My little baby turned 25! Trying to make this my profile picture but can’t seem to get it on there? I did something to accidentally remove the last picture? ...Read more
My little baby turned 25! Trying to make this my profile picture but can’t seem to get it on there? I did something to accidentally remove the last picture?
Susan Lynn Beautiful women! Happy 25th Birthday to your lovely daughter!
Marie Myers I use an iPad, and have sometimes accidentally done things Like moving pictures or switching pictures ... Read more
Marie Myers I use an iPad, and have sometimes accidentally done things Like moving pictures or switching pictures myself. Hope you can figure it out. Great picture!
Today is my 9 month Valve-a-versary! Very happy the surgery is behind me but feeling weirdly anxious all day. Still a weird mental game I think. Very happy... Read more
Today is my 9 month Valve-a-versary! Very happy the surgery is behind me but feeling weirdly anxious all day. Still a weird mental game I think. Very happy to be alive and able to enjoy things again. Wishing all those waiting for surgery peace and my best wishes.
Klara Čičić Dear Pamela, happy 9 months. Life is weird mental game haha, let alone having this huge surgery behi... Read more
Klara Čičić Dear Pamela, happy 9 months. Life is weird mental game haha, let alone having this huge surgery behind you :))) I hope it will get easier with time. We are here for the support
Cathy Byrne I know exactly what you mean. My 1 year is Friday and I’ve been feeling emotional thinking about it ... Read more
Cathy Byrne I know exactly what you mean. My 1 year is Friday and I’ve been feeling emotional thinking about it as it approaches. The mind is a mysterious thing.
Jill Porter Congrats to you!! Can't wait to have my surgery behind me too!!
Grace Mason Congrats Pamela! I imagine it takes some time to emotionally process heart surgery as those feelings... Read more
Grace Mason Congrats Pamela! I imagine it takes some time to emotionally process heart surgery as those feelings are probably put on the back burner while you are focusing on the physical aspect of healing.
Not sure how I ended up with you beautiful family on my profile Klara!!! I will work on it
Marie Myers I have done the same thing! One faulty swipe on my iPad, and I wound up with other people’s picture ... Read more
Marie Myers I have done the same thing! One faulty swipe on my iPad, and I wound up with other people’s pictures in my info…Touchy devices!
Richard Munson Unless you are changing your identity. After reading about students identifying as a cat, i decided t ... Read more
Richard Munson Unless you are changing your identity. After reading about students identifying as a cat, i decided to do the same thing. A litter box is so much easier. Except shadow tries to chase me around the house.
Happy Easter everyone!🐰 just returned from 2 weeks in Arizona. One week with my husband, wonderful sister in law, and brother in law. They live in Cleveland ...Read more
Happy Easter everyone!🐰 just returned from 2 weeks in Arizona. One week with my husband, wonderful sister in law, and brother in law. They live in Cleveland 30 mins from the CC and I was able to recover at their house. I will forever be grateful to them💗. Ended up extending my stay for a second week of rest and relaxation with my sweet daughter who flew out. She also came to Cleveland with me and stayed 4 nights in the hospital with me. Great to spend time with everyone away from a hospital. I am 5 1/2 months post surgery so hang in there to everyone who has it coming up!!! There really is life after surgery 💗😊
Richard Munson Its all about family. Looks like you have a great one, besides us of course.
Pamela Gregory Thanks Richard! This family is very important to me too!!!
Traveled back to Cleveland for a CT scan and happy to report that Dr. Roselli gave me a great report and I can live my life with no restrictions!!! I owe my ...Read more
Traveled back to Cleveland for a CT scan and happy to report that Dr. Roselli gave me a great report and I can live my life with no restrictions!!! I owe my life to him and will be forever greatful💗. I also got to visit Allison Gorecki who is on this website. She was struggling a bit so please pray for her. Hopefully doing a bit better today🙏. Thanks to everyone on this site especially Adam Pick for giving us all this outlet💕
Use our error page to find helpful information about heart valve surgery.
Klara Čičić Thank you Pamela for the info! I hope Allison will be ok. I am happy for you
Greg Lewis Good for you, Pamela! You did it!! I will pray for Allison.
Ana Brusso God bless you Pamela! Congratulations on your good news from Dr. Roselli. Continued good health and r ... Read more
Ana Brusso God bless you Pamela! Congratulations on your good news from Dr. Roselli. Continued good health and recovery. Already praying for Allison, she is in God’s hands. 🙏❤️
Rose Madura Great news Pamela. So happy for you. And how sweet of you to visit Allison while there. God bless you ... Read more
Rose Madura Great news Pamela. So happy for you. And how sweet of you to visit Allison while there. God bless you.
