Lena Afanaseva - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

974 days ago

Hello everyone, I have a question. After replacing my valve, I really hoped that the phrase “you have a heart murmur” would no longer arise. But ...Read more

Hello everyone, I have a question. After replacing my valve, I really hoped that the phrase “you have a heart murmur” would no longer arise. But with each visit of this or that doctor, they still tell me: you have a heart murmur. My cardiologist said it's normal. I STILL WORRY. Please share…..

Robert Miller Some amount of heart murmur is ok. The question is how severe it is. If it was just your cardiologist ... Read more

Robert Miller Some amount of heart murmur is ok. The question is how severe it is. If it was just your cardiologist that says it is ok I would get a second opinion. But it seems multiple doctors say it is ok so you are probably ok. Just make sure you go to your regular checkups, probably every 6-12 months.

Louise Moore Hi Lena, Maybe a good Echocardiogram could clarify the condition of your valves. It's not pleasant t ... Read more

Louise Moore Hi Lena, Maybe a good Echocardiogram could clarify the condition of your valves. It's not pleasant to live with doubts as it may be nothing to worry about but always better to know. I hope you get good news!

Heidi Donohue Not all heart murmurs are dangerous are cause for concern but I understand you are worrying. I'm sure ... Read more

Heidi Donohue Not all heart murmurs are dangerous are cause for concern but I understand you are worrying. I'm sure there are many factors to question here, what kind of valve was replaced, which type of valve you had, how long ago your valve was replaced. I would ask cardiologist what is causing murmur if he thinks it is not a valve problem and ask him if you could get echo done to rule out if anything else is going on that you should be concerned about.

Klara Čičić Dear Lena, I, too, have a murmur after repair and it makes huge psychological pressure on me although ... Read more

Klara Čičić Dear Lena, I, too, have a murmur after repair and it makes huge psychological pressure on me although I know fully well that echo is most important to tell you what exactly is going on. Murmur itself can in fact be "innocent" and be present when there is no significant pathology present. They only mean there is a turbulent and rapid blood flow through the valve. Now, echo determines meaning and significance behind that turbulent flow. Also, murmur can be loud, with small pathology and not much heart damage, and vice versa. If your echo is satisfying and everything seems fine, I wouldn't worry about murmur. Although I know how unpleasant it is. But we must rationalize:)

Lena Afanaseva Thank you so much, everyone! I am really appreciate your respond!

Lena Afanasevaposted a journal

996 days ago

Susan Lynn, Amy Berger, Andrew Dial and 3 others reacted to this

Hi all! After surgery in 2019 to replace the aortic valve, the healing process began. And today my post is not about me. About my family. ...Read more

Hi all! After surgery in 2019 to replace the aortic valve, the healing process began. And today my post is not about me. About my family. About those who were shocked by the news, about those who helped me cope with endless anxiety, about those who checked out the best hospitals and the best surgeons. About my husband and my already adult children. After returning home, be strong, patient, attentive to your family. Try not to complain too much, clean yourself up every morning, don't scare them for no reason, try to maintain a healthy psychological climate at home. I know it's hard sometimes. But try. Our family suffered no less trauma than we did. And we must help them cope with us :)))) With love, Lena.

Susan Lynn Very well said, Lena! Our family goes through more than we'll ever know. It's easy to become cons... Read more

Susan Lynn Very well said, Lena! Our family goes through more than we'll ever know. It's easy to become consumed by our own circumstances, but our biggest supporters put on brave faces and keep our spirits high while they're silently going through every step. My goal was to get through surgery and recovery with the least amount of trauma to my husband and twin sister. I couldn't control everything, but I did what I could not to add to their worries. I know how I would feel if the situation were reversed - pretty horrified!

Great advice!

Lena Afanaseva Susan, yes and yes!

Rose Madura Very well said!

Rhodie Jacobson So thoughtfully said. It's remarkable that you put this out there just about at the same time Kevin E ... Read more

Rhodie Jacobson So thoughtfully said. It's remarkable that you put this out there just about at the same time Kevin Excu writes about his care for his dad--thank you!

Adam Pick Beautiful!

Pamela Gregory Well said!

Diane Pellowe Couldn’t agree more! It takes a village!

