Leona 's Journal

Rose Madura  What a great post and story! So glad you both are doing well. You all look very happy in the picture!  👍❤️‍🩹

Valerie Allen  I second that, what an encouraging post for those of us still in the waiting room! Glad you two found a great friendship! Thanks from another (originally) Jersey girl.

Amy Berger  Love that you posted this and ditto everything you said!! So excited to be creating new great memories together. As our surgeries go further in the rear view mirror, we will always have a shared bond that only people who have gone through this will understand. Here's to many years of friendship to come!!

Susan Lynn  Happy Anniversary to you and Amy!! I love the photo!! Wishing you many, many decades of good health, future celebrations, and beach vacations!

Timothy Andre  Wonderful post and lovely photo Leona. That's great that you are progressing well. Congrats on 8 weeks. May your recovery continue in a positive direction. God bless you

Ana Brusso  Great picture and recovery Leona, walking 2 to 3 miles a day is amazing. Continued good health and God bless you both. Great smiles 😁

Rose Madura  You are doing wonderfully! You look marvelous too. Both of your smiles says a lot. Congratulations in 8 weeks into your new heart.  Happy you are doing so well. 

Robert Miller  Congrats! It sounds like you are doing well. Keep up the good work with those walks. And yes, take it easy. After 3 weeks I spent about 1.5 days taking Christmas lights, decorations and the inside Christmas tree down and that was not such a good idea... Increase it steadily and listen to your body. Btw, I was also 2 months post surgery on Valentine's Day! 

Leona Resch  Thank you so much everyone! Feels so good to actually start thinking about the things I’d like to do in the future and not always worrying. I thought my anxiety would be gone when I first came home but it took awhile to relax a bit and have faith in my recovery process. I’m praying I continue to do well and try to start to enjoy all the things I did before! I’ve learned not to push too hard- I hear you Robert!- been there done that ! - and not overdo it on those days when I feeling more energetic! And congrats on your two months out too Robert!! Never thought I could face this surgery and get to this point. Still hard to believe sometimes all that has happened. The support of this group is amazing! You have all been such an inspiration to me!! Bless all of you and wishing you all smooth recoveries and good health! Yay to all of us heart warriors!! ❤️👏👏👏

Marie Myers  I have not, but I did get a little gastritis from the new daily baby aspirin that I started after my heart surgery. If you are on a baby or full aspirin daily, it is far more likely to be the cause of GI symptoms. If you are not on an antacid drug like Pepcid (famotidine  20 mg over the counter) Prilosec, ect, you could try 2 weeks of famotidine and see if that helps you.  Hope that helps!

Klara Čičić  I am on beta blockers for a long time! I haven't had GI symptoms, only dry eyes which I find annoying but I have my artificial tears and am managing it. 

Leona Resch  Thanks Marie and Klara. I’ve been on a regular aspirin daily since surgery and wondering  if that’s starting to affect my gi system adversely. I’ll have to check with my doctor / maybe I can go down to a baby aspirin. 

Rose Madura  Hi Leona. I've been on a beta blocker since surgery 5 years ago and haven't noticed any of the discomfort you described.  I was on a baby aspirin once a day and last year my cardiologist had me knock it down to one every other day because I sometimes take extra strength Ibuprofen for a knee problem and he didn't want to mess up my stomach.  Hope this helps.

Robert Miller  Yeah!!! Congrats!! Make sure you go to your appointment 3 or 6 months after surgery (whatever the scheduled). My 1 month check up was good but the 3 month not so much... I think I was kind of an unusual case but make sure you follow up on your appointments and don't ignore them  just because your 1 month appointment was good. I am confident all will be good, though...

Klara Čičić  Robert, my first 2 months post-op echo was little worse than in the hospital after the surgery. Regurgitation went to 2.stage. what was your case? 

Robert Miller  @Klara Cicic I was told that before they close you up they do a TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram). If they see any leakage they will fix it. For both my surgeries there was no leakage. I am not familiar with stages but after 3 months my cardiologist was concerned about my leakage. He discussed it with my surgeon and they thought the issue is that my heart shrunk a lot and so the cords they put in were too long. I discussed this with my surgeon (who charged me again) and two more surgeons and all (cardiologist + 3 surgeons) agreed I needed another surgery. I can't tell you what amount of regurgitation is acceptable but take care of it sooner than later. What happens when you have a lot of regurgitation is that your heart tries to compensate for it by increasing its size. But  increasing its size will weaken the heart/muscle. Some regurgitation is acceptable but check with your cardiologist and maybe get a second opinion. I suspect you are all good but just have it checked out. 