Roy Yoder Pamela Hooray on the great news and clean bill of health! I am from Newark. I haven't lived there ... Read more
Roy Yoder Pamela Hooray on the great news and clean bill of health! I am from Newark. I haven't lived there for a very long time, but two brothers and my sister still live in DE. Go Blue Hens!
Greg Lewis Man, that's great to hear!! Just look at what you have accomplished! Look at where God has taken you! ... Read more
Greg Lewis Man, that's great to hear!! Just look at what you have accomplished! Look at where God has taken you! Look at how he has changed you! Pretty cool!! You have extra knowledge now too, such as....
Just about to leave on a Celebrity Cruise Ship in Ft Lauderdale! Feels nice to do something fun after the last 3 months. Thankful to be celebrating my 25th ...Read more
Just about to leave on a Celebrity Cruise Ship in Ft Lauderdale! Feels nice to do something fun after the last 3 months. Thankful to be celebrating my 25th Anniversary alive💗🎉. Good luck to Shane and Dana this week! You will do great.
At 3 months, things have been progressing pretty smoothly till this week. I stupidly thought I could go for a walk in the woods with my friends and my dog on ...Read more
At 3 months, things have been progressing pretty smoothly till this week. I stupidly thought I could go for a walk in the woods with my friends and my dog on Sunday. I have done the walk hundreds of times but it was a little bit more hilly than I remember and it was cold and windy(34). I had to stop at least 5 times and didn't feel well the rest of the day. The next day my blood pressure was elevated at Cardiac Rehab but I could still do what I have been doing. I teach figure skating and started back the week before very part time 3 days per week T,W,TH only for a couple of hours each day. When I am in the cold rink (not skating around, just standing at the side), this week I notice I don't feel well (chest discomfort, headache) and after a heated ride home my blood pressure is really high 151/98. BP has been averaging 115/75 till the walk. After warming up for a couple hours it comes back down t 120/80ish. I feel very nervous which isn't helping. Wednesday while exercising my blood pressure was good at Cardiac Rehab. I don't know if it was the walk that has me wonky or just being cold? Yesterday I had on a million layers and had a heater but still crazy BP when I got home from the rink? Maybe stress of work although I don't really feel like I am stressed. Sorry for the "way too long post" but I feel worried for the first time in a long time.
HARRY GOLDSTEIN Hi Pamela.It will ease up. I also found at 3 months to get out of breath very quickly while just walk ... Read more
HARRY GOLDSTEIN Hi Pamela.It will ease up. I also found at 3 months to get out of breath very quickly while just walking. My pulse went to about 90 and I had to stop frequently to catch my breath. Today at 6 months, I can take much longer and more vigorous walks without geting winded and my pulse stays in the upper 70s
Greg Lewis Hey, Pamela! Sounds like you have been going forward nicely! You should talk to your doctor about this. I say that for a few reasons. It is unusual, and makes you uncomfortable, and nervous.
Every person heals differently. Every situation is different. Every surgery causes different recovery times. Some people can do lots fairly quickly, some can't. Your Doctor can tell you if this is normal for YOU. ... Read more
Greg Lewis Hey, Pamela! Sounds like you have been going forward nicely! You should talk to your doctor about this. I say that for a few reasons. It is unusual, and makes you uncomfortable, and nervous.
Every person heals differently. Every situation is different. Every surgery causes different recovery times. Some people can do lots fairly quickly, some can't. Your Doctor can tell you if this is normal for YOU.
Normally, people have set backs. I have had tons. Your doctor/physiotherapist can get you back on track, without causing any unforseen damage.
Lastly. They are the experts. Simple. Let them do the diagnosing.
Good luck. Hope it all gets better for you!
Klara Čičić Pamela, I went for a walk almost every day after surgery feeling completely fine, and then after 2 mo ... Read more
Klara Čičić Pamela, I went for a walk almost every day after surgery feeling completely fine, and then after 2 months I go with my husband and I am out of breath, need to sit down a few times... Those are the setbacks everyone is talking about I guess, it is real, it is a reminder to take it easy and that we are still healing. The cheif cardiologist in our rehab program always repeats: Relax! Take it easy! You have been through major surgery! Have more patience :))) your BP will settle...
