My where is the time going? Im sitting around and doing a whole lot and the time is just flying. But I have found that nasty ole mac truck. My right side is getting stiff on me. I just keep working on it. I kinda expected it as that is my bad arm with rotator cuff and a little arthritus.Me and my recliner are doing just fine. I sleep in and sleep the whole night thru. Last night I decided to use my little travel pillow that Linda D suggested and it seemed to work pretty well once I got use to it. Yesterday I was cold or hot or both at the same time. Guess everything is just trying to get back to normal. But the ole emotions kicked in yesterday as well. I was washing my hands and just started crying. Nurse Frank didnt know what was going on. Told him to just put with me its just part of it. My BP was a little high this morning but when the nurse came it was better and I have lost about 1/2 of the 20 pounds I gained. My appetite is still small but that ok. Church has been bringing us all this yummy food and it has been a challenge being on Weight Watchers. Guess that will do it for todays chapter. God is good and for all of you waiting he will be taking real good care of you. Was happy to see Don's post today. I knew he could do it.
Well tonight I hear I am going to be getting Elsie cousin for dinner. We will deal with it lol. Take care everyone.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hey all. Yesterday was a little off day. I think it was from coming home and the hour drive to get here the day before. People stopping in a lot and I loved it, but yesterday I was a little on the nauseated side. I have been walking around the house a couple times a day.Going to make it three times today. My church has been bringing dinners to us for two weeks. They are so yummy but my appetite just isnt there yet. my doctor is monitoring my progeress with a machine that goes to his office, so I have to be good lol.

Today I was some emotional over nothing. Guess its just part of it. My pain level is still really good. I am so shocked. I am Tramadol 50mg at 6 hours. I usually make it to maybe 10 hours before I start feeling anything. Have gotten in several little naps today. BP is up some but I have been taken off but was told to hold onto them for a while, so we will see. My big lone 7 inch badge is looking pretty good. I am a little stiff on the right side of my neck but not bad. Just cant believe its been so good.

Hope everyone is doing good For those waiting dont worry its not all that bad, Waiting is the worse part. For all of us in recovery we hcan do this. Just stay with the plan

Mooing all around
LInda and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

My little cow valve was introduced to me one week ago today. Where did the time go? Its a little slow today stomach a little upset and tired today. Got a nice nap in this morning.

I have so many of you to thank. I will get to each of you just as soon as I can. Thanks for all the messages they are awsome.

I have been blessed in so many ways and have a lot to thank God for.

I hope each and everyone of you is having a good day. People please dont worry about your surgery. I promise you wont feel a thing. Yes its dangerous but the outcome out weighs all the other. If I can do it so can you and I will be the first to tell you all I am the worlds biggest baby when it comes to needles etc. I even wound up with a full sternomony instead of the mini. That was a surprise I didnt want. But my pain level is almost on existant. I am just so amazed so far. I am just taking it one day at a time and not pushing anything. I will just be glad when the 20 pounds of fluid leave.
Hope you are doing good Don thought about you in the hospital a lot. I was telling everyone about all the wonderful people I have meant on here. Dont know what I would have done without you all.

Yes the waiting was the worse ever espicaly when the doctor told me it was good I got this done when I did it was worse than the pics showed. I told them I have been trying to tell everyone that but no one would listen. So guys have to get back to grazing. Oh I forgot the last day at the hospital had meatloaf for luch. It was very good but dont know how Elsie liked me eating a cousin. Found out later when I belched it. I dont think she appriecated it. Oh well.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

I just read what I put in here last night. Boy the drugs get the typing going to where out the delete key and it is still bad. Its the drugs.lol I slept in my recliner last night pretty good. So far Im not having very much pain at all. Its amazing. Not ever very much neck pain, just a little stiffness in front on both sides. My back right now is doing pretty good as well. If I stretch my back might snap a little so I try and be like a robut. Nurse Frank (my husband) is taking pretty good care of me. Once ina while he gets a little hiper, but he has gone thru a lot too.
I want to tell you all that St Francis Hopsital downtown was just wonderful. All the nurses were just like angels. We actually had a good time with a lot of good laughs. Glad I was able to laugh without pain. Everyone that came to my door said I looked like I didn't have surgery so I would lower my gown just a little to prove it. My color came right back. And Selma the food was devine. It was like eating at a gourmet resturant. Just couldn't eat very much but was so tasty. CVICU was quite as well although my clock was really broken. Thought it was morning at 230am. Even I was a day behind until GMA said welcome to Fall. I thought it was Friday so I lost a day somewhere.
Yes Connie T I even confessed to Doc Yum what you said but it was after my husband started it by saying I was collecting good looking doctors, so I confessed. He was touched and smiled. I asked him if I said anything weird, cause I was afraid I might prupose. lol And Connie T my plan was to go to hospital have a pic taken with Dr Mazaraz holding a pom pom, But I cant find any. Probably the worse thing that happen was having abot 2 liters of fluid taken out of my lungs.

I want to thank Ricki and the beautiful Orchid you brought. Everybody commented on it. It was so nice meeting you even though that probably was my very worse day. I was so out of it. Dont even know how I got to that room. And have friends and wondering how they knew where I was and saying lets all go home until Frank said I never drove there in the first place oops looked out in the hall and finally figured out I was at St Francis. So I got back in bed and stayed there. Then I just found out what I said when I came out. I ordered the nurse to turn around he couldnt watch me get dressed and I was telling hime how to drive and where to turn.
Surgery took 5 1/2 hours. I have a cow valve I have named Elsie. And I have about a 3 inch dacron graft going down my ascending aorta. The doctor said my ascending aorta was a lot larger all the way to the top where it starts to bend then went normal, and it was good I took care of it when I did. I told him I have been trying to tell all the doctors but no one was listening. So I guess I can say I have been defused. Life is good and God is wonderful. I have so much to be thankful for. Im not Cathlic but on the way down to the lobby there is a big crucifix hanging on the wall. I looked up to it and said Thank you. Well guess Elsie and I better close this story out.

