Hi Pete,

This is such good news, and I am sure you are quite relieved that all went well. Thank you for taking time to update Joy's journal since we are all very concerned.

I imagine you will sleep better tonight.

Take care,

Diana

Hi Pete,
Thank you for the update on Joy. I am gratiful that all went well with her surgery. Sandra Leal

Hi,

Thanks for the update on Joy. I am so glad surgery was a success and that she is doing well. I will continue to look forward to her updates on her condition..

Beth Fox, CA

Hi Joy and Pete
Praying for an excellent surgery and recovery. You can now say it's all behind you after your long wait. All the best from FL.
Fran

Hi Joy,
You have been in our thoughts all day. Hope you have a fast recovery. Look forward to your return to yoga.

Vicki and Walt

Hi Joy,

We missed you yesterday! You were in our hearts as we did our practice. I'm already looking forward to taking YOUR class when you return!
Love,
Cheryl

Joy,
You and Pete are in Dave and my thoughts today. We look forward to hearing from Pete that you awoke and looked up to smile at him. On to the recovery stage.
Melinda

Joy,

Wishing you an easy surgery and a smooth recovery. You're in my thoughts today.

Ricki

Joy,

My prayers and thoughts are with you. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Elaine

You have been in my thoughts all day. I'll be in Austin tomorrow and check on your progress. My best thoughts and prayers are with you and Pete. Kay Lawhon

Hi Joy

I've been thinking about you all day today as you enter this final waiting period and just want to wish you good luck. I'll be keeping you in my prayers and will be looking forward to a positing letting us know you are okay. God bless.

Cheryl, Ontario

Good luck Joy

Sean

Blessings to you Joy - will be thinking and praying for you. As well as a speedy recovery! :-) Look forward to more e-mails when you're up to it letting us know how you're doing.

With Love ~ Christine

Praying for a successful surgery and recovery, Joy. As they wheel you into surgery, think the most pleasant thoughts you can and when you wake up you will also feel that peace. Will wait to hear that all is well from Pete (my hubby is also Pete).
Fran

Dear Joy,
I know you have your pre-op this morning and your surgery tomorrow and I just wanted to wish you well and tell you I will be praying for your successful surgery and quick recovery. Danny,my son, who had AVR surgery on 7/1, had his first post-op appointment yesterday, and is doing AWESOME. I hope this gives you some confidence about your own surgery being equally successful. He is only 19 days post op and is out shopping and going out to dinner and just about everything (except playing basketball). I've been thinking about you and wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerely Mary James

Hi Joy,
Your doctor and you will be the intention of our practice for Sunrise Yoga...your name for my class..this Wednesday. Just breathe...
NM'...Chris

Dear Joy :-)

Continuing to pray for you, your husband and family, and will especially be thinking of you this Wed. Sending light and love xxoo Christine from SC Yoga

Hi Joy! I will be leaving for the hospital in a few hours. Best of luck to you... I'll check in on your progress as soon as I am able. Kellie

Joy,
My thoughts and prayers will be with you, Pete, your parents, and in-laws this week. May God be with the surgeons, nurses and medical staff that will be caring for you. May He grant you strength and encouragement during your recuperation. Namaste'. Lyn

Joy, I will be thinking of you on the 21st....I hear that they only do the most beautiful women's Aortic valve surgery on the 7/21 !!!!!
That's you and I.....At this point I'm very nervous. I go into the hospital on Monday for
a test, if that's okay then I will be admitted
on Tuesday for surgery on the 21st. My surgery
could be postponed if I have another bladder infection...Keep in touch...Lee

Joy,
Good luck to both you and Pete. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. As a previous caregiver, I know you will be in good hands with Pete - it really is wonderful to be able to help your life partner and be there for them. Nancy Wright

Joy, You will be in my thoughts and prayers next week. May you have a good and quick recovery. God bless you. Sandra Leal

Joy, as one of your old friends, please kmow I think of you everyday, and please tell Pete I'm thinking of him as well. You two make a wonderful team and all will be well.

