Lori's Journal

Marie Myers  Wow, not something you expected to hear! I am sorry that you are facing another surgery; That is unusual with a mechanical valve. Hopefully some of the people who have been through redo surgery will comment on how they coped with the news. 

Steven Methot  I know someone on their third replacement.  Mitral Valve with pig for the first that lasted 16 years, a mechanical valve for the second 5 years ago and soon to be a mechanical valve for the third.  Not sure what failed.  He was okay with the second and is not too keen on the third.  I guess you know that feeling well yourself.  

Danielle Elizabeth  I have been handling my anxiety with medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. I’m so sorry you’re going thru this and we each have our own traumas about OHS. I’ll need another one eventually and I tell myself that it’s 3 months of my life (recovery) but it gives me perspective and confidence that I can get thru anything now.  

Klara Čičić  Hi, Lori, I am sorry you have to go through this again. I am facing the same thing in a period of 10-15 years from now, at best. Now I feel good about it, but I know, when the time comes, I, too, will be very anxious. I talked to one friend who had it twice and said she felt worse mentally the second time. It is normal cause this time you know exactly what to expect... But you also know you can endure a lot, as Danielle says, and are capable and brave! I am wishing you a lot of strength and peace. You can do this! 

Richard Munson  In 15 years the technology will be totally different. I will be dead but will be wishing you well klara.

Lori Mcmahon  Thanks everyone.  It is such a different anxiety and stress this time.  Not sure if it is because I have been through this before or because life is so precious.  At the time of my first surgery my youngest was 5.  We just sent him off to college this year.  We have quite an age gap with our other kids and I now have 5 grandkids so different stage in life this time.  I did have intuition that something was wrong even though I thought my symptoms were related to work stress and weight gain.  I didn't ask enough questions of my cardiologist visit because I was in such shock.   Now I guess I need to talk to my surgeon and start my research like last time.  Go into prep mode, research and learning.....I guess that is my coping.

Klara Čičić  You will do great! You can do this. It is hard, no doubt, but with our help and support, anything is possible haha. My first and foremost source of encouragement was this site. I mean look at Richard, cheering for me from the grave, now that is truly something! The next level :)))

Lori Mcmahon  Thanks Klara.  This site is great!! So nice to be able to chat with others who really can understand.