Klara Čičić  Leona, I am happy for you, too :) so sorry using your post to ask Robert a question. Thank you Robert so much, it all makes sense, I just wanted to know a real life story similar to mine it is relieving always. I am currently waiting for a second opinion. Will post as soon as I find out :)

Leona Resch  Thank you everyone!! Praying g for continued good reports but at least I’m starting to feel more encouraged’ what a journey this is! Thank God for all you wonderful heart warriors!! Hope your recoveries are going well!!❤️🙏

Amy Berger  Hadn’t noticed the pic for your profile but was this it? If so it was a great post w lots of laughs … can’t imagine how your profile pic got changed?? thanks for getting me to smile tonight’ :) 

Leona Resch  Yes! I have NO idea how it became my profile picture!! Lol Too funny!’ I agree with Marir! Chest protection and tummy control all in one!! 😂😂

Marie Myers  I have had the picture switch happen to me also. I use an iPad, and I accidentally touched and swiped, and Boom! I had switched my profile picture to whatever I had touched.  

Tami Baker  YES! I'm four months post aortic valve replacement with ascending aortic graft. I'm still feeling the "strong" heartbeat. It feels like it's going to kick completely out of my chest sometimes! My cardiologist told me all of the "electricity"of my heart is finding it's new normal. I've learned to look at it as a reminder of a now healthy heart. 🥰 I will also say, it doesn't seem to be happening as often. Each month, it's a little less noticable. Best of luck to you! 

Rose Madura  I did and felt it was a "Yes! My heart is strong!" moment.  Everyone is different and reacts differently to it.  I can't say that I notice it as much. Most likely got used to it.  

Andrew Dial  I had a strong heartbeat up until 3-4 months, if not maybe even 5 months. It went away though. I thought it was my body just getting used to its new valve. My surgeon agreed. 

Patsy Stewart  I experienced it too. I remember when I thought it was the neighbor's music turned up loud and I could hear the beating of the drum.🤣And when I say neighbor....they're about a mile away! Ha!! You seem to be more aware of every little thing your heart does for several months after surgery. Also, you're more aware when you're sitting or laying down than when you are up and busying yourself with other tasks. You eventually will calm down and not notice it so much. 
Sounds like your recovery is going well. Isn't it amazing how fast those 4 weeks have flown by? Sending prayers your way that you get stronger every day! 

Pamela Gregory  Yes! I am 12 weeks post AVR and feel like my heartbeat is very strong. I can really feel it and don't ever remember that before in my life unless I was exercising 

Marie Myers  Yes, indeed! 5 years later, I still feel my heartbeat is stronger than before surgery. When I  Take a deep breath in, my Heartbeat is really strong. When I am relaxing quietly and breathing shallow, it is much less noticeable.

Robert Stebbins  I am also 4 weeks out from AVR surgery and have had the same as you Leona ever since surgery. It is most noticeable in bed at night. Maybe that’s because everything else is quiet then. If it bothers me, I put on sleep music.  That’s helped for me. 

Leona Resch  Yes very noticeable when you’re laying down at night. I think you’re right/ more noticeable when it’s quiet. I even feel it. It seems like it’s the norm with this surgery. I’ve tried an app with rain sounds  but I’m goi g to try the music too. I’ve propped myself up in bed with pillows to sleep snd that seems to help..

Klara Čičić  I had it before the surgery and I have it now after the surgery, I am tall and skinny so that doesn't help, it's irritating but I got used to it...

Susan Lynn  Yes - the same thing happened to me. As long as you don't have any symptoms of water retention, it's likely just good ole' fashion holiday weight gain. I had a really good time munching on all the Christmas goodies after my surgery, but it did catch up to me.

Robert Miller  This time I had a couple of days where I gained 3-4lb within a 24h period. I am pretty sure one of them was just me eating all the stuff during x-mas but one was most likely due to fluid retention. Look out for 1) swollen ankles/legs 2) shortness of breath and 3) funny noises when you breath (especially in the morning before you get up). If you don't have any of those symptoms you are probably fine. But check with your doctor. 

