Hey Jamie, sorry to hear about your condition! You are too young! I'm sure you will do fine. It's amazing what skill physicians have today! My mom had the same surgery about 11 years ago and she is still going strong at 79 working 4 days a week! My sister Shari has just been diagnosed with stage 4 congestive heart failure, just all of a sudden.I will keep you in my prayers and pray for a speedy recovery ! I wil check in to see how you are doing. This is a great way to keep people informed! God Bless you and your family! Kim Wood
Jamie Todor Yes, I agree that I am too young!! Thanks for your encouraging words about your mom and I am sorry t ... Read more
Jamie Todor Yes, I agree that I am too young!! Thanks for your encouraging words about your mom and I am sorry to hear about your sister. Hope they get her back in sync, Technology is amazing and I feel blessed to be living during this amazing time of medical miracles. I am very comfortable with my surgical team and love my cardiologist. He has watched me closely for years but one is never ready for this kind of stuff. So kind of you to write Kim. I pray you are doing well....let me know how things are doing in your life. Are you still in GlenDale?
On December 29, 2011...
Hi Jamie,
Good luck. I will send you prayers from Arkansas.
Jamie Todor Yay!! I will take prayers from all 50 states...Bless you for praying for me. I am blessed to have m ... Read more
Jamie Todor Yay!! I will take prayers from all 50 states...Bless you for praying for me. I am blessed to have many on my prayer team. God takes care of the faithful and all who ask him too. I am blessed!
On December 29, 2011...
Dear Jamie, I was thinking of you this morning. I am praying that all goes smoothly with your surgery and that your recovery will be swift. I'm sorry we didn't get to have that lunch we kept talking about; we will just have to do it when you are feeling up to it afterwards. I'm glad you have confidence in your doctor, that is important. Blessings to you and will talk soon! love, kathie
Jamie Todor Thank you Kathie for your prayers....we will have lunch when I feel better for sure. Maybe you can b ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thank you Kathie for your prayers....we will have lunch when I feel better for sure. Maybe you can bring us some lunch and we can visit here sometime...we can still get together even if we can't head out on the town!! Thanks for praying for me....Hugs Jamie
On December 29, 2011...
Hi Jamie. I was shocked to hear/read about your heart but so glad to know you're in great hands...the surgeon's and God's. I'm glad you have this journal to keep us up dated. Isn't technology a wonder? Be safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rick Parks
Jamie Todor I was shocked too!! Been dealing with this for a long time but the time was never right to repair. ... Read more
Jamie Todor I was shocked too!! Been dealing with this for a long time but the time was never right to repair. DIdn't think it would diminish so much that I would be doing this at 54 but life is good....I should be full of energy and feel like a teenager after this fix! I covet your prayers Rick. Your house looked awesome for Christmas! Go Clark!! Hugs. Jamie
On December 29, 2011...
Hi Jamie, sure sorry to hear of your heart valve problem and you having to have surgery. Prayers will be with you. I'm sure you will be fine. I have the atrial fibrillation, also, but they didn't find any heart valve problem. Ray has had a lot of heart problems, open heart surgery twice and two stints put in plus aneurysm surgery. We wish you the very best.....Love, Shirlene
Jamie Todor Thanks for the encouragement and the prayers. God is good and gives us others to lift us up to him i ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thanks for the encouragement and the prayers. God is good and gives us others to lift us up to him in prayer. I am thankful to have a good surgical team and a great prayer team. It is great to have all of my hometown friends praying for me in such mighty ways. God bless you....Jamie
On December 29, 2011...
Jamie- I know your positive outlook will always get you through the tough times. You will be in my thoughts and prayers next week. Looking forward to the recovery updates.
Your old (!) neighbor, Kathleen
Jamie Todor Thanks dear friend....I covet the prayers of the faithful. I truly feel their power and am thankful ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thanks dear friend....I covet the prayers of the faithful. I truly feel their power and am thankful to be at peace. The kids or I will be updating as we have more information. I think I am going to be down for awhile...should be interesting for an energizer bunny like me!! Hugs....
On December 29, 2011...
Oops. I didn't sign my entry. It's from me, Melissa Cooper. :)
On December 29, 2011...
