sharon's Journal

Rose Madura  Hi Sharon, it's amazing what our minds put us through. Praying all will go well and soon you'll be on the recovery side.

Marie Myers  I remember the preop jitters well. For me, the whole thing was much easier than expected. Just be patient with yourself in the first couple weeks. The fatigue was surprising to me...Best wishes for a smooth surgery and recovery!

Wanda Mroz  Normal jitters. You’ll do great. I had the same repair. Also had tricuspid fixed and a maze. You can do this!!! Prayers and all the best... 💞🙏🏻

Steve Farthing  Hi Sharon, My mitral valve was repaired 4 months ago. Heart was enlarged and left atrium severely enlarged pre-op. All chambers back to normal size within 8 weeks. I tried an EMDR audio track for reprogramming anxiety pre-op which worked well.

  I had my aortic valve replaced 2 days ago via a TAVR whIle relatively healthy and few symptoms. Could have waited a little longer but decided to go ahead. The anguish before the procedure was 10 times worse than the procedure. Take a deep breath. You got this.

Nancy James  Hi Sharon
Your fear is very real but when I found out that I needed my aortic valve replaced I was all by myself in the surgeon's office. When I got to my car I burst into tears. I had no idea that I had a heart murmur let alone was going to need surgery - and the doctor said it had to be done soon. Part of my fear was that I wasn't crazy about the surgeon my family physician sent me to. He didn't have good bedside manners - who tells a person all alone something as horrible as having to have heart surgery...then there were other things that I just didn't like the way he did things. So I had a second opinion and it was a whole different ball game. The second doctor was friendly, informative and took time to answer questions and make me feel confident in his ability. So make sure you really like the surgeon and that will alleviate some if not all the fears. As a nurse I am sure you know that heart surgery is painful, but with the great surgeon, the great hospital and staff - I made it thru and being claustrophobic and one who suffers from severe colitis - everyone did everything they could to make my recovery comfortable and I am doing better than I ever thought I could. I hope that helps you.

Rose Madura  Hi Sharon, I had an aortic valve and my aorta replaced on May 31st. I knew from my childhood that I'd need surgery someday but it was still a shock when I was told. Being a nurse, you know the advances that have been made in this field in the last several years. As scary as it is, the worst is worrying beforehand. You'll feel much better in time. Let us know if you have any questions.

Laura Shepherd  My experience is exactly the same. This site has helped. I'm 67 y/o (had b'day after OHS in hospital). The fear is overwhelming. It has helped me to read everything on the site especially the journals. Wishing you the best.

Michael Kohring  Hi Sharon, I had the same experience as you and others. I knew since childhood that I had what they called a murmur. Didn't have it fully diagnosed until my 30's. I am now 52 and when the news came I was in denial for several weeks. I was having symptoms so ultimately that helped me come to terms. I am +6 weeks and feeling great and I think having the surgery while you are healthy makes a world of difference. All the best to you on your journey!

Lisa Hunley  Hello Sharon. My story is like yours as well. I've had Mitral Valve Prolapse since I was 19. I'm now 49 and after an ECHO in September, I was told that I had severe regurgitation and needed surgery. It is overwhelming. I go to the heart surgeon on Nov. 16 to schedule my surgery. I will say that this site has helped tremendously. Everyone is so nice and they reply back to you. Please know that you will be in my prayers.