Guestbook of Jennifer Winslow

My Guestbook

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1735 days ago

Arlene VanNorstrand posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Hi Jennifer just food for thought I bought a u shape body pillow and at three and half weeks I was able to sleep in my bed with this on my back instead of trying ...Read more

Hi Jennifer just food for thought I bought a u shape body pillow and at three and half weeks I was able to sleep in my bed with this on my back instead of trying to use a wedge or stacking pillows. It supported my shoulders and arms which helped my chest. Now at 5 weeks out I can sleep on my side some with this pillow. I had a full sternotomy also. It helped my back pain.

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1736 days ago

Lea Parker posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Hi Jennifer, You look amazing! I also was diagnosed with BAV and Aortic Stenosis...also in Houston. We have terrific cardiac care here and I feel very ...Read more

Hi Jennifer, You look amazing! I also was diagnosed with BAV and Aortic Stenosis...also in Houston. We have terrific cardiac care here and I feel very fortunate to have had some of the best care in the world. I had open heart in 2016 to replace my aortic valve and I also had an aortic aneurysm repair (which I learned of post surgery and now refer to it as my “bonus”). I remember back pain being the most prevalent and I remember being anxious to return to “normal”.... my advice is walk as often as you can but don’t overdo it.... the recovery is not as swift as we would like, but each day you will look back and realize you have made progress. Let me know if I can support in any way.... blessings to you....Lea

Jennifer Winslow Thanks Lea for writing to me. Yes, I still struggle with some back pain....it has changed into my up ... Read more

Jennifer Winslow Thanks Lea for writing to me. Yes, I still struggle with some back pain....it has changed into my upper back and I assume it's from the way I am posturing now with having my sternum repairing. they did finally give me a couple muscle relaxers in the hospital that helped a bit!
I am definitely thankful to be on this side of things now and looking forward to improving everyday and starting rehab.
Houston was amazing. I am so thankful that I took the trek there and found Dr. Lawrie. I will forever sing their praises!
Cheers to our continued recovery and good health!

Jennifer Winslow Thanks Lea for writing to me. Yes, I still struggle with some back pain....it has changed into my up ... Read more

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1745 days ago

SallyB posted a note for Jennifer that says:

I have had 2 open heart surgeries to replace my aortic 99% calcified valve. 1st porcine valve lasted 4 years and recalcified. 2nd surgery was much more extensive ...Read more

I have had 2 open heart surgeries to replace my aortic 99% calcified valve. 1st porcine valve lasted 4 years and recalcified. 2nd surgery was much more extensive since they had to reopen my chest, remove all calcium, replace the valve and rebuild my aortic root. That was in 2016. Four years later and I feel good, no problems, and my surgeon is pleased with this outcome. My husband bought me an electric, standing recliner also. It really helped with my recovery the second time around. In fact he put it in our bedroom so I could sleep in it. It was great for getting up during the night to use the bathroom without having to wake him. My chair also has heat, and massage feature with is very relaxing and helps relieve those sore aches and pains. Best advice I can give you is to take it easy when you get home. Naps are good.

Jennifer Winslow Thanks Sally. I’m sorry you had to endure two surgeries. I was just telling my hubby earlier today ... Read more

Jennifer Winslow Thanks Sally. I’m sorry you had to endure two surgeries. I was just telling my hubby earlier today that i don’t think I could do this again. So glad you are doing well the second time around. I’m definitely looking forward to my chair!

Kim Owen Bless you Sally for having to go through two surgeries. I’m glad you are well now.

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1750 days ago

Adam Pick posted a note for Jennifer that says:

You got this Jennifer! Sending healthy, heart-pumping thoughts to Texas! My prayers are with you, your family and your medical team!

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1752 days ago

Adam Pick reacted to this

Susan Lynn posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Jennifer - Safe traveling to Houston, tomorrow. You may be stressed, today, but you're going to be calm and ready to put this behind you on Thursday. We'll ...Read more

Jennifer - Safe traveling to Houston, tomorrow. You may be stressed, today, but you're going to be calm and ready to put this behind you on Thursday. We'll be waiting to welcome you to recovery. You can do this! ❤

Jennifer Winslow Thanks so much Susan!

Marita Ballas May the good Lord blessed you in your surgery Jennifer 🙏🙏God bless you Jennifer

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1753 days ago

Pamela McKay posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Jennifer, if you are like me the days leading up to the surgery were the toughest. I too knew that this day would come but it's a bit surreal when it does. ...Read more

Jennifer, if you are like me the days leading up to the surgery were the toughest. I too knew that this day would come but it's a bit surreal when it does. I'm now 2 1/2 weeks out from my bicuspid aortic valve surgery and feeling pretty good. Now my work is to get my lungs able to keep up with my new valve but reading your story it sounds like you have always taken care of yourself so I pray that you'll progress well following your surgery. Trust your medical team and lean into your support group of family and friends. I pray that you feel a sense of peace and all goes well for you.

