You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and blessings for a speedy recovery and when all is said and done we will celebrate.
Mary Jane
Denise Kirchner Mary Jane - thanks so much for the thoughts and prayers - I like the speedy recovery and celebration ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Mary Jane - thanks so much for the thoughts and prayers - I like the speedy recovery and celebration part! Can I just fast forward through the pre-op and surgery?!? - LOL
On May 17, 2012...
Hi Grammy! You will do just fine and I will be thinking about you (so will my mommy and daddy)! I'll be waiting to play patty-cake again as soon as you're ready and feeling better. I love you lots!
Hugs & drool, Genevieve
Denise Kirchner Hi Genevieve, it's Grammy. Thank you for signing my guestbook - I think I detect a few wet spots on ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Genevieve, it's Grammy. Thank you for signing my guestbook - I think I detect a few wet spots on you signature from all that drool - LOL. I'm sure I will have a chance to hold you and play patty-cakes a couple of more times before my surgery,you sweet baby girl! xoxoxo Grammy
On May 13, 2012...
Denise, I had trouble sleeping before my surgery too. Thankfully, now that it is over I am sleeping better! Hang in there, before you know it you will be on the other side of this mountain! I know it's hard, the waiting... try to use the time to get everything done that you want to. Praying for you!
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Thanks for the prayres Holly - counting the days till I am on the other side of surgery.
On May 10, 2012...
Hi Denise-
I think I found you...you are the Denise who gave me the advice about resizing pics? Your surgery is getting close, I will follow your blog and keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I am hoping my surgery will be sooner even though I am scared. I am more scared of not having it soon enough. Keep your chin up. I can relate all to well about the insomnia...Karen
Denise Kirchner Yes, you found me and it is Denise - sometimes my fingers get dislexic when I am tired - lol! I too ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Yes, you found me and it is Denise - sometimes my fingers get dislexic when I am tired - lol! I too am just trying to make it to my surgery date without any events. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you make plans for surgery. I am counting the days - scared about surgery but the alternative is scarier. I have a great support group of family and friends who are all praying for me which is very comforting.
I hope you were able to get your pics uploaded. Take care and I will also be following your blog, so keep the updates coming! God bless.....Denise
On May 9, 2012...
Hi Denise,
I do the same thing....fall asleep right away and then wake up constantly and toss and turn. I keep thinking of every possible scenario and wondering how long I have to put up with the breathing tube(vent) before they take it out and the catheter and the stay in ICU and the list goes on. So I guess it's just part of this whole deal??? At least I live alone so I don't keep anyone else awake.
My surgery date is June 12th and I hope I can at least go out on my deck overlooking the lake and watch the fireworks on July 4th. I'll bet you can go to Hilton Head at 4 weeks out.Best of luck to you.
Joan Davenport
Denise Kirchner Hi Joan: It is so nice to hear from others going throught the same thing that I am. I too conjure u ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Joan: It is so nice to hear from others going throught the same thing that I am. I too conjure up every possible scenario until I make myself crazy - will be so glad when it is all over.
I talked to my surgeons nurse again today - 4th call to her with questions since I set my surgery date - she is wonderful and so patient with me and my endless questioins. She too said it is perfectly normal for me to be anxious and keeps assuring me I will do just fine. It helps, but I haven't put away my worry beads yet - lol!
I have signed up to get your updates and will be following you on your journey. Take care and God bless!
On May 9, 2012...
I'm right there with you Denise (surgery date 6/4). email me and we can commisurate. :)
Rola2002@sbcglobal.net
Nancy B
Denise Kirchner Hi Nancy - I would love to commisurate - you know what they say misery loves company - lol
Denise Kirchner Hi Nancy - I would love to commisurate - you know what they say misery loves company - lol
My email is dese53@aol.com I will be home from work today at 3:30 and will try to email you then. Denise K
On May 8, 2012...
No worry Denise...all completely normal. My upcoming surgery was all I could think about for months! It was almost an obsession. It is strange, but it does get better once you get closer. Hang in there!
Linda Dixon
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda. I am glad to hear this is all normal - I too feel like it is all I can think about - some ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda. I am glad to hear this is all normal - I too feel like it is all I can think about - some days it is even hard to concentrate at work as thoughts of my surgery just pop onto my head! Thank you for sharing - hope all is going well with your recovery. Take care...
On May 8, 2012...
I had trouble sleeping too, I don't think there is a cure! Once surgery is over hopefully it will be better for you, although don't expect it to be the first week after surgery! Soon you won't feel so exhausted and it will all be worth it! Hang in there
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Thanks for responding - having others to chat with who have been through the same thing help. I can't ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Thanks for responding - having others to chat with who have been through the same thing help. I can't imagine how it will feel not be be so fatigued - am looking forward to having some of my old energy back again. Hang in there with your recovery too - sounds like you are doing well.