Leona Resch  Thanks heart warriors!! No other symptims- ankles and legs have no swelling and I’m not short of breath at all. Guess it could be the holiday goodies everyone had sent over ! Two days ago I started getting hungry again and French toast and chicken pot pie went down so easy!😘

Klara Čičić  Dear Leona, I can only say my body weight fluctuated after the surgery, first from fluid retention, just like you, but then it went really low after fluid went away, and now I gained some weight, my apetite is much better after surgery (unlike lots of guys here...). We are each unique. I believe it's the goodies :)

Timothy Andre  I had surgery in April and gained 20 pounds of water retention. 5 days later I was back to pre surgery weight. Fast forward to June and I found myself 25 pounds heavier with normal weight gain. I don’t have an answer. I only have guesses. I wish I had a solid answer 

Pamela Gregory  I gained 18 lbs the day of surgery from fluid and then couldn't really eat for over a week (except apple sauce, jello, etc) because I got thrush in the hospital. I did get readmitted because of fluid around my heart for 5 more days but my weight was wacky still. When I went home the 2nd time the scale (for the first time in my life) kept going down! I was worried something must be wrong since my body loves to gain weight but it was all just readjusting. Have been the same weight for 2 months now.

Amy Berger  Hi Leona - so glad to read that you have had some treats for the holidays. Curious what you’ve been wearing since surgery and if you have any suggestions for me on what you find comfortable? Are you sleeping in a recliner? My surgeon said to expect my incision to be about 4” long - I guess it’s a partial sternectomy? Is that what you had too? Thanks

Leona Resch  Hi Amy! I have actually found the recliner to be the most comfortable . My ncision is about 6-7 inches. Every night I try bed first with tons of pillows and then move to the chair if I wasn’t comfortable. Last night I fell asleep in bed fir 5 hours! Progress! You do get tired during the day so allow yourself time to nap . I find I can move around  more in the morning but fade in the afternoon.The pain has become much more tolerable and I find Tylenol takes the edge off. I’d eat whatever you want. I had trouble eating in the hospital due to nausea and when that subsided nothing but jello seemed palatable until my husband got me a smoothie with berries, banana, almond milk, vanilla protein powder and that cold drink tasted awesome!! I’d bring chap stick and face wipes to the hospital / helps you feel  freshened up again!
Any questions, please reach out! ❤️ 

Leona Resch  Hi Amy! I have actually found the recliner to be the most comfortable . My ncision is about 6-7 inches. Every night I try bed first with tons of pillows and then move to the chair if I wasn’t comfortable. Last night I fell asleep in bed fir 5 hours! Progress! You do get tired during the day so allow yourself time to nap . I find I can move around  more in the morning but fade in the afternoon.The pain has become much more tolerable and I find Tylenol takes the edge off. I’d eat whatever you want. I had trouble eating in the hospital due to nausea and when that subsided nothing but jello seemed palatable until my husband got me a smoothie with berries, banana, almond milk, vanilla protein powder and that cold drink tasted awesome!! I’d bring chap stick and face wipes to the hospital / helps you feel  freshened up again!
Any questions, please reach out! ❤️ 

Amy Berger  So appreciate you!! Knowing these things is so helpful for planning. I find that planning calms me down a bit :) Are you pretty much wearing pjs and loose clothes? Did they recommend a sports bra or support or any kind - hope it’s not too personal a question:) I’ve gained some weight over the past year so I’m a bit on the heavy side. Of course I intended to lose weight before surgery but then they restricted me to not lifting more than 30 lbs and only walking slowly to keep my pulse down etc etc So happy you got 5 hours sleep in bed - so encouraging!

Leona Resch  Oh I know how you feel- I couldnt do much before surgery to keep myself in shape. Every time I exerted myself I kept checking my pulse etc etc.. I was so stressed! Like you I planned to keep myself calm. The hospital was cold so I’d recommend loose pj bottoms fir underneath the hospital gown plus maybe. a soft cozy throw blanket you can drape over your shoulders. As far as a bra, an assistant that washed me up one night brought me some and it did feel good! They are called surgical bras . Not sure if all hospitals have them but you can order them on Amazon. I organized a small basket nearby my bed at home with essentials I may want ie- remote, chap stick etc. I place d a basket next to my recliner with water bottles, magazines, and  an auto bp cuff . And threw a blanket and pillow within reach of the chair
Hope this was helpful! Your going to do great!!

