Love, The Kempners posted a note for Natalie that says:
Natalie. I'm so happy to read about your progress and how strong you've been through the process. We've been thinking about you non-stop since Mark shared what you were going through and what you were about to undergo (we only heard late in the game). Anyway, i wanted to be "Bill" for you and come up with something crazy or funny to write.....but on this one, I think I'll just leave it at we love you, are so happy and so relieved for you and your family. Much love, thoughts, prayers and support as you continue on with your recovery.
Jo Beckett posted a note for Natalie that says:
Hello Natalie, I am writing from the other side of the world, Sydney Australia. At the time your surgery was imminent I found this site after learning that my mitral valve will need repair in the next six months. Your amazing surgery, your amazing friends and family and learning of your progress as you recover keeps me coming back to check on your progress. The anxiety around my own impending surgery has been eased by your story. I wish you the very best of health.
Linda A Fennell posted a note for Natalie that says:
So very happy your home and God answered our prayers. I know Barbara is taking good care of you. Enjoy the 4th. Love you.Linda A Fennell
Cheryl posted a note for Natalie that says:
God Bless and "Happy 4th of July" ~ I've been following your story Natalie. You look amazing, GOD is so good. What a blessing to have the repair as well. Know you give me hope, and feeling your faith in the Lord makes for such a clam in reading your blog. Again, know you and your family are in my prayers. :-)
A fellow BAV w/aneurysm & Sister in Faith ~ Blessings <3
Cher
Wendy Jensen posted a note for Natalie that says:
Hello from CA! Wish we were there to help, but glad we were able to assist before and looking forward to whipping up some meals when we return!! You've been amazing to follow before and during this process. All you diligence, research and patience has been rewarded with success; congratulations! <3 Wendy
Barbara Sparkman posted a note for Natalie that says:
To bed--to bed to close our eyes.
Tomorrow--tomorrow maybe blue skies....
In between rain showers, Natalie walked two times outside on her front sidewalk. She has some really beatiful flowers planted to brighten her walk. Her appetite is returning slowly. We are so blessed with the tasty food dishes
Kelly Lee posted a note for Natalie that says:
Natalie, we have been praying for you every single day since we heard about your imminent surgery. I am enjoying the updates here and praising God with you! I can't wait to hear the other God moments! I am so thankful for your more-than-successful surgery, and we will continue to pray for you as you recover! I thank God for your faith & joy through this trial!
Anna Salter posted a note for Natalie that says:
Thank you for sharing. i am trying to find a patient who had a valve replaced. mother in law is in ICU, with the machine to help her breathe. We were caught off guard on what to expect. thank you again.
Kelly Cortez posted a note for Natalie that says:
Natalie,
So glad you're recovery is going well! I can certainly understand your "tears"... what an awesome gift to have YOUR valve repaired! And, yes, that was our prayer! Yea, God! What a good and gracious God we serve! Your CRHP sisters are praying for you! Much love, Kelly xxoo
Natalie Uebelacker Yes, I am taking one Aspirin per day and have been cleared to take Advil also. I would ask your MD on ... Read more
Natalie Uebelacker Yes, I am taking one Aspirin per day and have been cleared to take Advil also. I would ask your MD on Friday. What are you taking for pain? They wanted me on anti-inflammatory meds asap vs. pain meds. I couldn't tolerate Ultram or Toradol. Both made my nausea so bad I couldn't function and wasn't relieving the pain. Please let me know what you find out. Happy 4th!
On July 3, 2013...
Susan linnihan posted a note for Natalie that says:
So glad you are doing well. Thinking of you. Take care!
The linnihans
Kelly Spenard posted a note for Natalie that says:
This time last week you were anticipating, now you are recovering.
That has to be a good feeling.
No funny stuff, listen to the good Dr.and let yourself heal. It may be tough , but you are:)
Carol J. posted a note for Natalie that says:
May I ask waht the ground breaking procedure was? I have the same issues as you and I am curious. Glad to hear you are doing well.
Natalie Uebelacker Hi Carol, I can't give you detailed specifics but here's what I understand. Apparently my bicuspid va ... Read more
Natalie Uebelacker Hi Carol, I can't give you detailed specifics but here's what I understand. Apparently my bicuspid valve was a bit more abnormal than my Doctor originally thought. Because he knew I didn't want a mechanical valve due to taking Coumedin and he didn't want to put in a pig's valve because there wasn't anything wrong with my aortic root and the full valve replacement would unnecessarily replace the root, he opted for 190 minutes of some serious reconstruction of the valve leaflets. He then banded the valve with something they described as a purse string and lastly replaced the enlarged ascending aorta with a Dacron graft. Dr. Wolfe and his entire team are amazing. I'm sure that anyone would be glad to speak with you in more detail. Trust me I received a few raised eyebrows when I would tell people we were using Northeast Georgia Medical Center vs. Emory Hospital or St. Josephs here in Atlanta. It was all because of Dr. Wolfe. I don't know where you live, but I would definitely consult with him. I wish you much success and am happy to do anything to help.