Hang in there Denise before you know it surgery will be just a few days away!!! I'll be checking in on you and your progress as you get closer and once you have climbed that mountain to the other side. Take care and have a great weekend!!! Cindy Pastrano
Denise Kirchner Hi Cindy, thanks for signing my guestbook. My family will definitely post updates when the time come ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Cindy, thanks for signing my guestbook. My family will definitely post updates when the time comes. I can't wait to be on the other side of all of this. Take care and God bless!
On May 2, 2012...
Like the others have said, the heart cath is nothing to worry about. I made a deal with the anesthesiologist going in that I didnt care to watch the show. I woke up and my wonderful wife fed me some pizza and some cookies, then I took a nap. All in all, not a bad afternoon.
Trent V
Denise Kirchner Hi Trent, thanks for your encouragement about the heart cath - Ithink "lets make a deal" sounds like ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Trent, thanks for your encouragement about the heart cath - Ithink "lets make a deal" sounds like a plan when I talk to the anesthesiologist - lol Take care
Denise
On May 2, 2012...
Denise, I totally agree about the grandchildren! I have a 3 and 1 year old and they melt my heart. I'm one week post op and the hardest thing has been not being able to pick them up and give them full body hugs! I'm looking forward to running and playing with them again soon. I'll be following you and thinking of you as you prepare for this surgery, it's hard to think about all of the possible outcomes, HVJ has definitely helped me through this time!
Holly P
Denise Kirchner Holly - I agree that not being able to hold my grandchildren will be the hardest part. Ric and I als ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Holly - I agree that not being able to hold my grandchildren will be the hardest part. Ric and I also have 2 grandsons agees 5 and 3. I agree about HVJ - it is already helping to put to rest a lot of my fears, but like you said, the pre-surgery waiting is a very emotional time. Thanks for follwoing my journal, my family will be posting updates the week of my surgery and keep all of my friends at HVJ informed of my progress. Take care and happy healing! Denise
On May 1, 2012...
Denise, the heart cath is absolutely NOTHING to worry about. Piece of cake! I have had 3 all together. They will give you something to relax you, such as valium and versed. I've heard some say they weren't aware of anything, but I was completely awake during all of mine. The worse part was the needle stick to start the IV and the stick to numb the groin. Some are going through the wrist instead of the groin now, but mine have all been through the groin. Once they numb the groin you shouldn't feel anything. It is actually very cool and interesting to watch on the screen. I said the worse part was the needle stick, but having to lay flat on your back afterwards is REALLY the worse part, at least it is for me. But even that is not as bad as it was years ago, they use much smaller catheters now and you only have to stay that way 2 to 3 hours instead of 4 to 6 as it was "back in the day". You will do fine, honestly.
Linda Dixon
Denise Kirchner Linda, thanks easing my mind - I know they do thousands of those a day all over the world, and the wh ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Linda, thanks easing my mind - I know they do thousands of those a day all over the world, and the whole stick thing or laying flat on my back doesn't bother me as much as the thought of the wire winding through a major artery to my heart - a calming drug sounds good to me - LOL. Thanks again, have a good day!
Denise
On April 30, 2012...
Hi Denise, I know you will not believe this, because I didn't, lol, but...this really is so much harder than the surgery itself...the waiting. I had AVR at Cleveland Clinic March 13th, and it really was practically a non-event. It is an awesome facility, I flew there from South Carolina and it was the best decision I could have made. I finally reached a place of "calmness" the day before my surgery after meeting Dr. Gillinov and talking with him. Before that it was good one day, a basket case the next. But honestly, even waking up with the breathing tube was not bad and I just could not have asked for things to go any better. You will do great!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda, I am so glad to be hearing from you, I have been following along in your journal. You have ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Linda, I am so glad to be hearing from you, I have been following along in your journal. You have such a positive attitude and I love your sense of humor! One of my biggest fears is the heart cath. I have never had one and it scares the bigeebies out of me!!! How did your's go? I also go back and forth between being calm and at peace with all of this and then the next minute I am in tears. It is good to know I am not loosing it and these feelings are all part of the process. Thanks so much for responding to my post. You sound like you are doing great - can't wait to be on the other side of surgery and on the road to recovery. Take care and God bless!
Densie
On April 29, 2012...
Denise,
I agree with Jay. At 4 weeks out, I would have been able to go and have a nice time. Short walks on the beach followed by resting would have been nice.
Make sure you have time for a nap or two - you might need it with the potential of increased activity or walking in sand.
You'll understand this better once you've had your surgery and the staff gets you out of bed to walk your first few times, listen to your body. When it tells you, you can walk - do it. When it tells you to rest -- DO IT!!
