Jamie, I am so glad to hear you are doing so good, keep up the good work. I think you have done extremely well, for what you went through with. I had faith that everything would be alright, I knew it would take some time and patience, but you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, now. We will continue to keep you in our Prayers. God Bless you all!!
Love and Hugs,
Shirlene and Ray

Told ya!! Seriously, I am so happy to read how ell you are doing!! Continued prayers and good thoughts sent your way. Janis Kielbasa 5 weeks post op

So happy to hear about your improvement. Keep up the the spirit. We continue our prayers for you, knowing God will heal you completely. Also glad to hear Brooke was able to come home for the week end. She is such a sweet daughter. I know you are proud of her. Le t me know if you need anything. Love you , Dorothy

Jamie;

This is FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!! You are fantastic!! I'm so glad to hear how well you're doing. You have always, and always will be strong and determined. I knew you'd do great but it was wonderful to hear it from your own lips....I mean, keyboard, :-) Can't wait to see you at the next reunion!

Love you, and keep going!

Rick Parks

Janet. You can come visit any time. Love it thanks for for hugs. I feel them.

Getting close. Aggggg

Lov. Nancy.

Hi Jamie,

I thought when I come visit we can plan to take a walk so we can catch up while you exercice your new and improved heart! So now we just need to make sure I come on a beautiful sunny day! Looks like rain most of this week so lets hope the sun returns soon:)

I'll be watching the weather:)

I'll be in touch, so glad to hear your feeling so good!

Hugs,
Janet

Hi Jamie. Your post are always so great. Thx for that

And about patience - they tell me I have a lot of it. Ive never used any. Ha ha

However I do aim to be the best ever patient. I have a lot going on in my life & wanna be ready for it

You are a great inspiration ! Thank you again. Nancy Friedman. Mitch's pretend cousin.
Avr 2-9.

Thanks for the information, Jamie. It was my Family Doctor that thought I should be on Pradaxa or Coumadin. I guess you would call her my Family Doctor. My regular Family Doctor decided to do more Hospital work and he is just in his office one day every other week and he has this new Doctor in his office. I had to see her Monday. I was really disappointed when he did this, I'm not sure I like the new one. I called my Cardiologist today and they think the 325 MG. Aspirin is sufficient, they calculate it some way. I think I will take the Cardiologist's advice, they had already sent the Family Doctor a note telling them that.
Glad you are still doing good, I hope you can eventually just take the Aspirin. I have heard a lot of good about the Maze procedure.
Take care and keep getting better.
Love and Hugs,
Shirlene and Ray

Hey Jamie,

So happy to hear your recovery is going so well.
I would love to come see you... sounds as though your up for company. Let me know when might be a good time for you.

Keeping you in my prayers.

Hugs,
Janet C

Jamie - I don't think I knew Dr. Byrd but I didn't spend much time on campus as I was working as well as going to school. My Dad and brother both retired from Dupont.
I do spend spend a lot of time with my grandkids - basically what led me to retirement - missed a lot of my 2 girls growing up working like I did so I want to spend more time with my girls and my grandkids now rather than wishing I had later. Having this heart surgery now, though I knew for years it was inevitable, was one of my main worries. I always said I didn't want to be one of those people other people said about "He just retired and then......" Hopefully, I will have many more years to spend with my family. I hope you and everybody on these sites have many wonderful years of happiness with your families as well. Thank God for these advances in medical technologies that can help us all through these opportunities with such remarkable successes!
How bout them 'eers!
Dick Miller

Sounds like a great day Jamie. You sound great too. Keep up all the good recovery work. All the best. - Mitch Friedman

Hi Jamie, glad to get the update and so glad to know you are doing so good. I can imagine how tired you were after all that, it was a long day, but you got it all over with at one time. Will you still have to take the coumadin? I thought after you had the maze procedure done, you wouldn't have to take it. I was to my Dr. Monday and they are talking about putting me back on coumadin or pradaxa. I have just been on 325 mg. aspirin for awhile. I was on coumadin and I was bruising so bad they took me off of it. With the pradaxa, you don't have to get the blood work done and they say it will prevent strokes 35 times more than coumidin. A person don't know what to do, they told me I could think about it.
Take care and God Bless.
Hugs,
Shirlene and Ray

Jamie - so glad to hear about your doctor's appointments going so well and that you are coming along. What a wonderful day, to get all good news about your recovery. It must be awesome to feel yourself getting stronger everyday. Prayers still with you.......love, kathie

Hi Jamie --

I'm new to HVJ but have found great inspiration from reading your journal. You have a rich spirit, a vital faith, and a wonderfully positive attitude.

