The Date is Set!

[Fernac911]

Hey Everyone,

Today I met with my surgeon and set the date (2/18) to have an AVR. I have so many mixed feelings. I'm happy and scared at the same time. I'm sure a lot of you know what I mean.

I want to say thank you to everyone for sharing their story and taking the time to reply to my messages--it means a lot!

I'll be sure to post more about my experience as the time comes.

-Fern

 

[mbeard]

Fern,

I have many of these mixed feelings as well. I want you to know that I am super impressed with your positive outlook on life and the challenges it presents us.

Good fortune to you,

Mbeard

 

[mbeard]

I would love to hear your dr. In Houston . That is where I went for a second opinion. We plan to go back there.

 

[mom2angel]

Congrats on getting your date set! You will do great, and you will be so happy when it is over. It's understandable to have fears, but it will all be worth it. So happy for you.

 

[ottagal]

That is wonderful news you got a date! Now you can focus on making plans leading up to and after your surgery. I, too had the same feelings as you. It will be good to have it 'behind' you and before you know it, it WILL be behind you.
All the best..

 

[jhc1]

Good luck Fern! The second thoughts are nothing to be concerned about…I had them up to the point that I was sedated for my surgery…I would go through bouts of "what the heck am I letting them do to me", which would quickly pass. The docs and other professionals at the Texas Medical Center are some of the best in the world, and will take great care of you. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow!

Joe

 

[MrsBray]

Yay! I mean, Whoa! Well, you know what I mean. Now you can plan your pre- and post-surgery! have you read the book "Coping with Heart Surgery" by Pimm et al? I just finished it and handed it off to my husband. It's relieved a bunch of my anxiety.

 

[Mentu]

Hi, Fern, by now you know that we have all shared your misgivings. I can tell you that not one of the things I worried about before the AVR ever happened and I had a pretty long list. Instead, by the time I awoke with a clear head, I felt better than I had in a long time and things got better from there. You will be surprised at how quickly you recover and get on with your life. After all, isn't that the whole point? The terrible thing that is happening to you is the failure of your heart valve; you are fortunate to live in a time and place where surgery is your doorway to the future. Things will go better than you expect.

Larry

 

[neil]

fern ditto to whats been said above,you will do just fine,

 

[ski girl]

I think we all get second thoughts at some point - mine arrived the night before surgery when I was sobbing uncontrollably surrounded by a pile of snotty tissues saying 'I DON'T WANT TO BE CUT OPEN!' over and over again. The nurses couldn't understand a word I was saying. I look back now and laugh - you will too. Best of luck from down under!!

 

[jhowe]

Hi Fern,

I understand what your going through as I also have an AVR scheduled for 2/5. The feelings are mixed as you say.

I am lucky that I work in the medical field and have access to many nurses. They continue to tell me not to worry that this surgery has become so common and done every day. They continue to tell me that I am young (58) and in overall good health. Dispite there good intensions, I continue to feel anxious about my upcoming event.

The people in this forum are great. Up until now, I have only read there stories and find them inspiring.

I wish you well and a quick recovery.

Jim

 

[Seanskx]

Hi Fern,

I am going to have my AVR on the 17 Feb which is one day earlier. I totally understand how you felt currently. I guess everyone face through the same stage.

Anyway all the best and wish you a quick recovery!

 

[epstns]

Fern - The toughest part is almost over. You don't have long to wait. Don't allow yourself to second-guess any of the decisions you have made. You did your best, made your choices, and now all you have to do is do it.

Have you planned your wild post-surgery party?