Also - use your spirometer religiously. It will be a love/hate relationship. You'll hate to use it, but you'll love how quickly it will help you to bring back your full breathing capability. You'll want that capability for your trip.
You'll be in my prayers.
Chuck Holmgreen
AVR 3/20
Denise Kirchner Chuck: Thanks for the encouraging feedback. It helps so much to have input from patients who have a ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Chuck: Thanks for the encouraging feedback. It helps so much to have input from patients who have already been through surgery. Though I realize everyone heals diffently, since I walk daily now and have no other underlying heatlh problems, I am hopeful my recovery will go well.
I appreciate the prayers - one can't ever have to much prayer! Take care and God bless.
Denise
On April 29, 2012...
Denise: Chill, This operation will all come at you in a rush, But bottom line, You will be OK. I'm 4 weeks post op and I can testify that you will not be doing back flips when you go to SC in late June (but you should be able to cope with the discomfort, As a matter of fact you will not be driving and probably be sitting in the back seat. (air bags) but you should be OK to go to SC. Don't expect to be who you were that early in your recovery, but you will make it back. Enjoy the beaches of Hilton Head. (been there) Jay
Denise Kirchner Thanks Jay. Yes, just want to get it fixed and be on the road to recovery. I will just have to play ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Thanks Jay. Yes, just want to get it fixed and be on the road to recovery. I will just have to play it by ear regarding the family vacation, but am hopeful I will be up to it. Definitely, the backseat is a good idea. We have been vacationing at HHI for the last 15 years - just love it there! Denise
On April 29, 2012...
The front end of my schedule wasn't as "compressed" as yours, but after what seemed like forever, I got thru the 3 days of pre-op at CClinic. Tried to detail in my HVJ postings, but want to stress 3 points:
1) By the time you got the packet,a lot of work had been done. I was offended by the snobbishness of OFFERING me OHS with angioplasty. I will never forget that nurse's phrasing.What it really means is that they have examined records, and perhaps asked for more, and now feel they can help. The decision--which surgeon-- has been made..
2) The meeting with the Surgeon is to explore your questions (please ask), to review the final plans for your event, a brief discussion of survival rates, and your joint signatures. At the start it seemed so backward. Now it seems so sensible and considerate.
3) Use the time between now and Pre-Op to do whatever you can, as hinted at in the package. My undoing was not getting dental clearance. The Clinic does expect you to be on your toes Transparency is the key. Take good notes and save 2-3 quiet hours daily to "debrief."
Again, you are in good hands.
John Teeftt
Denise Kirchner John: Thanks for the feedback. I am already compiling a list of questions to ask at my pre-op appoi ... Read more
Denise Kirchner John: Thanks for the feedback. I am already compiling a list of questions to ask at my pre-op appointment with my surgeon. I just add to it as I think of things. I am calling my dentist tomorrow to get that paperwork going and out of the way. I hope all goes well with your surgery - will keep you in prayer. Denise
On April 29, 2012...
My Dear Sister ~ I have been thinking about you & keeping you in our daily prayers. You will be in the best care at Cleveland Clinic. This website is such a great way to keep everyone up-to-date, as well as getting positive feedback from other heart patients.
Love You Lots!
Darlene & Family
Denise Kirchner Darlene - thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Yes, I think CC is the best choice for what I am hav ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Darlene - thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Yes, I think CC is the best choice for what I am having done, and this website has been good therapy already.
Love you, Denise
On April 29, 2012...
Hi Denise - I'm so glad you have this website. The Manley side of your family will certainly be thinking of you and please don't hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do to help. We'll be in touch before you go to Cleveland. God Bless, Jean and Jim
Denise Kirchner Hi Jean and Jim: Me too! Thanks so much for you thoughts, prayers and support - that is what will h ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Jean and Jim: Me too! Thanks so much for you thoughts, prayers and support - that is what will help me stay positive as my surgery day approaches. Take care and God bless you both, Denise
On April 28, 2012...
Hey Denise! You look great in your photo! What a great way to keep everyone up to date. Leave it to you to find it and use it!
God Bless you and keep you safe through these upcoming days of healing.
We love you bunches.
Barb
Denise Kirchner Hi Barb! Thanks - it was a candid shot from Kathy's wedding day. I found out about this website via ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Barb! Thanks - it was a candid shot from Kathy's wedding day. I found out about this website via the book "the Pateients Guide to Heart Valve Surgery" which Ric and I have both read. Thanks for the well wishes, love and support!
I love you guys too!
Denise
On April 28, 2012...
