Appointment with Surgeon-Valve Selected

[Glenda]

I had my appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday. I would have posted earlier but I've been having problems with my computer crashing. I'm going to put it in the shop today. I sure want it up and running after surgery.

Because of all my age and high risks going into this surgery, the doctor and I chose the pigs valve. He explained everything to me. It's amazing because of this site I already knew what he was talking about. In fact he acted rather surprised that I was so up on my condition. All because of this site!

The AVR is scheduled for Wednesday, June 2 at 6:30 a.m. I will be his first surgery for the morning unless there is an emergency. I go to the heart center the day before for all the blood work-up. So I'm counting down, trying to get so many things done before the big day.

My daughter will be moved into her new home by this Friday. (thank goodness!) I'm going to get all my kids and grandchildren together Tuesday night for a cook-out and my preacher will come down and we'll all have our prayer together then. They all don't need to be at the hospital so early on Wednesday. According to the surgeon I'll probably be in surgery from 4-6 hours, in CICU for 24 hours and then moved to a private room for at least 5 days.

Am I nervous and anxious? Just a little bit, but more at peace with the decision to get it done and start feeling better. I can't hardly wait to be able to walk without shortness of breath and my chest feeling like it was going to pop out of my chest. Here lately when ever I've over done, it feels like it's in my throat. The surgeon said to take it especially easy this next week. Not to get stressed (yeah, right!) and try to rest. (yeah, right!) But I promised I will try.

It's great to have you all to talk to. I'm so lucky that I found this site before the surgery. You'll never know how much I appreciate each and every one of you. I plan to see you all on the other side of the mountain. You're like one big happy family! !

 

[Ross]

I'm happy to hear your choice is made. One thing I want you to remember though, all the hype of feeling better and all comes with time. You are not going to have instantaneous great relief. This is where most people get down. They thought they'd see and feel the difference immediately and that just doesn't happen. You'll understand better when it's over I'm sure.

You'll be eating fingernails a couple days before hand. Do you like them seasoned?

 

[NascarfanMary]

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know what you are feeling and what you will be going thru. Best wishes and may God Bless you and give you the strength you and your family needs. Hope you have a wonderful week with your family. Like you said, We will be waiting for you on the other side of the mountain. Rest and take care. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

 

[catwoman]

Glenda:

Glad that you've got a date and surgeon. Enjoy that family get-together!
Keeping you in my prayers...

 

[Christina L]

Glenda,

It sounds like you have everything organized and ready to go. I especially like the pastor and prayer part of your plans. As Ross said, recovery is slow, but yet you will notice a difference in how you feel right away - your heart will beat so quietly.

You are going to be just fine - with your family around you, your positive attitude, and God's grace, you are going to come through this with flying colors!

Christina L.

 

[Johnny Stephens]

Glenda - so glad to hear that things are rolling along toward the big climb up the mountain. You're well - prepared, your surgeon acknowledges you as an educated medical consumer - those 2 things will help you immensely.

Best of luck and don't stress out too much

 

[Raverlaw]

Glenda,

Knowing the date and that your valve is selected will give you a great feeling of peace inside. Yes, you will be nervous, but you will be also looking forward to having it over with and behind you. Sounds like you've got a great support network at home - and you KNOW you've got it here at VR.

You will be in my prayers and thoughts as your big day approaches. Best wishes for a really successful surgery and a good recovery. Please have someone post for you - we'll miss your smiling face and kind words while you're in the hospital.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Glenda-

Tis is a huge step, but you're ready to rock and roll. Making the choice is terrific and you'll soon be feeling better.

So glad to hear the good news.

 

[danielgilboa]

Hi Glenda,

When are you having your special prayers? we would like to join you in our thaughts.

Daniel & Yochy

 

[tobagotwo]

I used to have a feeling at the top of my lungs/base of my throat like you, and it turned out it was angina. It often went with shortness of breath. I also had a pig valve put in (Medtronic Mosaic), like you will. I didn't have a cookout with a preacher, but we're still kinda twins, right?

I've not had any angina since Dr. Krause replaced the valve, and I have only had shortness of breath from running inside from the garden to catch the phone (you're supposed to get SOB from some things).

I hope yours will go away like this, too.

We're going to be right here for you when you're going through this, and here to wrap our metaphysical arms around you when you get back.