AS Stephanie one last thing. Yes the waiting is the worse. I think mine wasn't just the waiting it was grueling. A lot I dont remember about it when I'm told its hard to believe. Love you all.
Mooing all arround
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Mom after surgery

Its nice to leave for a while well almost, but its always good to get back home. First of all to thank my loving duaghter Stephanie for taking over for me. Some of her posts were funny. Then when I saw I think in ICU she wrote down some of your and starting crying I was thinking of you all the whole time I was there in the hospital. Then when I just heard last night that I was in the spotlight WOW more tears didn't expect that. I was telling everyone there about HVJ and Adams Book and how wonderful it is to have all of this I am just over whelmed..I do remember Stephanie telling me when I was waking up that it was over and I made it I am mooing.
All I remember when they rolled me in was : seeing 3 big lights and thinking when I had my hysterectome only seeing 1 big light now I had three. So I thought the worse the surgery the more lights, then I dont remember a thing. I was told it lasted 5 1/2 hours. Linda I do remember the breathing tub that lasted for another 4 hours, but I mostly slept so I could pretty much deal with it. Then they said cough so I tried and couldn't hear a cough. It felt more like a gag. They said do it again and it was out. Then they said to say something and I could hardly hear myself but it came right back a little sore and raspy. They couldn't get my BP abouve 85 what a shock this is the kid that couldn't get it below 140 a while back.So they gave me another unit of blood and that did the trick. It was hanging in the upper 80's to low 90's and my leg above 100.That kept me in the ICU for 2 days instead of 1..
I want to thank each and everyone of you for the prayers and thoughts I felt each and everyone of them. Right now I think I am going to end this and finish it tomorrow getting a little tired. Love you all
Mooing all the way
Linda and Elsie AVR 9/19/12 (never thought I would right that) Night all.

Mom is doing good still. She had a little fluid in her lung but they got it out and she had some little blood clots but they were able to get those out. Shes sore and her neck is bothering her of coarse, They got to remove an IV from her hand tonight since she has one in her neck still. They will take the neck one out tomorrow and put the other one back in her hand. Tomorrow she will get out of ICU and into her new room. When we were there she said she hasnt seen her surgeon at all yet today. We were all surprised. Then not long after Mr. yummy came in to see her so we all got to talk. Mom even told him how she told everyone he was good looking. lol Wow she is brave. I think he was flattered. :)
Anyways, he said she will probably get to come home on Sunday. Im sure if shes still doing good that is.
Her color looks good also. Shes named her heart pillow George Clooney. Im sure if shes able when she gets on home she will be right on to talk to you all. I read her some of your messages and she cried.
She really loves you all and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
Tomorrow morning I will be heading back home to Georgia. I have to get back to my 3 little ones who are missing their mommy. I will leave messages in her guest book as I will be calling the hospital every now and then to check on her.
So check her guestbook messages for any updates till she is able to get back on.
If I said I was gonna call you tonight and you have not heard from me Im very sorry and will try and get to you tomorrow night. Their were probably over a dozen messages on her phone tonight and when I called someone the phone would beep from someone else. It was crazier with the phone tonight then last night. Whew!
Thanks for all the support for mom.

My mooooing report
Stephanie

Just called the hospital a little bit ago. They said moms breathing tube is out (which I figured by now). Shes got her first newborn bath and they have had her sitting up a little bit. They are talking about getting her up some more tomorrow and taking some more tubes out in the morning also. The nurse said everythings on track and going well.
Now I thought I would sit here and write as many of your messages I can out to take to read to her tomorrow. I know shes probably waiting to get back on here to talk to you all.
Will update as I can tomorrow.

Stephanie

Hi everyone!
First off thanks so much for all the prayers. Mom Dad and I really appreciate them.
Mom is doing great and when they get the breathing tube out within these four hours she will be mooing like a cow.
Her anyursem (sorry if I spelled that wrong) is now gone and her aeorta was bigger than they thought but its all fixed now.
Tomorrow they will have her up and walking the nurse said.
Shes looking good. She didnt get hardly any sleep last night if any at all. Very quite this morning as she was so scared.
They took her back to get her all set up. When Dad and I went back it was very hard being on this side being that I have had the surgery too. I could feel all her pain. It was like looking in a mirror. Had to hide behind her curtain so she couldnt see my tears.
Everyone is right. It is much harder being in the waiting room.
The hardest was going back and seeing her with the breathing tube. That really brought the tears out.
Mama is now on the other side of the mountain. All she has to do is recover now.
Thank you also to her pastor and church friends for being there with us. Dad and I appreciated it. Helped alot having someone to sit with.
Mom loves you all and I will send on the messages.
I will update you again as soon as I can.
Thanks!

Over the mountain
Linda and Stephanie

PS Connie he yummy :)

Mama is just about done and ready for tomorrow, I keep telling her to get to bed because its 10 pm like she did me when I was a kid. I hope she dont regret going to bed late.
She seems calm right now but I know she is nervous. Some friends came over today and we joined hands and said a prayer, I could feel mamas hand slightly shaking.
Well shes hoping into bed. So I will be on tomorrow as soon as I can to journal and let you all know how she is doing.
Thanks for all the prayers.

Stephanie

This is the day before so while I have time I need to put probably this very long post on here.
I want to start out thanking God for answering my prayers and getting me started on a new life. He has told me just like he did with Stephanie that it will be ok.
Next I want to than Adam Pick. You are amazing for starting this site. I don't know what I would have done without it and the book also. I am now rereading the parts that apply now. Next to the many friends I have found on here. There are so many of you and you all have been an insperation to me. Linda D. You are still my rock. Thanks for your prayer last night on the phone. Cant wait to meet you. And Mitch what a story you have. Thanks for being there and your support. Chuck H. and Jimmy Johnson and Janis K for being here and joingin me on FB. Connie T what can I say, we have had a lot of fun. I want a pic of you with your pom poms on a treadmill lol. Connie H and Weight Watchers. Thanks for all your support and being my reporter for WW. Mollie for all the lovely scrpitures you put on here. I love each and every one of them. Ricki Shine for finding a real good cardio doctor. My life has been in a whirlwind since I meant him. Thank you. Oh Selma I will think of you each time the menu comes around. I will stay away from pasta and baked fish. Might be hard on Friday as St Francis is a Catholic hospital. And DVB thanks for letting us all know who you really are and all the fantastic info you put on HVJ
And all the rest of you out there so many to mention. I love you all and I will put you all in my newly fixed heart after its fixed. I also want to thank all my wonderful doctors. Dr Casey who started me on this path and sending me to the right place. Dr Albright who I liked but just wasn't the one for me but got me started on the right path of loosing weight. Dr Oz for transformation nation. I still got the Million dollars thru WW. Dr Bittrick for getting it all done really fast, Dr Dennis and Dr Mazaraz for fixing me up and making me all better.
Don you can do this. We will do it together, we will rock the nation between Texas and SC My prayers to you surgery partner.

