Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb:

I am thinking of you and your husband today. I hope the surgery went well and that you are progressing in ICU. All the best, Barb.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Barb that says: Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers Barb, Take Care

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: You poor thing having to lay there for 71/2 hours. After my angiogram I had to lay there for about 31/2 hours while the male nurse put pressure on the femur artery and later put a sandbag on it to stop the bleeding. My tailbone was really bothering me. I can't imagine laying there 71/2 hrs!
Glad you got the surgery time worked out. I think you made a good decision just to have it done today.
Will keep you in my prayers.

Debbie posted a note for Barb that says: At this time you are probably in surgery. Just want you to know I am thinking of you. Update as soon as you can.

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Ya can't make this up, Barb! I feel your pain. And your husband's pain! Delighted cath was clear and thru the wrist. I was in bay #13 a few week's ago. (she asked me if I was superstitious as she assigned bay. Some folks will not take the bay. Hey, at this point I have a valve problem, what do I care! ;) ) I know the room set up. You certainly did the right thing- ask folks and do research. So sorry you had to deal with this and also cool your heels. The very best of success today, Barb. I am thinking of you and trusting in a wonderful outcome.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: Good luck Barb!! You're going to do great.

Lynn E posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb!

What a screw up! I understand getting bumped- that can happen to anyone scheduled- but 7.5 hours in day surge recovery??? Well after that you should sleep,tonight! I am sorry it was a mix up- just what we don't need when we finally get to that point. But I agree withnyounabout BWH- you are in good hands from the thoracic team! You sound cool and calm:) best wishes for take off tomorrow!

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb
I am sure you had a really busy day today. I hope everything went well. I want to wish you the very best tomorrow. You will be in my thoughts. Please have someone post for you as able. All the best my friend.

John & Kathy Gregory posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,
Left a message on your phone but couldn't remember if you were checking in Hospital in AM or PM today so... wishing you a speedy recovery and fast homecoming!
Love

sharon cresenzi posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb!! Thinking of you today and wishing you a speedy recovery!!! Cant believe we saw each other after so many years! We must keep in touch! You are in my thoughts and prayers today!!!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
I remember the tests the day before surgery. I had nothing to eat most of the day but I didn't want to eat a BIG meal on my last night so I just had a "small plate" chicken dinner at the hotel restaurant. I was relatively calm the day before surgery.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. This is what one of my friends who is a cardiac nurse sent to me:
"Praying for wisdom for your surgeon, compassion for your nurses, grace for your family, strength and faith for you." It is so true.

After this is all over for all of us, I think we should plan to all rendezvous someplace in the US and actually meet each other!

Remember to give your password for this site to one of your family members so they can keep us updated.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
I cannot wait to read the next two weeks of journal entries from you, you are going to do great and I will be sitting here hoping mine goes anywhere near as well. Take care get as much rest as you can before and after and know we are all thinking about you tomorrow.
Sincerely,

Debbie J posted a note for Barb that says: good luck Please have your husband keep me informed. My daughter tonight was asking about you.

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: If you have Dr. Shah tell him I said hi. He did mine. He did a great job. He is the only one I know there based on my cath. 2 weeks ago. You will do well.

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Barb
Who is your doctor for the cath tomorrow?

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb
We will take the Acela to Penn Station. We love the train. Coming back will likely be Acela First class unless it seems that it will be too hard. Plan B will be a car service. With Acela we will use Red Cap service at Penn station. It will be a grand adventure for sure! Please get a good night's sleep. The cardiac cath. process went smoothly for me at BWH. Wishing smooth sailing for you tomorrow too.

Cheryl posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb big day is here been thinking about you will call later.

Adam Pick posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

By the way, who is your surgeon?

Keep on tickin!

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb
I was thinking of you! I was going to leave a message for you and you beat me. Well played! You will have a whole week of recovery on me. Good for you. All the best on your cardiac cath.tomorrow. Please let us know how you make out. Good luck with the traffic. You will do real well on Tuesday, I can feel it! Best.

