KarenS has set a date

Valve Replacement Forums

Help Support Valve Replacement Forums:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
K

KarenS

Hi again Everyone,

I have not really posted since my introduction to this site a month or so ago. I have, however, been on the site very often (a freakish amount, really) researching, following stories and getting comfortable with the idea that I too will be going in for this surgery that links all of us together. I have been riding along with you all, ?freaking out? with you all and finding courage and wisdom along the way.

I met with my surgeon (multiple times), researched and decided on a valve and have made a plan for my family during my surgery/recovery time. Actually calling to schedule the date was very hard, but that got the ball rolling and gave me the shove I needed. There are days, like today, when I have been playing with/taking care of my kids all day, running errands, feeling no real symptoms of my severe stenosis and think?.?maybe I can wait a little longer, I am getting so much done, ect. Maybe there has been a mistake, all a big joke?. One of the hardest parts for me is the fact that I have to be away from my kids and won?t be able to take care of them for a while. I have noticed a few posts from others with small children (mine are 6, 4 and almost 2) and obviously relate to what you are going through. I haven?t posted during my times of panic, but have most definitely had them and have suffered along with those of you who have written about it. For today, I feel confident, positive and look forward to putting this behind me. My AVR surgery is scheduled for March 5th.

Now, who does a girl have to know to get signed up for that crazy shirt???? 

Karen
 
Karen, congrats on your date! Your new healthier life begins on that day. My children were 5 and 7 at the time of my replacement, so I know the feelings you are having. Many of us here had young children at the time of our surgeries. They will be fine, you will be fine and you'll be able to chase them all over the place once you've recovered.

I'm a grandma now - talk about time flying. Your life will be wonderful.
 
Congratulations on your date, Karen. I put you on the calendar. Karylnn is right- this will be the start of a wonderful healthy life with your family. You might pm Stretch or Bob to see where the shirts are now or take a look at the tawdry shirt thread to figure out who was the last recipient.
 
You have taken all the steps to get yourself fixed and move on with your life. Congrats. I am sure we will be hearind from you soon that all is very well.

My very best to you and your family.
 
Karen,
VR is definitely a crazy place. We all celebrate and give high 5's to members when we learn they're going to have open heart surgery!:eek: :eek: :eek:
Of course, it's because we remember what it's like waiting for a surgery date and we know that you are going to lead a much healthier life after replacement.
So . . .


Congratulations!
 
Congratulations on setting the date. You've done all the right things by researching and making preparations. You've got the right attitude and will do fine. Wishing you the best!
 
Karen,

CONGRATULATIONS on setting the date :).

GOOD LUCK ... and thoughts/prayers coming your way.



Cort:33swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
PICS:lego.HO.model.MCinfo.RT.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Money can't buy happiness" ... Don Williams ... 'One Good Well'
 
I'm glad that you are feeling more comfortable about your upcoming surgery. The fact that you have made a plan for your family is essential and actually quite admirable!!! I suspect that in the future, newbies will be asking you some of the particulars of that plan....and how it all worked out.

Aside from hiring Mary Poppins, it is tough to entrust your precious children to anyone when your life revolves around them so intimately at this age. But it will be a strengthening event for your family. For your middle child, it may be one of the strongest first memories he has. That you have designed a positive experience for them all will mean the world to them. Your dedication will pay off, I'm sure!

Please don't consider the amount of time you spend here as freakish (although that did make me laugh!) I think you'll find that WE think that's normal!! :D

You're doing great. We're all here watching your back. It's gonna work out just fine.

:) Marguerite
 
Picking up the phone and making that call to "set the date", is perhaps one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, and my kids are grown! I certainly understand what you are going through, but it sounds like you've done all the right things in your preparations. In addition to all the great information we get from this site, we also see wonderful success stories here which are very much needed for those of us "in the waiting room".

My prayers and best wishes go out to you for a terrifically successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Jan
 
Phyllis said:
You might pm Stretch or Bob to see where the shirts are now or take a look at the tawdry shirt thread to figure out who was the last recipient.

Or not! LOL! The only way I keep track of who has the Tawdry Shirts is to see who posts their photo! Last time I knew for sure who had one is when I sent mine to Nan back in January! :) I'm sure someone who has one or who last forwarded one will chime in here with more up to date information.

Karen, congratulations on setting the date. You're doing the right thing. When is it, btw?
 
Hi Karen

I'm very proud of you....it took an awful lot to take that humongous step and schedule that date. Believe me, it isn't a mistake nor is it a joke. Even though it will be hard for you to be away from your kids.....the consequences are that if you don't have the surgery you'll be away from them for a MUCH longer time.

You truly did the right thing......they'll be able to handle it, and so will you if you look at the long-term picture. Congratulations for taking that big step....you can do it.

Evelyn
 
Congratulations on getting a date set! You'll do great.

Lets see, the shirt Stretch had went to me then Michelle then Pedimed. It's got some good mojo in it :) It is homely though, but a nice silk.

All the best to you,
Ruth
 
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and support. You all really are quite a silver lining to this whole thing and I appreciate your messages so much! I am encouraged by your strength, stories and experiences. I really do feel so lucky to have found this site. I will keep you posted...I have pre-testing scheduled for this Friday.

Sincerely,
Karen
 

Latest posts

Back
Top