horrible 6 month check up..

[sylviayasgur]

hi!
joey and i are totally numb.we both feel like crying, but it just won't come.
joey had an echo done last week and today we were told that his aortic valve has a moderate to severe leak! he will be going for a tee in the next few weeks and then we will go from there. we will also be consulting with dr. stelzer who did the surgery to see what he has to say.
all this time i've been reading about other rp's (right here on this forum!!) having the same problem, even others done by dr. stelzer!!! i was praying joey wouldn't be one of them and here we are....
his cardio says it could be one of two things. either a stitch or two has come loose or the valve is failing. does anyone know if they'd have to open him up again to fix a stitch? my guess is they would, right?
it's been such a long haul. he's been running and doing push-ups and had a feeling that he should be feeling better than he is (even though he is feeling so much better than pre-surgery).
amazing how atune to his body this man is!
well, there you go. never a dull moment.
hope you are all getting better news than this and that you are all feeling well and getting better with each new day.
pray for us, please!
God bless,
sylvia

[mainframe]

Sylvia,

You and Joey are in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris

[Johnny Stephens]

Sylvia, I'll be pulling for you both during this difficult time. All the best and let us know how things go along the way.

-- Johnny

[Nancy]

Sylvia-

I'm so sorry you guys have to go through such a difficult time. My Joe, as you might know sprung a leak in his mechanical mitral valve. It was repaired with 2 stitches. The heart port method was used which was through the lung area. Since he had already had two other surgeries through the sternum, this was a much better deal for him.

I'm not sure if this could work for aortic valves, but it's worth asking about.

The surgery time is about the same, but the healing time is improved.

God bless.

[RobThatsMe]

Sylvia,

Just to let you know, You and Joe will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the doctors have promising news for you after the tests.

There will be many of us here pulling for you and Joe. Just remember, we are here for you both. Stay positive !

Rob

[sylviayasgur]

thank you, thank you, thank you all!!!
you have all held my hand from the beginning and i am so grateful to have you all supporting us in such a big way.
i will let you know as soon as joey has his tee (and i'll chat along the way).
again, thank you for being there always.
God bless you all,
sylvia

[Jessica_B.]

I will think about you and Joey in the coming weeks! I hope things will show not to be as bad as initially thought... And if they are, that you will have the strenghth to see it through!

All my very best, many many hugs,

/Jessica

[hensylee]

Dear Sylvia - You both went through this difficult surgery with thoughts of it 'being over' when it was over. We all did. Sometimes we don't get that lucky, as we see in here from time to time, and as you are now going through. Please don't draw your conclusions yet - it is very likely fixable with much less danger than the first time. Go ahead and cry - it's ok to cry, you know. Then lift your head high and just do what is next. You will do whatever you need to do and we can only stand by with you and offer our prayers and support. We are always here to listen and to cry with you. Please keep faith in your hearts. God bless.

[Mb]

I just wanted to add our best wishes to you both. I agree with the other posts here, that he most likely is in a situation that will be much improved in time....although it does sound like he needs a "fix".

I know how disappointed you both must feel. My husband Wayne had double valves done in October, and somehow we thought he would be much better than he is by now.......He is going for a stress-echo next week due to his heart rate going as high as 200.

Crying.......? Go ahead. I didn't cry through most of it, but every Sunday, at Mass. almost without fail, I fill up. Some days worse than others. Mostly in thanks for His looking out for us. And, He is looking out for both of you.

Our best wishes on the upcoming tests, etc.

Wayne and Marybeth

[sylgeren]

Hi Sylvia, just read all the posts, and you must be feeling the worst. I to have worried that something like this would happen to me, and I still pray it doesn't. No one can even feel the way you must right now. I can say you have all of us for support and more if you need it. I never was a prayer person before my surgery , but now I know it's the only way. I will be praying for the both of you. Keep in touch, and stay strong. It will be OK,I'll be looking for updates from you. Sylvia

[Jean]

Ah Sylvia...I am only wise enough to add my support and love to what all these wise people have said. Cry your tears and hang onto each other and then walk brave because all our love and prayers are there for you two. Keep us posted...we do wonder.

[Mara]

Sylvia and Joey-
I am stunned! I thought Joey was doing great. Ugh, what a drag. I can't even imagine how low Joey must feel. Please know that I am thinking of you both and sending good thoughts your way. i hope everything works out for the best. I can't even believe this news! What a blow. Please let us know what Stelzer has to say.

