Nasrin's Journal

Bill Cherry  Nasrin, my prayers for you also. We will be thinking of you and hoping things improve from here on out.

Tim Goff  Nasrin, keep thinking positive and stay informed as to what is out of acceptable ranges and actions being taken to correct. Hang in there

Nancy D  So sorry this hasn't been as smooth as you would have hoped. All of us have had our speed bumps along the way, and a few got by with none. I pray this phase passes quickly and soon you are home and back on the healing track. This surgery is a big deal, so give yourself some time to rest, and heal. Take good care!

Cheryl Batzing  Praying for your recovery Nasrin. As Nancy said, most of us have setbacks of some sort. Not sure what all your setbacks are, but know they are covered in prayers.

Lewis Garlisi  Most of us have, or have had, the same fealings. Read through some of the blogs on website. You may want to read Adam Pick's book too. This is a big step, but breastbones heal, discomfort gets better and then goes away. Yes, you get better. Most importantly, you will likely improve the duration and quality of your life.

Pat Bluemel  It's normal to feel this way, try to focus on the positive outcomes instead of the negative. These procedures are routine now. I am three weeks out and have and have had very little sternum discomfort and feel better every day.

LaDonna Mangile  I can sympathize with you as I have upcoming mitral valve replacement and slight possibility of aortic replacement March 30th at Mayo. Even though these procedure are routine to the clinicians....it still to us at tjis point extremely scary. To go from feeling as we do now to painful state with unknowns....can put your mind into whirlwind. Myself I just try to think about how much better I will feel....and I'm making myself see and think positive. I see myself able to dance, swim and run.....which I have not participated in since my 20's. I have low points too....so keep your chin up....you will be in my prayers!

Bob M  Yes, you will be better after your heart is fixed. My surgery was last December 10. I was amazed that there was little pain from my breastbone. I pray that your waiting, surgery and recovery will be uneventful.

Mark Alafita  I read all the journal entries prior to my date, but nothing will fully prepare you for your experience other than the actual surgery. You will have your own individual story to tell. That said, last Monday was my 4-week surgery anniversary, and I feel very good. The worst part was the waiting and the anxiety...I mean it. Yes, there's some pain, but nothing that can't be handled. Each day, the pain is less, and the healing gets stronger. You will do fine!

Wiliam Height  You are so lucky to having this done--and you will be fixed! There is no unknown, everything is known to you in this moment and you are having what Adam calls FEAR, or fantasized experiences appearing real. I was afraid of flying in a plane whether I was younger, but the plane always landed. As said above, this procedure performed by a skilled surgeon in a heart center is routine. The hospital or heart center doesn't want anything to happen to you either. You will see many surgeons, doctors, NP, nurses, clergy, etc and you will be in great hands and come through this fine. They will do their job, you need to best prepare yourself for your recovery which is your responsibility. Keep busy and positive thoughts.

Nasrin shahinpoor  Thanks everyone, your kind and considerate remarks made me feel better and realize I am not alone in my journey.

Nasrin shahinpoor  Mechanical valve or tissue valve? I was sure I want a tissue valve but today I was encouraged to use mechanical valve because it last longer" now I am confused .

Mark Alafita  I had the same dilemma. I went with the tissue valve, with the hopes that the next time I need additional surgery, there will be a mastered way to do it without the sternum being split. I didn't want the blood thinners for life, but I respectfully heard from others who take them that there is little change in life. As I sit here after 4 weeks post surgery, I'm happy with my decision, but I don't think there is a right one/wrong one...each decision has their tradeoffs. The trick is to decide which one works best for you!