Guestbook of Susan Craven

My Guestbook

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3607 days ago

Suzette Mashburn posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan. So glad to find this page and your post. I have the same diagnosis and surgery is set for 7/7. I am 65 years old and in good health otherwise. I ...Read more

Hi Susan. So glad to find this page and your post. I have the same diagnosis and surgery is set for 7/7. I am 65 years old and in good health otherwise. I look forward to hearing more about your recovery. Best of luck.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3610 days ago

Larry Fuller posted a note for Susan that says:

Welcome home-I hope I do as well as you have! my AVR is 6/9 I heard the taste/appetite issue from may people-BUT you need to eat to keep your strength up. ...Read more

Welcome home-I hope I do as well as you have! my AVR is 6/9 I heard the taste/appetite issue from may people-BUT you need to eat to keep your strength up. Best Regards

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3610 days ago

Michael Donohoe posted a note for Susan that says:

I just read your story on the Facebook page and came over to your journal. My surgery was just scheduled and we have similarities in our surgery. I will follow ...Read more

I just read your story on the Facebook page and came over to your journal. My surgery was just scheduled and we have similarities in our surgery. I will follow you as the hope that I can learn more in real time and share my experiences as well. God bless.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3614 days ago

Sonny posted a note for Susan that says:

Good Luck!

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3615 days ago

Bob M posted a note for Susan that says:

I pray that your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. Tomorrow will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up! ...Read more

I pray that your surgery will be textbook and your recovery will be uneventful. Tomorrow will be a new day for you with a fixed heart. God bless and rise up!

Wendy Brown Prayers

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3615 days ago

Cheryl Batzing posted a note for Susan that says:

Susan, you are my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery tomorrow.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3617 days ago

Ann Martin posted a note for Susan that says:

Hello Susan, I am right behind you in Surgery. I am having the Ross Procedure on Monday. I am still working full time & finding it hard to get everything done ...Read more

Hello Susan, I am right behind you in Surgery. I am having the Ross Procedure on Monday. I am still working full time & finding it hard to get everything done at work & home. Does get a little overwhelming at times. So ready to get on the other side of this were we can actually start healing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3623 days ago

Sharon Madden posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, I am glad to read that others feel like I do and that I'm not totally losing it. We are the same age and have the same diagnosis, but I didn't know ...Read more

Hi Susan, I am glad to read that others feel like I do and that I'm not totally losing it. We are the same age and have the same diagnosis, but I didn't know I had this until the end of 2013. Not sure which was better. I hope your week goes well and your surgery goes great. Take care and keep us posted.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3651 days ago

Peter willard posted a note for Susan that says:

Susan I had a bovine valve put in at age 67 and now at 72 I work out 6 days a week and the best to you on this operation.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3658 days ago

Kenneth Cole posted a note for Susan that says:

I hear you Susan and share the suspense. My hospital also is Columbia Presbyterian. Surgery scheduled in about 2 weeks. I'll keep you posted. You should ...Read more

I hear you Susan and share the suspense. My hospital also is Columbia Presbyterian. Surgery scheduled in about 2 weeks. I'll keep you posted. You should know this is one of the best heart surgery places on earth. There are many great people on this site, seek the knowledge that they have, welcome to the club.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3661 days ago

Meredith Bray posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, welcome to the club that nobody wants to be in! There are a ton of great journals here, look around and see what you can find. Please ask questions, ...Read more

Hi Susan, welcome to the club that nobody wants to be in! There are a ton of great journals here, look around and see what you can find. Please ask questions, and remember that we're all different, have different opinions and surgeries and recovery times. One thing we almost all agree on, however, is that the worst part is the waiting. Informing yourself of the facts of surgery and the possibility of depression after surgery will help you stay positive. What kind of questions do you have? (No question is to small/large/dumb/smart/overasked!) -Meredith

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3661 days ago

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, I hope you are doing well. I relate to your anxiety relative to your surgery. I've been told that I need to put my mind in a different place and ...Read more

Hi Susan, I hope you are doing well. I relate to your anxiety relative to your surgery. I've been told that I need to put my mind in a different place and not worry so much. I met my surgeon last Wednesday, that helped some. However, it's still kind of scary. It's natural to perseverate and worry some. All will be fine. Take care.

