Sharon Cotter - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1681 days ago

I have 3 more days until my open heart surgery. I just can believe the anxiety that gets hold of me. I don’t know if I can stand this weekend bail my surgery ...Read more

I have 3 more days until my open heart surgery. I just can believe the anxiety that gets hold of me. I don’t know if I can stand this weekend bail my surgery on Monday morning, Sept.23. I need some sleep.

Civita Fahey Hi Sharon, don't bail. .you will be fine.. the last few days are the hardest.. just think of recovery ... Read more

Civita Fahey Hi Sharon, don't bail. .you will be fine.. the last few days are the hardest.. just think of recovery and try to relax. do something fun and take your mind off ( hard I know). But time will come and you will be awake and onto feeling better. My prayers are with you.

Susan Lynn Sharon- I remember that feeling well even though it's been almost two years ago for me. Your anxiety ... Read more

Susan Lynn Sharon- I remember that feeling well even though it's been almost two years ago for me. Your anxiety will turn to anticipation, soon. There's one thing I knew - my heart condition wasn't going to get better on its own. There wasn't any advantage in waiting. The day of surgery, you'll be surprisingly calm. Your procedure will feel like a one minute nap. You'll wake up and it will all be behind you. You'll be surprised that you had heart surgery! The professionals in the CICU know what they're doing - you'll be well taken care of! Focus on getting back to everything you enjoy - just consider this a short detour to getting there. We did it - you can, too! Stay positive and keep your forward movement going! ❤

Marie Myers I was very anxious also. I finally asked my doc for alprazolam (Xanax), and I was able to sleep. The ... Read more

Marie Myers I was very anxious also. I finally asked my doc for alprazolam (Xanax), and I was able to sleep. The waiting was really hard, but you are stronger!

Rajeev Thundiyil Dear Sharon, be strong. They use the most advanced technology to perform the surgery. You will be fin ... Read more

Rajeev Thundiyil Dear Sharon, be strong. They use the most advanced technology to perform the surgery. You will be fine. I m 45 days after my surgery.

Hang in there. Wishing you the best!

Lena Afanaseva You will be just fine!!! You will feel great again and trust me, waiting is the worst! Wishing you a ... Read more

Lena Afanaseva You will be just fine!!! You will feel great again and trust me, waiting is the worst! Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Rose Madura Your feelings are normal. Don't give up. Remember that the outcome will be better than the alternat ... Read more

Rose Madura Your feelings are normal. Don't give up. Remember that the outcome will be better than the alternative and you'll feel so much better down the road. Praying! God bless you.

Alan Gottlieb I am facing the same surgery on the 25th. Yes. The last three days are the hardest. I'm very irritabl ... Read more

Alan Gottlieb I am facing the same surgery on the 25th. Yes. The last three days are the hardest. I'm very irritable and anxious. I have known about my problem for 18 years. So, it's no surprise. I have read every post the Internet has to offer. I have chosen the best hospital, Cleveland Clinic, and one of their top surgeons, Dr. Gosta Petterrson. It's important to know the odds are all on your side. I know we will all be ok. If Dick Cheney can get a whole new heart - what's valve?

Mike Roskowinski Hey Sharon. Its very hard to think about what you are about to go through but understand there are t ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski Hey Sharon. Its very hard to think about what you are about to go through but understand there are thousands of these surgeries done daily. We have all gone through it on this site and will be here to support you. I was surprisingly very calm the day of my surgery. I knew what to expect from talking to all the people here and had faith that everything would be good. I am 39 years old and had a valve replaced and my ascending aorta. Stay strong and know you will be fine and that you are making a better future for yourself and your health. I am 4.5 months post surgery and feel great. God bless

Chuck Segal I can relate! Can't sleep either - surgery is next Thursday 9/26.

Sharon Cotter I so appreciate all your encouragement! It really has done me a great deal of good to read about othe ... Read more

Sharon Cotter I so appreciate all your encouragement! It really has done me a great deal of good to read about others who have had the same/similar surgery. Thank you soooo much!