Linda's Journal

Well, it\'s been what seems like forever since I journaled. Today is my one year anniversary of aortic valve replacement. I am doing great, off of all heart meds and my scar is the only sign that there has ever been anything wrong with my heart. I can\'t really say that much has changed because I wasn\'t having symptoms prior to surgery. Well, maybe one thing, I notice that I don\'t have nearly as many palpitations, in fact, I can\'t remember the last time I did. It took a while to get completely off the Toprol and my energy level has really increased since coming off. My BP and HR were low to begin with, so once I sat down in the evening I would pretty much nod off. I continue with cardiac rehab maintenance and really enjoy it. The cute little exercise specialist is still there (smile) and now has me doing interval training and weights. I took a cue from Linda H. and decided to give my moo moo valve a name....I named her Gilli (after Dr. Gillinov, world\'s greatest surgeon)! Wow, in some ways it seems like just yesterday that Jim and I were \"co-patients\" and in other ways it seems like a lifetime ago. I just feel so blessed! To all my HVJ family, thank you so much for all the support and love you gave to me and my daughter Tracie (bless her heart, I think it was worse on her than me). Those who kept her company through the journal and email while I was in surgery will have a special place in heaven one day. To those facing surgery still to come...I know you are \"tired\" of hearing it....BUT it really is true. Waiting is by far the hardest part. Look to fellow \"valvers\" for support, find a great surgeon that does many, many valve surgeries and consider yourselves to be blessed...you can be fixed! Thanks to Adam for his book, this site and his personal help in getting me \"in\" with Dr. Gillinov. It is because of your book that I did all of the research that led me to Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Gillinov. So, friends, hope all are doing well and keep the faith...we did this!!!!!! Linda THE Tiger and Gilli (aka Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12.

Hi Guys, I know...it\'s been forever, not from lack of trying, but major computer issues that just didn\'t let me use the site. Today is my 6 month anniversary (congrats to you too Jim Smith, my surgery day twin). I am happy to report that I am doing very, very well. I only have a couple of weeks left of cardiac rehab, but I plan to continue with their maintenance program, which, by the way, is much less expensive. I have had some issues with my heart rate going up with any sort of activity, therefore, it seems that a low dose of metroprolol is going to be my new BFF. I now wonder if this has not always been a problem that I just wasn\'t aware of. My heart rate is completely normal when I sit down, but as soon as I stand it would go up over 100, one time as high as 130. The weird thing was...during exercise I did fine, not going over my target rate. That was until....they weaned me completely off the metoprolol and then it started again after about 4 days. So, I think I can handle 12.5mg, it lowers my BP to about 89/50, but I can\'t tell it, no dizziness, etc. Other than that, I really almost forget about the surgery. The surgery itself could not have gone any better and I think I can do it again, if I quit mooing in the next 15 to 20 years, lol. Adam informed me that I had over 600 entries to my guestbook and that was just awesome, especially the day before my surgery. I\'ve gone back and reread them (had to clear them out, part of my issue) and it brought back so many memories and feelings, mainly love and gratitude for all of you who were so supportive and encouraging. I won\'t list individual names, it wouldn\'t be fair, so many of you were there for me...but I do have to give a shout out to a couple...you know who you are...the sweet sweet soul who sent me the \"Willie\" doggie to watch over me in the hospital, the crazy New Yorker who made me laugh so much and really feel like I just might survive and to the beautiful, sweet one from Maine who actually came to see me at CCF...what a sight she was to see the morning after my surgery! I read so many words of encouragement from sweet Cindy Pastrono, well, words just aren\'t adequate. Anyway...just wanted to say to all of you guys \"it\'s great on the other side\", I\'m in the best shape of my life and...oh yeah....GOOOOOO TIGERS!!!!!!!!

