Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger! Terrie here! Thank God! Made it home frome procedure ten minutes ago and although I am tired and sore from being on back for 6 hours I had to write and let you know all the prayers were heard. I will post more tomorrow as I am going to bed but wanted you to know it went well. Later Heart Sis. Terrie
Virginia (Ginger) French Now I know why I am still awake! I am so grateful and relieved to hear you are doing well! I never ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Now I know why I am still awake! I am so grateful and relieved to hear you are doing well! I never imagined you would be gone so long, but I know they work hard to make sure the patient is not going to go home and suddenly start bleeding.
Thank you Lord that my Heart Sister , Terrie, carved out a few minutes to tell me my prayers have been answered! Please fill her with comfort and deep sleep, like lying in the clouds on your mighty hand and smelling the rain. Please let her wake feeling restored and fill her with Joy. Thank you so much for the protection and safety You provided all those hours. We give thanks in Your name, Amen,
Oh, Terrie! You will feel them when you wake up. I am sending you such gentle hugs and asking God to keep His angels around you to protect you and bring you Joy all weekend. Sleep deeply, precious Heart Sister. Know how very much you are loved! Ginger
On May 29, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
"Ginger" you have gone and done it. Now I have a vision of an angel with a flowing robe, wings unfurled unleashing Her quiver of arrows-yes in small but mighty bursts-so many prayers shooting forward for so many! I am going to have many calluses on this sketching spree which may begin this weekend. I will enjoy sending out photos of the start to finish project. It gives me great joy to watch the process as I have done for so many years. I may send you a photo of one of my favorites so you know what the block and work looks like. I will show you my "Frog" a neighbors dog "Heidi" and my Fuchsia Fairy: Then you will see a photo of the carving and first prints pulled by hand off my old press. Sounds like a plan and will be great fun while concentrating on rehab in not too long a time. Yeah. Looking forward to moving forward. hanks all of you out there too who have helped like Ginger to Lift Spirits. I will write after angiogram tomorrow!
Virginia (Ginger) French Heart Sister Terrie,
You are so funny! Your vision is absolutely hysterical! The angel would have t ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Heart Sister Terrie,
You are so funny! Your vision is absolutely hysterical! The angel would have to be a little pudgy around the middle since I have been unable to lose weight gained during the nine months my thyroid level was well below sea level and my cardiologist told me not to raise my heart rate above 110 beats/minute! Never in my life did I think I would be "heavy" -- but the good news is my thyroid level is finally back to normal (and hopefully my metabolism with it) and once I get a new aortic valve, my ceiling HR of 110 bpm should be gone and I will be able to actually move again (except during the vertigo!) But I think my arm muscles must be pretty strong from shooting all those arrows and lifting my beautiful granddaughter Autumn Grace since she was born on September 24! Now there is an angel, and her Momma and Daddy, too. I posted a few pictures so you can see this beautiful little family. Daddy Jeremiah is a college grad Wichita Firefighter. (My nickname for him is MOST - Man Of STeel). His biceps are hard as rocks and bigger than most people's upper leg, but he is to tender with his two ladies! And Momma Elizabeth, who finished her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy while "Little M" (for Miller) was growing inside, is just beautiful inside and out. I was going to put a few more pictures on because Autumn just became 8 months old. Oh she is a Joy! She is the energizer bunny in triple motion! Not a thing is missed by those big blue eyes! So look at the pics and you will fall in love with them, too! My son, Uncle Steven, I call the Master Computer Jedi. He works IT for a security company. His new Christmas shirt says, PUNK - Professional Uncle No Kids! He already has plans for taking Autumn to Disneyworld, among other places. He has saved all of his massive Lego collection for her. She has a shirt that says "My Uncle is the Best!" No, I'm not prejudiced at all!!! Not!
Smooth sailing, Terrie! Looking for your joyful post tomorrow!
Hugs, Ginger
Virginia (Ginger) French And cannot wait to see your carving picture posts! Frog??? Heidi & Fuchsia Fairy??? I'm guessing my i ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French And cannot wait to see your carving picture posts! Frog??? Heidi & Fuchsia Fairy??? I'm guessing my imagination does not do them justice! And I have a pretty wild imagination!
One thing about growing up with an identical twin -- One child might think "Hey this would be fun! Oh! I better not!" With two it's "Hey, I think this would be fun" & the twin chimes in and says "Great idea, Let's do it!" We weren't trouble makers but we confused a lot of people through the years! Could write a whole book on it -- usually people mixing us up and fooling themselves without our even trying, especially when we were little!
Okay, back to arrows and smooth sailing! Late here and I have some prayer dates tomorrow!!! :o)
On May 29, 2014...
Julia Hsu posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger,
Thank you for leaving encouraging messages on my guestbook. I wish you the best in determining your procedures & dates.
