Hi Linda,

I am glad everything went so well and that you are so great so soon afterward. Keep it up!

Kellie

Linda,

I'm happy to hear you're doing well. I hated the glucose testing while I was in the hospital and was happy when my levels were consistently low so they could stop doing it! I hope you're off those meds soon! I, too, had to be put back on bypass (there was some bleeding) during my surgery. I didn't know until I read my surgery report in my discharge papers. By that time I thought it was pretty interesting.

You're doing great. Keep it up!!!
Ricki Shine

Hi Carol

Give my best to Linda. So glad to hear the surgery went well.

Cheryl, Ontario

Great news - thank you for updating us, Carol. Linda, I'm so glad to hear everything went well & that you got your wish - repair vs. replacement. Now on to the task of recovery. Take care, Joy

Linda,

Such wonderful news. You were in the hands of one of the most talented heart surgeons in the world. I am so happy for you that all is well, and it sounds like you are on a path to a speedy recovery. I know it helped that you went into this with such confidence. Keep up the walking and using your spirometer and you will be out of there in no time.

Best wishes,

Mark
Keller, TX

Good morning Linda and Carol
Thank you for the update. Have been praying the surgery would be successful and it has, 2 repairs, that's great. They are amazing at the Cleveland Clinic. Here's wishing an uncomplicated recovery.
Fran

Hello Linda - I'm so happy to know your doing well - What a feeling to be alive - Good luck and I know you could not have found a better place to have you surgery perform at then the CC.

Richard Volpe

Linda. I am so happy for you and offer prayers of joy. I will be in touch on Monday! I am planning to rest and recover here until Wednesday and then be on my way to St Louis Prayers have been answered! Paul Reiter

Hey girl!

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending you all good thoughts! Really, after a month, this surgery is totally a non-issue in my life! Hope it turns out the same for you! You are in the very best of hands!

Anne

Hi Linda,

So glad you finally have a date. Good luck! I will continue to keep track of your progess.

Kellie

Hi Linda. I hope it works out the way you want (repair vs. replacement) & wish you the very best on Friday. Enjoy those fried green tomatoes! Joy

dear Linda, thank you for your kind words - remember the fear is far worst then the reality- good luck and god bless.

Richard

My surgery is 5.15 tomorrow I would welcome your prayers. Paul Reiter My thoughts will be with you Friday

Wow, Linda, I don't think I've ever been anyone's hero! I have a whole new sense of responsibility now!!!

Will be thinking of you on Friday. They take great care of you in CICU and really, you won't remember all that much about the experience. Then you get to your room and those nurses are just great. I had Teresa during the day and, at night, Shirley (as in Shirley, Shirley, BoBirley, Banana Fanna...) Remember "The Name Game"? Shirley and I were lamenting that there is now an entire generation (or two) who will never know that charming song! This clever reference may be lost on anyone under 60!

Erik is kidding about me working...he knows it is a complete and total lost cause! My job now is to take care of four dogs, two cats and four inside birds along with tons of outside birds.

Keep positive!

Anne

Dear Linda,
Glad to hear you will be having your surgery so soon. The waiting is the hardest part. I think with your attitude, it will be smooth sailing.

It has been three weeks for me and I can't tell you how good I feel, how uneventful my recovery has been and how happy I am that it is DONE!!! It was far less of a big deal than I expected. My husband and I are amazed that I came home from Cleveland and life has pretty much been the same as before. He tells people that if they didn't know why I went to Cleveland, they would never be able to guess.

I truly hope you have the same results. Be positive and don't worry. You are in the best of hands!

Anne

Hi Linda
Great news, glad You could get it done next week--wow. No long waiting, that's super. You know that any cardio surgeon at the CC has to be the cream of the crop since they are the #1 heart hospital!I have you on my prayer list for the 13th.
Fran

Here's to the 13th, Linda. It will be a good day for you! Joy

Wow, that was fast!!! So glad to hear you are on your way to feeling better. Will be thinking of you.

Friday the 13th is a lucky day!!! You'll do great and be on the road to recovery!

