Thankful

[Christina L]

Hello everyone,

I lurk here on the board pretty much every day although you may not know it!

As most of you know, I had mitral valve repair last November 6, 2003.

I just saw my cardiologist this morning after having had a 24-hour Holter monitor last week. My cardiologist says my heart still is going "lub-dub" and he had a big grin on his face (he is not known for that mind you) - he told me there were very few PACs on my Holter monitor which as you know I had been having trouble with PACs several weeks ago. I still have them, but am now on Zebeta for my anxiety (almost entirely off the Ativan and on no antidepressants) and the Zebeta also helps with the PACs.

What I wanted to tell you all is that my card (Dr. Larson) does not want to see me back for SIX MONTHS!! He told me to have a nice summer. I wanted to hug him but felt that wasn't appropriate.

I am not leaving this board by any means - I love to hear all the success stories and hope to help the newbies who will be going through heart surgery, especially mitral valve surgery or are having their surgery in Cleveland. Anyone who has any questions, please feel free to PM me. I also look so forward to the VR.com get together in Golden, Colorado this coming October -to meet the people who so unselfishly encouraged me to make it through - wish you would be there Ross!!

I want to thank God, my gifted unbelievable surgeon, Dr. Cosgrove, and my cardiologist for referring me to Dr. Cosgrove, plus all of you, Wayne, and my family...for helping me get through this ordeal. It has been quite the experience and I am being cautiously optimistic right now - even though I have been told that this repair will last me indefinitely (if not my lifetime), only God knows the future.

Have a great day everyone -

Christina L.
This is me -

 

[Ross]

Christina remember how I told you about Toby and I having donuts and coffee and discussing your surgery, that he was 99% sure he could fix your valve and not replace it? Well God and I had donuts and coffee this morning and we were discussing your case. He said to tell you to stop worrying, your going to outlive Moses!

 

[tommy]

Christine,

Great news!
It's hard to believe that it has been six months.

 

[Karlynn]

Christine,
Congratulations on your success. Just think about how cheerful you'll be at your year anniversary!

 

[Nancy]

What terrific news, Christina! I see a beautiful summer coming up for you. It's long overdue.

 

[catwoman]

Great news!

Great news!

Christina:

What marvelous news! You deserve it, too.

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi christina!
i haven't been around much, but your post was such a great one to come back to.
congratulations! i am so thrilled for you !
stay well, sylvia

 

[Creed3]

Christina!
That is such good news. I was just thinking of you today while driving and was going to check to see how you were doing. Seeing your post this evening made me day. Congrats.

Take Care!
Gail

 

[Abbanabba]

Great to hear things are going so well Christine Hope you enjoy all the summer has to bring.

Cheers
Anna : )

 

[M&M]

Christina, This is fantastic news and I'm so happy for you - its always nice to hear 'happy' endings. You had a great cardiac team and a positive attitude and well its now paying off. I hope I do as well as you have when I have my surgery. You've been a real inspiration to me. Please do stay in touch. Have a happy summer !!! JUST THINK SIX MONTHS !!!! WOW.

Marilyn

 

[epstns]

Christina,

Thanks so much for sharing -- even better that it's a great report! Six months -- time goes fast, doesn't it? That you're doing so well shows that everyone was right -- someone was and is watching over you.

Stay well, enjoy!

 

[SJJ]

Christina,
I'm just delighted to hear that things are going so well for you. I know you've been through some difficult times so it's especially nice to see that your cardio gave you such a good report. Congratulations! Now go out and enjoy the Spring show of blooms and blossoms. I have a giant Snowball bush outside my kitchen window that's just about to pop into the peak of its glory.
Sue

 

[Christina L]

Thanks so much everyone for your kind words of encouragement and congratulations.

And Ross, if God told you I am going to live as long as Moses, just how many years is that??? AND, you made me cry AGAIN! It's been a while.

Have a wonderful day everyone! You are the BEST and I am so blessed to have you as friends.

Christina L.

 

[Ross]

900+ years, is that long enough? God just asked me to ask you if that's o.k. or if you want your money back?

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Christina,
I am glad to hear how well you are doing. Thanks for sharing with us.

I too, am looking forward to meeting you at the Reunion in Oct. in Golden, and meeting all those that were in Chicago and meeting all the new members that will be attending.

I hope you stay in touch.

Take Care

 

[Christina L]

Ross,

900 years is just about right. Tell God I'll take the years as long as they are good ones!!

Christina L.

 

[Christina L]

HOWEVER, 900 years is a long time to go without seeing my Mom and Dad and all my family again, and to meet God and live in complete peace and happiness.

Hmmmm....I will have to think about this one. Maybe I will take 90 years instead. Ask God if 90 is okay.

Christina L.

 

[Ross]

He said that would be fine. He doesn't do refunds anyway.

 

[Christina L]

Ross,

Thanks for the help with God!

Dave,

I will be anxious to meet you in Golden. October will be here before we know it! Thanks for your kind words also.

Mark,

Great news for you, too!! So glad you are off the Prozac. Try B vitamins, fish oil capsules and magnesium for your depression. I think you will get through the depression without having to be on anything. Yes, I am feeling pretty good considering what I (we) have been through. I consider it all a real miracle. I know you do, too.

Christina L.

 

[KathyH]

Christina,
You sound great! I'm glad you are doing so well.
Kathy H