Stephanie will be posting for me until Friday. Then she has to get back to her 3 little kids and let them know Grandma is ok. Cortney says we will be twins now.

Wow I am on top of this mountain looking down. What a journey this has been. A lot of rough terrain to get over. Now Paul wants me to ski down this mountain, but no snow not in the south. Will have to go back to wear my life all started in Colorado. They already have seen snow.
So thanks to each and everyone of you love you all and see ya on the other side of the mountain. It looks pretty tall and I dont like heights.
xoxo
On top looking down
Linda H

What a day. You all are right pre ops are NO fun. They dont miss a thing. It was only about 3 hours long but I was exhausted. Espically in the dark with light rain.
When the anesthesialogist came in I knew it was real.

My daughter Stephanie will be here tomorrow. She will be posting on here for me while I can't. Now sure about taking a lap top to hospital or not. She will be here just until Friday, so she will keep you all updated until then. Well guess I am going to call it a day for now, pretty tired and on Wednesday have to get up at 300am for all the fun and games and 1 hour drive to be at hospital by 530am yuck. I know I get to sleep most of the day, but my husband will probably be a basket case. At least he is lucky to have Stephanie with him. When she had her surgery 3 years ago, it was just me waiting. So try and post tomorrow night.
At the top looking down
Linda H

Hi All Cant believe it. It is finally here. Last week isn't a week I really want to repeat and Im sure this upcoming week really is a week I won't want to repeat ever. Today wan't to bad. Went to church and I think that is just what I needed. Got a little emotional there today. Had a hard time getting thru the first song as I love it. I don't know everything just seemed so loud and crispy today, Just made me feel so wonderful and I felt some of the stress leave again just like it was when I joined the church last year at this same time. Had so many prayers and hugs, it was awsome. I feel God brought us to SC for a reason and I think he wanted us to move to Honea Path too. He found me a wonderful doctor in Greenwood, Dr Casey, that got things started for me and I think God with the help of Ricki Shine lead me to Dr Bittrick and got the surgeon that I now have at St Francis Hospital in Greenville. I had other plans of where to go but He had his own plans, so I am trusting that all will be good.

Well I better get off here and get some shut eye cause I have to be in Greenville tomorrow at 700am for all the pre ops.

Hope everyone is doing good and good to here a few people are getting home and doing good Don it is our week are you ready?
Almost to the top
Linda H

On Wednesday while I was at my neighbors house chatting away, my husband told me I had a phone call from the hospital with a couple of questions. Well he didn't call back and my mind just went off like why. Did surgery get post poned? Are they moving it up? Well needless to say the cute little butterflies turned into nasty nerve eating moths. I waited all day the next day and no return call. I tried to call there but didn't know his last name oh well so goes. I caved in and hit the little happy pills yesterday. Boy that knocked me for a loop for the rest of the day. Guess they were a little over do. I think I did pretty well holding off on them. Well today the phone rang and it is the hospital, ok. They just wanted to confirm Monday's appointment for pre ops. Told her how could I forget the butterflies have taken over my body. So thought that was the call I was waiting for, wrong. A little later it rang again from the hospital. This time it was Richard, from Wednesday. I told him he made a mess out of my nerves, so he was very sorry. He just wanted to go over pre registration for next Wed. So now I guess it really isn't a bad dream that I have been living with.

You all have been so wonderful with all your wishes. I have treasured each one of them. And my church has been so wonderful even thou everyone is trying to make this happen a few days before,and also my Weight Watchers group they have been so wonderful also. So please dont make this any earlier than it is lol
Glad I remember what day it is, I think. lol
Hope everyone is having a good day. Hang in there Will it will get better.
Almost there
Linda H

I woke up this morning, early, with the thoughts of oh my right now I will be doing this in one week. Then 800am came and I had those thoughts again gulp. So now the butterflies have woken up. I have been pretty good with the anxiety. Haven't hit the happy pills for a couple of weeks. In fact I have only taken 2 of them. So I guess something in a higher power is working on me. I have just been staying busy getting my house in order for the fall. Now I have been starting up the walks again. But the reality really hit home when Dr. Oz came on and showed his OR. Boy the butterflies really stirred up just seeing that. Then I went to the neighbors for a short time and the hospital called. Dont know what he wanted so now I have to sleep on it all night and wonder what the questions are. With that I found I couldn't eat dinner. So I guess I see what this week is going to be like. Oh boy!

Im to the point of this is really going to happen now.And this is going to be one heck of a week. I have been getting so many hugs and prayers. It is so wonderful. I just dont know what I would have done without this site. You guys have been so wonderful. I appreciate and love each and everyone of you. Glad to hear the wonderful news about Natalie and the others. Hope everyone is having a good day.
Almost there
Linda H

Wow Im getting closer. Only 7 1/2 days left. Would you believe. Im still feeling not to bad emotionally although I do have minutes. Sunday night couldn't sleep again. I think I have gone thru this surgery 500 times already. Now I want to dream of something else. I guess I know that dreams really do come true, but why couldn't winning the lotto come true. The butterflies are starting to wake up a little now and then, but I keep telling them to watch it I have happy pills to stop that lol. Yes tomorrow I will be thinking that I will be getting all fixed up and getting back to normal. Cant wait.
Hope all of you are having a good day. All of us waiting have happy thoughts. And those in recovery are doing very well, and the surgeries taking place in the next couple of days, Gods speed to you.
Almost there
Linda H

Hi All, It was one year ago today, on my birthday, that the nurse from my PCP called and wondered if I had a date for a cardio doctor yet. When I said no she made the appointment right then and there. I had asked her what the echo had said. It had Aortic Stenosis on it. Now look at me waiting all this time and its finally here. So I am saying that getting my heart all fixed up is the best birthday present anyone can have. I have learned so much about myself that I didn't really know, like why I couldn't keep up with the group while walking. I always ran out of breath. Why I had a big dizzy spell years ago while doing some contruction on our house thinking it was just the stress of it all. Why I had another dizzy spell when we came to SC to look for a new house. Why I almost passed out several times during the years that I forgot about and the seizure a year ago last August. And probably the biggest thing of all was to find out I was born with this. It just took 66 years to find out all about me. What a mystery I have been. Now for the rest of my life should be woderful and I am so looking forward to being born again. I guess I can say that I will have been blessed to start over again.

