I have a date!!!

[Philip]

My AVR is scheduled April 27; what a release after the frustration of waiting for too long as my level of function declined. As a very active person this was difficult for me. There was never any doubt that I would chose a mechanical valve; it is the correct decision for me. I look foreword too a successful surgery and recovery so that I CAN FEEL BETTER, and keep up with the boys and my wife. (she now out runs me.)

Praline, if you get bored late April you know where to find me. I probably could use a "been there, done that" pep talk.

Note to all runners: After my recovery the foot strike you hear behind you could be mine!

I think that I noted in a previous post that I fear the dental hygienist and all others in lab coats so I am amazed that I want to do this. Do you think this is a sign of insanity or the desire for something better? I think the latter.

Marguerite are you still looking at the same time frame? Keep us posted.

Thanks to all for the support.
Philip

 

[Phyllis]

Good for you Phillip! You sound more than ready and that's a good thing. I put you on the calendar and look forward to hearing all about your successful surgery and uneventful recovery. Your wife and boys better get new running shoes.

 

[PJmomrunner]

Philip: You sound downright jubilent about OHS and yet you don't insane at all to me! You sound like a man who is tired of compromise and ready to resume living full speed. Congratulations on setting the date. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for progress reports.

 

[Georgia]

Good news, Philip! One thing about being symptomatic from valve problems is that the surgery seems quite a reasonable and acceptable price to pay for the return to normalcy. Take care of yourself until surgery day. Been to the dentist yet?

 

[sue943]

Excellent news Philip, I can still remember how relieved I was when I got my date.

 

[Praline]

Philip..

Philip..

I am so happy that you finally got your wish. I think that you are in good hands with Dr. Parrino. I went for my post-op appointment Tuesday and everything seems fine. My incision is healing well, and I walk almost an hour a day. I start rehab March 8th.
Don't forget to keep us posted on how things are going.

 

[ArleneT]

Philip,

You have a wonderful attitude and that will help you a lot going into this! I was terrified and never could get past that enough to actually look forward to having the surgery even though I felt terrible.

The good news is that even on my first short walk down the hall after surgery, I felt better than did the day before surgery. It really is amazing and you have so much to look forward to.

Good luck. Will keep you in my prayers.
Arlene

 

[Garth51]

Great news Philip !!! I was intensely relieved when I finally got my surgery date , like you I was extremely frustrated with not being able to be physically active . All of my hobbies required a lot of physical exertion and I've not been able to exert for years. My surgery was done on Feb 16/06 and I'm home now and can move on with my life. This will be over very soon for you and you'll be on your way too !!!

 

[Philip]

up-date

up-date

All is well in the waiting room now that I know that this will be resolved soon. I am now in Steamboat skiing with my family and friends. The altitude is a bit of a challenge particularly coming from below sea level. I am taking it easy and fatigue easily but having a great time.

Now to answer a few of Georgia's questions:

I have not seen the dentist yet but have an appointment.

Most of the New Orleans area is on the rebound. Parts of the metro area looks as though nothing ever happened and life is near normal. Other parts of the city including areas that were hit hard there is a lot of restoration and progress is being made yet some areas are in the same condition as they were in immediately after the water receded. Unfortunately these are not affluent areas and many do not have the means to rebuild. Hopefully these residents will be able to rebuild their lives.

Garth: Please give me a report of how you feel approximately 2 weeks post op.

Should I be responding to and asking these questions by private message or here on the forum?

Philip

 

[Marguerite53]

Well, look at you with a date and all!! I go away for a week to some R & R in the Southwest sunshine, and you go and get yourself a date!! Well Done!!

I just think it is amazing that we have this community here who can bouy us up in our most dire moments...... I mean, truly!! Who would have thought that we would be relieved to be scheduling open heart surgery!!

As for me, I have a date with the surgeon before the surgery ( March 20th) but since he is gone the first week in April and won't have his surgery schedule up until March 1st, I have yet to be able to actually book the surgery. I will be on the phone on Wednesday, though, and will let you know. I'm hoping mid-April. Just now looking at a time to schedule the angiogram. I am NOT looking forward to the angiogram. Sounds scary.

As far as the answering of questions and PM-ing goes, I think each individual here uses his or her own judgement on how to answer questions. Usually, they are answered openly, in the forum, thereby letting others remark if desired. Sometimes, though, you just feel like using the PM for things.

Well, hey!! Congratulations......and may I throw a toast out there for your stalwartness and your gutsiness!! To life!!

Marguerite

 

[Randy & Robyn]

Congratulations on getting a date. That is the first step to your new lease on life.

I've had two open heart surgeries in the last few months, the last less than two weeks ago. I chose a mechanical this time, too, and could not be happier. You'll have a good shot at no more OHS in your lifetime.

By the way, I intend to be pounding the ground asap so watch out for me behind you, too.

Good luck, Godspeed and we will be waiting for you on the other side of the mountain. An active and fulfilling life awaits you.

Randy

 

[dj/utvolsfan]

Not insanity....

Not insanity....

Philip, Hey there! No, you are not insane! You are right at the same point I am. Let's get the show on the road so life can go on for us. I, also, have always been so active...tennis, aerobics, walking, etc. It is so frustrating to be slowed down to this crawling pace I am right now. I know you can relate. I am getting 'fixed right up' early April and it can't get here soon enough. People ask me if I am scared for surgery, but in actuality I am more scared to keep living like this than to face this huge surgery. You will be ok!!! We both will be!
Hey, where do you live in New Orleans? I lived in Luling for a long, long time. Gave birth to my babies at Ocshner (spelling?) I am missing Mardi Gras right now! Well take care! Keep the faith!
Debbi

My AVR is scheduled April 27; what a release after the frustration of waiting for too long as my level of function declined. As a very active person this was difficult for me. There was never any doubt that I would chose a mechanical valve; it is the correct decision for me. I look foreword too a successful surgery and recovery so that I CAN FEEL BETTER, and keep up with the boys and my wife. (she now out runs me.)

Praline, if you get bored late April you know where to find me. I probably could use a "been there, done that" pep talk.

Note to all runners: After my recovery the foot strike you hear behind you could be mine!

I think that I noted in a previous post that I fear the dental hygienist and all others in lab coats so I am amazed that I want to do this. Do you think this is a sign of insanity or the desire for something better? I think the latter.

Marguerite are you still looking at the same time frame? Keep us posted.

Thanks to all for the support.
Philip

 

[Philip]

Debbi,
Sorry I have taken so long to respond to your questions...no good excuse
I live in suburbia, Harahan to be more specific, 4.2 miles up-river from Ochsner. Yes you spelled it correctly. Ochsner was a great running landmark for me when I could actually run that far. There is a large bend in the river at Ochsner with few trees separating the levee from the river. On those hot summer runs you could always feel a bit of a cool breeze off the river at that point, very refreshing. Now I have become distracted and emotional...sorry. I hope to be able to make those runs again some day!
Lulling seems to be one of those towns where everyone knows each-other. Do you know the Ockmans?
Thanks for confirming my sanity.
Philip