Hi Joy,

Thank you for the kind words on my Guestbook .. it is always nice to hear from others.

Having read through some of your postings .. it just melts me. I wish I could give you and everyone a giant hug!

Anytime you need an ear .. post away! :-)

Ray

Good morning Joy

Thanks for the message in my guestbook. Our doctor system here, while great in some aspects, leaves a lot to be desired in others. We have a severe doctor shortage (so many have gone to the States) that it is near impossible to change your general physician so you accept that and try and work around it. In Ontario we have thousands without a primary care physician so they use walk-in clinics. I use the walk-in clinics for colds etc. because it's quicker. My Warfarin was monitored through my GP. Little things crop us and when you can only ask one question at a time during your GP visit - that wasn't the top most in my mind after the surgery. Besides, I thought, in the end, all things are supervised by the cardiologist and I guess that wasn't the case either. I'm just glad to have one more crutch removed.

Now you are looking at next month so your time draws near. I'm glad you are so comfortable with your surgeon because without that, your fear would kick in.

Must be pretty hot there right now. How do you manage breathing and walking in the heat?

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joy,

Reading through your journal entries is very reassuring - so please keep on posting! :-)

I wish you the best in your upcoming date and thank you for posting the video .. !

Peace and Strength!

Ray
raywilliams_40@yahoo.com

Hi Joy
Thanks for the update. The link did work and it sure gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling to realize what a great humanitarian your surgeon is as I am sure there was no charge to this sweet girl's family. You will be in excellent hands. Just stay positive and being a Yogi I am sure that's easy for you to do.
Fran Z

Hi Joy

Thanks for sharing. How are you finding the wait? Are you getting anxious at all? Try and stay calm, especially as you read some of our journals that show some recoveries that are less than stellar. Just keep the focus on the fact that recovery does come one way or the other. We'll just pray it comes a little easier than some.

Cheryl, Ontario

I too am saddened to hear of your neighbor's death I have thought of you often and realized only this a.m. that I had not checked in on this site Forgive me I am still not used to computer communication Love to you and Pete B

Good Morning!

It must be some relief knowing your surgery date and exactly what the procedure/s will be. I thought perhaps your surgery date would be a little sooner, but I'm sure they know best.

You are a strong lady so I know your surgery will go well, and after a few weeks you will be back to yoga and wine tasting.

Thanks for the update, and I look forward to talking with you next week.

Have a great day,

Diana

Hi Joy
Sounds like you've got excellent doctors and so great they were able to explain it to you in ways you could understand. There are so many doctors who are skilled but not able to articulate well. Did he tell you that when it comes time to replace the tissue valve that they most likely will be replacing them with a catheter through the groin? They are already doing this procedure on seniors who are not candidates for open heart surgery. I got this info from my surgeon, Dr Gillinov of the Cleveland Clinic, so put that thought behind you. Hope the time goes by quickly for you. I had to wait almost 2 1/2 months, but gave me lots of time to learn as much as I could and prepare myself. With your yoga you have the advantage of knowing how to keep yourself calm. Have used the exercises you sent me a couple of times but need to be mote consistent in doing them. Thanks again.
Fran Z

Hi Joy

I'm glad your doctor was able to instill some confidence in you regarding the procedure you will undergo. You have lots of time to prepare yourself and that time will fly by.

Isn't it amazing at the advances made in heart surgeries? We are all so lucky.

Keeping you in my thoughts.

Cheryl, Ontario

Knowledge certainly relieves some of the stress being aware of what might be going on. Keep on the positive side and I know you'll do just fine. You have many people as a support group and I am thankful you have such a positive outlook. Kay L

Good Morning Joy,
Thank you for your kind words. I think I would be lost if it wasn't for my new friends here on HVJ.

Diana

I'm glad this test went well since your last one was so terrible. It will be interesting to find out the results of this test and what they will recommend.

Today is a beautiful day here in Aurora - probably the best this spring.

Take care, Joy,

Diana

Hi Joy

Glad you sailed through your tests. I pray you are happy with your results.

Cheryl, Ontario

Glad it was a piece of cake, Joy. Here's hoping there are no surprises with the results.
Fran Z

You are a brave soldier Joy !!!!