Virginia (Ginger) French Julia, bless you! I am going to check if you have posted any news, but know that my good thoughts and ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Julia, bless you! I am going to check if you have posted any news, but know that my good thoughts and prayers go with you every step of the way. Terrie Ann says we are Heart Sisters, and I really like that! We are more than just people passing by for a short stop. I really care about how you are and what happens to you, and I appreciate the encouragement and great information you have given me!Hugs, Ginger
On May 29, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello Heart Sis! More good news! CAT scan came back with NO Kidney stones! Yeah! Now just looking towards tomorrow with a high spirit!(thanks)
I have to be honest with you-I have not been brought up with any "Bible" knowledge nor Church upbringing. Came from Large dysfunctional home and left home at the age of 16. Graduated High School and Got a job with the Oakland Army Base here in Calif. and worked up until the age of 58 in one job or another. I was a printer and typesetter where I learned to typeset and print. I have an old antique letterpress machine that I bought at a sale in San Francisco that I use to print my hand carved lineoleum blocks. I learned to carve at the age of 22 and have been doing prints for that many years. I am planning to draw a Heart block first to send to Adam Pick and let him use it if he wants (of course assuming I get it done. Also I have visioned a group of people holding a heart in the air that would be a great theme for a carving showing strength and combined celebration of what we have endured together to get past these obstacles. When they are done I will make a print and have it printed up for anyone who wants one(my gift for having shared experiences! It will be a joy to put energy into such work. I will defineately send a photo from the drawing, carving and first print to you as you have partly inspired it! I should have it done before my surgery if all goes well as it will take my mind off of things and help me stay focused.. Take care my friend and thank you for the verse you sent. I entered it into one of the pages of my "home" journal I started not too long ago. Later!.
Virginia (Ginger) French Bless you, Terrie, my Heart Sister!
Great to hear no kidney stones! One more step forward! (I found ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Bless you, Terrie, my Heart Sister!
Great to hear no kidney stones! One more step forward! (I found some in a surprising way in between my two surgeries for Breast Cancer and had to have them shock-waved away. Had abdominal pain one evening and knew it was too low for the surgical incisions, so called my husband to come home and check me. (He is a general surgeon.) He told me it was too early to know for sure, but maybe early appendicitis or gall bladder. He got me a heating pad and I finally slept. Woke up the next morning and abdomen felt tine! Started my morning routine and all went well until I turned to flush the toilet. I was looking into the Red Sea! (Called my husband in out of his sleep. He looked puzzled. I said it had to be a kidney stone. No, he said, you weren't hurting enough! How did he know how much I was hurting?!? Saw Dr. and one large stone in each kidney. Just crazy, but they're gone now!)
Sounds like you have sure made a good life out of a hard start. We had Quakers on both sides of the family, so I am a devout follower of Jesus. My strong faith helps me and gives me great joy! I can tell I have not been paying attention enough when I start to feel low, and I know where to go for help.
I can envision you carving, and also I love the sound of the two projects you have cooking. You are so right! What you are planning will certainly spread the love around, and that's what it's all about. I would be honored to have one of your prints displayed in my home! -- And perhaps framed with the photos of you carving and the drawing! (My son is El Primo putting things like that together so they complement each other.) And I think Adam will be blown away, not that he has not had many touch him, but we are benefactors of all of his work! I would not have you for a Heart Sister without all he has done!
I think your carving will be a wonderful outlet while you are healing. It has to take a fair amount of strength, but you will build it up and we will cheer you on!
My sisters and I are all big readers - the library was one of our treats after Saturday morning grocery shopping and putting everything away! We all keep little books of sayings and quotes that inspire us, and we pass the quotes on to each other. So I went looking for one for you this evening, and this is it:
"No relationship is a waste of time. The wrong ones teach you the lessons that prepare you for the right ones. - Anon"
I have another a couple more that are faves, and I am going to dig them out for you.
I have you in my sights and have started sending up some little prayers for you. I call them Arrrow Prayers because they are not long, but quick bursts, and there are always plenty in my quiver. Actually, one of the things I learned after the head injury in all of those months in the dark on my back was that it is a great time to pray. I never run out of ammunition. If one thinks about it, there are people all over the world needing prayer.
Blessings that tomorrow is a breeze, a smooth sailing to a friendly port!
Hugs,
Ginger
On May 29, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
HA HA HA Ha. What a day this is turning into! I just got off from another note to you and whoosh here you come again. OK Heart Sister. I am going to go relax and be CALM! Thanks again for all the great "energy"!
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
I am with you! But I still don't know the time of your angio. If you prefer not to post it, ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
I am with you! But I still don't know the time of your angio. If you prefer not to post it, that's fine. Just thought I'd ask one more time....
Heart Sister - I Love It! Perfect! Yes, we are without question Heart Sisters!
You Go Girl!!
