Kimberley 's Journal

Kimberley Anchell   Thanks!!! The echo went well and I got to see my “shiny new valve”. The tech said she couldn’t give me the results but she said, “You won’t have to stay today and talk with the cardiologist like last time.” Wink wink. So, for now, ignorance is bliss. Still feeling pretty darn regardless. Yay.

Tim Saint   Kimberly, there is no doubt the first few weeks are tough going physically and emotionally. A real mental roller coaster. I think 6 - 8 weeks is a good milestone to allow the sternum to heal strongly and heart to heal and reset. Wish you all the best through this difficult time and daily improvements ahead.

Joy Vera  When you meet with your surgeon for a post op, many of those questions can be answered, Kimberley. The "refill" question for me was about 5 weeks. I just started feeling more normal, energy-wise, at that point. I was given a sternum restriction period of 12 weeks & I'm there now. 3 weeks is pretty early in the process. Hang in there!

Susan Lynn  Kimberley- Hang in there! All I can say is that it does get better. You'll see big differences in the next couple of weeks. Better days are ahead! ❤

Geri Frank  Kimberly looks like you are doing great, it takes 5/6 weeks to fully recover, take it slow and easy, don't know if your insurance permits but home visits by visiting nurse to monitor patient's progress may be possible, it was very helpful in my case. I still have the heart pillow , keep it in the car
keep ticking best wishes Geri

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Kimberly keep doing what you are doing. I think it will take some time to feel 100% normal. My incision is still visible and still feel the tightness when doing certain things. I am 3 months out of surgery so my sternum precautions are over and I have been working, going to the gym and playing sports again. You will start feeling so much better around week 5 as I did.

winston may  Hi Kim....I am 8 days post op now from a perfect "text book" aortic valve replacement according to my surgeon. I want to start my power walking NOW, but I can't. I think we are all impatient and need to give our bodies time to heal! Go slow, Kim.

Marie Myers  Sorry to hear about your exciting visit to Costco. Praying for a smooth ride through surgery and recovery tomorrow! I know you will do well. This nurse recommends slow, deep, calming breaths today...

Rose Madura  Oh my. Thank goodness they were able to move up the surgery. Best wishes and please keep us updated.

Mike Roskowinski  Prayers for a great surgery. Sorry to hear about your episode at Costco. That does not sound like a fun day at all. You will be in the recovery side soon and hopefully these issues will go away

Nicole DuPont  While this is still so sudden for you I’m sure, you know that moving up the surgery is the best way to start on the road to getting better. Many thoughts for a smooth surgery. Please let us know how you’re doing.

Joy Vera  That must have been really frightening, Kimberley! Good that they are getting you in sooner. The breathing Marie recommended should help some. You'll be in my thoughts.

Rob Sparling  Kimberley, prayers your way! All will be good. Stay positive. Hit it head on, be strong and occupy your mind. Motivate the team — look ‘em in the eye and tell them about yourself — and Visualize waking up on the other side! You will. ❤️💪. You will do great now and on the recovery side!

Susan Lynn  Kimberley - I'm sure that was frightening. I'm sorry you had to go through it. Just think of your rescheduled surgery as a two-day head start to getting your good health and life back. Waiting is the worst part and it's behind you tomorrow! You'll be well on the road to recovery before your July 10th original date. Wishing you all the best! We're cheering for you!

Rob Sparling  Kimberley, thanks for posting the materials! I wish I had those last year! You will enjoy life with a new valve. Don’t look back! (And only move forward.) ❤️💪

Lena Afanaseva  Yes, agree with Rob! I was miserable before surgery. I always enjoyed activities and exercise! And now i am slowly coming back! Totally agree!
Don’t worry too much! Waiting is the worst!!!!!!!

Frank DeGrazia  Wow Kimberley,
You went from 0-60mph on the condition. Most of us have had a little longer time to assess what is going on , and what needs to get done and why. I had my Bicuspid Aortic Valve replaced 8 days ago (June 25th). AS for me , I refused to look at the procedure as nothing more than a date the would start a transition back to the active lifestyle I was having before . What was 90% asymptomatic 9 months ago turned into a wake up call the last 6 weeks. Its important to keep in mind that getting it done sooner than later prevents the valve causing irreparable damage to the heart muscle. As Lena stated, the anxiety of waiting, along with the multitude of "WHAT IF'S" , at least for me , was far tougher to endure then the procedure. All the Best!

Carlos Banuelos  Frank, that’s well said. Was up in Tahoe last week running, mountain biking and rock climbing, among other things, and I felt great. No shortness of breath or other symptoms, yet I am scheduled for surgery on 7/16. I had a hard time understanding why it’s time to replace my valve, but all of the doctors I spoke with unanimously agreed that I should undergo surgery as soon as possible to prevent irreparable damage to other cardiac functions and bc of the potential for cardiac arrest during intense exercise. Kinda wish surgery was tomorrow bc the waiting is killing me, but soon enough.... Kimberly, sorry things moved so quickly but hoping for a smooth surgery and recovery.

