Vicki's Posts

May 19 was a nerve-wracking day. Thankfully I was the first operation of Dr. Abouzelam's day, so not a lot of time to dwell on the impending operation. One Valium-fueled ride to the OR and three hours of surgery later, and I had a shiny new aortic valve. I made quick and steady progress and was released on May 22, a day after my 50th birthday. Other than some tinkering with my anti-coag medication, I have all good reports two weeks post-op and expected fatigue, I am getting stronger every day. Praise God, and true gratitude and thanks to Dr. Zenoun Abouzelam, PA-C Jonathan Nelson and the entire team at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton WI.

My surgery is coming up quickly -- bright and early Friday morning! It seems I have a bazillion things to do yet in preparation, but the reality is that I have few. Subconsciously, I feel like if I finish up my "to do" list I have to admit that this is actually happening, and that terrifies me on some level. It is, after all, Open. Heart. Surgery. I trust my surgeon and his team, but more importantly, I trust God and I know if He brought me to it He'll bring me through it. In my shaky moments (like tonight), though, It gives me great peace of mind to read your stories of anxiety and success. Thank you, my heart fam!