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
I obviously did not see the post before this one, so am setting alarms for the times so I am ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
I obviously did not see the post before this one, so am setting alarms for the times so I am not distracted.
Surprise CT - they are moving!
The carving sounds like a fantastic way to allow yourself to get "into the flow", so to speak. Will you post a picture of a carving? Please?
One of my favorite verses:
?
II Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a strong mind.
Sending waves of healing energy and many hugs! Ginger
On May 29, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello Ginger! Posted a journal entry at 9:16 a.m. today so look at it! I am headed for valve replacement surgery about a month after procedure tomorrow. In answer to your question my procedure time is: Get there 7:30a.m and they plan to start at 9:30. If all goes well I will be home in the afternoon. If anything surprising happens I will have Gary (my husband) drop you an email to your journal! Thanks for the prayers. It helps knowing you are out there with others sending good thoughts. I will take them with me.... Also thanks for explaining about the injury. Doesn't sound like much of a picnic....to say the least. I am sorry that you have had to endure such a time and glad you have close Family support and Angel Neighbors.
I know what you mean about liking to have more time before surgery as I am trying to lose weight to make it safer and thought a little more time would make it better. My cardiologist said that I will be fine. I also have had type 2 diabetes since 1998. So I have been working for years at keeping on top of this too. We belong to Kaiser Permanente Group and the coverage logo is "Thrive". Let us both just do that OK!? I read your Faith thru the lines you write to me and others. I have a whole lot of Faith that what is meant to be in this life is what it is.....
Don't mind me. Just got back from a Cat Scan a few minutes ago which I wasn't expecting. More surprises!
So forgive me for being a bit scattered today but a lot of things just hit at once. So now I am going to go work on one of my carvings and chill out as the kids say! Take care ! Hugs!
On May 29, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Oh Ginger! Oh my God!! JUst heard from my cardiologist that my surgery will be about a month after the angiogram(tomorrow) He said"In all likely hood we are looking at surgery within 1 month of the cardiac cath. He will refer me to one of the best surgeons we have in the Bay Area"! So things are really moving, yes? I am both excited and anxious. It is even more important to get this angiogram DONE! I will keep you posted. Hugs and prayers all around!!!!!
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie, How fantastic is that??? I am delighted for you and your good news. What a relief it will be ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie, How fantastic is that??? I am delighted for you and your good news. What a relief it will be to have it behind you! I was responding to your earlier message, submitted it, and ZAP - There you were again, with some really big news! I know just how you feel! You're not dangling in the air anymore, but with news like this your feet probably aren't touching the ground. That is simply awesome!
Tons of prayers and a bunch of joyful hugs coming at you! Remember that you need to take care of YOU! and take it step by step. Then you won't miss something important. And remember to Relax - God's in Charge!
Whoo! Blessings, Ginger
On May 29, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Well good morning Ginger! Terrie here!
It is 8:00a.m. here in sunny California and the hummingbirds are out in force and I have butterflies playing in and on the butterflies bushes outside the patio door. Tomorrow is the big day for step one in getting to know more about my beautiful heart. Ginger, thanks for the mental and spiritual help you are providing and I send it out to all of you too! I am excited for you thinking you will be getting your new Valve before the end of summer. Just wonderful news! I hope all goes smoothly reaching that goal! Hope to be able to share some similar news after tomorrow as to when I might be scheduled! Equally important is the confidence of your health care team you are building for this big event!
It is such an important decision especially when there are or have been other health issues that have to be included in making such a decision as to who, when and where this will take place. You have mentioned a brain injury and if you don't mind could you explain? I am so glad you have such a wise and incredible cardiologist. I think they are the foundation for each of us to have that person, that confidence to move forward with all of these many questions and decisions. A person who feels there are no questions too stupid to ask and finds the time to answer them with their patients well being in mind. I am eager to hear when yours will be scheduled and will look forward to hear your continuing "story"! By the way my Grandmother on my Father's side was named "Hilma Elizabeth French" We might just be related, chuckle. Anyway, have to run and water while it is early. Take care! And again Great News!
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie, As ever it is so great to hear from you! Keep up that positive attitude and remember tomorro ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie, As ever it is so great to hear from you! Keep up that positive attitude and remember tomorrow we will be praying that God provides your health care team with wisdom and guidance to do whatever you need and clearly see the information you need to know to safely and courageously take the next right step. What time is your procedure? I want to do some concentrated praying just before and through that time.
You mentioned Hilma Elizabeth French - and touched my heart. Our daughter, now married and with an eight month daughter of her ow, is named Elizabeth! My mom was named Elizabeth and I have a sister with that name. My Mom died at age 56 of breast cancer, We were expecting our first child, and Mom knew if we had a girl, she would bear her name. But this part of the French family has almost all boys. His aunt counseled me not to get my hopes up.