Pamela Gregory Thanks everyone. I did talk to my Cardiac Rehab people as well as a Cardiac Nurse at the Cleveland C... Read more
Pamela Gregory Thanks everyone. I did talk to my Cardiac Rehab people as well as a Cardiac Nurse at the Cleveland Clinic and everyone seems to think I am over doing it and need to Relax! and Take it easy! as Klara said. They assured me that 90% of patients go through this as you test what you can and can not handle on the road to recovery. I really appreciate the feedback though. I t is very comforting to hear from everyone when you are freaking out
Rose Madura Pamela, sometimes I think we are hyper aware of everything after surgery. I know I was. Take each d... Read more
Rose Madura Pamela, sometimes I think we are hyper aware of everything after surgery. I know I was. Take each day at a time and be kind to your body. It takes time to heal. Your body has been through so much. I'd say, it was a year before I felt well enough to quit worrying. Hang in there!
Timothy Andre I remember going on a day fishing trip at 3 months. It was my first big outing and at the end of the... Read more
Timothy Andre I remember going on a day fishing trip at 3 months. It was my first big outing and at the end of the day I was exhausted. It took me 3 days to recover. I clearly had over done it and needed a lot of rest after that. Everyone is correct in saying that you could use some more rest. It sounds easier said than done. I'm at 9 months now and still have to remind myself the magnitude of the surgery I had. You are doing great, asking questions and listening to the advice of your care team. One day at a time
Patty Parrish Hi Pam, my only recovery incident was a full faint which occurred when I was outside on a cold, windy ... Read more
Patty Parrish Hi Pam, my only recovery incident was a full faint which occurred when I was outside on a cold, windy rainy day so I learned a lesson from that!
I just want to share that it has been 3 months today since my AVR and Root Replacement. Feeing pretty good. Overdue it sometimes then pay the price but... Read more
I just want to share that it has been 3 months today since my AVR and Root Replacement. Feeing pretty good. Overdue it sometimes then pay the price but overall better each week. Go Eagles!!!
Timothy Andre Congrats on 3 months Pamela! I can remember fairly well overdoing it and soon after feeling exhauste... Read more
Timothy Andre Congrats on 3 months Pamela! I can remember fairly well overdoing it and soon after feeling exhausted. Its all part of the process of recovery. It seems pretty common for us heart warriors to test our progress, only to find out that we did too much. Keep moving forward and listen to your body just as you are. And, lastly...........Go Niners!! Hope to see the birds in the NFC Championship
Patsy Stewart Sounds like you’re doing great. Congrats on your 3 months!!~❤️
Andrew Dial Pamela that is great! Take it day by day :)
Leona Resch Thanks fir the update Pamela! I’m out four weeks today from aortic valve replacement and I can rela ... Read more
Leona Resch Thanks fir the update Pamela! I’m out four weeks today from aortic valve replacement and I can relate to overdoing it sometimes - guess just part of the recovery process ! Glad to hear you’re doing well Pamela!!
Pamela Gregory Thank you everyone! Special thanks to Adam for creating this Website that got me through
Donna Casaletto So awesome! Keep up the great work but no more over doing it☺️‼️
Ana Brusso Good to hear Pamela. Congratulations and continued good health. Good feels good. As Donna say “no m ... Read more
Ana Brusso Good to hear Pamela. Congratulations and continued good health. Good feels good. As Donna say “no more over doing it”. Blessings 🙏❤️
Rose Madura Sounds like you are doing well! Keep it up!
Amy Berger Love the encouragement especially as my surgery is in a few days. I am going into surgery so much mor ... Read more
Amy Berger Love the encouragement especially as my surgery is in a few days. I am going into surgery so much more confident and with purpose - I want to be able to come back to this site and share hope and encouragement as so many of you have so gracefully done!
First, I would like to wish everyone on this site a Merry Christmas and Happy "HEALTHY" New Year! This has been a trying year for me to say the least. My... Read more
First, I would like to wish everyone on this site a Merry Christmas and Happy "HEALTHY" New Year! This has been a trying year for me to say the least. My gift this year would be having a successful AVR and Aortic Root Replacement by Dr. Roselli at the Cleveland Clinic. I am still recovering and in Cardiac Rehab but each week is getting better and better. I had a follow up appt. in Cleveland with my Cardiologist Monday and it looks like everything is going really well. I had a meltdown when I was leaving out of sheer relief that I lived through this. I also had a lot of memories creeping in throughout the day and I am just so thankful for all of the Dr's and Nurses that helped me get through this experience. I would like to thank everyone on this website who helped me through my emotional rollercoaster as I don't think I could have done it without all of your incredible support and encouragement. You are all wonderful and I am incredibly blessed. Good luck to everyone who is preparing for surgery and my recommendation would be to stay connected to this invaluable site
Klara Čičić Amen to that! :) Thank you Pamela very much! Wishing you all the best and marry Christmas!
Greg Lewis Merry Christmas, Pamela!! Good to hear you are doing good. Keep it up!
