Holly Wale - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Holly Waleposted a journal

1127 days ago

Ted Niedziela, Rose Madura, Deena Z and 3 others reacted to this

Though I was hopeful for a valve repair - it was not to be. At the very last minute, I chose a cow valve (tissue-valve) over a mechanical to avoid blood ...Read more

Though I was hopeful for a valve repair - it was not to be. At the very last minute, I chose a cow valve (tissue-valve) over a mechanical to avoid blood thinners. I still remember the relief I felt in making that decision as I headed to the OR. The first two days were pretty rough and I knew that going in. My surgery was on Wednesday, 10/6. I walked the next day and it was tough! I was discharged on Friday, 10/8 and it was wonderful. I am thankful for your post-operative comments on this site as sleeping in the recliner for the first several days was a HUGE help! I could get comfortable enough to sleep 90 minutes to 2 hours at a time. Each day I am feeling better. I walked over 2 miles yesterday and that is just over 10 days since my surgery. God is GREAT! Really thankful for Dr. Doolabh and the entire care team at UT Southwestern. I was in great hands and I am thankful for each and everyone who helped along my journey! I am also thankful for Adam and this site full of folks at various stages of their heart-valve-surgery journey. Holly

J H Mattingly Way to go Holly! Your descriptions sound exactly like what I went through too. You are doing great ... Read more

J H Mattingly Way to go Holly! Your descriptions sound exactly like what I went through too. You are doing great and just know, it keeps getting better every day. Keep being committed to your rehab and you will be amazed how quickly you recover. Very happy for your Holly!

Ginny Turner Such a great report, Holly! Thankful that you have it behind you and are doing so well. Continued suc ... Read more

Ginny Turner Such a great report, Holly! Thankful that you have it behind you and are doing so well. Continued success in your recovery!

Deena Z 2 miles - wow, Holly, and after only 10 days. Someone - you- are in great shape. Congrats!

Rose Madura Wonderful news. Be sure to listen to your body. But sounds like you are doing great.

Elaine Foster Congratulations ! Wow, 2 miles at 10 days out! Amazing.

Holly Wale Quick note - I did get the minimally invasive AVR so my sternum was not affected. I have a 2 inch ... Read more

Holly Wale Quick note - I did get the minimally invasive AVR so my sternum was not affected. I have a 2 inch (or so - not brave enough yet to measure it!) -- incision over my right chest where the work was done. Amazing - still!

Colleen Fisher Awesome to hear that you are doing so well.

Heather Kelly Holly I just read your story and it is so wonderful how you did and are doing. 2 miles @ 10 days is o ... Read more

Heather Kelly Holly I just read your story and it is so wonderful how you did and are doing. 2 miles @ 10 days is outstanding... I was no where to that level. You are strong and amazing. I also had a bovine valve put in and the minimally invasive AVR. When I woke in ICU my husband was there and he told me that I did not have the sternectomy and I was so surprised. I had told my surgeon going in that if he felt he needed to do that he had my blessing to do so. But he did it all through my left chest also. ( my incision is a 3" ... you inspired me to go and measure it) LOL. Thank you for sharing your story... helps to read about others who experience similar surgeries. I look forward to watching your journey. God Bless - He is so good.

Holly Waleposted an update

1140 days ago

Adam Pick, Dylan Kempers, Lauren R and 7 others reacted to this

So my big day is tomorrow. I am fine one minute and a bit weepy the next. My pre-surgical appointment yesterday went well and I am in good hands with UT ...Read more

So my big day is tomorrow. I am fine one minute and a bit weepy the next. My pre-surgical appointment yesterday went well and I am in good hands with UT Southwestern. I am prayerful for a repair over a replacement but healthy longevity is more important than the "what gets me there". I appreciate the stories you all share - they inspire me.

Adam Pick You Got This Holly!!! You are in great hands with Dr. Doolabh and the UT Southwestern team. My thoug ... Read more

Adam Pick You Got This Holly!!! You are in great hands with Dr. Doolabh and the UT Southwestern team. My thoughts and prayers are with you! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Neelan-Doolabh-Dallas-Texas.php

Dr. Neelan Doolabh - Heart Surgeon in Dallas, Texas

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Neelan-Doolabh-Dallas-Texas.php

See patient reviews, physician biography, videos and contact information for Dr. Neelan Doolabh, heart surgeon, in Dallas, Texas.

Lauren R It’ll be done before you know it. All the best wishes to you Holly!

Joyce Shelby Prayers for a full recovery! You will be back on your feet soon, just like all of us!

Ginny Turner You'll sail through this, Holly! Special prayers for you from your fellow Texan!

Denise Duncan All the best Holly! You'll be fine. Just listen to your nurses & do what they ask you to do. They' ... Read more

Denise Duncan All the best Holly! You'll be fine. Just listen to your nurses & do what they ask you to do. They're there for you!

Meredith Bray In about a month you're going to look back at this post and realize that the waiting is the worst par ... Read more

Meredith Bray In about a month you're going to look back at this post and realize that the waiting is the worst part. For now, stay focused on the end result and take one (baby) step at a time.
-Meredith
Clearwater, FL