I'll will be praying for you every day and especially on the 4th. You WILL get through this! And with flying colors. I love hearing how at peace you are. A positive, God-filled attitude makes all the difference. I'm glad you have this page so we can keep updated with your situation. God bless you, Jamie!
Jamie Todor Thanks sweet Melissa...for the prayers and the encouraging words. I am blessed...He is holding me up ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thanks sweet Melissa...for the prayers and the encouraging words. I am blessed...He is holding me up and the prayers of the faithful are really calming my heart. I pray that I can remain as calm as I am now next week. Life is good. Love, Jamie
On December 29, 2011...
Jamie, sorry to hear of you health problems, but happy there is a wonderful treatment to take you into your 90's and possibly 100's!
You have that wonderful optimistic smile so I know all we go well. With Love and God's Blessings! Brenda
Jamie Todor Thanks Brenda...I feel good about the fix, It is soooo important to get it fixed now vs. later when ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thanks Brenda...I feel good about the fix, It is soooo important to get it fixed now vs. later when it is shot and needs replaced. Repair is the way to go. Praise God for modern technology and how far things have progressed. Thanks for your prayers sweet friend...
On December 29, 2011...
I will be lifting you up today and everyday as you go in and out! peace to you and your family.God's peace and trust during this adventure. I have you on my prayer wall now - love Ellie/Tony
Jamie Todor Thank you dear friends for praying for me and the gang. I feel the strength of your prayers lifting ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thank you dear friends for praying for me and the gang. I feel the strength of your prayers lifting up in peace. Awwww....that peace is awesome. Thanks for putting me on your wall...You and Tony are awesome. Love you guys and thanks for praying for us.
On December 26, 2011...
Hello my dear friend,
Thank you for the update as I didn't know surgery was in your future. I will track your updates and surround you in prayers throughout this next week.
I will plan a fun Bunco for us where we can all wear hospital gowns.
Much love
Rita
Jamie Todor I didn't know it either!!! Actually I did know that "some day" but never dreamed it would be quite s ... Read more
Jamie Todor I didn't know it either!!! Actually I did know that "some day" but never dreamed it would be quite so soon. That will be soooo funny...a hospital bunco...LOL. Wait til my incision heals and my sternum feels better. I hear it is tough to laugh!! I am in BIG trouble for sure. I laugh soooo much....pray for me! Thanks for the prayers....
On December 25, 2011...
Thanks for sharing that story!! I'm having surgery the 28th so reading it really was a comfort. Janis Kielbasa
Jamie Todor So glad it was a comfort for you....It sure was to me. He was so upbeat and positive about it all. ... Read more
Jamie Todor So glad it was a comfort for you....It sure was to me. He was so upbeat and positive about it all. You are almost there....I originally was scheduled for the 28th but surgeon changed it to a week later. God bless you....can't wait to hear about your great outcome. Will be looking for an update on the 28th....I pray all goes well for you....Hugs!
On December 25, 2011...
Merry Christmas Jamie and thanks for sharing the story of your phone call. That really is encouraging. I am waiting on aortic valve replacement and possible dilated aorta repair. Don't have a date yet, waiting to hear back from the surgeon. Yours is scheduled two day before my 63rd birthday! I know you will do great. Keep us updated on the HVJ.
Linda Dixon
Jamie Todor Glad you were encouraged....he was so upbeat and great....it was really uplifting. He keeps a full s ... Read more
Jamie Todor Glad you were encouraged....he was so upbeat and great....it was really uplifting. He keeps a full schedule all of the time...and has more energy than 4 twenty year olds!! I will keep things posted....have my kids lined up to post while I can't. Hope you get a date soon as that is another milestone to hit in preparation for this journey.
On December 24, 2011...
Dearest Jamie,
You are such a strong and loving force in this world. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. You have so very many blessings in your life and we will pray that you will come through this to be even stronger and healthier than ever.
All our love and prayers to you and your family.
Shelli
Jamie Todor Thank you Shelli....for your love and your prayers. I think of you and your family soooo often and I ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thank you Shelli....for your love and your prayers. I think of you and your family soooo often and I pray you have a very special Christmas. I will be praying for you too. Love, Jamie
On December 23, 2011...
Since I know from recent personal experience, I know you have the most important assets in your corner--1) a skilled surgeon, 2) loving family and friends, and 3) a loving God holding your hand! We'll compare hilarious hospital stories when you're done!
