and speedy recovery. Keep your mind busy with ALL positive things till your surgery; also....keep physically busy but remember to Rest, Rest, Rest your body and mind 48-72 hours before your surgery.
AND Spiritually..... be praying for a 100% successful surgery and remember that ALL us HEART WARRIORS will be praying for you and we will all be there for you....
Deborah....You will do just fine....before you know it....surgery is done, successful and now on your way to a successful recovery!
Keep us posted!

Marie Myers  I was 63 yo when I had my AVR, root , and aneurysm resected. I went back to work part time in 8 weeks. Some of the younger people here have gone back earlier , but it really all depends on how you feel. If you have an uncomplicated surgery and recovery, you might be ready to go back at 6 weeks. Plan to feel a little more tired than usual for a few weeks, and you might need a nap or two when you start back to work.

Willie Radl  33 years old, same issue as you severe regurgitation otherwise healthy. I went back after a month but I work a desk job. Mentally and physically I felt fine. However, if I would have had to lift heavy items or reach over my head frequently I would have taken a few extra weeks.

Rita Savelis  I went back to work after 3 months. Everyone is different and your recovery is personal and doesn't necessarily have anything to do with your health pre-surgery. OHS is hard on your body. Recovery takes time and one can be exhausted for a long time. It's individual. So you can shoot for 6 weeks but allow yourself some adjustment if needed.

Bradley Dunn  I was back at work at 6 weeks but I work from home full time. I was throwing a baseball at 12 weeks and shooting a basketball around the same time. I was throwing a football at 10 weeks and driving around 5.5 weeks.

I did 27 sessions of cardiac rehab.

Sara Colosimo  I’m about 2 weeks post surgery. 35 yeas old. I teach first grade. I don’t plan on going back until April but my job is more than chaotic. Hoping by 4-6 weeks I’m feeling good though.

Robert Machado  I'm 53 and had an AVR on September 10th. I planned for 8 weeks out and came back in six. I'm in sales and sit at a desk but if I did physical labor I wouldve need a few weeks more before 100% I think.

Susan Lynn  Welcome, Deborah! Everybody on this site will tell you that waiting is by far the worst part. I went through the same sleeplessness and weight loss before my surgery. You will be ready to put it behind you when the day comes. You have so much to look forward to with your children - focus on all the future adventures. Your medical team will take care of the rest! You're going to do just fine! ❤

Sara Colosimo  Deborah, are saying the exact words I was. I was in your shoes just recemenlt. My valve replacement was last Tuesday, Jan 8. I’m home recovering now. I have a 4 year old and was so worried about her. Luckily, my husband did such a great job but I talked to her about what was going to happen.... as much as a 4 year old could understand. I recorded books on the iPad, recorded her bedtime songs, and told her stories she could listen to when i was away. My husband said she smiled ear to ear every night. I also bought a Childrens a book called “brave enough for two”. It’s reallr cute! You WILL get through this. Your babies will see Mom as a super hero!

Sommer Russell  I echo exactly what they are saying! A very short time ago I was writing very similar things on here about the anxiety and worries of my 9,7, and 3 year old. They have done amazingly during this process. My ducklings couldn’t wait to participate in PT and walking with me around the hospital. You will want to wait a few days until the bulk of the drips are gone as this can be very scary for the little ones. I prepared goody bags while I was away for my kids with lots of things pertinent to each child. They had some of their favorite candies, favorite essential oils, words of encourage from me, and some arts and crafts that they loved giving me. My kids just kept saying that I look like I was still the same. I’m not sure what they had expected. Best wishes!!!

Rhonda Rawles  It sounds like a broken record but cannot be said enough that the waiting is by far the worst part. When I was where you are I was super nervous and on here every day learning as much as I good. Fast forward and I am now 4 years past surgery living life and it is a distant memory. I had the same diagnosis and was 45. Best of luck to you!

Jennifer McInerney  I did the fake it till you make it. I have adult children and they were so worried I wanted to protect them so I kept my worries to myself. The wait is tough on everyone!