At her birth was this beautiful little infant girl. So we named her Elizabeth Farley French! (Farley is my maiden name.) It was past midnight and we called my dad, who was still greatly grieving the loss of the love of his life, our mom. And Dad (who was originally from NJ and Mom from Philadelphia) boomed over the phone "Of course it's a girl. You don't think those French genes can override the prayers of the entire East Coast!!!" She was a real gift to all of us, but Dad had a new little Elizabeth Farley to hold and snuggle, ;o)
You ask about the brain injury. There is a lot to the story, but I will try to fill you in. Twenty-five years ago I was out helping at a friend's farm. It had gotten dark and there was still much to be done. I was running to get something in the dark, and knew there was an 4 x 8 beam running horiizontally 3 feet off the ground close to where I needed to be. I ducked under it, but hit a second beam behind it running perpendicularly. Didn't know about it. Mashed my head into it. Like many people with concussions, by the time I got back in to where other people were I had forgotten what had happened. Sometime in the next 2 hours I started vomiting. Flu we thought. I drove myself home on back country roads.
Hours later I remember the hit (actually more of a smash.. At dusk I called my great neighbor Jan B, who came and took over.
Most of the next five months I was on my back in bed in the quiet dark with non-stop migraines, terrible vertigo, nausea and vomiting that go with those, double vision, and an assortment of other things. My neighbors handled school and going to the grocery store - took me to the doctors when my husband could not - bad time, but angel neighbors!.
In the aftermath I tried to go back to work and started to learn what I could and could not do. I was rear-ended a few months later. /not helpful. I was trying to work, but never was dependable at being there for a full shift. The symptoms could all start up again any time and I would have to find a ride home, much too dizzy to drive.
I was never able to work full time again, although I loved my work. Noises and bright lights and visual stimulation would trigger things. And I never knew when, for how long, (kind of like figuring out the time for valve surgery!)
So I did what I could, especially with the children who were 6 and 8 at the time, and my employer worked out an arrangement so I could do my research work and reading at home and only come in for one meeting a month. A real Godsend.
Then I was offered a job I was unsure of. But they were encouraging and willing to work with me. I went from one hour a day in the office up in increments to five hours a day. I couldn't tolerate longer, and still would be out 2 or 3 days at a time when symptoms flared up. I was there 11 years and loved it and loved the people I worked with.
Then the day came when I had a flare up or relapse that did not go away in 2 or 3 or 5 days. And I was having symptoms I had not had for over 20 years. My family physician, who had been instrumental in helping me get to the point where I could function pretty well, and my neurologist, who was there from the beginning, told me my brain needed rest or I might incur further damage. I resigned, which was hard, but by the time I finally was able to leave, I could no longer drive or even carry my work bag.
They thought it might take 4 or 8 weeks for my brain to heal. It took 5 months. After that it was like the dam broke and I had four surgeries for three different things in a six month period. Those ended two years ago.
I continue to get stronger, and except for the double vision with too much reading or computer time, I don't think you could tell I had any problems by looking or talking to me, There is a lot I can do. But my long bike rides and swims are over. I am mostly at home or sometimes over at my daughter and her husband and 8 month old's home visiting.
The great piece is that I can still really think and learn and remember things. I would have liked to find I had another year before valve replacement, but now that I know it has to go, we'll get through this, too. So I am glad to have it narrowed down to "soon" and looking forward to having it behind me.
I have done the family finances all my life and learned to invest from my Dad while in high school, so have been doing investments and changing with the time to online brokers, etc. Most of what I do now are family finances, reading, audio books and courses, music, and enjoying family and friends.
So Terrie, will you please remind me of the time for your angiogram?
Cheers, Ginger
On May 28, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger. Terrie here! Just checking in to see how you are doing. So how are you doing Lady?2 days until my heart-cath(Angiogram) Later!
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
Great hearing from you! Hope your birthday was a blast!
And I have prayers all set up for ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
Great hearing from you! Hope your birthday was a blast!
And I have prayers all set up for you on Friday, which I know will be a smooth shot for you!
Today was, for me, a very unique day in my life. While I have known for at least 10 years that my heart valve was going to need to be replaced "sometime", today I talked to some experts at a place I have had my eye on and that my cardiologist gives his stamp of approval. (My cardiologist is very wise and incredible when it comes to patient care. There are not a lot of places he will direct his patients to for various kinds of needed surgery.) I had sent information and was hoping for a response, and today I received a call from the surgeon's nurse. No question in my mind she knows her stuff, was very personable, knew what additional information was needed, and by the time the conversation ended, I knew that unless there is a huge difference between the information I sent and what my cardiologist will be sending - and there won't be - I will have a new heart valve before the end of the summer! Very big news! Enjoy every moment, Terrie!
On May 28, 2014...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
I typed in "breast implants" in the search function, (top right) and this is what came up:
Virginia (Ginger) French Ernie,
Thanks so much! That sure answers my question. I am curious why I did not find it when I use ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Ernie,
Thanks so much! That sure answers my question. I am curious why I did not find it when I used search, but am so glad it came up for you. That is exactly the information I was wondering about.