Patsy Stewart  Leona, I have a lot of problems with too much fluid. Sounds like the extra weight might be from your holiday goodies and increased appetite since you're not having any symptoms. Do you weigh yourself each morning? Did the 4lbs come on suddenly or gradually? Usually with fluid retention, you will notice you've gained 3-4 lbs, or maybe even more overnight or throughout the day. Lasix will help you get rid of the excess fluid. Another thing I notice is the calves of my legs feel crazy like I can barely bend them when I walk.  Keep a list of things penciled down of what you are concerned about and ask those questions when you go back to your appointment. Keep getting better in your recovery. It sounds like you're doing great.~❤️

Greg Lewis  Hi Leona. After my latest round of heart failure, I retain some fluids. It seems to take about 1 to 2 weeks to build up, to where I need to take a 40mg Lasix pill. I am on Spironolactone, but it doesnt work good enough. The symptoms I notice are: getting harder to breathe,  it feels like pressure in my head ( like when all the blood goes to your head if you are standing on your head ) I don't get any fluid in my ankles, I gain about a pound a day. After the Lasix,  I pee out about 4 pounds. 
My doc wanted me to try to take a Lasix every week. But you can get pretty constipated,  from it. 
Now, I lost about 40 pounds from surgery, and then gained it back over quite a long time. I would ask your doctor about how much he would be expecting your weight to bounce around, at this early stage of recovery.
Cheers!

Pamela Gregory  Yes! I think everyone is different but for me each day felt different. I think it also depends what you do each day. I needed pain meds for 3 weeks and then periodically if I did too much. Then I might take one at night to sleep more comfortably. I hope this helps

Richard Munson  Yes, and your analogy is spot on. They are nerve endings coming alive. Many were cut during the excavation. It takes some time as nerve regeneration is a slow process i am told.

Robert Stebbins  I’m so glad you posted this as I’m experiencing the same thing.  Has anyone discussed this with their Dr?  I’m hesitant to bring it up as I don’t want to risk a return to the hospital.  I really struggled from a mental health perspective during my 6 days in the hospital post surgery.

Andrew Dial  I am 6 months post Ross procedure, and the entire time I’ve had ups and downs. Be patient. Keep your momentum forward, and it will all work out.

Richard Munson  I think with all the inroads in heart surgery, which you can read them every day right here, one tends to think it is a walk in the park. Its not. Here i’m complaining about my arm hurting after a shingles shot. Getting sliced open like a turnip is serious business. Classic example of the end justifies the means.

Leona Resch  I think so many of us keep thinking each day will get better and that’s not always true. It’s days of ups and downs and better to say where was I last month or two weeks ago. It’s more of a trend I see and not a day by day! I’ve had other surgeries less serious than this and those took at least 6 months to feel myself and this surgery is more involved so putting everything in perspective, this could take longer to be ok again!

Greg Lewis  Leona, yep, it can feel like nothing is going to get better, but it does. It takes time. It's normal to have ups and downs. Hurdles...your gonna have a few. You just gotta take it as it comes. As Richard says, your a turnip, girl! Lol
Like so many on here, my experience was more than what i bargained for. But here is the thing...we are new people now , with more strength, and patience,  and understanding, and thankfulness  than ever before! 
Please don't be discouraged,  tomorrow will be better. If not, than the next day, or the next. BuT it will get better. Trust me. 

Richard Munson  Next month will be 2 years for me. I just got a stabbing pain where my minimally invasive scar sits. It only lasted a few seconds but its 2 years. Hang in there.

Greg Lewis  Ya, I don't know, maybe some of it never is perfect. I am just trying not to focus on that. That's what I mean, when I say, to get more into acceptance, and less expectation. Like you work with what you got. My Dad doesn't ski anymore, or even play guitar, because his body won't let him. And he's OK with it. He accepts that and moves on. A long time ago. 
You do what you can. 
It does suck that I was kayaking in the summer, but now my chest is sore again.  But we'll see how it goes. Cheers! 😶‍🌫️ I am gonna post this again too....

Amy Berger  So glad to read your post and so happy you have such a great team around you!! When you have the strength, I’d love to know any helpful tips about clothes, what to bring to hospital and special stuff to have at home? I’m blessed to never having been sick and still have no symptoms so this whole situation is very unreal :for me :) many thanks!!

