Jennifer's Posts

It's 8 years since today since I had my mitral valve replacement surgery on 31 May 2017 in Auckland New Zealand. Time has certainly gone fast with a few challenges along the way. I left my job in 2019 to care for my Dad and I lost him to cancer in 2021. In 2022 my husband became very ill and I had a few health issues myself. He is improving now thankfully. I also lost a good friend and neighbour in 2023. At my last echo in 2023 everything looked good and my mechanical valve was working well. I still walk each day and am generally reasonably healthy. Since the surgery I have had four holidays in Australia. I went to Sydney in 2018 with my sister to see my niece, to the Gold Coast in 2018 with my husband to see his cousin, to Melbourne in 2023 with a friend for a holiday and to Sydney in 2024 with my sister to see my niece again. I feel fortunate to have had these lovely trips. Today I just did some just some shopping and I went to a fabulous Art exhibition at my local art gallery. I love art and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this exhibition. I feel like I've changed since the surgery especially in my thinking and I appreciate more the time I spend with my husband, friends and family and doing the things I love.

Today I celebrate 5 years since my mitral valve heart surgery on 31 May 2017. Although it's awhile ago it's not something I'll ever forget. There were many positives my great surgeon who was highly skilled and did a maze procedure at the same time which fixed my AF, all the kind caring doctors and nurses that cared for me before and after surgery. My husband who visited me everyday and was there by my side when I woke up after surgery. My late Dad who visited and phoned regularly and other family and friends that visited and made contact. I was so blessed. I am glad in a way to have had the surgery because it changed the way I think about life. The last 3 years have been a bit rocky I cared for my elderly Dad for 2 .5 years and lost him to cancer last December. It was a difficult time but I'm glad he could stay in his own home until the end as he wished. Two months after he passed away my husband became very ill and went into hospital he was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. Thankfully he is now stable and doing well. We had a lovely dinner out together tonight. My plans for the future are yet to be decided in terms of work etc. I am trying at the moment to just enjoy what I love doing, going for walks along the beach, reading, painting, meeting up with friends and spending time with my husband. I have also been able to provide some support for my elderly neighbour with recent heart issues.❤️ 😊

It's 4 years today since my heart surgery to replace my mitral valve with a new mechanical valve. It feels a bit like a distant memory now. I continue to walk everyday and care for my elderly father which keeps me busy and presents a few challenges. I am fit and healthy apart from having migraine headaches a couple of times a month. I don't think the same way I did before the surgery and have become a more assertive determined person. I am pleased about these positive changes in me which most likely would not have occurred had I not gone through the surgery experience. I had a nice lunch out today with my husband who is off work after a serious wrist surgery 8 weeks ago which is healing well.