Enjoy the attention while you can--and be sure your gown is tied in back!
Dave Snow
Jamie Todor You made me laugh....I can't wait to compare hospital stories with you and thanks so much for remindi ... Read more
Jamie Todor You made me laugh....I can't wait to compare hospital stories with you and thanks so much for reminding me about tying my gown. You are a HOOT! We are blessed that you are doing soooo well Dave...what a year....Praise the Lord for your good health now. Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement. I will be calling you as we progress through this season of life!
On December 23, 2011...
My prayers are with you and your family Jamie. Let me know if there is something I can do to help.
I love this site. What a great way to let everyone know what is going on.
Try to have a great Christmas and enjoy your family.
Love Janie
Jamie Todor Just pray dear one....that is the MOST you can do for me!! AND I know you and John are praying. I ... Read more
Jamie Todor Just pray dear one....that is the MOST you can do for me!! AND I know you and John are praying. I love this site too....it is so encouraging and informative for everyone. Have a wonderful Christmas...I am praying for you sweet friend too.
On December 23, 2011...
Hello, dear Jamie,
I will be praying for you to have the best experience possible.....for God to give you perfect peace and rest....for you to take comfort in the knowledge that Our Lord does have you in his hands. Bless you and your family as you celebrate God's gift to us and count your blessings together. Please know how much you are loved by the CBS family. And, of course, ME. love, Fran
Jamie Todor Thank you Fran....I feel the power of all of these prayers. I am really at peace right now. God is ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thank you Fran....I feel the power of all of these prayers. I am really at peace right now. God is soooo good! I do have so many blessings and I know this valve surgery is a huge blessing too...I am going to feel like a NEW woman. World look out!! LOL. Merry Christmas dear friend....
On December 22, 2011...
My valve replacement was August 9th...ITS NOT EASY but you will be a better person for the experience both physically and emotionally.
Physically your valve will be clean and no more fibrulation. Like me you will probably take food and exercise more seriously. I am down thirty pounds from surgery day and I know walk at least one mile per day.
Emotionally you will feel the "value" in each day going foward. Your priorities on many levels will be forever changed.
When you read Adam's book it gives you a great guideline of what is about to happen.
I could go on for hours about my experiences but just know you will now be a member of an elite community of valve surgery survivors.
GOD BLESS YOU
JOHN MADONNA
LAS VEGAS NV
Jamie Todor Thank you John for your encouragement....I am hoping to do the same thing that you are doing...exerci ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thank you John for your encouragement....I am hoping to do the same thing that you are doing...exercise and better eating habits. Your weight loss and walking regime is a real inspiration. I have read Adam's book twice so far and it empowers me to be ready for what is ahead, It is sooo wonderful to be prepared...or as prepared as you can be without the experience...the fear of the unknown is scary. But thanks to the book and folks like you who are sharing their story...I feel much better. God bless you for sharing John.....have a Merry Christmas.
On December 22, 2011...
Love you and praying for you!
On December 22, 2011...
I was just going to call Tracy for your email address and your name popped up. I was going to thank you for the lovely Christmas card. Now I have a real reason to track your progress. I will keep you in my mind daily!!
Jamie Todor Thanks a million...I love all of this support...it makes me smile:):)...Merry Christmas!
On December 22, 2011...
Jamie, we love you and will pray for you each day. I'm sure your family will take good care of you. God will protect you! :Love and prayers, Mattie & John
Jamie Todor Thank you soooo much....I welcome the prayers. Love you two too....all will be fine....so glad to ge ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thank you soooo much....I welcome the prayers. Love you two too....all will be fine....so glad to get on top of this while I am young and healthy!
On December 22, 2011...
Oh, Jamie, I'm so sorry you have to go through
this procedure but I'm sure with all the prayers
going up for you that by the grace of God all will
turn out very well.
Prov. 23:7 For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
God loves you and wants you healed, so trust Him, believe who you are in Christ and all will be
well.
Love and best wishes,
Olga
Jamie Todor I know....it wasn't what I had envisioned for the New Year!! BUT God is good and He has it all figur ... Read more
Jamie Todor I know....it wasn't what I had envisioned for the New Year!! BUT God is good and He has it all figured out....He has given me a great cardiologist and surgeon. I feel peaceful...at least this week! LOL. Thank you for the prayers and scriptures...I love this one. Love and hugs...
