Meredith posted a note for Susan that says: Oh, I wish I lived your coast!

Angela Creason posted a note for Susan that says: Susan,
I understand weighing your options and making the best choice for you. My surgeon was at Stanford and we drove all the way from Boise, Id. After all was said and done, I know my decision was the best!
I'll pray that you can find the right surgeon, and that everything goes perfectly for you!

Rob Wigley posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,
Both Cleveland Clinic and Mayo have great reputations. I live in Colorado now (though my surgery was in Dallas at Baylor Hospital, surgeon was Rick Hebeler, highly recommend him) and several folks in my rehab group here went to both Cleveland Clinic and Mayo in Minn. All had good experiences, though they didn't have any follow-up with their actual surgeon weeks later, like I did in Dallas. I don't know if that's over-rated or not, but I did like seeing the guy again after 3 weeks who actually did the cutting. I don't really like the idea of flying back and forth for the surgery, we drove down to Dallas and then stayed at a house we still own in East Texas (see "My Story" in the community.......)
Best to you, sounds like we have identical issues, though different symptoms.

Susan in Oregon posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, I am so glad you are looking at a surgeon with LOTS of experience. You have done so well this far and I know you will continue to do well on this journey.

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, Sounds like the big day is getting near. It is hard finding a hospital and surgeon, of course insurance as a lot to do with it also. Just remember this is your heart and life. You want to get a doctor that has done more than a 100, the more the better. If you look up Linda Dixon, she lives in SC and had her surgery done at Cleveland Clinic had the best and did it all ok. You will still have your doctor after this is all over with,so don't worry there. Mine was done at St Francis in Greenville SC a little closer to home, It is the number 1 heart hospital in SC, made me feel good. Just ask a lot of questions and feel good about the answers. Good luck and I am keeping you in my prayers. Until later.

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Susan:

You are evaluating your options which I applaud wholeheartedly! As a valuable member of the community I want you to get the best surgeon you can. Results vary too much right now surgeon to surgeon. We all want you wonderfully healthy on the other side of the procedure.

Continued good luck as you pursue your surgeon. Also, perhaps you should have the rental company throw in a pot bellied pig with the recliner? Just a thought. Have a good one!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Susan,
I responded to you on my journal site about an hour ago. I did some research for you. I went to their website. They do heart surgery at Mayo in JAX. I see that it is about 4 hours away from your city. ( I traveled 3 1/2 hours for my surgery) you might want to at least call them and ask about their insurance plan, doctors, etc. Did you say you have relatives that live there? We can correspond by email if you want to.

Judi Butler posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan -
Your heart journey continues in fine fashion. I am proud of you,
My neighbor had a pet pig named "Jessica Hog" - black, clean and walked on a leash. Why I do not know but interesting.
I'm praying your surgeon search goes smoothly. Keep us posted.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Susan that says: I lived with a pig for awhile, then he got married and moved to Arizona. But he still comes back in town to visit his son from his first marriage and he came back to get his taxes done. The house is much cleaner since he moved out.

Good luck finding a surgeon you like, Susan. I know you've been reading journals for awhile, so you have a good idea what o expect.

Meredith Bray posted a note for Susan that says: My kitties have been very protective of me while I've been laid up, also. They're actually very comforting. I'm relieved that your cath came through nice and clean, the fewer complications, the better! I will keep saying prayers for you, particularly in finding the right surgeon and facility for you. I went through a lot of aggravation finding my treatment team, but persisted and got what I wanted. I hope you will, too. I'll be following you!

Susan in Oregon posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, I am so glad your arteries are clear. Mine were as well. If I can make one suggestion I would say to make sure the surgeon you select has done LOTS of the surgery you need. 100 surgeries isn't enough. My surgeon is considered one of the best in the United States, and I have heard one of the best in the world. He told me he has done over 3,000 aortic valve replacements. I met with him 3 times prior to my surgery to ask him questions and he was very patient with me all 3 times. That is what you deserve as well. He also visited me several times in the hospital following surgery. I wish you the best in selecting a surgeon.

