Hi Sherry,
Leonard wanted to pass on to you that you are right where you should be. Everyone heals differently. Just go with the flow. Know that you will possibly be tired for a long time. We are thinking about you and sending love and hugs.
Ellen

I know the limitations seem maddening and slow to subside to you, but remember, they cut open your chest and messed with your heart! LOL! I think a journal will help you a lot. You'll be able to focus on goals and then see actual progress. And hey, is there something wrong with watching 10 hours of TV a day? That's my typical weekend! Love you.

Hi Sherry,

I can relate to your feelings the first few days after surgery. I got a 5-week diary from Sequoia Hospital which has been useful to me. I talked to the surgeon there as one of the 3 opinions I wanted to get (before I had surgery). I didn't use him - he wasn't covered under my health insurance.

The diary he gave me has columns for the Day, Daily Activity/Walking, Daily Weight, Daily Pain Meds, Appetite, and How I Feel Today. I added a column for heart rate. This has been a good tool for me to see my progress in all these areas. Also may be useful for my cardiologist if I'm concerned with an area, like my high hear rate (currently around 96 bpm). I put the time down when I took the meds - it's amazing how it has reminded me to take them sometimes!! I've extended this diary beyond 5 weeks and am still doing it - may need to put it on an Excel spreadsheet.

Everyone of us recovers differently, but we are recovering. It's like 2 steps forward and 1 step back some days and then 2 steps forward and 3 steps back other days!!!

I'm wishing you all the best in your recovery. It will get better!!!

Regards,

Lee Castro (My surgery Aug 13, 12)

Glad to know you made it through your surgery. It is reassuring to hear that the pain is not that bad--as long as it is managed properly! Since I will be facing AVR in the near future, I appreciate learning from your experiences. Thanks for sharing!

Chris K

Hi Sherry,
I am fairly new to the site but have been following your story. I am glad that you are doing well. I will be facing surgery sometime soon for aortic stenosis. It is so great to hear from patients that have gone through it. My thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery.
JoAnen B.

Hi Sherry!
Thank Goodness everything is good with you!.. I think we were all worried!
Those first few weeks can certainly be a challenge...for me..it was just staying awake long enough for walks!.. lol I thought I was fatigued before surgery...my oh my....but it gets better! :) In fact, it ALL gets better...just take it easy, listen to your body...and take advantage of being "queen for a day" (for a couple more weeks).
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Connie T

Whew...great to finally hear from you Sherry. Was getting worried that Dr. Ryan might not be as fantastic as I had heard. Glad it all went great (maybe even perfect?) and that you are quickly getting through the first stages of recovery. Soon you will be into cardiac rehab, a wonderful part of the overall healing process.

Best of luck to you and your family!
-Thomas H.

So very glad you are on the road to recovery!!! Take care and I will watch for more updates!! Prayers have been answered!

Vicki E.

Am beyond delighted that all has gone so well. Praising much. Just recover now; it's your only job. (How often do we get to focus like that?) Love you.

Dawn

Hi Sherry, So glad to see your post on here. I was worried about you, so happy everything went well and welcome to the other side of the mountain. Heres to a speedy recovery. Oh the grass isnt to bad here either. Hope all goes well.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

So glad to hear you came through well. We have been thinking about you. Had to send Everett a message the other day to make sure you were ok, so I could stop worrying! Miss you and love to all!

Harriet and David

Sherry, Worried about since we haven't heard from you! Hopefully things went well and you are just mending!

Vicki E.

Good Luck Sherry. I'm glad your test went well. I find the information you gave v
aluable. My prayers are with you for your surgery tomorrow.
Fran W

Good luck today Sherry! You will be in our prayers and I know you will do great! It seems like you have found your calm place and knowing that you have an excellent surgeon and you're so close to home will help.

See you on the backside of your heart mountain!

-Thomas H.

So happy to hear that things went well today and prayers for a smooth procedure tomorrow! Xoxoxo!!

