On March 1, 2011...
oops, I forgot it too!

Jill
On March 1, 2011...
Tara, I'm not sure I can conjure up the words I really want to say. 10 years ago you were a strong girl with a different set of fears and aspirations. Today you are a strong woman. You have met your dream man and have (a bigger) group of loving and devoted friends. You are a lucky wonderful woman. As Friday approaches, I think of you often. Your support system is amazing! I am in awe of your strength. You will do amazing both during surgery and in recovery. I love you!
On March 1, 2011...
oops, I forgot to sign that - - -

Meganlizotte :)
On March 1, 2011...
Tara, I can't imagine how you are feeling right now, but as an outsider looking in, it seems you have your head in the right place. My advice to you would be to focus on how wonderful you are going to feel once this whole thing is OVER. You will never have to worry about this reoccuring and you can then focus on expanding your family. You are very strong! You are in my thoughts! See you soon!
On March 1, 2011...
Tara,
Wishing you the very best. My old health plan endowed nine chairs at the UCONN Health Center back in the 80's. I know it is one of the best hospitals anywhere. I'll be thinking and praying for you on Friday. I know you'll get through this just fine.
Stay strong!!!
Mickey Herbert
On March 1, 2011...
Hi Tara - You have to share what you learned today. I think we could all benefit. I know I could personally today! :) Glad you are feeling positive! Randa
Tara Gambardella  Thanks for the suggestion, I've updated my journal entry with a few ideas that she gave me. :)
On February 28, 2011...
Hi Tara,

I just found out last november that I have a congenital bicuspid aortic valve, and that I will need surgery soon to fix it, since I have a severe leak. I'm going to the Cleveland Clinic soon to meet with my surgeon and talk about my options.

I'm 28 and we tried to get pregnant for 3 months before I got the news that something was wrong with my heart, so I'm glad it didn't work since it would probably have killed me.

I'm planning to go with tissue valve, since I don't want to depend on daily shots once I do get pregnant. I HATE needles! And they don't like me either... lol.

I will pray all goes well with your surgery! Keep us posted.

Ilana H.
Tara Gambardella  Hi Illana,
I'm so glad you shard your story with me, if you are intrested I would love to communicate ... Read more
On February 28, 2011...
Hi Tara - I just read your posts. I am having surgery on April 7th and totally get your nervousness. I am constantly told - "you are young and healthy" so all will be fine. And.. we do this all the time But it is still -OPEN HEART SURGERY. Stay as positive as you can and let me know if the therapist works. :) I too am from Connecticut and very familiar with the Health Center. You will be in good hands. Good Luck - we will be thinking of you.
Tara Gambardella  Thank you for sharing your story with me. I'd love to connect with you and chat more please feel free ... Read more
On February 25, 2011...
Hi Tara. I just read your post. I had endocarditis last summer which lead to my AVR. Our stories about it are really similar. I at least got to go home for a month before my surgery though. I'm six months out and doing great. I am sorry to hear you have to do this again and there is not much I can offer except the encouragement from one survivor to another.

Jerry H
Louisville
On February 25, 2011...
Hey Tara. Hang in there!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm looking at having my mitral and aortic valves replaced this June. I had a tubal done after my first child was born- due to fear put in me from my old cardiologist. It was a really hard decision. I would have loved to have had one more child.

Take care of yourself, Tara. I know that you must want this so very badly, but, take care of yourself.

On a side note, this site is pretty amazing! I'm learning so much each day from other's experiences. Thank you for the driving tip. :)

God be with you, Tara.

Christy Naughton
On February 25, 2011...
Hi Tara, I am fresh out of the hospital from having my aortic valve and part of my aorta replaced. I understand how you feel for the most part. I was told when I was 18 that needed the surgery but I ran from it. Now at the age of 34 it has granted me many more years to my life. This website has been a great comphort to me and my friends and family. As Im sure know there are alot of life changes that have to be made and I have faith that you are strong enough to get through. You will be in my prayers as well as your family. I kinda had a rough time and ended up in the hospital for 14 days and you are so right it is really had on the family. Keep your head up for God is with you.

Byron Cage
On February 25, 2011...
Hi Tara. Welcome aboard. I just reached my 7 month post-surgery milestone (MVR). Medicine sure has come a long way. I was told that by the time my valve (bovine) would need to be replaced, I'd probably be looking at having surgery through the groin as opposed to another open heart. I am glad your date was scheduled so soon. I had about 5-6 months to mull all this over and it drove me absolutely insane! I will be keeping you in my prayers and wish you the best of luck. Take care.
Kellie
On February 25, 2011...
Hi Tara
What a story. We know we can "never say never", can we? am so glad you found this site as it was not available when you had your first surgery. Hope you have read Adam's book as it will be very helpful to you even though you've already had one surgery. I had a bovine mitral valve and a tricuspid repair last year. It's been a long haul but you have age on your side. Hope you'll keep us up to date on this valve surgery and wishing it will be your last. Wonderful to know that a pregnancy is possible with blood thinners. Medicine has come a long way! Prayers for you.
Fran
On February 25, 2011...
Good luck and my prayers are with you. I had my mitral valve replaced 3 months ago and am feeling much better.