With love,

Diana

Joy,

I'm wishing you a smooth surgery and a quick recovery. Like most of us, you'll be surprised at how much easier the experience is than you imagined.

Your positive attitude will go a long way!

Ricki Shine

Hi Joy,

I am sure you are going to be fine. You have such a positive attitude. I too, have been very emotional lately as the reality of my condition continues to escalate. I will pray for you to have a flawless surgery and speedy recovery. God Bless. Linda Stahl

Hi Joy,

I'm 5 weeks post-op today and starting to feel almost normal! It has really gone so fast and I can't believe I'm here already. My surgery experience was not as bad as I thought; the most difficult thing for me has been having the patience to heal. I think you will surprise yourself at how well you do throughout the surgery and recovery. You seem like you have a really good attitude and that makes all the difference. We will all be with you and cheering you on!!

Amanda F.

Joy,
I'm sending you my best wishes and prayers for a very successful surgery. The week before my son's surgery, Danny, on July 1rst, I was a basket case, too. He was very nervous, anxious, angry and frustrated with his situation, too. Especially at 19 years old, it is a lot to handle. Hang in there. You are a strong woman and have a good husband so you are very blessed. I will keep you in my prayers and can't wait to hear about your successful surgery and speedy recovery. Dan is just 2 weeks post op and we went out to dinner and shopping today. It was great fun and he is doing super. I hope the best for you, too. Mary James

I am right behind you!!! One week to go for me

Sean

Hi Joy

When I read your journal it gave me the shivers just reflecting back on how I felt about this time. I'm sending you a big cyber hug and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are a real trooper and I wish you the best. Just keep thinking about when it's over and you are beginning recovery. Keep up your brave front, you might just begin to believe it! God bless.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joy
have been thinking of you as you near your date. Hope the next several days go by quickly for you. Not having to fly to the hospital must make it a little easier. I assume hubby will be able to go home at night and then return to see you. You are focused and well prepared and I know you will do well. A week from now it will all be behind you and you will be on your way to recovery. I will pray for peace for you as you near your surgery and for an excellent outcome.
Fran

Hi Joy,

My surgery is tomorrow AM - I report to CC at 10.

Met my surgeon today and I'm so pleased and confident that things will go will. Hope you feel the same.

I'll be in touch on the "other side" of my operation. Wishing you the very best!

Anne Shannon

Joy, you're ready!

Sandy

Hi Joy,
It's getting close and soon you will be on the other side of this surgery and feeling better. Bet you can't wait.
You're in my prayers.
Hugs,
Linda

Hi Joy,

Picking the valve was half the battle for me and I feel so much better since making a decision. Best of luck to you. You will be back on your feet in no time.

Best wishes,
Kellie

Dear Joy, Pete's perspective is a lot like I tell people about my surgeries several years back--I went in for a "complete overhaul". Afterward, I was better than I haad been in many years! I am sure that you will do well, too. Your doctor sounds great and it is good to know that you will be in such good hands. I think of you and pray for you every day. You are always in my heart.
Love, Paula

Joy,
Thank you so much for writing to me. I am so glad I signed up for this extra support. I will also be praying for you and waiting to heart all is okay. If there is anything I can do to help you through this process please do not hesitate to ask.

Best wishes,
Beth Fox

Joy,
Thank you for your kind words in my journal. I wish you only the best as you begin your preparations for surgery. I will say a prayer for you .....and will be waiting to hear all is ok.
Theresa C.

I like Pete's take on your surgery. I would have to say, however, that the mechanics where you are going charge a lot more for labor. I'm sure you have a lot more miles to go!!!!

Diana

Hi Joy

Seems like such a long time ago when you first logged into the HVJ. What a great idea to read all of the journals because like you say, you can always pick up some bit of advice that hasn't been mentioned recently. You just can't prepare yourself enough. I can't help but think how well you should manage with your yoga background. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joy,

Sounds like you have it all under control and are ready to go. I know you will be glad to get this behind you and on the road to recovery.