Blessings,
Ginger
On May 27, 2014...
Kari Schmidt posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
HI Ginger. Just got on this site to get the low down. This is very helpful. Always know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep up the good fight.
Virginia (Ginger) French Bless your heart, Kari! Thanks for the good thoughts and prayers! And also thanks for cluing in Lind ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Bless your heart, Kari! Thanks for the good thoughts and prayers! And also thanks for cluing in Linda! You work with some great people, no question! She probably learned more than she wanted to, but I found out today who is probably the hold up on getting some kind of an answer to that major project, and that person will come and visit for a bit tomorrow and get dates so she can turn things in. Frankly, there's been so much over the years that I had to look up some of the dates myself!
I know learning I have a heart problem has come as a shock to most people who know me. I am fortunate not to have symptoms at this point, so unless you're good with a stethoscope and quick, and not everyone has one handy! the people I meet would not know unless I offer the information. It's not visible, as often times the fact that I have a brain injury is not known. Usually I am very grateful for that!
I've really been impressed by the writings and comments of the people on this site, many of whom have come through so much of what is still ahead of me. One woman wrote that she was getting return calls asking, "Is this major surgery??? This sounds like a big deal!" And apparently some people do not respond or care to even know what is going on.
I think of one of my sisters who gets faint at the sight of blood. Nonetheless, she drove herself to the hospital after a fall on ice resulted in a compound fracture of her wrist. Ghastly to look at! She is a strong woman, but had never thought of herself as strong in "That" way!
With me there are plenty of things. I don't, for instance, introduce myself and include in the first few sentences that I am an identical twin, still have flair ups from a severe brain injury that happened years ago, or am a breast cancer survivor. Or that I have a congenital bicuspid aortic valve that will someday need to be replaced if I want to live once symptoms start, or possibly even sooner.
And I know some of the great work you do, but not because that is part of your introduction of yourself. Kind of like when I was speaking nationally, the intros had none of the points I mentioned above, but others that you are probably aware of but most people on this site are not. Just not relevant to the discussion.
But I really am so impressed with this site because it is a way for patients to communicate to their family and friends, and with others who have been, are in the process of, or will be someday in the same place where I am today. And the encouragement, support, and help with education and recommendations is remarkable.
On this site a person can meet valve surgeons from all over the country, take virtual tours of many of the prominent valve centers, and see a video or get an explanation of just about everything from how the heart normally works, what different valve functions and dysfunctions are, tests that are done to determine if and what surgery is required, the options for various valves, and what to expect before surgery, during surgery, post-op, and once home. Heart surgery is not in one day, home that night, and back to work the next day or two!
We Farley (my maiden name) women are a strong bunch, and we were so blessed to grow up together in a family of faith in which the parents were deeply and obviously in love with each other all their lives, and had intelligence, great senses of humor, high values and integrity, and expected nothing less from their children.
I know that the prayers and encouragement will get me through this trial, too. I could not believe the peace I felt before my first major surgery at 58. But God listened and answered those prayers and provided such comfort and peace.
As Abraham Lincoln said, "This too will pass in time."
Again, bless you. We still have much to learn even though we have been at it for years. But the learning curve is not nearly as steep or long with this community of heart valve patients and their families and friends.
Take care and let me know what's happening with you! And hugs to you and Linda!
On May 26, 2014...
Anne Shannon posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger,
Anne Shannon here. Feel free to give me a call at your convenience. Phone is 303-674-8913. and e-mail is "exqueen@aol.com"
I'd be more than happy to give you any help I can!
The Valve Journal was such a source of information, planning and comfort when I was facing my surgery!
I was So fortunate that I had the results I did but I also did my homework and am pretty proud of myself for doing that!
Virginia (Ginger) French Anne,
I so appreciate the invitation. I will either call or e-mail in the next few days!
In the mean ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Anne,
I so appreciate the invitation. I will either call or e-mail in the next few days!
In the meantime, enjoy,
Ginger
On May 26, 2014...
Vicki D. (BAV) posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hi Ginger,
You definitely came to the right place for information and support. This is a great website! I have the same issue as you and at this point am still being monitored.
I feel like I need to be educated and informed and this website is what I rely on for that. Take care and keep us updated.
Virginia (Ginger) French Vicki,
Thanks for the greeting! I felt like I knew most of this website inside and out and have lear ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Vicki,
Thanks for the greeting! I felt like I knew most of this website inside and out and have learned a ton! But there is always more... I actually found the site a number of years ago and bought a copy of the original edition of Adam's book. (Just updated it to the 3rd edition!)
But I only signed up and put on my story a short time ago and started my journal a few days ago.
