Yeah, I can imagine....
You need to find a way to occupy your mind. Do you need to give a pre op blood donation?
Nancy B
On April 9, 2012...
Hi Selma
It's true...the wait is tough. I scheduled 3 weeks ago and I'm having my surgery next Tuesday the 17th so a 4 week wait for me. I just keep checking in on the HVJ and reading the post-op stories as well to see how others experiences have been and it keeps me positive knowing I'll soon be on the other side. Best of luck to you. You will be in great hands!
On April 9, 2012...
Patience grasshopper! I'm showing my age and I'm hoping you get my reference. It will be here before you know it and I hope you get that view of Central Park! :o) I'm not sure how I ranked, but I DID get a view of the Park and I think my room mate was a little envious because she told my sister, "I was supposed have gotten the window". Yikes! Oh well. We turned out to be fast friends once she figured out I was a pretty ideal roommate. I didn't whine and my friends/family were very friendly and I usually changed my TV station to whatever station she was on, for the sake of harmony. Most of the time, she was watching things I would have watched anyway. Ha ha.
Before you know it, it'll be May and you'll be on your way! Stay strong! He he he. Lily
On March 30, 2012...
Hey lady. - good to see you posting fun stuff. In talking with a friend of mine ( who else do we talk with) he reminded me that such a large percent of folks who go thu this make it thru great. It's such a routine procedure. ( yes serious- but routine). We prob could. DIY. Not !
Doing great on this end & u will too. Go have a great weekend.
Best. Nancy Friedman. ( hi Stewart)
On March 30, 2012...
Hey Selma, hang in there and love your posts very uplifting. We're gonna get through this just like the others but the waiting is the hardest part at least that's what I hear....:))
Cindy P.
Selma Kaplan Thanks, Cindy. Yep, we're gonna do fine.
On March 29, 2012...
Great post Selma. I agree, when I was pre-surgery, I loved all the post surgery posts. It was SO encouraging to read them. So glad you joined and are posting often. Good luck to you.
-Mitch Friedman
On March 29, 2012...
Oops. Forgot to put my name. The last post was from me, Lily Cardlin.
On March 29, 2012...
Hi Selma, Glad to hear you have a date with Dr. Adams and you'll be getting your ticker fixed too!
On March 28, 2012...
You are being very Zen. Gonna do great. -- DVB
On March 28, 2012...
Selma,
You're doing things right. Live vicariously through those of us before you. It worked wonders for me.
What I read, I experienced. If I didn't read it, I didn't experience.
The fear of the unknown was taken away by our fellow Valvers.
Chuck Holmgreen
3/20
On March 28, 2012...
Selma,
If you need a pillow etc under your knees to be comfortable I am sure the nurses in the OR prep, where you could be waiting for an hour or more, can oblige. They may have to remove it in the OR but then you will be under and nothing will hurt. When you wake up in ICU you will still have enough anaesthetic in you to be fine until you get a chance to remind them about the pillow. Once in a regular hospital bed, the knees can be raised to whatever angle is most comfortable. You are going to do fine!
Vicki Pierson, mitral valve repair, June 2011
On March 28, 2012...
I think worrying just get old after a while. Once all the decisions and preparation is done all you can do is wait.
Information is good, but too much can be overwhelming. I always end up reading the same stuff over and over again.
It old myself I was going to take on the project of painting and redecorating my bedroom while I waited. It's something I've been putting off for a long time and I thought it would be nice to come home to a new room (especially if I'm going to be spending a lot of time there).
On March 28, 2012...
Selma you will do great. Had my first valve surgery at Mt Sinai 21 years ago, now going for a re-op next week. Staying calm will carry the day.
Robert Tucker
On March 13, 2012...
selma if you'll send me your mail. address on my personal email.. i'll send you a book I think you'll enjoy i wish I had read it sooner; but it was worth it. everyone else has their new valve.. you're it. it. if you'd like it
send add. to nancy@telephonedoctor.com
for safety.. don't want all those men at your door... thanks, N
Selma Kaplan Who says I don't want all those men at my door?
On March 12, 2012...
Love the attitude Selma. It will work for you and it helps keep mine up.
Thank you!
Chuck Holmgreen
3/20
On March 12, 2012...
Jumping on the bandwagon, love it! Keep up the great attitude, it will serve you well as surgery approaches.