Bless you, and bless the electrons that bind us all together,

 

[Dee]

Glenda,

My thoughts and prayers will also be with you before, during and after your surgery!! Don't over do it before the surgery, you hear? You want to be well rested as you go in! See you on the other side of the mountain!

~DeeDee~

 

[bvdr]

Thanks Glenda for letting us know you might be off the computer until it is fixed. I am hoping for a good result for you. It is true that the feeling of feeling "better" takes a while but I noticed right away that when I leaned over forward that my head didn't feel like the pressure was going to blow it off my shoulders like it was a champagne cork. I don't know what had been causing that feeling of pressure but it was taken care of by the surgery.

You are in my heart and prayers, cousin Glenda.

 

[dawnwit15]

Get over the mountain fast!

Get over the mountain fast!

Glenda
You are in my prayers for a speedy and successful surgery & recovery. I will be sending positive thoughts your way on the 2nd. Keep your head up. The worst part is almost over (the anticipation prior to surgery). Rest your head knowing that you have great health and plenty of walks with no shortness of breath ahead of you. It's a goal to keep your eye on throughout this whole experience. Best wishes to you. See you on the other side!
Dawnwit15

 

[Bryan B]

Aunt Glenda,

I'm glad everything is place now! You wouldn't be normal if you weren't a little nervous right now. If you remember I was a nervous wreck . Then when I got to my parents (and doggie's) house I settled down a bit, and was surprisingly calm on pre-op day and morning of the surgery.

I start back to work June 1, and I will be thinking of you and saying a prayer for you when I get up for my 2nd day back at work. I know you're going to do great...I had my surgery on a Wednesday morning...very good day for surgery!

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Glenda

Hi Glenda

My TWIN birthday partner. June 10th..Let's see. You should have been home for 3 days on our Birthday. What a gift.. You probably will not care for cake..but ice cream..should taste good. will post a great big Happy Birthday wish for you on June 10th..Hope they (VR) forget mine.. Age 64.. But feel like I'm age 39.. I even walked on the Appalachian Trail today.. Really, just down a ways because dog had to wee-wee on trip up to town above us where it crosses the road. Only stop between here and other town. Built in 1925 out of stone..Saw MANY young people resting..washing their clothes, ect. Lordy to be young again.. Plan on taking Grandson back there this summer and do a mile or so..and turn around..so I can say..Hey, I walked the Appalachian trail. Starts in Ga. and ends in Maine...Glenda, with that beautiful smile.. You will be fine.. Bonnie

 

[Glenda]

Thanks everyone for the good wishes and prayers. I've borrowed my husbands laptop while mine is in the shop and I only can have it on the week-ends and at night. He has to have it for his work. Hopefully mine will be out of the shop soon. I'm having such an awful time with his key board. It's so much different than mine that you would have thought I've never typed in my llife. I feel like I've missed something if I don't check in with you guys once or twice during the day. Like I've said before you all are my family. After all we all have a lot in common, don't we?

 

[Debrinha GT]

I'll miss you!

I'll miss you!

Hi Glenda, the time has finally come for you to get rid of this whole thing and I'm very confident you'll make it too. June is just around the corner and it won't be long until you're back here with and for us! You've always been so kind and caring! Best of luck and God bless!

 

[Jed]

Stay Strong

Stay Strong

Good luck Glenda. Sounds like you have everything taken care of. I like the cookout idea. I might steal that one from you, lol. I don't have a date for my surgery but its going to be sooner rather than later so i will lean on your experiences. My attitude is to face my fears and my obstacles face on with vigor. I have faith in god, myself and the people i have chosen to surround myself with. I am sure you have the best people also so just go in there and know in your heart that you are in capable hands with god pulling the strings and good things will follow. Remember this saying "This too shall pass". Pretty soon you will be wondring what all the fuss was about, lol. Good luck
Jed

 

[Leighanne]

Its your turn

Its your turn

Glenda
As I sit here trying to recover and looking back I remember all the kind words you gave me. Wish i could say something wonderful to ease the anxiety but all I can say is that it is not as bad as it feels like it will be and I will think of you and pray that all goes well and you can relax before. The relax and take care of yourself was hard for me and I am not sure if I did but like you, i did do things with family and make the effort. Best to you and God Bless
Leighanne

 

[labguides]

Glenda
Be sure to have your husband keep us posted on your surgery and recovery. If we don't hear, we worry.