On March 24, 2013...
Sara and family,

The news sounds wonderful! I am 3-months post op and doing incredibly well. My father was operated on by Dr. McCarthy on February 26 and he is on the road to recovery. So, welcome to the other side!

Eric
On March 24, 2013...
To the little family that could, can and always will overcome the challenges that life throws at them, the Bloomfields. We are immensely happy to hear that you are positively progressing Sara. Thank you for being willing to share the experience with all in your life. Undergoing open heart surgery is brave but being vulnerable to sharing the granular details can require just the same amount of bravado. We hope to spend time with you and the family in the near future when you are up for the challenge of visiting with a wild one and her Brit bloke. Take care! Our prayers will continue ;-)
On March 24, 2013...
Hello Sarah, Matt, and Olivia, I had by bi-cuspid aortic valve replaced last year March 17 at Froedtert in Milwaukee. I have a bovine valve now. I lknew my surgery was inevitable (my stenosis was severe) but I was not having symptoms and was hoping to put it off as long as possible. I have children ages 22, 20, 18, and 16 year old twin boys. I know this sounds very old compared to Olivia but I hated to miss a moment of their lives. I was aiming for surgery in the summer or 2012. Between my oldest daughter's colege graduation in May and my sons football games in fall. Instead, I went to an appt. with my cardiologist(Dr Woods) and was admitted to Froedthert. Dr. Nikolosi(he's good) did my surgery on March 17. My husband spent the first night in the ICU by my side. March 18 was our Wedding anniversary. I I remember at one point he said "this kind of creepy!" Not how we had envisioned our 23ird Anniversary. It's been 1 year now and I feel great, probably better then I have in years( I think thatI didn't realize that I had been having symptoms). I know the aorta replacement makes it all more complicated, but open heart surgery IS open heart surgery! Cardiac rehab is a blessing. Don't be afraid to keep your pain controlled, it really helps you to keep moving. I was shocked by the pain but it really does get better everyday. I know it will be hard to keep up with Olivia but please let your family do all the lifting and chasing for 6 weeks so you can heal and stay healed. Lean on your family and give them the honor of caring for you. I feel your pain. A second surgery must have been a nightmare. Trying to moves with all tubes is bad enough but another surgery???? Home will feel so good! Please know I am praying for you and your family. My husband Greg is sending extra prayers Matt's way. You can do this and remember Olivia will fine with all the extra hugs she'll be getting for a few weeks. Julie Sokol
On March 24, 2013...
Sara,

You are an incredibly strong person, we are very thankful for your successful surgery and will pray for a quick recovery, The Cloud Family.
On March 23, 2013...
Blessings! You are doing great! This is a new beginning!
On March 23, 2013...
Congrats Sara, good to hear your up and around. Relieves some of my own fears as I wait for my turn.
Chandra
On March 23, 2013...
Sara and family,
Prayers and good wishes from this N.J. former HVJ patient. I have been following your journal, and I am so glad you are on the road to recovery. Will continue to send prayers and best wishes, Kate MV repair 5/12
On March 23, 2013...
She is amazing. I am so glad that she is up and around. The worst is really now over!!

Prayers are continuing,
Lisa
On March 23, 2013...
Hi, Sara. We've been thinking of you, Matt and Olivia often these past 2 weeks. So glad you are on the "other" side of surgery and your recuperation is going forward. Matt, good job temporarily taking over on the updates.
Kevin and Lissa Gorman
On March 23, 2013...
Wonderful, wonderful news! Keep up that BTuff attitude as it is certainly working! We continue to send AZ prayers, hugs and much love. Ron and Marilyn
On March 23, 2013...
What great news! Go Sara! Am glad to hear you are up and walking. Anne
On March 23, 2013...
Thank God, still praying for you Sara.
Sharon
On March 23, 2013...
Hi my friend, I an so sorry you had to go back into surgery after your long procedure. I have been so worried about you and am hoping to get an update soon. Praying for strength for you and Matt.
Sandy
On March 22, 2013...
Hi Matt
Rob and I are praying for a full and speedy recovery for Sara. . Gods plan for her is health and wholeness and to be back at home with her family. God bless you and keep you and Olivia.
Love
Rob and Susie
On March 22, 2013...
I will keep you and Sara in my prayers and hope that everything goes well from here on out. God bless you, Jean Trausch
On March 22, 2013...
You & your family have been on our minds constantly. Thank you so much for the updates! So glad you're on the road to recovery!

Much love!
The Cassidy-Bach's
On March 22, 2013...
HI Matt and Sara
I am sending positive vibes, love and my prayers from England. I really hope that the bleeding is under control now.

