Theresa's Posts

Hi everyone, I was reflecting on my two year anniversary, when I remembered I forgot to post. Well that tells you how far I have come...in the past it would be natural to be on here all the time. With healing comes changes, and you never forget what this site has done for you, but you pass the torch to new members to carry the support forward. Thank you so much Adam for all you have done for all of us. Also, I have received the email stating that Kelly has died. I am so saddened by this news. My heart breaks for her loved ones, and you will be in my prayers. I went to church today to give thanks for my life on this earth, and I lit two candles . Kelly was remembered in my prayers and intentions. May her light shine on!,, Finally, a brief update. I am doing great. I am exercising and losing a little weight. I am feeling fantastic and will be going for my yearly echo soon. I think of everyone often and wish continued good health in spite of any obstacles you may encounter. To those approaching surgery, there has been so many success stories on here....embrace them, use the support offered, do everything you can do to remain calm...meditation tapes, prayer etc. Empower yourself with knowledge, and then surrender the control to God and your surgeon. You are in great hands! Good luck! Theresa

Hello Everyone, Today marks my one year anniversary for mitral valve repair surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital NYC with Dr. David Adams. Last year at this time I was undergoing the surgery and my family was anxiously waiting. I have been reflecting on all of this and amazed that my journey has traveled this far. I was trying to think of something really inspirational to say on this day, but decided that our stories are the inspiration for all who have begun their journey. Adam has started a chain by linking all of us through this site, and the chain is strengthened by each link of a new member who shares their story. This chain can not be broken for we are forever connected by friendship, shared memories, and our most intimate feelings. The chain is strong because we are strong and together we will make it through this journey together. Even though I do not post, I still check the site often to see how everyone is doing. I am doing great, and can honestly say this surgery has changed my life. I am so thankful to all who have helped me through their stories on this site, Adam for starting the chain, and to my surgeon and all the wonderful people at Mt. Sinai Hospital. I know that there are those struggling with anxiety and fear, of course this is understandable. We each can only add our experience without judging the feelings of others. If I could share one thing, I would say I just accepted my fate with the help of the relaxation tapes. This was totally not me, I was a nervous wreck when my daughter had open heart surgery, and when my husband was seriously injured by a drunk driver. I surrendered totally to the outcome and gave up that I controlled it. This was hard because I am the type that does not like flying because I am not in control of the aircraft. I just thought I can't change this so I will hope for the best and I will either wake up or...I had an easy recovery compared to a lot of people, with a fast heart rate as my most worrisome problem. Please do not think I am judging anyone, I am sharing my experience. There were many people who shared my experience such as Duane. Duane is a man of faith, way ahead of me in how he lives his life, yet he faced every challenge possible...and he made it! The point is we each try to make it through this experience o our terms, and in our way...all we can do is share the steps we took to complete our journey. If we help someone along the way, we have done our job. Good luck to all on this site, remember the odds are so strongly in your favor. Remember the power of prayer, because we all pray for each other, and remember there is strength in numbers..and Adam has forever linked us together and the chain will never be broken! Thank you to all who have shared this journey! Take Care, Theresa Callanan Howell NJ