brd
Well-known member
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
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