Johnny's Posts

Johnny I felt the same way when I first joined this community. I'm still a little nervous too about my up coming surgery ( 8/19 triple bypass and replacement of my mitral and aortic valve) I think that's normal. I do agree that this community is heaven sent. It is awesome and it has helped me with my fears by getting information and encouragement from those who has been through what we're getting ready to go through. I will be praying for you that all goes well with the surgery and for a speedy recovery. God bless!!!!!!!

I agree with Sherry that freaking out is normal. I luckily didn't have a lot of time from diagnosis to surgery, only 10 days. I had too much to do to have time to freak out. Not sure how old your kids are. Mine were 13, 7 and 4 at the time of surgery. They each handled things a little different. Praying that you have a successful replacement and for your wife and kids. I think it is hard on the family too.

I understand how you feel completely . It is really normal and important to feel your feelings. I found it helpful when I couldn't sleep I try to do some deep breathing visualize myself after the surgery well smiling and the doctor telling my family that everything was OK. Hang in there and continue to reach out ! We are here for you! Anticipatory anxiety is the worst ! ❤️

Johnny, yes, I understand needing to vent and having no where for it to go. This site is where I try to leave it, too. Problem with having a lot of info is that you have a lot of info, and it's hard to get those images out of your head. I've tried hard to avoid any photos of actual surgery, but they're hard to avoid. I like Jeanne's idea: Visualize yourself post-op. Write a note to your post-op self and leave it in your sock drawer. Or get yourself a book or movie "post op present" for when you come home. Let your family help pick it out. Or light one of those four-day votive candles before you go to the hospital, and remember that by the time it goes out, it'll all be over, and you'll be up and around, eating solid food. I sometimes ask St. Martha, patron saint of worry warts, to "hold" my worries for me for awhile when I light that candle. Whatever gets your head out of the scary stuff and back to the future. Bless you and your family.

Johnny I totally understand the fear and worry. BUT not to worry...this site is full of survivors and conquerors of that fear! These surgeries are more commonplace than I ever imagined. Doctors and technology are do far ahead of the curve that we can put worry aside. I am 10 months out from my AVR...going into it, I was actually at peace. I read Adam's book 3 times, watched videos and talked to a dear friend who has had multiple heart surgeries...this all put my mind to ease (a bit opposite you), but all turned out extremely well. I meet with a couple of heart brothers every month for lunch and we are all enjoying our new lives. All I can say to you is have faith, turn it over to the Lord and know that life will be better. God bless you...I'll be praying for you and from here on it is Onward & Upward!

Let it all out and feel better about yourself because you will do just fine.. Just focus on having a fix or mended heart is the good thing your life will be restored and you will be here for your family and put a smile on your face once they start to pamper you with their kindness and sweetness just remember you will be able to do things you haven't had a chance to do,but when you heal up you will be able too take care and keep in mind God going to work it out for you with ease take care..

Fill up your schedule this weekend. Keep yourself distracted, take a lot of walks with your family and keep busy. Sunday evening you will notice that a sense of relief comes about and by Monday morning when you wake up you do what you have to do. The checkin process and everything is orchestrated perfectly. Before you know it you will be alert and healing Monday afternoon. Take care.