Cheryl's Posts

Today is the 15th anniversary of my mitral valve repair. Perhaps history someday might show that the many years I waited for my surgery put undue stress causing leakage of two of my other valves. I continue to read posts from members, Adam's newsletters for advancements in treatments and valve surgeries. Very special are the friends I met here as we supported each other through our surgeries and some of those are now lifelong relationships. I thank Adam for his insight in the development of this site and the constant work he puts in to help others learn about their surgeries and at the same time get comfort from knowing they aren't alone. Good health to all and all the best to Adam and his family. I still say - "life is good on pills", lol.

On Oct 1st, I celebrated my 10th mitral valve repair anniversary. My repair is holding well and I’ve always said, “life is great on pills”! I have two other leaky valves and my cardiologist hopes I outlive the need for a further surgery. Naturally, I haven’t pinned him down to an anticipated expiration date. It’s funny how this particular surgery, heart surgery, surpasses all others in that we mark and celebrate each and every year. I met and remain close friends with several people from the HVJ site, and in February, next year, once again, we plan on getting together to celebrate all of our 10th anniversaries. Well, not quite all. Our dear friend, and mentor, Fran Zilko, passed away just over a year ago but her husband, Peter, will ever remain in our circle, and will of course, join us in our celebration. I met Adam just as he was opening this site and everyone of us has to reflect and acknowledge the support, and comfort we received from joining in, and being there for each other. Belonging to this remarkable group made my own recovery so much easier, knowing I wasn’t going through this alone. I am fortunate that my caregiver and husband was there for me, but there were some things I didn’t wish to share with him, such as my fears and insecurities about “what if”. Here I found vital input, information and friendship every day, before and after my surgery. Even now, ten years later, I still regularly check in and read up on what’s new, and there is always something new. Adam is truly an amazing person, using his talent, insight and personal experience to aid in the support and subsequent recoveries of now, thousands of individuals, and their caregivers, who are going through heart valve surgeries. Adam has built the HVJ site to an astounding diverse, and widespread community where we can share, and compare notes and procedures, and I for one, am totally proud to be a member. Adam, I thank you for your innovation in the HVJ site and for the individual input you have given over the years. Bless you and your dear family. You really are a superstar! Thank you. Thank you. Cheryl, Ontario