We RPers have to stick together!
-mara

[bruizer]

Hi Sylvia and Joey,

I am so sorry to hear about Joey's valve. I had the Ross Procedure on Dec. 27, 2000 by Dr. Vaughn Starnes who was Arnold Schartzenegger's surgeon. I had no symptons prior to the surgery running 4 miles a day, 6 days a week. Four months after the surgery, I saw my cardiologist for a final check up and they discovered my valve was leaking in the moderate to severe range. I had no symptons and was running 3 miles a day. The surgeon said that one of the leaflets had prolapsed. He thought there was a chance he could repair it but would not know until he opened me up again. I was devastated. I got a second opinion from Dr. Bruce Reitz, the head of Stanford University's cardiothoracic surgery department and he said I should not have surgery yet since I have no symptons and the leakage only extends 2-3 cm. into the left ventricle. He felt that the valve would be relative stable for quite some time. It turns out he was right. I just saw my cardio last week and the leakage has remained unchanged. My cardio says that we will monitor it and have another echo done in 6 months. I am on offload medication and feel fine. The surgeon says that it is to my advantage to wait before having another surgery due to the scar tissue. It is his opinion that as long as the leakage remains moderate (which is his opinion of the regurgitation) I should not have surgery. I hope this helps. Please feel free to email me if you need some more information. You'll be in my prayers.
God Bless.

[sylviayasgur]

what would i do without the support you give to me???
you have all been so wonderful all along and i'm not surprised to find you there when i need you so much now.
thank you all. you have no idea what this means to me.
right now joey and i feel so disappointed. what was it he said? ..."now i know what it must feel like to be a cancer patient and not have the chemo work" (but not that bad though, because this is fixable)
joey is going on a golf outing next week and wouldn't hear of cancelling. the week after are the holidays and the week after is the week joey is having his tee (april 5th). we are then meeting with dr. stelzer on the 9th to see what he says.
i will be here checking on the rest of you, making sure that you're all okay while we wait for those dates to come.
hopefully it will only be a stitch that has come loose as opposed to the valve not working and leaking and needing replacement again. maybe they'll just monitor joey and he won't have to have this done immediately (giving him a bit of a break) .
again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your kind words, caring and your support.
God bless,
sylvia

[Ron K]

Sylvia and Joe,

I can't imagine the shock and dispair you felt when you were told the results of the echo. After all you went through over the last year preparing for the surgery, lining up your surgeon, deciding on the RP, actually having the surgery and then working so hard through the recovery period, you didn't deserve this kind of a setback. I'm so sorry this happened to Joey.

However, take some solace from the strength that you both showed in dealing with all the things I just mentioned above. Hopefully, the "fix" will be a little easier, but no matter what, I'm sure you'll find the will and the courage to do whatever is required.

Most importantly, put yur trust in the Lord. He will not let you down.

You will both be in my prayers regularly and I'll watch for your future posts, hopefully with some good news.

Ron K

[McCln]

I am so sorry that this has happened to you. It is a hard time and prayers do go a long way. Just hang in there and be tough. You both are strong to have made it this far. It is just an obsticle to overcome. You both will be fine. My prayers to the both of you through this time.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St. Jude's valve

[Christina]

Dear Sylvia,

I haven't been on for a few days and just saw your post regarding Joey's valve leak.
My heart goes out to you and Joey. To hear this news after you thought he was doing so much better. But don't think the worst right away, maybe it won't be too bad and they won't have to open him up again. I pray and hope that that will be the case.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you for sure.

Hugs,

Christina

[maxximom]

Oh Sylvia..I was so sorry to read your post. I know how upset you and Joey must be.The advise that you got from the othere members was GOOD advise..and maybe the news will be more encouraging when you see Dr. Seltzer. Perhaps even if they havwe to go in and do more surgery..that it might be able to be done "minimumly invasive" You are so wonderful in responding to all of us when we need advise..so I hope that we can all be here for you> My prayers are with the both of you for a non invasive outcome:) Fondly
Joan

[Frank]

Silvia,
You and Joey will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully the tests will have positive results. We're all pulling for both of you.
Frank

[sylviayasgur]

i cannot thank you all enough for the support and outreach you have exhibited.
i am so thankful for you all_ each and every one of you. it's a good feeling to know that you all understand and have actually been through the difficulty (whether yourselves or with s.o.'s) of this surgery.
it makes me feel like you can understand why joey and i would be so devastated.
we are trying to keep our chins up and live our daily lives in a thankful way without worrying too much and becoming depressed about the outcome of joey's echo.
you have all really come to my aid. i can't put into words how grateful i am to have you all. i'm a lucky girl!
i will keep you posted and will be here while we wait. in the meantime, joey is going on a golf outing this week and making the most of life as it is now (which is so much better than he was the 6 months before surgery).
i think of it as three steps forward and two steps back (as opposed to forward all the way).
life goes on and i will be here in the meantime, hoping to help others as you have / do for us.
thank you all again.
God bless you,
sylvia

[Nancy]

Hi Sylvia-

Sounds as if you and Joey are holding up as well as can be expected. This is a tough go. You wonder if you have any strength left to fight yet another battle, and help Joey through another recovery. But it's really amazing what we can endure and come out champs.