On December 22, 2011...
Dear Jamie, I recognise myself in your journal as I will have the same procedure as yours: mitral valve repair with also a Maze procedure (what is a modified one?) and the 'stiching'(?) of the appendage... in January too, but the 23. My journey started one year ago, in December, as I was told that I had a grade 4 mitral prolapse with regurgitation. I realize, while reading your entry, that I'm not on top of it, what is exactly the incision shield that you bought? I waited too before telling my children who are younger than yours. But when I told my 9 year-old daughter, she just bursted into tears, I coudn't then hold my tears too... I wish you all the best! really we should ALL go through that safe and sound and exchange again with our well repaired heart and our new life in the post-op world!
Jamie Todor My doctor called it a modified maze....so I did. He said they use radio frequency to burn and stitch ... Read more
Jamie Todor My doctor called it a modified maze....so I did. He said they use radio frequency to burn and stitch a boundary for the heart when it fires so it stays in the right rhythm. No guarantee it will work....he said about 70% success rate but since I am on Prodaxa already that we should do it. I am hopeful it will work:). Also they tie off the appendage as that is where the majority of blood clots tend to cling to on a repair, He doesn't guarantee that I won't have them or won't have to take blood thinners but thinks we should do it. At least that is how I understand it...I am not a medical person! the incision shield I learned about from Adam Pick's book that I bought on line. He is the one who has this journal site....you can probably look it up on line. It is supposed to protect your incision from clothes and bed clothes so it won't be as painful and should heal better. I pray all will go well for your surgery....my kids are older and I have tried to learn as much as I could so that I could be pretty clinical with them and it all went well. They know how much trouble I have had and I believe it to be a blessing....it would be hard with young children, Bless you....let's talk again after our surgery!! I hope I can get back on with you after my surgery and before yours to answer questions and tell you that I feel like a million dollars!! LOL
On December 22, 2011...
Jamie, Dave and I know the fears and questions you may be facing! God is always good and He is always there. His plan is better than ours. We will be praying as you prayed for us. Please know that you and Bob can call at any time of the day or night. Love you all!
Kathy Snow
Jamie Todor I KNOW you two know the drill....and it is scary. God is good and HE has a plan...for me...he brough ... Read more
Jamie Todor I KNOW you two know the drill....and it is scary. God is good and HE has a plan...for me...he brought me to a great doc years ago who is on top of this. I am blessed. I know you will be praying for me....you are awesome friends who know so well. Love you guys...
On December 22, 2011...
Aunt Jamie- I love you and will be praying for you!! Remember how terrified I was to have a c-section with Isabella? You told me to continue to repeat my favorite passage from the Bible! I did and everything went great!! Don't forget your advice!! You have a lot of people praying for you!!! Let me know if you need me!! Love you, Heather
Jamie Todor I love you too Heather Belle....I will let you know if I need any help but I think it will be OK with ... Read more
Jamie Todor I love you too Heather Belle....I will let you know if I need any help but I think it will be OK with Papa Nick...we will see:):). I will take my favorite Bible Verse with me...".I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me..".Phil. 4:13... Thanks for the prayers....they are working!! I am at peace dear one!
On December 22, 2011...
Dearest Jamie, What a cool journal, I will be very inerested in all the info you give us..Prayers are with you this day and always. I know that od has already gone before you, in selecting the doc, procedure and the inevitable outcome...complete success....He is in charge and watches over His beloved child, Jamie...His plans are good and blessed for you....Prayers aplenty, Ginger
Jamie Todor Thank you dear Ginger for praying for me....You are soooo right...He goes before me...awwwww....PTL! ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thank you dear Ginger for praying for me....You are soooo right...He goes before me...awwwww....PTL! I love you friend!
On December 22, 2011...
Hi Jamie - You have been and still are a very special person in my life. My prayers will begin now for a successful surgery and a speedy and spectacular recovery. you have such a wonderful and supportive family that God has blessed you with so I know you will have much love and support from them. You couldn't be in a better place than Houston for heart problems. God Bless!! Ann Kidda
Jamie Todor You and Mike are soooo special to Bob and me too....I know you will be praying for me sweet friend. ... Read more
Jamie Todor You and Mike are soooo special to Bob and me too....I know you will be praying for me sweet friend. Thanks for the encouragement dear girl....hugs
On December 22, 2011...
