Leigh's Journal

Rose Madura  Hi Leigh. I pray your surgery goes well. Soon you'll be feeling much better. Please keep us posted.

Catie B  I'm sorry you didn't receive as many posts and all the support you had hoped for, Leigh.

If you get a chance, I'd encourage you to put a photo up on your "My Story" page. That way your surgery will show in the Upcoming Surgeries area and alert people to your big day.

The days leading up to surgery are so stressful and anxiety-provoking. It's got to be very hard having your activities so restricted, too. I'm glad you were allowed to wait till the wedding was over and I hope things went beautifully.

My procedure was only aortic, but we have a lot of mitral folks here too, and a few who, like yourself had more than one replaced during their surgeries. If you think of questions, I hope you'll put them on your journal.

Wishing you the very best and a speedy recovery!

Gerald Poulton  Hi Leigh, back from Mexico and your sons wedding I see, now back to life and reality. Last time you posted I didnt think you had a surgery date yet, that came fast. To me that is a good thing, for most the worry and fear is worse than the procedure and less time to worry can be a good thing. Feeling nervous and fear are a natural part of the process and we all went through it, I found it helpful to accept that the surgery is not only a necessity but also something that is going to save your life and give you a longer and better future with family and friends. Once I accepted that, I just wanted to get it over with and move on with recovery and life. Yes I was still concerned but honestly, this is a big operation but they have really perfected it and the morbidity rates are about 1%. The pain for most is not near what one would expect and for me certainly not near the extent of breaking a bone or cracking a rib. I am about 11 weeks post op and feel great, walking, now jogging and soon you will be here as well. I had a smooth recovery and for me the worst of it was nagging uncomfortable back and shoulders but even that didnt last long. Soon you will be feeling much better, not be so winded and on the road to recovery. You are lucky, you have family that love you and a great support system, 🙏 Coming your way and since you cant have flowers in the hospital 💐

Jane Welp  Having a photo does help but I probably post too many. I had to pull away from this community for a time because I was causing myself stress thinking about the challenges that others were facing. I hope that you reach out to others, Leigh and continue to participate whenever you can. We are in this together, folks!

Rita Savelis  I'm sorry you haven't gotten the support you needed here. I went through a time when the posts of others were difficult for me and I couldn't always be there for them. This was a low time, and it passed. I also felt that way in ICU where I could hear other patients but not know their stories and not help them.
In my experience, being able to write whatever is on my mind and having a place where I can do that freely, is helpful to me, with or without a response. Getting things out of your mind and onto paper or a computer screen can be a good thing. There aren't always answers to all questions, things happen that one doesn't expect, and ultimately one can't control that much of it. So you take it one step at a time. We move forward, and then it's behind us eventually.
Take care, Leigh.

BRENDA COWARD  Leigh, your post brought back memories of How scared I was up until the day of surgery. One of the comments that helped me was a comment I got from a doctor friend of mine. She told me "the Heart has been studied thoroughly - the surgeons know what to do for the heart and she believed the outcome would be good." That comment, along with my faith in God and all the people who had survived and lived to post about their successful recovery, and all the family and friends that told me they were praying for my recovery - helped comfort me. ALSO, the Cleveland Clinic pre-surgery staff gave me a (before surgery CD and then an after Surgery CD) to listen to. They are sooo soothing. So ask your doctor for one and if they don't have one, email me at bcoward52@gmail.com). That is if you would like to listen to mine. I will pray that surgery goes well and that you have a swift and full recovery.

Marie Myers  Sorry you did not get many responses. I myself have been away for a week and have not checked in recently. Hope your surgery goes super smooth and that you have a strong recovery!

Michelle E  Hi Leigh - yep the same thing happened to me, but I am very new to my situation and have not maximized my use of the site. My Internet access is a little sketchy. But I picked it up again over the summer and the responses I got were very encouraging. Hang in there - with your surgery right around the corner it's understandable how you are feeling - now more than ever this site can really help you stay centered. Best wishes and prayers for your big day! Michelle

  Leigh, I had my aortic valve replaced October 17, just last week. The nerves before were like a roller coaster. One minute I would be fine and then I would be in tears. My son would always remind me that surgeons do this every day with very little problems. You will be in my prayers.

Laura Shepherd  I read all post & sometimes I don't have any good info to contribute. I do say a prayer for all...wishing you the best. I'm not out 2weeks yet, however, I remember my countdown the Friday before. Stay strong. This site helped me so much..

Greg Johnson  Hello Leigh. You will be fine. I had my aortic valve replaced using the bentall procedure (including the ascending aorta) and that was 2.5 years ago. I hardly think about it anymore, often going days or weeks without it ever entering my mind. I only visit this site once in a while to see what new technology is happening. It is a experience that is best viewed in the rear view mirror I admit, but you are almost there. The recover goes fast, and the pain was never bad. Discomfort more than pain. Actually the most painful part for me was the constipation due to the pain killers. Take them as directed because you don't want to get behind the pain, but stop them when you can. Have a nice comfortable recliner chair ready for some long term use. I slept in mine for the first two weeks.

Matthew Russo  Prayers and positive thoughts for a successful surgery Leigh. Put your faith in the medical team and focus on your recovery.

I had my surgery almost 8 months ago, am recovering wel but have not been on the site a great deal lately. The community is wonderfully supportive and I am know you will have a great deal of positive energy coming your way.

Jennifer McInerney  Congratulations Leigh. My son gets married the same date in Mexico. My Cardiologist cleared me to go but warned me to take it easy. Tough when you're inclined to be a Type A. Have fun and enjoy your family time.

Leigh O'Brien  Glad a fellow “type A” understands, lol. You have fun as well. My husband said he was gonna duck tape me to a chair, with tape that at least matches my dress, if he has to. Think I’ll point and direct from the chair

Rose Madura  Hi Leigh, I hope all goes well with your surgery. It's definitely an experience but we'll worth it. It's hard to receive the initial news. Best wishes to you God bless you

Leigh O'Brien  Thank you Rose. Really nervous about the whole thing. Hope after meeting w Surgeon I will feel better.