Judy's Photos

Judy Paul  I just passed my 6 month mark! My aortic valve replacement REDO is now definitely in the past. The best decision I made was to seek a second opinion at Cleveland Clinic after the cardiac surgeon pulled a 'fast one' on me at Univ of Pennsylvania. My first valve lasted barely three years before it started leaking - no explanation, perhaps the valve was simply an outlier ?! However, all went well in March. I am absolutely fantastic - no side effects, no health problems, no bad memories. My husband and I sing the praises of Dr. Lars Svennson and his amazing team at CC to anyone and everyone in Philly and beyond. We just returned from a fun trip to Canada, and are looking forward to going to Israel in a few months to celebrate my granddaughters' Bat Mitzvahs. I welcome the opportunity to connect with anyone facing OHS. It certainly helps to hear from someone who has had two replacements in less than five years and has gone on to be a better and stronger person. Hopefully, this will be the last one for a LONG TIME!

Don Catoe  When I was in the hospital I spread the word, "no flowers, no candy". Now I wish I had said an edible arrangement would be fine! lol

Phyllis Petersen  I, too, found the guided imagery very helpful in calming me down before and after surgery, and sometimes now when I'm having a hard time sleeping. I hope all is going well with your surgery. See you on the other side!

Kim Murdock  All the best Judy, will be thinking of you and will be looking forward to your updates following your surgery.

Timothy Crawford  I am two weeks post surgery at Cleveland. I found that the guided imagery was very helpful. My wife was worried I would not be able to sleep the night before but then complained the next morning because I was snoring. Cleveland was great. The nurses are extremely attentive and you will be very well taken care of. All the best.

Judy Paul  Thank you for your supportive comments. I am due at the hospital at 5:15?am. i truly believe that I GOT THIS!

Kathy Blank  Sending you positive thoughts and prayers in preparation for your second surgery! Enjoy your family and stay positive and confident in your surgical team Judy! I grew up in Philly!

Judy Paul  Hi Gals - Yes, grandkids are a wonderful distraction. I was with two of my granddaughters for a brief serendipity on Saturday in Princeton. I have been keeping busy with family and friends the past few weeks - actually to the detriment of getting things ready for the journey to Cleveland on Saturday :) However, today I did realize that I do have to begin packing and putting all my info from Cleveland Clinic in a folder to read on the ride. I have a host of appointments next Monday and the surgery on Tuesday. Here we go again!
PS - Kathy - where in Philly did you live?

Judy Paul  I just got my surgical packet from the Cleveland Clinic. The March 7 surgery - an AVR redo (!!) is surely becoming more of a reality as the time grows closer. I am feeling a bit shaky. I decided to post a photo of me two years post -op from my 2012 AVR surgery in Philadelphia. I made a wonderful recovery then, and I am praying to do so again this time. I am still angry/emotional about having to have the tissue valve replaced ( due to a serious leak) after only five years ( actually the valve began to fail before it was three years old!), and I am concerned about being so far away from home during and after such serious surgery. However, I am finding it comforting to write out my thoughts and posting them to such an understanding and supportive community. I intend to continue to post periodically as I prepare mentally and physically for my two week stint at the Cleveland Clinic

Catie B  What a nice photo! I just posted on your older entry. There's nothing easy about any of this, but I hope you can stay encouraged. Praying for peace of mind for you, Judy.

Judy Paul  Thank you Catie - I am trying not to think too much about the surgery right now as I have a lot of time to go before I get serious about packing up and traveling to CC. I want to enjoy this time with my family and friends. My husband and I are going on a little vacation at the end of the month. When I return, I will be ready for facing what is ahead.