All the best,
-Mitch Friedman
On March 12, 2012...
sad I just send an email to myself. I said you' did so well * I may need to hand over the baton......nancy
Selma Kaplan nononono!
YOU are the HVJ poet laureate. I am a mere disciple!
On March 12, 2012...
ph hell lady May 11? you got a lot of time.... keep busy.. very busy ! that's what saved me. ! where's the CAT?
nancy
Selma Kaplan I think the picture uploading thing is possessed. I tried uploading 3 different pictures. All weeke ... Read more
Selma Kaplan I think the picture uploading thing is possessed. I tried uploading 3 different pictures. All weekend long, I had one, and suddenly today it changed to another one. The cats can't be bothered. :-)
On March 12, 2012...
selma you're too funny OK OK you get a poem when is your 'due date' pardon the expression? gotta be close to it. thanks and best of luck you'll do great
nancy friedman st louis Mo
Selma Kaplan Hahah, my due date isn't until May. You'll have time to write me a veritable sonnet.
S
On March 9, 2012...
Hi Selma. I'm so glad to hear that your plan is completed. I'm going to NY tomorrow, where Dr Adams and his team will operate on me next Tues. (March 13). I'm totally convinced that I've picked the right place and the right people. My BCBS approval was the same of yours -- 4 days and see what happens then. The Mt Sinai pre-admission planner told me that's standard, and it will get extended. Take care
- Jim Smith
Selma Kaplan Hey, you're the song guy! Thanks for checking in. You're evidently an old pro at this -- I hear Dr. ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Hey, you're the song guy! Thanks for checking in. You're evidently an old pro at this -- I hear Dr. Adams and crew are the absolute best for re-ops so you'll be in the best hands.
On March 9, 2012...
Yes, go you! Keep pushing Slema. You are making great progress. Way to go!!!!!
-Mitch Friedman
On March 9, 2012...
Sounds good. Now you just have to be delivered. Good luck to you.
For the long haul
Linda H
On March 9, 2012...
that's funny !!! y ou look so good with the dog.. L O L.. funnnnnnny
yea; get new pix. now I know you'll be ok
again, if you have any questions..and feel like calling... cell is 314 276 1012 please feel free.. Nancy
On March 9, 2012...
Selma; go in with your sense of humor and you'll come out with it. It's not that bad.. honest. and with a DOGGIE like you have it's gotta be all good !!!
I'm 4 weeks post..and can hardly remember anything bad. it's just all a good thing. hope it is for you.
keep posting so we can watch !!!! be good Nancy friedman, ST Louis
Selma Kaplan I just GOTTA change that picture -- it's someone else's dog!! I have cats.
On March 9, 2012...
Selma:
I'm sorry I mentioned backaches and ocular migraines, but it's important not to get hung up on what turn out to be minor or temporary problems. Yes, many people get ocular migraines, but ocular migraines don't hurt. They just make your vision a little sparkly for an hour or so. And as far as the backaches go, yes, backaches are no fun, but they don't occur every day, and they don't persist. They are a temporary phase that on the way to good energy and good health.
The question I asked myself was, "Is it worth it to be alive?" Because the answer is a definite YES. Were the backaches worth it? YUP! Are the ocular migraines a big problem. NO. And as I said, that was the first one I had in a year, so it was an inconvenience.
Focus on your life, your eventual health, and your good future. Good luck and good health.
Selma Kaplan I'm cracking up because I get back aches and ocular migraines NOW. I won't even know the difference. ... Read more
Selma Kaplan I'm cracking up because I get back aches and ocular migraines NOW. I won't even know the difference. :-) And you are so right -- it is most assuredly worth it to be alive.
On March 9, 2012...
Selma, question: Did Dr. ADAMS need the DVD of the Echo or did he accept a paper/hard copy of it?
Bob's was deleted after 2 weeks: the DVD COPY. I believe is may be archived....
Selma Kaplan Just answered you in your guestbook but realized you said DVD of the Echo (not the TEE). If you mean ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Just answered you in your guestbook but realized you said DVD of the Echo (not the TEE). If you mean the TEE, yes. If you're talking about a regular echo, I think he just took the report. So just to reiterate, he needs the videos of the TEE and the Cath.
On March 9, 2012...
Selma:
Thanks for commenting on my post.
Regarding your back. You will be so out cold you won't have a clue whether your back hurts or not, and then for awhile you'll be on so many drugs it won't matter then either.