Jamie, My thoughts and prayers will be with you daily and I will keep my Mom updated of all this you are going through. You have an awesome support group it seems, and you know how wonderful your own family is. You will be fine. I will read more about this on Google, so I'm more aware of events! Love from all....Jeanne
Jamie Todor Thanks Jeanne....I covet all of these prayers from the faithful. How great is is to be in such a fam ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thanks Jeanne....I covet all of these prayers from the faithful. How great is is to be in such a family of believers....Thanks for telling your mom....and keeping her up to date. We will call her on Christmas...she is a sweetheart!
On December 22, 2011...
Sweet Jamie, what and interesting site. It will be convenient to keep up with all your progress. My prayers will be lifting you higher and higher with the strength and courage that God has Provided you.
Love you, Dottie
Jamie Todor I know you will be praying for me....you always do. I love you girlfriend....I thought this would wo ... Read more
Jamie Todor I know you will be praying for me....you always do. I love you girlfriend....I thought this would work well especially once the surgery comes and I am out of the loop for awhile. I am putting the kids in charge of this!! Have a blessed Christmas...love you!
On December 22, 2011...
WooHoo (Sorry, that is the Maroon in me) - So glad you are having this taken care of - This will bring so much relief and you will feel better. You are always in my prayers - just have a direct prayer to work on now. Enjoy Christmas and party on New Year's and the New Year will bring you renewed health.
Love, Dianne
On December 22, 2011...
dear Jamie,
I am 3 weeks post op from valve repair surgery. You will be in my prayers for a great surgical outcome and an uneventful recovery.
Jane
Jamie Todor Thanks for writing. I hope you are feeling better and stronger each day. That is probably where mos ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thanks for writing. I hope you are feeling better and stronger each day. That is probably where most of my fear lies....in the recovery. I hear it is tough to bounce back! Adam's book says to keep on keeping on! Bless you for writing:)
On December 22, 2011...
Hi Jamie,
Welcome to Heart Valve Journals!
Thanks for sharing your story and first update with us. Also, thanks for the kind words about my book. I really appreciate it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
Jamie Todor Thank you Adam....the book is fantastic for me. I am on my second read through already. You are doi ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thank you Adam....the book is fantastic for me. I am on my second read through already. You are doing good work for the Lord to bring us all together to share wisdom and fear and to lift each other up! God bless you for the work that you do!
On December 22, 2011...
Jamie-you have one of the sweetest hearts I have ever known. Dear God, please walk with Jamie through this- keep her calm and assured that you are by her every step of the way.Know that many people love you and are praying for you. Jan(i)e!!
Jamie Todor Thanks dear, dear friend for the prayer. I love you sooooo much and I know you and your family will ... Read more
Jamie Todor Thanks dear, dear friend for the prayer. I love you sooooo much and I know you and your family will be praying me through this. We will definitely need a spa day...er week...er month...after I am done. Start preparing John! We will have lots to celebrate together....victory and healing:):) Love you bunches...
On December 22, 2011...
Good luck Jamie! I am waiting for a date for aortic valve replacement and possible dilated aorta repair. Will be thinking of and praying for a great outcome and speedy recovery for you. Gotta think waiting is the hardest part. Keep us updated! God bless and merry Christmas!
Linda Dixon
Jamie Todor Yes waiting is hard....thanks be to God that we have Christmas and kids home from college to help dis ... Read more
Jamie Todor Yes waiting is hard....thanks be to God that we have Christmas and kids home from college to help distract!! I pray you get your date soon....thank you for praying for me new heart friend!
On December 22, 2011...
You are in my thoughts and prayers Jamie. I know we both will do great!! I am having surgery December 28th. Keep us updated and thanks for sharing. Janis Kielbasa
Jamie Todor I am on my second read of Adam's book too....it is a good one for preparation. Praying for a good su ... Read more
Jamie Todor I am on my second read of Adam's book too....it is a good one for preparation. Praying for a good surgery and speedy recovery for you too. Liked the hints you put on your page today...thanks:):)