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Well Susan:

Great news that your arteries are clear. That simplifies your surgery and recovery and is one thing you can set to the side as a possible issue. So sorry to hear your day was so long yesterday. Recover well today - give yourself time to heal and hey pamper yourself a bit!

Good luck with your surgeon selection - that is a biggie as you know. All the best!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Yea!! You made it through the next step and your arteries are clear! Hope you had a good night sleep and are now able to make the decision of which hospital to have the surgery. Prayers continue.

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Yeah Susan ditto everything Marie said! It is wonderful news your arteries are flowing freely, means no bypass just valve fix. Don't try and make decisions when you tired out. The right path will be shown to you. Sleep my sleeping beauty, sleep.

Marie posted a note for Susan that says: Hey Susan,

Hope your having a very restful sleep after the long day you had. I was so happy for you when I got to part where you had no blockages show up in your test today. Praise God ! I know it was a hard day but what great news. Plus the surgeon there new gave you names of surgeons he knew of where you want to go or come back to him if you choose. That was great info. he gave you. You got your car back at a not a high cost, and your loving cat Frances slept on your lap. Now you have some time off to rest up and do whatever and pray for God to guide you the rest of the way and He will. That was a great report. It lifted my faith up. Sleep peacefully.

Marie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,

Don't worry, your family may not be with you physically but God has made a way already to help you. He said, "I will make a way when there seems to be no way". Your heart friends are with you in prayer too. I'll be praying for you and hoping for the best results on your test. Keep The Faith.

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Way to go Susan! Way to go! Good luck with the TEE (we call it TOE) It will all be OK, age has nought to do with any probs with arteries. Mine were free and running and we are same vintage. Think positive thoughts if any negative stuff comes to your mind, don't try to block it just make room for it, thank the thought and let it go like a car going past outside your house, no need to rush out to see where it is going. Just let go and let God! He and His angels will be in the threatre dressed in surgical gear ministering to you darling Susan. Thinking of you with love,

Debbie Mcguinness posted a note for Susan that says: Good luck Susan, will be thinking of you,
You have a good sense of humour and a lot of positivity and that will help you in your recovery.

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Good luck, Susan. You certainly are prepared and motivated for the road towards surgery. I remember my pre-cardiac cath. thoughts. Will they find something, I wondered. It will be good to have that question answered soon. Glad you have your caregivers lined up - that is a big one. All the best.

Lise Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Susan - you have done a terrific job with the weight issue - you should be very proud of yourself!! I am sure with your determination, your surgery will go very well! We are thinking of you and wish you the very best !

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Yes, Susan. It was a typo. It was Carol, not Carl.

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Are you OK Susan? I don't know what to say to you darling girl! You have some heavy shit goin on! The car!! Your arm!! and preparing for the Cath and the TEE!!!! Too much all at once, after all this time waiting, waiting, waiting. But I know one thing about you and that is your determination. Look at how you have dumped the weight!! I just know things will work out for you starting from now until September. When you frock up and rock up to your granddaughters wedding. With a repaired valve you will be dancing the nut bush, or leading Zorba, or maybe the Can Can. I am with you in spirit waiting like the rest of us to hear results of Cath and TEE. Love you lots my biddy buddy X

Rach shelley posted a note for Susan that says: Oh Susan I just wrote a post to you and it disappeared I'm gutted!

I wanted to say im thinking of you & praying - I will write properly tomorrow if my first post doesn't appear as sleep is calling me, but please rest assured things WILL get better again - they did for me admittedly in a roundabout way but still :)

Rach shelley posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,

I really feel for you this a hard part of the journey without you having other troubles at the moment. I'm confident you're going to sail through this, you have such faith and your prayer warriors are here for you.

Your certainly in my thoughts and prayers, thank you for the message I am hoping to be out if hospital soon and determined to be on the up again :)

Much love xx

Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12 posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,Sounds like you are just about there. You are going to be just fine. The best thing is being on here and learning and leaning on all of us. It really and truly does help. Take care of that right arm. I have a bad rotator cuff also. The shot that I had really didn't help me any but PT did. Mine was so bad I couldn't do anything behind me, but the PT helped and I got a dowel rod about an inch wide and maybe 36 inches long and did the excerises at home also. It helped a lot. Make sure you let them know about your arm so they can take care of it. I will be keeping you in my prayers and I know you will come thru this like a rock star. Soon I will be seeing you on the other side of the mountain. Good luck, keep us all posted.

