Edith Dim - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

March 13, 2015

I am sorry this posted twice.

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TAVR PROCEDURE

Journal posted on March 13, 2015

I flew from Phoenix, Az to Texas on Tuesday, and had a consultation with Dr. William Ryan of the Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano, Tx on Wednesday afternoon. He was as nice as I have been told he was. After reviewing my records, and speaking with me, he told me that he could do a mini
sternotomy to replace my aortic valve, which is what I was hoping he would suggest. However,
due to my age, and the fact that I am on prednisone, he believes that I am a candidate for the TAVR, which does not require open heart surgery. Initially, only patients who were not able to have open heart surgery due to their health were candidates for the TAVR. However, it has been expanded to include other patients now., who are considered intermediate. I will have to make an appointment to return to Plano to the TAVR Clinic at Baylor to spend a full day having numerous tests, so I will need to spend two nights at the hotel nearby. I plan to do that about the middle of April. If, after all of the tests, I am judged to be a candidate, I will set a date to return to Plano again to have the procedure. There have been advancements in the procedure ie., a much better valve, or I would not consider having it. I have been living with dread, and I can relax now.
Hopefully, Dr. Ryan is correct in believing that I am a candidate.

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Penny Prichard That's great news really. Everyday advancements happen in the medical field. We are so lucky to live in this day and age. Positive thoughts your way.

LaDonna Mangile Prayers!

Cheryl Batzing Edith, so glad to hear your visit with Dr. Ryan went well! Somehow I missed your original post and just now saw it April 9th! Holler next time you come back ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing Edith, so glad to hear your visit with Dr. Ryan went well! Somehow I missed your original post and just now saw it April 9th! Holler next time you come back to Texas and I'd love to come say hi! Prayers your way!

TAVR PROCEDURE

Journal posted on March 13, 2015

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One Step Closer

Journal posted on March 1, 2015

i had the cardiac catherization on Friday, February 27. The good news is that my arteries are clear. The next step is my consult with Dr. Ryan in Plano, Texas on Marc 11.

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Nancy D awesome news!! One step at a time!! Take good care!

Jim Kelly-Evans Good news, Edith!

Susan Nelson That is great news!

Lewis Garlisi Great Edith, no bypass issues to complicate matters. Best wishes.

Great news Edith!! That is excellent!

Tim Goff Fantastic Edith!

Terrie Syvertsen Edith- Wonderful to read that you are through with your cardiac cath. and the arteries are clear so that you can move on with the next steps. Hope your consult ... Read more

Terrie Syvertsen Edith- Wonderful to read that you are through with your cardiac cath. and the arteries are clear so that you can move on with the next steps. Hope your consult on March 11th. leaves you feeling more and more confident as you move closer to getting your heart "cared for". Be well.

Update posted on...

March 1, 2015

If you had dr. William Ryan replace your aortic valve, not the Ross procedure, please tell me how your surgery went. Would you highly recommend him?

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Update posted on...

February 17, 2015

Prayers and good vibes for Ben, Patrick and Joni on their life changing day Wednesday.

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Update posted on...

February 17, 2015

Sherry, I will be thinking of you and praying that all will go well with your surgery, and that you will have a smooth road to recovery.

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Doug Cox Sherry. Good luck today and may God guide the surgeons hands so you may experience a complete recovery.

Update posted on...

February 12, 2015

Ben and Bill..I will be thinking of both of you tomorrow, praying that your surgeries are successful, and that you will be on the road to smooth recoveries and healthy, happy years ahead. Edie

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Getting To The Reality of Heart Surgery

Journal posted on February 6, 2015

I finalized my plans to go to the Baylor Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas, and have Dr. William Ryan as my surgeon to replace my severe aortic stenosis valve when I called Dr. Ryan's office a few days and made a date to have a consultation with him. I will fly to Dallas on March 10 to meet with him the following day. I am quite sure that a date for my surgery (still not quite real to me) will be set that day. I had a very thorough exam by my local cardiologist on Wednesday, and he will be arranging for my cardic cath within the next two weeks. I have to admit that I am frightened, but I know that I have no choice. I am a "young" 88 year old, but I want to wake up and have a little more time to live. I wish this had happened to me 20 years ago, but what is, is.
I will be back after I have the catherization.