Harriet and David

Sherry,
Glad things went well today. Praying that everything goes well with the surgery. Look forward to updates as you post.

Nancy Genetti

The dreaded surgery is nearly over. Soon you'll be on the road to recovery! I will keep you in my prayers and I look forward to reading updates of your recovery.
Debbie A

Praying for a you! You will feel better before you know it.

Niki Dixon

Good luck, Sherry! I will be rooting for you!

Chris

Good luck Sherry,

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

...Vicki D.

Hi Sherry, Glad I caught you before your big day. Want to wish you the best of luck. Sounds like you are ready and you know what. You are strong and will do great. To be scared is natural. Like I told everyone if I wasn't scared I wouldn't be human. After they got me back in the pre op to get ready and put a little something in that IV, well I dont remember much. All I remember is seeing 3 big lights instead of one. And I thought this is serious stuff. Got on the table and dont remember anything else. Frank told me I had told everyone around me that I loved them but dont even remember that. I still ask questions to try and fill in the blanks. But anyway God will be with you the whole way and you will know it. Keep us all posted and I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers and thoughts.
xoxo
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Sherry,
Thank you for the info on my journal. I have been watching your journey and will say prayers for you and your family as your journey continues. I look forward to hearing from you after your surgery! Take care and think good thoughts..God will be with you!

Vicki E.

I would be scared too! Or apprehensive anyway. It's a big deal. But you have a fine doctor and you'll do great. I love you.

Love you so much Sherry!
Xxooraelyn

Sherry, Hope you have a great time in California. Wishing you a speedy recovery! One of my sons has a bifurcated valve and his cardiologist has told him he will probably have to have it replaced somewhere down the road. So, I'll be following your journal with caring thoughts for you and personal interest as well! John G.

Hi Sherry; glad your on vacation, getting your mind (somewhat) away from the surgery. Today is the 4th week since my AVR and tomorrow I have the first follow up appointment with the Dr. Have fun and do your best to keep the anxiety at a low level (easier said than done). The nursing staff and food were great at Baylor Plano.

Glad to hear you are getting some good R&R before surgery! Hugs and kisses! Love you lots!!
Harriet and David

Just wanted to give you a virtual hug. I hope you enjoy your time in California! XO, Vanessa

glad you have a date Sherry. The time will fly now. Just rest and enjoy company etc. You will do fine and in know time you will be chasing my down the mountain. Good luck to you and Gods speed. Keep you in my prayers.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Praise the Lord for his wonderous blessings. we will all be in prayer for you and your surgery team on that date and after with no delays and a speedy recovery. Love Lois

Yay!!!

You have a firm date and it is not too far away. When I got within 2 weeks of my surgery, the days went by much faster for me. I did all I could to get my affairs and my mind in order and then let God do the rest.

I'm praying for you Sherry - you're almost on top of the mountain!!!

Regards,

Lee Castro (Surgery 8/13/12)

No wonder we don't pray for great patience, because it comes with the great suffering before hand. I too have been suffering with shinglesfor the past, well nearly two weeks. Went to the doctor and pills are not really helping very much,ouch! I'll be praying for you and your work , scheduling and all of it He certainly can multitask this. Read 2 Cor 4: 16-18 Hope it will strengthen and encourage you. Love Lois

Hi Sherry, That is horrible to be put off like that and not getting all the paperwork. I can understand a postponement because of a transplanet etc. The way I look at it is, its part of Gods plan. He may be looking out for you and that just wasnt the day it is to happen. God will take care of you and you will be fine. My prayers are with you.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/10/12

Sherry, I know what you are going through. If you have read any of my journal entries you know that my surgery was postponed 3 days. I learned of the delay as the whole family was waiting for my surgery to begin! Instead of being called back, we were sent home! I cannot describe the roller coaster of emotions I experienced. My slot saved a man's life (Heart transplant), but....!! I justified the events: It's God's plan-apparently he thought I needed another 2 days. I suggest you stay on top of your medical care but be flexible, stay positive and know it will work out.