On July 3, 2013...
Kathleen Tilley posted a note for Natalie that says:
So very happy that you are home!
Take care and go slow. You have so many little helpers and a wonderful husband.
All our love,
The Tilley
Michelle Tauber posted a note for Natalie that says:
I am so happy that you are home and hope you are resting more comfortably. Hard to imagine open heart surgery and then home in 5 days. Please rest at home as much as you can. Praying for you my friend!
Heather Odeh and family posted a note for Natalie that says:
I am so amazed you had open heart surgery a few days ago and you are already home! Truly a superwoman! But now you must learn to let your body heal! I remember getting those words of advice last summer when I had my hip replaced. Your body was broken in order to heal you and now you must. . .MUST . . .let the natural process of healing work. Remember 6 weeks to heal a broken wrist in a cast. Well you had a broken chest! Patience is a real virtue in this case. I am praying you are comfortable and all your family is taking great care of you. Take you time and heal. You will be back to "supermom" in no time! Hope I can see you next week when I return from North Carolina. In the mean time, rest, receive love, receive attention, and know we are praying for you all!
Susan Smith posted a note for Natalie that says:
So glad things have gone well. I grew up with your mom and dad and you and your family are in my prayers as you heal. You have a beautiful family.
Pat and Ed Santos posted a note for Natalie that says:
Dear Natalie and Mark, once again I will try to write a little note. I'm not real good in the world of electrons or spelling. We are so glad it's over and God has seen you through a most difficult time. Maybe it's better my note did not go thru the first time because now you are out of the woods. The kids are doing wonderful with Kathy and Don and you could not have found better caregivers in this world. I hope in the near future you can take a ride and see Beth and feel the wind in your face. Love to you both Pat and Ed
Mary Jean Ingebredtsen posted a note for Natalie that says:
So happy to hear Natalie is home! Count on continued prayer for her complete recovery!
Mary Jean
Steve and Martha smith posted a note for Natalie that says:
Dear Natalie and Mark,
Just got back from UK last night and am seeing all of the messages. I was shocked to hear about all of your surgery. I'm so glad that it went well and hope that you can get the pain managed well. We are praying for you, but we also live right across the street so please let us know how we can help out in any way. Dorothy is here and we are here to help in any way. We love you. Martha and steve
The Hopkins Family posted a note for Natalie that says:
So glad to hear everything went better than expected with the surgery. Recovery is always the hardest especially when you are a type A, perfectionist and I mean that as a compliment:) One day at a time Natalie! Blessings, The Hopkins Family
Grace posted a note for Natalie that says:
Thank you for the entries as even us that are far away feel like we are right there with you. You are in our hearts and much love is being sent your way. You are a warrior, Natalie! Stay strong and motor on!! You are amazing!!!
Barbara Sparkman posted a note for Natalie that says:
Right now...Natalie is propped up on this great big wedge pillow, pillow under her knees, buckwheat neck support, small squishy pillows under each arm.... hoping , just praying for a good night's rest at home un her own bed.. This has been some kind of ride beginning last Thursday, JUNE 29, 2013 to the present. ONE DAY AT A TIME. Tomorrow is a new day.
Kelly M cortez posted a note for Natalie that says:
Natalie,
You are in my thoughts and prayers every day! Keep up the good work...I know it's hard! Your CRHP are praying for you. Love, Kelly Cortez xo
On July 1, 2013...
Jill Hodges posted a note for Natalie that says:
Natalie, I had no idea until tonight you were going through this!! Wish I would have known sooner, so I could have been praying sooner for you, but sounds like you have had lots of prayer warriors and have been in good hands! So glad to hear you are on your road to recovery. Please keep us updated on ways we can help! Meals, errands, etc!! Would love to do something :)
Thinking of you!!!
Love,
Jill
Natalie Uebelacker Hi Jill, I've been meaning to write you for weeks. Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes ... Read more
Natalie Uebelacker Hi Jill, I've been meaning to write you for weeks. Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes and especially for the amazing get well bag Vanessa delivered. I have enjoyed everything...the bath salts, candle, gum, tic tacs, magazines, the book, body lotion, mixed nuts, etc. I thank you, Vanessa, Pam and Meredith for your generosity and thoughtfulness. My recovery continues as I'm 6 weeks post op. I still have a hurdles to leap but I'll be back up to speed soon. I hope your children have a great school year. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
On July 1, 2013...
Kahtleen Uebelacker posted a note for Natalie that says:
NATALIE YOU LOOK WONDERFUL.