Timothy Andre Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year Pamela! You are doing great, keep up the good work. And sta ... Read more
Timothy Andre Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year Pamela! You are doing great, keep up the good work. And stay warm!! I made my exit to FL yesterday to escape the cold at home. And celebrate the holidays with family of course
George Gardopee Terrific news Pamela! We are all thrilled that your surgery went well and that you are recovering wel ... Read more
George Gardopee Terrific news Pamela! We are all thrilled that your surgery went well and that you are recovering well. Holidays will be even better now that this is behind you.
Ana Brusso Thank you for your post and well wishes Pamela. You are right about this year being a trying year but ... Read more
Ana Brusso Thank you for your post and well wishes Pamela. You are right about this year being a trying year but God is good and sent us his blessings of healing. Continued good health to you and Merry Christmas and a healthy, blessed and Happy New Year 2023!
Rose Madura Great post Pamela. Merry Christmas 🎄 and I sincerely wish you a happy and healthy new year. Soun... Read more
Rose Madura Great post Pamela. Merry Christmas 🎄 and I sincerely wish you a happy and healthy new year. Sounds like all is going well .
Patsy Stewart Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthier New Year, Pamela! 🎄🕊🦌So glad you have this behind you ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthier New Year, Pamela! 🎄🕊🦌So glad you have this behind you and are in recovery mode. Isn’t it amazing what we live through?! ~❤️
Marie Myers Glad to hear you are on the mend! Merry Christmas and Healthy /Happy NewYear to you and family!!
Had my final tests and follow up at the Cleveland Clinic today and I am happy to report that I can finally fly home tomorrow ✈️😀. No more fluid around ...Read more
Had my final tests and follow up at the Cleveland Clinic today and I am happy to report that I can finally fly home tomorrow ✈️😀. No more fluid around my heart and the extra week here actually made me much stronger. I feel ready and can’t wait to see my golden Maisy and my 2 cats!!! I miss them so much. I would also like to thank everyone who helped me with such amazing advice through this journey so far. I couldn’t have done it without the support of people who understand. Best of luck to anyone who is facing this surgery. This site will be invaluable for you🙏
Donna Casaletto Great to hear this news😊👏‼️Wishing you more speedy recovery wishes!!
Ana Brusso By now you have made it home. You will feel so much better now. Continued good health and God bless y ... Read more
Ana Brusso By now you have made it home. You will feel so much better now. Continued good health and God bless you
Miriam St.Clair I'm so glad you are home and I hope your trip was good. I was so happy to see my pets, too, and I kno ... Read more
Miriam St.Clair I'm so glad you are home and I hope your trip was good. I was so happy to see my pets, too, and I know yours will be as thrilled as mine were. Wishing you continued healing and progress.
Timothy Andre Great news Pamela, there is no place like home. Safe travels and welcome home. God bless you
Went in for follow up tests and visit from Sept 17th surgery(Thursday). Bottom line got re admitted to the hospital and having a "procedure" this morning... Read more
Went in for follow up tests and visit from Sept 17th surgery(Thursday). Bottom line got re admitted to the hospital and having a "procedure" this morning to put in a drain for a few days. Hopefully will come out without too much pain!!! Wasn't expecting this bump in the road. I hope that's all it is. I guess I'm here at the hospital for three or four days at least? Going to work on my positive attitude tomorrow
Klara Čičić Oh dear Pam, I can relate to that feeling. Hang in there, it is a bump in a road, but it is great th... Read more
Klara Čičić Oh dear Pam, I can relate to that feeling. Hang in there, it is a bump in a road, but it is great that they can help you! It will soon be over, you are strong
Rose Madura Complications are tough. I had my share and was readmitted four times over a 3 month period. Trust ... Read more
Rose Madura Complications are tough. I had my share and was readmitted four times over a 3 month period. Trust the doctors. They know what to do. Be thankful that they found a problem and you are in the right place. God bless you. I know how this feels. Hang in there.
Timothy Andre One day at a time Pamela, you got this!
Diane Pellowe Oh, no…hoping the bump is a small one!
Patsy Stewart Sorry to hear this, but also glad that they are helping you. There always seems to be a knot at the e ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Sorry to hear this, but also glad that they are helping you. There always seems to be a knot at the end of the rope we’re holding on to. Hang on tight, and you’ll get through this! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way. ~❤️
Greg Lewis Hurdles can be tough! Really tough! Like, just when its all going great, boom! Some kinda hurdle get ... Read more
Greg Lewis Hurdles can be tough! Really tough! Like, just when its all going great, boom! Some kinda hurdle gets stuck in your way! BUT. Just remember, its just an obstacle! It will be overcome, and then you will look back at it, thinking " why was i worrying about THAT " it will be ok. Dont worry!