I, too, have severe mitral regurgitation and face OHS for anterior leaflet repair or, if necessary, replacement in the very near future, new surgery date yet to be determined. Many other factors in my complex medical history have made the last couple months very trying physically and emotionally, with many perverse complications and delays. If I hadn't intensely felt God's presence throughout the ordeal, I don't think I could have made it this far on sheer willpower even if I am a stubborn old coot. But everytime I start to panic, I remember the verse that came to me out of nowhere (not a literal voice from heaven, but a definite calming whisper to my spirit) as I lay in the hospital in great pain and anxiety and addled by morphine: "Be still and know that I am God." I wasn't lucid enough to be lying there saying to myself "OK, what Bible verses can I repeat to myself to reassure me?" The voice just came unbidden.

I'm not normally a still person by inclination -- my mind is always racing, always have a million thoughts and projects going on, and now this constant health anxiety on top of it -- nor am I one who easily surrenders the crazy delusion that I am in control of things, even though my whole life has been a reminder that I'm not. That voice in the hospital reminds me to calm myself and seek God's perfect peace which passes understanding, and to remember that I am in the palm of Master of the Universe, not just sputtering along the highway under my own erratic and very finite 'control.'

All my best wishes for your continued recovery. May the Lord keep you in perfect peace!

Judy Sylte (near Seattle)

Hi Jamie. That's great news all around. Isn't it cool to see the ring in there? That little puppy is your badge of courage! -- DVB

Jamie,

With God being our Great Physician and giving the Doctors the knowledge is Awesome!!! So happy to hear everything is moving along nicely. So many of our friends, classmates, long time friends etc are experiencing health issues recently. It wonderful to have faith in God to hold on to us and walk with us every step of the way. You are in my prayers always... and I am so exvited of your progress.... God Bless & Love Susan

Okay....so Jamie and Dick are WV Mountaineers, hmmmmm....Linda is a Clemson Tiger....so ouch!!! That hurt!!! I'm blaming that game for part of my hurt heart! Seriously, isn't it a small world? I've met people who live in SC here on this site. Just amazing to me how many of us there are, I never would have guessed so many otherwise healthy people had bad valves.

Jamie, it is no problem for me at all to get my blood checked, I actually work in a hospital lab. I am officially retired, but I still work PRN, so that will not be a problem. And actually I was on coumadin for a number of years for a small PFO that I also have. I don't know if they will address that issue or not, it has sort of been shoved aside since the stenosis became critical. I mostly did fine, only thing that ever was remotely problematic was if I had to come off for a period of time, like when I had a colonoscopy, then it took a little while to get the INR back up, but all in all, not a problem. They just let me come off last year and go to a full strength aspirin each day.
I am personally leaning toward a mechanical valve, don't want to have to go through this again, but I believe my surgeon, Dr. Gillinov favors the tissue valve. The bad part of going up to Cleveland Clinic from SC is that I don't actually meet with him until the day before surgery and so I can't really decide until then. I am also thinking that it would just be my luck, if I go with tissue, that I will develope Afib and have to be on the coumadin anyway. Oh well, I'm trying not to dwell on it, just wish that was something I could go ahead and check off of my "to do list".
Hope you continue to do well and thanks for your helpful tips and encouragement.

Still waiting...Linda the tiger....Linda Dixon

Jamie - I grew up in Charleston (DuPont) area, worked my way through WV State. Moved to Cincinnati - transferred - 20 years ago. Retired from Kroger Co. 6 months ago. Still bleed blue and gold - can't take the country out of the boy! Hopefully now that this valve repair is out of the way, I can enjoy retirement with kids and grandkids!
I'll be keeping tabs on your recovery and keeping you in my prayers!
Dick

Hey mamma!