Denise, If not already, you will soon receive a packet from CC. In that packet will be a shedule for tests and meetings. I had an assortment of tests on Monday and Tuesday (none bad) with meetings on Wednesday. The meetings Wednesday were with Dr. Roselli and his support team. My meeting with Dr. Roselli lasted about 45 minutes but would have been longer if I wanted. By then the meeting with Dr. R was only a formality. I was scheduled for surgery at 5:15 AM on Thursday morning. I would suggest useing the internet to research the Cleveland Clinic Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute. They have great vidios about different heart procedures. You will be able to find Dr. Rs Bio there. The guide to heart valve surgery is also a good source of info. You will soon have others who have had the same procedure you probably will signing into your guestbook sharing their experence. I drove to CC and it is very easy to get to. My wife and I stayed at the CC Guesthouse while there. Both of us before my procedure and then she stayed there until I was discharged. Guesthouse is reasonable priced and just across the road form the Clinic. The guesthouse fills up quick.
Denise Kirchner Thank you. Yes, I did read all about Dr. Roselli on the CC website which is why I selected \him - I ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Thank you. Yes, I did read all about Dr. Roselli on the CC website which is why I selected \him - I liked what I read about his accomplishments in the field of thoracic surgery in addition to the great reviews from several patients, now you included. You are right the meeting is a formality, his reputation and that of CC preceeds him! I have a sister & brother-in-law that llve 20 minutes from CC so I believe we will be staying with them. I will have to check out the guest house for my husband as he will want to be close by until I am discharged. Oh, as I am typing this UPS has delivered my packet from CC. I have already bought and read the book by Adam Pick and iit has been an excellanet resource for information. I have also watched several of the video's on CC's website as I want to know exactly what is being done. Thanks so much for you response to my questions. Take care.
Denise" "
On April 28, 2012...
will be following you!!
On April 28, 2012...
Dear Denise, You already know your Sisters-in-Christ are praying for you and upholding you to God's Throne of Grace and Mercy for successful surgery and restored good health. Scripture tells us that "God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go... "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord. When they call to me, I will answer them, when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with long life; I will save them.."
May the peace of God surround you and uphold you through these coming weeks.
Love, Helga
Denise Kirchner Dear Helga, Yes I do know that you are all praying for me and it is very comforting to know that. I ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Dear Helga, Yes I do know that you are all praying for me and it is very comforting to know that. I am afraid, but I know that God will keep me in his care. I do feel His peace in how things are all falling into place since finding out that surgery is necessary. Keep the prayers coming!
Love,
Denise
On April 28, 2012...
Good morning sister! What a great idea to keep everyone updated through your journal. We are keeping you in our prayers for a successful surgery and complete recovery.
I'll talk to you soon.
Love and Prayers,
Debbie and Family
Denise Kirchner Hi Debbie! I appreciate all the prayers and support. I think this journal will help me to keep a po ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi Debbie! I appreciate all the prayers and support. I think this journal will help me to keep a positive outlook, Lord knows it has not been easy. I have already heard from a heart patient of Dr. Roselli's who had a successful surgery in March.
Love you,
Denise
On April 28, 2012...
Hi Denise,
Welcome to HVJ! I too will be having mitral valve repair in the near future. My surgery is scheduled for june 4th at Yale University Hosp in New Haven, CT.
you're lucky to live in Ohio and have access to Cleveland clinic ..they're top notch.
Do you know what approach they'll be taking? I'm having a mini thoracotomy.
Thanks for the warm welcome! I am sure you will be in good hands at Yale University Hospital. Yes, I feel very forturnate to have Cleveland Clinic only 4 hours away. I know Dr. Roselli is planning to do minimally invasive, but won't know what type of incision until he views all my pre-op tests which are happening May 23, 24 & 25. I will keep you posted in my journal.
Take care and God bless!
Denise"
On April 28, 2012...
Denise, Dr Roselli replaced my ascending aorta and Aortic valve on 3/29/12. All went well. I was discharged in 5 days. Roselli is a very good surgeon and you will be impressed with Cleveland Clinic.
Denise Kirchner That's great to hear how well your surgery went! Everyone I have talked to that has been to Clevelan ... Read more
Denise Kirchner That's great to hear how well your surgery went! Everyone I have talked to that has been to Cleveland Clinic has had good things to say about the staff and the care they received. Thanks for the positive feedback on Dr. Roselli, it is a comfort to me to hear from one of his patients as I prepare for my surgery. Take care and God bless!
Denise Kirchner Hi, it's Denise in Dayton. Just a quick question. Did you get to meet with Dr. Roselli before your ... Read more
Denise Kirchner Hi, it's Denise in Dayton. Just a quick question. Did you get to meet with Dr. Roselli before your pre-op visit? All of my contact for the second opinion has been via the phone with his nurse Charlene. My records were fed-exed to him by my cardiologist and next thing I knew I was being scheduled for surgery. I will just be meeting him for the first time on May 25th and surgery is the 29th. Is that how it worked for you? Thanks! Denise
Mary Jane