Priscila's Guestbook

Thank you for putting it into perspective. I am that one who is dreading this procedure and terrified . I am trusting in God but I need to trust ALL of his promises to know that he has a plan for me much bigger than I can envision. So glad to hear how well you are doing and how you are now inspiring others. Sorry for your loss :(.

It's not easy to have your face on the heart wall. It's strange. It feels unreal. We want to be "ready" whatever that means. But all we have to do is go forward. You're strong and so open with your emotions. Breathe. You'll be fine. You've got lots of strangers rooting for you as well as your family. Take care.

Priscila, if I may, I recall in my training at Emory University school of perfusion I met someone a lot like you I think. I believe it is very natural and common to be very concerned about such a major surgery. I also know that technology and heart valve therapies have advanced very far in just the past decade. I have a sure feeling that you will be fine...and remember to keep a positive outlook on life, plan for a great future and smile a lot!

Hi Priscila -- Thank you for all the times you responded my journal entries these past few months. I am doing well -- and I know your surgery will go very well too. You'll be back on your feet in no time and feel much better with an "upgraded" heart. My prayers will be with you now, through your surgery and during your recovery.

Good Morning Priscila! Thinking about you and your upcoming surgery in 2 days. I know the anxiety and emotions that you must be experiencing. I am now 2 weeks post op and I can tell you as I was wheeled into the operating room, I was at peace with the surgery and I knew in my heart that everything would be fine. You will do great, I really feel that my positive attitude was what helped me through all of this. I really looked at the funny part of things and tried to laugh most of the time. I am praying for you, your surgical team and I look forward to reading your posts after surgery, you got this!!!!

Keep your faith in God he will see you through this. Remember they have pain pills. The Doctors know how to manage your pain and they will. It is just not that bad and I am 68 years old....rich bond

Hi Priscilla: I had my aortic valve replaced 3 weeks and 4 days ago. Please don't be too concerned about the recovery. I'm 65 years old. My experience in the hospital and the recovery was nothing like I thought it would be. I've never had any pain from my sternotomy (except some when I cough) and I've been out of bed up in a chair since the second day. 2 weeks after surgery I was home, and walking every day the isles at Lowe's. I make a point of getting out every day and I try to see my friends as often as I can. Keep positive. You are at the best heart hospital in the world with the best surgeons and nurses.

Priscila, Blessings to you. I noticed you joined this site in December 2015. You have obviously been very blessed to first having found it and second reading early on the truly amazing posts everyone has shared. I understand about seeing you photo on the heart wall for upcoming surgeries. It makes it even more real- The reality of what is about to take place in the coming days. Those that are on the other side and on the path to recovery are here for you- you must now begin to focus on what they have to say. Every word of encouragement, testimony to what is happening and the relief of knowing will help you tremendously . Now about bras- This may make you laugh. Over 40 years ago (I am 65 looking at 66) the Vietnam draft began. I was opposed to the war. When draft cards were being burnt I burned by bras! For a period of 40 years I did not wear bras but wore camisoles under the clothing. I cannot even begin to think his much money I saved! Today at this moment still wearing camisoles except for brief moments when I needed support due to Breast surgery. So enjoy the freedom!!!! Don't worry about clasp! Try what the other ladies have suggested. My prayers are with you this week and so are an incredible amount of others that are sending you Light and Love. Just know you are not alone in this journey! The Heart Warriors are here with you and candles will be lite for you to find your way. God Bless you with Peace and Love.

Hi my name is Sandy Robinson and I want to tell you that it's not as bad as you think because once you heal , you will have more energy and you feel refreshed all you have to do is think positive and before you know it you'll be healed so just hang in there.

Hi Priscila! 💗 Sending you peaceful vibes and thinking of you. I know your nerves are high right now and it's overwhelming and scary. 😞 Your support warriors are here cheering you on! I hope that brings some comfort! I know when PJ came to visit me even though we had never met before, it was like a kindred soul was there and I felt more comforted by her in my room than I could have ever imagined! Even though we cannot be there in person know that we are thinking of you and here when you come through this💗💗💗 peace and prayers your way. 🙏🏻