(I'm having a mammogram that day . . . in some ways I'd rather be at the CC . . . at least you'll be asleep!)

I hope your experience will be as wonderful as mine was!

Ricki

Hi Linda. Sounds like you are feeling better now that you've visited CC & met Dr. Gillinov. I know I felt better once I met my surgeon & better again once I had a date. Congratulations on getting that step behind you & best wishes on what lies ahead. Take care, Joy Vera

Congratulations on finally geeting your CC work-up and meeting with Dr. Gillinov. I wouldn't worry if he can't do your surgery - EVERY surgeon there is excellent. My surgery was done by Dr. Sabik (who is the chair of the department) but if I hadn't had his name when I first contacted the CC, I would have gone with the luck of the draw and felt confident that I would be getting the best care.

You're on your way to feeling much better!

Ricki

Hi Linda
Have finally figured out that you spend half your time in Tucson (winter) and the rest in Cleveland? Weather wise seems like the best. Hope Dr G can work you into his schedule, if not be assured they are all excellent, since they are all on the staff of the #1 heart hospital. Keep us up to date.
Fran

Hi Linda,

I realized I did not sign my note on Saturday. Thoughts are with you on Tuesday! Ande and I leave for Cleveland on Wednesday and will start tests and meetings on Friday

Paul Reiter

Hi Linda,

Best of luck on Tuesday. I look forward to hearing how it went.

Kellie (MD)

Hi Linda
I'm glad you decided to go forward. Obviously it's time. Good luck Tuesday.

Cheryl, Ontario

Linda, best of luck on Tuesday. I'll be looking forward to reading how it went. Joy Vera

Hi Linda
Just read your post. Hope you get want you want as far as a repair, but please be prepared mentally if you're told you need a new valve. You have to be aware that sometimes repaired valves can be re-repaired down the road if need be, but usually it's to get a new valve. By the same token people live out their lives with a repaired valve. As far as healing, etc. don't believe there's a difference. Of course I'm probably not the best judge as I got a new valve and a repaired valve. Because of that I had a full sternotomy incision, 8". Never caused me a problem. Be calm and brave.
Fran

Hi Linda
Know your visit with my favorite heart surgeon is in a couple of days. Don't be nervous. As others have told you, he is wonderful. You will have a plan when you leave and you can go forward from there with confidence. Keep us up to fate.
Fran

Linda,
Thanks for sharing with me about your journey to Cleveland on August 3. My wife and I leave for Cleveland on the 4th. My procedures before surgery are on Friday and Monday, and my consult with Dr. Gillinov is on Tuesday. Surgery is on Wednesday, August 11. I will be happy to keep you posted on how it goes. My cardiologist in St. Louis referred me to Dr. Gillinov, who did his mother's heart valve surgery! I am reading, resting, and listening to the guided imagery. All will be well!

Hi Linda,

I would be happy to let you know my pulmonary pressure but I am not sure which number on my cardiologists report it would be. I pulled it out and will give you the info if you can enlighten me.

I went to see my primary care physician today and he was pretty impressed. The nurse asked me why I was there and I told her about my operation. She was stunned - first that I got out of the hospital in three days and second that I was moving like a normal civilian. My doctor pronounced my incisions to be looking great (knock on wood that this will continue!) and now I just have to go to the cardiologist in mid-August. I can't stress to you how good I feel. I am almost embarrassed to post to my journal about it because there is really no explanation.Certainly nothing I have done... I'd like people to know it is possible but don't want to build up false expectations on anyone's part. I certainly didn't have these results in mind. I expected to have the operation, feel like hell for a month and then get better. This far exceeds anything I planned for. All credit to my surgeon and the staff at CC!!!

Anne

Did you have to pay a consult fee to Cleveland? I saw on their website that it can be up to $700.00, not sure if that's right. Keep us posted what's going on.

