Getting out of the "waiting room"

[brd]

From the first day I joined this forum over three years ago I have thought about this post. When would I be writing it? Who would be the surgeon? Where would I be having the surgery? What valve would I be choosing? Would I have the courage and peacefulness of so many of the writers here?

Well the day has come and I will have AVR surgery on August 6th at Brigham and Womens in Boston. My surgeon is Prem Shekar and his first choice valve for me is tissue and the back up, should he decide I need a mechanical, is the ON-X if I want it or a St Jude. The final decision between the mechanicals is up to me. He has used both and likes them both. I have to decide 48 hours before, at the latest.

I have logged on almost daily for the past 3+ years. I have not posted much given that my pre-operative status left me with little to offer in terms of comfort or advice. " I had not been there."

But believe me I have TAKEN an enormous amount. I believe that my current state of mind (peaceful) and my general attitude about the surgery (bullish) and my overall state of knowledge (excellent, IMHO) has come directly from all of you. It is impossible for me to thank everyone enough for their sharing of their experiences, their hopes, their dreams, their fears, their joys.

My husband is a psychologist and a strong believer in the value of self-help programs. This forum is an example in my opinion of the value of that concept. Through all of you I have gained strength and hope and courage.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

Barbara

 

[Cooker]

Barbara .....Wishing you a successful surgery and a smooth, bump free recovery

 

[Ross]

Well Barbara, I wish you didn't have to make this post, but because you do, please understand that we all go with you on your walk up and down the mountain. We'll be around to help you any way we can now and forever. Good luck and I'll put you on the calendar.

 

[hall]

Glad you have your date now. I can imagine waiting is the worst! Wishing you luck for surgery and recovery. Prayers.

 

[Nancy]

Good time to have your surgery. You'll be in excellent shape for the holidays with lots of healing under your belt.

Wishing you all the best!

 

[designlady]

Good luck!

Good luck!

Good luck Barbara! Let us know a specific date so that our thoughts and prayers can accompany you on the beginning of your journey!
Hugs!

 

[dick0236]

Barbara, three years contemplating OHS had to be a strain...fortunately, that wait will soon be over....and you will join the successful ranks of "valvers". The biggest "plus" of this site is the encouragement for the newcomber, both pre- and post-op that there is life after OHS. Good luck

ps: I agree with your husband, self-help groups can go where professional medicine can't understand. Wish this site had been around a few decades ago...would have saved me a bunch of sleepless nites.

 

[ruthienc1]

Barbara- Best wishes go along with you to Brigham and Womens'. My AVR was there this past May and folks there were wonderful..........plus, you should be in the brand new building! Godspeed.

 

[Susan BAV]

Hoping all goes very well for you Barbara. Take care .

 

[WayneGM]

Best wishes for a successful surgery and smooth, speedy, recovery.

 

[Phyllis]

So glad you have a date Barbara and so happy that you are so at peace with the whole process. You are going to a great facility and I know you will be just fine. Godspeed!

 

[netmiff]

best wishes for August 6th, and we'll be there all the way up the mountain and back down again !

 

[Jkm7]

Sending best wishes to you, Barbara. You are going to an excellent hospital and will get the best of care.

You are well informed, accepting of the need for the surgery and clear in your goal.
You'll do fine. Please keep us updated as to your progress.

Let us help you in any way you think we can.

Godspeed........

 

[Glenda]

Barbara. the waiting is always the hardest. I wish you the best for a successful surgery. Hugs & prayers are coming your way. We'll see you on the other side of the mountain.

 

[ricks399]

Wow

Wow

Can't imagine waiting for 3 years although I was diagnosed 3 years ago and had my surgery on Monday. I bet you are thoroughly prepared to make the choices that are right for you and your hospital has an excellent reputation. For me, being comfortable with the surgeon was huge. After meeting with him, and being the recipient of his kindness and recognizing his humility, I felt very comfortable with him. His skill and reputation were later confirmed by several others.

After reading all the posters here, can you imagine that there is anything you can't anticipate? I'm sure you know the process from a to z. But you may be surprised at a few things when you actually experience them. Experience gives us a different knd of knowledge.

I'm wishing you all the best in your surgical outcome and hoping that you find all the best within yourself. Although I am just 6 days post-op, I have had several insights both pre and post-surgery, and I am sure you will too! I would encourage you to keep a journal, post on this site and e-mail your friends about your feelings. OHS is a process of anticipation, surgical intervention, recovery and rehabilitation. And these phases have both physical and emotional manifestations and components.

So keep writing, keep posting and keep on keeping on! Oh, and also be prepared to use your spell check after your surgery - your mind doesn't operate quite as efficiently initially. I believe Sheepdog referred to it as brain fog!

 

[epstns]

Well, Barbara,

We'll miss you here in The Waiting Room, but I'm sure you'll still come by to visit now and then. You're always welcome here. . .

And, of course, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you climb the mountain. You will soon be back telling us how well things went <g>.

 

[rhino19]

Wow 3 years, my hat goes off to you. We have been going through this for only 2 months and my head is spinning. The good thing about it is that you have had time to research, learn and understand. I wish you all the best and hope you journey is easy and uneventful Good luck and do keep up posted

 

[Mary]

VR is indeed a crazy place . . . we congratulate members when they receive their surgery date!
We've learned that for most members the waiting is as hard, if not harder, than the actual event.
I sincerely hope that the hardest part is behind you, and the remainder of your journey is nothing by comparison.

 

[Okielady]

Good luck on the 6th! I am like you, have kind of been in this waiting room for about 2 years now. I really thought (hoped?) I would be here a lot longer but I am meeting with a surgeon on this coming Wednesday to discuss the details and hopefully get a surgery date. I am ready now that I know what lies ahead.
What impresses me the most is the post from Ricks! 6 days post op and giving you the thumbs up! That is what I want to hear. That truly gives me a lot of confidence and inspiration.

 

[Freddie]

August 6th, we'll leave the light on. Hope your hubby will be able to post for you while your in the hospital.

Many prayers and well wishes coming your way.