I just want to say I Love You! :)

Jamie - hang in there and keep plugging along - it will only get better from here. You are in my prayers as I have some ideas of what you are going through post surgery. I also saw in your journal where you are from WV - as I am - so we definitely have some kindred spirits looking out for each other too!! I know you have that fighting spirit in you and with the Lord on your side, this will be behind you in no time!
Dick Miller

Hi Jamie, thanks for the info on the recliner. I figure I will try mine and if it is not enough then I can see about renting another. They do have handles and go back very easily. And they will lay completely back. I have actually slept in them quite a bit before my husband passed away. I know that my valve will be replaced. I just don't know with what. I got the impression from his nurse that Dr. Gillinov leaned toward the tissue valve even though they don't last a lifetime and I may live long enought that the new one will need replacing eventually. He believes they will have the transcatheter method pefected by that time. I also don't know if he will repair the dilated aorta, that apparently is also "on the fence" measuring 4.0 cm. So I have a lot of questions for him when I go to Cleveland. Sometimes I feel like I will take the coumadin and not have to worry about a second surgery, other times I think I would rather have the tissue valve and not have the worry of the coumadin or stroke. And I have mixed feelings about the dilated aorta, I don't like the idea of them "going in" and not fixing that, when in a short while it may be enlarged to the point that it is dangerous. So....all I can do is pray about it and trust that God is sending me to Cleveland because He wants me to do whatever Dr. Gillinov recommends. (or not, lol). What do you do?????

When you pray, please pray for clarity for me and peace of mind that whatever decision we make will be God's will.

Still waiting...Linda

Yes Jamie, I have thought about renting the lift chair. I actually have two regular recliners that are fairly comfortable, do you think the lift will be better? I wonder if I can go try one somewhere just to see how different they are. Thanks for reminding me. I have so many things I feel like I need to do before I go, not to be morbid or anything, I know God has me in his hands, but I also know that if that happens to be His time to take me home, well...He will take me home.

Glad you got a good nap and are having a great recovery.

Still waiting..Linda

What a pleasure to "know" you Jamie. Continue to recover, listen to your body and keep us posted on how your "walk down the mountain" goes. The climb up is a pain (literally) but once you crossed over the top, there was no stopping you on the way down!!
God bless!
Still waiting...Linda Dixon

Well it's been a week and you are doing so well. Yahoo! I We hope today is another great day, especially since you are having your Father or is it Minister come over today. We are doing fine, yesterday we went over to Clovis for Patrick's Basketball game. Oh, what a great time Glen and I had. They are all Kindergarten age, Oh, my they where like little fish chasing food. What a Hoot! Then we went to a Horse Show for Ivalinn with 4-H, we really had a Great time since it wasn't with real horses. Bryer Horses where used as the models. Everyone had a great time and Ivalinn even won some ribbons . I hope you enjoyed this little news flash.. will be calling after Dr. appointment have a great afternoon, rest, and you and Bob are always in our prayers.. Adams Family

Your progress is inspiring to those of us still waiting for surgery. Keep up the good work and thanks for keeping us posted. May it continue to be smooth sailing. All the best. -Mitch Friedman

Jamie, I know the song well! I am on the Worship team at church and we sing it all the time! I have to go to work now and will be singing it in my "head" and heart all day! Hope you have a great one!

Still waiting...Linda

Hi Jamie,

Praise God for the success of your surgery and recovery. I just want to say that your story and your experience has really helped me to prepare for my upcoming surgery on Feb 2nd. I am so glad to hear you are doing well. :-)

Carmen Pettiford

Good for you Jamie! So happy to hear you are feeling so well. God is good, all the time! You are a trooper, keep it up and keep us posted.

Still waiting...Linda Dixon

hi Jamie I"m Nancy ; a few weeks after you go in 2-9 but love your posts.. you're right. G.d is good and we are so blessed. My biggest fear is the ups and downs & possbile depression I will fight that one tooth and nail and hope I win it.

working up til "the day" so keepiong busy

looking forward to your posts. with thanks..and best wishes, Nancy Friedman, ST Louis

Hi Jamie, sure glad to hear you are feeling better and getting life back to normal. That is wonderful you found someone to come in and help you out. Good help is hard to find, but sounds like you got a good one. Ray's birth mom's name was Lela, but she died when Ray was just two years old, and then later his Dad married Lela's sister, so he had a good step-mom, too. Glad your husband is back to work and getting life back to normal for him, too. That is too bad your father-in-law has so many problems, sounds like he is getting good care, though.
Hope your Dr. appointments turn out real good, Tuesday.
Take care and God Bless,
Love,
Shirlene and Ray

Jamie, that's usually the way it is with health issues, 2 steps forward and 1 step back. But that's better than 1 step forward and 2 back. You're doing great and you're strong so it's a matter of time and you'll be back to you "old" self :-)

Prayers and positive thoughts are continuing from this part of the Mountain State.

