Guestbook of Erica Eberl

My Guestbook

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3805 days ago

Kate W posted a note for Erica that says:

Hey there. I can't figure out how to comment on your posts, but wanted to let you know we're thinking of you and think you're an amazing mommy.

Erica Eberl Thank you, Kate!!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3809 days ago

Laura Brase posted a note for Erica that says:

Hi Erica! How is home life going being home with your babes? This is the start of my 2nd full week home with both of my littles and so far so good. I hope ...Read more

Hi Erica! How is home life going being home with your babes? This is the start of my 2nd full week home with both of my littles and so far so good. I hope your healing is going great and you are feeling well! Laura :)

Erica Eberl Laura, my husband goes back to work on Monday and I am so not ready. I started to have extreme back p ... Read more

Erica Eberl Laura, my husband goes back to work on Monday and I am so not ready. I started to have extreme back pain this past Monday. I definitely was not expecting to have new pain 3 weeks post op. I hope that it gets significantly better by Monday. My Dad is coming back in to town to help, so that will be good. Glad to hear you're doing well! I hope I will be back on the feeling good train soon!

Laura Brase I'm glad your husband has been able to be with you for such a good amount of time!! Have you started ... Read more

Laura Brase I'm glad your husband has been able to be with you for such a good amount of time!! Have you started rehab? Family was a blessing to have during this time! I pray that you can get relief from your back pain soon!! XX

Erica Eberl Thanks, Laura! I am glad to hear you are doing so well! Yes, my husband is in the Coast Guard and wh ... Read more

Erica Eberl Thanks, Laura! I am glad to hear you are doing so well! Yes, my husband is in the Coast Guard and while being a military family can be hard at times there are definite perks. He was able to take 4 weeks of leave, so I am very fortunate for that. As far as know, I my discharge info said I can't start rehab until 6 weeks post op. I plan on looking into it sooner. As far as the back pain I have heard that a chiropractor can work wonders, so I am going to get an appt asap as long as my doctors approve.

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3817 days ago

Susan Ericsson posted a note for Erica that says:

Hi Erica, thinking of you and wondering how everything is going. Hoping you are feeling less anxiety each day. Sue

Erica Eberl Susan, the anxiety is definitely getting better. I had my post op appt today and for the most part ev ... Read more

Erica Eberl Susan, the anxiety is definitely getting better. I had my post op appt today and for the most part everything looks good. Still dealing with pain, some days are worse than others. Just trying my best to take it easy and to keep up with my walking. How are you doing?

Susan Ericsson Same as you, good days and not so good. Pain really rolls in at dinner time and sticks around. Fatigu ... Read more

Susan Ericsson Same as you, good days and not so good. Pain really rolls in at dinner time and sticks around. Fatigue hits mid afternoon. Or I should say it clobbers me. Wow. Trying to move around and do my walking. Find it hard to concentrate on reading or tv. Thinking about you a lot.

Erica Eberl Thinking of you as well! The recovery process is definitely a lot slower and difficult than I expecte ... Read more

Erica Eberl Thinking of you as well! The recovery process is definitely a lot slower and difficult than I expected. For some reason I thought I would be out picking apples and going to the pumpkin patch with my kids by now :0 That was definitely not a realistic expectation. But that's okay. All in due time :)

Susan Ericsson I know all about those unrealistic assumptions! My surgeon's asst actually asked me if I'd been pumpk ... Read more

Susan Ericsson I know all about those unrealistic assumptions! My surgeon's asst actually asked me if I'd been pumpkin picking, so perhaps we are not alone!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3824 days ago

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Erica that says:

Thanks Erica for your response to my post, I just found it. I'm still figuring out how this works. I'm guessing unless you respond on someone's guestbook ...Read more

Thanks Erica for your response to my post, I just found it. I'm still figuring out how this works. I'm guessing unless you respond on someone's guestbook they may not see it. I feel the same way you do about having my two beautiful sons, ages 24 and 21. My husband and I have done a lot of mountain hiking for years and the past couple of years the hikes became so hard for me. At times I felt like my chest was going to explode, but I would stop and rest a lot and keep going. I never even considered it was my heart since I thought I had asthma. Now I know. But I have had some wonderful times that I would have been afraid to even try had I known my condition.

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3825 days ago

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Erica that says:

Hi Erica, I am so glad you have your surgery behind you and you are on your way to recovery. I am new to HVJ's, but I have been following your journal closely ...Read more

Hi Erica, I am so glad you have your surgery behind you and you are on your way to recovery. I am new to HVJ's, but I have been following your journal closely for the past two weeks. Your story reminded me so much of my own. I've known too that I have a murmur since I was 13, but didn't start having symptoms until I was pregnant with my first son at 26 years old. But unlike your doctor, mine didn't find my problem and thought I had asthma. So I went the next 25 years before my BAVS was found and now I have to have it replaced before the end of the year. In a way though, it may have been a blessing that it went undetected because I have done things I would have been afraid to do had I known. God watched over me and kept me safe. Now I'm ready to get it fixed. I just wanted you to know I have been praying for you for the past two weeks and I'm so glad those prayers were answered.