Jennifer Winslow Hi Pamela! thanks so much for taking the time to post to me!!! Today is Monday the 3rd and I'm on ... Read more

Jennifer Winslow Hi Pamela! thanks so much for taking the time to post to me!!! Today is Monday the 3rd and I'm only 3 days away and a bundle of nerves at the moment. My stomach is churning!!! Trying to keep myself busy doing other things so I don't focus. One moment I'm confident in my own health and reading success stories then the next I'm super worried. I'm wishing I was on the other side like you at this moment!
I pray you continue in your excellent recovery and we both live long full lives!

Mike Roskowinski Hey Jennifer hold in there. The waiting is the hardest part. These surgeons are experts at what the ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski Hey Jennifer hold in there. The waiting is the hardest part. These surgeons are experts at what they do and do it often. It can be a head game but know you will be out and into recovery soon!

Sherry Boleslawski Hey Jennifer, The waiting is the hardest. I am 5 days past my surgery and now at home! You got this a ... Read more

Sherry Boleslawski Hey Jennifer, The waiting is the hardest. I am 5 days past my surgery and now at home! You got this and please use this website as a form of support it's done wonders for me. All the best to you, prayers and thoughts Sherry

Jennifer Winslow Thanks Mike and Sherry. Love all the support

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1758 days ago

Mark posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Just read your story. I know how difficult this is and you are in my prayers. Sounds like you have one of the best surgeons in Texas. Be thankful for that. ...Read more

Just read your story. I know how difficult this is and you are in my prayers. Sounds like you have one of the best surgeons in Texas. Be thankful for that. I had an emergency and had no time to even consider any options. But it worked out well and it should work out fine for you. I ended up getting an Edward's life science bioprosthetic valve. Seems to be working well. In many ways my life is better now.

Jennifer Winslow Thanks Mark! I was just telling someone today that I am fortunate that I’ve known about this my w ... Read more

Jennifer Winslow Thanks Mark! I was just telling someone today that I am fortunate that I’ve known about this my whole life and have time to prepare for this moment. I am stricken with empathy for those who are blindsided by it or in an emergency situation like yourself. I’m so glad it all worked out for you! I am hoping I will feel so much better afterwards too. I can’t imagine what it will feel like to have a perfectly functioning valve. Maybe I will be able to run all those 5k’s that I love without feeling like I’m dying! Lol

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1758 days ago

ian browne posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Jenn, After reading your "story", I noticed that your cardiologist has always said that he would send you to Houston. Just out of curiosity, have you gotten ...Read more

Jenn, After reading your "story", I noticed that your cardiologist has always said that he would send you to Houston. Just out of curiosity, have you gotten a second opinion from another cardiologist about that thought? Like you, I live in San Antonio. At no time my cardiologist had any thoughts of sending me out of town for AVR surgery. I had it done (though it was not a TAVR operation) at the Methodist Heart Hospital - which is a hospital within the main Methodist on Floyd Curl. Like you, I was in decent shape and healthy. As my cardiologist and surgeon told me - I was the perfect candidate for a good outcome. Another thing I noticed is that they sent you for a Transesophageal Echocardiography to verify your measurements. My cardiologist was using CT Angiography during the "two years" preceding surgery. According to what I read, it sounds to me like CT is superior for aorta. Sorry about putting these thoughts in your head when you are close to surgery. But, something told me that I had to say something. Heck, what's more, I rarely come to this site.

Jennifer Winslow Hi Ian, thanks for your input. I was willing to go anywhere and even looked into go to Plano. Unfo ... Read more

Jennifer Winslow Hi Ian, thanks for your input. I was willing to go anywhere and even looked into go to Plano. Unfortunately, my research revealed that Houston Methodist far outranked anything we have here in San Antonio. They ranked #1 in Texas and #16 in the U.S. I found my surgeon through my own research (although I was looking in Houston) and when I met with my cardiologist and told him what and who I had found, he indicated that was the surgeon he had selected and he refers all his patients to Dr. Lawrie. I was upset upon meeting with Dr. Lawrie when he indicated that he no longer performs the minimally invasive. He told me that he used to do them years ago but found his patients had a harder time recovering. I'm still upset at having to have complete open but am confident of my selection in surgeons and hospitals. So did you have OHS or TAVR? I was a little confused on that.
My cardiologist sent me for the TEE but my surgeon sent me for a CTA the day I met with him. He also ordered a sono of my carotid arteries. I have been given the all clear on both of those.