Hi guys, I\'m still alive and kickin, just having some computer issues, so I\'m not on the site much. Just wanted to say hi to everyone, have you all in my prayers, those that I\'ve gotten to know already and those that I am yet \"to meet\". I\'ve been reading the journals and I hope to be able to \"talk\" with you all soon. It\'s almost football time!!! Goooooo Tigers!!! Linda THE Tiger, AVR 3/13/12

Hi all, just got back from my first echo since surgery! I\'m really fixed!!! My cardiologist said everything looks and sounds great! Whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Waiting on that first echo after surgery is almost as hard as waiting on the surgery, lol. I am to continue with cardiac rehab, continue with the metoprolol and return in 6 months. They will do a CT in 6 months also to check the dilated (is it still??) aorta. Since it was \"pared down\" during valve replacement, hopefully it will be completely normal. Hopefully, this is one less thing to worry about (yes...I admit, I do worry sometimes, lol). It\'s still mightly hot down here in South Carolina and, as always, H-U-M-I-D!!!! Looking forward to football season....Gooooooo Tigers!!!! Headed to Clemson in about 4 weeks to move my grandaughter in, can\'t wait to test out this new valve on those Clemson hills! Hopefully will get to \"meet up\" with Ricki and Linda H. too! So...just wanted to check in, let everyone know I\'m doing well and wish all my HVJ family well. Will keep you updated! Linda THE Tiger!

So...today was my first REAL day (actually exercised) in cardiac rehab. I have been a little apprehensive, not totally sure what to expect. I have to say it was actually fun, did a lot of laughing (mostly at myself) and loved the staff (especially the really cute little sports medicine fellow, wink, wink). My first observation was...I think I am the baby of the class (always a good thing when you get my age). That observation seemed to give me a little extra motivation for some reason, lol. I started out with the treadmill, very comfortable pace, no incline. Then I rode the stationary bicycle, did fine on that. THEN.....the elliptical (or as my daughter says...the HELLiptical!) OMG!!!! I\'ve never had a lot of strength in my legs and this thing whipped my behind! Not to mention...2 1/2 minutes into the torture, the director shouted out to the cute little sports medicine fellow to get me off of it! It seems my heart rate went WAY up and I began to have several PVC\'s. They gave me water to drink and then sat me down for a few minutes. After a minute or two everything was fine. Don\'t know what was worse, the muscles in my legs pulling or getting the bejeebies scared out of me with the heart rate and PVC\'s. So I was thinking...maybe I won\'t have to do this monster anymore...but no such luck...they said we will just \"build up slowly\". Yay........ So...tomorrow is another day, hope I will be able to sleep tonight and not lay awake dreading the HELLiptical tomorrow. Hope everyone is staying cool. The weather channel says it will be 105 degrees here the weekend. Ugh! Take care everyone and wish me luck with the monster tomorrow. I\'ll let you know how it goes! Linda THE Tiger (well maybe kitty cat today, lol)

Hi HVJ family! It\'s been a while since my last journal entry. As you may know, 6 weeks out from AVR and aorta repair I developed bronchial pneumonia. Much worse than the surgery! This lasted for over 4 weeks and cardiac rehab had to cancelled 2 times. Then Friday morning, June 1st, I woke up feeling better than 100%! It was really strange how from one day to the next I was completely better. I even spoke of it at church that Sunday, how miraculous it seemed to be. Then on Monday morning, I realized...God knew what was coming, so he healed me completely. My father passed away Monday morning. His inoperable aneurysm, which he had for at least 10 years, began to dissect and then ruptured. It had grown to 11 cm. from the 7 cm at diagnosis 10 years ago. Although he had also developed chronic lymphocytic leukemia and his kidneys were beginning to act up (he was going to require dialysis), thankfully he did not have to endure either chemotherapy or dialysis. I share this as a reminder to those of us who have or will have surgery and \"bumps in the road\" - just how fortunate we are. I am so grateful that my problems were discovered in time and that I had the opportunity to travel to Cleveland and be fixed by an awesome surgeon. To those recently diagnosed, considering when and where to have surgery, I just encourage you to seek the MOST experienced surgeon at one of the centers of excellence, where they are on the cutting edge of treatment. I so wish Daddy had gone to Cleveland Clinic years ago. Oh well, I started this to say: I\'m gonna give it another shot this week (cardiac rehab). Wonder if it\'s too late to be of any benefit? High fives for those climbing the mountain last week! Linda THE Tiger, AVR 3/13/12