Rick Parks

Well Jamie, it MAY be the Vicodin brain, but in a way you are being tested, lol. Just keep trodding along and sure enough soon you will be singing "I Feel Good". By the way, I met James Brown once, he was in prison on the same campus that I worked. He wasn't singing I feel good then. (That was mean wasn't it).

Still waiting....Linda Dixon

Sorry about the little set backs, Jamie, but hope you are feeling better today. It does take time, and you have come a long way. We'll keep Praying for your healing. Keep your faith, God is good, all the time.
Love and Prayers
Shirlene and Ray

Spirometer is oh so important. Pneumonia can set in faster than you can blink - it happened to Dave (but then, what didn't happen to Dave - haha)! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Love,
Kathy

Jamie, one day at a time. Keep trucking along and they should get easier before you know it. Now, I have not had surgery yet so I have no clue what I am talking about. But I have spent way too much time reading other HVJs, so I feel like an old pro. LOL! All the best, - Mitch Friedman

Hi Jamie, sorry you had such a draining (no pun intended) day yesterday. Yes...I'm glad you went to the doctor to get your "infection" checked out. This summer I spent 3 months with my best friend in the hospital with an infection that went untreated for several days and ended up becoming what is known as necrotizing fasciitis, ended up having multiple surgeries to debrid and finally skin grafts. So...surely better safe than sorry.

I'm not one to give advice, cause I haven't climbed my mountain yet, but I am trying to remind myself daily that we are the lucky ones. We are able to get fixed, some people are not so fortunate.

So, hang in there my friend, if you feel something isn't right, listen to your body and go to the body mechanic! You know it better than anyone else.

You have climbed the mountain, now...slowly, patiently, slide down the other side!!!
Hugs (gentle)

Still waiting....Linda Dixon

Hang in there! Our pastor's wife had a replacement last year and had some really rough times. Her's were pain control and stamina. Once she got those issues resolved she improved quickly. Rome wasn't built in a day! We're praying for ya!
Chuck and MJ

Yes there are certainly Ups & Dwons was like that w my mom..... However you are the warrior.......and you are doing all you can to heal.... God will take care of the rest..... Love to You.... Keep up the Great Work..... God Bless <3 Susan

Your CBS family misses you! Thinking of you today! Let me know when you are up for a phone call. Blessings, Suzan

Jamie, each day at a time my friend. Keep up the walking. I used to walk my culdesac in my pjs also. So glad everything went well. My best to all the family. Donna

It is so wonderful to read about your progress and your road to a full recovery. Keep moving forward, but remember not too fast. Take it slow! God is good! Take care - Bobbi

Good to hear from you Jamie, I know you will have some bad days, Ray said it felt like a brick on his chest for a while. We know there will be better days ahead. You should see some improvement every day. Your daughter was great in keeping us updated, I almost feel like I know her. You have a wonderful family. God Bless!! Hugs to you all.
Shirlene and Ray

Hi Jamie,

Praise God for the success of your surgery and that you are now at home. Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish you and your family the best! :-)

Carmen Pettiford

Jamie.... you are so awesome...... Doing so wonderful... Power of prayer ...there is nothing better....You were & are the strong one.... you have encouraged me to take better care of myself..... Not that I haven't been trying....:) But we all can do better.... My prayers are continual....and your're always in my thougths... What a journey .....to this point... Just imagine what lies ahead.... Love n Prayers.....Susan

Welcome Home Jamie, So happy to see you are home, posting and on your way to recovery. I am 17 days post op and each day/week gets easier. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for continued health and recovery. Janis Kielbasa

Awesome.. Life is Good!

Hugs,
Janet C

Jamie
I'm so glad you are home and that you are now on your way to recovery....good luck!!
Jamie McGuire

Jamie, I'm so glad you're home and doing well. You have such a support "group" but you also did a lot of it on your own strength and determination. I'm proud of you and thank God for your continued improvement. Love you, Rick Parks

Welcome home Jamie...I'm sooo jealous! You've climbed over the top of your mountain and now you can slowly but surely slide down the other side!

I'm still waiting on March 13th, can't get here quick enough. I am ready to get this over with.

Glad you are healing and keep us updated on your progress which I know is going to be all good.

Linda Dixon

Welcome Home Jamie! The best is yet to come, each day one step closer to feeling fantastic!
Let me know when you are up for visitors!

Blessings to You and your family.

Janet C