Sophie's Posts

❤️ Wow. I can't believe it has been two years already. I am so blessed and thankful for this anniversary of my open heart surgery with Dr. David Adams and team, and for the outstanding work they did repairing my Barlow's Mitral Valve and Tricuspid Valve. Yesterday I was given the opportunity to go to NYC with a friend for her consultation with Dr. Adams for a MVR. It was almost surreal to go trace my steps from two years ago. It brought so many emotions back to me and I can't tell you how blessed I was to be there for her as so many were there to support me. She has decided that this will be the best decision for her. I am so impressed with the amount of time the team spent with us going over all her questions. I was also thankful to see Dr. Adams again. I am a sign painter so I brought him a sign that refers to him as a Mitral Valve Repair Extraordinaire" it was nice to see all the same people in the office like Therese King and Jose and the assistant surgeons too. I am also happy my friend is in the best hands, but I also understand how nervous she is. Well earlier this week I decided to take our pony for a walk because the weather was beautiful. We have had so much cold and snow in the northeast and the driveway was finally showing. Well. she, having barn fever, decided to kick me right in the sternum. It almost took my breath away and I thought I would pass out. I did not , but the adrenaline was pumping! The first thing I though of was my sternotomy. It felt really sore but sound. I ended up going to my cardiologist on Monday to have my heart checked. Dr. Franklin ran all the testing to make sure all was well. Thankfully it was! Glad I didn't get kicked in the face or teeth! My sternum held up perfectly. Earlier this year at my visit with Dr. Franklin I had an echocardiogram. I was so happy to hear that my repair was one of the best he has ever seen. This is amazing considering how mishapen my valve was. I needed a size 36 annuoplasty ring. Overall I feel absolutely great! I have been keeping up with exercise and I am thankful for the endurance I now have! My scar is fading and it's almost hard to see now. I am still covering it with lots of sunblock out in the sun which hasn't been lately as we are still buried in snow! When I look at it I am so thankful. It is the visible evidence of God's grace and healing in my life and says "I love you " to my family. After losing my dad, I could hear the memory of him telling me to me to go to the cardiologist. I felt fine although unbeknownst to me some damage to my left ventricle had already occurred. When I was around 19 a medical professional heard a slight murmur but then attributed it to athletic heart. If I would have been diagnosed it's possible that I would have had a replacement as the repairing was not yet common. All the damage has been healed! What a journey this has been. I am so greatful to be able to support others through their journeys and glad I have the strength - physical and emotional- to do so. my favorite verse for my heart surgery follows: Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.... If you are going through recovery you will get stronger and stronger each day! I am still overwhelmed with all the wonderful people who helped us during our time of need. All the encouragement, prayers and support will always be remembered. Praying for all who are facing these tough times in your life. Remember Romans 5:3-5 "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts ❤️ through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. " My hope has increased in all of this and my trust in God has also grown. He never left me through this whole thing and I saw Him in so many of those around me who cared for me and my family! Here's to Two! (not the terrible type) Sophie

It was such a blessing to return to Mount Sinai with a friend yesterday for her consultation with Dr. Adams. I am thankful to be able to go with my friend because I know what she is going through and hope to comfort her. Two years ago today I had my open