Debbie Wood - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

937 days ago

Hello, feeling nervous..had piggie valve inserted 5years ago. Just found out, it is deteriorating quickly, and needs to be replaced. I am 58 years old female, ...Read more

Hello, feeling nervous..had piggie valve inserted 5years ago. Just found out, it is deteriorating quickly, and needs to be replaced. I am 58 years old female, and am afraid to go thru open heart surgery again. Sure could use some advice and or encouragement

Martin Smith Sorry to learn that. First off: Allow yourself some time to feel the disappointment and the other neg ... Read more

Martin Smith Sorry to learn that. First off: Allow yourself some time to feel the disappointment and the other negative emotions that accompany unwelcome news like that. Express your feelings to someone strong enough to listen and who won't give you a knee-jerk reaction of reassuring you with comforting solutions. Then try to focus your energies on your research about your options and know that you WILL persevere regardless of whatever surgical approach you're facing. Best wishes, Debbie.
Martin

Thomas Brusstar My understanding is that replacements of implanted valves might be able to be inserted through a tran ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar My understanding is that replacements of implanted valves might be able to be inserted through a trans-arterial rather than open-heart procedure. So just place a “valve in valve” instead of going full open heart. Obviously your surgeons will k or about that, but I’ve been told if my repaired mitral valve ever needs a refresh, they can drop it into the existing ring going through the groin. I know it’s impossible NOT to freak out about bad news, but this might be much easier than you fear.

Rose Madura Hi Debbie. I'm sorry to hear about your news. I agree with Thomas. You may be able to get a TAVR t... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Debbie. I'm sorry to hear about your news. I agree with Thomas. You may be able to get a TAVR this time around. It's worth discussing options with your cardiologist and surgeon and getting a second opinion is always a good idea. Best wishes. Please try not to stress about it and keep us posted. Godspeed.

Sandy Harvey Gosh, that is difficult. I know my surgeon specializes in redos - Dr.Katherine Harrington. She's a go ... Read more

Sandy Harvey Gosh, that is difficult. I know my surgeon specializes in redos - Dr.Katherine Harrington. She's a good surgeon - no fuzzies. If you were looking to get another opinion, you may want to try her.🙏🏼

Debbie Woodposted an update

2745 days ago

Good Morning...4 1/2 months post op valve replacement. Has any one else experienced fear and "feeling of fragility" in their chest wall I feel great, but am ...Read more

Good Morning...4 1/2 months post op valve replacement. Has any one else experienced fear and "feeling of fragility" in their chest wall I feel great, but am nervous about my chest.

Marie Myers Big surgery is unnerving. I still feel a little nervous about things. And I was very cautious to foll ... Read more

Marie Myers Big surgery is unnerving. I still feel a little nervous about things. And I was very cautious to follow directions to let my sternum heal. Only started sleeping on my side this week- what a relief! Worrisome things cross my mind occasionally, but I try to not dwell on them. It isn't easy...

Robert Harris I can relate. I've been very cautious since my AVR. I think it's a normal reaction to feel fragile. A ... Read more

Robert Harris I can relate. I've been very cautious since my AVR. I think it's a normal reaction to feel fragile. After all, it's a big event and change in your life. I have found that setting and working toward small obtainable goals is helpful. Best wishes to you!

Rita Savelis Oh yes. I felt and feel fragile. It's a feeling I've gotten used to and I live my normal life but the ... Read more

Rita Savelis Oh yes. I felt and feel fragile. It's a feeling I've gotten used to and I live my normal life but the different feeling is there. I distinctly remember thinking that at some point after OHS I wouldn't "feel" my sternum anymore or have that fragile feeling. Now I know it is always there and comes and goes. The physical memory stays in the chest which has been through a lot. It is still very very early for you. It takes time to get over fear. Take care. You'll get there.