Ana Brusso Dear Pamela, you are in the right place for them to fix the problem. You are strong and this too shal ... Read more
Ana Brusso Dear Pamela, you are in the right place for them to fix the problem. You are strong and this too shall pass. God bless you 🙏❤️
Pamela Gregory Thank you everyone! You are all amazing knowing the right things to say
Thank you all for the well wishes! Turns out it was a 7+ hour surgery because when Dr Roselli got in he decided to replace the whole aortic root as well as ...Read more
Thank you all for the well wishes! Turns out it was a 7+ hour surgery because when Dr Roselli got in he decided to replace the whole aortic root as well as the valve. Repositioned the coronary arteries higher to make TAVR (hopefully 🙏) in the future. All so complicated. Glad he knows what he is doing! My favorite thing in the ICU was an adorable yellow lab therapy dog💗💗💗also a nice classical guitarist. It’s the little things in life that help in a time like these. Good luck and many thanks and prayers to everyone awaiting surgery and post surgery 😘🥰
Greg Lewis Sure glad all is going well for you!! Ehhh...classical guitarist?? Nice!!... i only got colored drago ... Read more
Greg Lewis Sure glad all is going well for you!! Ehhh...classical guitarist?? Nice!!... i only got colored dragons, ( they did want to make sure they were the friendly ones. 🤔) and this net thing. That my neck samples would go into, that hung over my bed! One day, i told my wife to please be careful and dont hit the net, sample thing! She said WHAT are you talking about?? 😂😂 but no guitarist. 🤔🤔
Pamela Gregory A made up in your brain or fake homemade dragon and netting? Hallucinations?
Greg Lewis All hallucinations! Strangest things ever! Took a couple days for them to go away too. Sorry, i just ... Read more
Greg Lewis All hallucinations! Strangest things ever! Took a couple days for them to go away too. Sorry, i just couldnt help but envision you seeing a classical guitarist sitting in the corner of your room. Lol
Ed Eller Congratulations Pamela! Sounds like a great success and even a therapy dog and guitarist! If only th... Read more
Ed Eller Congratulations Pamela! Sounds like a great success and even a therapy dog and guitarist! If only they were baking fresh bread in the next room!
Richard Munson Greg had a therapy moose in the next bed.
I want to let everyone know (in Klara’s words) that I am alive. It has been a rough road mostly managing nausea from pain meds. I think it went well but ...Read more
I want to let everyone know (in Klara’s words) that I am alive. It has been a rough road mostly managing nausea from pain meds. I think it went well but won’t see Dr Roselli till next week. To personally know details. He ended up doing a partial root replacement too so it could be a bigger valve and assure TAVR next time. Thank you all for getting over the biggest hurdle in my life🥰
Ana Brusso Yeah! Pamela, welcome to recovery. Sorry about your nausea but that will pass. Kudos again to Dr. Ros ... Read more
Ana Brusso Yeah! Pamela, welcome to recovery. Sorry about your nausea but that will pass. Kudos again to Dr. Roselli. God bless you and continued healing 🙏❤️
Timothy Andre Congrats on a successful procedure Pamela. Welcome to recovery. Take it one day at a time and get so... Read more
Timothy Andre Congrats on a successful procedure Pamela. Welcome to recovery. Take it one day at a time and get some rest. God bless you
George Gardopee Fantastic! It’s great to hear that it went well for you. I feel for you with your nausea- But I gu ... Read more
George Gardopee Fantastic! It’s great to hear that it went well for you. I feel for you with your nausea- But I guess it is not too bad a trade-off to avoid the pain that we would otherwise experience.
Marie Myers Welcome to the recovery side! I had nausea from pain meds also, and switched to Tylenol early in the ... Read more
Marie Myers Welcome to the recovery side! I had nausea from pain meds also, and switched to Tylenol early in the game. Things will get better!
Rose Madura Glad all is ok. Welcome to recovery. Listen to your body and take care of yourself.
Danielle Elizabeth Glad you made it! You’ll have strength soon enough and just know everyone is cheering you on!
Susan Lynn Pamela - Glad your procedure is behind you! Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery!
Patsy Stewart Wonderful to hear you came through your surgery! Praying that everything calms down for you and that ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Wonderful to hear you came through your surgery! Praying that everything calms down for you and that you’ll soon be up and out of there.~❤️
Klara Čičić Oh I am so glad you are fine and alive! Nausea from pain meds is awful... Tylenol and Novalgin (metam ... Read more
Klara Čičić Oh I am so glad you are fine and alive! Nausea from pain meds is awful... Tylenol and Novalgin (metamizole) instead of opioides made huge difference for me! Hang in there! It will get better soon.