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Jim Kelly-Evans Good luck, Edith...you're in my thoughts.

Kathy Letsos My thoughts are with you Edith!

Eleanor R I will be thinking of you Edith and praying that you come through the surgery smoothly and with no bumps in the road to recovery. Its not easy to go through ... Read more

Eleanor R I will be thinking of you Edith and praying that you come through the surgery smoothly and with no bumps in the road to recovery. Its not easy to go through this, more mentally and emotionally than the actual physical part, but I always remember what my Mom used to say: "Consider the alternative". In our case, the valve replacement wins hands down! Best wishes to you. Eleanor

Duane Beeman Edith: My dad once told me, "I bet you think 90 is pretty old don't you". I responded, "Yes". He then looked at me and said, "well, wait until you're 88 ... Read more

Duane Beeman Edith: My dad once told me, "I bet you think 90 is pretty old don't you". I responded, "Yes". He then looked at me and said, "well, wait until you're 88 and I'll ask you again". My mom is almost 87 and rocking and rolling. You sound alot like her. My dad had open heart surgery at 85 and was up walking around the next day talking about a fishing trip we had planned. You are going to be OK.

Peter Duplin Your just a spring chicken Edith pray that you will d fine Sandra and Peter

Edith Dim Many heartfelt thanks to all of you kind heart sisters and brothers, Jim, Kathy, Eleanor, Duane, Sandra & Peter for your encouraging thoughts.
I appreciated ... Read more

Edith Dim Many heartfelt thanks to all of you kind heart sisters and brothers, Jim, Kathy, Eleanor, Duane, Sandra & Peter for your encouraging thoughts.
I appreciated everything you had to say. The process, so far, is an emotional and mental roller coaster ride. I understand that part of it, Eleanor. Your Mom was right...it beats the alternative! I am trying to mentally brace myself for the physical part that lies ahead, but I know we can't feel pain until it hits. I live with it to a lesser or greater degree due to damaged nerves after having had the shingles 8 years ago this month. Don't know about being a Spring Chicken, Peter, but you made me smile because In my mind I am one! :-) I love your Mom and Dad, Duane. They sound great. Thanks for sharing their ages with me. I wish them many more years of loving life.
Thanks, again, for being here. My very best heart health wishes to all. "Edie"

Cheryl Batzing Edith, Dr. Ryan and Heart Hospital Plan are excellent choices! Dr. Ryan did my mitral valve repair Dec. 16. I live about 15 minutes from the hospital and would ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing Edith, Dr. Ryan and Heart Hospital Plan are excellent choices! Dr. Ryan did my mitral valve repair Dec. 16. I live about 15 minutes from the hospital and would be happy to meet with you and your husband when you guys are in town. I'll keep you in my prayers for your upcoming surgery and wisdom for surgeon and recovery. Let me know if I can help in any way. Blessings!

Patricia Garcia My parents are in there late 70's and don't use a computer. You are a young 88 yr.old. This is a great site for you to go on to get support and answers to ... Read more

Patricia Garcia My parents are in there late 70's and don't use a computer. You are a young 88 yr.old. This is a great site for you to go on to get support and answers to many questions. We have all been through it or going to go through it. I had my 3 rd mitral valve surgery on January 12, 2015. If there is anything that I can help you with just send me a message and I will get back to you Edith. You are a strong woman and will get through this.

Tim Goff I am in awe of your courage

Susan Nelson I hope all goes well for you Edith. I had mine last week and it went well, you will be fine! My surgery is planned for March 3.