Amy Berger So true! I’m 9 days post op and my husband has been with me round the clock helping with whatever I ... Read more

Amy Berger So true! I’m 9 days post op and my husband has been with me round the clock helping with whatever I need. He looked so tired today I pleaded with him to take a nap. He said he’s fine but ended up snoozing sitting straight up on the couch after lunch. As Diane says it takes a village!

Lena Afanaseva Amy, stay strong! Most important you on the recovery site.

Lena Afanasevaposted a journal

999 days ago

Patsy Stewart, Brady Busch, Massimo Decina and 6 others reacted to this

How did the operation change me? She made me understand that I need to live, not to worry often about the future, not to constantly think about what has ...Read more

How did the operation change me? She made me understand that I need to live, not to worry often about the future, not to constantly think about what has already happened, but just start living to the fullest. In the first months after the operation, I often cried, and asked myself the same question, why and why me. But I want to assure you that this will gradually pass, you will feel better and you will become mentally easier. I wish everyone who is going through a rehabilitation period to be proud of themselves more often, because you survived it! With love, Lena.

Marie Myers Amen to that, sister!

Pamela Gregory Agree

Rose Madura Beautifully said!

Deena Z Ditto!

Angela Meletiadis thank you,Lena!!!

Donna Casaletto Love this picture!! All I can think of are the Queen lyrics So don't stop me now, don't stop me 'Caus ... Read more

Donna Casaletto Love this picture!! All I can think of are the Queen lyrics So don't stop me now, don't stop me 'Cause I'm having a good time, having a good time🥰‼️

Frank Giovanniello Lena, looking good!

Lena Afanasevaposted a journal

1004 days ago

Adam Pick, Rhodie Jacobson reacted to this

Trouble, inconvenience after discharge. 1. Sleep. Or rather, the lack of comfortable sleep. 2. Weakness, lack of former strength. 3. ...Read more

Trouble, inconvenience after discharge. 1. Sleep. Or rather, the lack of comfortable sleep. 2. Weakness, lack of former strength. 3. Soreness of the seam, muscle soreness. 4. Tearfulness, lack of motivation, questions, “what next and how to live.” Every day I solved these problems, and every day, little by little, I felt better. I began to walk slowly, every day a little walk, took Talinol, ate according to the schedule, slept when I managed to find a comfortable position. And it worked! Please get well! Everything will be fine and even excellent!

Daniel Green You’ve summed up exactly how I’ve felt for the last week since my surgery! I can’t believe how ... Read more

Daniel Green You’ve summed up exactly how I’ve felt for the last week since my surgery! I can’t believe how strong I was and how weak I felt! It’s getting better every day!!

Rose Madura You guys are doing great 👍!

Lena Afanaseva Daniel, and you going to be strong again!

Adam Pick Great to hear you are on the mend Lena! Day by day... Step by step... Hour by hour... The healing i... Read more

Adam Pick Great to hear you are on the mend Lena! Day by day... Step by step... Hour by hour... The healing is happening. Sometimes, it doesn't always feel that way... But, our bodies are downright amazing.

Lena Afanaseva Adam, it was 4 years ago! And thank you so much for such an amazing forum!

Leona Resch Lena thank you for posting’ ! I have felt all the same things as you, especially lack of comfortabl ... Read more

Leona Resch Lena thank you for posting’ ! I have felt all the same things as you, especially lack of comfortable sleep.. I’m one month post op and still struggling with some things but overall feeling much better !! Good to see you feeling so well!! So encouraging for the rest of us going through this process!

Frank Giovanniello Lena, that is the full list. I think we all go thru the very same. That should be a hand out when goi ... Read more

Frank Giovanniello Lena, that is the full list. I think we all go thru the very same. That should be a hand out when going through surgery. Stay Strong.

Mindi Wieseman How true, how true, Lena! Every day there is a little improvement, and if I do too much, well, its a ... Read more

Mindi Wieseman How true, how true, Lena! Every day there is a little improvement, and if I do too much, well, its a step or 2 backwards...like pulling a back muscle. Big ouch! I'm constantly distracting myself away from thinking about a timeline on my recovery or just THINKING and getting depressed, by reading or watching TV or doing crossword or sudoku puzzles or coming here! This week I'll be starting cardio rehab, so I'll be there 3 times a week. It'll also be great being with people. One day at a time. ❤

Lena Afanaseva Thanks everyone!