Im still feeling pretty good. I don't think this calmness is going to be lasting to much longer though. I am starting to feel the butterflies starting to wake up. It is only 10 days out. I think when I start hitting the single digits things will start changing a little. But I am armed with my happy pills. They go every where I go. Haven't used any for almost 2 weeks. yeah.

I hope everyone out there is having a real good day. For all of you waiting like me, keep pushing it will be getting better. You or I should say we can do it. For everyone in recovery hope all goes well and you can get on with your new life. God speed to everyone. Love ya.
Mooving on up
Linda H

Tonight as I was getting dinner, a new family member showed up. I was getting silver out of the drawer to find a lizard wanting to set the table for me. Talk about a little stress. Well it created me screaming as I was just a little startled, and no stress? Boy did that set my heart racing all over. I knew we had a little guy in the house yesterday but didn't see it, the cat was trying very hard to get the fast moving little creature. But didnt succed.

My husband had some bad news today. This brother called to tell him that his sister just passed away. Like he doesnt have enough on his mind. She will be missed, but she is in a very good place now.

My daughter Stephanie S. has joined all of us on HVJ so lets all welcome her. She had her surgery 3 years ago and if anyone has any questions about life with a mechanical valve she probably can help you. She just needs to post something in her journal, its all in her story. lol.

Hope everyone is doing good today and the surgerys today went good and all of waiting the same.
Mooving on up
Linda H

Had another good day today But had a little reality check. Had to call the insurance company as I had a coupld of questions. Thats when the butterflies started to emerge their nasty little heads again. Just enough to let me know that we are still here. Getting some of my carpets all shampooed was when I come home it will be nice an clean, I hope. Keeps my mind busy.

Went to Weight Watchers and had a nice little tribute tonight. I was so touched. Our leader said that I was the poster child this month. Wow. Told them I have lost 42 pounds and am holding now until after surgery then that will be my real goal. Told them I dont recommend loosing your last 10 pounds this way lol. Told them this was pre recovery, only me. Oh well its getting late better get going.
Mooving on up
Linda H

Yesterday was a very good day. We meant up with some old friends that we knew in Pa, another transplant to SC. They invited us to go to the Apple Festival in Hendersonville NC. That was a huge festival think it is the biggest one I have ever been too. Must have walked 2 miles, slowly to crowded. Got some good apple things. As wewere walking trying to find a nice place for lunch, we heard a group called MARK 209 out of Nashville. They just happen to be doing Mine Eyes Have Seen The Coming. I just love that song. I was fighting tears but I looked at my husband and it actually really got to him, very emotional. I think with all he has on his mind that did him in. On our way I stumpled over a curb and was on my way down. Thank heaven I ran into a lady that broke the fall. I was so scared and embaressed If she only knew. Well we had a very nice lunch at a very nice resturant.

Everyone has told me about the calmness that comes. Boy I am embrassing it for as long as it will last. Long time coming. It probably wont last that long with only 17 more days, but will take what its worth.

I pray that everyone still waiting gets there ok and flies thru all of this and has a speedy recovery. And all those doing their recoveries keep up the good work. Im still here cheering. Who knows maybe its my new calling. Take care y'all. :)
Mooving on up
LInda H

Today my husband and I went to breakfast. As we were walking in 2 old friends/old neighbors were coming in. So we had a nice conversation with them. Another friend was sitting at the next table. Well my husband went and announced my wife is having surgery on the 19th. ok. Well after we were done and about ready to leave the friends wife told us to sit for a while. I havent talked to her for over a year. Now tonight he came to our house and wanted to talk to me and asked me why I was mad. Told him I have never been mad at anyone and just dont know what happened. Well before I knew he invited us to go to the Apple Festival with them tomorrow. So we will be having some fun. Something happened this morning. Wonder if it is this thing I have going on with me or what. Humm strange, but good.

A few people here have said about a calmness coming over them when they reached this part and I think it is here also, as I have felt pretty good and relaxed all day today. It seems like everyone around me has changed also. Maybe this is starting to be the new me. I know my life will change for the better. I plan on staying right here and still cheering everyone on but on a different scale. Life will be good. Until later
Mooving on up
LInda H

I saw Dr Mazaras today. He explained what he will do to fix my little achy breaky heart. The ascending aorta is only suppose to be about 2.3 cm Mine is double that. So the aortic valve will be replaced with hopfully a cow valve but hes not sure yet. He will then be replacing the ascending aorta from the base of it and about 3 inches up with a dacron material. Surgery will be taking about 6 hours as it is complicated because of where it all is located. He asked me when I wanted it done and a squeaked out very fast asap. So my big date will be September 19, 2012. Pre ops will be 17th,,at St Francis downtown Hospital in Greenville. He said I would be in ICU for about 24 hours then 3-5 days in step down.

I really did like him as well and he is good looking also. It should be illegal to be a heart surgeon and good looking.lol.

The nerves are really starting to kick in now. Glad I have my little happy pills that send me to lala land. He said it was good to walk just dont over do it, It will help my lungs and muscles to deal with what is just about to happen to them.

So happy to have arrived to the top. Thought I would never get there what a ride and a rough one. Would you believe this all started with the words aortic stenosis exactly one year ago, even if I was born with it. Now I know.