THE CHILDREN CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AFTER AG ha ha
Love, Grammie
On July 1, 2013...
Cate Uebelacker posted a note for Natalie that says:
Saw the pics of you almost going home. Happy that I might be famous.Glad you are home. I miss Muffy. I love you.
Toodles,
Cate
On July 1, 2013...
Jamie Mogan posted a note for Natalie that says:
Glad you are going home. Take a little time off from being Wonder Woman!! Let the world wait on you for a change! At least for a little while!! Love ya.
On July 1, 2013...
Ginger posted a note for Natalie that says:
Way to go Natalie!!! So glad you are going home. Hang in there....each day will get better and in a few months you will be the one encouraging others along this path. God bless you dear friend!!
On July 1, 2013...
Stephanie & Jim Tramonte posted a note for Natalie that says:
Praise God! Natalie, you are a strong woman, both in body and spirit and this will serve you well. With Mark's love and support you will continue to make great progress.
We continue to pray for your recovery.
On July 1, 2013...
Aaron posted a note for Natalie that says:
AMEN!!!
On July 1, 2013...
Lisa Crosby posted a note for Natalie that says:
Great news! I am so happy for all of you!
On July 1, 2013...
Cuz Kelly posted a note for Natalie that says:
Mr. Wonder Women,
You have done a fantastic job with your journal entries, thanks so much.
Best of luck to you going Home Sweet Home !!
Mrs. Wonder Women,
You Rock, thats all.
Love ya,
On July 1, 2013...
Stephanie posted a note for Natalie that says:
My beautiful strong sister! You are doing a great job with your recovery(as with everyting you do)!! you look great! I know you are ready to get home- i can not wait to come over and be with you! I love you so much and see you soon! Stephanie
On July 1, 2013...
Jarrel posted a note for Natalie that says:
Love and prayers continue coming your way from the Reed clan in Coatopa. We love you so much.
On July 1, 2013...
Mary jean posted a note for Natalie that says:
Dear Natalie and family--
So happy to hear that everything is going so well!
Will keep you all in prayer
YSIC
Mary Jean
On July 1, 2013...
Lorelei posted a note for Natalie that says:
Yippee! See you soon!
On July 1, 2013...
Stacey Howley posted a note for Natalie that says:
Hi Natalie,
Thinking of you constantly. I'm so sorry you have been in so much pain. I pray that the pain will subside very soon and you will start feeling like yourself again. You will remain in my prayers!
Love,
Stacey
On June 30, 2013...
Brittany Lee posted a note for Natalie that says:
I'm so glad to hear the good news! The new meds will make all the difference, and help you to feel much better! Looking forward to seeing you in the morning before you're discharged.
Brittany, RN
On June 30, 2013...
Kathleen Tilley posted a note for Natalie that says:
So loved the picture of you and the kids.
So precious!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Keep up the wonderful recovery Natalie!
Love ya,
Kathleen, Chuck, Kyle & Leah
:-)
On June 30, 2013...
Debbie cross posted a note for Natalie that says:
Natalie, praying you are feeling better and home with your family soon!
On June 30, 2013...
Karen Gibson posted a note for Natalie that says:
"Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!!" Natalie and the kids look great. I'm sure Mark does, too. Recovery will take a while, I'm sure, but I hope and pray that each day finds you better and better. Keep that "Natalie Sunshine" glowing.
Love and prayers to you all.
On June 30, 2013...
Barbara Sparkman posted a note for Natalie that says:
Today was and up and down day for Natalie trying to figure out what meds she can take and how to control nausea. Hopefully tonight will be good and peaceful. When I learned today that she suffered so last night, I just cried for her. She and I knew that this would be more than tough, but this really hurt my sweet Natalie. She is so brave... ..maybe too brave at times. The meds are there to help her. Praying that she will be stronger each day. Who would have ever thought being TINY would work against you???
SWEET DREAMS NATALIE.. . ...
LOVE MOM
On June 30, 2013...
Beth Batten posted a note for Natalie that says:
I meant to sign my message LOVE, Beth, not LIVE, Beth 😊❤
On June 30, 2013...
Beth Batten posted a note for Natalie that says:
SO glad you are getting better pain meds and staying the extra night... smart move! I agree with Jeff H's message! Hope you are already getting some welcomed, much needed and deserved relief! Live, Beth
On June 30, 2013...
Michelle Tauber posted a note for Natalie that says:
I Hope that you are feeling better Natalie and that the meds are helping you too! I am glad that ya'll asked for something stronger for the pain. Anti-inflammatories are good, but you need something much stronger in these first few days post op.
Thinking of you and praying for your comfort! I am sorry that you are in so much pain!
Much love and hugs,
Mich