Sherry's Heart Valve Journal

Hello Family,
I wanted to give you all a quick update. Well, I don't qualify for the transplant due to the damage being on the right side of my heart instead of the left (per my new doctor). But, I'm doing much better😁😎!!!! My new doctor sent me to cardiac rehab 06/30/17 and boy do I feel great! I will complete rehab at the end of this month. Since rehab, I'm able to exercise, do chores without stopping and resting and I don't use the scooter at the grocery store/Sam's anymore 👍🙌. I don't worry anymore. I've decided to live and enjoy my life God is awesome and I know he will continue to bless me. I'm praying for everyone!!!

Hello Heart Family-
It's been a while since I've posted, but my journey has been a difficult one. (please read previous journals dated Jan. 7, 2016 and Nov. 25, 2016 for more detailed info). I'm 21 months post-op. I had my Mitral and Aortic Valves replaced and a Quadruple by-pass in August 2015. My family and I repeatly asked the doctors what happened to me during surgery and they stated that when they went to restart my heart during surgery, the right side wouldn't work. The doctors stated that it was a hard surgery and that I had a lot done. In June 2016, the doctors told me that I was healing but it was going to take some time to get stronger and that I would be OK.

Since my surgery, my health has continuously deteriorated. I have extreme shortness of breathe, pain in my chest, and fatigue. The doctors have conducted many different tests since Nov. 2016 to April 2017 (Echos, Stress tests, TEE, heart Catheterizations, and CPX treadmill) etc.. So after months of the doctors going back and forth, one doctor would say one thing and the other doctor would say something totally different, I started fussing. I received a letter in Feb. of 2017 stating that I was ill enough for advanced heart failure therapies.
Again, I started asking the doctors what's going on with my health. The Cardiologist said he was "sending me to a specialist", After seeing the specialist in March 2017, he sent me for more test (same tests that I had done already). A month after those tests, I was told nothing. Now I'm super anger!!!! Finally after speaking with the nurse practitioner in late April 2017 regarding how poorly the doctors where in informing me of the tests results and my condition, she promised that she would have the Doctor to call me.

He finally called on May 05, 2017. The doctor stated that I had a massive heart attack during the surgery in 2015. ( The doctors never told me or my family that). He stated that there was nothing else they could do for me but give me some medicine (Entresto) to make me comfortable and stay out of the hospital. He also stated that I didn't qualified for a heart transplant. (WOW!!!!!) What a pill to swallow!!!!!!!. Then the doctor said "what happened to you was a stroke of bad luck." (Really?) I'm at a lost for words.

On May 15, 2017, the nurse practitioner called me and told me that the heart specialist was going before the board to see if I would qualify for a transplant and that she'll let me know. I'm looking for a new doctor. I will also be looking for a different Surgeon if I do qualify for the transplant.
I can't even describe how I truly feel!!!!!!
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks for allowing me to share.

Hello everyone!!!! I haven't posted in almost a year since my surgery ( August 24, 2015) ( 2 valves replaced and a quad triple bypass) but I'm 15 months post-op. I'm still having some issues ( my heart is only functioning at 40% and one of the bypass has failed) but I'm truly blessed to still be in the land of the living and I'm doing good. I will be praying for those who have surgeries scheduled and for those who are recovering. I thank all of you who gave me support and words of encouragement. I'm truly grateful that I stumbled upon this site. It is a great support system for the heart family!! Wishing everyone the best and may God bless you all. 😄😄😄

Hello my heart sister's and brother's I know it's been awhile since I've posted. As u all know I had my surgery on August 24. I had a lot of complications. i was hospitalized until October 22. My heart stopped and I ended up on life support for 14 days. I ended up with pig valves not the mechanical valves. When I woke up and came off life support I couldn't walk move my arms and legs. I was transferred to rehab in October to learn how to walk and feed myself all over again. As of today right now I'm alive walking feeding myself bathing myself cooking for me and my family. I've had several set backs alone the way but I wanted to share my story not to scare people but to tell you all how awesome GOD is!!!!!! Look what he has brought me through I thank and praise him all day. So to those who have surgeries coming up just put your hand in God's hands and he will see you
through. God blessed u all and I will continue to pray for our health and strength .😇😇😇😇😇 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

Good morning my mother's heart sisters and brothers she is doing fine , let's pray for a full healthy recovery... Love you mom 😘😘😘😘😘 Jeremy

Waiting on the doctor to say he's ready so I can get my new parts for my heart!!!!!

It's about 1250am Sunday morning a day before my surgery and I'm reading the 23rd Psalm and the 91st Psalm where I find great peace and comfort. I'm truly happy and blessed and I know God is going to see me through. I have God's grace, mercy and favor. I have my family and also have my new family of heart brothers and sisters who have been so inspiring, encouraging, loving, informational and always positive. I just want to thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my herat for all the support and comfort you showed me during this difficult time in my life.

Today my surgeon pushed my surgery date back to the 24th due to me taking plavix and lupus meds. I was a little disappointed at first but God knows best. So the 24th it is. I'm ready to get the surgery over with so I can move forward and on with recovery.

Hello everyone I just feel the need to tell you all how truly blessed I am to have found this site and the people within it. I just joined the group ( my new family) a couple of days ago and you all have received me with opened arms. You all have given me much needed information, peace and encouragement. Thank you all for the support and prayers with my up coming life changing experience. You all will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you all.

Hello everyone!!!!! I'm new to this new family. I am a 45 year old female who was diagnosed with mitral and aortic valve disorder/disease in 2012. In May 2015 I was informed that it was time to replace both valves and that I needed a triple bypass also. I just about passed out (lol). My surgery is scheduled for August 19, 2015. I've been trying to be strong for my family but I'm scared out of my mind. Anybody feeling the same way?