Mirna's Journal

Jean Raber  Good office staff makes SO MUCH difference. I think the good ones are really unsung heroes in their own class.

Emily Rowley  This is a very good and important question. Firstly how long might you have to prepare til your surgery? Although I am not a Mother (I know it would be challenging esp at this time preparing), I have been through this process. My first advice is try to take it easy and think it out in small steps which may help you-we all have different ways & things that work well for ourselves. Post-Surgery clothing, things you will pack for your Hospital stay, if you have any work commitments think about taking time off, equiping your home with safety items such as shower chair+rails etc...There are many great people on here who will share their ideas and avice too, plus reading Adam's Book helps ☺ As for mentally preparing, this can be tough. Are you having an Aortic Valve Replacement or Repair? I'm happy to answer any questions you may have ☺

Clare Auten  I was 44 at the time of surgery. My 3 kids were 4, 7 and 13. I am a special ed teacher. I had 10 days notice from diagnosis to surgery. I think what I learned is that it is ok to try to manage every detail. My mother in law only got a 90% on lunch packing (according to my 7 year old ). But, everyone made it through, including me. Not sure how old your kids are but they can help. My kids still talk about when I had surgery. I am 2 and a half years post op and doing great...life is back to normal, whatever that is. ;)

Petey Bello  Take one day at a time. Reach out to your loved ones and let them know how you feel & what you're going through. They might not understand, but it will make you feel better sharing your feelings & emotions! I also got a lot of emotional support by reaching out to the people on this website. There is a world of support and understanding for what we are all going through! Know that you are not alone!

Barbara Laurie  What I learned Mirna is that getting a support group involved was important, but house,and whatever more "physical" stuff, including whether I mopped the floors or shaved my legs, matter naught. The hospital supplied all I needed , and a very small bag with cloths to head home n worked fine.
I agree with Emily and Petey, talk with loved ones, share your feelings and avoid excess worry..it's not worth it❤️💕❤️Best Regards🌹

Mirna Juarez  wow!! thank you so much for all your insight and advice!!! I meet my surgeon on WED at UCDavis Medical Center!

Mirna Juarez  I am having an aortic valve replacement with a bioprosthetic vavle. Surgery date set!! July 1st!!! thank you for all the encouragment <3

Wanda Mroz  I agree with Barb Petey and Clare. Talk about it... No one will truly understand except someone who's been through it, but that's ok. This website is awesome. I joined after surgery and regret not having done it sooner, although I did look at it. Pack minimal... They provide much of what you need while hospitalized. Try to remain calm and not worry too much....that is difficult but try. I worried so much and was so scared it all seems like wasted energy now that it's behind me. Best wishes! 💞

Meredith Bray  One of the fun things I did to prepare was have a cooking day with my mom. We made lasagna, quiche, meatloaf, soup, and put them in the freezer so I wouldn't have to cook after surgery. Goodness knows, if I had to rely on my husband's cooking I would have lost 50 lbs (although in hindsight....) Seriously, you'll need good nutritious food to heal and recover.

Also, I made lists of everything. I even had lists of lists. My brain turned to mashed potatoes about a month before surgery.

-Meredith

Mirna Juarez  lists of lists lol yeah I am at mashed potatoes brain about now. All your insight has really helped put things on my lists <3