Guestbook of Debra Keife

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Debra Keifegot a new guestbook post

675 days ago

Debra Keife reacted to this

Grace Mason posted a note for Debra that says:

Hi Debra,Thanks for your well wishes. I am sending some your way too.I was searching online for some type of local support group after being given the news... Read more

Hi Debra,Thanks for your well wishes. I am sending some your way too.I was searching online for some type of local support group after being given the news that it was time for surgery when I found Adam's site. What a relief it was to find people that understand the roller coaster of emotions experienced when faced with these decisions and procedures. I am hoping to connect with some people locally as well maybe in cardiac rehab.I think I had convinced myself I would not have to have surgery, even though I have known it was a possibility for 20 years, it still seems a bit surreal.Having people like you reach out helps to ground some of this anxiety.

Debra Keifegot a new guestbook post

922 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Debra that says:

Congratulations Debra

!!!

Debra Keifegot a new guestbook post

1280 days ago

Zoila posted a note for Debra that says:

Debra wishing you a successful surgery and a quick recovery. You are in my prayers 🙏🏼🥰

Debra Keifegot a new guestbook post

1282 days ago

Peter Linn, Kim McGee reacted to this

Craig Atwater posted a note for Debra that says:

Debra, this is likely the most anxiety inducing day you have ever experienced. The prospect of surgery, especially to your heart, is scary. But, as you pointed ...Read more

Debra, this is likely the most anxiety inducing day you have ever experienced. The prospect of surgery, especially to your heart, is scary. But, as you pointed out, it's also a life saver. Today, I'm 11 weeks post surgery; mine was an aortic valve replacement (to correct critical aortic stenosis), plus a double bypass due to blockage in the main coronary artery discovered during my catheterization. The full open heart was the only way for me to get this all done. You've got this! Regardless of which procedure you choose, you will be better as a result. As my cardiologist said to me, "You have a serious, life-threatening condition. But this operation will FIX it." You will feel better and truly BE better after your surgery / recovery. Best wishes for your procedure, recovery, and return to good health.

Debra Keifegot a new guestbook post

1284 days ago

Peter Linn, Debra Keife and 1 other reacted to this

Laura C posted a note for Debra that says:

Best Wishes for your surgery and recovery!

Debra Keife Thanks Laura C

Debra Keifegot a new guestbook post

1285 days ago

Debra Keife reacted to this

Shonagh posted a note for Debra that says:

Hi Debra, Wishing you all the best for next week. I’m sure all will go well!

Debra Keife Thank you!

Kim McGee Wishing you well for your surgery the 22nd sending positivity!

Debra Keifegot a new guestbook post

1295 days ago

Peter Linn posted a note for Debra that says:

Hi Debra, I am very interested in this comment you made, "He has a new partner starting June 15th who does a less invasive OHS. He can do the surgery with a ...Read more

Hi Debra, I am very interested in this comment you made, "He has a new partner starting June 15th who does a less invasive OHS. He can do the surgery with a smaller incision and possibly no need for blood thinners. I am so relieved at this prospect." I look forward to hearing more about it once you know more. - Peter

Debra Keife HI Peter, I will let you know what He tells me next week. I was told that He could definantly do the ... Read more

Debra Keife HI Peter, I will let you know what He tells me next week. I was told that He could definantly do the surgery with a smaller incision and would not need to open the breast bones to get to the aortic valve and aneurysm. This means a shorter recovery time and , hopefully, a shorter time in the hospital. He said that I may need blood thinners in the beginning but not the rest of my life since it's not a mechanical valve. They still have to use a heart lung machine and it's still considered open heart surgery but less invasive. I'm really nervous but trying to stay focused on the end result. I am feeling more shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness with little exertion. It's just crazy how this all became a reality in just 2 months.

Susan Lynn You both may want to look into the mini-thoracotomy. It's a small incision and has become a common ... Read more

Susan Lynn You both may want to look into the mini-thoracotomy. It's a small incision and has become a common entry option for heart surgery. This procedure also requires cannulation through the femoral artery above the thigh, so there is another small incision involved. I had a mini-thoracotomy for my mitral valve repair and it was quick and virtually painless. I spent 3 1/2 days in the hospital and had an easy recovery. It's definitely an individual choice. It's good to consider the pros and cons of all of the options. Remember, the surgery is the same - only the entry is different. Getting a good repair or replacement is the most important objective.
Best of luck with your research! ❤

Peter Linn I hear you. This all hit me suddenly only about 3 weeks ago and I remain asymptomatic. I am thinkin ... Read more

Peter Linn I hear you. This all hit me suddenly only about 3 weeks ago and I remain asymptomatic. I am thinking about you and all of us! Do let me know what you find out when you can. Thanks

Mike Dotson I agree with Lynn. I had the same procedure and was out of the hospital in 3 1/2 days also. I had s ... Read more

Mike Dotson I agree with Lynn. I had the same procedure and was out of the hospital in 3 1/2 days also. I had some pain from the chest tube but it resolved after it came out after 48 hours. I couldn’t ask more from my recovery.

Debra Keife I will ask my surgeon about the mini-thoracotomy. Thanks!

Debra Keife The mini thoracotomy was not recommended for me as it is off to the side and my surgeon has greater s ... Read more

Debra Keife The mini thoracotomy was not recommended for me as it is off to the side and my surgeon has greater success with the partial sternotomy. He also said the thoracotomy is more painful.

Debra Keife I really wasn't repeating myself. Realized this posted several times. LOL