Keep us informed and I will keep you and yours in my prayers.

Aunt Sherry, We are praying for you from Colorado. Love, Anthony, Agnes, John, Sabeth, and Marie.

Sherry,

As frustrating as this is God will set your day just for you. You want to listen to his timing. We will be praying for you.

Niki Dixon
Wife of Chris Dixon AVR 2/27/2012

Dearest Sherry,

I'm soooo glad that this has been discovered. Praise GOD! There is a cardiologist in my immediate family, so I understand a little of what you're facing. It will be magical. It will be wonderful, and you will feel like a new person. My prayers, Heather's prayers, all of us here in Tulsa are holding you close and I know you'll come through with flying colors. Of course whether or acrylics, it will be fabulous. - Love you dearly, Priscilla and PS thank you for the thoughts and prayers sent my way.

Hi Sherry, That was a nice surprise. My church did the same thing, brought over a basket of goodies, and then to top it off brought dinners over for a week after I got home. It just takes the edge off what is going to happen and to know how many wonderful people are there supporting you. You are in the hardest part right now. I think my hardest part was walking back into the pre op for surgery and having to leave my family. After they got me all fixed up they were allowed to come back to be with me. They put some happy stuff in the IV and when they wheeled me in I didnt care except seeing 3 big lights. I had to move onto the table and I was thinking when I had my hysterictomy there was only 1 big light hanging and now there were 3. I thought the worse the surgery the more lights. After that I dont remember anything and all I knew my daughter was there saying Mom you made it and you are mooing. You will do great God was with me the whole time and he will be with you holding your hand and helping the surgeon. Keep us all posted. You have a lot of people here on HVJ pulling for you. Good luck will keep ;you in my prayers.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Dear Sherry,
I'm so happy for you! No Big Dog stories here. Just glad you've discovered it and are getting it fixed! You will do great. We need to see each other Soon. Maybe I can come hang out while you're off work, after you start getting around. At least we can text. And maybe and each other silly photos. I know you're scared. Relax into it and let it flow through you like water. Don't give it any place to puddle! Love you so much.

Thought about waiting until I could come up with something spectacular to say, but the reality of that is that it might never come!! I think of you and Curt often and am praying for you both. You two are very special people and I know that God has this!

Hi Sherry, the what if's seem to get us in trouble mentally and believe me; I had a bunch of them before my surgery last month with Dr. Ryan. I've been home about a week, by myself and feel good. Normally, taking one pain pill before going to bed. God is so good and He will take care of us as we go through the valleys of worry, anxiety and what if's; have faith. I know it is difficult and I think the days before surgery were the most difficult with all the unknowns, decisions and anxiety. Think positive, the best you can and try not to dwell on the negatives. Hey, you do get good food at Baylor Heart Hospital and the nurses were fantastic with me. I do not go back to see Dr. Ryan till the middle of October but I feel good; much better than I expected. Thought previously I'd have to sleep in a recliner at night; not yet; fine in bed. He did about 3 1/2 to 4 inch incision to replace my aortic valve. Keep us upto date and try not to worry about things you have no control. (Easier said than done.) Don S

Sherry,

I had my MV Bi-Leaflet repair (Barelow's and same as Thomas') performed by Dr. Ryan on June 18th. Dr. Ryan, Baylor Heart, and everyone involved could not have been better. I know it is a different surgery and everyone's experience is different, but I honestly forget that I had OHS most of the time now. Feels weird to remind myself that I went through that experience.

Ask Tammy at Dr. Ryan's office any and all questions that cannot be answered here, she is wonderful.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. trentv@gmail.com

Thanks,
Trent

Thank's for giving it a name. We've all heard some doozies. Awesome post. -- DVB

Hi Sherry,

I loved your story about the big dog and think it is a great way to look at it!