Marie Myers  I can really sympathize. Finding out you need open heart surgery is quite a shock. I know I was in disbelief for quite a while. You will get a lot of good information and comfort from this site. Wishing you peace and eventual acceptence in your journey!

Susan Lynn  I've been there! But, the good news is that waiting is the worst part, so the shorter, the better. Hang in there. You'll be just fine! ❤

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Kimberly. Yeah I understand that feeling. I found out I had problems in February and had surgery in May. Sometimes the quickness is the best so you don’t have to wait as along. Like everyone on her will tell you that waiting is the worst part. It is a really hard thing to accept at first but know this is common and these surgeons does this often. You will do just fine.

Bradley Dunn  Still do your research and be good with your decision. If you have questions, plenty are here that can help.

Rose Madura  I'm sorry you found out that way. What a shock. I knee most of my life that I'd need surgery eventually but it was still shocking for me when the time came. Remember that they do this every day and the odds for a successful outcome are very high. Do your diligence in finding good doctors and let us know if you have any questions.

Naomi Gray  I feel for you Kimberley. When I was diagnosed with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Bicuspid aortic valve 13 months ago, it was so stressful. It was even more discouraging to hear this just two day after being told that I had cataracts in both eyes. I had cataract surgeries in April and open heart surgery on May 9 this spring. It was a tight schedule, but I'm glad I'm done with all of them. I was probably more depressed before the surgeries and after. Now, so many thing I do everyday is for the positive and improvement. I was concerned about the long period of restrictions of activities before the surgeries. But I realized that those restrictions actually helped me to focus more on what else I can do for sure, such as walking exercise. You won't be able to ride a bike or swim for a while, but you are safe and even encouraged to walk as much as you want. This alone keeps me busy. Try to focus on what you want to do when you get better and stronger after the surgery. We are here for you.

Adam Pick  First off... Welcome Kimberley! I'm hopeful that the educational information and caring people here will help guide you along your journey to a healthy heart. Secondly, my goodness... Your story just reminded me of when I realized that I needed help. Like you, I was at a restaurant. I was dipping a chip in salsa when the left side of my body went numb. Shortly thereafter, I was at the cardiologist and then... well, the rest is history. That said, we are all here to help. Please let me know if you need anything. Keep on tickin! Adam

Rob Sparling  Kimberley, you are in the right place! Seems odd, I know, but you are going to learn so much and get stronger ahead of this thing. It happens! ❤️💪

rich monoson  Kimberley, the shock of being told you need surgery is like an out of body experience as you are processing what you just heard. Then there is the acceptance and we can certainly help you with that here. Blacking out is a pretty strong indicator it's time to get it fixed.Thank goodness the pathology was found and you have access to great medical care that is life saving. The procedure is 99% successful. We all know the thought of going in and having this done can be overwhelming. The cardiothoracic surgeons have this procedure so well dialed in you'll be amazed at how it all turns out. I found the entire experience to be a miracle. What modern medicine can do and how our body responds so favorably to me is a miracle. I hope you experience that as well. The acceptance is the mental challenge and we are all here to support you any way that we can. Look forward to hearing about your experience and the wonderful feeling of well being after!

Joy Vera  Welcome, Kimberley. I can relate to that "out of the blue" feeling. Back in 2010, I was feeling fine, went to my primary care doctor who heard enough of a murmur to send me for an echocardiogram. That started the ball rolling on my 1st heart valve surgery experience. I've just had #2 & I'd agree 100% with Rich's comment about modern medicine - all's going fine. All the best to you.

Marilyn Borst  Kimberley, do your research. An educated patient is ones best advocate. Be proactive pre and post surgery. Heal fast, but do expect quite a journey.

Heather Brown  I can understand your complete sense of shock. I was told last July that I needed open heart surgery to repair my Mitral Valve and the news hit me like a freight train. I had surgery last October. Some things weren't as bad as I thought they would be, but I also struggled with some side effects that I never anticipated. Adam's website is a tremendous resource....you are definitely in the right place.

Debbie Moriarty  Welcome, Kimberley! What all will you have done??
And everyone is correct! You will find lots or support on here and any kind of information you might need!! ❤️

jackie Taylor  May best to you. We are fortunate that heart problems can be diagnosed before they are life ending and in almost all of our situations are fixable. And there is a lot of support and understanding for what you are going through. Stay optimistic!!

Kimberley Anchell   Thanks so much for sharing your stories and experiences. I feel like I'm pregnant again. At 9 months, you know the baby is coming and you're pretty sure you'll be in pain. But there's no going back and the outcome will be life changing. A new tissue valve is the recommendation for a number of reasons - because of my age this almost guarantees a second surgery. An impossible thought right now,. Good news - I'll be able to share encouragement and advice for a long time to come. 😉