I like to think of my Joe as an old time World War II, 5 star General, who's been wounded many time, sort of like George Patton. He never gives up and never gives in, he's rough and tough beyond belief. He's just recovered from almost mortal wounds and is heading back to the front to fight another battle. He's the hero for his troops.

So here's to your five star General. He's gearing up to do the job. I know he'll make it and so will you.

Thinking of you both.

[JenniferO]

Sylvia:

I have not been here regularly just dealing with my own rather troublesome recovery and other personal worries, but was shocked today to catch up on your news.

It is truly devastating to think of going through the surgery again, and like the others we will pray that there may be an easier solution to the problem. If not, then we will all pray for your strength and courage to deal with what you must.

Let's all build a mountain of prayers for your Joey and for Nancy's Joe as you all wait those interminable days before your appointments with the doctors who can answer the questions.
In the meantime, there is nothing else to do but live each day in thankfulness for the sheer opportunity of life, with all its ups and downs and for the love and companionship of those who walk the path with us.

[jackc]

Sylvia,

with all on your mind I really am in awe that you took the time to wish me well. Thank you so much.
I really hope Joe's problems work out to everyones satisfaction.
Since he is a golfer , as am I , I am positive all will be well.
Tell him to hit 'em straight but not to often on his golf trip.
Bless you both.

Jack ( Welland )

[Jessica_B.]

Sylvia,

This is probably going to sound very "perky" but here goes anyway.
When I was diagnosed with fast progressing cardiomyopathy and all sorts of treatments were initiated I felt hopeful that modern medicine would be able to save me... I had done all I had been told to do; had surgeries, took many medications and just worked very hard at getting better. It was to no avail. When it then turned out not to be working to my advantage I came very close to giving up all together. The news that nothing but a transplant could save my life I really felt like jumping over a cliff.
People kept telling me that it ain't over until it's over. I kept trucking along using the hopes and well wishes of others. I'll tell you what people told me; it's neither Joey's nor is it your fault that things didn't work out and moreover, it ain't over until it's over!!

Many many hugs,

/Jessica

[Beattyann]

Sylvia,

We know exactly how you feel. My husband had his aortic valve replaced Jan 15th and we found it was leaking 10 days after surgery. We too were numb and so disappointed, as we were looking forward to him finally feeling well and having the energy to enjoy life. It is such a shock to go through this surgery, only to find you may face it again in a relatively short time.

We were also told the same thing: a stitch came loose (although I understand they can usually tell this in the TEE) or the stitch did not take where there was a fatty deposit...... I am sure you also feel anger and question if the surgery was performed as it should be.

In the end, the only thing that counts is from now on - what can be done now to get well. I think after the initial news, usually the first 3 days are the worse, one begins to adjust. We must stay positive.

We have been told if it doesn't get any worse, he will beable to live with this leak. This is what we hold onto. This, along with prayer that it heals (miracles do happen).

Please know you are both in our prayers.

Bea

[sylviayasgur]

hi everyone!
thank you all for your kind and supportive, encouraging words. joey left today on a golf outing (should perk him up).
you have all been so wonderful; there are no words i can use to sufficiently thank you.
billy emailed me and made me realize that joey and i are very fortunate to have this warning. unfortunately, he and myrtle were not as lucky. he really_ as have you all_ made me put things aside and enjoy every minute we have right now.
and i thought i was all grown up!!!!
thanks and God bless you all,
sylvia

[Ben Smith]

I am very sorry to hear of the dissapointing news you two recieved from the check-up.

I will keep both of you in my prayers and have already begun.

God Bless


Number 6: 24-26

May the Lord bless you and keep you

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you.. and grant you peace.

"Both now and forever"

[Lorraine]

Sylvia And Joey,

I was sorry to read about the news you received from the check-up. How devastating! We all want things to turn out okay and then we hit a new wall and think "Oh No! Not Again!

I will keep you in my thoughts and will be praying for you. I agree with Bea. Once you get over the initial shock, after the anger, then you need to find out what can be done to correct the problem. Keep a postive attitude and move in that direction. It sounds like Joey going on his Golf outing(with you right there supporting him, Sylvia) is doing just that! Keep us informed and God Bless!