Now I realize there is a huge part of this website I had not even begun to appreciate! I am finding that the spirit and encouragement of this community is simply amazing. I already find myself inspired and feel less like the only kid on the block wearing the wrong colored shirt! And I am very hopeful that my family will start taking a look. There is a lot here that would be helpful to them but would probably be dismissed if I were to tell them!
So you are playing the waiting and learning game. I can tell you that I have learned enough to know that some of my early choices would not have been in my best interests. (It's a little bit like dating, don't marry the first boy who ever asks you out!) And I also appreciate having a much better idea of what to ask when we do go for a consultation.
It just is a real warm feeling to know there are others who are going through or have been through what is happening to me right now. And while I deeply love my family, there are just some things they do not or cannot understand.
I feel like I have been blessed with a wonderful warm new family who I can pray for, encourage, and ask questions of and who will do the same for me. That is a very precious thing - a real treasure!
Thanks again, Vicki, for being a part of my new family. I will be here in any way I can!
Take care, Ginger
On May 25, 2014...
Clare Auten posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Welcome. I am 46 and live just outside of St. Louis. I had my bicuspid valve replaced and aneurysm repaired almost five months ago. I did go with a mechanical valve. I hope you can find something close for your surgery. Good luck finding answers. (Tom on here is from Kansas City.)
Virginia (Ginger) French Clare,
Thanks for the welcome note! So you are doing well and pretty much recovered, I hope?!?
Virginia (Ginger) French Clare,
Thanks for the welcome note! So you are doing well and pretty much recovered, I hope?!?
My cardiologist wants me to go to a place that does a very large number of valves has data on their outcomes that are better than the national average, AND has an outstanding neurology center.
I think it is his concern that any head.brain injury sequelae are taken into consideration that resulted in this recommendation. He is extremely sharp and has given me great care and recommendations over the more than ten years he has tested and evaluated my heart.
He believes I need more experienced cllnicians than are currently available locally. I know he has my best interests at heart (small pun), and am carefully looking at the valve centers he recommended.
If I did not have to deal with the head/brain injury stuff and was your age, I, too, would go with a mechanical valve. I think the choice you made was smart. I have, unfortunately, some factors of my health that most people do not have to consider.
Best, Ginger
On May 25, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Sunday, May 25, 2014 11:08 a.m.
Hello again! First off you are welcome for the response! Back at you!
Thanks for all positive thoughts and prayers and again, back at you.
I do not as yet have a surgeon but will be given information upon completion of the angiogram . I know that due to calcification increase of the valve that it might not be far off and will be happy to have you out there to bounce this information with.
You are actually the first person I have replied to in the journal.
I am also grateful to get acquainted with people who have had to hear the same news and make the same choices with their valve issues.
When I am given the result of the angiogram I will then become informed of the treatment recommended and will be happy to share information especially since we are following the same path.
Of course! I will be appreciative of any and all prayers(as we all are!). That is quite a kind offer.
I was nervous about signing up at first so I am not sure how much at the moment what I shared but here is a quickie.
I am going to turn 65 tomorrow and on the same day celebrate my 37th Wedding Anniversary! I live in the city of Manteca, Ca. with my husband Gary, our springer spaniel "Hunter" who will be 14 on Jul 4th. this year and a cat we call KAT who adopted us when people left her behind after moving from the neighborhood.
Gary and I lost our home In a short sale "economic" drama like a lot of other people in our country. Bounced back and just bought a home here in Manteca and settled in with me doing all packing and unpacking in the past two years as well as digging up, moving and replanting 27 plants that are happily sharing the new yard with a beautiful peach tree out in back.
I have been fortunate to have been mostly asymptomatic thus far which enabled me to bike 5 miles a day at our neighborhood park across the street and garden as well as paint our new house by hand with a four inch paint brush. I think I was hoping that luck would rule out and I would continue without symptoms but alas they are slowly showing up, mostly a little shortness of breath and fatigue. Other than my cardiologist telling me to stop getting up and down on our ladder to paint and not to swim competitively with other seniors! my restrictions haven't been much.
How are you and what if any symptoms have you been experiencing?
I am leaning toward "tissue "valve as I don't want to deal with the blood thinners the rest of my life but will see what the surgeon has to say.
I am sorry to hear you lost your Mom in 2012 and had to fight the same fight as well as your Sister. I lost my Mother June 13, 2012 from natural causes. She was 92. Bless them both.
I am currently dealing with anon and off again "situation" with a "cervical issue but it at present is not life threatening and of course I am being monitored.
The heart is my focus and I am doing everything I can to eat healthy, exercise as much as I can. Are you able to get out and walk or maintain any amount of exercise.
You sound like you are also getting great support from your Husband and mine just said this morning that He is hoping we can see the time where we can get back out in our kayaks and enjoy the scenery of the lakes near our new place. I am so thankful that the packing//unpacking and settling in is done and we can all focus on health and the joy of waking up to something new!