Yahooooooo - that part is done, overwith, caput - ohhh doesn't that feel great to be over an done with ! Now just one foot in front of the other - and before you know it - I'm gonna be calling you the Bi-onic Woman of 2010! You go girlfriend!

Still holding you in a space of comfort, ease, wholeness and Joy!

With love Christine Dawson from Sun City Gentle Yoga Class xoxoxoxoxox

Hi Joy,

The more I read in your journal the more I am amazed that you were able to survive all those years with GMAC considering the stress involved. You even managed to travel and live in hotels while you were auditing and deal with all those arrogant managers. Not sure I believe in angels, but I think in your case it's possible you have one on your shoulder.

I will watch for your update the first of next week.

Diana

Joy,
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you. I can certainly sub for your yoga class this summer if needed. I know that you will be back in class very soon with the students who love you so much.
Namaste,
Trudy Haas

Hello Joy

Just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. Your condition sounds complicated but I believe with faith and modern medicine you will be fine.

Love Deb W. in CO

Hi Joy

I can see from your journal posting that your different situation is posing a few extra challenges for your surgeon and I hope you can still try and keep a positive attitude as your go through more tests. While many of our surgeries are considered routine, we as individuals all pose some challenge as well as I'm sure hardly any two surgeries are exactly alike.

Heart surgeries have come so far so do try and keep that in mind. Worry will be with you until the day you recover enough to know you made it through but the trick is to keep your thoughts positive as possible. Fran is always recommending the cd's from the Cleveland Clinic and she's right in telling others of their calming value. If you can't come up with those then perhaps ask your doctor for something similar because they are a good idea.

I'll be looking forward to what you have to report after your CT angio. Good luck. Keeping you in my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joy,
Thank you for sharing your story. I will be keeping you in my prayers. I hope that all will go well for you and that much good will come out of this difficult time for you.

Sandra

Joy - thank you for updating us all on whats happening. Well - what I'm taking from this is that YOU my dear are here for a purpose - beating all the odds of the "norm" with someone who has what you have - and as I know - what I'm going through has a lesson - so ..... learn the lesson - and trust. Easier said than done - especially when I'm dealing with fear - I will envision you oh so happy and healthy - jumping up and down with your husband, full of appreciation and no cares each day during my prayer and meditation.

Big big hug Christine in sun city (namaste)

Hi Joy
We are blessed, we each have a Pete and yours sounds like a keeper as is mine. We will be married 50 years in October. When you have your surgery do you know yet where you will go? My surgery was at the Cleveland Clinic and it has been the #1 heart hospital for 15 years. My surgeon was Dr Gillinov (he did Robin Williams valve surgery last year). I could never do this hospital justice in raving about it. People come there from all over the world. If it is in your insurance plan, you might want to consider it. Any records, tests, etc that have been done can be sent to them for evaluation. Just my 2 cents. It's a scary time for both of you and hope you get some answers soon. Be happy to help in any way.
Fran Z

Hi Dear Friend,

I am so sorry to read about the loss of your friend, Joy, and I can imagine this news leaves you feeling very sad and anxious as well. I guess you heard about Barbara Walters who is having this surgery at the age of 80 so perhaps the results of her surgery will be more encouraging.

I can't tell you how often I think of you and Pete as well because I know how much he worries about you.

With Love,

Diana

Joy,
Dave and I send our thoughts to you and Pete. We look forward to your easy preparation and successful surgery. Thanks for sharing this with us. We miss the two of you.
Melinda

Dear Joy,

I am so sorry to hear about your heart valve problem, but I know that you are strong and determined and that, with Pete by your side, you will have the very best care. You have seen me through the most difficult times in my life and I am praying and thinking of you often. I love you, and though we don't get to see each other often, that love and friendship has not changed, nor will it ever.
Love, Paula

Joy, the unknown is always our biggest fear but I have faith that you have made the best decision to have the surgery sooner than later. Not only will you have your family and others praying for you, you also will have the whole Yoga community in your court and that is powerful! I am so glad you got a second opinion and feel you are in very good hands at this hospital. We'll all be with you all the way. Hugs, Kay

