Diane...praying that you get a good night's rest, that your surgery goes smoothly, and that your recovery is steady. May you go in, tomorrow, filled with His ...Read more
Diane...praying that you get a good night's rest, that your surgery goes smoothly, and that your recovery is steady. May you go in, tomorrow, filled with His Peace. God Bless You.
Diane,
I am sure you have a lot on your mind today as you prepare for tomorrow's surgery but I want you to know you are in a great place! I am 4 weeks post-op ...Read more
Diane,
I am sure you have a lot on your mind today as you prepare for tomorrow's surgery but I want you to know you are in a great place! I am 4 weeks post-op with a repaired mitral valve and as my foggy head continues to clear, I am feeling more relieved and grateful every day. Although I lived an active lifestyle without symptoms, like you, I always knew heart surgery was in my future. Suddenly last month, the wait was over and as luck would have it, these valve procedures are almost commonplace. Going into my surgery, I had complete confidence in my surgeon, hospital and caregivers. I was fortunate to have a strong support system and solid health insurance. No doubt, heart surgery is a big deal but it helped me to focus on the positive aspects of my situation and count my blessings. This is a terrific website, don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. Many good thoughts and prayers coming your way....You are young and healthy, you will do great!! xx
I'm praying for tomorrow's surgery to go well for you! From the sounds of your "story", you will feel so much better after all of this. Your story also tells ...Read more
I'm praying for tomorrow's surgery to go well for you! From the sounds of your "story", you will feel so much better after all of this. Your story also tells me that you are a very strong woman, and I admire that so much! With my surgery out quite a ways, I am drawing strength from all of you! If I hadn't found this sight, I would be driving myself crazier with questions that would have no answers until the time comes, and I just don't roll that way. I need to be somewhat prepared for all different kinds of scenarios. I think my friends and family think this is me being negative, but it makes me feel more calm to be prepared for anything. I wasn't prepared for the diagnosis, and I fell apart for a couple of weeks, but now I'm saying, "bring it on", even though I am a little scared. Enough about me, though. Tomorrow, you will have this behind you, and I will be anxious to hear your updates! God Bless YOU!
Hi Diane, Great to meet you and welcome to our community! I'm hopeful the information and people here can help you get ready for the next steps. If you need ...Read more
Hi Diane, Great to meet you and welcome to our community! I'm hopeful the information and people here can help you get ready for the next steps. If you need anything, please let me know.
Diane, welcome to this site! I read your story, and you sound almost exactly like me! I had known I had a leaky valve and they had been watching it for 22 years. ...Read more
Diane, welcome to this site! I read your story, and you sound almost exactly like me! I had known I had a leaky valve and they had been watching it for 22 years. This fall, they said "it's time." I was so upset....about the TEE and heart cath as well, and then there's surgery! I love to hear that your rock is Christ! That'll get you through! Please ask questions, or read my journal. I was quite a big wimp....but through God's grace, got through everything great. I'm now 4 1/2 months post op and back to exercising like I did before! Will keep you in my prayers!
diane dixon Cheryl, thank you so much for your encouragement. Any tips you can share would be greatly appreciated ... Read more
diane dixon Cheryl, thank you so much for your encouragement. Any tips you can share would be greatly appreciated! I am a bit overwhelmed and too much to get done in such a short time!
Hi Diane, welcome to the site! I know it's a scary time right now, but as you can see there are alot of people here sharing your journey. My surgery was ...Read more
Hi Diane, welcome to the site! I know it's a scary time right now, but as you can see there are alot of people here sharing your journey. My surgery was to replace my bicuspid aortic valve 6 months ago. I've done really well and wrote about my surgery experience in my journal. If I can help answer any questions, I will be glad to. You will be fine. You have a great attitude and a great faith! Those two things will be huge in your ability to get through this in the easiest way possible! Prayers and best wishes, Tammy
diane dixon So, do I really need to go try to find some shirts that button down?
Tammy Pilcher Hi Diane, I say yes! I didn't think I would need to and found out after surgery I didn't have enough ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Hi Diane, I say yes! I didn't think I would need to and found out after surgery I didn't have enough. My sister went out and bought some for me after I got home. You can't use your arms very much and it makes it alot easier to get dressed. Let me know if I can help anymore.
diane dixon What about bras? Did you get sports bras that hook in the front? Or what worked best?
diane dixon Oh, one more question for now. I had a lot of trouble with migraine headaches over the years and fou ... Read more
diane dixon Oh, one more question for now. I had a lot of trouble with migraine headaches over the years and found that listening to books on tape helped distract me from the pain. Would that be something realistic to do in the hospital or not?
Tammy Pilcher They gave me a front closure bra at the hospital to wear home and sometimes I even wore it at night b ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher They gave me a front closure bra at the hospital to wear home and sometimes I even wore it at night because it helped to support my incision from stretching. After a couple of weeks, I was able to use my arms well enough to wear a regular bra and pullover tops.
Tammy Pilcher Some people here said they took things to listen to, but I didn't and honestly I don't think I would ... Read more
Tammy Pilcher Some people here said they took things to listen to, but I didn't and honestly I don't think I would have used them. I slept alot and was in very little pain when awake. My entire chest was numb for quite awhile and my pain was after I got home in my shoulder blades, but was manageable with Tylenol.