Charlie and Terri-anne, and the girls posted a note for Carol that says: God bless....we are all praying for your quick recovery...see you soon!

Donna posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol - We are all so glad to know that you are doing well after your surgery. Thinking of you all and praying for your speedy recovery ! Love, Donna

Chris posted a note for Carol that says: Carol:
Harry, our shuttle driver, ask about you and was very happy to learn that you were fine and all went well. He wanted me to tell you that he was thinking of you.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says: Welcome to the Zipper Club. Now heal, heal, HEAL!!! Mend like the wind!!

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Great news! Carol - I'm sure you'll feel better in no time (the drugs will help). All the best for a speedy recovery!

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Hey Carol
Just noticed that you are featured patient. Congratulations! Was it the cookies?!

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: That is great news, Lauren! All the best to your mother and everyone on her support team today as she begins her recovery.

DVB posted a note for Carol that says: Great news!

debbie j posted a note for Carol that says: thank you Lauren and tell mom a speedy recovery. Mine is on Thursday. Was wondering how she was doing

Chris posted a note for Carol that says: Lauren: Thanks for letting us all know. We have been thinking about you folks all day today.
Carol: Congratulations! I knew you would have everything under control. Now you can relax and recuperate on the couch watching those soaps and patting the dogs.
We look forward to your update and a full accounting of your experience. We miss you already.

Jeff G posted a note for Carol that says: Fantastic! We at CAAS are all relieved to hear the surgery went well. Now focus on rest and recuperation.

Lisa Emery posted a note for Carol that says: Thank you for the update!! I'm sooooo happy to know that it's done & successful :)
Love to All.

Priscilla posted a note for Carol that says: Soooooooooo glad!!! Thank you for letting us know, Lauren. We prayed for you (Carol) at church on Sunday.

Candy Shuman posted a note for Carol that says: Lauren thanks so much for posting. What a relief that it all went well. We will continue to send positive thoughts and prayers her way. Give her a big hug

Rebecca s posted a note for Carol that says: Woo hoo! Glad surgery went well. Looking forward to hearing how your recovery is going! Praise God!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Carol that says: My prayers are with you.

Dan Sinclar posted a note for Carol that says: Carol,
We are all pulling for you. Please continue to keep us posted.
Absolute Best Wishes!

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Carol:
If your window faces west, look out. I am holding a "Best Wishes!" sign and waving in Wellesley. If they don't eat the cookies, I'll take them! You have to be relieved that the waiting is done. Trusting in a great outcome for you tomorrow! All the best.

Pam posted a note for Carol that says: I am thinking of you. Tomorrow is a good day. Follow the doctors instructions and you will be up and about before you know it. Thoughts and prayers are coming your way, hugs and kisses too.

Your loving neighbor,

Rebecca S posted a note for Carol that says: Carol, it's already here. Before you know it, you will be on the recovery side. Sending prayers your way. Be sure and tell your anesthesiologist if you don't want to know when you are rolling down the hall to OR. That was separation and stress inducing for me. Looking forward to hearing it all went well. Slow and steady as she goes....for recovery.

Cher posted a note for Carol that says: You will ROCK it tomorrow - of that, I have no doubt :) xoxo

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says: Make sure the nurses and aides place things easy to reach for you before they leave the room when you are recovering. And make sure that when you are in bed that you are far enough up in the bed to reach the controls for raising and lowering
the bed. Also, when people visit, make sure the visits are short and spread out. Long visits with a bunch of people, though very enjoyable, will tire you out more than you think. Lot's of luck. Stool softener and laxatives will be your best friends. Use the hell out of the spirometer, and eat good protein to heal.

Sherry Stevens posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol, Lots of prayers and best wishes for your surgery. Sweet of you to make goodies for your nurses. Mine were surprised and appreciative when we took some fun stuff back to them after I was home a week to two. They love to see their patients once they are up and around and doing better. You will no doubt do just fine. Know that we are all thinking about you and praying for you. I am 6 weeks post AVR tomorrow; you will be there before you know it and wonder how it went so quickly. God Bless

Linda posted a note for Carol that says: Carol,

You're in the homestretch now ... hopefully you can relax today and just enjoy your family!!! Know that there are many people praying for you ... I've added your name to our Church prayer list, too!!! You are in God's loving hands and He will always watch out for your family. Affectionately

jeff o posted a note for Carol that says: Hey Carol, wishing you the best, we're praying for you. You'll be surprised how good you feel in just a day or so.