Regards,
Vicki D.
(62 until Tues. ha! Bicuspid aortic valve, still watching & waiting - moderate stenosis).

Did I tell you about the surgery my sister's husband's cousin's aunt's brother's mother-in-law had? But I am sure you will be fine!!

Hi Sherry, I am 66 years old and just received a cow valve. I am very happy with it. The doctor said it would last 20-25 years. When I add my age up I figured that is about the time when I wll meet my wonderful God at that time. I am doing really good. Nobody believes I just had surgery and I had the full sternomy probably cause of my anuersym. I hardly have any pain at all. Whatever valve you decide on you will do great. I have hardly any pain at all which I am amazed. It is a long hard walk back but you will make it. Trust in God he is so good and he will be there for you. Good luck keep you in my prayers.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Sherry, making the decision on which valve is a major thing. Never did ask your age. Some Drs had a 65 year cut off, mechanical or tissue. Seemed strange since some patients are more healthy than others at a given age. I'm like you, wish there would be an available study comparing age/health to others with similar age/health condition. Let me know when the surgery date is set. God is good and sure takes care of us. Take care,

Hi Sherry, my heart and Prayers go out to you. I don't think the surgeons understand the stress we go under prior to surgery, especially with the valve decision. I'm in relatively good health and 66 years old, had the same concerns as you. I reponded to this because I know how anxious you must be. Had my surgery on 9/19th at Plano Heart Center with Dr. Ryan. He recommended the bovine valve for me although I was not satisfied with that choice because of the potential for another surgery. I had planned on talking with him the morning of surgery regarding which valve but the antithesologist (or maybe it was God) before I saw the Surgeon. I ended up with the bovine valve with a relatively small incision in the chest to replace the aortic valve. This is the valve he mentioned to me during our office visit. Must say, overall, God took care of me and watched over the surgeon during the operation. Must have been the correct decision for me. I had pain the 1st 3 days, then it leveled off and now taking 1-2 pain tablets per day. Surgery last Wednesday and came home yesterday or Tuesday. Walked yesterday and today. Dr. Ryan did a fabulous job, as far as I know, with being up and around with little pain in a week. The hospital, have nothing but praises for it and the nursing staff. Wish you the best and my Prayers are with you. By the way, I felt the same way about backing away from everyone till I could come up with a decision. Have faith! Keep me posted! Don S.

Hi Sherry,

Just a couple quick thoughts. For me and many others, we had the heart cath one day before the surgery. I believe the purpose of the 1 day delay is to check if there are blocked arteries in advance of the surgery. I assume the 1 day allows time for the cardiologist and/or surgeon a chance to review the results before surgery.

One other comment I wanted to pass along was what Dr. Ryan said when I asked him about mortality from OHS. My situation was called Barlowe's, which is when both leaflets of the mitral valve are prolapsing. It essentially means the surgery is a little more complicated because both leaflets require work.

Dr. Ryan's smiled and responded that of course he had never lost a patient with my condition and he had only needed to reoperate on a couple patients over the many years. In those cases, a condition called SAM (systolic anterior motion) had developed, something that happens in about 3% of patients. I think once you speak with Dr. Ryan, he will be able to alleviate some of your fears.

Hope that helps a little bit. Take care!

-Thomas H.

Dear Sherry, I know what you're going through. Everytime I went to surgery I had the most alone feeling.Even though I knew people were praying for me I was afraid. all the what ifs danced in my little brain. This is going to sound like, easy for me to say, but I know the Lord will be right there with you. He is still able to heal. After all He's the one who formed you in your mothers womband knows the number of hairs on your head. Put the sun ,moon ,and stars in there places. He surely knows what is going on the inside of you. He cares for you, for you are His child. If He cared about all those old testement people, just lookat all they did. Then you can be sure he cares about you too. He's in control of everything even surgeons. Lots of Love and Prayer, Lois L