I met Dr. Roselli last night at 7:00. Meeting was supposed to be 2:00 but he had an emergency surgery that I hope went well. Immediately met with nurse and... Read more
I met Dr. Roselli last night at 7:00. Meeting was supposed to be 2:00 but he had an emergency surgery that I hope went well. Immediately met with nurse and anesthesiologist at 2 but had to wait in a room for the Dr. for 3+ hours as it got dark and all people including nurses and receptionist were gone. I am thankful that Dr. Roselli was there for the other patient and don't want to sound selfish. I am praying for the patient. For me, it made my experience feel like I was having a really bad dream. It felt eerie with no one around and I had too much time to get in my own head. Dr. Roselli was very nice when he met me and I will be having a mini sternotomy. The nurse told me mini thoracotomy so I had my hopes up of no broken bones. After looking at my heart Dr. Roselli wants to enlarge the area to put a larger valve in that will hopefully be more durable and possible to put a new valve inside of it TAVR in the future. He also want to repair part of my aorta that is apparently too narrow to give me better blood flow. It felt surreal leaving and I cried a lot last night. Slept for 5 hours thanks to Xanax and woke crying. Thank God for giving me my Sister in law who has been with me every step of the way because my husband thought he might be getting a cold. (We think allergies now because thankfully he is fine now). Heather (my sister in law) and I talked this morning for a long time about faith and trusting the surgical team and I am doing better. My beautiful daughter Victoria is on her way to Cleveland with her wonderful boyfriend Chris. I hope they will have a safe trip and I will be glad to have them here! Planning to make a big dinner for their arrival and a nice distraction for me. We will watch football (Go EAGLES!) and order wings and fun food tomorrow. Again, really happy to have a good distraction I enjoy watching. Need to be at Cleveland Clinic at 5:00 for a morning surgery. Not sure how I am going to get through this but trying my best not to get out of control.
Cheryl Mann Pamela - waiting is the most stressful part of this. But now you have your battle plan in place! An ... Read more
Cheryl Mann Pamela - waiting is the most stressful part of this. But now you have your battle plan in place! And you have an excellent plan to keep your mind busy and positive - well done. Keep it up - you can do this.
George Gardopee Pamela: We are all wishing you good luck with your surgery on Monday. I think we all know the apprehe ... Read more
George Gardopee Pamela: We are all wishing you good luck with your surgery on Monday. I think we all know the apprehension you are feeling. I was so exhausted by the worry for so long that I got to the point where I wanted it to be over one way or the other. I don’t know that one can really take comfort in the recurring message from everyone on this site that the waiting is the hardest part, but please try to internalize that you are probably in the best place in the world for your surgery with one of their best surgeons. I think you will be amazed at how quickly you well recover. You’ll likely have discomfort rather than pain - they are very, very good at keeping you comfortable. I would never have believed that only Tylenol would be necessary by the third day. Many of the things that I obsessed about before surgery turned out to be no biggie (the breathing tube, for example). Be prepared to be fatigued and be gentle with yourself, but walk as much as you can as often as you can.
john roland Dr. Roselli did my surgery 30 months ago. He gives all the credit to his team. I had alot of complica ... Read more
john roland Dr. Roselli did my surgery 30 months ago. He gives all the credit to his team. I had alot of complications and he just plowed through them like they were little bumps in the road. You will be truly amazed when you get to the step down unit. Good luck to you and rest assured his team will treat you like gold. I will never ever forget the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Roselli. Keep the faith
Klara Čičić Dear Pamela, I can totally relate with that moment you experienced during waiting time... It was jus... Read more
Klara Čičić Dear Pamela, I can totally relate with that moment you experienced during waiting time... It was just a dark moment and it passed. It is good you cried your eyes out because that is body's way to release stress hormones. You are strong and everything will be fine. There are moments when I wish I had sternotomy rather than thoracotomy! Lot less soft tissue damage, nerve damage. Pain is real, numbness, hyperesthesia of skin. Did I mention pain? :) Mini sternotomy sounds good to me! We are cheering for you. And as another warrior said: you are literally in the best clinic in the world. That is a blessing and a privilege. We can't wait for your first post-op post!!
