AVR soon

[bmoleme]

Hi
My name is Sonto, I have been around for almost three months but this is my first post. I am a South African female 28 years of age. I work as a Librarian and a mother to an eleven year old son. I have always had a heart mumur since the age of 12 and recently told by my cardiologists that I am going to need an AVR surgery very soon. My status is Severe Aortic Incompetence

I have been monitoring the vr.com website for almost three months . While I don't truly know any of the members , in some way I feel I already know many of you. I have read your stories, appreciated your personal decisions, weighed the factors you brought to each discusions and empathized with your recoveries , life changes and setbacks. Most of all I've been encouraged and impressed by each story of victory, survival, loving and support.If it wasn't for this site I would still be crying without hope , depressed and frustrated. At least now I have a clear understanding of what is going to happen to me. I will be going back to see my cardiologist next week to start the long walk to the other side of the mountain. Will let you know about the date of my surgery.

God Bless you
Sonto

 

[Phyllis]

Welcome Sonto. I am so glad that you feel more confident and encouraged after visiting this website- that's what it's all about!! Please stay in touch and let us know your surgery date when you get it. We all will be happy to answer any questions we can as you climb the mountain and make that wonderful descent down.
Best wishes to you,
Phyllis

 

[Karlynn]

Welcome Sonto, I'm so glad you decided to jump in here with your first post. I'm also glad that this site and it's stories have given you hope. While valve surgery is very scary to think about, it is a highly successful procedure that restores a good quality of life to most who receive it.

Feel free to ask any questions, chances are someone will have an answer or.

 

[karlaosh]

Sonto:

Learn as much as you can and work on visualizing a positive outcome. You're going to do great.

 

[perkicar]

Welcome Sonto--

What is the saying--the hardest part of the journey is the first step??? Glad you found our forum and that you've felt encouraged by our exchanges and sharing. I had AVR 8 weeks ago and had been a member since November of last year, but knew I was going to have surgery for 3 months before the "big day". The people here are wonderful at sharing, offering encouragement and hope, and gently directing when the way seems fuzzy. They also act like Mom's and Dad's at times, which I know both entertained and warmed me. Keep reading, keep praying and let us hold your hand as you start the journey. It's good to be on the other side!

 

[Nancy]

Hi Sonto-

Welcome to the sight. It's a tough journey, this valve stuff, but you can do it, and we're all here to help you through.

 

[Fburns]

Welcome

Welcome

Having had (in 1999) the same surgery that you are about to have, I can only offer the same support and encouragement as the earlier postings. While it's not trivial, my own experience is that it was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting. And the wonderful benefits and improvements it brings, puts it all in perspective. So don't be too concerned about the little adventure you are about to have. You will find that everyone will be on your side (including of course the members here), so enjoy and exploit this support.

All the very best.

Frank

 

[Mary]

Glad you're with us. It will be interesting to learn the difference between surgery in S. Africa and the U.S., but we're all one big family at heart.

 

[geebee]

Welcome to our second home. Don't be a stranger and you will get the help you need to climb the mountain (or swim the ocean as Mary did).

 

[Superbob]

Sonto,

What a beautifully expressed first post! I know regulars on here are gladdened that you have found their discussions so meaningful and helpful.
Look forward to hearing more about your progress. I am confident you will do well.

All best wishes,

Rob

 

[TjCarpenter]

Sonto,

What a beautifully expressed first post! I know regulars on here are gladdened that you have found their discussions so meaningful and helpful.
Look forward to hearing more about your progress. I am confident you will do well.

All best wishes,

Rob

All will be well Sonto, keep your sights on the "other side". All the things you WILL be able to do and you will be fine! There will be some rough spots, for sure. You will just need to take them one at a time as they come. Don't try to carry this all on your shoulders.

You will be in our prayers... please keep us posted with your dates.

God bless,

Tom & Family

 

[Glenda]

Sonto, welcome to our little family. Sorry you have to join this way but remember God is still in control. You will find many answers to all your questions. The people on this forum are wonderful and most of us have "been there and done that." Keep you head up and we will look forward to seeing you on the other side of the mountain.