Debby's Journal

David Barton  Prayer and a positive attitude helps you get through it. Seriously though, plan for the best, but not it may be take some time to get back to "normal." I was 55 when I had mine done.

Andrea Smith  Hi Debby I'm in the U.K. and had my first AVR 12 years ago at the age of 50 and a redo nine weeks ago. The first op was really straightforward and I was back on my feet really quickly. The second was more complicated and I now have a pacemaker too. I'm now feeling so much better after turning a corner two or three weeks ago and we're off to Spain for some sunshine and relaxation on Wednesday. When you are in the middle of recovery you feel that you'll never feel normal again, but I can assure you you will get there. Anxiety is normal, prior to my last op I was in a state (pointlessly as it doesn't change anything!) but the nurses told me that it wouldn't be normal if I weren't anxious! All the best for your op. You'll be fine ❤️

Tyline Scholle  Just read your post and I know what your feeling as well I had my aortic valve replaced this past April at Christ Hospital as well. My doctor was Castillo-Sang and he was great. The hospital is great as well. The nurses are very attentive and they will keep your pain in control. I personally was not in pain, I had more of a discomfort feeling than pain. From the beginning all the staff is very comforting and understanding of your needs. When I went into the hospital for my surgery I was met with staff that cared about me. They made me feel comfortable and relaxed. In fact a surgical nurse came in to preposterous room and said she was going to be with me throughout the operation and that gave me peace of mind as well. She came to take me to the operating room and spoke to me prior to going in and explained what I would see in the operating room as well. She had a soft and calming voice and spoke to me as they put me under. When I woke up in recovery. I was spoken to by another nurse who talked me through what I needed to do to get my breathing tube out and even that was no big deal after all that time worrying about it. The nurses in ICU where just as nice and knowledgeable and I always felt safe.
I know the waiting is the hardest part but you will get through it as we all have with prayers and family and friends. You are in good hands, and as we alll know God lead us to these great doctors and he will walk beside us as our journeys continue on in life. A good friend of my once told me just give God all your fears and have faith in him, for the devil feeds on our fears and makes them worse. I will keep you in my prayers I know you will get through this fine. Stay strong.

Marie Myers  I had my bicuspid valve and ascending aneurysm replaced 9 weeks ago. It was very scarey in the beginning, but take it one step at a time and you will get through it. You will find a lot of good information on this site.

Jennifer McInerney  Hi there, I have just started down the road to have my bicuspid aortic valv replaced. I'm having a stress echo on June 6 to confirm it has reached severe stage. Im feeling pretty anxious anout having surgery too. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as we and so many others go on this journey.

pam williams  Hi debby I had my avr 6 months ago I completely understand your fears it's stressful counting down the days, I will be 73 yrs young on Wednesday of next week and I am feeling so good ,be patient and listen to your body you will be fine best wishes from the UK x

Meredith Bray  In my opinion, the heart cath was worse than surgical recovery, with the exception of a few moments. My surgery was 3 1/2 years ago, and I feel great. Everyone is different, so your journey will not be exactly like anyone elses. But you can read through other's journals to get a pretty good idea of what to expect. Let me know if you have any questions!
-Meredith

Henry Brouwer  Hi Debbie, I have AVR surgery on April 11th and am doing well so far. Best wishes and prayers on your upcoming surgery.

Debby Morgeson  A sincere big thank you to each of you for your encouraging words and prayers! I have great faith and I shouldn't be such a big baby. Lol
My bad experience with the heart catheter got me all shook up - I wasn't expecting groin pain for days! You're support is priceless! No one understands like YOU do! Thanks so much! 🙏🏻

Laura Jacobs  Dear Debby, Good luck tomorrow. Don't worry about the tears...we deserve a little time to cry and release the stress. I hope you have a very smooth recovery.