Sarah Kamminga
On March 22, 2013...
Hi that was a little scary. Hope all goes ok from here on out. Don't need those kind of problems going on. Will keep you all in my prayers and good luck to Sara and Bessie.
Don't let Bessie eat to much grass, maybe that was a little indigestion. Better days are coming. Gods speed to you.
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12
On March 22, 2013...
Hi Matt, Sounds like it was a rough night- am hoping bleeding is now under control. Anne
On March 22, 2013...
Matt, Sara and Baby O,
Hugs, Love and prayers....hopefully today is a good restful, uneventful day.

Sara, Daddy is keeping me in the loop, he is glad all is well. He and Mom are sending love, too.

Jan
On March 22, 2013...
Matt,
My prayers are with you and Sara. Sara has been on my mind very much and I continue to pray very much.
Sharon
On March 22, 2013...
Sara, I am praying for you. I, too, have mitral valve prolaspe and I am looking at the process of repair/replacement. Your journal will be my window and I am thankful to have the view. God is the 'Great Physician' and He will bring you through this. :)

In my prayers,

Becky
On March 22, 2013...
Matt, Sara and O,

Sending you love and hugs this morning! Sara, with your amazing family, friends and B. Tuff by your side you will be on the road to a speedy recovery in no time. Matt, please let us know if there is anything you need.

Love,
Lisa, Steve and Gracie
On March 22, 2013...
Matt,

My husband had some different things happen too. I had never been so scared. Everything turned out fine and he is doing great.

We are praying for you both!
Niki Dixon
On March 21, 2013...
Hi Sara and family, Happy to hear all is good. Welcome to the other side of the mountain. There is a lot of green grass here for Bessie to graze on. lol. Everyday will be a better one. So here is to a speedy recovery. Its a long one but a good and rewarding one. Life is good.
Linda H and Elsie ( Oh Elsie says Hi to Bessie) AVR 9/19/12
On March 21, 2013...
Absolutely fantastic news!!! Blessings to all of you! Praying for her incredibly fast recovery and for you Matt as her caregiver. God bless!

Bob and fam
On March 21, 2013...
So happy to hear the surgery went well. We are continuing prayers for all of you!

Sending love - The Vosslers
On March 21, 2013...
Hi Sara and Matt, Great to hear good news on how surgery is progressing. I can only imagine how eager Matt is to see Sara in ICU safely through OR. Please give Sara a big hug from me and greetings from everyone at Cure CMD. Anne
On March 21, 2013...
So glad that Sara is done with the surgery. I stopped a few times today to remember you all in prayer :) Take care Matt and tell her we all wish her a speedy recovery :) -Jean Trausch
On March 21, 2013...
Woooo-Whooooooooo!!!!

:)

Adam Pick
On March 21, 2013...
Came home on my lunch break specifically to check on Sara!! What great news. We will all now pray for a speedy recovery. The worst worry is over. Matt be sure to rest yourself. You have been through an ordeal also. Love and prayers to all. I have a reason to smile all day!!! So happy for you and your family.

Lisa
On March 21, 2013...
So glad to hear the surgery went well!! We are thinking about you guys and wish Sara a very speedy recovery. Please let us know if we can do anything to help!
xo,
Erica, Justin and Carter
On March 21, 2013...
Hi Matt, Thinking about you. I have been on your side as well as having the same surgery 6 months ago. Neither is no fun espically being on your side. My Dad and Daughter had OHS. It is the longest and hardest dayof your life , but she will be ok. Pretty soon she will be talking about Bessie. Good luck to you and hang in there it will be over pretty soon. I'll keep watching, God is good and he is their with Sara.
Inda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12
On March 21, 2013...
There are many of us thinking about you this day. I was thinking about you in the middle of the night and was praying for you then and now. Things will be over soon and you can get back to your beautiful family. Know that we will be with you in thought all day--you will never be out of my mind today. Hang "tough" little troll!!!
On March 20, 2013...
Prayers and good wishes going your way. I wll look for your updates.
Debbie A
BAVR 4/2/12
On March 20, 2013...
Dear Sara-
How can you go wrong with B. Tuff on your side! That is a great story! I will be keeping you in my prayers for a safe and successful surgery and speedy recovery. Remember---God is with you ALWAYS :)
God bless you and your family,
Jean Trausch
On March 20, 2013...
Love the story about B Tuff. I remember my daughter going through that stage with her troll dolls. I'm sure B Tuff will be helping through your recovery. Best to you.
Sylvia
On March 20, 2013...
Good luck tomorrow and "B Tuff"----
Will be thinking of you and wishing you the best!

Chris K
On March 20, 2013...
Sara,

You (and Dr. McCarthy) are going to do great!

