Hi Karen,
You 'sound' perkier today..that's good. Too bad you're not in the step down yet,you must need it, otherwise they wouldn't keep you there.
Hope you continue to improve and get some decent food!
Where's our budding author today?

Nancy B

Hi Karen, day 3 yay!
Before you know it it will be week 1, hang in there.

Patricia De Leon.

Karen and Matt, I hope you are having a better day today. I found ICU to be very loud and was not able to sleep at all while in there. It was better in the step down unit, very quiet (almost eerily so) BUT they still check on you, work on you so often that you don't get uninterrupted sleep. It will get better...I promise! Hang in there...soon you will be in your own home sweet home.

Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

Hi Matt and Karen,
It's hard to sleep when the nurses are always coming in to check on you and turning the lights on, you might just have to ignore them and keep your room dark and quite, that might help you get some rest, glad to hear they are giving you medication to help you.
You will get better, keep that in mind.


Patricia De Leon.

Karen, you are in my thoughts.

- Steven Dean

Hi Karen and Matt!
Sounds like they're taking good care of you in Hartford.
Let meknow if you need anything or I can help in anyway. I'm off work tomorrow too.
It will be one week tomorrow until its my turn.
Look forward to hearing tomorrow that you had a good day and got lots of rest.

Nancy B

Hi Karen, Glad to see all is going well. That was pretty good typing while falling asleep.lol. You take care and get better. The work has just begun in a good way of course. Good luck to you and prayers are out there for you and yours.
For the long haul
Linda H

Great updates! It gives me a peak at what is to come in two weeks. Knowledge is one of our best weapons.
Be good and do what the nurses say!
Joanie D

Hello Matt and Karen,
I look forward to your updates and am thinking of you as well as my Mom. This is tough stuff! Mom spent her 3rd night in ICU last night but they hope to move her today. She had her first walk yesterday and she called me herself. I thought I'd faint just hearing her voice. :-) The toughest part is blowing in the little thing for your lungs. Mom is having a tough time with that but trying hard. You are in the best place right now Karen, can't beat the attention in ICU! Much love and prayers for you and your family ?
glenda H.

Hi Karen and family,
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Take it one hour at a time. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Kate Rooney

Nice to hear from you personally Karen even though it was a struggle for you to type!

Just focus your energies on following your instructions so you can make a rapid transition to your home.

Karen - so glad to see you felt well enought to type a message to us. I am praying for you as you face the challenges of recover. Take care and God keep you in His care. Denise K

Karen, I can't believe you just typed that!!!!
I'm laughing my head off right now at your gumption!!
I'm so happy to hear you were repaired and that you are doing well. Keep up the good work.
Matty, you'd better take over typing for Mom, I don't think she's quite ready!!

Nancy B

Glad to hear surgery went well! The next couple days are going to be tough, but you are strong and you can do it! Matty is doing a good job updating us! My prayers are with all of you.
Holly P

Matty,
You make me wish I was a publisher! Good job! Thinking of your Mom and hope she's doing better all the time.
...Vicki (HVJ)

My Mom JoAnn, who I mentioned yesterday had her surgery the day before karen. She has the low blood pressure too. I'm waiting on a phone call right now....thinking of all of you. Mom is in Duluth Minnesota.
Sincerely,
glenda

I love the idea of the presents for the loved ones. I am going to have to do that. I am looking forward to each post, as you will give a peak of what is to come in two weeks. Wishing you an easy and speedy recovery! Great job Matt!

Hope all is going well in recovery Karen. Can't wait to read the next update from Matty. He is doing an awesome job. Will be keeping you guys in our prayers!

-Thomas H

Matty & family,
Thank you for the info on your mom, We are all glad to know everything went well. Your mom is very proud of the little man you've become! As I had said last night, by the same time tomorrow your mom will be onto the road to recovery! It was a long trying day for all of you, but all of you made it through!! Love to all- Lynne, Paci & family

Thanks for the update Karen's son!
What a wonderful family you all are, am sure your mom will make a fantastic recovery :)

Looking forward to your updates,

Patricia De Leon.

