Maureen's Journal

Maureen O'Neil  Today in cardiac Rehab I was able to do 15 min on the rowing machine with an average of 78 watts. 7 weeks post op, i still find this unbelievable i never expected to be this far along so quickly.
Hiking on off days of Rehab and gardening as much as I can

Maureen O'Neil  My surgery was still at the "elective" stage, in February I had a allergic reaction to the anesthesia so the surgeon called my first attempt. Corona virus struck therefore all the allergy testing was cancelled, put on hold until July 2 and naturally it came back inconclusive. Met with Surgeon july 13 we discussed date how to proceed etc we picked July 28 pre medicated with prendensone night before morning of changed the anesthesia. At 0630 My Awesome surgeon greeted me just before I went into the OR we looked at each other crossed our fingers high fived wished one another good luck.
SUCCESS
This complete experience has been a blessing, surgery didnt happen the first time apparently I wasn't ready. Gave me extra six months to get myself in the best physical shape possible I was still hiking 2 nights before my procedure.
1 week after my procedure I have experienced absolutely No discomfort or pain on 500mg over counter Tylenol,up and about walking almost 1.5 miles(not all at once) listening to my body resting when needed. All of this is a pleasant surprise

Maureen O'Neil  This is the furthest I have walked without stopping .62 on slight incline. 2 miles a day feel amazing, I am one blessed woman

Frank Giovanniello   Elective? Really? I can understand a wait until you stabilize. Well, see where it goes from here. Prayers that all goes well.

Susan Lynn  Maureen - It's always better to be safe. Please keep us posted on your appointment with your allergist. ❤

Marie Myers  When the time is right, your surgery will happen. Sorry for your delay, but it is the safe thing to do. It is indeed elective surgery.

Jo Orsini  Disappointing for sure when you are so mentally prepared-but definitely prudent to wait until safe. Take good care & All the best.

Adam Pick  Sorry to hear Maureen. I imagine the anxiety could be overwhelming for you. But, it is always better to be safe than sorry. This will be in the past soon enough. Thoughts are with yoy!

Marie Myers  Been there, done that, got the scar ... You sound like you have the right attitude, and you will do well!

Susan Lynn  Maureen - That's the spirit! You just need to wait a few weeks to be our next rock star! You've got this! ❤

Marie Myers  Oh yes, I remember that denial well. I was in the same boat 3 years ago when I was diagnosed with an ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic root aneurysm. It does take a bit of processing to accept the whole truth, but it sounds like you are on the right path. Lots of good information and support on this site. Welcome to our exclusive “club”!

Lorraine Mobley  Denial was my first response and still creeps in sometimes especially after being told my arteries are perfect and all of my labs are normal. I think, well perhaps they are wrong and my valve is just fine...of course the TEE was pretty definitive and the surgeon knows what he is doing. After denial for me was fear and finally I have entered the acceptance and lets get this done phase. We are all here with you on the emotional rollercoaster. You've got this.

Barbara Wood  Hi there from your NH neighbor:)... it's definitely a shock to hear you'll soon be looking at ohs, you've found a wonderful site for info & support. Hoping your surgeon meeting goes well - where will you have your surgery? Best wishes Maureen.

Tracy Fallu  I remember the denial as well. Make sure to participate in cardiac rehab, they will help you with your goals post op/recovery.

Rose Madura  I knew for most of my life that someday I would need surgery. When that time came, I STILL was in denial and ended up getting four opinions - all of them said yes while two wondered why I hadn't had it sooner! It's part of the journey. You've found a good place where we can help. Let us know if you have questions. Best wishes.

Maureen O'Neil  Thank you ladies I am thankful I have found this site. I will be having my surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical center , Lebanon NH.
My surgeon told me in June that I was at the threshold for surgery, he suggested I approach the surgery as "elective" before it becomes a emergent situation. Any thoughts on this approach, the surgery is inevitable.

Mary Haubrick  Maureen...I can relate to you story. I am a 76 year old lady..fairly active for my age, and am now facing Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) surgery Sept. 24, 2019. I have been patiently waiting since the end of June for a surgery date. Praying that we both will have successful post surgery stories to share. Keep the faith...all will be well.

Civita Fahey  HI Maureen from another neighbor in Mass. I also had my surgery as elective but inevitable. its best to get it done while the heart is still healthy .With you being that active you will do great.. the key is keeping active and not focusing on bad things.. stay positive and all will be well.

Joyce Shelby  I can relate Maureen, I was in the same boat as well. Worked out all my life but the doctors believed that my valve had been deteriorating over time due to untreated rheumatic fever as a child. All the best to you. My surgery was 4-11-16 and I bounced back just fine. Be sure to complete all of your cardiac rehab classes! God Bless! :-)

Joy Vera  Hi Maureen. I can so relate to the denial. I experienced that with my 2010 surgery at age 57. I was asymptomatic too but, as you said, the tests don't lie. It's a good thing I went ahead & had the surgery then too because my heart cath turned up a second problem (aortic coarctation) that wasn't disclosed by the echo. So, in my case, I was glad I went ahead with the surgery. Best wishes!