Hi guys, I\'m still alive...barely! I\'ve not journaled in a while, have had a very rough 3 weeks. I just today feel significantly better. It started with a raw scratchy throat, stuffy nose...thought it was just a summer head cold, maybe the beginnings of a sinus infection which I\'ve had problems with in the past. Well, it very quickly (within 2 days) turned into bronchial pneumonia and it has just about whipped my behind! 3 weeks and 4 different antibiotics later I think maybe I finally turned the corner. I was not even able to start my cardiac rehab and I\'m not sure now when that will be. I am just soooooo thankful it didn\'t hit me a couple of weeks earlier. I have coughed (and sneezed) enough that it would have undone my sternum I\'m sure. One cool thing...I had to have chest xrays and was able to see my sternum wires in the xray! They seemed to all be intact! I\'ve read your journals and tried to offer some encouragement to those climbing their mountain and/or recovering from the climb when I could. I will admit I was a little depressed and discouraged, I truly have felt worse than when I had my surgery. So....I will say...if you are recovering from your surgery, even if it has been weeks...your immune system may still be working overtime on repairing your heart and those nasty cold viruses, etc may just slip by. On a more personal note...my oldest grandchild graduated from high school last night. She attended a private Christian school and their graduation ceremony is much more intimate than that of public school. Nana did pretty well, as did Mama, but it sure was bittersweet. They have what is called a \"Rose Ceremony\" where they present roses to those who have made an impact on their lives and Brittany even had roses for PaPa (my Eddie) with whom she was best buddies before he died. She is such a special, sweet young lady and I am so proud of her. Doesn\'t hurt that she is on her way to being a Tiger (already is at heart, lol)! Oh well...enough of that...just wanted to \"stop by\" and let you all know that I am still here, still amazed at all the new \"valvers\" we get...and I thought we were a rare breed!!! Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day and thank you to all of those who serve and have served in our Armed Forces and also their families for the sacrifices they make for us all! Goooooo Tigers!!!!! Linda THE Tiger!

Yes!!! Look out everyone, I\'m driving again! No longer housebound! Didn\'t waste any time either, just got back from grocery store, drug store and my most favorite drive-thru...Sonic! Love their ice! I saw my cardiologist yesterday and he says everything sounds great. I will begin cardiac rehab May 8th. He cut my beta-blocker in half, thank goodness. My blood pressure has always been a little on the low side and with the Toprol even lower, so maybe now I will feel a little more energetic. He thinks we will stop it completely when I see him again in 3 months. I\'m still having shoulder discomfort, it\'s better, but not completely gone. My sternum is still a little tender if I move in a certain way and the scar is also tender. It looks great, just the \"pins and needles\" feeling of healing. I bought some Mederma today, some say that helps, some say aloe is good. Any suggestions from you guys who have already walked this path??? All of these things are just \"piddly\" issues, I don\'t think I could be doing any better. I believe I may have well had symptoms prior to surgery, just didn\'t realize it. I believe I have a lot more \"breath\" now even though I didn\'t think I was short of breath before. I am supposed to go to Washington May 1st with my grandaughter\'s class, it will be a lot of walking, hope I will be ready. I am 63 years old and have never been to Washington, I\'m really looking forward to it. Oh yes, by the way...my new computer arrived, not set up yet...and guess what??? The old, worn out, slower than anything one??? It\'s really fast now!! Go figure...just like when you take your car to the mechanic and it doesn\'t make the sound for him!! Oh well...that\'s life...and what a great life it is! Thank you CCF, thank you Dr. Gillinov and most of all thank you Jesus for your blessings! Hope all you guys are hanging in, climbing your mountain and enjoying life after surgery. Think I\'ll go for another ride, LOL!! Linda THE Tiger