Susan in Oregon posted a note for Susan that says: HI Susan,

If I can do it, so can you!. You seem to be well prepared for the surgery. Soon it will be in your rearview mirror. I am sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Susan in Oregon posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,
If I can do it so can you! You seem to be well prepared for the surgery. Soon it will be in your rearview mirror! Good bless you and I am sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way..

Marie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,
I will be praying for you too as you get your surgery that it does goes very well and your recovery. I pray, "God will open the windows of Heaven and poor you out blessings you can't contain". Let us know your when your surgery date is. Blessings my friend.

Carl Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Susan,
You are getting closer to the big day. You are so educated about this that it will make it a lot easier for you. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Just a thought.....be sure to tell the doctors that you had a cortisone shot. My foot Dr. refused to give me a cortisone shot when he found out I was having surgery within 6 weeks because the cortisone can affect the heart during and after surgery.
Keep us posted.

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Susan:

Thanks so much for the update. You will be fine. You have done a wonderful job educating yourself and building relationships on this site. Plus, you have done a masterful job losing weight - just an outstanding job. So much better health is on the other side of the procedure.

Please let us know the surgeon and hospital that you select. Godspeed, my friend.

Ruth Valenzuela posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,
I just read your latest post and want you to know I'll be praying for you. Remember God is good all the time!

Clare posted a note for Susan that says: Susan, sorry to hear everything is happening for you at once. That can sure be tough. Hang in there. Praying you get good news from the doctor.

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan, Glad to hear your friend is doing good, that all went well for her. And good luck to you too. I will surely keep both of you in my prayers. Hope things turn out like you want and get this all over with and onto a new life. You will be fine and see you on the other side of the mountain. Until later.

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: OK his name is Kevin Francis however I just call him Fox! He is gorgeous and I love him to bits. Actually, I will be caring for him this w.e. as Fox will be having his routine colonoscopy as he had bowel cancer about 15 years ago. I am sorry he has to go through all the preparations but it is worth it to get the 'all clear' news. I am happy to role reverse with him as he was wonderful leading up to, during and following my HVS. We are very lucky to have each other as we were both on our own for 30years! We will celebrate our 3rd anniversary on 7th May. Any more ?'s you wanna know? Cheeky girl ;-))

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Susan:

So happy to hear that your friend is out of surgery. Best to you on March 7th and earlier in the week with your echo.
I'd love to see you experiencing all of the benefits of surgery soon - there is good health on the other side!

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Hi girl! I have been thinking you had apt early March. It looks like it may all happen for you my darling! You have been an excellent blogger, encouraging all of us. Praying for the best outcome for you. Also for your friend Fran. Fran is lucky to have you as a friend. All the best for you next week for you 'heart week' Sweet Blessings from

Susan in Oregon posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,
I read your latest journal entry and will pray for your friend. It sounds like you are doing great with your weight loss, congratulations. I look forward to reading more journal entries from you. I posted an entry in my journal today. I am improving slowly but steadily. Take good care.

Marie posted a note for Susan that says: Hi Susan,
Your doing a great job with your weight loss.Your a very kind ,caring lady. I will be praying for you to have God's peace and strength in your mind and heart as your day draws near to see your doctors and what they plan to do. I hope you will have good people around you both in the Hospital and recovery at home to help you. Here's a little tip.Make a list of simple things you like to eat, and maybe get some of them ahead of time that you can have someone bring you when you can eat after the surgery.I didn't even think of this before I went in. Sometimes we can't eat the hospital food right away or some of it at different times but then we get hungry. So here's some ideas: jar of Peanut Butter,you can eat it right out of the jar when you feel like it,it has protein,FigNewtons,Raisins,Bananas
Peanut Butter Nab crackers or Cheese,or whatever easy things you would like to have close by both in the hospital and when you go home.

