Article on my heart surgery experience - see link

[Allisoninoz]

Hi all,
I'm nearly 13 weeks post-surgery and doing well. I'm a freelance journo and wrote this piece for the Melbourne Herald Sun. It was published today and you can read it at this link ...
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/a-diary-of-open-heart-surgery/story-fn6bn9st-1226058541539

 

[nngbwh]

Thanks for sharing your story. That is cool !

 

[Greg a]

Awesome piece and great pics of you and Sophie .....can I get an autographed copy ?

 

[bdryer]

An excellent read! Know that one of my work mates had the Ross procedure accomplished 11 years past. He is going strong, just like you will be!

 

[Superbob]

Beautifully done, Allison!

 

[normofthenorth]

Nice writing! And a fine example of "writing what you know"!

 

[Jen]

Simply Beautiful article!

 

[camgough]

Very nice article! Good photos also!

 

[epstns]

Allison - I just read your article. It brings back many memories, both pleasant and otherwise. Thanks so very much for sharing it with us.

 

[mwedlake]

Fantastic article. I love it that you decided to show your scar. It looks so similar to mine, except I have 4 drainage scars instead of 3 for some reason Thank you for making that decision. I just might wear a v-neck top again lol!

 

[carrie999]

Allison, it was great to read your article. It brought a lump to my throat and a smile to my face. Rob is probably going to go with a bioprosthetic valve at UCLA end of June or early July - you've given us a great 'what to expect', especially with little kids in tow. Thanks for your candidness! Regards, Carrie.

 

[Lionheart]

Alison,
Great article. Thanks for sharing your story with us. You really nailed the process and all the little things that we all go through during our surgical journeys. You've educated a large audience and removed some of the mystery.

I must admit that I saw one humorous moment during your post-surgical healing when you said "I'd been warned but it's still a shock when I can't twist open a jar of Vegemite,...". I was thinking "Who would want to open a jar of Vegemite?". Now on the other hand, not being able to open a jar of peanut butter, well now THAT would be tragic. Take care of yourself.
Best,
John

 

[RZG]

Allison,
What a great read!! I am in the waiting room until 6/21/11. Thanks for sharing, it was so helpful to hear your story!!!!!!!!!!

Take care and stay healthy!!!

RZG

 

[JulieS]

Great writing!

 

[DeuxofUs]

Wonderful article.. I think your scar is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[Allisoninoz]

Thanks for all your lovely responses. As I said in the article, this forum was and continues to be a wonderful resource. I've had some really positive feedback on the piece, including from readers who have had OHS. I'm really glad the paper wasn't afraid to publish the photograph, which was nicely shot - not at all tacky. And my little girl took the paper to school for Show and Tell today ... don't know what the nine-year-old boys in her class thought

 

[Cooker]

Well done.....

 

[WandaW]

Dear Allison,
Thank you so much for sharing your story and scar. You captured the experience and the truth of OHS without scarring those who maybe or who will face this at some point in their lives. I don't want to scare others from a life saving operation. My teenagers were alittle ratteled with all the tubes etc. And I am now bravely wearing my spring shirts that show alittle of my scar as it "is what it is". Thanks again for sharing, Wanda

 

[Jeff Edmonton]

Hey Ali,

Shoulda flashed them!

Your daughter must be very proud of you, you are a fighter, very wise and gifted by the gods. The article is very personal and it takes a strong person to step outside the box and share such an emotional experience to the extent you have.

Barbra Walters "step aside" here comes Allison.

Jeff

 

[escargome]

Allison,
What a wonderful story. Your experience brought back some memories for me (both good and bad). Thank you. I still look at my disappearing scar 3 years later and just shake my head. Sometimes I still can't believe that I actually went through the whole valve replacement surgery (but I am glad I did). Again thank you for sharing your story with us.