Rose Madura  I'll chime in here.  For the hospital, a travel pillow for napping in the chair and a long phone charger.  Chapstick and throat lozenges.  A button shirt so you don't have to lift your arms over your head.   At home, a shower chair, prepare meals in advance to freeze. 

Pamela Gregory  That is great news to be home for Christmas so soon after surgery. Take your time doing everything and let your family help you as I am sure they want to anyhow!

Susan Lynn  Leona - Glad you were home for Christmas! Take it one day at a time. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll heal. Please keep us posted on your recovery!

Greg Lewis  Happy for you to be home at Christmas!!!
Of course I need to give you advice ( all that know me, know I MUST fix everything! Lol )  so..for the longest time, when I had a setback,  it felt like the world was ending, I drove my wife nuts, needing reassuring all the time. BUT it always got better. So then I began to see a setback for exactly what it was..just a setback.  Don't let them be discouraging.  They are simply hurdles! Jump them, move them, kick them...and then go forward to the next day! 
You can get back to the old you! Except much stronger!! 
Have a great! Day!

Leona Resch  Thank you Greg! I was feeling so good, relatively speaking , and then this pain around the right upper back and going under my ribs became horrible. Had felt it in the hospital which improved after removal of chest tube. I think I overdid it at home and now this- how discouraging. Have call into doctor to discuss but it’s so hard not to worry even though they say as you move more musculoskeletal pain can result

Richard Munson  Even minimally invasive i had some ugly pain here and there. You’ve been excavated so it goes with the territory i think. 

Klara Čičić  Leona I am so happy for you! Well done! Pain should soon go away, it will get better each day... Hope you have a smooth recovery 

Patsy Stewart  Greg, that’s exactly how it was and is! Lol!! My famous statement is (when I can’t get from point A to point B), ‘I don’t know what happened to me. I’m really struggling today!’ Andrew just looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. 🤷🏻‍♀️I’m not giving up!💞

Richard Munson  You better not give up. There are more cupcakes to be baked. I thought about telling you a great joke but then decided maybe not. Think dirty joke and laugh anyway. 

Leona Resch  Greg that is hilarious and I’m finding so true!! Up and down this recovery is. When I have a not so good day and say I just dont get it- my husband looks at me and says -really?? I get it ! PS/ he loved this! Thanks for posting! Patsy, I hear you! Have said the same thing and gotten the same reaction! So coMforting It’s just the normal pathway to recovery!!

Klara Čičić  Hi dear Leona, yes, higher heart rate is pretty common after surgery, and shortness of breath also. I am 12 weeks and still have higher heart rate... It is expected for puls to go down over time, and shortness of breath to improve with each day :)

Leona Resch  Thank you so much Klara! I’m on a step down unit now but feeling anxiety about all these symptoms. I’m so relieved the surgery is over yet my anxiety about all these things that are part of normal recovery is heightened . I’m only 5 days out so maybe I just have to give my mi
d time to settle down!

Rita Savelis  Oh, yes, everyone has a higher heart rate after surgery. That's why most are prescribed betablockers - to slow the heart down. Your poor heart has been through a lot. And starting to walk again means utter exhaustion and shortness of breath for most. I'm sorry that no one (at hospital) forewarned you  about all this. So many patients worry abou surgery itself but don't think further to recovery and the various common side effects and late effects one can have. They are all "normal" because they are common.  Pre-surgery anxiety turns into post surgery anixiety. 5 days out is so very very little. One is not even sleeping well and ones body is so shook up. It took me weeks/months. Don't compare yourself to those who say they run marathons a week after surgery. They are hiding the truth. Rest. Give your body time to recuperate. Take care.

David Funk  Yeah my heart rate has been higher also. Even resting rate. I feel it has slowly started to come down a little bit. But average is still higher. Takes some getting use to. They change up my meds about 2 weeks post op which has helped. Heart needs time to readjust 

Greg Lewis  always take symptoms, like breathing problems, to your doctor. Fluid build up is very common, so also watch that your not gaining weight daily. Like a pound every day is not normal, and can be fluids. This makes breathing harder. So does your heart, in a weaker state.  Your doctor needs to know about these symptoms.  The meds we are on, can cause so many unwanted things as well as the good. We all help where we can, but I stress that certain things are only in a doctors wheel house. Don't consider symptoms as "normal" until your doctor clears them. I know that some of my problems are normal, for me, but the doctor knows about them. One person's normal is not necessarily normal for the next person.
Take care!!