Hop everyone out there is having a good day. My thoughts and prayers are still with all those going into this and recovering as well. Love ya'll
Mooving on up and seeing the summit.
LInda H

I think I am starting to see a little light in all of these Isaac clouds today. The doctors office just called to see if I could be there tomorrow at 1230 instead of 130. Told her sooner the better. She told me I would like Dr Mazaras, he was going to go over everything and what he is going to do along with Dr Dennis and we would be setting a date if I want. Told her sooner the better just want it over with. Im so glad I took a little happy pill earlier cause right now it is getting a work out in keeping those butterflies down. I just went outside to get warm. My husband wondered what I was doing told him I went out to get warm cause it was cold out there and warm inside the house. So it starts. I swear think I will need a little brain cleaning out before this is all over. Talk to ya'll tomorrow.
Mooving on up
Linda H

I just had a call from Dr Dennis. He told me has been looking at my CT scan the last couple of days. He told me the aorta is large. Anuersym is 4.5 cm but appartenly where it is locacated I am now going to have another surgeon besides him to make my little achy breaky heart better. So I now will be meeting Dr Maziars as well. He said if it wasn't fixed now in 4-5 years from now I would be having trouble and doing this all again. Told him he has one shot no more. But it sounds like it is going to be very soon. Im still thinking sometime in Sept. We will be seeing very very soon. Meanwhile I got me some of those good little anxiety pills to help out. All of this finally got to me so need a little help whenever I need it. So as Paul Harvey always says stay tuned for the rest of the story.
Mooving on up
Linda H

Glad that is all over with. My poor little vein in my right arm has just had it. They always pick on it and this time it got blown ouch. I told her she could go to the other side as it doesnt really get picked on to much. She new I was nervous (scared). I tried to be pregnant didnt work cause of my age among other things that would prevent that. Any when she called my name my husband with a smile pointed to me and I pointed to him. Oh well I tried. Took me the the little room and I just wanted to back up turn around and leave, didnt work. She had me lay down and moved it so I could see just where it would go. Told her I was going to keep my eyes shut, although I did peak a little. She strapped me down in case I wanted to run, right with another IV. Anyway I made it had a couple of very big hot flashes and other unpleasant feelings going on. After it was over I told her I thought I was in a washing machine on the spin cycle. Glad that is over now it will probably be for the big one. Most likely find out next week then help me ya'll. As all of these tests keep coming up and I know it is the final ones it is getting a little more real.

Hope everyone is having a real good day in all of their recoveries and us all waiting we can do this. I am woman here me moo. (soon)
Mooving on up
LInda H

Now that I know I am getting a supper dupper cow valve (mercedes) I am wondering. I was born in Denver Colo, but moved from Erie Pa. So I am a southern transplant. Am I going to have a southern cow put in me? If so guess I'll have to start saying ya'll more I guess and hope I dont have a war of the north and south going on inside of me lol. Will have to tell the doctor I want an Angus cow as they don't have alot of fat on them.

My husband is having his crazy thoughts too. He is 13 years older than me, and I was told I would live to be 96 last night he said he would never make it cause he would be 110 years old. That upset him.

Seriously now I found out I was born with this so that answered a lot of questions I was wondering about like I couldnt keep up walking in a group. I was always wait for me, thinking I have short legs and not a big stride. And when I went on a cruise to the Southern Carribean my ankles swelled right up to the ;point I couldn't get my shoes back on, thinking it was the heat. Well now I think it was more than the heat it was my heart, little did I know. Now I am just wondering how many more things will dissappear after this is all over with. I am so tired of not being able to walk straight. I just tell everybody its cheap booze. Im the only one in church who holds on to the pews to walk. So I am anxious to see how many more things dissappear.
So guess that its for now. CT tomorrow. I will make it. I will think about ya'll doing the same thing. I can do it (no choice). Until later
Mooving on up
LInda H

Ok its here now. I meant the surgeon who will take care of my broken little heart, Dr Hugh Dennis. But firtst he asked me if I had a CT. Tried to get out of it as I get clostaphobia (sp). He said it only takes a few minutes, so I will try it. He wants to see just how big this anuersym is and that was the best way. He said he has been around a long time and has done lots of these and I would live to be 96 years old. He told me it would be an animal valve, then explained a cow valve. Told him good thats what I wanted that where I live we cant have pigs. lol. He said this valve will last me 25 years, wow. Its the new improved one. The rest of my heart is good strong muscle so thats good.

And Connie I told him I was suppose to come in here and say I am woman hear me roar. Oops hear me moo. He just laughed.

Son now Friday I go at 10:00am for the CT will probably have results that afternoon on Monday then we will be setting up the date for a valve job.
So now
Mooving on up
Linda H

Hey ya'll Well guess I better be getting ready to hear what ASAP means. Actually I have been pretty good with the butterflies. They are letting me know they are still around. The nerves are just starting to kick around some as the day grows on. Just tried to stay busy and that seemed to work this time.
I don't know about going in there and signing I am Woman hear me roar.

Update
Just had a call from Dr Dennis's office saying he is in surgery and wont be available today. So now I go tomorrow at 1050am. So I'm ok with it as the surgery nerves haven't kicked in yet.
So until tomorrow
Getting there
LInda H

Today has been a pretty good day. But I can feel the butterflies starting to wake up a little as Tues is getting ever so close. I hope I like this surgeon, as I think God acturally picked him out. I have heard he is top and has been around for about 37 years. Thats a start. Got my list prepared for him.
Yesterday went to a party dinner with church friends. I have so much support there as well as here on this site. It means so much.

I wore my pretty necklace my husband got me for our 30th anniversary tomorrow. When I put it on told him it might make a good bandaid. lol.

Connie you better be bringing out your pom poms again, might need them.

I went for a ride to Beaufort last Tues. A friend of mine thought I shouldnt go. I can sit here as well as sit in a vechile and see the pretty scenery. But now everyone at Weight Watchers is all worried. So now I will have to explain and probably be shaking while doing it as I will be coming straight from the doctors office.

Good luck to Lee tomorrow and Rhonda coming up. Hope all goes good for them and everyone recovering is doing super.
Getting there
Linda H

Yesterday was payday and all of us retired people go shopping etc. Well I was doing real good when we left but at Walmart it hit again. I just ran out of steam. Just felt like if I kept on I might do something to embaress myself. So my husband said to go sit down and he would finish up the shopping. Havent had a spell like probably since last fall or so. I havent been walking very much at all and when I do it is very slow and not the whole way. I have noticed a little cough starting up once in a while and my voice get raspy sometimes. Maybe I talk to much lol. Have just been trying to stay out of this heat. Be glad when summer is gone and it can take all of its humidity with it.

Otherwise Frank is making up guess he was scared . We will be celebrating our 30th this month. So I guess I give him a new heart lol. He gave me a really pretty necklace set I told him I liked and he remembered wow. I still love him. Dont know what I would do without him. He makes a good nurse too. So guess I will keep around a little longer lol.

On the funny side yesterday I was buying something and tried paying for it with my drivers license. My brains are still mush but hopfully that will change someday soon.

Hope everyone is having a good day and Denise gets some good results. She sure does deserve them and all the recoveries and us waiting is going good.
Getting there
Linda H

It has been a better day today and I feel some better. Yesterday was so tired and some today. Just not doing much of anything oh well it will be there tomorrow. Thats the happy result of being retired lol.

