Maryann's Journal

I’m 2 years post operation. I feel wonderful and I just went thru all of my annual tests which turned out fine. To everyone waiting. Please don’t be so frightened. I was scared out of my mind. I had never had major surgery. I was truly petrified. Everyone was praying for me. I went to Dr L. Gerardi at Cornell in Znew York. He was so great. No kidding. The day of my surgery I just turned it over to God. I held a momentous of my mother’s in my hand until right before I went into the OR. It gave me comfort. Everyone was terrific and explained each step. They didn’t hurt me. I went to sleep. Woke up with my family smiling at me. No pain. Tubes and stuff were easily removed. They (staff) stayed right by me . My husband stayed by me. I felt loved. I slept. It was okay. I am forever grateful to God, my family, my doctors and nurses who all treated me with the utmost respect and kindness. My new valve works great. I took a good 8 or 10 months to feel good. Rehab is terrific. It helps a lot. I took my time. My husband was wonderful and I am now 70 years ‘young’ happy, healthy and sending all of you good energy and hope. You will be just fine.

Next month it will be a year since my surgery. The valve is apparently working fine. I have had my share of ups and downs over the past year, that’s for sure. My cardiologist has just finished ordering a battery of tests to make sure everything is okay. My medications have been changed multiple times due to my uncontrolled blood pressure. I thought I would be completely healed and done with worry after 8 or 12 weeks like most of the people on this site! Not so, for me. I can only tell all of you not to set time lines for healing. Everyone is different. A year later and I am still pacing myself. Travel is our passion! We live to travel Europe, Asia and South America. However, a short trip to Bermuda was even difficult for me after 7 months. I am finally feeling like my medications are right, I exercise 30 minutes three times a week and my hope is that 2020 leads me back to the traveling that Ilove. Hang in my warrior friends.

I am 10 months post op. My new aortic valve is working well. I am healed and the scar I am left with is minimal. I had full open heart procedure. It took about 5 months for my sternum pain and burning in my breasts to go away. I finished 12 weeks of cardiac rehab. 3x a week. It was excellent and I advise everyone to do it if you can. I hate exercise, but this really helped me. About 2 weeks ago I started having stabbing pains in my chest and around the bottom of my heart area. I called my cardiologist. Went in and had an EKG, chest cray, an echocardiogram and CAT scan. Apparently I have inflammation and swelling in that area. No fluid build up. She has me taking Advil every 4 hours and she changed my medications. I’m hoping that this goes away soon because it’s very painful. Difficult to sleep at night. Sending everyone on here, positive energy and good vibes. Be well ❤️

Hi everyone. I am 6 months post op. I am doing well. Recouperation has been slow but steady. For all of you waiting, I can tell you that the surgery is not as bad as you might fear. Our ‘heart angels’ are all there for you. They are in the operating room, recovery and at home as well as on this blog. So much love and support will be coming your way! Tomorrow my husband and I leave for a week in Bermuda where we will lay on the pink sand and thank God for every minute of every day that we have been given as a gift from God. If anyone would like to have my copy of Adams heart valve surgery book, please post it here and I will contact you and send it. I would be glad to give it to another warrior. It is very very helpful. Love to all of you!