P.S. those typos are caused by nervous anxiety! ;-)
It's tough on those that wait....and wait......for news.....hang in there family!
~glenda ?

Hello to Karen's Son and Karen!
I woke up this mrong and the first thing I did was pray and watch the clock thinkinf of Karen. My Mom had her heart valve replacement and by pass yesterday. I have been on pins and needles for every word about her. I live out of State and my Sister is with Mom. My turn is after Mom gets home. Mom's surgery went very well. She is still in ICU and they plan on keeping her there a second night. She is 77, probably makes a big difference. Keeping your Mom in my prayers......?
~glenda

Matty - You are the MAN! Thank you so much for keeping us informed, sounds like you could have a future as a writer. Our prayers continue and our thoughts from all of us here at Jacobs Vehicle. Love to your Mom, Elissa

Matty,
Thanks so much for the update. I'm so glad your mom is doing well. Were they able to REPAIR , not REPLACE the valve?

How old are you? By your picture, I thought you were about 12 or so....but you write pretty darn good for a kid! :)

Hang in there! Give your mom our best when you have the chance.

Nancy B

MATT...thank you for the update!!! It's MUCH appreciated. I had no doubt your mom would be strong. She's a very strong woman! I read her journal about her getting you guys gifts, to "pass the time" while you were all waiting. I thought to myself, "it figures!!!" Only because that's the kind of person she is-loving, kind, thoughtful, thinking of others before even herself, sometimes! Anyway me and Chris will come see you all next week, when your mom is feeling up to it. You're all so strong, by the way, being there the way you have, you're her rock! Please let her know I'm thinking of her. And I love you all very much!!!

Thinking of you this morning! There are a whole lot of folks out here rooting for you.
Selma

Karen,
I know you are in surgery right now and I am saying prayers for you. I can't wait to hear how you breezed through!
Kerry T

Karen, you will be covered in prayers, you will ace this and loving the view from the other side of this mountain! Keep us posted on your recovery!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

You go girl!
It's almost 7:30 here in CT...I'll be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts throuout the morning.

Nancy B

Karen, I am facing pulmonary valve surgery on June 8th. Today I discovered your Journal. Many of you entries speak to me. I am anxious to hear/read all about your recovery. Wishing you a easy and speedy recovery. Sincerely, Joanie
http://info.heartwaves.org/?Author=Joanie+Dorsey

Be confident that all is going to be ok, you are strong and have lots of support from loving family and friends.

Sending prayers your way,

Patricia D.L.

Karen,
We are thinking of you and your family and definetly will be in my prayers tonight and tomorrow all day, I am confident all will go smooth. By this time tomorrow your on the road to recovery!!Love to you all,
Lynne T

Karen - good luck to you! We'll be thinking of you in the morning.

- Steve and Gloria

Karen, you will do just fine. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong, take deep breaths, walk as soon as you can, and choose the chair instead of the bed!!!
Holly P

Hi, Karen--
Waving at you from the other side of the mountain. I'll save a space for you over here. Wishing you the very best of luck tomorrow. Can't wait for your updates.
Selma

Hey Karen, I want to wish you good luck on your day to go to the otherside of the mountain. You will be fine and do great. I will say a prayer for you along with all of the rest. Oh and cute toes. That is a cute idea.

For the long haul
Linda H

Karen, Jim from Stratford CT again. Good luck tomorrow I will say a prayer for you and your family and I am sure all will be great. My odds going in were 80 per cent on a repair of my mitral valve and the surgeon was successful so no replacement was needed. I saw my Dr Wednesday and was told one more week before driving, I can't wait He also told me OK to step up my walking. Your rehab will start in 2 days! Getting out of bed for the first time is step one. Good luck and a speedy recovery. God bless you and your family. Jim

Hi Karen.