Cindy Wilson posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol:
Sending lots of positive energy and prayers your way for strength going in. Once your "under" it's all good! All the best, Cindy

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Holy crap! Already? Where did the time go??? Love your attitude - you don't seem to be going crazy at all. Carol, I wish you all the best... and will be looking forward to hearing about your experience, as I believe mine will be a carbon copy. We may even have the same room :-) Hang in there... and I'll be thinking about you. Sending positive thoughts your way!

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Let me tell you Carol, you are organized! I can tell you will bring this Great organization and energy to your recovery. Best wishes to both you and the Pats tomorrow! All the best from Wellesley.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Carol that says: I'm a week out of surgery and doing well. You're going to do great. Think positive thoughts!

Carol J. posted a note for Carol that says: Wow! I just read your journal. I work out all the time too and really felt great when they first found this 5 years ago. It's kind of a shock, isn't it? You are so lucky that you will only need a small incision for repair of valve. You are in my prayers.

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Carol:

All good news. So glad to hear about your results. And, the waiting is almost over. Wishing you only good things as you wrap up your pre-surgery tasks.

debbie j posted a note for Carol that says: glad everything looks good. Home stretch here we come. We can do this and be better than ever. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Rebecca S posted a note for Carol that says: Ok, Carole. Praying for you and your team! Soon it will be over and u will be in recovery!

Priscilla posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol,
Wow! Have just caught up with your journal and found it Very interesting! Was talking yesterday w Tracy & Deb and they were explaining to me that I needed to go into my Brown spam folder to retrieve the email and then sign up for email updates (am a slow learner...). You are definitely going to be A OK. Sounds like you're in great hands with the surgeon and you have prayers from Lots of people! And I particularly love that he says you'll be good to go on your cruise!!
Love you, sistah!
Priscilla

Lisa posted a note for Carol that says: Wow Carol, It sounds like you are in the best of hands. You are going to a world renowned health care facility. I wish you no stress, peace and positive attitude which I know you have. This journaling thing is great. We will all be concerned about your progress and it sure beats repeating yourself over and over again. Best wishes in your journey.

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Carol
So glad you had a chance to meet Dr. Byrne. It does help to put your mind at ease, doesn't it ( but not a 100%, hey we are pre-surgery here!). I really like BWH. Good luck as you continue to prepare. Best.

Cher posted a note for Carol that says: To my beautiful baby sister - You are one of the sweetest, strongest women I know. You WILL come through this with flying colors--I have no doubt. Mom is watching over you always and I know she is so proud of how you have handled all of the challenges life has thrown your way. I'm so blessed to be your sister and love you up to the sky. xoxo

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol,

I was anxious to hear what you thought of Dr. Byrne. He IS serious, but I like him as well. I'm very confident he is the man for the job! He answered all of my questions, but I only had a few. It hasn't started sinking in for me yet, as my surgery is still 7 weeks away. The questions that enter my mind at this point is "what do I bring with me", "where do I put my stuff", and "is that 'cot' going to be comfortable enough for my husband"?? Crazy, but I'm trying not to think of the surgery. I'm sure it will start sinking in more as I read your journal, and follow your progress.

What's with the traffic in that area? It is a two hour drive for me without traffic. I guess I have to plan accordingly.

Glad you had a good day!

Love, Linda posted a note for Carol that says: Carol,

My thoughts and prayers are with you today as you have all your tests. God will take care of you and carry you on his shoulders.

Linda Lee Trahan posted a note for Carol that says: Carol,

I was thinking and praying for you this morning; I just knew God was taking care of you ... He loves you SO much!!! You will always be in my prayers. I look forward to seeing you at the end of this week. You are a good and true friend.