Hi guys, sorry I\'ve not been \"around\", but I am still waiting on my computer. At the moment I am using a 10 year old laptop, almost as \"moody\" as I am, lol and definitely slower than I am and that is saying a lot, lol! It\'s hard to believe that I was in the OR or recovery this time 4 weeks ago! I don\'t really know how long I was in the OR, but my daughter says \"not long\"! I am so blessed...I am doing very well...counting down the days until I am allowed to drive again. I think that will be when I turn that final corner. My shoulder and neck discomfort has pretty much subsided, although I\'m sure a visit to the chiropractor will make it all better! Can\'t wait for that! I hope you are all doing well, those recovering and those waiting. I am amazed how many \"newbies\" there are almost every day. Again, I will just say to those waiting on surgery...you are doing the hardest part now...waiting. Seriously, it\'s true. I didn\'t believe it either. Just be informed and prepared and you will be surprised how much energy you wasted in worrying. Oh...by the way, when I left for Cleveland on March 8th, everything here was brown...trees, grass, etc. When I came home on March 18th...everything was yellow (pollen)! So....I experienced the first post-op sneeze on day 6! Wow!!!! Even that was not as bad as I thought it would be...like I said..I have been blessed! Thanks to those who have posted in my guestbook... I have not forgotten you...hope to \"talk\" to each of you soon. Love and hugs to all of my HVJ family! Linda THE Tiger!

Hi there guys, sorry I\'ve not posted much, especially to the \"newbies\", but my computer died and I am reduced to borrowing until I can get a new one. I will just say to those of you I haven\'t \"met\" before, that this site is great!!! It will empower you beyond belief!. I will be 3 weeks out on Tuesday and I couldn\'t be any more blessed! I never completely believed our fellow \"valvers\" (sorry guys) when they said that the waiting was the hardest part....but it was absolutely true! The minor shoulder, neck, back discomfort is improving every day. I am only waking 1 or 2 times during the night and the sweats have finally gone! I did sleep in the bed a couple of nights, but went back to the recliner when the shoulder pain seemed to intensify a little. My stamina is improving every day, I\'m sleeping less during the day, although when my body says \"time to doze off for a little while\" I do not argue with it, lol. Unfortunately walking has been and will be an issue until I am able to drive. I live in a semi-rural area, plenty of houses, but no sidewalks. I have been forbidden to walk on the \"roads\", too unlevel, stray dogs, etc. Between that and the foot fracture (much better now) I have no idea how far I walk each day in my yard and around the house. I did get on the treadmill this week ( I know, I\'m not supposed to) and seemed to do fine. Hopefully next week I can \"catch a ride\" to the gym where there is an indoor track to walk. I really want to be able to go with my grandaughter\'s class to Washington in May and there will be lots of walking! Hope everyone is still doing well and I hope to \"catch up\" with everyone soon. Linda Dixon

Hi Guys, well, it\'s been one week since discharge from hospital and all is still good. Well...mostly good. Of course, I have the back, shoulder, neck aches which everyone says is from the way we are positioned on the table. My PCP actually told me he knew of one gentleman whose rotator cuff was torn during OHS. Yikes! I can almost believe it. I really have no issues other than lack of continuous sleep at night. I have moved back into the bed, that has helped some, but I still continue to wake up every couple of hours. I would also like to \"return to sender\" the hot flashes and sweats. I have always had somewhat low blood pressure and the beta blocker makes it even lower, so we decreased the dosage to see if that will kick it up a little. My incision is practically healed, the chest tube site is a bigger problem, located just below my incision, in the middle right where bra band goes, so I\'m still not wearing one, lol. I am a little tired, probably from the low BP, but all in all, I am great. I have no complaints. I have really been blessed. Hope you all are doing well, sorry I haven\'t posted much, am having \"old computer\" problems along with \"not much patience\" problems...and the two don\'t go together really well, lol. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Okay, I just had to post again. My heart which up until this point was doing just fine...is aching and \"hurting\" with love and affection and just plain awe at the friends I have made on this site. I told everyone I came in contact with at Cleveland Clinic about the site and Adam, his book, etc. But there are no words to adequately express how much your kindness and affection and support mean to me. While at the Cleveland Clinic, I received the cutest little stuffed doggie, looked exactly like Willie with a balloon with red hearts that read \"I love you\". There was no card and I could never get anyone to admit they sent it. I finally figured it was another \"angel\" from God, maybe even my Eddie. So...he sat beside my bed and watched over me while I recovered. Today, I learned who that angel is, and why would I be surprised to learn that is from one of you? God, please don\'t let me forget these people and what they have meant to me and let me be there for any who may need me. Thank you Jane! Linda