Jennifer Winslow when did you have your surgery?

ian browne I had OHS on May 6, 2015 - so just about 5 years ago. (You can hardly notice the scar). At the time T ... Read more

ian browne I had OHS on May 6, 2015 - so just about 5 years ago. (You can hardly notice the scar). At the time TAVR was on the radar but had not been approved yet. Also, I opted for a porcine tissue valve. Did not want to have to take meds and on a specific diet for the rest of my life. Yes, I will need another surgery down the road...some 15 years more-or-less. But, I hope that by then the TAVR would have been improved. The type of valve was strictly my decision to make as the surgeon said he was fine with either - so it became a matter of life-style for me. For whatever is worth (and yes, we are all different) I started feeling "well" a few months after surgery. But, to get back to that point in which one feels at close to 100%, it took me about 4 years. By that I mean energy, clarity of thought, excellent memory, etc. Like a normal 62 year old guy.

Marie Myers Don’t fear the full sternotomy. I can honestly say that the pain was not a huge factor for me, and ... Read more

Marie Myers Don’t fear the full sternotomy. I can honestly say that the pain was not a huge factor for me, and I was back working part time in 8 weeks. Just gotta go slow and easy for 6-8 weeks, and it will heal up fine.
BTW, I had 2 CTAs prior to surgery, along with a TEE and cardiac cath in the months before surgery. You are going to a super surgeon at a super hospital, and I am sure you will do well!

Jennifer Winslow Ian....I am doing a bio valve with the same reasoning as you! Nice to know I’m not crazy for that d ... Read more

Jennifer Winslow Ian....I am doing a bio valve with the same reasoning as you! Nice to know I’m not crazy for that decision!

Jennifer Winslow Marie.....thanks so much for posting and the reassurance. Every bit helps! Love the support here!

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1758 days ago

Beth Majerszky reacted to this

Sara Harris posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Hi Jennifer, I had open heart, with a full sternotomy, and had a 3 hour drive home. No problem. The world looked amazingly beautiful, in fact, probably due ...Read more

Hi Jennifer, I had open heart, with a full sternotomy, and had a 3 hour drive home. No problem. The world looked amazingly beautiful, in fact, probably due to being indoors for 6 days, relief and gratitude it was over, and drugs! I put a full pillow across my chest so I could be buckled in, and just leaned back a bit in the passenger seat. Enjoy the ride!

Jennifer Winslow that's wonderful, thank you Sara! and what a beautiful perspective.

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1758 days ago

Jennifer Winslow reacted to this

Patti posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Hi Jennifer I rode, not drive, from Cleveland clinic to Madison Wisconsin after release. I had a pillow for the dreaded unexpected sneeze, a watch, meds ...Read more

Hi Jennifer I rode, not drive, from Cleveland clinic to Madison Wisconsin after release. I had a pillow for the dreaded unexpected sneeze, a watch, meds and water to take pills timely, and every two hours stopped just to stretch. I traveled in a sweatsuit , it was winter, and adidas sandals and socks. With each mile I realized the surgery was further in the rear view mirror and further in the past and it brought a joyous calm. For us it was interstate, a really twisty road with potholes will be a bit more challenging and if a straight smooth road is an option even if a bit longer I would take it. Best of everything . The pre surgery wait is the worst

Jennifer Winslow thanks so much Patti. I will be on all freeways from Houston back home to San Antonio. :-)

Jennifer Winslowgot a new guestbook post

1758 days ago

Geri posted a note for Jennifer that says:

Hi Jennifer I had Aortic Valve replacement 5 years ago and INSTRUCTION post surgery was not to drive 6 for 6 weeks, which I followed, don't know if you are ...Read more

Hi Jennifer I had Aortic Valve replacement 5 years ago and INSTRUCTION post surgery was not to drive 6 for 6 weeks, which I followed, don't know if you are intending to drive, best to discuss with your surgeon, all in all the surgery went well and recovery also, although I did adhere to instructions from physician and hospital release, Texas has one of the best hospitals specializing in heart surgery in the US, I was also fortunate living in Virginia close to nation's capital where excellent hospitals are also, actually I learned that former VP Cheney had heart replacement surgery at Fairfax INOVA with Dr.Speir and reason I selected them for my surgery. Hope all goes well with your surgery, just be a patient patient!!

Jennifer Winslow Hi Geri, thank you!!! I won't be driving. I plan to be in the backseat with my mom while my hubby ... Read more

Jennifer Winslow Hi Geri, thank you!!! I won't be driving. I plan to be in the backseat with my mom while my hubby does the driving.

Jennifer Winslow Your surgeon did surgery on a VP and my surgeon did a first lady's (Barbara Bush)!