Love, Lindas

Terri-anne Shea posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol, praise God they approved the CTA Scan!! Another answered prayer. Lifting you and your family up in prayer daily.
Love, Terri-anne

Renee Radocaj posted a note for Carol that says: Did they approve your procedure? Are you referring to a CTA Scan? I had the same thing happen. They will pay for a heart cath which was much more invasive and more expensive but not the CTA Scan. My insurance company came through though. What was your outcome? Hopefully the same.

Pam posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol,

I just took a few minutes and read all your postings. You are a very strong woman. It is difficult but continue to keep the "positive" thoughts. This will help you get through along with your faith. Sending my love and prayers.

Joe posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol,
I can tell you that you are at a great hospital. I had OHS on 8/2 and my surgeon Dr David Adams came from B&WH.
As far as the insurance company and the CT scan I suggest you contact your surgeons office. When I met my surgeon Dr David Adams I met many members of his team including the woman who dealt with the insurance companies. Terry was excellent and she provided insight and guidance in handling those type of insurance issues.
I hope that helps. Try and stay relaxed and stress free focusing on your recovery. Your surgeon will do his thing and fix your heart. Then it is up to you to listen to your providers and loved ones during your recovery period, not over do it, rest and heal.
You are going to do great.

Debbie j posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol
I also had a CT scan. They wanted to check to see if anything else was wrong beside the valve. I just assumed it was routine. So frustrating when you have to deal with the Insurance company at this point. Good Luck I am sure the Dr. will work his magic and get it covered. My Dr. said if mine was mitral valve he could go under the breast and not thru the chest cause that valve is in the back. Is that what you are having? And when is your surgery scheduled for?

Aubrey posted a note for Carol that says: Hello Carol, you should feel good about your direction. I just had my aortic valve replaced less than 2 weeks ago and glad I did.

My doctor recommended a scan of my brain since I had been living with a bad valve for many years. They were looking to make sure there were no issues there from the increased velocity from my valve. CT scans are not unusual and while I don't know exactly what he is looking for, it is frequently a safety check to avoid any surprises when they do the actual operation. Feel free to call the office and ask what are the looking for but you can count on that he has a valid reason.
Good luck and do not stress over it, the anticipation was worse than the actual for me.

Deb Ziegler posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol,

Yes, I had the same experience with my insurance company (Anthem). They would not cover the ct scan unless my surgeon would personally talk to them. I ended up not having the ct scan because my surgeon said I would only need it if I were a candidate for robotic surgery, and I was not because I had two valves needing repair. This all happened two days before my surgery,and it was very stressful. They told me I could pay for it myself, but it is a $5000 test. I decided if the surgeon said I didn't need it, I wouldn't have it done. I always wondered why it was ordered in the first place if I didn't really need it though.

Godspeed and good luck. It won't be nearly as bad as the waiting!

Barb Brooks posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol,

I just met with Dr. Byrne today! He seems very nice. He's a very serious person, which is OK with me, because I wanted very serious answers. We chose him after doing MUCH research... so you're in good hands! I will be scheduling my aortic valve replacement for the end of October, so I'll be reading your journal in preparation. Good luck to you!

Debbie jaeger posted a note for Carol that says: Hi Carol
I did some research on my Dr. and the good news is his partner is on this list of surgeons. I reason I choose him over his partner is because he seems to be a little more aggressive with new treatments (so I hear). At this point I need to just get this behind me the waiting I think is worse than the surgery. From what I researched a lot of surgeons start in one field then switch. Sitting in the waiting room it was filled and everyone swears by him. Believe me I asked. we have been watching it for 10 years now I the time has come. I can feel that I get winded easy and not as much energy but I really thought if I didn't admit it to him he would put it off but the tests show different so he said we have to go ahead now. Thanks for the reply

Jim Jones posted a note for Carol that says: Hey Carol
I am also in Massachusetts and will also have mitral valve surgery. I will have the cardiac cath at BWH in early October and the surgery in November. Good luck as you sort everything out over the coming days. There sure are a lot of things to learn about and to prepare for. All the best to you.