Just keep thinking positive thoughts and you will on the other side recovering before you know it.

Many others have done it and are thriving.

Take care,

Jerry Vernhout

Hi Karen,

Wishing you all the best for a successful surgery and speedy recovery! We will be cheering for you and your experience and journal will be an inspiration to folks like me (especially moms with kids) to go through this in future.

Positive thoughts and hugs!
N

Hi Karen,
Great toes! What a creative idea!
Hope you're doing well. Hang in there..you're in the home stretch.

Nancy B

Dear Godchild, I am so happy to read your messages. Your outlook is uplifting for those of us who are praying for you. More each day from this end.
Love you much,
A. G.

Hi, Karen --Ooooh, it's getting close now. I think you're wise to pack light for the hospital. I never used anything I brought, not even the pajamas. There were just so many things hanging off of me, it seemed easier somehow to just use the 2 robes. You might want to pack a little skin cream and some lip balm, maybe a hard candy or two. I was SO dry after my surgery -- it took a while for the sore throat from the intubation to go away and my lips are still a bit chapped. Once we're all better, I think we should arrange a "northeast meet-up" for the Woodstock/Connecticut contingent. If you have any last minute questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me:
selma@wamc.org
You have a super family and wonderful support system. Just keep on the sunny side, as the Carter Family used to sing, and you'll do great!!!
Selma

Karen - You are just taking care of everything and everyone, like your son and husband to keep them occupied during your surgery. Wow what a gal. Can't wait to see those toenails. Do take a picture to share with us. Looking forward to wonderful outcome emails from your family. You're a strong woman and I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers each and every day. You have a vacation to look forward to, so wishing you a speedy recovery, Elissa

Hi Karen,
I had mitral & tricuspid valve repair surgery on February 10th after being diagnosed with severe mitral regurgitation. I had the surgery on Friday and was released from the hospital on Monday. I only missed two weeks of work. I feel great now and am back to doing everything I want to do. The hardest part was leading up to the surgery- I understand your concern. My advice is to be as positive as you can and push yourself within reason to get active as soon as possible after surgery. You can do it!
Gary D

Karen,

Sending good vibes your way.. It will be over before you know it.

Trent V

Hi Karen -- my name is Angela and I live in Virginia. I had my aortic valve replaced in October 2011...all is great now! I had no clue that I was "sick". A congenital defect that decided to clue me in at 49. I just had my 50th bday celebration! You will be amazed how much better you will feel -- this is a new journey in life and I appreciate it so much more. You are going to be just fine -- keep your faith and keep on tickin'! God bless!

Hi Karen, just thinking of you. Best wishes to you on Friday; I hope all goes well. I apologize I haven't gotten in touch; still getting settled back home. My advice to you is to have as much physical support with you at the hospital- I really did better with family or friends holding my hand or even simply napping off in the corner of the room- having someone simply "there" made a difference. You will do great! Kate R

Hi Karen, I had a mitral valve repair exactly 2 weeks ago from today. The hardest part was the waiting, what you are going through now. I also live in Connecticut (Stratford ) and was able to enjoy the great weekend also. I am walking, gardening and shopping with no problems on my recovery at all. Before you know it the waiting and the surgery will be only a memory and your life will slowly return to normal. The ice chips in the ICU and seeing your family are the only part of the day worth remembering. All the best, Jim

Hi Karen, I just joined the site and I'm scheduled for surgery in mid-july (aortic aneurysm). I'll be thinking of you all this week and sending positive thoughts your way. Remember, it's okay (and healthy even) to express your emotions through all of this, both good and bad. Whatever you feel at any given time is okay. Glad you are surrounded by such great friends and family.

Summer

Karen - Thinking of you each day and so glad you had a relaxing week-end. Have you ever entertainied the thought of doing Reiki? Very relaxing and I was not a believer until I did it myself. I do know someone who is great at it if you want to give it a try. Warm thoughts coming your way, Elissa