JJ's Journal

Mary K  Wanda is right. Ask your surgeon. And ask yourself...."do I want my life saving surgery site potentially damaged with my mended heart ticking valiantly behind it?".

I had a CT scan of my chest four months out and was told that the sternum was only partially fused at that time. My cardiologist subsequently told me that the sternum might NEVER completely fuse.

Would I willingly let someone do a roundhouse to my chest now almost a year out. Ummmm. That would be a resounding "No way!".

susan kotansky  Congratulations!!! Having a date makes it real and you know when it will be over!!!! Yessss!! The best to you JJ!!!

Kate Watson  That's great that you have such a positive outlook! Sometimes clarity makes all the difference. Wishing you well.

Tina Maroon  You encourage me a lot by your story. I have had three open hearts. How well do you feel and how do you get by on a day to day living such as physical activities?? Are they hard for you?? I wish you the very best with your surgery.

JJ Castillo  Well usually I have no restrictions. I'm a black belt in martial arts and usually pretty active. But my pulmonary valve is leaking, so now I can't do any kind of physical activity. If I do I get severely out of breath. I've also been getting low grade fevers for about 3 months. There's a concern for endocarditis so I'm going to have 6 weeks of antibiotics through a picc line before the surgery. And thank you

Wanda Mroz  You're scared because you understand more at 22. It's normal to feel that way. Best wishes on everything going well.

Clare Auten  Welcome to the website. Everyone here is very helpful. There are even some younger guys. I'm sure they would talk to you about their experience. Good luck.

JJ Castillo  Thank you so much. I'm already calmed down about it, I don't know why I just kind of freaked out. But reading everybody's story and their fears kind of put my own fears in perspective. But thanks again 😊

Patricia Garcia  JJ you will get through this surgery as well and it is normal to be scared. You are more aware of what you will go through and that is extremely overwhelming. You are amazing to have went through 5 surgeries, especially as a child.

Melinda Queliz  Your emotions are 100% valid. I am facing the same emotions as you are and my PCP prescribed some nerve pills to get me through this, I also have started speaking with a counselor to help with everything. I think you are experiencing more fear this time around because you are an adult now and are wiser and have experienced enough life to know the possibilities of everything. I pray for everyone on here and now you are added to that list!

JJ Castillo  Thank you so much. is your counselor helping? Maybe you just need to talk about it. That's helped me a lot.

Liz Burroughs  I was really scared to have my heart valve surgery. The only surgery I ever had was a tonsillectomy as a small child. I became obsessed with my surgery & I spent my evenings watching mitral valve repair surgeries online. Finally I stopped watching the videos & started to keep my mind on other things. I tried not to think about the surgery too much. That really helped to calm my fears, along with all the wonderful people in this heart valve community. Best of luck with your surgery!

Elaine Cutri  Hi JJ,
I had my 4th OHS last May. I was surprised it went easier than the last one 22 years ago. I think they've improved the surgical process and ICU care. I have faith that this will be better than the last OHS for you. You're in my thoughts and prayers!

Wanda Mroz  What you are feeling is normal. You are older now and understand more about the procedures, so it is only natural to feel more stressed. Lord knows I was a basket case before my surgery. You are a champion at this and have gone through a lot at such a young age. Keep breathing, maybe ask for some anxiety meds (I took Xanax now and then), see a counselor. Everyone here is helpful and wonderful for support. The process to do your repair has greatly improved and is safer now than ever... have comfort in that. It truly is amazing how many improvements are made minute by minute. Hang in there... will keep you in my thoughts and prayers... best wishes for a smooth surgery and recovery.