Priscilla - good evening. I have great confidence that everything will go well with your surgery. Once you recover you will always remember your surgery date and in many ways it will feel like your second birthday! Re: your question about a bra. For me, I was not fortunate to have a surgical bra. I did inquire if this was an option to my surgical liaison and unfortunately it was not. While I was in the hospital, it was just me and my gown of one size fits none. When I was home however, I found that the tank tops with the built in shelf bra were very comfortable. This easily transitioned from day to night without having to raise my arms much the first few weeks. Once I recovered and began cardiac rehab, I found that Victiora Secret had front loading zipper sports bras that I decided to invest in. Again, this was way past my surgery and once my scare was on its way to being healed. I would also love to share with you my tips and tricks to preparing for open heart surgery, prep op and post op that not only did Adam feature in the past here but is also featured on the American Heart Association support network. I hope this helps alleviate some of your anxiety and helps make packing your surgical bag much easier. Best of luck to you - keep on fighting with heart!  http://supportnetwork.heart.org/heart-valve-disease 3 Blogs · CHRISTINE REKASH WAGNER – MY JOURNEY: OPERATION BACKWARD BLOOD –PART 3 · CHRISTINE REKASH WAGNER – MY JOURNEY: OPERATION BACKWARD BLOOD – PART 2 · CHRISTINE REKASH WAGNER – MY JOURNEY: OPERATION BACKWARD BLOOD – PART 1 1 Story of Survival · A STORY OF SETBACKS. AND A STRONG COMEBACK.

Hi Priscila my name is Wendy and I to will be having OHS on the 24 and like you I am concerned about the bra. I picked up some sport bras that do not have any opening or closing not sure how they are going to work. Wish you all the luck. my email is Rebif65@yahoo.com

I am a retired R.N. And it took me 3 years and leaving town!,, I knew I was sick and got diagnosed and surgery within the month . I am 69 y.o. And 3 years out & I didn't know how bad I felt until I felt Good again. I am running, gardening, lunching with girlfriends and Loving my grand- babies. I was good at 6 weeks, but low hemoglobin and tired for several months. We are all praying for you. Looks like you have got a great team inside hospital and out . After you go to sleep, they put several arterial lines in you that stay in until you leave I.C.U. You will most likely have a "pain pump" so when you start feeling uncomfortable, you push the button. I can honestly say I had more pain with my hysterectomy than this surgery. !,, Don't forget, you will be surrounded by hundreds of people ( angels in scrubs) looking out or you. They will take wonderful care of you. You will feel so awesome , bet you will be putting on your kitty cat to go trick or treat in a few months ( love that pic). All good thoughts and blessings. Remember I felt the same way as you do now, but take deep breaths and remember, Many are holding you in our hearts ❤️😘❤️😘❤️😘

Priscila, I have read your journal and you are so lucky to have your daughters and your mother to help you. I am 81 and I had my surgery at 73, and I am doing fine. You are strong, you have a good surgeon, you will do fine. I hope you will have a heart pillow to hug during your recovery. What they can do today is amazing, and you will be part of it. You will have many years to enjoy your family. You will be a good example to your daughters, and they will be proud of you.

Priscila, I have read your journal and you are so lucky to have your daughters and your mother to help you. I am 81 and I had my surgery at 73, and I am doing fine. You are strong, you have a good surgeon, you will do fine. I hope you will have a heart pillow to hug during your recovery. What they can do today is amazing, and you will be part of it. You will have many years to enjoy your family. You will be a good example to your daughters, and they will be proud of you.

Hi Priscila, I see you are about ready to go for OHS. I had surgery almost 5 years ago this coming September. I had AVR and also an aneurysm for the ascending aorta. I know just how you feel, but I am here to tell you, that you will be fine. You will be amazed how fast you start feeling better but it does take time but is so doable. You were asking about a bra after surgery. The hospital gave me a surgical bra to where and it did just fine. I hope you will do good. Just remember it is all in Gods hands and he has been so good to all of us . I think you can find me in here someplace lol. I will keep you in my prayers and good luck. Oh Elsie is the name of my cow valve.

Hi Priscila -- I see you have shown up on the "Upcoming Surgeries" section of the site. I wanted to wish you a stress free "week before". You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you face this challenge.

Hello Priscila - As you know, I had my surgery two days ago. I am doing well AND I know you will too. Be positive, I know I can't provide anxiety relief, but you will get through this. Prayers and best wishes are going your way.

Hi Priscilla, Lise Bowles here and my surgery date is the 16th and I am getting very uncomfortable too! There's a teeny little part of me that wants to run away but I know that would be a disaster....I almost feel like I am in a bad dream or that this really isn't real, do you feel that way too? Were you expecting that this was going to be happening? I was shocked and have no symptoms, I thought I was just getting more tired etc because of getting older. Remember you are not alone! Thank God for this site! 😊 Lise

Hi Priscila, I have a small suggestion. A guided imagery program with music, called Successful Surgergy by Beneruth Naperstek. It is used by patients at the Cleveland Clinic. It was so wonderfully helpful to me in calming my anxioties about Surgergy that I recommend getting it for any surgical procedure. You can order the cd or MP3 download from health journeys.com. I have no affiliation with either health journeys or the Cleveland Clinic, but will be forever grateful to both for helping greatly lessen my anxiety over such serious surgery. Hope this helps you too