Dear Joy,

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your friend. I wish I could say something to make everything better. I have and will continue to know for you and your family a wonderful, safe, and easy operation with a complete recovery. Seeing you happy and healthy! With love, Christine from Sun City

Dear Joy
I am so sorry for your friend's family and for you, as you had a special relationship with this woman. We know we have no promises in life, but you know you need to go ahead with your surgery. You will have to be strong to get through this and with your yoga and meditation this should be beneficial to you as you prepare.I, and am sure others will be praying for you. Thanks for your message on my guestbook. I have already learned meditation as preparation for my surgery, but do believe the breathing exercises you mentioned would help me. My email address is fmzilko@embarqmail.com. Stay strong and focused, you will cry, but don't lose your determination .
Fran Z

Dear Joy,
My condolences to you on the loss of your friend. I am so sorry to hear that this happened. I can understand you being stunned because since I have joined this site everyone has made it through surgery. Some have had complications, but all have made it. I just want you to know I will be sending a prayer your way, filled with support.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

This is agreat idea and will be so helpful to hear from others'experiences With you BV

Joy,
I guess the upside is you are doing this while you are still relatively young. Won't be a day at the beach but better now than when you're 80. I'll be thinking of you and praying all goes will.
Linda

Hi Joy,
Just came across your journal, already you can see the benefit of having it as so many people have already responded. Apparently because overall you are so healthy your heart has compensated for its' deficiencies. My valve surgery was just this past March (new tissue mitral valve and tricuspid repair). I had been taking yoga for a year prior to the surgery and I do miss it. One of these days I will be able to get back to it. Keep us informed and ask any questions you want, there will be someone here to have an answer for you.
Fran Z

Hi Joy-Just wanted you to know I have been thinking about you.I miss your yoga classes. I miss all my friends in Texas.Ill keep you in my thoughts and prayers.Nancy in MA.

Hi Joy, this Journal is such a good idea. I'll greatly miss your input into my health on a twice weekly basis, but hope for your speedy recovery. Sharon Cassidy

Dear Joy~who would've ever thought the "limber lady" up on the front mat had this serious health problem going on?? Please know that we will all be watching and waiting to hear your very good prognosis after this very difficult time in your life is past...you'll be back on the motorcycle behind your handsome husband before you can blink an eye. Good Luck! YOU ARE THE BEST!
Gloria Brunner, Hugo, MN (Georgetown, TX in the winter ;-)

Joy, your resilience and open heartedness are so inspiring. I will hold a space of complete wholeness and healh for you and a knowingness for your husband that you are being taken care of completely. I miss your yoga class, I have been needing to attend some aqua classes so I'm been absent from your sun city classes lately. Namaste and lots of well wishes:-) Christine

Joy,

I had no idea you were going through this journey. I have missed you and the class and will be back in August. Take care. Prayers for a quick recovery and continued good health will be shared.

Becky Johnson

Hi Joy,
Thanks again for setting up your journal site. Your instructions worked perfectly and I've signed up for e-mail updates.
Christa

Hi Joy

Welcome to HVJ. Your cath ordeal wasn't a good introduction to what's to come but don't let that get you down. With your yoga background you should be well versed in the art of relaxation because my dear, you are going to need a huge heaping dose of knowing how to relax and wait.

You've been diagnosed and now you wait to hear what the doctors have figured out in dealing with your valve problem. The heart valve field is so advanced you'll be surprised at how expertly your surgery will be handled. The waiting is tough so it's a good thing you found Adam's journal site here. Information is power and the more you know, the more comfortable you should become in having confidence you will be healed fully.

I will be keeping a watch on your journey.

I had a mitral valve repair in Oct/09 and I am 61.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joy!

Your cath was really an ordeal. I hope you're feeling well now that's it's over.

I'm your age and am having my aortic valve replaced on May 20th. I have aortic stenosis/bicuspid valve. Never had a problem (other than a murmur) before January.

Welcome to HVJ . . . you'll find the people here are very helpful and supportive. And if you haven't read Adam's book, you should do so. It was very informative.

Ricki Shine