Ana Brusso You will be in great hands with Dr. Roselli and his team. Glad you have family with you as they are a ... Read more
Ana Brusso You will be in great hands with Dr. Roselli and his team. Glad you have family with you as they are a great source of comfort. We will also be here rooting for you and praying for your successful surgery and smooth recovery. God bless you
Susan Eckermann Pamela, I wish you a wonderful day of football and fun with your family. I had a similar situation... Read more
Susan Eckermann Pamela, I wish you a wonderful day of football and fun with your family. I had a similar situation at my final surgical consult earlier this week. The surgeon was delayed 2.5 hours due to an emergency. At first, I was annoyed, nervous, and flipping out. Then , thinking about it, I was grateful that he immediately responded to, and prioritized a patient in need. I would want him to do the same for me. Like you, I prayed for the patient who had the emergency. I have only moderate symptoms and am in overall good health, but the weight of what "may or could happen" causes me great anxiety. Although I am apprehensive, getting my surgery date was somewhat of a relief. As those who have weathered this storm have stated, you have a great, skilled surgeon and a first rate heart hospital, plus the wonders of modern medicine on your side. You are a warrior, and will soon be on the road to recovery. I look forward to reading your updates!
Rose Madura Pamela, enjoy a beautiful day with your family. Remember that you are going to a great hospital and t ... Read more
Rose Madura Pamela, enjoy a beautiful day with your family. Remember that you are going to a great hospital and that the surgeon is great and that the odds are in your favor for a great outcome. Godspeed.
Had lots of tests today including angiogram. Wasn't bad thanks to sedation. My wrist is pretty sore but Tylenol cured that. They said no washing dishes so... Read more
Had lots of tests today including angiogram. Wasn't bad thanks to sedation. My wrist is pretty sore but Tylenol cured that. They said no washing dishes so I made sure not to do that. Really happy no blockages or plaque to be concerned about! Hoping for a minimally invasive approach . Meet Dr. Roselli for the first time tomorrow to find out the news.
Donna Casaletto Yeah, to not washing dishes but most importantly no blockages or plaque!!! Good luck tomorrow 😉‼ ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Yeah, to not washing dishes but most importantly no blockages or plaque!!! Good luck tomorrow 😉‼️
Susan Lynn Yay!! You did it and no blockages! You just checked another item off the 'to do' list. Hope yo... Read more
Susan Lynn Yay!! You did it and no blockages! You just checked another item off the 'to do' list. Hope you can get a minimally invasive entry, too! Please keep us posted Pamela!
Cheryl Mann Wonderful news! I had minimally invasive surgery - I hope it works that way for you too - less time ... Read more
Cheryl Mann Wonderful news! I had minimally invasive surgery - I hope it works that way for you too - less time in the hospital and a quicker recovery, but no matter what the doctor decides - the important thing is a good repair - and you will do fine, no matter which approach that requires.
Richard Munson Great no blockages or plaque, you must eat well. My big fear would be , so who is going to do the dis ... Read more
Richard Munson Great no blockages or plaque, you must eat well. My big fear would be , so who is going to do the dishes? Can you just keep buying new ones, like underwear?
Pamela Gregory Hahaha! I think so. Disposable dishes sound good to me
Ana Brusso No blockage or plaque are both great news. Great that you are meeting with one of the best surgeons ... Read more
Ana Brusso No blockage or plaque are both great news. Great that you are meeting with one of the best surgeons tomorrow, Dr. Roselli. Keep us posted.
Claudia Kwalbrun Happy to hear no blockages or plaque but sorry to hear what you went through before meeting your surgeon. Sending positive vibes your way and wishing you a successful repair and speedy recovery.
Claudia Kwalbrun Happy to hear no blockages or plaque but sorry to hear what you went through before meeting your surgeon. Sending positive vibes your way and wishing you a successful repair and speedy recovery.
A little bit nervous tonight about angiogram tomorrow. I know that is pretty silly considering it is a drop in the bucket compared to what I have to look forward ...Read more
A little bit nervous tonight about angiogram tomorrow. I know that is pretty silly considering it is a drop in the bucket compared to what I have to look forward to. I know I will be awake but I think I get something to make me calm. Can anyone tell me about personal experiences? Thanks
George Gardopee Pamela: I wrote a pretty detailed account of my angiogram in my journal. Rather than repeat it here, ... Read more
George Gardopee Pamela: I wrote a pretty detailed account of my angiogram in my journal. Rather than repeat it here, if you go to my journal to the post where I describe my experience at the Cleveland Clinic, the angiogram is described in the section labeled “Testing Day 2.” The catheterization is really no big deal - not at all painful or distressing. They give you great drugs during the process that will likely let you gently float away during the test without knocking you out cold.
George Gardopee I see you are going to the CC too. I had a great experience there last November. My surgery was done ... Read more
George Gardopee I see you are going to the CC too. I had a great experience there last November. My surgery was done by Dr Gillinov, but I know several people on this site were very pleased with Dr Roselli. Good luck!
