Hi Chrissy,
Don't let the rudeness of one person overshadow the goodness in all the others, we're ALL in this together, I will continue to pray for you and ALL of my HVJ family, we all have something in common, and that's the blessing of a great GOD that has blessed us with gifted surgeons that can heal our heart, while he contnues to heal our soul.

GOD BLESS YOU

Don L

WHOAH! That was some e-mail you got. I'd write that guy off my Christmas Card list for sure!! Sheesh, what a jerk! Like you said, concentrate on all the good people, friends and friends-to-be, who are rooting for you.
Selma

Hi Chrissy,

I am also a parent of 3 young kids. Mine are all boys 6 or under.

I just had my surgery on 2/20. I had the same fear and knowing my kids need me. I every is unique but everything went ok. I had a little bit of an idea of what to expect as my youngest sonn had open heart surgery at 6 weeks old. We are both doing great and he's almost 2.

Read my journals as you may find some useful stuff in there and don't hesitate to ask any question you want.

Good luck!!

Jimmy Johnson

Chrissy,

Just discovered your journal and guestbook (thanks to Selma Kaplan) and have to write to you as well. I hope my input is helpful to you.

First, I had to look up Knightdale, since it isn't anywhere near Charlotte, so I wasn't familiar with the town. Seeing you are near Raleigh, I am wondering if you might possibly be going to Duke for this?? You didn't mention the "where" unless I missed it. Regardless, there are good hospitals and wonderful, experienced doctors everywhere these days! I am sure you are in good hands. I think the less invasive approach will hasten healing, and that is a good thing. And repair is such a good option for those who qualify for it, and you do! It is also good that you are young. I am 69, probably the oldest person journaling right now, and have to deal with certain aging factors such as not being able to opt for the less invasive approach. But you can!

You also mentioned that your mother died quite young, but, remember, she DIDN'T have heart problems. So there is no "heart" connection there, if you know what I mean.

What they say about feeling more calm as the big day approaches seems to be true. I am eight days out, and it's easier than it was at 38 days out. Also, my doctor prescribed a medication for anxiety, and I have used it a few times to fall asleep at night. Perhaps you can ask your doctor about something to help you. Try to vary your activities during the day, have fun with your children, talk on the phone, have lunch out, things like that. It all helps us to dwell less on it.

And don't forget the tremendous power of prayer, directly and through your friends and loved ones who are praying for you! You can add my name to that list!

Vel Turner
Charlotte, NC

Chrissy,

I had MVP with severe regurgitation which was diagnosed this past January. I had a mitral valve repair procedure on April 16. I am 52 years old, married with a 3 year old son (who is the love of my life).

My concern was the same as yours, someone else will be beating my heart.

You can't do anything about your thoughts but you owe it to yourself to have a positive attitude.

I got down on myself at the expense of my wife and son. Yes it was still the number 1 thought running through my head.

I was able to subdue my thoughts until the morning of April 16.

To FF to today, I am surprised that I am doing so well. Yes, heart surgery is the greatest assault on the human body, and I feel it everyday, but am happy that I did it (and it's over).

Best wishes to you!
Bob

Dear Chrissy,
Hope you will take some comfort in knowing there will be a lot of people thinking and praying for you. You are truly one of the sweetest people and I am sorry you are having to go through such a scary experience. Come June 8th, your doctor will be able to confirm what we already know about you - that you have a heart of gold. Love, Jo Rozier

Hi Chrissy-
First and foremost it is a good thing that you know what is causing you not to feel right and that you have made plans to remedy that.
While I was told probably in my early 20's that I had a murmur at no time, until this Jan, did I find out I had MVP with regurgitiation. At that echo I had no apparent valve damage, but now with similar symptoms(short of breath walking and stairs) and fluid retention after a visit to the ER a couple of weeks ago I found I was in severe congestive heart failure and a repeat echo showed a 4+ leakage had occured between Jan or Feb to May. I did not have the years of being monitored as you had and am now faced with open heart surgery on a fast fwd basis. I am going in this Friday. I can relate all to well of your fear of the heart being stopped and using the bypass machine. That and the breathing tube freak me out, the scar isn't even an issue in my mind. I am not ready to go anywhere yet either. My family needs me too. We need to keep upbeat for them and think positive thoughts. I know this is not easy. I am finding that keeping busy and communicating and visiting with family and friends is helping a lot. Try to keep your chin up. It's going to be okay. It has to be. Karen

Chrissy,

You have come to the right place, and the other site Selma mentioned is great as well.