Leona Resch  Thank you everyone! They are now changing my beta blocker to another one in hopes of keeping my heart rate lower. I know they did say this is normal after surgery and many people can have this medicine decreased after a few months out. I guess I’m just still nervous, something I thought would be gone after surgery. The staff has been very informative and communicative. It truly helps to hear of others going through this and doing ok. Like someone said, I was so anxious about just getting through surgery I never thought of the post op period much. I feel so good they can manage these things, I guess just surprised cause I didn’t investigate too much that end of things!

Ana Brusso  Congratulations Leona, welcome to recovery. Continued good health and stay in touch. Merry Christmas and God bless you 🙏❤️🎅🏼🎄👍

Leona Resch  Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope to be discharged by beginning of next week’ I don’t care that I’ll probably be in the hospital for Christmas- best present ever!!!! 

Klara Čičić  Oh Leona I am so glad for you. Congratulations on a successful surgery! May your recovery be as smooth as possible! Well done, heart warrior!

Patsy Stewart  Leona, you look fabulous! That smile says it all!!! I loved every word in your post! You radiate hope! I’m so thankful your surgery went well. Welcome to recovery!~♥️

Rose Madura  You look wonderful!  And you did it!  Congratulations and Merry Christmas 🎄.  You have a great present from God, a new lease on life!  

Timothy Andre  Congrats Leona! Happy to see you smiling and beginning your recovery Go easy on yourself and take it one day at a time

Ted Niedziela  Fantastic Leona! Great to see you on your way to recovery. I had the same procedures and NY Pres last year and feel 100% now. Happy Holidays!

Leona Resch  Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your well wishes’ ! So glad to have this behind me! I was wondering if any of you were short of breath walking at first, had a hoarse throat and heart rates higher in the beginning of recovery? Ty!!❤️

Susan Lynn  Leona - If you're concerned at all, please don't hesitate to ask your nurses, but I suspect they will tell you that the horseness is from the breathing tube and the elevated heart rate and shortness of breath are expected. Your heart is getting used to the increased efficiency and healing from the procedure itself. You're going to feel like you're healing quickly, but some estimates indicate that it takes a full year to recover from OHS. If your surgeon thinks you need medication to address your symptoms, he'll prescribe it before you're released. Please keep us posted and don't be shy about asking your nurses any questions. They are your best advocates right now. They want a good result for you, too!

Susan Eckermann  Hi Leona - yes, although I was in good shape going into my surgery, I was huffing and puffing through those initial walks in the hospital hallway, and around the neighborhood when I got home. Every day it got a bit easier though. Last week, I was thinking I was not doing very well-lacking energy and feeling like the simplest tasks exhausted me. I looked back at my journal though and realized how far I've come in my recovery. I still have good days and challenging days, but there is definitely progress. My heart rate was also higher, and even now, 7+ weeks post-op, it is higher than in the past. Both my surgeon and cardiologist say this is completely normal and will adjust during the next few months of recovery. I would ask your surgeon about the heart rate just for peace of mind. Be patient with yourself, follow their instructions, and you will soon be blazing down that recovery road! Best to you.

Amy Berger  Thank you so so much for posting your photo and sharing about your preop fears and how you feel now. My surgery is scheduled for January 24th and our stories are very similar. Your great attitude and words have given the reassurance I’ve needed. I even screen shot it to keep your photo and message as s reminder :) All the best thanks!!

Leona Resch  Amy you will be in the best of hands !! The anxiety I had before  was  all consuming . You will have great care and be amazed how fast you will be sitting up in your chair’! If there is anything I can do please let me know! The encouragement I received on this site was a lifeline to me!’keep me posted!!!❤️

Leona Resch  Thank you to all who posted about post op symptoms. It is so reassuring to hear your experiences! Makes me feel so much better! You guys are the best on this website!💕💕💕

Leona Resch  Hi Amy! Went home yesterday! Best Christmas present ever!! Moving slow but that’s ok! You will do awesome. I know how you feel. The anxiety beforehand is truly the worst- all consuming. Believe in your team- they do this all the time! You’ve got this!! Please let me know if you need anything! Even just reassurance! Supportive kind people got me through this!