I will keep you in my prayers, and know you are going into this with great confidence.. That will really make a difference.

Best wishes...

Mark

Keller, TX

Dear Joy,

My surgery is on July 22. I too have done everything I needed to do and I am waiting. I am so ready to get this over and start living again.

Sean Murphy

Dear Joy,
My name is Mary James and my son, Danny, who is only 19 years old, had the same surgery that you are facing. He is now only 5 days post op and he and I took a walk to the end of our street and back tonight. The human body is AMAZING. I would have NEVER dreamed that he would handle the surgery so well. I understand your anxiety as the date fast approaches, as they had to reschedule Danny's surgical date two times. I know you will do well and I will pray for you. My son was able to leave the hospital only three days after the surgery. I was very nervous about Danny's surgery, too, however all of the people on this site were able to give me the advice I needed to confidently prepare for his surgery. You will do Great, too. Best wishes and I will be praying for you. Mary

Hi Joy,
Know what you mean about the reality of it all. You've had a bit of wait for your surgery. I waited from January till March and I remember when I turned the calendar page to March, I took a big swallow and felt like a relief but also some tension. How exciting to see that exhibit in Austin. You are well prepared emotionally, I believe, and that will make all the difference.
Fran

Hi Joy,
We are thinking of you and Pete as you continue to prepare for your surgery. I spoke with Betty this morning and she mentioned how you are wishing the time for the surgery would already be over. That is certainly understandable. We hope the two of you had a great 4th of July and imagine you are looking forward to the next couple of weeks. Take care and you will be very close in our thoughts.
Melinda and Dave

Hi Joy,
I really appreciate your feedback on the second opinion. I have always been one to fix things when they are broken and I am thinking positively about the entire process. It is really great to hear your descriptions of procedures and tests you have in preparation for your surgery. Did the doctor say how long you might be in the hospital following the surgery?

Take Care Linda Stahl

Hi Joy
Just thinking of you and hope you are doing well as you get down to the final weeks before your surgery. Here in my part of FL we are also getting the mid 90's that you're getting, but we have humidity with a capital H. You may find it difficult to do your post op walking outside. When we lived in Westlake Hills, I walked in the morning, 6am. After surgery I walked inside my home a couple of times a day.Nice to read your encouraging notes to others.
Fran

Hi Joy

It's a good feeling to know you've looked after all those difficult little details that need doing for those we love. Way to go.

As frightened as your parents will be about what you are going to have to go through, they'll hopefully gain some confidence by the confidence you exhibit when you are with them. Good luck with that. My mom and step-dad are in their 80's and as brave a front as I put on, they were still pretty traumatized.

Take care.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joy
You are a dear and so blessed to still have living parents. As Diana said, your mother in law will most likely accept the news better in person and from you being so positive. Hope this month goes by quickly for you with all you are doing. You should have some peace of mind having your personal papers in order. Stay mentally prepared and soon it'll be behind you and you can tell us of your experiences.
Fran

Ken and I need to complete wills too but keep puttimg it off. Ken has a living will from his back surgery with Kaiser, but we should both complete new ones I'm sure.

I'm pleased to hear your mother is feeling better and you are home; however, I'm sure you are not lookimg forward to your trip to El Paso to tell Pete's mom about your upcoming surgery. Since you seem positive about your surgery, it will help her to cope with the news.

Be safe,


Diana

Hi Joy,

I assume that you are the Joy that signed my guestbook.

Wow, you have been through a great deal so far and I wish you all the best.

Obviously, I am not a Dr. and can only relate my experience but if you haven't researched this through and not gotten a second opinion, I would suggest you do.

When I had my aortic surgery two months ago at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Gillinov, I was unaware that my aortic root was small and needed to be repaired during surgery. I don't know if this is the same thing you have or something else.

As for you friend that passed, waiting is not an option. Being healthy before surgery is the key to success and faster recovery. I am surprised that she waited way beyond .7 for the surgery.

Again, every one is different and one cannot compare patients.

As a former New Mexican a good dose of green chile will go a long way to help you get through this.

Sandy