My Definite Decision on A Heart Surgeon

Journal posted on January 30, 2015

I tend to procrastinate on some things, but I definitely set things in motion today when I called Dr. William Ryan's office and made a definite appointment for a consultation with him. I will meet with him on Wednesday, March 11. His opinion will be the third, and I plan for him to do my aortic valve replacement surgery. I have already informed my cardiologist that Dr. Ryan needs to have my records to review before my appointment date, so they will be faxed to him on Monday. Thinking and talking about OHS has been so unreal to me, but not quite so now. I have been feeling very jittery these last two days, and my heart beat, which is normally low, has been fast off and on all day. I have to calm down or I will be a wreck. Part of it could be the lack of sleep. The higher dose of prednisone is a stimulant. A have to be on a lower dose for weeks before I can have surgery. I will try to be in bed before 3:00 a.m!

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Jim Kelly-Evans Good that you have made a decision, Edith. I often feel that the whole thing I'm experiencing is surreal. This can't be happening to me! But we go forward and ... Read more

Jim Kelly-Evans Good that you have made a decision, Edith. I often feel that the whole thing I'm experiencing is surreal. This can't be happening to me! But we go forward and do what we have to do for ourselves and our loved ones. Best wishes and keep us informed.

Cheryl Batzing Edith, I think you will really like Dr. Ryan. He was my second consult and did my mitral valve repair surgery on Dec. 16. I'm now 6 weeks and a few days post ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing Edith, I think you will really like Dr. Ryan. He was my second consult and did my mitral valve repair surgery on Dec. 16. I'm now 6 weeks and a few days post surgery and recovering well. Dr. Ryan is calm, kind, and direct. Will keep you in my prayers.

Kimberly Biddick Edith, Dr. Ryan has come strongly recommended from many people on this site and has performed many, many heart surgeries. I, too, have an appointment with ... Read more

Kimberly Biddick Edith, Dr. Ryan has come strongly recommended from many people on this site and has performed many, many heart surgeries. I, too, have an appointment with him at the end of February. Keep us updated!

Edith Dim Thanks so much to each of you for sharing. Your reassurances regarding Dr. Ryan means a lot to me. I know now more than ever that I made a good choice. I ... Read more

Edith Dim Thanks so much to each of you for sharing. Your reassurances regarding Dr. Ryan means a lot to me. I know now more than ever that I made a good choice. I wish you, Jim, Cheryl, and Kimberly the very best. We are in this together.

That is great Edith. Although still hard to relax, I understand, finding a surgeon you are happy with is such a relief. You are amazing and an inspiration, quite frankly.

Tammy Pilcher Edie, I'll keep you in my prayers for your journey! You're going to be fine! God bless you!

Update posted on...

January 25, 2015

I would like the start a Journal, but don't know how to begin. Can someone advise me how to get started?

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Adam Pick Hi Edith. To write a journal, simply click "Write a journal" in the left side margin under the "What To Do Next?" section on this page http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/journals/patient-news-feed.php. ... Read more

Ben Schraegle Hi Edith. I had Dr. William Brinkman peform my aortic and mitral valve surgery recently. Dr. Ryan is in the same group with Dr. Brinkman and I have heard ... Read more

Ben Schraegle Hi Edith. I had Dr. William Brinkman peform my aortic and mitral valve surgery recently. Dr. Ryan is in the same group with Dr. Brinkman and I have heard nothing but praise and positive feedback on both surgeons. The Baylor Heart Hospital where they are both located at and where I had my surgery is a fantastic facility! It may be worth the plane trip from Arizona! Best of wishes!

Edith Dim Ben, I appreciated your very positive input. I am planning on going to Plano to have a consultation with Dr. Ryan. The flight there from Phoenix is only two ... Read more

Edith Dim Ben, I appreciated your very positive input. I am planning on going to Plano to have a consultation with Dr. Ryan. The flight there from Phoenix is only two hours I called his office yesterday,
So I know what I need to take for his review. First, I need to know what dose of prednisone I have to be lowered to before a date can be set for the surgery, and even the cath. Dr. Ryan will want to see the report of that
when I see him. I have had Giant Cell Arteritis (inflammation of the arteries) for 19 years, hence the steroids. Hmm, makes me wonder about my arteries. I better stop thinking so much.

