Diane's Guestbook

Hi little East Coast Cousin. Just happened to check this site as it's been over a year since my valve replacement. I wish we could sit down and talk. I really relate to the philosophical questions that OHS brings up. My body healed, but it has taken a full year to ride the ups and downs and go through all the different symptoms that kept popping up. I am 74 and trying to stay as active as I can. My husband and grandchildren give me a reason to keep trying to overcome any difficulties, but it's still a somewhat lonely inside job. All I can tell you now is that after the one year mark, things began to get better. When things would get bad (mostly in my thoughts) I would remind myself that I had lived through 100% of my worst days. I encourage you to keep on believing that things will get better. Prayers and best wishes for the best New Year ever as physical symptoms diminish and faith returns. Your West Coast Buddy.

Hi Diane, Happy Birthday! And many, many more! You look great! So glad you are on the road to recovery. The difficult part is now behind you. All the best!

Hi Diane. Hope each day brings you more strength and comfort. It's a "big owie" as my 3 yr old grandson called it when he saw me in the hospital so you take care of yourself. It will get easier with bumps along the way, but nothing you can't do. Praying you will be back to all the activities you love and having fun with your family soon. It's been 6 months for me and I am ready to move on to the new "normal" so this will be the last time I write to anyone. There are so many kind people with great suggestions here and I hope you use this resource in the weeks ahead. Wishing you the best, little East Coast Cousin and thanks to all who helped me along the journey.

Hello Diane, sending my best wishes for a great outcome tomorrow. Prayers from your West Coast Heart cousin. I'll be thinking of you and light another candle tomorrow for you and all the brave souls who take this journey. It will feel so good when you hear, "It's all over and you did great".

Diane- It's almost show time! I'm sure you're filled with excitement and anticipation. You can do this and we'll be here cheering you on every step of the way! All the best! ❤

Hi Diane, I am not from CT, but was born in MA so we can be Heart Cousins. You will do fine. The nurses are great at noticing any problems and pain management. Speak up and know they have seen it all. The staff deals with every kind of heart situation 24/7 every day of the year and that's very reassuring. I am a senior also and had OHS to replace aortic valve. I've had my ups and downs and it's been 5 mos. I shop, cook our meals, went to rehab and clean the house, do laundry and chase 3 yr old grandson. I could not walk for 10 minutes before surgery. You are in our prayers and since I live in CA we got you covered from the East coast to West with good thoughts. Go into this with that famous New England spunk and show them how it's done!

Welcome, Diane! You've come to the right place! Lots of us mv regurgitation heart warriors on this site, including me. I had a minimally invasive procedure for my repair, but there are many folks who have mini and full sternotomies. If you have any questions, please ask! ❤