Any question you can think of, ask...Someone on here will have the answer (or know where to point you in the right direction).

Everyone on HVJ has had the same concerns, questions, and feelings, so know that you are not alone.

I am on deck for the same procedure and am also 36, so we are in the same shoes. Read as much as you want and inform yourself on what to expect. Understand one thing that really helped me, what the world class surgeons and teams can do is truly a miracle and that "They do this EVERY DAY"!!

Trent V

Chrissy,
Hi and welcome to this wonderful site! I had the same exact diagnosis and the same exact repair just done 4/11. You will do great!! One thing that really helped me was having complete confidence in my surgeon and his team. You don't mention who yours is, but make sure they have done thousands of your exact repair. The peace of mind and trust are invaluable.
For me the nervousness got less and less as the day approached. I hope it's the same for you. There are so many success stories of people who feel fantastic on here, that I actually started to get excited to get it over with and move on.
Make sure you read Adam's book and ask lots of questions on here. I'm not on as much any more, but I do try to "pay it forward" to all the people waiting because the support I received from other HVJ patients was amazing.
Yes, what we have and have to go through is scary, but think of it this way: the doctors can FIX you. That is a great thing!
Kerry Thomas

Chrissy,

We will be thinking of you in the coming weeks and sending healing thoughts your way. We would like to drop off some food for your family - just let us know when you feel up to it.

Shannon (Ryan's mom)

Chrissy,

Rayne's mom here. I just sent you an email. But just know that you have people - me - praying for you, and I believe in prayer! :-) Everything is in God's hands; just trust Him.

Dear Chrissy,

Welcome! We've got several wonderful women from the Carolinas here and I suspect they will be checking in. First of all, every single feeling you are experiencing is normal and we've all been there. I'd be a little curious about you if you *weren't* scared witless!

I have the same diagnosis and was operated on on May 11 by Dr. David Adams, a Mitral Repair Rock Star who's located in New York City. While it wasn't a walk in the park, it was a successful surgery and (so far) a relatively easy recovery. You have many things going for you, and maybe you can start by considering some of them:

You're young. Young is GOOD. I'm 60. Which isn't old, but it isn't young, either. Young people heal faster.

You haven't mentioned so, but I expect you're in otherwise good health? That's good, too.

You need this surgery in a time when, for experienced (and that's the key!) surgeons, the possibility of a successful repair exceeds 99%. Those are seriously good odds!

I'd encourage you to spend some time here at HV, and also here:
http://www.mitralvalverepair.org

I learned a HUGE amount about our diagnosis and surgery there, and going into the surgery informed and prepared went a long way toward helping me cope.

You're gonna do great -- and we'll all be here for you.
Best,
Selma Kaplan

Hello Chrissy:

This is Stephanie Davis my twins are in your son's class. Being the mother of 4 I understand your feelings. I feel that you are in good hands and God has given you children and a life to enjoy now and after the 8th. Be strong and my thoughts will be with you. Take Care.

Chrissy,
I had an opportunity to read your blog this morning, I'm a 46 year old male that was born with a bicuspis aortic valve, I had been ducking doctors for the past 10 years after my last visit to a cardiogist, well back in March the ducking was over, I became very congested and had a very bad cough when I laid down, so my beautiful wife forced me to the emergency room (kicking and screaming) it was the best thing she had done for me, my valve needs replacing, I'm meeting with my surgeon Tuesday for the second time, and hoping to get a date set for the surgery, yes this is scary, but I know if I don't have the surgery my heart will fail, so with that being said I contnue to put my trust in the LORD, and know that he will see me through this, keep praying and keep speaking about it, this has been good therapy for me, I find myself speaking to someone each day, and it relieves my anxiety, this site is also very good, take care and keep in touch. I'll be looking for your blog.

Don L
Virginia

Hang in there Chrissy, You have angels around you that will protect you and see you through. (((hugs)))