I reread all of your posts, and want to thank everyone, again. I am so glad that I found Adam, and all of you just by researching the aortic valve. I hope all are recovering very well.

Eleanor, thanks for your pointers. Fortunately, our house is all on one level. Since my husband is wheel bound, he has a caregiver for eleven hours every day. Cheryl is great, and she will be here for me, too. There is a shower chair in my husband's stall shower, so it will serve double duty for awhile. My younger son moved from Florida to Scottsdale three years ago to be near in case we needed help with my husband, so he will be here for me this time. He will accompany me to Texas for the consultation, and the surgery. I am so grateful.

Thanks for being here....Edie

Update posted on...

January 15, 2015

I had a second opinion with an excellent thoracic surgeon in Scottsdale, Az today. I have severe aortic stenosis, and have been told that I will need to have the open heart procedure. My greatest fear is my age of 88. After the consultation with Dr. Goldstein, my son and I felt less anxiety because the doctor has performed this surgery on many elderly patients, who haved done well. It is in my favor that I have a small frame. A date for surgery is at least a couple of months away because I am on too high a dosage of prednisone at this time for inflammation of the arteries, a condition that I have had for nineteen years. Predisone is a steroid that has to be reduced very gradually. I mentioned to Dr. Goldstein that I bought Adam's book, and he told me that he met Adam. That was nice to hear.
I am so glad that I found this group. I wish all of you a wonderful recovery. Will pray that all goes well for those having surgery tomorrow.
BTW, my photo of me and my husband was taken this past July...not a younger photo. I am 88, but don't act it, or am taken for it. Until next time...I am known as "Edie," so please call me that, and not Edith. :-)

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Bob M Edie, welcome to our awesome community. We pray that your doctors will determine the right plan for your heart. God bless and rise up!

Jim Kelly-Evans Edie, welcome and best wishes for a successful procedure and a smooth recovery. Keep your positive attitude and you'll do fine

Cheryl Batzing Edie, so glad to meet you here! You will find lots of support, prayers, and friends. I had open heart surgery to repair a valve Dec. 16 and am recovering now ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing Edie, so glad to meet you here! You will find lots of support, prayers, and friends. I had open heart surgery to repair a valve Dec. 16 and am recovering now 4 weeks and a few days post surgery. Will be praying for you.

Tammy Pilcher Edie, I'll keep you in my prayers for your surgery and recovery. Best wishes!

Mark Alafita Edie, All my best. I'm glad you found this group, too!

Edith Dim Many thanks to all of you for the warm welcome, and your encouraging words. I will be following your experiences and praying for each of you to have a excellent ... Read more

Edith Dim Many thanks to all of you for the warm welcome, and your encouraging words. I will be following your experiences and praying for each of you to have a excellent recovery. I'm happy to know that I will be traveling this unexpected journey with all of you.

Glad to meet you and hope the best for you. Looking forward to your posts and insights.

Jim O'Brien Edie, welcome to the community! Good luck to you and keep in touch with the community. It can be a big help when all of it seems so overwhelming.

Eleanor R I wish you the very best surgery and recovery, my thoughts will be with you. My surgeon also operates on first, and second time OHS patients into their 80s. ... Read more

Eleanor R I wish you the very best surgery and recovery, my thoughts will be with you. My surgeon also operates on first, and second time OHS patients into their 80s. He said that is not a limiting factor, but rather overall health in general, which can occur at a much younger age. make sure you have either a rehab center to go, or a sleep over family member to be with you especially the first week or two, so that you don't fall. I had a bit of time regulating my blood pressure with the beta blocker they put me on after surgery, and stairs to navigate, so I was grateful that my adult daughter moved back in for a few weeks. I'm 68 and active, but I remember getting tired just getting out of bed and into the shower chair for the first week. We arranged a towel on a tub ledge next to the shower, so I could immediately sit down to dry off, and she put a small chair at the top and bottom of the upstairs stairs, just in case I got tired or dizzy. Be safe and take good care of yourself. Feel free to read my journal, from late July to August, for other ideas from my experience. Best wishes, Eleanor