Cindy's Guestbook

Hi Cindy. I'm using the guestbook because it has a bigger window in which to write and edit. Ok? Hope things are going ok for you? You haven't been on site for awhile have you? Jason Leber from Vancouver just had a mechanical valve. He would be a good resource to check out. There are videos and others on site that have had mechanical valves. There is also info on YOutube about valves and valve surgery. Adam's book is a good resource as well. Choosing a valve type can be a "toss up" . Age and lifestyle are big considerations. There is a lot of info out there and on site that should give you the help you need. Olga Landry from Paradise Hill SK had her surgery done in Edmonton. She may be able to help? Both people frequent this site. Good luck and keep in touch. Bob O.

Cindy, my friend Olga would love to share her journey with you. Her email address is: dolandry2@icloud.com Olga asked me to share your email with you. That way you can contact her direct. Let me know how your doing. Hope your infection is going away. Hugs Mia

Welcome here, to a site with great information and a great group of heart valve patients who like you are finding our way through the journey of testing, surgery and recovery. I had my mitral valve replaced 6 months ago in Aug/14; and am over all doing so much better than before! Each journey is individual, but we here have navigated it together, and are in various stages of the journey. You will be lead to the folks you will need, if something doesn't feel right to you, ask, if you still aren't comfortable seek a second or third opinion if needed. Your journey and choices are uniquely yours, but if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me or anyone else- we are a small community helping each other. Read as little or as much as you can absorb at one time and then come back to it as you have new information that may lead to more questions. Take good care !!!

Hello Cindy, Welcome to our heart family. I also apparently had rheumatic fever, they are not sure when I had it. My doctor noticed a heart murmur when I was 40 years old. It turned out that I had mitral stenosis. I am 58 now. Last year it came time to start planning my journey for surgery. I ended up having a mitral valve replacement on July 29th, 2014. It was a journey. I am so thankful to have found this wonderful site. During this journey I have met many heart brothers and sisters that have had surgery or will in the future. We all really are close and encourage each other. I know you probably are very worried as I was. You will be fine. Try not to waste time on worrying. As long as you are comfortable with your Surgical/Cardiac team, let them care for you. You will be amazed at how much better your body will feel after the surgery. My breathing is so much better. I have dealt with wheezing, coughing all my life. It pretty much has disappeared. My feet used to be so cold now it seems as if the blood flow is so much better. I no longer feel the flutter in my chest. I am 7 months post op from mitral valve replacement and saw my cardiologist this week. He was very happy with the results of my most recent echo. The piggy mitral valve is doing its job. I chose a tissue valve as I did not want to be on blood thinners unless absolutely necessary. My surgeon agreed with me. I had a wonderful team of doctors at William Beaumont Hospital. My procedure was done minimally invasive. I have a small incision under my right breast. The scar is almost gone. So all will be good for you too. If I can help this journey be a bit easier just let me know. You can email me at kidsjunction@gmail.com Hugs from my heart to yours! Mia (Mary from Michigan)