Lena Afanasevaposted a journal

1011 days ago

Pamela Gregory, Adam Pick, Timothy Andre and 7 others reacted to this

First trip in 2023, Chile. And on January 21, 4 years old, I had my aortic valve replaced. Who knows how long my valve will last, but since then ...Read more

First trip in 2023, Chile. And on January 21, 4 years old, I had my aortic valve replaced. Who knows how long my valve will last, but since then I want to live and enjoy every day, every trip, every workout, walking, running, swimming, and just love. To EVERYONE who is just waiting for an operation or has begun the recovery process, I wish you strength and OPTIMISM, because you CAN! Love, Lena.

Ana Brusso Love your attitude. Keep it up. God bless you

Marie Myers Enjoy that trip!

Leona Resch Love this! Enjoy!

Donna Casaletto Love your attitude too🥰‼️

Adam Pick Awesome! Double Awesome! Triple Awesome! Thanks for sharing! I could not agree more!

Patsy Stewart You turn frowns upside down! 🙂🙃🙂Absolutely love your post! Happy 4th!~❤️

Rose Madura What a wonderful and positive report! Congratulations!

Deena Z Hear ya! Super trip. Take it all in. To life!

Lena Afanaseva Thank you everyone!

Lena Afanasevaposted a journal

1026 days ago

Klara Čičić, Amy Berger, Rose Madura reacted to this

2019: shock, horror, sadness, confusion. Aortic valve replacement surgery. Recovery, pandemic, return to volunteer at the hospital. 2023 :) ...Read more

2019: shock, horror, sadness, confusion. Aortic valve replacement surgery. Recovery, pandemic, return to volunteer at the hospital. 2023 :) To everyone who is waiting for an operation or has begun the rehabilitation process, I wish you faith in yourself, medicine and doctors!

Klara Čičić That is great, Lena!

Angela Meletiadis You're literally back in the saddle again!!!! Congratulations!

Susan Lynn Beautiful video!
Very accurate, succinct recap of the emotions associated with diagnosis, too!

Andrew Dial Wonderful video :)

Marie Myers Love it!!

Patsy Stewart Oh, Lena! Look at you! Your video is so refreshing and what a beautiful horse! All the emotions and l ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Oh, Lena! Look at you! Your video is so refreshing and what a beautiful horse! All the emotions and look at you now! Thank you for having such a giving heart!~❤️

Lena Afanaseva Thank you everyone!!! Hope you all doing well!

Lena Afanasevaposted a journal

1031 days ago

Steven Methot, Amy Berger, Rose Madura and 1 other reacted to this

After arriving from the hospital, I decided to recover. The most important thing you must do is decide for yourself to get well. Walk slowly, breathe ...Read more

After arriving from the hospital, I decided to recover. The most important thing you must do is decide for yourself to get well. Walk slowly, breathe in the air, eat right and fully, do not skip taking vitamins and medicines, rest when necessary, watch inspiring films, read. For the scar, I used vitamin E oil. I wish everyone who was discharged from the hospital to tune in to a full recovery! Happy New Year, friends!

Angela Meletiadis Happy New Year, Lena! May your recovery be a time of peace and rejuvination!

Richard Munson I pointed out to nancy that her hair looked just like yours a few years ago but i got snarled at. I s ... Read more

Richard Munson I pointed out to nancy that her hair looked just like yours a few years ago but i got snarled at. I said it still looks great but alas i think i blew it. She is still a blond at 78 which is something to be happy about.

Pamela Gregory Happy movie watching and Happy New Year! You will do great.

Lena Afanasevaposted a journal

1033 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Donna Casaletto, Mary Schreck and 4 others reacted to this

I returned to volunteer at the hospital. My goal is to impress upon people after open heart surgery that they have got the best ticket to a better and ...Read more

I returned to volunteer at the hospital. My goal is to impress upon people after open heart surgery that they have got the best ticket to a better and healthier life. Merry Christmas! To everyone who is recovering or waiting for surgery, I wish strength and faith.