Erica Eberl Thanks, Tammy! My actually diagnoses did not happen until a few months back. It was the first time I ... Read more

Erica Eberl Thanks, Tammy! My actually diagnoses did not happen until a few months back. It was the first time I was referred to a cardiologist. After all these yrs of just thinking and being told I had a harmless murmur, to the time I was told it was just an "abnormal aortic valve" "that might need replaced in my 70s- 80s" I was not referred to a cardiologist or informed about BAV or aortic stenosis at that time either. It took a Dr., Dr. Tan(my life saver, who is not my primary care doc) to listen to heart at a drs appt for possible pink eye and a persistent cough. She insisted I get another echo, even though I told her it was not serious(which is what I had been told previously.) I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe if I had been diagnosed years ago I would not have had my 2 beautiful children or had some of the experiences I've had in my life. I'm very thankful to be alive, to have the privilege to watch my children grow up and to be here for them. Things could have been very different, if it weren't for Dr. Tan.

Erica Eberl Good luck, Tammy! I can't tell you that's it's not a rough road. But, I can tell you, you will get th ... Read more

Erica Eberl Good luck, Tammy! I can't tell you that's it's not a rough road. But, I can tell you, you will get through this and be all the better for it!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3828 days ago

Good work Erica. Prayers aloft for you. Bob O.

Eleanor R So glad it went smoothly for you, and that you will soon be home. Eleanor

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3830 days ago

Mary Myers posted a note for Erica that says:

Erica, I hope by this time you are starting to recovery. I bet you are glad to be through this surgery. Each day will get easier. I am in cardiac rehab ...Read more

Erica, I hope by this time you are starting to recovery. I bet you are glad to be through this surgery. Each day will get easier. I am in cardiac rehab and doing well. Started working three weeks ago. I would love to hear what kind of valve you ended up with. The trials would be very interesting. Its nice that you considered the new biological valve. Thinking of you and remembering you in my prayers. Remember to rest, walk, and take your pain pills as needed. Eat something with the pain pills. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Butterfly Hugs from Mia

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3830 days ago

Meagan WIlson posted a note for Erica that says:

Love you- thinking of you!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3831 days ago

Joan Napier posted a note for Erica that says:

Erica, Your big day has arrived and I know you're already at the hospital. Prayers this morning are for you and your family, your surgeon and your entire medical ...Read more

Erica, Your big day has arrived and I know you're already at the hospital. Prayers this morning are for you and your family, your surgeon and your entire medical team. May God watch over you throughout this whole process. Looking forward to hearing about your successful surgery! God bless you. Joan

Eleanor R I know you are so glad the day has come, no more waiting, just get the show on the road. Best wishes ... Read more

Eleanor R I know you are so glad the day has come, no more waiting, just get the show on the road. Best wishes to you and your family, and looking forward to hearing about your own experiences soon. Eleanor

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3831 days ago

Pat posted a note for Erica that says:

Best of luck tomorrow. You'll do great.

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3831 days ago

Linda Crawford posted a note for Erica that says:

You will be close in my thoughts tomorrow. I will be sending lots of positive thoughts your way

Joseph Ballett Stay strong good luck

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3831 days ago

Best wishes for tomorrow.

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3831 days ago

Hi Erica, I am new to the site and have been reading your story. Sending all my best hopes, thoughts and prayers for tomorrow, you are not alone! Kate :-) ...Read more

Hi Erica, I am new to the site and have been reading your story. Sending all my best hopes, thoughts and prayers for tomorrow, you are not alone! Kate :-)

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3832 days ago

Adam Pick and 1 other reacted to this

Joan Napier posted a note for Erica that says:

Hi Erica, Prayers and positive thoughts are with you this weekend as you await your surgery tomorrow. Try not to stress about the things you did not accomplish, ...Read more

Hi Erica, Prayers and positive thoughts are with you this weekend as you await your surgery tomorrow. Try not to stress about the things you did not accomplish, as NOT stressing is probably more important than most tasks on your list. I understand, though, because I am feeling the same way. Wishing you peace and rest tonight. Joan

John Noriega Erica I will be sending prayers your way for a successful,surgery and for the surgery team to perform ... Read more

John Noriega Erica I will be sending prayers your way for a successful,surgery and for the surgery team to perform their duties as they have been trained.
Onward & Upward!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3832 days ago

Susan Ericsson posted a note for Erica that says:

Erica, how are you doing? I'm thinking of you. I didn't sleep well last night, feel like there was so much I was going to get done and didn't. Not a fan of ...Read more

Erica, how are you doing? I'm thinking of you. I didn't sleep well last night, feel like there was so much I was going to get done and didn't. Not a fan of this being out of control stuff! I hope you are having a good night. Sue

Erica Eberl Thinking of you too, Sue. I'm hanging in there. I feel the same way, I had so many things I wanted to ... Read more

Erica Eberl Thinking of you too, Sue. I'm hanging in there. I feel the same way, I had so many things I wanted to get done before surgery that I didn't do. I'm sleeping pretty well. Although, I am up at 4am replying to you :) I hope you get a good nights sleep in before Monday

Erica Eberl Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!