Mary Skopek posted a note for Barb that says: Good luck! Just had my surgery Thursday and I'm going home later today. It's quite the experience but you'll do great! Prayers!

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,
We will certainly be thinking of you tomorrow and sending good vibes! I used to work at the Brigham as a nurse in the 80"s..I know you are in the best place!! By the time we go in, you will be home sweet home:) I know you will do great and I look forward to following your experience...we must all meet one day for a party and a glass of wine! All the best,

jeff o posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb, been following your posts. You'll do great. If I could do ohs, anyone can. Best wishes.

Al Zebal posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,
I had AVR surgery at BWH this past January and I am doing well.That is a great place and rest assured,you will be in very good hands there .Coincidentally, I'm going to have that same hand surgery in the future.I can thank my Irish ancestors for that they say. Best of luck to you in your upcoming surgery,you'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Al Zebal AVR,Maze 1/17/13

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
This is Carol Jackson. You have to remember I still have someone at the house with me(while husband at work) while I am recovering since I can't open prune juice bottles or prescription pill bottles. I can't open the washer/dryer drawers, reach up, reach down, push or pull open doors, lock a door or my chest and back will hurt. I have to sit in the back seat of a car, limit going upstairs to one time per day, etc.
Of course, after I wrote in my last journal entry, I had a terrible night sleeping and realized that I over did the previous 2 days and worrying about the pain ...so......I don't think your husband will send you back to work early! HA!

debbie posted a note for Barb that says: hi Barb
So what does it mean now? Is everything still as planned? Thinking about you lots lately and I hope for a quick recovery for you.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: Sounds like some of my testing days.... No food after 8pm, no food or drink in AM so hungry but afraid to eat anything between tets....starved.....finallyeat a huge dinner.
Something to look forward to...After surgery I've lost my appetite and can only eat 1/2 of the meal.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,
What an exhausting day! At least all the pre op is done so you can chill for the week. I go for mine in 2 weeks so we can complain together later:) Rest and eat well!

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Jeez, Barb, I am tired just reading this. I drove from Niantic, CT to Wellesley this AM after visiting my mother so I guess a few of us were traveling today! You really were put thru the wringer! Rest up. You certainly earned a good night's sleep. Great choice for dinner, btw!

Jackie posted a note for Barb that says: Barb, i have the aortic stenosis, surgery is the 29. I was brave and read Adam's book from cover to cover, I just wanted to know everything. I want no surprises! I am actually going to doctors office tomorrow to view a video of the surgery, he felt it was a good idea, and I know I can always walk out of the room:). Good luck with your surgery.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Barb that says: At first I thought I'd have to have my aortic valve replaced along with my aneurysm repair. After all the tests they decided the valve was good for another 15 - 20years so they had to only fix the aneurysm but the only way they can fix that is with a full sternotomy. My incision is 8 inches long.... But I had no choice. Hope they can do a mini sternotomy on you since you don't have the anuersym.

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
I had a mini sternotomy for my mitral and tricuspid repairs. I could not have have it done robotically because two valves were involved. I know it is possible to have a mini sternotomy for an atrial valve......they do it at cleveland clinic all the time. Not sure about robotically. The procedure done on you will be the best for your particular anatomy.......it varies a lot from person to person. That is one reason for all the pre-op testing.

Stay strong and positive....you are almost through the worst part! You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

Rebecca S posted a note for Barb that says: Barb, actually I had the sternotomy for my Mitral valve replacement. The surgeon added a valvuloplasty for my Tricuspid valve, but that was not in the original plans. I was told it was not possible to minimally invasive procedure for this. As you know I am 7 weeks and 4 days post op. Doing very well. Not many postings on this site for mitral valve replacements. Docs don't see a lot of Mitral stenosis except in the older crowd. It's those of us who had or probably had Rheumatic fever as a child, or untreated Strep throat.
Anyways, I am sure you will be on the recovery side quicker than you think. Those first weeks seemed to drag by.

Carol Foster posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb!

Almost 4 weeks post surgery for me so yes it truly does fly by (ok maybe the first week or two....not so much :-)

You sound like you are getting more and more comfortable with all this. I'm sure you'll be fine. If I can do it, you can do it!