My husband is doing better. I think he just had a big melt down. Hes older than I am and has his own health problems and I know he is scared to death and just doesnt know how to handle all of this. After all last Sept we were told to wait and I think we both got use to that some what, but knew what was coming soon. Now all of a sudden its not the word it now time, it is asap. I wasnt even expecting those words so yeah I feel like a plane in a tail spin..But I am dealing with it pretty well with my faith.

I also have been getting a lot of things off my chest, with my kids. It hasnt been pleasant but i want those things to be gone. After all that good doctor has to dig his way in to find my heart. So I need to make it easy. So I have said a lot of things to family that they have not liked. So that is over and done with now I concentrate on me.

I have been thinking and what Im doing now is putting my faith in God. I know he is there for me. I have felt his warmth around me and I also have felt my Dad. I think he is my gaurdian angel. I have said God has had me in line and every time someone had surgery I just moved a little closer to the front. Now I am there. I went thru all these new tests, and I asked God not to put me on treadmill all nuked up. So he didn't. Then I had the heart cath done last week and asked him not do the groin. So I got the wrist. So yeah he is walking me thru all of this and it feels so good.

Glad Mollie is out of surgery now and her husband survived. My heart goes out to everyone out there and I wish everyone the best.
Getting there
LInda H

Day before yesterday was a bad one I just as soon to forget about, but it happened and probably will again.
I know my husband is scared with good reason. After all he will be 80 in Nov. and is diabetic. So all of this is probably playing on his mind. I know he is hiding it, I can tell. I have been trying to get him ready mind wise for what is come. The other night he told me he was leaving after the surgery. I told him not to wait go now. Well the old Irish temper showed its nasty head and I had to walk off before it was to late. I found out it kinda scared him. Maybe it was a wake up call for him. I just chose not to talk for a while. But his slowly coming around. He has been trying to leave for years and I know he is just trying to hurt me, but it doesnt work. Then the next wasnt any better, I got that uncontrolable crying going. I think that was the first. Not to mention that my family except my one daughter, who has been there, done that, is just ignoring me like I have some deadly disease. But I am not going to worry about it. I have gotten a lot off my chest and feel better about that. And to go with all of those feeling was a sleepless night. Just all those thoughts again. But I did sleep real good last night but I am just all worn out. Its just one of those days, but at least Im ok. What made my day today was I got a card in the mail from St Francis Hospita saying thank you and have a good recovery signed your heart team. Didnt know I had one yet. It just touched me and then what Connie put on here as well as the rest of you. You guys are just so awsome. More drama later. lol
Getting there
Linda H

Dont know how to start this. Reading all of my journals and all the waiting now it is going so fast my head is spinning. On August 14th I am going to meet a surgeon. His name is Dr Dennis. Being under all the good stuff that day, Dr Bittrick told my husband I was good and all went well get me settled and talk surgeon. Well on my discharge paper it had this Dr's name on it and somehow I thought Dr Bittrick was on vacation. Then I started searching his name wrong he is a surgeon gulp. So now here come the second wave of butterflies. And just to confirm all that I got the papers in the mail today for me to fill out. So I now have started writing all of my questions down.

I took Linda D's advise. I was planning on going to Presybatarian in Charlotte and seeking out Dr Andrews as I heard such good things on here. But my insurance said it out of network and I would probably have to spend a lot of money I dont have. My second choice was Gainesville Ga cant do that either but I can go Tennessee go figure. So I looked up St Francis in Greenville and it said it no 1 heart hospital for SC. So that is a plus and that is where I had the cath done. The nurses said how soon do I want this all done and I said asap but after I meet Linda and Ricki. Been waiting to long for that lol. They did tell me that Dr Dennis was the top doctor, so I will see pretty soon. You all told me the doctor would say now its time. Dr Bittrick after these tests came back said as soon as possible. Thats worse. Now Im just wondering if something else is there that I dont know about.

My hand is actually doing pretty good. Doesnt hurt very much at all but I have just been chilling out and playing on computer as I cant really do anything for 3 days and after seeing me drip blood everywhere. Not much bruising just a hard area around the sight. I just keep a watch on it.That was kinda freaky. But so glad I had it in wrist and not in groin. Feel funny asking my husband to pour a glass of milk, guess I better get use to it huh. I guess I am driving him crazy, all I do is talk talk talk and repeat myself. Told him sorry,but get use to it lol. He is being great thou. So I guess that is it for now. Hope everyone is have a good day and all the recoverys are going great.
Getting there
LInda H

Well today I had the dreaded heart cath. Really I dont think it was as bad ad the nucular stress test though. But maybe its becasue I had a lot of the good stuff. And best part It was done in my wrist.
Now the funny part was I was taken to my little room where I would spend the day. I was told to put this gown on and take it all off. Darn. She said if those little veins didn't behave they would have to go to the groin. Boy did I pray. Well I got dressed in the beautful little gown with the slit in front. After my heart is in the front. Well nurse Charles and another came in and told me I could get in this little bed that I was trying so hard to avoid. So I got up and found out I had a wardrobe malfunction. Thats all I'm going to say to many men on here.lol. I know what Janet Jackson feels like now. She told me the slit goes to the back. I said oops. Well my heart is in front made since to me. Well when I was taken to the room, I kinda told them that it wasnt pretty in there. Then I looked over and saw a nurse with a lot of equipment and I got a little scared. They told me I would get the good stuff now. Dr Bittrick came in and said something but I dont remember what it was Felt the needle go into my right wrist and dont remember anything after that. Then they said Linda are you ready? I said you havent done anything yet. They said we just finished.
Dr Bittrick told my husband that all was good and that is what I wanted. So I went back to my roon for a while longer until the good stuff started waring off. Nurse Charles asked me if I wanted to try and walk. Thought I just had major surgery I was so weak. He said lets go to the end and I asked him if he wanted to run lol. He said no. By the time I got back to my room I had blood everywhere. I guess the walking made my BP go up some and the sight leaked big time. So I was delayed in getting out of there.
Ok I am still tired so guess I better get going. More later.
Getting there
LInda H

Ps Hope everyone is have a good day in all there recovery work. Glad Summer broke loose

I just received Adams book today so now I am starting all the good reading. Thanks Adam.
Hope everyone is doing good and recovering amazingly. Hope Connie got escape yesterday and is doing good and Summer starts to get better results.
Have a good day everyone
Getting there
Linda H

Well happy to say I am sleeping better for now, probably not Wed. 400am comes pretty early and I am not a morning person.