I\'m home!!! As if my trip to Cleveland could be any better...we got bumped to 1st class on the trip home...oh my...what more could this girl ask for?? We got home late yesterday afternoon, and I am already in love with my recliner...much better than a bed right now. Guys...I\'m not kidding, I just don\'t know how things could have gone any better. I have not really even had any pain. I had a little discomfort (yep...the shoulders, neck, back) when I decided I could go from IV dilaudid (5 times stronger than morphine) to just Tylenol. One Percocet later, back to practically no discomfort at all. I had no complications at all. Did not have to be transfused, Hgb down to 9.2, but that\'s not at all bad, so far no sign of Afib, am on beta blocker temporarily just to make sure that doesn\'t happen. I gained 17 pounds during the procedure and lost all of that before I left. I got the mini....my incision is about 4 inches. The chest tube \"incision\" is midline instead of in my side, right where the \"bra\" goes around, so I will be \"bra-less\" for a while, but hey...that is completely okay. I just can\' get over how blessed I am. I thank God every day for putting the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Gillinov and the entire staff in my path. I wouldn\'t try to \"push\" a facility on anyone, but I just have to say...it is top notch in every way, every department. Yes I went to some added expense to travel so far...but it was so worth it. I have no regrets at all! In fact, I just wish I had done it earlier and wish I not burned so much energy \"worrying\". For those still waiting on surgery... waiting really is way worse than the experience itself. From my experience, having my gallbladder removed in the 70\'s was way more difficult than this! Thank you to all of you who have been so supportive and encouraging during my wait. I\'m sorry I didn\'t believe you, lol. But...you were right. I did everything you all told me to do, did everything the doctors and staff told me to do and things just could not be better. And you know what???I think I actually feel better! Maybe I really did have a bad valve, lol. Btw, it turns out, the valve was bicuspid. Now, if the itching would just stop!!! But that\'s a good thing! Love and hugs to you all! Linda THE Tiger! (Grrrrrrr, mooooooo!)

Hey guys, last update from me (Tracie).. We finally got discharged!! YAY! We made it back to the hotel.. Things are going very smoothly... Went down and had dinner.. and even uploaded a new pic of mama for you guys on her My Photos page. We are leaving out of here in the morning headed back to beautiful South Carolina. I would like to personally thank God for allowing us to bring the South Carolina weather with us to Cleveland!! Good luck to all of you guys!! Linda the Tiger can carry on from here!! Tracie

Wow guys sorry!! We had such a great day yesterday, that I didn\'t realize neither one of us posted! This is Tracie!! Finally got some rest yesterday!! And now we are waiting on DISCHARGE PAPERS on the 4th POST OP day!!! And we are planning on flying back to South Carolina tomorrow!!! One piece of information... it takes ALOT longer to get discharged than it does to be admitted!! Mama is doing absolutely fantastic!! Even caught her walking the halls with the very HOT CNP!! Just sayin! Will updatea again before we get on the big bird back to SC! Tracie

Did someone say I had open heart surgery???? I am doing so well, I can\' believe it. No pain at all now, never really had any, only little sore when I coughed. Thank God for Dr. Gillinov and Cleveland Clinic, but Tracie says I am the true rockstar! I really am doing great...got to meet Stephanie yesterday, she got bumped back a day. I am so glad I did it!!! And any of you out there wondering if the guys have been lying....they haven\'t been. Waiting was sooooo the hardest part. This has been a piece of cake so far! Thanks for keeping check on me! Linda THE Tiger!