I'm keeping tabs on you still, so keep up the good work! Sorry I couldn't speak with Dr. Byrne on your behalf but apparently being the Chief of Cardiac Surgery he's a busy guy and was called into emergency surgery that day so I saw someone else in his place.

BWH took great care of me (nurses are fabulous) and I'm sure they will take good care of you too!

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb,
Nice post- thank you for getting us all ordered! Many of us are in the same week even...amazing...I feel so much better having company in this event! You sound like you are in a good place and getting stuff done. That's great! I will be following you,
Best,
Lynn

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Barb that says: Barb,
Is this the fate of business owners or what? Please continue to keep us posted, we are so pulling for you. Take Care.

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb
Great, great post! I read it to my wife and we laughed at your humor. You have a nice writing style. (hi to the cats). I am also hustling to get all the business work done and if I do it will be at the last minute with some items deferred. Do the best you can. Your health right now is job 1. Was at the Brigham yesterday. After cath, told that I have clear arteries which is good news. Safe travels up here. Please let me know if you have any questions at all about the area. All the best!

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb
Thinking of you today. I hope all is well. Seems like we are all getting things done in preparation. Will be at BWH at 6:00 am on 10/15 for the cardiac cath. Hoping for radial and clear arteries. (will also accept groin and clear arteries!) Wishing you the very best as you get ready! Yo are doing the best thing, as I am, for our health.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb
I will have my AVR in San Francisco a week (Nov.7) after you have yours in Boston. Jim has his 2 days before me, on Nov. 5th so we are all in the same adult education class! I really am happy to have company! My story is similar to yours- first I ever heard the words aortic stenosis was in May after my physical which was otherwise unremarkable. I started out severe! Who knew, not me!
I used to work as a nurse at BWH so I know for a fact you are in excellent hands!
I feel calmer as the day approaches- finally the waiting will be over. I will follow your journal- all the best!

Carol Foster posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb!
It was great to talk to you on the phone in my hospital room the other day! Thanks for calling me :-) I've had you on my mind a lot lately and was wondering how you are doing. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any other questions that I could help with. I have my post-op with Dr. Byrne on 10/10 so I'll be sure to tell him to take good care of you on the 29th! Hope you are feeling better about things! I'm doing great! Best wishes!

Jean Cook posted a note for Barb that says: Barb
Wednesday the 2nd of Oct will mark 6 mo since I had mitral valve replacement with a cow valve. Not sure if you are having repair or replacement. We have a manual recliner that we had well before my surgery. My husband put a end table next to it for when I came home. I was in the hospital for 6 days. I used the recliner in the day but slept in my bed,up 12 stairs, from day one. Feel free to read my journal on here. I have a lot more energy since the surgery and cardiac rehab. Bring your own pillow to the hospital. Get some sport bras and Pj's that open in the front . You will feel better having your back side covered when you are walking in your room or in the halls.

lori ann marchand posted a note for Barb that says: Barbara my thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband .. stay strong and you have the st. Laurent blood in you so i know you are a fighter ..

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Barb that says: BARB!!!!!!!!

Glad you are getting things done ahead of time and reading journals. They are very reassuring and really help to know what to expect. Just to let your husband know---you WILL get emotional during recovery especially when you get frustrated, so he'll need to be patient with the patient. (My poor mom).

Not sure how much of my journal you read (because it's long) but I did a Revocable Trust with a Pour Over Will before surgery. Felt good to be covered just in case something went wrong, but I knew nothing would and you just have to concentrate on the positive. This surgery is saving your life ---literally. Pain is plenty manageable and trust in your Dr.s, nurses and heart surgeon. This is what they do for a living and they are good at it, so you will have no problem. Smile, think positive, know that you are well-loved by family and friends, and things are going to be great.

Lots of smiles and positive thoughts. Family and friends are invaluable. Keep visits short while you're in the hospital. Though really enjoyable, they tire you out more than you think.
Use the hell out of the spirometer, get lots of protein and calcium for healing. Laxatives and stool softener are your best friends (I'm also eating lots of fiber, drinking warm prune juice, and eating yogurt to help with bowel movement.) Burping, farting and pooping makes room for food to heal.

