Doris's Journal

I am now at twenty months past surgery. My hair and nails look better than I can ever remember them being. My six month echo is coming up in Feburary 2015. The first time the cardiologist tried me on the six month appointment, I had some issues, so he scheduled me for four months. Now, I'm looking forward to my first six month span. Sometimes, my chest feels as if it is tight, if that makes any sense, especially while or after I exercise, and I start belching. I'm sure they will explain this to me on my next appointment. My scar developed a keloid. It did not dawn on me that although I am keloid prone, it would appear on my surgical scar. It's hard to look at it. The important thing, is that what is underneath it keeps me breathing. I am able to do more than I once was able to do. After exercise, I feel tired. I exercise regularly, and I look forward to continuing. I consider each day a gift from God.

It's been eighteen months, and my chest is doing better than the rest of me is. I don't like the way my keloid looks, but the treatment from the dermatologist was so painful, I could not continue. I have no profile picture

Although I hate being on medication, I am thankful for the positive changes in my life since I submitted to aortic valve replacement surgery January 2014. This was a life changing event.

In my first year of Medicare, a year ago, I was diagnosed with Aortic Regurgitation. I was terrified. Thanks, so much, to my friends and family, who have stuck with me throughout this ordeal. This is/was my first surgery. Hopefully, it will be the only one. Each day is a learning experience. Overall, I feel better than I ever have before.