Rhonda's Guestbook

Rhonda- I want to tell you how touched it was to read the post you sent to Robyn and David. You were the right one to pass along the right words for someone (like yourself) who had experienced weeks in hospital and things that most of us were fortunate not to have to go through. It pained me reading about your experience and I have followed your posts admiring your show of love between your husband and yourself(like Robyn and David)and I am thoroughly amazed at how far you have come and the attitude that shows your strength and determination to move forward with your life. Robyn needed to hear from someone who has had a different experience that she can relate to and with her strength and positive attitude I believe you two sharing your experience with the community certainly helps tremendously all of the Heart Brothers and Heart Sisters see what it takes to be a survivor no matter what phase we/they are in: Waiting, scheduled, in ICU, Recovery or Home healing up. I appreciate your comments to Robyn and others as you continue to lift the Spirits of many. (As a note: I back packed with my best friend, took planes, ferries to the inland passage for my 25th Birthday just before a different surgery. It was my dream place to go and I can understand what a beautiful trip you both had and am happy you got the opportunity while still recovering! My best friend met her husband at the Igloo Bar In Skagway and I got a chance to take the "White Pass" Train up to Fort Bennett and further north. Nice photos. Alaska is a wonderful healing place to visit. You are looking quite well. Happy for you. Take care.

Sam, I'm assuming you are the one who updated Rhonda's progress? THANK YOU! She has been in my thoughts and prayers, and I know others' as well. SO glad to see a great picture of her and know that she is recovering in rehab. Will pray for her kidney function to improve along with overall healing. Please keep us updated!

Just wanted to remind Rhonda, Sam and the rest of your family that you are all continually in our prayers. This is a fight we know Rhonda can conquer! Stay strong, united in your love and faith and I have no doubt she will beat this. She has had a positive outlook and attitude from day one and I beieve that can help make all the difference. God bless! ♡

Had mine done just over six months ago. Fortunate to have very little post op pain after I got out of ICU. It will take a while but you'll feel great eventually. Good luck!

Rhonda, I will keep you in my prayers for the 29th. I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced 8 weeks ago. I'm doing really good and it wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Best wishes!

Rhonda, you are in a field that has advanced so much that you can look confidently to a complete recovery. I've had two heart surgeries, the last one in Feb of this year where I had three heart valves replaced at the same time. Stay positive, God Bless you.

Thanks for the comment. You will be amazed at how quickly you will be feeling better. Whenever I felt bad I would say to myself, "Yeah, but you just had your chest opened up." You'll do fine.

Hi Rhonda! I am having my surgery the same day as you, but for some reason the site won't allow me to edit that section to add the surgery date, my surgeon (Paul Stelzer) or the hospital (Mount Sinai) I'm in New York, but we will be united in the similar prayers from our family and friends that day. And with the positive energy from everyone, we will get through this! Looking forward to recovering "with" you! Lots of love, Kathleen

Rhonda, Whoa! This must be a lot to digest in just 3 weeks! I'm glad to see you are taking the steps to get prepared. And, I'm hopeful the people and the information here will help you along this process. If you need anything, please let me know. Adam

Hi Rhonda! I had my BAV replaced with a mechanical valve on 3/5/14 in Clearwater. I was out of work for 3 months (but could have gone back to a desk job in 2 months), and had an uneventful hospital stay and recovery. This site was so helpful for me to keep in touch with my friends and family. i used a different site to investigate more about my condition and connect with other people like us, away from the friends & family conversations. Feel free to read my journal, or contact me if you have any other questions! meredithLbray @ hotmail .com

Our stories sound similar. I was 45 when I had my surgery on 1/9/14. We started late on kids do they are younger than yours (13,7 and 4) when I had surgery and I work full time. I learned I needed surgery on 12/26 so only had 2 weeks to preparr. I didn't find the site until I was in recovery mode so I never even got to read Adam's book. You can read my journal and ask any questions you have.