Amy Berger  Leona - you are awesome!! I just posted on your new journal entry with a few questions for when you have time. 

Lena Afanaseva  Understand!  I wish you that Tuesday will come soon, because waiting is the worst now.  You will definitely pass this test!  Wake up and think: that's it!  I passed :) I wish you patience!  Everything will be fine!

Tom Everson  Hi. You have done the hardest part ( waiting ). NOW let your Heart team and Family take over.  I have found that everyone heals at a different pace so  take YOUR  recovery ONE day at a time. We ALL are with you   

Greg Lewis  Leona, your gonna do great! It won't be as bad as the mind leads you to think it is. 
You go in, you go to sleep, they perform a miracle, you wake up! ...easy peasy!!

Greg Lewis  And Tom said it right! Take your time recovering.  Just because it doesn't hurt,  doesn't mean it's not still healing. My physio says a perfect surgery takes a year. So just take it cool! 

Susan Eckermann  Hi Leona. As others have said, the waiting truly is the hardest part. I found having confidence in your heart team, faith, and doing small tasks in preparation for recovery helped me get through those days leading to surgery. I am just 6+ weeks post op from a complicated mitral valve repair + several other procedures. You will be amazed at how much you can do after your surgery is completed. Recovery is a day by day process. Some days better than others, but every day there is progress and you will feel stronger. I wish you confidence and peace. You got this!

Patsy Stewart  Leona, you’re so close to getting this show on the road and will soon be in recovery mode. I’ll be thinking of and praying for you. Wishing you a peace to surround you and comfort for your soul. You can do this scary thing that is before you! When the fear comes, take a deep breath and tell yourself that you can do this. ~❤️

Rose Madura  Leona, the waiting is indeed hard but afterwards you'll wonder what all the worrying was about.  Godspeed.

Ana Brusso  Will be keeping you in prayer for your successful surgery on Tuesday. We will be here to welcome you into recovery. 

Susan Lynn  Leona - The anxiety and restlessness you're feeling are completely normal. Please don't let your imagination run away with you. The reality is, you're going through the worst part right now - waiting! The surgery itself feels like a one-minute nap and it's over! The nurses are so efficient, your every need will be addressed before you even know you have any. Recovery moves faster than you think. They'll have you sitting up and walking around within the first day or two. You'll do a lot of sleeping and may not even remember a lot of your hospital stay thanks to the residual effects of the anesthesia. It all goes very quickly! You're going to do just fine!

We'll be here waiting to welcome you to the recovery club!!

Leona Resch  Thank you so much Susan! Just reading your encouraging words makes me tear up with relief. I hear you about letting your imagination run wild. It’s so hard to stay centered right now but I’m trying ! Going on this website feels like a lifeline to me ! ❤️ 

Richard Munson  Its a site wide dilemma but very normal. How could you not be nervous, after all, its your heart. I won’t repeat what a mess i was until the anesthesia  was inserted in my arm. I kept thinking that the alternative was going to be worse. I was 78. 

Pamela Gregory  You are definitely in the worst part of the surgery now. I had Aortic valve and root replacement Oct. 17th at 55 years old. I wasn't sure how I would they would get me into the operating room but with the help of my family, friends, prayer, and the wonderful people at the hospital I did and now I am doing well getting back to my life. Your support system is the most important thing and it sounds like you have a great one in place. I will be sending prayers and positive thoughts your direction

Leona Resch  Thank you all so much! I’m hanging on to every word and trying my best to stay positive. I do have a wonderful support system of family and friends so I am very blessedl. And this group is just awesome cause you all can speak from personal experience . Thank you for taking g the time to post !💕

Ana Brusso  Leona, you will do well. I will lift you up in prayer for your surgery to be successful. You have a great support system and that will be very helpful to you after your surgery. We will be here to welcome you into recovery. God bless you ❤️🙏

Debra Russo  Leona, I can sympathize since my surgery is Jan 3, 2023. I will pray or you and everyone waiting for heart surgery. My last valve replacement was a TAVR, but this time they have to do OHS and remove the TAVR before putting in a new valve. Emotions run high. Once minute I'm fine and the next I'm a basket case! I'm glad you don't have long to wait. I'm very happy I found this site. 