You sound like a strong Woman and your strength and ability to care about the people around you tells me you are going to be just fine!
Well, seems I am writing a book. I am just happy to have people to share this experience with as it is weight lifting of all the what ifs and anxiety it is so easy to fall prey to. Not going to those places if I don't have to, chuckle...... You have a nice Memorial Day and I will look forward to keeping in contact.. Hugs and Blessings to all!
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
Wow, you sound full of energy and pizzazz! And back at you again!!!
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
Wow, you sound full of energy and pizzazz! And back at you again!!!
I am close to you in age and my cardiologist is very concerned with the idea of my being on anticoagulants. You may have noted that I had a severe head/brain injury 25 years ago that causes me problems from time to time.
The vertigo is the most limiting, and in addition to that my cardiologist has given me a maximum target heart rate of 110 BPM. That really limits exercise to walking. I used to swim and bike before all of this. I am nursing injuries to my Achilles' tendons, and at Physical Therapy we are often having to stop and let my heart rate drop down within acceptable levels.
I apparently miscommunicated, because I lost my Mom to breast cancer when she was 56 years old in 1980. I was pregnant with my first child at the time. I think losing a parent is extremely difficult, but my sisters and I all agree we got High Quality if not the Quantity (time) we would have liked. I had my cancer surgery in 2012.
I have really been having a hard time trying to make decisions regarding where to have the surgery, who to have do it, and what kind of a valve I would prefer.
Initially I thought I wanted to have the Ross Procedure because long term anticoagulation is not required and, from the sounds of remarks by many people, there is not a need for a second surgery. However, some of my reading indicates that the need for a second surgery cannot be ruled out. And the Ross Procedure is surgery on two valves and is a longer, more complex surgery.
My cardiologist does not think long term anticoagulation is in my best interest. I had a period when I was falling quite a bit because of vertigo and balance problems that are sequelae of the brain injury. But at the end of the summer, my family physician agreed to a trial of taking me off one medication that I felt was bothering me. Within four weeks all of the falls stopped! It was incredible! So now no canes, holding onto furniture and such, and way fewer headaches.
I am steadily getting stronger, which feels good. I just have to get my self enough rest to keep the head injury issues under control. They appear most often when I am tired.
So now I am seriously contemplating a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (See a great video of it on YouTube) with a tissue valve. If the valve needs to be replaced, I am hoping the issues with TAVR or TAVI, as you like, will be solved and I can get a tissue valve replaced percutaneously. I would prefer not to have a second full surgery all over again if avoidable.
We have good insurance, but will have to go out of state for the surgery, and I am just realizing that insurance will probably have to be dealt with. There is not telling at this point whether it will be a big deal or not. I am not a big fan of dealing with all the calls put on hold, but have done it in the past and, if necessary, will do it again.
My very best to you! Take care and enjoy every moment. Sounds like you and Gary have a lot to look forward to. Hope you have a great Memorial Day, too! It is pouring here, but we need the moisture.
I will be lifting you up in prayer and getting your name out for prayers for the angiogram. I look forward to hearing all good news, and know you will be fine!
All my best with hugs, Ginger
On May 25, 2014...
Julia Hsu posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Ginger,
I am 50 & just had Ross (5/15) done at the Heart hospital of Baylor Plano by Dr. William Ryan. Dr. Ryan is an expert of Ross & I had a good experience so far. One thing you should know is that Ross & minimally invasive are not compatible. So you would want evaluate the pros & cons. Also, there are good & not so ideal Ross candidates concerning long-term outcome. The surgeon can evaluate your particular case. Good luck.
Virginia (Ginger) French Julia, Congratulations on your successful surgery! It must feel great to have your heart surgery i ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Julia, Congratulations on your successful surgery! It must feel great to have your heart surgery in your past and be looking ahead to a full recovery. I hope you will not mind if I follow your journal and keep you in my prayers.
Thank you for your very helpful comments. I was given the impression that if a patient is much over 40 in age, the Ross is ruled out. I understand the minimally invasive approach is not available with the Ross. It was only after I thought that the Ross might not be a consideration (from a message from another valve surgeon who has not seen me) that I started to look at other options.
Can you give me any information about what the general criteria are for good & not so ideal Ross candidates?
My cardiologist was thinking that due to a closed head injury 25 years ago, the length of the Ross surgery would be less than ideal. But he also does not think long term anticoagulation would be recommended for me. So my thinking is that if I can not have a Ross, I am probably looking at a second surgery sometime later, which I would like to avoid.
But my first choice, if possible, is the Ross. Can you give me an Idea of approximately the difference in duration of the Ross procedure versus a single valve replacement?
The newest piece of news, which my cardiologist is unaware of, is that my primary care physician spoke this week with my general surgeon to get her input on how well I tolerate general anesthesia.