She has no oxygen. No foley. They are stopping her Pain pump as we speak and she will no longer have any attachments.. Since the chest tube was removed yesterday morning, she has not had to have any additional pain meds. The nurses are almost begging her to take pain meds but she is just not hurting. She has already walked the halls this morning once. Dr. Gillinov is not the rockstar here!! Just sayin..

Sorry guys.. we are still in the ICU.. But not because of anything bad..there is just not a room available yet to step down too. Mama is doing fabulous. She got all of her tubes out today even the chest tube. She only has 2 IVs and her catheter of course.. She is really not complaining of any pain at all. She sat up for a couple hours today and we are just waiting for our private room so she can finally get some sleep. The ICU is extremely noisy and its very hard to rest for even just a few minutes in there. Hopefully she will be in a private room tonight. We have been waiting since around 11 this morning for that room!! We got to meet Stephanie today. It was so nice to meet you Stephanie and it made mama\'s day! She was so excited that you were there. Thank you for the visit. I\'m thinking tomorrow she might be able to do an update on her own and also respond to some of the messages she has received. Sorry for the delayed update! Tracie

Mama is still doing pretty good. She is having a good bit of pain right now. They are trying to get that leveled out. It looks like they will change some of her medications tonight. She got the tube out within 2 hours of arriving to the ICU. They have said the whole day she is doing exceptionally well. She is not in the best of moods because it is extremely loud in the ICU.. And of course you get absolutely no rest in the ICU because they are constantly doing something, touching you, pulling on something, or taking blood. She is also having a tough time with shoulder and neck pain. She did get some relief when they let me take over her neck pillow (airplane pillow) Thanks for all the prayers. Hopefully in the morning she will be able to get some tubes removed and get over to the step down unit and get more comfortable. Will update again in the morning as soon as I am able to. Tracie

10:00 am got the page the surgeon was ready for me!! She is done already!! That has to be some kind of record. She is a rockstar afterall! He said the surgery went perfect! I will get to see her in about 2 hours. He said its possible they will already have her breathing tube out. Thanks for all the prayers and support!! Tracie

Hey guys.. This is Tracie obviously.. They took Mama very quickly this morning around 6:15 EST. I should get a page when they are actually ready to begin the procedure. I\'m guessing that should come any time now as it is almost 08:00 AM. I will update you guys as soon as I\'m updated. She has left me with very strict orders to update all of her valve family. It means so much to me that you guys have been there for her during this time to support her. You know us family members aren\'t the greatest at understanding because of all the fears of our own we are having to come to terms with prior to the surgery itself. I was hanging in there pretty good till I logged in to this site. Thanks again for all the encouragement, support and friendship. I can tell you from all she has talked about it means a great deal to her. Oh and we instructed the doc yesterday, that pig or cow valve wouldn\'t work, we needed the Tiger valve... heck yeah!! At least thats our story and we are sticking to it. Will update soon! Tracie (Linda\'s wonderful beautiful and IMPATIENT daughter)

Well guys, it seems like my day has finally arrived! I won\'t lie, it has been up and down with the emotions the last several days especially. But...I\'m good now. After meeting my angel Steve yesterday, I met another one today and his name is Dr. Marc Gillinov! He is awesome! He is very confident, but humble at the same time. He said that everything with me should be very routine and simple. Seems other than this crusty old aortic valve, the rest of my heart is in great shape. He even said that I don\'t really have an aneurysm. My aorta is only very slightly dilated, and he will probably just \"pare it down a little\" to fit the valve, but it does not need to be replaced. We decided to go with the tissue valve, either cow or pig, he will decide that according to size needed when he gets in there. He says I have a 75% chance that this will be the only surgery I will need, but if that isn\'t the case, he believes it will not require OHS by that time. Of course, I know that isn\'t a guarantee, but then you know what they say about that...taxes and (the other thing, lol). So, all in all, everything is good, I\'m ready to go. I\'ve reached the \"calm place\" and looking forward to getting it over and starting my new chapter. Just want to thank you all for the awesome support and encouragement you have been. I will be there for you as well when your time comes. I especially want to thank Adam...for this site...and for getting me \"hooked up\" with Dr. Gillinov. Adam...so you know...I told Dr. Gillinov you said \"hi\" and he replied \"he\'s a great guy\". I told him \" I think so too\". I felt like I was meeting a rock star or something. When he walked in and said \"hello, I\'m Marc Gillinov\", I said I KNOW!!! and actually teared up. So thank you, thank you, thank you. So...Tracie will take over for me after today, I promise she will keep you guys updated. She knows she better!!! Love and hugs to each of you! I\'m going to climb over that mountain now.... Linda THE Tiger!