Leona Resch  Thank you everyone! I am so happy to have found this site. This journey is certainly like being on an Emotional roller coaster!!💕

Rose Madura  Hi Leona, I know this is a hard time and it's easy to imagine the worst outcome.  I wanted to wait two months until I retired to have the surgery done.  Nothing doing.  My cardiologist said it was urgent and I couldn't wait that long.  It was kind of scary to hear that.  But, trust your doctors, they know what to do and the outcomes are very much in your favor.  What kind of surgery are you having?  Godspeed.

Klara Čičić  Dear Leona, I believe we all felt that way at one point before the surgery.  Reading stories here on this site from these lovely people made it a lot easier for me. Also going through encouraging statistics of our surgeries, which are excellent nowdays in comparison to the past. Making sure I chose the best hospital and best surgeon for my particular situation. I also kind of made peace with every possible outcome in my mind. Talking to your loved ones about it is not easy, but it is liberating... Educating yourself as much as possible (someone said "with knowledge comes peace..."). Those were the things that helped a lot. But this page was definitely THE most important factor in alleviating my anxiety :)))  it was and still is my daily ritual. And as one heart warrior said here: our disease is fixable, managable, so palpable and concrete, specific! We should be grateful for that. Imagine fighting cancer were your enemy is so hard to tackle... You can do it, you will survive and recover just like the rest of us. We are here for you, so many people who understand you perfectly...

Diana Melnyk  Hi Leona. it is normal to be terrified! I certainly was! It is so amazing what they a do to fix the heart now days. We are so blessed to live in the time we do. It is very stressful to know you need your heart fixed. I'm sure you will be in good hands and that you will come out the other side ok. It will be difficult and painful, not going to lie, but worth it. You've got this.Wishing you all the best!

Timothy Andre  Hi Leona, those are perfectly normal feelings you are having. Probably all of us felt that way at some point. Also, many of us will agree that waiting for your surgery date is the hardest part of the journey. Do your best to be at peace with your decisions and calm your mind. You will do great and be in recovery before you know it. God bless you

Susan Lynn  Leona - We were all terrified, but waiting is truly the hardest part. You'll be glad to put your procedure behind you and get an earlier start on your recovery. You'll be just fine!

Greg Lewis  Hi Leona! I wish that i posessed words that could take anxiety, and fear away! Believe me!! Our son has suffered his whole life with an extreme form of anxiety disorder, and i still cannot take away his daily, hourly fears. BUT...i know who can!! I was a basket case in the days before my surgery. I asked the Lord to help me through it all, and he never disappoints! I felt much better knowing the creator of the universe would be in the OR helping the team repair me. If you believe, ask him. If you dont believe, ask him. 
You will be just fine. Nobody leaves you alone from the moment you walk through the doors. Nobody! 

Pamela Gregory  Leona, I felt exactly like you-scared to death, couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and generally a disaster. The people on this site helped me so much because they had experienced exactly what I was going through and had the most encouraging words especially the night before when I was panicking. Like the others have said I think we all feel that way. My sister in law would pray with me and that really helped me. I think knowing the odds are definitely pretty good for success helped too. Keep a good support system of family and friends close to you. You will do great

Leona Resch  Thank you so much everyone for the incredible  posts! Reading your encouraging words and knowing I’m not alone feeling this way is truly helping me . You guys are awesome warriors and I can’t wait to be on the healing side of this process along with so many of you!!❤️

Patsy Stewart  One good thing is that your surgery date has been moved up and the terrifying wait won’t be as long. I agree that everyone has a degree of worrying before your surgery. When the surgeon was scheduling me, he gave me a week out. I told him that I had 2 wedding cake orders scheduled and I wouldn’t let those people down. He looked at me like I was crazy!  Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. You can do this!! ~❤️

Rose Madura  Hi Leona, it's normal to feel nervous. Try to do your due diligence and research for a good hospital and experienced doctor. This website has a search option for finding surgeons. Just plug in your zip code. But if you do your research, you'll feel more comfortable. Remember that these types of surgeries have advanced more and more every year. The odds are super and in your favor. Keep us updated and God bless you! Also, you may want to consider getting a second opinion to make you feel more confident.

Leona Resch  Thank you Rose! I was a nurse so I have researched this a lot- keeps me up reading at night when my anxiety is so high I can’t sleep! I have a few surgeons I like . It’s just the idea of this has me really anxious . Thanks to this community for all the kind words of encouragement- it truly helps!