My mother died of breast cancer at the age of 56, so when I was diagnosed in January 2012 (59 years and 2 months), although the tumor was extremely small, I elected to have bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction. (My identical twin went through the same thing four years earlier.) The surgery I had included the first stage of reconstruction with the placement of expanders. It was not as long as a full cardiac surgery, but was substantial. In addition, this surgeon has done two colonoscopies and an EGD for me in the past.
Her response to my PCP was that I had tolerated all of the anesthesia well and she did not think there was anything, including my previous head injury and the occasional issues with it, that would cause her to believe I would not tolerate the anesthesia required for a full cardiac operation.
I live in Wichita, Kansas, not far from the Heart Hospital of Plano. I really appreciate your help and the name of someone you trusted enough to put your life in his hands.
I know that you need to conserve energy for healing, but would be delighted if you would respond to some of the questions I have posed.
My prayers go with you, and if you would approve of it, I will also ask my family and church (of 2000) to pray for you.
You have just made my day! With great appreciation and very gentle hugs, Ginger
On May 24, 2014...
TerrieAnn posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
Hello Virginia! Just wanted to take a moment to let you know you are not alone. My name is Terrie and I have severe Aortic stenosis too. Have been largely asymptomatic up until recently when echo showed the valve has gotten to the point where I have an angiogram this Friday May 30th. and then will be meeting with a surgeon to discuss valve replacement(unless of course the angiogram shows some results unexpected). So what I want to say is my husband and I both are sending out good thoughts and prayers for you and hoping your heart journey is a smooth one. I received strength in knowing I too, am not the only one out here going through such life changes. So good wishes and many prayers your way. Feel free to write if you need some encouragement or someone else to listen! Take care & keep up the good spirits!
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
Thank you so much for your response! And I appreciate more than I can tell you the prayers a ... Read more
Virginia (Ginger) French Terrie,
Thank you so much for your response! And I appreciate more than I can tell you the prayers and good wishes of you and your husband. I will sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, particularly for the angiogram coming up on Friday before what may lie in your path further along.
Are you willing to share who your surgeon is, where you are planning to have surgery, and a bit more about yourself? I will look to see if you have your own journal, because if so, there is no need to repeat it all for me.
I am very grateful to be getting acquainted with some people who are very much being faced with the many complicated decisions that go along with a valve repair or replacement!
One of my mentors in my career was named Terry and I have a very close friend who is like a sister to me named Terry, so it will be easy to keep you in my prayers.
I will look for you in the journals here and will post if/when I find you.
Would you allow me to ask my family and church to pray for you?
With heartfelt thanks and wishes for all good things, Ginger
On May 24, 2014...
Carol and Kermit posted a note for Virginia (Ginger) that says:
wishing you many blessings as you seek to take care of this health issue. Praying for the needs you have to quickly be taken care of. Praying for you and Jim during this journey. Carol and Kermit
Virginia (Ginger) French Bless you Carol and Kermit, dear friends, brother and sister in Christ,
Virginia (Ginger) French Bless you Carol and Kermit, dear friends, brother and sister in Christ,
We have known for quite some time that the day would arrive when we (I) would need to do more than pray about a valve replacement and all that it entails.
God has brought us through so much with the prayers of so many. Now we head in a different direction knowing He will still be our strength and comfort. I am grateful to know you will be following along and aware of what is happening. We all have been through so many things together!
Kermit, would you please consider recording some of your wonderful prayers? It would not be the same as having you with us, but I have always felt such comfort and praise when you pray. I know you have much to do, and if this is too much to ask, I certainly understand.
But I think of what a comfort it would be to have your words to listen to. I don't think you ever run out of material, but if you wanted to include some of the Psalms, The Lord's Prayer, The Apostles' Creed, and some of your favorite verses (including the full armor of God in Ephesians), that would be great. I know any words from your heart I know are from a direct connection with our Lord, and I would so appreciate hearing having them through this time.
I remember the great comfort I was blessed with when Carol was back caring for and helping me during one of my most trying times and I could hear your gentle voice from the front room as you talked with Jim...
You two have had a very busy time of it! Only recently did I know Kermit had been in the hospital and was sorry not to know sooner so I could be praying specifically for your needs at the time. But you are always in my prayers and I know God has you lifted up in His almighty right hand!
Thank you Lord that my Heart Sister , Terrie, carved out a few minutes to tell me my prayers have been answered! Please fill her with comfort and deep sleep, like lying in the clouds on your mighty hand and smelling the rain. Please let her wake feeling restored and fill her with Joy. Thank you so much for the protection and safety You provided all those hours. We give thanks in Your name, Amen,
Oh, Terrie! You will feel them when you wake up. I am sending you such gentle hugs and asking God to keep His angels around you to protect you and bring you Joy all weekend. Sleep deeply, precious Heart Sister. Know how very much you are loved! Ginger