Pamela Gregory Thank you George! I am at the Cleveland Clinic and that will help me sleep better I will go to you... Read more
Pamela Gregory Thank you George! I am at the Cleveland Clinic and that will help me sleep better I will go to your journal too
Susan Lynn Piece of cake! I declined the sedation and chatted with my cardiologist the whole time. Fascinati... Read more
Susan Lynn Piece of cake! I declined the sedation and chatted with my cardiologist the whole time. Fascinating to watch the procedure on the screen, too' If you're the slightest bit apprehensive, take the sedation and be relaxed. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes - you'll do just fine!
Pamela Gregory I read you whole experience at CC George. Thank you so much for writing it! It definitely will help ... Read more
Pamela Gregory I read you whole experience at CC George. Thank you so much for writing it! It definitely will help me get through the next few days
Marie Myers I was worried about it too, but the experience was much easier than I thought. I got a bit of midazol ... Read more
Marie Myers I was worried about it too, but the experience was much easier than I thought. I got a bit of midazolam (Versed) thru the IV, and it made it easy. I remember seeing the screen during the cath, and it seemed to go very quickly .My arm was very black and blue after the procedure, so don’t be surprised if that happens.
Claudia Kwalbrun I am going for angio CAT scans of my chest, abdomen and pelvis tomorrow and angiogram on Monday and s ... Read more
Claudia Kwalbrun I am going for angio CAT scans of my chest, abdomen and pelvis tomorrow and angiogram on Monday and surgery on Tuesday. Praying all goes well with the scans.
Ed Eller I, too, was a bit anxious about getting an angiogram but it really was not a difficult experience. Li ... Read more
Ed Eller I, too, was a bit anxious about getting an angiogram but it really was not a difficult experience. Like others said, I was numbed enough that I didn't feel what they were doing but awake enough to know where I was. I left that experience feeling confident about the high skill level and compassion of the professionals taking care of me. That helps me feel more confident about the upcoming surgery.
LOUIS MARTINEZ I feel everyone's body is so different that we all have such different experiences. I am extremely co ... Read more
LOUIS MARTINEZ I feel everyone's body is so different that we all have such different experiences. I am extremely connected to my body and I do feel my body is more sensitive then most. I also am a bigger baby. I was apprehensive and wish my partner came with me. Here is Canada we are like cattle in hospital sometimes. I arrived in the early morning but left really late at night. I had to wait for test in a bed for most of the day. The test did seam fast but wasn't happy that I got a different Dr. then I was supposed to. The relaxing stuff wasn't enough and I did feel pain. I remember turning away with tears (problem is you are not suppose to move). Yes make sure they give you the relaxer and yell for more if needed. Most of all keep breathing mindfully. You will survive and feel like yourself just as you finish.
Richard Munson Not sure what kind of angiogram you all had but my doctor performed a wrist version vs. a groin versi ... Read more
Richard Munson Not sure what kind of angiogram you all had but my doctor performed a wrist version vs. a groin version which he said is much superior due to less pain and way faster recovery. He was correct. I was in and out in no time flat. Might be called a radial type. They called it a heart catherization but sounds like the same thing.
Connie Jewell Hi Pamela, I'm a little bit older than you (61) but we have similar issues. Just had an angiogram Oct ... Read more
Connie Jewell Hi Pamela, I'm a little bit older than you (61) but we have similar issues. Just had an angiogram Oct 3rd. they were able to go through my wrist I was home feeling fine by the time the 5 pm news was on. The angiogram was not bad at all, I was awake the entire time, they gave me minimal sedation, no pain at all. I think it seemed in my head to be more daunting than it turned out to be, you'll be fine. I then had TAVR a week later on Oct 10th for my second aortic valve replacement in 8yrs, it went fine I had an overnight stay and then home. I had OHS for aortic valve replacement & aneurysm repair in 2014 and yes it is scary to think about but, thinking back it was more frighting in my mind prior the OHS than it ended up being. This website and the people on it are all amazing they were very helpful to me as well as Adam's book. I had all of my tests, angiogram, TAVR & OHS at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. I have heard the Cleveland Clinic is amazing as well. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me directly. As I said above my angiogram & TAVR were all with the last 10 days, I'm home feeling much better, you will be too, very soon. You're in my thoughts, best wishes for smooth angiogram and a speedy recovery from your OHS.
Rose Madura I was like Susan - found it fascinating and was awake the whole time. Mine was through the groin. Ha ... Read more
Rose Madura I was like Susan - found it fascinating and was awake the whole time. Mine was through the groin. Had some pain after but like everything, it was fine in time