I also buy these now at 7 Eleven or now by the carton of 12 on-line because of the 31gm of protein and I love them,they are MET-Rx BIG100COLOSSAL-CHOCOLATE TOASTED ALMOND MEAL REPLACEMENT BARS. I came home from rehab still protein calorie deficient from my ordeal. When I discovered these they helped me a lot. I also buy a whey chocolate high protein powder drink called BIO Chem.I think at my local health food store.

Hope these suggestions may help you and others on your journeys either to a Hospital or Rehab. or Home. I still keep snacks in my room for whenever I need or want something so I don't have to go all the way down stairs at night or early morning etc. It helps me with strength to do my stretches etc. before I move on with whatever my day holds.
Be prying for your friend too that God helps the right doors to be open to meet her needs and restore her health.Be Blessed.

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Hearing your shout out loud and clear sister sister! Very impressed with your effort of dumping the weight you will be much better off going into and coming out of surgery. Will be thinking of you at the end of Feb. for your echo but you prob wont know the results until you visit Dr Chalasoni on 7th March. That will roll on pretty quick. Susan who do you have to take care of you after your surgery? You really need to have someone with you for at least the first two weeks. God bless you and your friend Fran, she is enveloped with love as we all are. Blessings my darling, thanks you for posting, please keep it up even a few words to tell us where you are at. Love you!

Richard Volpe posted a note for Susan that says: Twice in 3 years. . It's crazy But I'm here.

Richard Volpe posted a note for Susan that says: I wish u all the best.

Sincerely,

JoAnen posted a note for Susan that says: Great job on the weight loss. It is hard to do but it is definitely worth it. It makes the recovery much easier. Best of luck on your upcoming doctor appointments.

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: Susan
It was wonderful to read your journal. It's good to see that you are OK. It's also great to see you greet the new members as they join the community.
Terrific job on the weight loss!

Best of success with your upcoming doctor appointments. You and I are on either side of surgery. I can tell you from my side that patience is also required at times-I would like to speed things up and be 100% now!

Have a great month, Susan. Best.

Tom in Kansas City posted a note for Susan that says: Susan,
Thanks for sharing about your friend. I will keep her in my prayers. The week after my surgery I was talking with a former mentor. And he told me that he received phone calls from me and his neighbor on the same day, both of us sharing that we were both having heart valve surgery.
I suspect that for every one of on this website there is/are at least 2 to 3 more that are having heart valve surgery. We should keep those we don't know in our thoughts and prayers. They say that 2 to 3 percent of the public has a bicuspid aorta valve. Many have no clue until they have symptoms. Let alone other vale and other heart conditions.
I shudder to think of all those around the world that don't have the knowledge or opportunity to have heart surgery. That's a task bigger than us, but Adam made steps in the right direction. And we can pray for others.
Tom

Judi Butler posted a note for Susan that says: Dear Susan -
I, too, must say how proud I am of you and your weight loss. You will find that your surgery and recovery will go much better. I lost 65#s before my surgery and was told I was in the best 'shape' I could be in for the surgery.
I am in a week four of recovery and realize carrying extra weight at surgery and then in to recovery would had been an hindrance.
God's perfect peace will be with you and your dear friend. He can open doors where we cannot even comprehend. May a surgeon come forward for her special needs. We keep praying.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Susan that says: Susan,
I was wondering how you were doing with your health and how much closer you are to surgery. Hang in there. I'm so impressed with your weight loss!

Heather St Pierre posted a note for Susan that says: Susan ,

I am thinking of you as you await some news about surgery. You must be anxious to get surgery over with so you will be able to enjoy life much more !
Thankyou for your very kind words .

Heather

Meredith Bray posted a note for Susan that says: Susan, thanks for the encouragement! I, too, get frustrated when people are constantly asking me if I'm better yet. And the gray cloud. And the weight loss. I'll definitely add you to my daily prayer list! Keep your chin up!

Jim Jones posted a note for Susan that says: You just celebrated your birthday??! Well Susan, happy birthday to you young lady! I hope you had a wonderful day for yourself. All the best!

Gabi x posted a note for Susan that says: Susan you have been very active with your posting, praying and dumping weight! I am very impressed and proud of you. Your name pops up everywhere I go!!! Rock on Biddy!