Really getting close now

[STUDLY37]

I have not posted since my first thread just kinda been reading and trying to keep a clear head. This all has been so overwhelming at times. I went for my pre opp testing yesterday. Man I get so nervous at times I feel like I will pass out. You all have got me thru some tuff times without even knowing it. I have learned so much about everthing to do with this valve stuff and warfarin that I feel I will be able to handle my part of the healing process. One thing I would never guessed was how bad some of you have been cared for on the warfarin. Is it really that bad out there, it kinda scares me. I plan on self testing in the future for sure. Well I am set to have my AVR on Jan 3 at St. PETERS in ALBANY NY by surgeon Ed bennot. The hospital has an excellent reputation along with the surgeon so that kinda gives me some peace. One thing I have learned so far is that I kinda was living in bubble. I never would have guessed that there are so many strong caring people living right next door or as close as my keyboard. I feel like I am part of a new family. I have always been close to my family but to see my older brother and sisters all doing there best to help me makes me determined to fully recover for them. I am kinda concerned about my DAD he is 76 born on christmas day. I am not sure how he will handle all of this. Thank you all so much for your help and GOD bless all of you.

 

[Mary]

The worry and waiting for surgery is the worst part. I can remember times when I thought I would faint dead away when I thought about what was ahead of me.
Thankfully, the surgery is not nearly as bad as what one imagines.
It's a tough journey for awhile, but time passes, and you will make steady progress in your recovery.
Hang in there; you have us to lean on. That's the source of our strength.

 

[Phyllis]

It will all be over before you know it and I am sure you will have a great recovery. Don't forget to have someone try to post for you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[WendyD]

Hi there!
Hang in there,the op is going to be over before you know it and soon you will be posting and telling us how well it has all gone.
Hope that your dad had a lovely birthday on Chrismas Day.
Try and keep yourself busy in these next few days ( We know it's easier said than done ! )
Wishng you all the very best for your surgery and hoping that 2006
brings you lots of good health
Get someone to post for you and let us all know how you are doing
Kindest regards
Ernie & Wendy

 

[Cris N]

Actually I would say you're doing quite well, all things considered. Sounds like things are rolling along and I'm happy to hear you've got a good family network. Don't know if you've made arrangements but we do like it when a family member or friend is able to come here & give us a report after the surgery.

Dad??? he's probably stronger than you think - he raised you after all!

I'm glad you found this site and have had a chance to become better informed about the whole process, especially the warfarin issue. An educated patient is a safer patient!

Now, think back to a week ago... seems like it went by in a flash doesn't it. Next week at this time it'll all be over. Well, except for the recovery - but you should be headed in the up direction.

Do something good for yourself this weekend, but don't overdo it

Cris

 

[STUDLY37]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks for the kind words so much. They mean so much to me. My uncle who had a mitral valve repair a few years ago came over to lend his support. It is great to have so many friends at this time. I fell pretty good about what is about to happen. Kinda weird to say that but thank GOD they can do so much for us these days. I will try to get someone to post progress reports but that may be hard because my family is kinda computer shy. Thanks again for the advise and concern.

 

[hensylee]

Studly, you have found the most caring site on the net. The members are kind and experienced. Many doctors could learn from this site, I am sure. You will find stuff here they never think of - such as how to sleep when you get home! And the 'don't sneeze' part.

We know that since you have been studying VR, you have much knowledge to carry you on through. Is someone going to let us know how you are doing once you get through the surgery. We hope so because we worry til we know you are over the mountain. Blessins.....

 

[susieq14]

Just wanted to add my good thoughts and best wishes as you deal with the prep for your surgery this week-end. You will have my prayers as well that your surgery and recovery go smoothly.

Take Care!
Sue

 

[ultimategirl63]

Hi there,
my mom will be having the surgery at St. Peters also on Jan 23rd by Doctor Dal Col I also have heard only good things about that hopital and the Doctors there.. I will be Praying for you...Speedy recovery and let us know how your doing..

 

[Glenda]

By reading your post I know that you will do just fine. Remember we are here for you in thought and prayers. You will be on the other side of the mountain before you know it and from there it just gets better and better. Hugs coming your way.

 

[blessed1416]

God bless you and your sweet Dad

God bless you and your sweet Dad

You must really be a caring person to be going through what you are experiencing, yet you are worried about how your Dad will do. I'm sure it is tough on him to see you needing heart surgery and he would be in your shoes if he could. The love that you have for each other will give you the motivation to push on. I found that when my parents were living, and they saw me sick, an inner strength seemed to take over and I was able put "mind over matter" in control. I pray that you will do fine on your surgery and will be thinking and praying for you on January 3. God bless you!!

 

[Georgia]

Studly - hope you have a good New Year's Eve - drink and eat hearty - you won't want to eat much for a few weeks after surgery. Mostly everything tastes like dirt for a while.

RE: your dad - folks don't get to be 76 without getting pretty tough. They have a lot of experience worrying and dealing with concerns about their kids. He does need to know before the surgery so he can be prepared. My mom's quite elderly and frankly, one of the hardest things I had to do when I was ill (both cancer and ohs) was tell her I was sick. And you know, she was just fine.

My very best wishes go with you into surgery. I'm sure you'll do fine. Attitude is of the utmost importance, so keep in mind that all of that is temporary and is definitely for your own good. This is going to keep you alive and well, so it's truly a blessing.

Best of luck, lots of prayers!

 

[dogfir59]

Hello Studly,
First of all, let me wish you good luck with your surgery. I had my AVR done on June 21st at St. Peter's Hospital by Dr. DalCol. I was fortunate enough to have minimal evasive surgery ( so I don't have the zipper scar). I chose to have the bovine valve put in. The staff at St. Peter's is great. I unfortunately ended up with a pneumothorax (sp?) (Air leak in the lung). It didn't want to seal so my stay ended up being 15 days. I did see alot of temps on the weekends though. Not the same care as the regular staff, but I did have great care. Well, good luck and have someone post for you as soon as they can. We do worry about everyone in here.
Jeff (dogfir)

 

[STUDLY37]

Thanks

Thanks

The help I have recieved here has given me a lot of strenght and hope. Thanks also for the concern for my dad. When I was just six years old our mom passed leaving my dad with 4 kids. He raised us by himself, me being the youngest. To me he is both mother and father. He has given up so much for us this situation hurts me most that he has to worry about me. I guess love and family are funny like that. I am gonna give this my best effort for both of are sakes. It is gonna be hard at times but we will get thru it. I hope all of you the best for this coming year. And may GOD bless all of us.

 

[Praline]

Good wishes going your way

Good wishes going your way

I am new to this site. Right now I am in limbo for mitral valve surgery, I am going January 4th to see a cardiologist for a second opinion. So I can surely understand your anxiety. I want to send positive thoughts your way. Next week at this time you will be over the mountain as they say on this site.And in a few weeks I will probably be looking for you to reassure me when it's my turn.

 

[baldstuart]

Waiting is the hardest part. Everything will be fine and before you know it you will just be working on getting well. This website is a GODSEND. We knew nothing before we joined and have had so much support and knowledge sent our way. It's nice to know you aren't alone. Best wishes for a uneventful surgery. Keep us posted. Stuart and Patti

 

[RandyL]

Good Luck! I know you will be fine. I am right behind you on the 5th