Does or I should say does anybody have troulbe with butterflies. I dont care what I am doing, but they keep popping up. I can be crocheting or even talking to some one and there they are. Now I have a hard time typing. Thank heaven for the delete key.lol.

I still have been walking although I have slowed it down a lot. But this morning I felt like a new born colt, just all shaky and the ole ticker just keeps pounding away. I am almost afraid to do anything, but I keep going as I know I just cant sit down.

It was so nice talking to Connie last night. It was just like I have known her for a long time. She is doing great. Will be anxious to hear how her 3 hour trip back home is.

I ordered Adams book yesterday. Cant wait to be getting it and diving into it. Well thats all for today folks.
Getting there
Linda H

Its me again.So glad to hear Connie is going so fast in moving around in the hospital.Wow. Thats great. Hope Summer does just as good. Who know maybe we will see her on NY Med.lol.

Well things are starting to settle in with me I guess. Went to Weight Watchers last night and all they talked about was being active, right. Told her that is on the back burner right now. I am trying to stay about where I am so If I loose weight pretty soon I dont dissappear, Anyway had a good night sleep last night. Guess it all got caught up to me, but doesnt take much to turn the water works on.But still feel numb. Guess that will take time after all the ups and downs I had with other doctor. Actually I must have been on a pretty high fence. I asked him if I fell off. He said not completely but good enough. My valve actually measures at .946 just enough to make it severe. Thats ok dont want to fall to hard and break a bone for my climb up this mountain, but I think it will be a fast climb, cause he said I would be fine for Christmas. So after the dreaded cath we talk. That will probably be another set of emotions even stronger I bet. But I can do it.

Right now I am just focusing on meeting Ricki and Linda D. I have waited to long for this. Hope everyone is doing good.
Getting there
Linda H

I wasn't sure what I put in here yesterday, so I just read it and not to bad. whew. My brains feel like mush these last few hours. I was expecting the doctor to say what he did, cause I could feel it. Just not as soon as possible. But now that I think about it, he meant the cath test. Now on the good side of all this is I know God is with me as I really do feel it right now. I guess he is warning me. He knew I would not be able to do the treadmill so thats why I was lying down. Before I left yesteday for the doctors appt. Something told me to drink some water, as I'm not real good with that. I thought I would get that first blood test. I told them I was allergic to needles but it didn't work lol. For the other side of this, we had the worse lightening storm yet. As I think about it, that might be God talking to me and letting me know just how powerful he is and not to forget it. Just leave all of this in his hands. To end the day. Couldn't sleep last night. Will probably be one of many to come. Oh well. All I thought was just thoughts about family etc. and all that has happened and how numb I feel right now, cant believe this is turning the other way now after waiting for so long. Found myself sitting on the front porch at 1am and thinking more about nothing then got up at 630am and finally got dressed and went for my morning walk. But I did slow it down a lot and will keep it at a slower rate for right now. My emotions finally got to me and I let loose. Guess thats ok get rid of water that you all say I will be getting lol. Got to make room lol. Guess I better get some tissues to put in my purse for those occasions.

I am so glad to see Connie is headed down the other side of the mountain You go Connie. And Summer will be doing the same tomorrow. Gods speed to you Summer.

Getting there
Linda H

Went to Dr Brittrick today and I am now severe. So I know now exactly what everyone has gone through. These emotions are a lot worse than when I started this journey. Glad my neighbor was with me cause she was the one that I relied on as I didn't know what to think. Espically when he said as soon as possible. So on July 26th I have to be at St Francis Hospital in Greenville for the heart cath. I knew he was going to say that but just not as soon as this. So I guess I could say this all hit me just like a ton of bricks. I almost didnt make it out of office feeling like the tears are coming. So far I have managed that but it is right there.

So I guess I will be journaling more now. I am so thankful that I found this site. There are so many wonderful people on here and I love you all. Wow. Thanks to Ricki for getting me to the right doctor and Linda Dixon for all of lher help. You guys rock. And espically Adam for having this website.

And Connie I will still be cheering for you tomorrow, but it might just get a little emotional now. I will be saying a prayer for you to fly through this amazingly like a rock star and I will be joining you on the other side of the mountain very soon.
Guess I cant use for the long haul anymore. lol

Getting there
Linda H

From your cheerleader just for you.
Heres three cheers for Connie and her team of surgeons and don't forget the nurses to.
Bring her to the goal on top of the mountain and a good recovery to.
Hip Hip Hooray Hip Hip Horay Hip Hip Hooray.

Ok best I can do, I was never a cheer leader just the Pep Club. Take this to the big CCF and share with your doctor.
Linda H

Hey ya'all, Well I made it thru the next step. The echo went fine, in fact it was more interesting than before, as this time I could watch everything. Cindy the tech was great, in fact all of them were. She explained what I was seeing. So now I know what an anuersym looks like, a big black spot lol. It is still showing the same in size at 4.5. She pointed out the regrugitation like a little flame. That is still good about the same. All in all she thought it is still holding its own from what I told her from the last echo in Sept. So that is good.

Now for the nucular stress test. It was tolerable but dont want to do it again. After I got the IV put in and nuked which I really didnt know, had to go drinks 2 glasses of water, some breakfast lol.and wait. Then they came for me. Tried to change my name but it didnt work darn it. Had to sit in this chair that was like sitting in a bucket and hold arms over my head for about 20 min while this machine took pics. Dont think I could handle a CT as this was on the brink of feeling that way. Then went and got all hooked up. Thought I was going to have to do the tread mill, but they changed there mind. Probably a good thing. I would have never made it. I felt that all the way from my head to my toes and it felt horrible. After about 3-4 min she got the nuke out of there as I was so uncomftable. Then waited for a while longer and did more pics. So that was my day folks. So I will be getting the results on the 16th. Let you know more then.