Susan Ericsson Alas, not much sleep las night either, but I did listen to some of those relaxation tapes. Going to h ... Read more

Susan Ericsson Alas, not much sleep las night either, but I did listen to some of those relaxation tapes. Going to have coffee in bed and then head out to Target to buy boxer shorts, pj bottoms and Chapstick. We are almost there! Do you have an early check in tomorrow?

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3833 days ago

Elaine Foster posted a note for Erica that says:

Erica, I am a sister bavs patient. My surgery is not scheduled yet, waiting to hear from surgeon, I just know it needs to be done before the end of the year. ...Read more

Erica, I am a sister bavs patient. My surgery is not scheduled yet, waiting to hear from surgeon, I just know it needs to be done before the end of the year. Anyway, I want you to know I will be praying for you. Psalm 73:26 say "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. I am praying that for you that He will be your strength and will give you peace.

Erica Eberl Thank you, Elaine! Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way as well!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3836 days ago

Jim Newman posted a note for Erica that says:

Erica....I see your "date" is coming up. Good luck. I'm into my 5th week from my surgery and I'm doing pretty well. You can read my earlier posts and don't ...Read more

Erica....I see your "date" is coming up. Good luck. I'm into my 5th week from my surgery and I'm doing pretty well. You can read my earlier posts and don't let my issue with air (extending my stay in the hospital) as ominous....it's supposedly pretty rare. Even with that, I'm doing well and, at 67 years old now, I had many years working against me. You'll likely do fine!

Erica Eberl Thanks, Jim!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3837 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Gina Crist posted a note for Erica that says:

Erica, you are such a dear friend and such a unique soul. I am thinking of you and praying for you daily. I wish you didn't have to face this, but I am glad ...Read more

Erica, you are such a dear friend and such a unique soul. I am thinking of you and praying for you daily. I wish you didn't have to face this, but I am glad you are not facing it alone. So many people love you. You are in great hands and at the best hospital for this. Please don't hesitate to lean on me in any ways you need. Love you dearly. <3

Erica Eberl Thank you, Gina!! I'm making a list for you ;)

Erica Eberl Love you too!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3837 days ago

Susan Ericsson posted a note for Erica that says:

I see we have the same surgery date. I'll be cheering you on! Sue

Erica Eberl Thank you, Susan! I'll be cheering you on as well!

Adam Pick Does that make you "Surgery Sisters"? We should come up with a name for patients who have the same su ... Read more

Adam Pick Does that make you "Surgery Sisters"? We should come up with a name for patients who have the same surgery date? Or, the same surgeon? Thoughts?

Erica Eberl Adam, I can't think of anything more catchy than "surgery sisters." I have a 2 yr old and 6 yr old... ... Read more

Erica Eberl Adam, I can't think of anything more catchy than "surgery sisters." I have a 2 yr old and 6 yr old...my brain is fried :0

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3851 days ago

Stacey Hazle posted a note for Erica that says:

Hi Erica! I want you to know that I love you and am praying for the preparation that is not only taking place with your physicians, and Physical heart but also ...Read more

Hi Erica! I want you to know that I love you and am praying for the preparation that is not only taking place with your physicians, and Physical heart but also in your spiritual heart. I hope you are taking extra good care of yourself now cause I think it will help you with your recovery after. Looks like this sight has some great resources/support for you! I'm so glad you found such a wonderful and caring community here! Thanks for including me in it! LOVE YOU BUNCHES!

Erica Eberl Thank you, Stacey!! Love ya too!!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3851 days ago

Adam Pick posted a note for Erica that says:

Hi Erica, I wanted you to know that I love pugs!!!! I also wanted you to know that we are aware of your profile picture issue. We are working to fix it. Thanks ...Read more

Hi Erica, I wanted you to know that I love pugs!!!! I also wanted you to know that we are aware of your profile picture issue. We are working to fix it. Thanks for your patience! Adam

Erica Eberl Thanks, Adam! Otis will be okay sideways for awhile ;)

Adam Pick Otis!!! Love the name!!! Reminds me of that movie... Milo & Otis. :)

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3852 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Kate Wasson posted a note for Erica that says:

Thinking of you always and please do not hesitate to ask for anything at all!

