Valerie's Posts

Wow, 2 years since my second surgery. Pretty uneventful ECHO and cardiologist appointment last August. ECHO showed trace to 1+ regurgitation, which I hope never gets worse. I can live with that! I feel great and am able to do all my normal activities with the exception of some of the restrictions & closures from Covid. This crazy pandemic is really starting to drive me crazy. I work at a hospital in the lab, so I am going to work daily and occasionally can work from home. I terribly miss spending time with my kids and grand kids. Vacation plans are up in the air. BUT, compared to what others are going through, I feel very blessed. So many have lost loved ones, jobs, and their whole life has been turned upside down. I really feel for all those here who have had testing and even surgeries cancelled and put on hold or have had to have surgery with no one allowed to visit them. The waiting is the hardest part and so many have had this waiting time extended. Hoping that those waiting can soon have their surgery and get on the road to recovery!

I don't even know where the time has gone, but 1 year ago today I had surgery to re-repair my mitral valve. So far, so good! I had a routine physical at my family doctor in March and he couldn't hear a murmur, although my cardiologist in February (the one with bionic ears) said it was "soft". It does help me relax a bit that this repair will hold up, though. My next ECHO is in August (15 months post-op) which is at about the same time as I found out the first repair had failed. If that ECHO is good, it will be a relief! I am doing well and I am so thankful that my recovery went so well. I still check in here at this site regularly to see how everyone is doing and I am amazed how many others share their stories here . It sure helps to know we're not alone and to have the support of others that care and understand! I'm thankful for all of you and wish you all the best with your surgery and recovery.