Mary Ann, One of my patients just this week had a heart valve replacement since his last dental visit. After a successful recovery, he is most pleased that he can go cross-country skiing with his grandchildren, something he hasn't been able to do in years! He was pleasantly surprised at the amount of energy he has now! Best of everything to you! You are in our prayers. Bernie, George and Dennis
On May 6, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann,Happy mother's day week-end. Bernadetti and I are saying lots of prayers for you, we feel positive the surgery will go well and that you will feel energized. Luv Geo and Bernie.
On May 6, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann,
Just wanted to wish you well next week and you will be in my thoughts and prayers before, during, and after.
Best wishes,
An old classmate, Agnes (Faidiga)Fabian
afabian@bresnan.net
On May 5, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann, Kay and I are praying for your quick recovery. This journal is a wonderful way to keep everyone informed and in touch with you. Thanks so much for letting us know about it.
Everyone here is doing well - Kay quit working at the Landscaping firm two weeks ago and has been enjoying thinking up new landscaping jobs for me.
Love to all
Nick & Kay
On May 5, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann, I just received your Journal from Dee. You are in my prayers and I know you will do great during and after your surgery.
My younger sister, Pat, had open heart surgery 3 years ago come June and she had a valve replaced with a cow valve. She is doing great. My younger brother, John, had open heart surgery this past October and had a valve and heart repair and he is doing great and back to work.
Take one day at a time, and then therapy will help too. Just have patients.
Irene Green
On May 5, 2010...
Good Morning Mary Ann
What an experience for you. This Reikii practicioner was excellent, especially praying with you. You will probably will think about using him after surgery as you heal. I never thought about post op depression before my surgery in March. But I did have a few concerns about "pump head syndrome", but was reassured by my surgeon that it is very rare, so put it out of my mind. Only positive thoughts going forward. Your grandson sounds delightful and wise! Enjoy your weekend.
Fran Z
On May 4, 2010...
Hugs & Prayers
I would love to be there to chat over tea with you. Then discuss your latest book read.
Remember, you probably have a highly skilled video gamer performing your sugery. His sucess on you is guaranteed. All you need to do is keep your muscles relaxed and get comfortable. I'm sending you my energy.
LOVE YOU......Jean Manion
On May 4, 2010...
Mary Ann,
This online journal should be an important part of your passage. My Mark had a Caring Bridge Journal, and it was a vital link to him. What a wonderful idea this is, the computer drawing everyone together. We're thinking of you and wishing you strength. Carolyn and Bill Geyer
On May 4, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann, I am so glad you set up this link so we all can follow your progress. Living so far away and having no other contact with our cousins except through Facebook, it will be great to read their comments to you also.
Of course you will be in my prayers through out the course of your surgery and recovery. Prayer is such a powerful tool God has given us. I know He will be at your side the whole time.God Bless.
Kay (Deaver) Lutjemeyer
On May 4, 2010...
Hi again Mary Ann,
Neat site. My dad did have some depression after his damaging heart attack at age 54 but one advantage you will have is the season. Find a sunny window to soak in the warm rays (light therapy) and then when able, take walks outside in your lovely neighborhood. How much easier it will be to step outside when it's not winter. It will be helpful, also, if Gene can find enough books or books on tape for you! You are going to feel great relief when surgery is behind you so the recovery should go well.
Angie O.
On May 4, 2010...
Dearest Mary Ann,
My brother Patrick just sent me your link. I can't believe this can be happening to you, but we don't always get to pick the path ahead, do we?
Arvin and I are sending hugs, kisses, prayers and healing thoughts from South Carolina tonight and will continue through all that is ahead of you. And I know my mom, Loraine, (who has even more pull than I ever did on earth or in heaven) and she will be there with you every step of the way.
Sending you energy for the week ahead and envisioning the white light of healing for your journey, Mary Ann...
You are loved.
