Heidi Rockwood - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Update posted on...

May 18, 2019

I am so lucky! I was reviewing my insurance providers and comparing it to the surgeon finder and only one name was on both lists! I did extensive research on all heart surgeons on my provider list and then found that Dr. Gyu Gang is a provider that takes my insurance. I am thrilled that he agreed to do my surgery and am much more at ease knowing I have a great heart surgeon with a caring team to take care of me.

Like | Tom McDonald and 1 other likes this

Susan Lynn Excellent news, Heidi! Confidence in your surgeon and team make all the difference! You'll go into your big day with positive thoughts and anticipation knowing ... Read more

Susan Lynn Excellent news, Heidi! Confidence in your surgeon and team make all the difference! You'll go into your big day with positive thoughts and anticipation knowing you picked the right experts! All the best! ❤

2nd opinion tomorrow

Journal posted on May 15, 2019

Will drive a few hours tomorrow for my second opinion from Dr. Gang at Northwestern.

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Jeremiah Erez Hello Heidi!
Praying you get informed with all you need to know so you can make the right decision concerning your heart surgery situation.
Btw, I read your ... Read more

Jeremiah Erez Hello Heidi!
Praying you get informed with all you need to know so you can make the right decision concerning your heart surgery situation.
Btw, I read your story and rest assured, two things that are synonymous with needing to have open heart surgery are anxiety and fear. That's normal. Please don't feel alone. If you read some of the stories in this website you will see that many heart warriors on here dealt with anxiety and fear prior to surgery. However, you will get through it as you prepare yourself for surgery and the recovery afterwards.
I pray you find God's peace in the midst of your situation. He will bring you through this.
Peace and blessings to you and your family!

Michael Andreas Hello Heidi, I also went to Northwestern in Chicago for my second opinion. They have a Bicuspid research program there. I received the answers to my questions, ... Read more

Michael Andreas Hello Heidi, I also went to Northwestern in Chicago for my second opinion. They have a Bicuspid research program there. I received the answers to my questions, that made me feel comfortable. I had my surgery Nov 22,2017 and found their team of professionals to be very good and was well cared for. There are also some very good hotels right across the street which we stayed in. Being from Kansas City area, we flew and rented a car which was a very stressful drive the first morning due to the Chicago traffic and the path my GPS took. We were asked to drive underground (no GPS signal). Let's just say the drive strengthened our marriage. I highly recommend Northwestern and I wish you the best.

Heart cath went well

Journal posted on April 30, 2019

Heart cath and esophageal went well. Was a long day as things ran late due to emergencies. Didn’t know or remember anything about tube going down throat and throat was just a little sore today. For the cath they went through the wrist and neck. Felt a few things during cath and asked for more medicine. Woke up/was more alert on way back to my room and was so glad to see my wonderful husband! My nurse was great and I really felt lucky to learn my arteries are good. Had to wear a sling for 24hrs and not use that arm, so my idea of working from home (typing) didn’t work out, but will go in and catch up tomorrow. I am just feeling sore like a bruise at insertion sites. I hope all of you facing these tests have a little less anxiety.

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Tim Saint Glad everything went well Heidi, I am still dreading those procedures next week.

Heidi Rockwood Tim, you will be fine! I was really surprised-the most painful part was the IV insertion! Just don’t plan on doing much the next day- to keep insertion sites calm.

Update posted on...

April 29, 2019

Today I have my pre-surgery esophageal and a heart cath. I don’t know if they will go in through wrist or groin. Hoping I don’t get a headache from lack of coffee before they knock me out!!
Not really nervous, just a little anxious about what else they will find!

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Tim Saint Good luck Heidi, hope there are no further issues. I am having those procedures next week and am anxious about them and what else they may find as well. All the best.

Susan Lynn Hope everything went well! Stay positive!