Janna's Journal

My surgeon did a heart transplant this morning, so my AVR is tomorrow morning instead! I had a practice run--the showers, no food or drink, and an early morning drive to the hospital. It's a good day for one family, a sad day for another, and I don't mind at all being rescheduled!

Heart cath yesterday--arteries are clear. Yay! One major procedure down, one (a little more major) to go. Pretty much down to the grandson's weekend soccer games, time with my family, two showers and a good meal or two. I may even try to sleep! Thank you all for your good wishes.

To all four of you (Morgan, Alfonso, Terri and Terry) on tomorrow's surgery schedule, know that you are being thought of and I, for one, look forward to hearing from each of you post surgery. Good thoughts . "Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives."

Monday was busy with Preprocedure Services and a CT Scan. Friday is the Pre Operative 'visit' and the heart cath procedure. Saturday and Sunday I will be enjoying every minute with my family and by 7 a.m. on Monday, I will be in lala land, after which the road to recovery begins. A huge thanks to all of you for helping me feel prepared and confident. I read your stories and laugh, or tear up, or just smile. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.

My surgeon was called into an emergency again today, so I will wait another week. I'd like to get the whole process behind me, but I will wait, not get too anxious and keep reading all the great posts from all you great participants and supporters! I'm sort of a novelty in that I'm almost 71 and the doctors can't believe I wasn't diagnosed properly years ago. Mitral valve prolapse? No. Costochondritis? No. Stress and depression? Maybe. Panic attacks? Yes, but only because no one came up with the correct cause. Long ago I decided I would just live with it, whatever it was, and went on with my life. It took a fainting spell at work to lead to this point, and so relief has brought on some calm and comfort even knowing that surgery is in my near future. My brother has had three open-heart surgeries, the last one being a transplant. He's going in for his 16-year followup next week! Amazing! And definitely a wonderful example for his baby sister (that's me).

I have an appointment with a surgeon tomorrow. I have no idea what the next steps will be. I'll let you know when I do! My diagnosis is Aortic Stenosis due to a bicuspid valve.