Kay Fox Raheja and family
PS... Some family news. You met my mom's sister-in-law, Jane Scott. Well, she had her 85th birthday this year and this coming weekend she is getting married!!! It will be a big Irish celebration of a wedding in Maryland and we will be dancing Irish jigs in your honor to stir up the positive energy in this universe to carry you through. Thinking of you with so much love...
On May 3, 2010...
Hey Roomie, the only problem I see with your surgery is when the surgeons discover what a large and generous heart you have!
Cancer supposedly causes depression as well BUT when you realize the surgery is over and successful,many prayers have gone your way, you are still loved by family and freinds, the sun will rise again all of the tomorrows, your dog will welcome you home with a big kiss,and you will always look at the glass "half full" you will conquer the depression and Thank God for all of His blessings.
love and prayers, mary t.
On May 3, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann!
Mom sent me your journal link and I wanted you to know that we are holding good thoughts for you. We will be checking your website for updates and wish you the best.
With love,
Karen, Rick, Allison and Alex
On May 3, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann
Being prepared is good but don't go looking for trouble such as the depression aspect. Take your recovery one day at a time and write in your journal if you need support. You will find many of us are following your journey and we'd like to hear from you no matter how you are feeling. You can share your thoughts here and there will be someone who has been through that and there will be help in finding your way out.
Pretty much everyone just gets hit upside the head when it comes to the recovery grind. We all must think we are superhuman and listening to the others here when they don't see the quick improvements or experience set-backs, you will see why depression could set in.
Keep a positive attitude. You'll be fine. And another day down.
Cheryl, Ontario
On May 3, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann!
Welcome to HVJ! I'm having an aortic valve replacement on May 20th and have found the people here so helpful and supportive. They've answered many of my questions and helped me feel more at peace with what will happen during and after surgery.
I'm also worried about post-surgical depression. I'm not a person prone to depression but I am someone who likes to be in control (of myself and what's happening to me) and I worry that if I don't progess as quickly as I'd like, I might get depressed. BUT, I'm trying to concentrate on being a patient patient and I've already talked to my cardio about starting rehab as soon as possible after surgery. And if I get depressed, I'll deal with it.
Good luck with your surgery!
Ricki Shine
On May 3, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann,
Glad things are progressing smoothly. I know this is a stressful time for you trying to get everything in order before your surgery. Remember that we are all here for you and we are all willing to lend you our shoulder to cry on when you feel the normal depression after heart surgery. God will be there also.
Love, Jeanie (mjk1941@yahoo.com)
On May 3, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann
Yes, the HVJ is a wonderful tool for keeping friends, family and others updated, We all thank Adam for this. The way to reach people on the journal is to click on "Journal Central" and there is a box to put in a name, that name will then bring up that person's journal on your screen. You can then decide to get their updates or send them a message or just read about them. Hope this has helped.
Fran Z
On May 2, 2010...
How nice to be able to keep family and friends updated. You will and already are in our prayers. I pray your surgery goes smoothly. God's Blessings.
Roberta and Roger
On May 1, 2010...
Thanks for including me in your list... My thoughts and prayers are with you for a strong, fast recovery. love & prayers,
marian
On May 1, 2010...
HI MARY ANN MARY LOU SENT ME YOUR E MAIL I FEEL YOUR CONCERN AND AM PUTTING YOU ON MY PRAYER LIST RIGHT NOW AND WILL CONTINUE UNTILL ALL IS WELL I FEEL GOD HAS YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND AND WILL BE RIGHT THERE WITH YOU I WILL BE FOLLOWING YOUR PROGRESS LOVE IN THE NAME OF JESUS LOU AND JAN COZZA
On May 1, 2010...
Mary Ann, So sorry to hear about your heart valve problems. Of Course we will and already have started praying for you. Much Aloha, Dee & Gary Timlin
On April 30, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann! Dick forwarded your page and I am
thankful for the chance to tell you that you and
your whole family are in my prayers and thoughts!
It sounds like all of your preparations are leading
you to the best of the best and giving you a positive
outlook for a full recovery! What a gracious lady
you are! I wish you the best! Will look for updates!