However, a few weeks after surgery virtually ALL of us got killer backaches as aftereffects of the surgery, so when it happens, take your painkillers, lie down, and be assured that it has nothing to do with your disc. It's an aftermath of the surgery.
The very best of luck to you.
Selma Kaplan I'm beginning to see a pattern here -- lots of back aches and ocular migraines. Who expected that??! ... Read more
Selma Kaplan I'm beginning to see a pattern here -- lots of back aches and ocular migraines. Who expected that??!!
On March 9, 2012...
We are crazy, maniac dog lovers too! If only I could bring our Maggie to my visitations!
Selma Kaplan As Peter Sellers would say, "Eeet eees not my dog..." Just a dog I loved, and the only picture I cou ... Read more
Selma Kaplan As Peter Sellers would say, "Eeet eees not my dog..." Just a dog I loved, and the only picture I could find at the moment. But it IS a proven fact that our pets help us heal, right?
On March 9, 2012...
Yes! I think Bob might be there at the same time too!
I will be sure to look for those socks and you!
Betsy and Bob Spath
Selma Kaplan My socks always make me laugh so I figure they'll cheer up the ward.
On March 8, 2012...
Hi Selma,
Just read your story, and it is quite similar to mine. I just had a mitral and tricuspid repair by Dr. Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic last October. I seriously considered Dr. Adams, but Cleveland was closer to home (Wisconsin). I, too, thought I was asymptomatic (except for palpitations) but I had an overwhelming urge to lie down every afternoon and could not wait to go to bed. I just felt fatigued every afternoon and evening, but not so much in the morning. I was and still am amazed at how much more energy I have now. I still like to go to bed early, but I can't blame that on my ticker anymore:)
The one thing you will get from these journals is empathy......we have all been in your shoes and know EXACTLY what you're feeling and going through. I have learned that people who haven't experienced open heart surgery just don't get it. The comment of "You'll be fine." used to make me so angry! No one has any way of knowing you'll be fine! Yes, we all pray hope and expect to be fine (otherwise we wouldn't do it), but there are no guarantees. That's what makes it so scary.
I also scheduled my surgery a long way out.....four months out. I really wished I could have just gotten it over with, but that wasn't going to work with my husband's job. I stressed out the entire four months, and I can now tell you that waiting is definitely the most difficult part of the whole process. I was terrified of the pain, but it really wasn't all that painful. I was truly amazed at how little pain there was.
I would certainly ask about putting something under your legs for your back. All they can do is say no! The operating table is tiny.....very narrow. They strap you down so you don't fall off. Guess it has to be narrow so they have good access.
Even though you have a long wait ahead of you, you will gradually accept the fact that you have to have this done, and you will look forward to just getting it behind you. You've done your homework and have chosen an excellent doctor, so think positive thoughts and write in your journal whenever you need to. It really helps to hear from everyone who has been through it!
Godspeed and good luck!
Deb Ziegler
Selma Kaplan Thanks, Deb -- I did take some time with your journal. I'm really not stressed out, thanks in part t ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Thanks, Deb -- I did take some time with your journal. I'm really not stressed out, thanks in part to folks like you who have helped so much by giving me the confidence that I WILL get through this. Frankly, I've surprised myself with my ability to function. Go me! :-)
On March 8, 2012...
You wont be laughed out of an OR. They have all kinds of people with all kinds of problems. I'm sure they will make you comfortable and do whatever they have to do. Don't worry about that, just get better. You will probably beat me lol.
For the long haul
LInda H
Selma Kaplan I need to keep remembering, for these guys, it's just another day at work. Hard to imagine!
On March 8, 2012...
Selma,
I believe with all the drugs we have in our bodies we don't feel discomfort from the position we are placed in. I never lay flat, it is not comfortable for me, but I believe I must have when the surgery was performed. Fire away with those questions.
On the topic of one of our HVJ family not making it after surgery, you have to understand we all come to this surgery with different medical
histories. You must believe that you will not only survive the surgery, but you will do great. You will feel more energy and mentally in a different place. Just read the posts of the people who are a few weeks and months out.
Jane ( 3+ months out)
Selma Kaplan Positive attitude....check. Lots of nice drugs....check. Excellent doctor...check. OK! I'm ready. ... Read more
Since you took my challenge, I'll give you a partial answer, only because I've not had my surgery yet.
I've been thinking about the same request. I wouldn't be worried about being laughed out of the O.R., after all, you are the customer here.