Leona Resch God bless Lena! What a great way to give back! I had an avr Dec. 20th and came home yesterday/ best C ... Read more

Leona Resch God bless Lena! What a great way to give back! I had an avr Dec. 20th and came home yesterday/ best Christmas present ever!!💕

Rose Madura I was thinking of doing this but after being readmitted 5 times for complications, the last place I w ... Read more

Rose Madura I was thinking of doing this but after being readmitted 5 times for complications, the last place I wanted to go to was the hospital. I'm glad you are doing it. It's wonderful...

Pamela Gregory You are a blessing! Having gone through this will mean even more to heart patients since you understa ... Read more

Pamela Gregory You are a blessing! Having gone through this will mean even more to heart patients since you understand what they are going through

Susan Lynn Lena - what a wonderful thing to do! I'm sure your words bring comfort to many anxious heart warrio... Read more

Susan Lynn Lena - what a wonderful thing to do! I'm sure your words bring comfort to many anxious heart warriors. There is life after OHS!

Marie Myers Great idea and a wonderful way to give back!

Klara Čičić Wow Lena, looking goooood! And what a nice thing to do for the community.

Lena Afanaseva Thank you, everyone!!!

Patsy Stewart Lena, you look absolutely fantastic! What a way to give your heart to others! I love your post!~♥� ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Lena, you look absolutely fantastic! What a way to give your heart to others! I love your post!~♥️

Amy Berger Such a nice idea and the example you set of getting back to “normal “ after surgery

Lena Afanasevaposted an update

1043 days ago

Heather Kelly, Susan Lynn reacted to this

10 days after aortic valve replacement surgery, 2019. My helper is a pillow. I hugged her everywhere and always. You will have difficulty coughing and sneezing. ...Read more

10 days after aortic valve replacement surgery, 2019. My helper is a pillow. I hugged her everywhere and always. You will have difficulty coughing and sneezing. Sneezing was the worst.... but this will pass, for sure:) Optimistic Saturday to all!

Heather Kelly So true everything you said! You sound like you’re doing great! Happy
Healing!!!

Lena Afanaseva

Susan Lynn Looking great, Lena! Love your pillow!! ❤

Richard Munson Amazing how you bond with your pillow. The pillow, the dog my wife. Not necessarily in that order. Th ... Read more

Richard Munson Amazing how you bond with your pillow. The pillow, the dog my wife. Not necessarily in that order. The pillow and the dog don’t talk back. I say this tongue in cheek as my wife inserts my post cataract surgery eye drops.

Leona Resch You are doing great and in the healing mode!!! On your way to your new healthy life!!’

Lena Afanaseva Susan, it’s from Paris:)))

Susan Lynn Very chic indeed, Lena! 🗼

Lena Afanasevaposted a photo

1047 days ago

Rose Madura, Danielle Elizabeth, Klara Čičić and 7 others reacted to this

Hello!
3.5 years ago I went through aortic valve replacement surgery. This post is for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with a similar problem! ...Read more

Hello!
3.5 years ago I went through aortic valve replacement surgery. This post is for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with a similar problem! I want to assure you you will be fine! Waiting for the operation itself is the hardest thing. Trust your surgeon, they do it every day! Since then, I started volunteering in the cardiology department at the same hospital, helping people mentally overcome the most difficult moments after operations. I wish everyone strength, patience, courage and faith in medicine! Merry Christmas!

Greg Lewis Thanks Lena!! Great photo!
When i woke up (sort of..still in delerium) i swore i wanted to become ... Read more

Greg Lewis Thanks Lena!! Great photo!
When i woke up (sort of..still in delerium) i swore i wanted to become a nurse, because of all the great nurses helping me.(barely knew my own name.) My wife thought i was nuts! 😂
All of my hats off to every single health professional on the planet!!! 😶‍🌫️

Klara Čičić That is wonderful, Lena! Thank you and take care :)

Lena Afanaseva Thank you Greg and Klara!

Pamela Gregory What a wonderful way to give back! Glad you are doing well

Lena Afanaseva Thank you Pamela!

Susan Lynn Beautiful photo! Great inspirational post - Happy 3.5 Year Anniversary!