I met an angel today, his name is Steve. He is from Colorado and just had his 2nd AVR here at CCF, the first was done less than a year ago in Denver. He choose CCF for the redo. I would have never known he had surgery had I not seen his scar peeking out of his shirt. He was on the hotel elevator with me and as soon as I saw the scar...I asked him \"did you have heart surgery??\" Luckily for me, he was the angel sent to bless me and did not tell me to mind my own business. Instead, he spent a great deal of time with me, assuring me I will do fine. He said he had no pain after the first day and that even then it was not so bad. He shared a funny (funny now, not then) story about when he awakened in icu. He still had the breathing tube in and he overheard someone saying \"it\'s been 22 DAYS and as soon as we pull the tube, he will die\". He said he immediately starting motioning for the writing board to write...NO!!!! I\'M NOT GOING TO DIE!!!! Like I said, it\'s funny now but I can imagine how he must have felt at the time. Anyway, I turned him on to the HVJ site, hope he will share his stories with others, but he may have been sent just for me and instead of checking out to fly back to Colorado, he may be back in heaven right now. Either way...thank you God. I will let you guys know how tomorrow goes, meet with Dr. Gillinov finally and get some final decisions. But...I think I am just about there...feeling a bit of eerie calm... Hope all recovering are feeling great, those waiting...let\'s get this done! Love to you all, Linda THE Tiger!!!

Hi guys, sorry to just drop \"out of sight\" yesterday, but it was a long day and I was exhausted last night. Started out yesterday morning with temps in the 20s and wind in the 30s!Almost couldn\'t make it across the street, Tracie actually had to pull me against the wind at one point, lol. Then while we were inside the hospital, it started snowing! It was gone by the time we came out, so that made it nice...pretty to look at...no mess. The testing went smoothly until my preop clearance. Had a very long wait at that point because my nurse had to leave to pick up her sick child (what??? they are actually human too??). But all in all, things went well, just made for a long, tiring day.We will try to have some fun over the weekend, although I\'m trying to stay away from people as much as possible. Don\'t want to \"catch\" anything and have to postpone surgery. It is amazing the different people we see here, from so many different cultures, they literally come from all over the world. The young man we met Thursday night (liver tumor) had surgery yesterday and it went \"better than expected\". Praise God! Well...time to go find some breakfast. Hope it warms up a little today, it\'s supposed to. Thank you so much guys for all of your support and encouragement. I was telling Tracie yesterday, \"I\'ve got to let my HVJ friends\" know what\'s going on. Most all of my \"how are things going\" inquiries have been from all of you, more than extended family even. You will never know how much it means. Much love to you all...especially Adam....thanks Adam...you have blessed so many of us! I\'M THINKING IT\'S HERE!!! Linda THE tiger!