I can see a reason for them saying 'no' as due to your knees being higher than your heart - that may make the heart/lung bypass machine less effective.
However, you will be asleep. So I can see asking for the pillow under your knees until you're asleep then ask them to put it back under there when you get to recovery.
Keep on asking!!
Chuck Holmgreen
Selma Kaplan Hmmm, hadn't thought of the knees above the heart thing. You've got a point. I want that heart-lung ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Hmmm, hadn't thought of the knees above the heart thing. You've got a point. I want that heart-lung machine to be as efficient as possible!
On March 8, 2012...
Yes, I am in NYC. Of course, if your talking Patrami, your peeps will need to go to Katz's for it. Although 2nd Avenue Deli just opened a location on the Upper East Side (75/2 I think) so that is more convenient to Mt. Sinai. Once you are out of ICU, they can bring it in easily. However, your appetite will be limited for a little while. But, who knows, staring at the amazing sandwich might just inspire your taste buds......
Wishing you all the best,
-Mitch Friedman
Selma Kaplan Katz's pastrami is, indeed, the King of pastrami. When I came down for my consult, that was where we ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Katz's pastrami is, indeed, the King of pastrami. When I came down for my consult, that was where we went for lunch. I expect there will be a repeat performance for my pre-op, Maybe I'll save my surgical pastrami for my release day. Yet another thing to live for!
On March 7, 2012...
Hi Selma, I missed your first post, so a belated welcome to HVJ. It really is an amazing place. As you have seen, it is easy to bond with total strangers and quickly become family. We all know what you are going through because we all have been in your shoes. You seem to really have a great outlook. Yes, the waiting is hard, and worse than the actually surgery.
I am wishing you the very best. Keep doing your research, posting often and enjoy the support this community provides. I know I did and could not have gotten throgh this without all my HVJ family.
All the best,
-Mitch Friedman
AVR & Root Repair 2-2-12
Selma Kaplan Thanks, Mitch. Years ago, I quit smoking with the help and support of an online community much like ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Thanks, Mitch. Years ago, I quit smoking with the help and support of an online community much like this one. I am 100% convinced that any difficult situation is made easier with the support of others. You're an NYC guy, right? What's the chances of my people sneaking a hot pastrami sandwich into Mt. Sinai? And, possibly more importantly, will I actually want to eat it? :-)
Thanks again....
On March 7, 2012...
Hi Selma, Linda Dixon here. I am traveling (flying) to Cleveland from South Carolina. I will be ablet to fly back upon discharge (as a passenger...NOT the pilot, lol). I will be discharged to the care of my cardiologist here at home. People go there from all over the world and traveling afterwards is apparently no big deal. My flight is only 1hr 38 minutes, so I figure that won't be an issue. Have to admit though, I wish it were closer...but it would have been either Cleveland or New York for me either way, I would not stay here unless there just wasn't any other way.
So...I'm leaving in the morning...looks like time's up!!!
Linda Dixon
Selma Kaplan Thanks. Looks like you'll have the best of both -- hear surgery at the best place, and recovery in a ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Thanks. Looks like you'll have the best of both -- hear surgery at the best place, and recovery in a nice warm climate. Vaya con Dios.
On March 7, 2012...
Selma,
I think my memory is being affected by my need for a new aortic valve. I've been having trouble remembering to sign my posts. I posted 4th below starting: "We're thrilled you decided to join us"
Welcome.
Chuck Holmgreen
Selma Kaplan I was wondering who my mystery correspondent was! Thanks for the welcome. I feel like I'm home her ... Read more
Selma Kaplan I was wondering who my mystery correspondent was! Thanks for the welcome. I feel like I'm home here.
On March 7, 2012...
Selma,
I was checking to see how Jeff did with his surgery today, and discovered another person going to Mt. Sinai for surgery. I had mitral repair surgery on March 2, 2010 with Dr.Adams. He is GREAT and everything went well. I am doing great, and feel so much better.if you want to check out my journal....Theresa Callanan...good luck.if I can help you let me know.I do not go on here often, but just posted for my two year anniversary.
Theresa
NJ
Selma Kaplan Thanks!!! I absolutely will go check your journal. I have utmost confidence in Dr Adams and his crew ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Thanks!!! I absolutely will go check your journal. I have utmost confidence in Dr Adams and his crew at Mt. Sinai. He is not only a surgical rock star, he seems like a really nice guy. I feel like I'll be in excellent hands.
On March 7, 2012...