Judith Collins I am also very anxious but I must have the surgery. Can't wait to get back to normal.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3661 days ago

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Susan that says:

Hello Susan- Just read your story and glad you have become part of the community where you will continue to find many people who also found they were definitely ...Read more

Hello Susan- Just read your story and glad you have become part of the community where you will continue to find many people who also found they were definitely not alone as they began their journey. I had my valve surgery last August, also with a bovine tissue valve and you are scheduled for your surgery the day after my Birthday! I am 66 this May and want to tell you that any and all questions you may have or feelings you are experiencing - we are all here for you.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3662 days ago

Joan Davenport posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, I noticed you are from Vernon, N.J. so I just had to read your story and let you know that I am from your "neck of the woods" in SPARTA. I had ...Read more

Hi Susan, I noticed you are from Vernon, N.J. so I just had to read your story and let you know that I am from your "neck of the woods" in SPARTA. I had my aortic valve replaced at Columbia Presbyterrian Hospital in June 2012. I also go to a cardiologist in Vernon (Dr. Lanzilotti). You are in good hands at Presbyterrian Hosp. and also with this site.....lots of help and good advice here and Adam's book is a godsend!!!! If you would like to chat with me sometime I would be happy to hear from you and answer any questions as best I can. Best of luck to you.

Susan Craven Hi Joan so happy to talk to someone from my area! What a small world! My cardiologist is Dr. Buyer wh ... Read more

Susan Craven Hi Joan so happy to talk to someone from my area! What a small world! My cardiologist is Dr. Buyer who is in the same group as Dr. Lanzilotti only he is in Newton. Was just wondering who your surgeon was at Columbia? And also how long your recovery was? I would love to chat with you! This is all alittle scary for me.

Wiliam Height Orange County NY here.

Susan Craven Hi William just read your story sounds like your doing well! Monroe NY I know where that is another p ... Read more

Susan Craven Hi William just read your story sounds like your doing well! Monroe NY I know where that is another person from my area !

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3664 days ago

Adam Pick posted a note for Susan that says:

Welcome aboard Susan! I hope the educational materials and people here can help you along your journey. If you need anything, let me know.

Susan Craven Thanks Adam for welcoming me to this great website you have! I am so glad I found this site. So much ... Read more

Susan Craven Thanks Adam for welcoming me to this great website you have! I am so glad I found this site. So much great information and the people are so kind and caring! Will be picking up your book to prepare me for my upcoming surgery.

Susan Cravengot a new guestbook post

3664 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Susan that says:

Hi Susan, I answered your questions under our original posts to each other. But just in case you don't see it, I'll answer here too. I chose a bovine tissue ...Read more

Hi Susan, I answered your questions under our original posts to each other. But just in case you don't see it, I'll answer here too. I chose a bovine tissue valve. My surgeon said he thinks the newer tissue valves will last 15 or 20 years, maybe longer. He said by then it might not require open heart to replace. He didn't mention a choice between wires or titanium plates for closure. He used wires and I haven't had any problems so far. I wrote about my surgery experience in my journal if you would like to read it. It might help. Also, I'm 51. I was 50 when I had my surgery and made my valve choice. Let me know if I can help with anything else. Best wishes, Tammy

Susan Craven Hi Tammy thanks for answering my questions! I read your story and it seems like you are doing great! ... Read more

Susan Craven Hi Tammy thanks for answering my questions! I read your story and it seems like you are doing great! I hope my outcome is just like yours. I am also going with the bovine tissue valve and the only reason I asked about the wires or titanium plates is because the plates are a clinical trial. Just spoke to the representative this morning cause I had questions but still not sure what to do with that. My surgeon said the same thing as yours did about the valve and he said that 15 or 20 years down the line it might not require open heart to replace. Best wishes to you as well, Susan