Denise's Journal

Hi...my name is Denise, I'm a deaf individual but able to talk. Anyone here who are also deaf? Anyway, I was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve at a young age of 25 years old. Now I'm 50. Past April, I was having some tightness in my chest. And felt my activities seems to slow down. Went to my local ER. And stayed at the hospital for 2 days. There they found that my heart valve was narrowing. Stenosis of the valve. I gone to the Cleveland Clinic and met my doctor and other people there. They all were so nice and comforting. When I went in for my surgery I was so nervous and scared cuz I couldn't hear and need to communicate. Thank God....there was a nurse there who knows how to sign! Plus, on my way to the operating room....there was another person who's son is deaf and signs as well too. She was one of the operating staff. I felt so at ease. So, I am only been out of the hospital 12 days ago. Had my tissue valve replacement, think I'm doing good. Of course I had some bad days. I get depressed alot. I feel so alone. My husband has been so so so good and understanding. When he left to go to work I bawled my eyes out. (He works nights). Guess not ready to be alone. I do have my 2 kids. But not the same. Each day, I do what I have to do and do some warm ups and walking around the house. I tried doing housework but I get so sore and my whole upper body aches so bad and my right side breast is numb. Hurts when bathe. I hope someday it will be better.