The young lady who didn't make it Selma had a long history of heart problems. It didn't look good at the start.
Don't buy into any negativity! I guess this is none of my business. But we are all a family here so I did take advantage. U r welcome to delete this.
Best. Nancy.
Selma Kaplan No, no -- I would absolutely never delete your note. Hey, the bad stuff does happen now and again, b ... Read more
Selma Kaplan No, no -- I would absolutely never delete your note. Hey, the bad stuff does happen now and again, but as I said in another place, this can be tempered by the very, very good odds in our favor. I'm looking at it like, "Prepare for the worst (health care proxy, etc), but expect the best."
Negative feelings, unfortunately, will come up for me. I will accept that, honor it, and try my damndest to let it go. :-)
On March 7, 2012...
Hi Selma. Since u liked my poem I thought I would befriend you
Had AVR. 2/9/12. In st Louis. I'm 4 weeks post & honestly have to stop & think " did I have surgery"? Amazing process
Pls take my cell & if I can answer any questions happy to. Or just listen while you vent. 314-276-1012.
I will say staying busy & positive is a must. End of subject. No need to worry. It will go fine.
There's very little use in worrying. - as my husband said. " if I Thot it would help I'd worry with you ". But it's useless. So that takes care of that
Get a good surgeon & relax. Call if you can. Happy to talk. So many helped me with a few questions I didn't have answers to.
I won't write. A poem about you !!!
Stay busy & well & take care of mom. ! Best
Nancy Friedman st Louis mo
Also I'm in fla keys. Recouperating & Sunday there is a dog show called. WOOFSTOCK Too funny.
Nanc
Selma Kaplan Oh, Nanc, you made my day. You're only 4 weeks out and sound amazing. You are one of the folks whose ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Oh, Nanc, you made my day. You're only 4 weeks out and sound amazing. You are one of the folks whose progress I've been following from afar. When you left for the Keys I thought, YOU GO, GIRL. Part of the reason I scheduled my surgery so far in the future was so I could recuperate in nice weather. Trust me, you don't want to be walking the hills of Woodstock in the winter. I figure, May and June, what could be bad? I just have to make it through the rest of March and April, right. BTW, We have a pet store here called Woofstock.
My mother writes poems for all occasions. It's her super-hero skill (that and living to 96!)
On March 7, 2012...
Hi Selma,
It's funny you mention you thought you were asymptomatic , that's the way I feel. I don't have major, life stopping symptoms, but once I starting thinking about it, I think I do have some. I honestly didn't relate or remember the chest tightness and choking sensation I had. I had told a couple of people about it and thought it was high blood pressure.
I also thought it was normal to nap every day and then sleep a full8 hours and still feel tired. I truly would not have been diagnosed unless I happened to take my own pulse during a week long episode with PVCs . I could feel a skip in my heartbeat which concerned me enough to see a dr.
I guess that shows you to listen to your body.
Selma Kaplan I'm going to be REALLY disappointed if I make through this surgery and still have to go to bed at 9:0 ... Read more
Selma Kaplan I'm going to be REALLY disappointed if I make through this surgery and still have to go to bed at 9:00! Then I'll have to acknowledge that.....I'm getting OLD!!! :-)
On March 7, 2012...
Hi Selma,
We're thrilled you decided to join us. From personal experience I can tell you that this journal has helped pass the "wait" time prior to surgery. You can follow along with those going before you.
More importantly, I don't think you can ask a question that has not already been asked and answered in some form or fashion.
We are all at different stages. I go in for Aortic Valve (mechanical), root & acending aorta replacement on 3/20. Getting all of my plumbing upgrades at once!!
Stick with us and get your questions answered. My hope is that you will find the peace of mind that we have due in large part to this wonderful community.
Selma Kaplan I take this as a personal challenge! I shall endeavor to come up with a question that hasn't been as ... Read more
Selma Kaplan I take this as a personal challenge! I shall endeavor to come up with a question that hasn't been asked yet. :-) I'll follow the progress of your plumbing repairs (and hope to God your surgeon is better at plumbing than my plumber is at surgery!
On March 7, 2012...
Hi Selma, welcome to the HVJ site. I don't know how I missed your first journal entry, seems we have "newbies" every day. Yes, this is an awesome site with awesome people to send you encouragement, support and to be a shoulder to cry on or ears to listen when you need to rant. I have been waiting since October for surgery although I have known for years that is would come eventually. The first months of waiting passed at a snail's pace, now I can't seem to slow it down. I am leaving for the Cleveland Clinic tomorrow and my surgery will be on Tuesday, March 13th. Hang in there, keep us posted and you will do this!!!
