Returning member working up nerve to post

[bibliophile]

I was a very active member for a couple of years, starting in 2000 when I was diagnosed with CHF. I received my mitral valve replacement in December 2000, surgeon Dr. Ott, cardio Dr. Hogan. I was supported so wonderfully by this board. Along the way I have gotten so caught up in the job I started that same year and dropped out of most other groups I was maintaining. I feel bad because I should have been giving back the support I received. Anyway, I am back. I used to sign on as Mary Ann, I think. I changed to my favorite nickname, bibliophile because I love books.

I was prompted to come back by my needs for fellowship and information and I do have a couple of questions which I will post when I quit feeling so presumptious. Right now, just wanted to say hello to everyone. I remember many of the names I see still posting from my previous time as a board member. To others...let me say there is certainly life after surgery as you can read here. I maintain a very hectic schedule including lots of travel and give thanks every single day for a second chance at life. Thanks for letting me come back!--Mary Ann /Bibliophile

 

[Christina L]

Mary Ann,

Let me be one of the first to welcome you back to the site. Goodness, don't feel bad about leaving the board for a couple of years.

Sometimes I feel like running away from all this heart valve stuff and I haven't had my surgery yet!! - will be the first of November - at the Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Cosgrove, to have my mitral valve repaired or replaced.

I think it is good to take a break from things for a while and try not to "become" your valve malady, if that makes any sense. Sometimes the best medicine is to get back into life and try to think of other things besides your woes.

I will be anxious to hear from you and hear what advice and words of wisdom you can give to us newbies on the site.

Thank God for your newfound health and vigor for life after your surgery.

Thank YOU for coming back on-line to help others.

Sincerely,

Chris

 

[hensylee]

Well, hey, Mary Ann - you didn't leave us; you just took a side trip for a little while. Welcome back. We missed you, you know. Now you just gotta catch up. You missed Chapter 35, 36, 37, 38..........

 

[JimL]

Welcome fellow bibliophile! I too like the name -- it sounds a lot better than book worm. I just acquired a nice set of eight volumes published in 1860, and never been read.

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Mary Ann,
Welcome back, it sounds like you are doing very well since your surgery. There are a lot of us working and hoping to get to that point. Glad you are to share with others.
Take Care

Dave
__________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical
Heart Center of the Rockies

 

[ShezaGirlie]

Hey stranger....

Hey stranger....

Welcome back Mary Ann....good to see you.

Mary Ann and I had lunch in San Antonio year before last....or longer ago? Can't remember, but MA you'll recognize this pic..!

 

[Gnusgal]

Hey! I had one of my pacemakers put in by Dr. Ott down in Houston when I was about 13 years old. Don't really remember much about him, but he did a good job. Nice to have you here!

BTW- I'm a huge book lover too. I'm actually going back to school to become a librarian (currently a teacher). One of my favorite book related quotes is by Groucho Marx: "Outside of a dog, books are man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." So true! (and I love dogs!)

 

[hensylee]

Janie and Mary Ann - y'all are so lovely.

 

[Nan]

Welcome back Mary Ann, I too was absent for quite a while. Great picture of you and Janie...thanks Janie for posting that!!!

 

[Nancy]

Hi Mary Ann-

Glad you came back to join us. Hope you stay around and enjoy some of our snappy patter, LOL

 

[LUVMyBirman]

Hi Mary Ann!

Happy you found your way back home to your VR.com family. We sure did miss you. Keep those posts coming!

 

[Bill Hall]

Mary Ann - Great to hear from you again. I had my valves done in Jan 2001, and remember you. It's like we are from the same graduation class.

 

[Rain]

There you are!

There you are!

Maryann!!

How you doin? girlfriend?! It?s so nice to hear from you and know you are doing well.

Sara and I have been reading Lois Lowry books. We've really enjoyed reading them together.

I graduated ?mechanical? in 00 too!!

 

[EVELYN]

Hello Maryann and welcome back


I joined while you were gone, but know what a wonderful place this is, too. Glad you're back on board.

Evelyn

 

[bibliophile]

Thanks so much

Thanks so much

for the big welcome! I certainly remember you Janie, Rain, Nancy, Hensylee, and Bill. Bill, I do remember that we were close together in our surgeries. Janie, I enjoyed seeing the picture again. I will be back in SA this spring...wanna do it again? Rain, how is your family? I am glad you like Lois Lowry. When you get through with her books, there are lots of other great authors to enjoy. Reading with your kids is great regardless of their ages. Hensylee, I always appreciate your optimism. Nancy I sure hope both of you are OK. And thanks so much to the welcoming messages from folks who became active while I was gone. Gnusgal, we have lots in common. Chrystal, my replacement was the mitral too. Having it done in November will put you in the mood for a grateful Thanksgiving and Christmas. I came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve 2000--what a great homecoming! Thanks for the kind words, Nan, Fyrftr, Evelyn, Gina, and JimL. Jim, I see books in your picture...great! I really appreciate all the friendliness and good will. Naturally I do have a couple of questions and will post them in a day or so. First I just want to contribute a little. It feel good to be back!