Erica Eberl Thanks, Kate!! You know I will hesitate to ask for help and then I will chicken out ;) You joining th ... Read more

Erica Eberl Thanks, Kate!! You know I will hesitate to ask for help and then I will chicken out ;) You joining this site and following me is great support!!! Love ya!!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3852 days ago

Abbey posted a note for Erica that says:

Hi Urks, I'm sending you all my love and good vibes for health and healing from the west coast. I wish I was closer and could be part of your daily support ...Read more

Hi Urks, I'm sending you all my love and good vibes for health and healing from the west coast. I wish I was closer and could be part of your daily support network. Please let me know if there's anything I can do from afar. Love you!!

Erica Eberl Thanks, Abbers!! Love ya!! You joining this site is great support from afar!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3853 days ago

Adam Pankratz posted a note for Erica that says:

Erica - I'm a stay-at-home dad who had aortic valve replacement on a bicuspid valve on January 23rd of this year. The doctors also repaired an aneurysm on my ...Read more

Erica - I'm a stay-at-home dad who had aortic valve replacement on a bicuspid valve on January 23rd of this year. The doctors also repaired an aneurysm on my ascending aorta. My daughter, at the time, was only 6 months old and my son was just over 3. It took me about 4-5 weeks before I could hold my daughter and another 4-5 weeks before I was comfortable lifting my son. My wife went back to work about 8 weeks after my surgery and I've been home with the kids ever since. I'm 35 years old and live in St. Paul MN. I'm interested in following your story and seeing how your recovery progresses. God's blessings to you and your family through these days and I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Feel free to contact me if you like. I've been searching online for other stay-at-home parents who are young and have open heart surgery. There have been difficult days for sure but I still get to see my beautiful children everyday.

Erica Eberl Thanks, Adam! This is all pretty new to me. I'm just trying to get as much research and information b ... Read more

Erica Eberl Thanks, Adam! This is all pretty new to me. I'm just trying to get as much research and information before my surgery date. Trying my best to stay positive!

Erica Eberlgot a new guestbook post

3855 days ago

Julia Hsu posted a note for Erica that says:

Erica, I left you a comment about after recovery. I don't know whether you get email notice for that. But I want to talk to you abou bio vs mech valve. You ...Read more

Erica, I left you a comment about after recovery. I don't know whether you get email notice for that. But I want to talk to you abou bio vs mech valve. You are really young. So ask whether you are a candidate for Ross. If you are, it's the best of the not-so-great choices. You can read about Ross on this website. Both Adam & I had Ross. Julia Hsu

Adam Pick Great point Julia. Fyi, I'm now almost 9 years out from my Ross Procedure and doing great. I would be ... Read more

Adam Pick Great point Julia. Fyi, I'm now almost 9 years out from my Ross Procedure and doing great. I would be curious to know what Dr. Svensson thinks of the Ross for younger patients with aortic valve disease who are not candidates for a repair. Btw, do you know if you are a candidate for a repair? That might be ideal.

Erica Eberl Thanks, Julie and Adam! I did some research on the Ross procedure through this site. I think the big ... Read more

Erica Eberl Thanks, Julie and Adam! I did some research on the Ross procedure through this site. I think the big factors on going that route as opposed to a biological would be how risky the surgery is ie. does the mortality rate increase(if I am even a candidate). Do either of you know? Adam, as far as I know I don't think Dr. Svensson is in favor of attempting a repair on aortic stenosis valves. All of the videos I have watched of him he says, "they attempted to repair, but they usually failed after." Although, I have not yet spoken with him about my specific case.

Adam Pick Hi Erica, You're spot on. If the valve is stenotic, I don't think Dr. Svensson will try to repair it. ... Read more

Adam Pick Hi Erica, You're spot on. If the valve is stenotic, I don't think Dr. Svensson will try to repair it. I forgot that you had a narrow valve. Sorry about that. As for the Ross Procedure, it is a complex procedure. I don't know the specific mortality risks. The key to the Ross is finding a very, very, very, very, very experienced surgical team.

Erica Eberl Thank you! I will definitely ask Dr. Svensson about the Ross Procedure. If he thinks it's too risky f ... Read more

Erica Eberl Thank you! I will definitely ask Dr. Svensson about the Ross Procedure. If he thinks it's too risky for me I will go with the biological.

Julia Hsu Dr. Ryan said his mortality rate is the same for Ross as for just single valve replacement, 1%. It de ... Read more

Julia Hsu Dr. Ryan said his mortality rate is the same for Ross as for just single valve replacement, 1%. It depends on the surgeon & whether you have other problems. The recovery seems longer & harder, but it's worth it.

Erica Eberl Thank you, Julia!