I felt all the prayers out there and thank you so much. Want to wish Connie T the best on here day tomorrow. Hope she has an uneventful surgery as she goes to the top of the mountain. Until later.
For the long haul
Linda H

Yesterday I managed to go to my neighbors house before all the heat kicked in, we were sitting there talking and I had her take my BP. Wow it was 99/72. I am so amazed and heart rate was 65 amazing. I decided to take one bp pill away and it worked. Some of the dizziness has gone probably about 95%. I have noticed the butterflies starting to kick in a little as I have the echo and nucular stress test on Thursday. Echo is fine just dont really want to get nuked. lol. After that we will be going to Gray Ga to see my daughter Stephanie and kids. Looking forward to that. She wants to go swimming but my suit is old. I tried it on and it just kinda hangs there. I guess that what happens when you loose 38 pounds.
Guess I better get a new pic on here as the one here is before I lost the weight. Just have to figure it out.
Guess thats it for now.
For the long haul
Linda H

Hi All, After watching the guy on the tight rope walk across Niagara Falls, while holding my breath and sitting on the edge of the chair, then seeing him on GMA today got me thinking. He had said to focus focus focus. He prayed all the way across. He felt very calm and at piece even though the nerves were there. What got me to thinking was prayer and then to focus on the other side and dont let go. I was thinking that is what all of you out there are always saying. So I guess I could say that could be my mantra is to focus on the other side even now while I am waiting. Although I think my wire goes across the Grand Canyon lol. So all of you out there waiting like me, that is something to focus on. There are so many good storys out there from you that are doing so good. So focus on the other side and our new lives to look forward too. Just saying

Meanwhile I have given myself a test. When I was at my new doctor, he said a lot of my dizziness and light headedness could be the medicine I am taking and loosing the 37 pounds at Weight Watchers, that my body was going through a lot right now. He said I could elect not to take some of it and watch BP go up or to have this. So I decided to give myself a test. I take two different kinds of BP pills and I decided to take the one in the morning off for a week. After 4 days, when I took my husband to the doctor, I had them check my BP. It was really good. Today I checked it again and it was 105/76. I am so impressed right now. I still have all of my pills just in case, but so far so good. Now on the 5th of July when I have stress test that will be interesting. Thats it for now just wanted to share.
For the long haul
Linda H

I went to meet the new cardio doctor today. Boy was I ever impressed. My appointment was for 800am and we got there at 745am and at 750am before I even had a chance to sit down and fill out all the paper work, they called me. Never had that happen before. Had an EKG done for starters. We talked told him how I feel and want to feel better. So here is the plan, on July 5th at 830am going for echo again and followed by a nucelar stress test. Ooh cant wait for that one. My husband wanted to know what that was. I told him they will nuke me and tell me to run for it. Hope Im not radio active lol. That will be an all day thing. He better pack a lunch as he is diabetic and I will be starving. Then I will see him again on July 16th he will look at all of my tests previously done and go from there. That is pretty much what I figured. Oh andbp he said I wasnt old lol. My heart rate was at 100 but BP was super good. Never been better. Im impressed. I told him that Ricki Shine recommend him to me so thank you Ricki. I told him I would keep him. So I guess thats it for a couple of weeks. Untill then
For the long haul
Linda H

Hi Guys, Still here. Last few weeks haven't been to bad but lately have been starting to get a little nauseated. Today was more so. For a while thought I was going to get sick. Went to church and was holding onto everything and bumping into people. I just felt like I was shaking all over. Cant wait to see new doctor, just add this to the list.
Hope everyone is doing good and having a bright sun shiny day. Just waiting to meet Linda D and Ricki. It will be so much fun.

Today I went to my regular doctor. He asked me how it went the last time I saw the cardio doctor. So I told him and said I want a second opinion. I gave him Ricki's doctors name and they made the appointment for me on June 12th and 800am. Actually he is a little closer for me to go to. Thats a plus right there. So I am anxious to meet him. Thanks Ricki.
Oh and my blood pressure was amazing 128/78 that is good for me. And I have about 10 pounds to loose to get to my goal so I am almost there yeah.
For the long haul
Linda H

I have just learned that our friend passed away this morning around 4;30am. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ray Pounds.
I have a lot of good memories of our families. He is the Dad of Kevin and Sandy. Kevin was my daughters first boy friend and both of our families became good friends. His Mother passed away suddenly several years ago. I still miss her to this day.
God be with their family.
Linda H

I just found out that I have a dear friend of the family, that his dad had a massive heart attack last Sat. They are going to try and take him to Madison Wi for a heart transplant. It is the VA doing it which I think its very risky and not going to CC as it is so much closer. But he told me it was the VA. So please send some prayers out for Ray Pounds he sure does need them and family as well. Thanks so much. Hope everyone is having a good day. For the long haul
Linda H

Well I had a different Easter but a good one. Went to church and it was good. That afternoon my husband and I drove to Clinton SC to have dinner with his brother and wife. Had a real nice dinner and I was real proud of myself as I only ate 1 hush puppy. I love them and usually asked for more. lol. When I got home had a phone call from my neighbor that her Mom (83 years old) was sick all day, and the nurse finally called back and told her to get to ER now. So I took her to Anderson and sat there from 8pm to 4am. She had a heart attack and had 2 stints put in the next day. She is doing good now and getting her energy back.

In the meantime I have been continuing my walks like I have always done. But now I think I have developed a new symtom. My feet have been bothering me with tingling and to the point of waking my up at night. Well now I am getting pains in the back of my knees that feels like a charlie horse forming. Did some googling today and it could be related to this. So maybe my day is getting close.
I have been reading all the blogs from everyone, and everyone tells about dental clearances. Well that is my fear not my heart but the dentist. I had a bad experience with pulling a tooth a while back and I do have a couple of problems that have to be addressed. So I plan on getting this done very soon to get it out of the way. Best not to wait.

And tomorrow I plan on trying to get Adams book. So with those things getting done I will be that much closer to getting there;
Well until later. Hope everyone is having a good day and recovering amazingly. And for everyone else like me we can do it.
For the long haul
Linda H

Not much to write about. Nothing has changed lately. I did find out I can't walk to long of a hill going up hill. Coming back got a little light headed. So guess I won't be doing that again for a while anyway. I was also folding some laundry and almost blacked out. Thank heaven I was by the bed and flopped into it until it all passed. Other than that just still waiting.
I did want to wish everyone to have a wonderful Easter. We are going to church wearing my new dress proudly earned and then going to Clinton for dinner with my husbands brother from Columbia. So hear is to not eating to many jelly beans. Talk to you all later.
For the long haul
Linda H