Don't worry. You are going to do great.

Debbie posted a note for Barb that says: Just read your entry for today. Wow 3 weeks back to work would be awesome. I do not have a will I think I will do a living will on line if there is such a thing. If I tell my husband and kids now that I want a will they will think I am depressed and say no.(Not that I have much to leave anyway). I have a recliner it is brand new but manual should I get a electric one?. Today at work I was walking down a flight of stairs and by the time I got back up I was so out of Breath. I think that was a sign from god telling me I am doing the right thing. You, Carol and I have to take this journey together maybe one year we can meet and laugh about this. Are you on facebook?

Rebecca S posted a note for Barb that says: Barb, it sounds like you are going through all the emotions and the thoughts we have gone through. I made sure my will was easily accessible. And the password to my checking acct. and the recliner....we rented it. At first I thought I couldn't use it but decided to keep it a bit longer. Not comfy at night. My butt gets petrified.but during the day it's a nice place to nap.
Many times I cried and said I didn't want to go through it. If I hadn't I would've gotten pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure....a lot worse to go through. It's a miracle the stenotic valve was found in April. We were not looking for it.
I worried about the same things......the pain, getting through it not as much. More focus on the other side......and recovery.
But now it's more than 2 weeks post op, and there are still issues, but I am on the other side. You will be, too, before you know it. What is your surgery date so we can "ride along with you"?

Adam Pick posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb,

You are going to do great! Just take it one step at a time.

If you need anything, please let me know.

Keep on tickin!

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb:

I will have my mitral valve repair at Mt. Sinai with Dr. Adams. It is a tricky little bi-leaflet Barlow's disease mitral valve repair. He might be in there 3 days repairing the poor little fellow! I saw the echo on a large LCD screen when I visited him in July. It looked like a blown sail in an America's Cup race! He is a world class go to guy for complex MVR. I am fortunate he is just down the road a piece from me. He is a BWH alumni.

Yes, those relaxation apps can really work if you get a good one. I do get a great night's sleep because it brings you into a mentally and physically relaxed state. You can also use it at 3AM when your eyes pop open and your mind is racing....
I will have the cath. done at BWH.

And yes, 6-7 weeks seems endless but when the day comes we will wonder where the heck did the time go!

jeff o posted a note for Barb that says: Barb, get one of those grabbers, it will be your friend for a few weeks. Also, baby shampoo, it was good being able to wash my hair and not worry about shampoo getting into my eyes during showers. They won't keep you asleep for 4 days, but they did a good job of keeping me out of pain. Had my surgery 5 weeks ago.

Jim Jones posted a note for Barb that says: Hey Barb:
Great post! I have 7 weeks to go so we are in the same graduation class I figure. Good luck as you get your pre-op stuff done. I am working on my to do list also. (although, as a male I have to tell you I am much less ambitious! It must be genetic.) BWH is where my cardiologist is located and I have a great deal of respect for the hospital. I love the fact that they have a separate center for cardiology.

Yes, I know all about the "night thoughts". I have downloaded free Silva relaxation apps to my iPhone. They play for 15-30 minutes and really relax me for sleep. Perhaps some type of relaxation apps might be helpful? Wishing you all the best.

Janet O. posted a note for Barb that says: Barb - I almost closed FB and thought I need to see what the family was up to & low and behold. Glad to read you are taking care of this matter now. Since your surgery is October 29th I recommend you prepare your body now so that recovery is fast and easy. I'll do some research for you & let you know what I find. Love you. In Health - Janet

Debbie JAeger posted a note for Barb that says: Hi Barb my name is Debbie and I have the same thing. A tee proved that I was born with 2 leaflets instead of 3. My surgery is on Sept 26 I am so ready to get this over with. I did the same thing shortness of breath and used the excuse I am getting older and heavier. Even when I went to the surgeon he said he could not believe I was not having any symptoms. I thought if I told him I was fine he would say come back in 6 months like all the others did but no not this one. Good Luck I will be thinking of you.