Recent content by misaacka

Thinking of you, Kumar . . . hopefully, you're on the other side by now, or will be very soon. I had my surgery 2 weeks ago today, and at every step, I kept remembering folks here saying that it's "doable." Just that simple thought helped me so much! At every moment, from waking up in CICU...

Hi, Ruby— I'm nine days out from AVR using a mini-sternotomy (incision about 3 1/2 inches). I'd thought that I wanted a through-the-ribs approach, but my surgeon explained that he was most comfortable going through the sternum in case he needed greater access quickly, as well as there being...

Hi, two tone! I'm eight days out from surgery (it was Wednesday the 17th), and I can assure you that this is very do-able. I'm also 53, and, like you, was advised by default to get a mechanical valve. I said, thanks very much, but a) I'm not interested in being on blood thinners for the rest...

I'm with Jkm7 and Enjaynj: had my surgery one week ago today, and, at 53, my surgeon also feels that there's every reason to expect percutaneous re-replacement. He fitted me with an Edwards bovine valve and managed to fit a slightly larger size to make percutaneous even easier. It was tricky...

Hi, everyone-- thanks so much for the outpouring of support and well wishes. Things continue to go very well. Of course, I overdid things yesterday and quickly learned to leave carrying dishes and full glasses of ice water to others! Being better about that today, so am getting to back off on...

Thank you so much, everyone! It's a bit much to keep up with posting in two places for the moment, so please feel free to visit my CaringBridge page, where I've started posting again: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/janelove

VR family, had my surgery last Wednesday to replace my calcified BAV with a nice, new Edwards bovine valve, and it went terrifically well. Will share details as I get a bit stronger, but for now just wanted to say that I'm home (staying locally with a dear friend), and life is so beautiful...

Misaacka here, one of the "triplets." Thank you all for the warm support! I've just a great dinner with friends and family and am heading to bed early; reporting to the hospital at 6 AM as first case. Just hope that I don't get bumped by a transplant case between now and then! I feel...

Hey, dj, I expect that, like me, you're taking care of last minute odds and ends, and I gather that you don't have internet access and so aren't reading. No problem. Sending you warmth and good cheer into tomorrow and the big day! I'm feeling good, myself. We're almost there and over the...

Hey, themalteser. I also commiserate over the bad timing you're experiencing. No, at 28, it's not fair. My own BAV was diagnosed at 32, not too much older than you; that's when all the echos and tracking started for me. After 12 years, I moved to take a new job, and my new cardiologist did...

I'm almost 54, and while my surgery isn't until this coming Wednesday (the 17th), and I haven't yet talked with the surgeon about it, my choice right now is tissue. Like piglet, I don't want to be on blood thinners for life, but more importantly, I believe that percutaneous (through a catheter)...

Hey, djteako, my surgery sister: just wanted to check in and keep the spirit! Reading here, I've had not nearly your troubles; I'm humbled. Let's lend strength to each other on that day: whoever needs it most, gets it! Much love. J

Hi, Lyn! Thanks so much for the encouraging words and for the suggestion to have someone bring a writing pad and pen. I will definitely do that! (I'm an English professor, so writing is almost more natural to me than talking, heh!) I'm also very glad that you agree with percutaneous. My...

Hey VR sister! It's great to know I'll have company, come that special day. Oh, all the running around in preparation. I'm flying out of state for my surgery (leaving Sunday), and my cardiologist's office doesn't seem to have it all together on getting materials to my surgeon, so I'm about to...

Good morning, Jay! First, congratulations on your fantastic success with healthy eating and exercise! I am so looking forward to joining you on that road once I get through my surgery next week. I feel for you, having to deal with anxiety. It's not so much a problem for me now, but it used...