Colleen Wallin
On April 30, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann:
So glad to know we'll be able to share this experience with you! You and Gene will be in my prayers every day!
With my love
Connie
On April 30, 2010...
Hello, Mary Ann,
I was thankful for Mary informing me of your journal. At first I thought this was a technical test for us old timers but then realized you did a really great job with this journal.
God gave you the biggest heart for some reason and now we know why. Robotic surgery works well on big hearts. Can only imagine your mental therapeutics in accepting the diagnosis without symptoms. Again, you are to be commended for great work there. You have been on my prayer list for some time now and He listens real well. We are out here for you.
Love ya,
Linda Reske
On April 30, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann,
I'm so glad that Mary Taylor sent this on to me. It's a marvelous way to keep in touch. You are in my prayers also.
Just an FYI, my husband Lee, was confirmed in the Catholic Faith at Holy Saturday Mass. He's been going with me to Mass for the past 2 years and I guess after 46 years of being married to me he finally decided to join me.
Our 50th Nursing Class reunion will be in 2012 so in your spare time that you'll have during recovery, let me know your thoughts on what we should do.
Love, Jeanie Knudtson
On April 30, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann, am signing in as requested. These golden years are just more fun that any of us need. Please know that I will be praying for you, I know that the Good Lord will be by your side. We'll see you at the 50th.
Flo (Kerber) Vos
On April 30, 2010...
Hey old roomie, signed up as instructed. Will fwd this to other classmates, know that St, Joe's gang is praying and sending our love. You and I will dance a jig at the 50th. My nine month CTScan is "neg. for tumor"!!! The prayers do work.
love, mary
On April 30, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann
I had a mitral valve repair in Oct/09 and am 61. Just want to give you some support and assure you, all will be well when you are done. If you have read some of the journals here you'll see we don't all get off the table and start jogging but with time and patience you will heal and be back to enjoying your very large family. You aren't done yet! A good mental attitude will go a long ways in helping you take this journey. It's really not all that bad.
Cheryl, Ontario
On April 30, 2010...
Aunt Anne will be praying and my fingers are crossed, journal is a great idea, love, Kathy
On April 30, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann,
I had mitral repair surgery March 2 through an incision under my right breast. My surgery and recovery have gone very well. I am starting cardio rehab and feeling very good...more energy etc. You really do not feel the difference until after you start to recover...and then you say wow I can not believe how much better I feel. Good luck and read all the journals you can...they do help.
Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ
On April 30, 2010...
What a good idea to have a web site. Good luck with your surgery next week - you are in my prayers for a speedy recovery. My sister in law in Seattle had the surgery about 3 years ago and it was successful.
Love,
Betsy and Bob
On April 30, 2010...
I am so glad you have this web site. It will be easy to keep track of what you are going through. We are already praying for you and hoping all will go smoothly. We will be praying for the surgeon and the operating team also. I look forward to helping you out after you return home.
Much love,
Sharon and Roger
On April 30, 2010...
Hey Mary Ann,
Are you having the minimally invasive surgery where they go in on the right side? I just had my mitral valve repaired that way on April 8th,2010. It is 3 weeks post op and my surgeon said I was ahead of the game! I feel better every day. I start rehab next week.
I am 36yrs old and have two children, 5,2 that I am chasing after already!
I will keep you in my prayers, know that God will be with you!
Melany Strader, NC
On April 30, 2010...
What a wonderful way to share your experience. You can be sure we will be praying for you and thinking about you as you go through this. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do. Love, Marleen
On April 30, 2010...
Hi Mary Ann
Looks like I'm the first to write to you. I am 70 and had a new mitral valve (bovine) ans tricuspid repair last month at the Cleveland Clinic. I had 2 1/2 month wait and it gave me lots of time to be prepared. Seems you're doing the same thing. Knowledge helps to lessen fear. Reading Adam's book ,logging onto the HVJ and rallying your support group will definitely help you prepare. Ask all the questions you want, there is someone who can help.
Fran Z