Hi guys, we arrived in Cleveland! Flight was good except for a pretty rough landing. It\'s raining and dreary here. We were picked up at the airport by a stretch limo at least half a mile long, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic. Should have seen the looks we got...2 country girls getting in that baby like we were somebody!!!! We have settled in the hotel room, had a bite to eat and ready to relax a little. Thank you all for your prayers, we have completed the first step of the journey! Have a full day of pre-op testing tomorrow, then the weekend to just chill. I see that Jeff is amazing...I\'m not surprised. So...it looks like this is really going to happen! Will keep you all posted! Here We Go!!!! Linda

Wow...it\'s time. Tracie and I will leave for Charlotte NC at about 9:00 in the morning to fly to Cleveland. Our flight leaves at about 1:15 and arrives about 3:00. I have had a very busy day getting Willie the dog situated, decided to let him keep a very good widow friend of mine company instead of the \"zoo\" at my daughter\'s house. Think he will be less anxious there. I promise...his suitcase is as full as mine. 2 different beds depending on what kind of mood he is in, 3 different kinds of treats, depending on what kind of mood he is in and 2 different meds depending on if he is hurting or if he is afraid. (He freaks during thunderstorms). Then there has been the packing, omg, I\'m tempted to just take nothing, probably won\'t use 1/3 of what I am taking, but being there so long before surgery, I needed some \"real\" clothes. Didn\'t sleep very well last night, woke up at 4:00 AM not able to go back to sleep. First time in a while, guess it is to be expected. How am I??? Nervous, I won\'t lie. Mainly, just ready to get it over with. Have felt like crying a few times today, but have not actually done so yet. There\'s still time, lol. Whew!!! Received the authorization from my insurance company TODAY! Nothing like waiting until the last minute! So, for now I will pack and unpack, pack and unpack and finally just give up and shut the darn suitcase! Will let you guys know how much fun the flight was tomorrow. R-I-G-H-T!!! Thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point. Thought for a while is would never get here, but looks like it has almost arrived. Your support, encouragement and prayers has made all the difference. So...my friends...will talk when I get to Cleveland!!! Hold down the HVJ site while I\'m out!!! Love you all! Linda THE Tiger!!! P.S. Go buy Dr. Gillinov\'s book: Heart 411!

I have Kelly\'s mother\'s address now for those who wish to send condolences. Mrs. Emma Nugent 9381 Russell Street La Habra, CA 90631 Thanks to her friend Debbie for sending me the address. Kelly\'s friend Chris was supposed to be keeping us updated in her journal, but he lost her password and did not know how to post.

Hey guys, I\'m good. Been running around, tying up some loose ends before my trip, which suddenly is way too close, lol. Kelly\'s passing did throw me a curve, I won\'t lie, but I am trying to turn that over to God, way too heavy a burden for me to carry. God bless her mother and family and friends and I believe she is resting in peace with a perfect body and heart. Now...about my \"Seriously????\". Went to get the mail yesterday and there in my box was a letter from Cleveland Clinic...reminding me of my appointment!!! Seriously???? You really think I might forget??? Well...on 2nd thought...maybe I could??? Hmmmm....... Thanks to everyone for their suggestions for clothing, etc to take. It is crazy to think I will be leaving SC on Thursday with highs in the 70\'s and arriving a couple of hours later in Cleveland with highs in the 30\'s and snow on the ground! Snow??? Yikes, we South Carolinians don\'t even know how to act in snow. I will try to \"talk\" to each one of you individually, but those going before me next week: Jan and Jeff, go get\'em and show the world how strong we HVJ patients are!! You will be in my prayers and love to you both. Jim, you and I will be in \"la-la\" land on the same day. You think we might \"connect\" on some other level why we are \"under the influence\"? Who knows, we might, lol. We can \"hold each others hand\" in our thoughts and prayers, though we will be miles apart. Tell Donna to call my daughter Tracie (843-858-4569) if she feels like talking to someone while we are climbing the top of our mountain. I don\'t know if she will have family there with her, but my daughter will be alone, so she might welcome someone to talk to. I hope all of you out there are safe from the storms. I know we are all over the country, so I pray you all have fared well. Chris, (non-cuz) if you are reading this, buddy you gave me a little scare, but I forgive you, lol. Glad to hear you are doing so much better. Well...that\'s all for right now. Just wanted to let you all know, I am okay (relatively speaking), just getting things ready. Will talk again later. REALLY REALLY JUST TOO CLOSE!!! Linda