Linda Dixon
Selma Kaplan Hey, Linda, thanks for the welcome. I've been reading so much about all these procedures and the Cle ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Hey, Linda, thanks for the welcome. I've been reading so much about all these procedures and the Cleveland Clinic, I could probably pick your surgeon out of a lineup! Not sure where you're traveling from, but I'm very interested in knowing how folks who travel a distance for their surgery deal with the aftermath. Might be an interesting topic to suggest to Adam.
On March 7, 2012...
Hi Selma,
I, too have MR. I'll find out next week if its time for referral to a surgeon.
I wasn't sure about starting a journal either. There's just too much information here and kind, supportive people to not participate. Plus, only people going through this can truly know what it's like. It seems like other people I've told either totally freak out (which makes me not want to talk about it) or take it casually and say "oh, you'll be fine", which is not the reaction I want either. This is a big deal! You can die or have life long complications!
Welcome to hvj, may we all share each others "stuff".....good, bad or otherwise.
Nancy B
Selma Kaplan Thanks, Nancy. You nailed it -- it *is* a big deal, though I've found that dwelling on that fact is ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Thanks, Nancy. You nailed it -- it *is* a big deal, though I've found that dwelling on that fact is better tempered by acknowledging that the odds are indeed in our favor. I don't want to bend the ears of my nearest and dearest, but sheesh, a girl needs support, right? Thanks for connecting.
Selma
On March 6, 2012...
Hi Selma,
I had surgery 12/5/11 for mitral valve repair. I was scheduled for either a repair or replacement. I was the same age and live in Scarsdale, but also have a cabin in the Pine Bush area. We have a few things in common. My experience could not have been better. My surgery and hospital stay were uneventful. I had surgery on a Monday and went home on Friday. My recovery progressed smoothly. I returned to work at 4 weeks. I was driving and doing all necessary work around my home. You can look ahead with the knowledge that it is a doable surgery with a great outcome.
Jane Porpora (13 weeks out)
Selma Kaplan Thanks for checking in, Jane. Sounds like you are a poster child for a smooth recovery! I'll have t ... Read more
Selma Kaplan Thanks for checking in, Jane. Sounds like you are a poster child for a smooth recovery! I'll have to go look at your story to find out whether they were able to repair your valve.
On March 6, 2012...
Hi Selma, Welcome to HVJ. I'm glad you decided to start journaling with us. I too don't really do this kind of thing, but I thought what the heck and did it. I am so glad I did do it. This site is wonderful, and I have made so many friends on here.
I have aortic stenosis/regrugatation and an anuersym. Mine is only moderate but has gotten a little worse. Doctor said its not time yet, could be 5 months or 5 years. I just want it over. I never know from day to day what will happen. So right now I am waiting for another echo in July than I will decide what to do. Your right waiting is no fun.
You will find a lot of nice people on here. so I will keep watching. Good luck to you.
Fort the long haul
Linda H
Selma Kaplan It's so interesting -- you go for years sort of half knowing that surgery MIGHT happen and then BLAM, ... Read more
Selma Kaplan It's so interesting -- you go for years sort of half knowing that surgery MIGHT happen and then BLAM, one day you get the word. I swear, I never really thought it would happen to me. Takes some getting used to.... Thanks for the welcome!
On March 6, 2012...
Hi Selma,
Welcome!
I'm Stephanie Cole. I am glad you started a journal. You will feel a great deal of support.
I am having a mitral valve replacement next week. Like you, I scheduled almost 3 months in advance.
If I can answer any questions or just be there for you in any way please let me know. You'll be able to follow me from beginning to end (my end goal is back to distance running and soccer) I only hope those of us who go before you may inspire you as those who've inspired us. We have brave, strong, postiive people hanging around here!
Selma Kaplan My very first "guest!" Thanks for reaching out. I've connected with a few folks who are taking the ... Read more
Selma Kaplan My very first "guest!" Thanks for reaching out. I've connected with a few folks who are taking the journey ahead of me and hope to learn from all of your experiences (as well as share my own). What was I thinking???? 3 months??!!! That's a lot of time to stew.
You need to find a way to occupy your mind. Do you need to give a pre op blood donation?
Nancy B