Linda, Linda, Linda,

I went through the same thing you are about to go through on Aug 3rd a month ago. The best thing that ever happened to me on this crazy ride I've been on for the last year and a half was meeting Dr. Gillinov. I left the Cleveland Clinic feeling a 1000 times better. My insecurity, anxiety and fear levels dropped tremendously. I left there feeling like a new person. I am scheduled for surgery on Aug 6th with the legendary Dr. Gillinov. I will be there Aug 4th & 5th for pre-op testing and catherization. I did my homework and I put myself in the best hands possible. Thank god it is 2010. I am going to start my own journal in a day or two.

Best of luck,
Richard Volpe

Hi Linda,

I am Anne Shannon and have posted a couple of times over the past several weeks. Check up on it and ask me any questions you may have. I had aortic stenosis which, of course is a different problem but I hope for equally positive results for you!

Hi Linda,

I had surgery a week ago at Cleveland Clinic. They replaced my aortic valve. You couldn't be going to a better place. I know whatever they suggest will be what is best for you.

I went into my surgery with zero anxiety - I was in the right place with the right surgeon (Mihaljevic). I feel terrific at this point in time. One week out and I went to lunch with my good friend today. I walked under my own power and I doubt that anyone who saw me would have known my situation.

Anyway, I would certainly trust Dr. Gillinov. Cleveland Clinic is an amazing facility.

Hi Linda,

Thanks for signing my guestbook. I think my pulmonary pressure increased to 40??? I'm not sure but I could find out for you. In any case it dropped back down on my next echo so my Dr. has been a little more conservative with surgery recommendations.

Dr. Gillinov (Cleveland Clinic) wrote an article earlier this year that recommended mitral valve repair surgery for anyone with severe regurgitation and were asymptomatic otherwise. I think this has been a more proactive approach for cardiologists and has fostered alot of debate. So, I am not surprised to hear that surgery was recommended to you if you are experiencing regurgitation and increased pulmonary pressure. I think there are many cardiologists who would recommend surgery for patients experiencing two or more 'symptoms' including mine. Let me know how to get into touch with you if you'd like to chat more. My email is tomlinsonsd@aol.com. Take Care. Debby Tomlinson

Hi Linda
How long would you want to stay with your sister? Maybe you could make both of you happy with a the first few days with sister and then let hubby care for you? You, like me, are fortunate to have husbands who love and care for us.Obviously, ultimately it's a decision for each of you to make. Will be thinking of you.
Fran

Linda - Thank you for the well wishes. Take care and I'll be checking in with you soon.

Kellie

Hi Linda
We stayed at the Intercontinental Suites (one block from the hospital. Our 2 daughters were with us and we had a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, etc. So they brought cereal, juice, coffee etc and made breakfast. There is a shuttle to take you back and forth if you don't walk. We stayed there the night after my discharge and then my brother in law picked us up and drove us to his home (Wooster) where we stayed for 3 days before flying home. So, the car ride was an hour and it was fine. sat in the back and put my heart pillow between the shoulder harness and my chest. Didn't have to deal with more than 3 stairs getting in and out of his home. When I did get back home here in FL we don't have stairs. As far as length of walking, I walked round and around the house non stop for 10 minutes at a time and continued that after I got home. Did that 2-3 times a day. Hope I helped you. Just remember everyone is different in their healing process. I did do some walking outside until I got too short of breath and learned i had fluid in my lungs. If you've read my journal entries you may know that. Doesn't happen to everyone so plan on it not happening to you. What valve(s) will you have done?
Fran

Hi Linda. I think those were tears of relief when you received that package & finally had something firm scheduled. You were due a good cry & there's not one thing wrong with that. Once you (& I) get past our surgeries & recoveries, we'll be better than new. Thanks for the kind note in my guestbook - I appreciate it! Take care, Joy Vera

Hi Linda!

Not much longer til you get to Cleveland! That's great news.

I've found it hard not to over do . . . Before and after surgery. I forget that my body has limitations until it starts yelling at me. I think that's fairly normal. Just be sure to rest when it tells you you need it. Your family understands so don't feel like you're holding them back. Someday soon they'll have a hard time keeping up with you!

Let us know what Dr. Gillinov says.
Good luck!
Ricki

Hi Linda,

I'm glad to hear you're OK. I'm even happier you finally have a date!! I finally picked a valve and that seemed to help put me in a better frame of mind lately (my surgery is scheduled for this coming Tuesday). I wish you all the best and will be keeping track of you during my recovery.

