I was so happy to see your posts in response to my story. I am exploring this site and am not certain how to directly respond yet. I will. The support means ...Read more
I was so happy to see your posts in response to my story. I am exploring this site and am not certain how to directly respond yet. I will. The support means so much to know that there are ladies out there just like me. Thank you very much❤️
Anna Jones Hi Rosemary, You can respond in 1 of 3 ways. (1) You can go to your Journal just like you did, and ... Read more
Anna Jones Hi Rosemary, You can respond in 1 of 3 ways. (1) You can go to your Journal just like you did, and scroll down to your last post. At the very bottom after all the responses will be a little white box where you can write a further comment. (2) you can start a new post in your Journal, (3) you can click on the person's name who you want to respond to and when their page opens up you can click on My Guestbook. In My Guestbook you will be writing to them directly, although it is not private and anything you write in My Guestbook shows up on the Patient News feed.
To all of you out there on this blog. I know that some of you are struggling at this time. For those that are feeling well, you give those hope.
This is my ...Read more
To all of you out there on this blog. I know that some of you are struggling at this time. For those that are feeling well, you give those hope.
This is my first post. I am scheduled for an aortic valve replacement on January 8th. I was diagnosed 14 years ago and am now symptomatic and have severe stenosis. Dr Chad Hughes at Duke in Durham is doing my surgery. I am 59 years old. I love yoga, knitting , playing golf with my sweet husband and walking my dog. I have 3 loving children, a grandson , a sister and 2 brothers, a 93 year old mother, a large loving group of friends and a labradoodle named Liv... because she helps me Live everyday.
I joined this blog because I feel scared. I know that this is human and it’s best to be honest about it so that someone might hear me and help alleviate what I fear. I also know that I have courage and feel strong. I compare myself to the cowardly lion on Wizard of Oz. I always loved his character, because he stood up for courage.
I thank you all for being out there and offering support to help me walk through this like Dorothy and TinMan by my side. My husband is beside me and is strong and will be there for me.
Thank you for any positive help.
Merry Christmas and cheers in the New Year!!!
Civita Fahey Hi Rosemary.. Welcome to the site.. we have all felt as you do scared. its just normal human emotions ... Read more
Civita Fahey Hi Rosemary.. Welcome to the site.. we have all felt as you do scared. its just normal human emotions. You will get through this.. I know it sounds easy to say but, the waiting is the hardest part.. its not walk in the park, but our imagination can really get vivid. Put your trust in your surgeon and the man above.. and focus on recovery with your husband and children.. best to you.. any questions just ask.
Debbie Goff Hello Rosemary....I felt just like you. I was so scared when they told me I needed a mechanical aort ... Read more
Debbie Goff Hello Rosemary....I felt just like you. I was so scared when they told me I needed a mechanical aortic heart valve. As time went by I had this strange calmness before the surgery. I had aortic valve replacement on 9-11-17. The surgery went well but days after the cardiologists were thinking I needed a pacemaker along with the valve because my heart was not cooperating with the valve. Finally, my heart accepted the valve and a pacemaker was not necessary. I will not fool you the first few weeks were miserable...but all the doctors stated I came thru like a trooper! Now after 14 weeks I am feeling terrific! As Civita said you will get thru this and feel better than you have in years just as I have. This site is the greatest for answers and moral support...just ask!
Elaine Foster This site is fabulous. If you haven't read Adam's book, put that on your christmas list. It is wond ... Read more
Elaine Foster This site is fabulous. If you haven't read Adam's book, put that on your christmas list. It is wonderful resource. I am 3 years post-op for AVR with a bovine valve. I was 58 years old. It really was not as bad as our fears want us to believe. I did alot of research, and that plus my faith in God made it not so scary. I had a great surgeon, Dr. Marc Gerdish, who I found through this site. The breathing tube was my greatest fear, but as soon as I remember waking up the nurses were right there and out it came. I will be happy to answer any questions you have. I had my surgery on Dec. 10, and by Christmas I was feeling pretty good. The first week is the hardest, but after that each day improves. You will need help to get up out of bed for a week or so. God bless you, and Merry Christmas
Barbara Wood I was scared out of my wits after hearing I would need a valve repair, but coming to this community d ... Read more
Barbara Wood I was scared out of my wits after hearing I would need a valve repair, but coming to this community daily really allayed my fears. By a week before my surgery I was completely calm & on board with it. And yes, the first week home is the hardest...by 6 weeks I felt pretty good. Best wishes Rosemary!
Rose Madura Our minds can play games with our emotions. Remember that these doctors do this every day with a ver ... Read more
Rose Madura Our minds can play games with our emotions. Remember that these doctors do this every day with a very high success rate. Trust in God and your surgeon and they both will bring you through. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Sounds like you'll have great support
Sandy Laine Dr. Hughes was my surgeon, Rosemary, almost 11 weeks ago. I believe you are in very good hands (lite ... Read more
Sandy Laine Dr. Hughes was my surgeon, Rosemary, almost 11 weeks ago. I believe you are in very good hands (literally!). The Duke Hospital staff were all pretty impressive (from my perspective). I was out in five days - and while the first few weeks were rough - have considered myself basically back to normal since about week seven (considering the restrictions and the necessary recovery time, of course).
Sandy Laine All the best to you - and I'll be sending positive thoughts and prayers on the 8th.
I am from: Raleigh, NC