Sending you healthy, heart-pumping thoughts from California.

Adam Pick
On March 20, 2013...
Hi Sara,

Everything is going to be just fine. I have the same diagnosis as you are and glad to received the healing and favor of God on me. I am 3 weeks post-op and recovering faster than supposed to be. I felt God's presence and peace before my surgery by memorizing Psalm 23:4 and a few Bible verses. "Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you where you go". Joshua 1:9
My prayers to you, your family, your Doctor and his staff.

"Numbers 6:24-26"

"3 John 1:2",
Mario M, Gilbert AZ
On March 20, 2013...
Hi Sara. wishing you the very best of luck for your surgery. i had my aortic valve replaced in nov 2011 , 3 months before my wedding ! the first few weeks were hard dont get me wrong but the memories fade quickly. your daughter is just beautiful. her smiling face will get you through the rough days .
take care
mary
On March 20, 2013...
Hi Sara,

Ryan and Heather shared your Journal with me. I had my Mitral Valve replacement 14 years ago, and I wished I would have had something like this. It is so helpful to know you are not alone in this journey. Although our surgeries may be different, I think the pre and post experience is probably similar. You will do great! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. By the way Olivia is adorable and due to your match making skills and my valve replacement I am now enjoying two beautiful grandchildren. Good luck tomorrow! Rebecca Vossler
Sara Bloomfield  Dear Rebecca,

I apologize for the delayed response. Thank you so much for the kind thoughts and pra ... Read more
On March 19, 2013...
Dear Sara,
We are thinking of you, sending much love and hugs your way and also to Matt and Olivia. Hoping all is well with you now so you can have your date on Thursday and Bessie can become part of you and join your wonderful family! Keeping all of you in our prayers. Ron and Marilyn
On March 19, 2013...
Sara,

I met my wife in Chicago!

You are going to do very well. Keep your positive attitude, it will serve you well.

Tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary. You're going to love this side.

You're in my prayers - stay postive, and be nice to the nurses!!

Chuck Holmgreen
AVR 3/2/2012
On March 19, 2013...
Sara, I just want you to know that you & your family are in my prayers. I am also a mom, of 2 young boys, and I am facing mitral valve surgery at some point in the not too distant future. I hope this blog is as helpful to you as it already has been for me. thank you for sharing your story. I wish you all the best for a complete and speedy recovery! ~ Laura
On March 19, 2013...
HI Sara, Just a note to tell you, you are in my prayers. I just got this web site from Tim. I will be thinking of you Thursday. Love, Nolene
On March 19, 2013...
hi sara, God will be with you. on the 21st when you go for surgery will be the same day i will be siing back my cardiologist to finalize the plans and see the surgeon we would pick after that meeting. God is good and I couldn't wait to read your very first journal post op...

my prayers,

nini
On March 19, 2013...
Hi Sara,
My surgery is tomorrow and I am just trying to remain calm and take care of last minute details today. Remember that we are all here for each other and your feelings are normal. Take care and I'll be checking on you as soon as I am able to.

Michelle Wanke
Sara Bloomfield  Hi Michelle - looks like we're a team in this! You're going to sail through tomorrow and pave the wa ... Read more
On March 19, 2013...
Sara,

I read your posts and I will be thinking of you. The best part about this site is that you can take so much comfort from the prayers and thoughts that you've received from everyone, what a great support group.

It is a roller coaster ride and one that most people would never want to get on. We can sympathize with how your feeling.

I'm almost 38 years old and was born with a congential heart defect called Aortic Stenosis, I have had 3 open heart surgeries. My last one was September 2006, this is my second mechanical St. Jude Aortic valve and also had my first aortic root replacement.

Your post is absolutely right, I was more worried about how my family was dealing with their emotions because I was 'sleeping'.

The MOST important sentence I kept in my head that had me released from the hospital in 4 days was ' I will push through any pain, cause I'm going home '. No matter how I felt I didn't let the pain take over me! Push the pain out and push forward!! Mind over pain and body! Trust me, you can do it! Get home to your family, husband, and daugther.

I will be thinking of you!!
Wendy
Sara Bloomfield  Wendy - that is great advice. Thank you. I am going to keep that in perspective every day following ... Read more
On March 19, 2013...
Hi Sara! Lauren just let me know about your surgery. I'm so sorry I didn't reach out sooner, if I had known I would have! If you need anything at all - someone to watch G, some (heart-healthy) food, anything at all, please let Jim and I know. Sending you lots of love and warm thoughts.
xo, Jennie & Jim
Sara Bloomfield  Thank you, Jennie! Appreciate my sweet neighbors so much.
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