God bless,
Kellie

Hi Linda
Sorry about your trip to NYC not going well. As mothers we probably want to protect our children from worrying, but you know what, they're going to worry anyway. As for the emotions I can sympathize. I was that way for a few weeks before my surgery and several weeks afterwards. Don't worry about it, just let your emotions out, it's much healthier. Only positive thoughts going your way. As I've said before, you'll be very pleased with Dr Gillinov. He's the best!
Fran

Hi Linda,
I'm from Scottsdale, AZ. I just had minimally invasive MV repair two weeks ago and I am doing amazingly well! I was orig scheduled at Cleveland Clinic, but 3 weeks out I became concerned about possible post-op complications and not having anyone locally to treat me. I found an
EXCELLENT surgeon right here in Scottsdale and would highly recommend that you also consult w/Dr. Michael Caskey,602-263-7600, www.swheartlung.com. My contact info is: lynnkolb@hotmail.com, 480-948-6899, if you would like to discuss this further.

Linda,

This is progress!! I hope you get to go up there soon, meet with Dr. Gillinov, and make a plan!

Let us know when you're going.
Ricki

Good Morning Linda
Good news, things are progressing. As you may know, the echo is probably the best non invasive test for heart function. You'll enjoy meeting him.
Fran

Hi Linda

I see you are going ahead sooner rather than later. Good to see you will be hooking up with Dr. Gillinov. Will be keeping an eye on your journal so watch your progress. Good luck.

Cheryl, Ontario

Happy 4th Linda
Just checking in to see if the DVDs got to Dr Gillinov and if you have a date yet? The waiting can be stressful, but once you have a definite date things will start to settle down as you await your surgery. Do as much as you can to learn info and how to relieve stress.
Keep us up to date.
Fran

Hi Linda,
Glad to hear your records have gone to Cleveland. My re-repair of my mitral valve was done at CC April 15th...so this Thursday I will be 11 weeks post op. I'm feeling good and my energy level keeps increasing. I'm back to almost everything I did before surgery....the grandkids will be flying in for 2 weeks 10 days from today and we'll see if I can keep the pace for "Camp Mimi and Pop-Pop" :) I'm riding my bike about 3.5 miles in the morning and walking about 1.5 miles. My shoulder has been acting up so have suspended my cardiac rehab for now but hope to go back.
My surgeon at CC was Tomislav Mihaljevic...he was wonderful in every way. I had always thought I would have Dr. Gillinov do my surgery but a friend had Dr. Mihaljevic last August and I researched him and then contacted his office. I also talked to my previous CC surgeon's asst. and she also highly recommended him. My previous surgeon was Dr. Cosgrove...the best of the best in 1998 and now CEO of CC.
When we met Dr. Mihaljevic he put us so at ease...he was so easy to talk to yet so professional and very gifted...he was able to re-repair my valve instead of replacing it. He was was the right surgeon for me.
I wish you the best!
We never know how many bumps in the road there will be after surgery. There were many bumps after my first surgery but I have been blessed this time...and I am so thankful! I think Adam's book and the HVJs have been so great because you go into surgery knowing there are certain things you may encounter...and you will make it through. After my first surgery, I felt I was the only person these things had ever happened to.
My best to you...
Blessings,
Carla

Hi Linda. Thanks for stopping by my guestbook. I'm expecting to be in the hospital 4 or 5 days. My doctor also told me I should be able to return to teaching yoga in 8 weeks, but I know from reading these journals that can vary significantly person to person. Time will tell but I am hopeful that he's right about that. I see your doctor's name a lot in this web site, always with positive comments, so I think you are in very good hands. Keep us up to date with your progress!

Take care, Joy Vera

Hi Linda. Good to hear the records are on the way at last. I also sought out a 2nd opinion & am following the advice of the second doctor which was to have the surgery sooner rather than waiting. I'm scheduled for 7/21. I'll look forward to reading about your progress. Best of luck to you.

Joy Vera