Sue's Posts

Greetings from sunny Stouffville, Ontario, Canada HVS family!! ♥️ Today, June 10, marks what I like to call my second re-birthday. I am forever grateful to my 2 surgical teams at Toronto General Hospital for my successful aortic valve replacement surgery, repair of my regurgitating tricuspid valve, left atrial appendage AND my second (surprise!) successful bypass surgery. All in all, what was to be one 5 hour surgery turned into 2 surgeries over 14 hours, followed by a miraculous normal recovery, thanks to my amazing team lead by the compassionate, tireless and incredibly skilled leadership of Dr. Maral Ouzounian. I’m grateful to my gracious and faithful God who has brought healing to my body, mind and soul through this whole process. Though my physical recovery went very much as hoped, and I hit all the markers in the time expected, I like to share that mine was a more prolonged mental recovery. That part of it was the most difficult by far, and something I hope to keep impressing upon the whole medical community who followed me on this journey. I wasn’t warned that this could happen, and it wasn’t something addressed in my rehabilitation, and it took about a year before I truly felt on the other side of it. I was greatly helped by medication, psychotherapy, and the support of patient, praying friends who stuck by me throughout, and of course the Great Physician himself. I am happy to share more and encourage others who may find themselves in similar circumstances—please reach out and ask for what you need! I have a beautiful life, I’ve lost over 60 pounds and do my best (imperfectly) to take care of myself one day at a time. I have grown so much as a person—my faith, my outlook and attitudes, my empathy for others. I am volunteering, teaching occasionally, learning pickleball, doing creative projects, investing more in the people around me, taking courses, and feeling alive and grateful most days, what a blessing! 🙏🏻🙌🏻 And I could not have managed the last 2+ years without this warm, loving, caring, supportive, understanding community! So many of you offered just the right word, the right counsel, and so much love and encouragement exactly when I needed it. This community is so special and so vital—thank you Adam for taking up this mantle on behalf of all of us! I tell everyone that it has been as important to me as the doctors. May God bless each one of you wherever you are on your heart journey! ♥️🙏🏻

At this time, one year ago today I was in the first of 2 surgeries to repair my heart—the second one was not expected! I had a successful aortic valve replacement with a bovine valve, tricuspid valve repair and left atrial appendage. After approx. 5 hours I was closed up and headed to cardiac ICU only to be wheeled back and reopened for a surprise single bypass of the right coronary artery! There were many complications and a new surgical team was assembled lead by the same incredible Dr. Ouzounian. After another 8 hours or so, I was in recovery finally. My physical recovery went extremely well after that—I woke up 2 days later and was told I aged my surgeon and my people by about 20 years! 😅 The past year has been extremely challenging in ways I didn't expect, but looking back, I'm not surprised and there are no regrets. As I've posted in the last couple of months, it's been hardest mentally and emotionally, but even in that, my faith in God has deepened. Facing heart surgery was by far the biggest and scariest "giant" I had ever faced in my life. It is hard to explain to others outside this community, how that is, but I can honestly say that having this beautiful community of heart brothers and sisters, an incredible surgical team (or 2 ;), and the grace of God, made ALL the difference! ❤️❤️❤️ I am so grateful for my friends and family who prayed and helped me with all the practical things I needed for the days prior and following June 10. A special thank you to so many of you who prayed and checked in and shared your knowledge, experience and encouragement…if I mention names, I'm bound to leave someone out, so I won't…but I hope you know who you are! 🥰 May God bless each and every one of you with stronger and healthier hearts and all you need to live life to the full! Much love to you all! ❤️❤️❤️