Erin's Heart Valve Replacement Journey

July 21st, 2023
Open Heart Surgery Day
I decided if the Lord wanted to take me then it's my time to go be with Him. Gave me peace. Walked right in there laid down on the table.
My heart was beating fast. Saw two nurses smiling and less than a minute I was asleep.
Woke up the next day with vent on my mouth. Shook my head back and forth to let them know to take it out, didn't hurt they just took it right out!
Erin Sherlock

Friday thr 21st is my open heart surgery day to replace my heart's mitral valve with a mechanical valve.
I have rheumatic heart disease from strep throat/rheumatic fever that damaged my heart's mitral valve.
I'm not a candidate for the catheter balloon procedure because I also have mitral valve regurgitation.
Grateful to God to be getting a second chance at life ❤️
Erin

Health Update for family & friends:
Open heart surgery is scheduled for July 21st
to replace my heart's mitral valve with a mechanical heart valve.
Dan and I appreciate all of your love, prayers & support during this challenging year.
Thank you❤️❤️❤️
Sending love,
Erin

Open heart surgery postponed once again due to sinus infection.
I'll keep you updated.
Erin

Cardiologist just called. Surgery this Friday has been postponed due to chest xray done today that shows a nodule on my lung. They said it has grown recently? So anyway,
they are scheduling a CT scan and biopsy.
Feeling exhausted right now.
Erin

Friday is Open Heart Surgery Day and I'm so READY.
Preoperative testing tomorrow & some other prepping to do. God and my Angels are with me and it feels amazing😇
I've suffered for almost 3 years being undiagnosed, but now they are going to save my life.
Forever Grateful to the surgical staff for giving me a new mechanical heart valve 🫀 so I can live again and be with my six grandchildren.
Thank you Jesus
Amen🙏
Erin

17 days until my open heart surgery 🫀❤️
Counting down!

Erin

18 days until Open Heart surgery...
counting down.
Mostly weak & tired with some small bouts of energy.
Started watching Virgin River episodes to keep my mind busy.
Also working on junk journals for the rest of the grandkids.
Have some preoperative testing procedures this week & next week.
Ready to get surgery & recovery done.
Get back to living again so I can work and go visit my grandkids out of state.

I had so many big plans for 2023, but God's plan is best, we just have to trust in it.😇
Erin

Post op tips
1.an electric recliner - easier for sleeping and to get up and down without using your arms not necessarily one that stands you up but that you don’t have to kick with your knees or pull a lever to operate
2 Pillows for behind you and the sides later they will help you be able to sleep in bed
3. A commode chair this serves 2 purposes... makes your toilet a little higher so its easy to get up and down and it can be placed in the shower to use as a shower seat
4. walker or cane to do your walking daily.
5. stool softener pain meds may make you constipated..
6. fresh batteries in the remote. .....
7. comfy clothes that button in front... not supposed to raise your arms.
8 .cough drops
9. chap stick your lips get dry.
10. slippers. easy on with a non-slip sole
11. perhaps a nice soft lap blanket and a good light for reading etc in the recliner
12. Chargers for your phone or tablet… and a good charging cord.
13. a close in front robe that is easy to put on
14. a f***y pack you can put loose items in and strap it to the rails on the bed… you know like a pen and paper or the charger or chap stick etc will keep it all handy…
15. They will give you a heart pillow if not a firmly stuffed bear or pillow will work to hug when you need to sneeze or cough…
16. a Pulse oximeter. it measures your heart rate and oxygen levels, you can pick one up for about $15 on amazon..
Use the incentive spirometer breathing exercise as much as you can… it is very important. For your recovery to keep your lungs clear
17. try and prep a few meals for the freezer you or your caregiver will appreciate it . prepping meals is not something you want to worry about.
18. take care of any errands. Shopping haircut etc. you wont feel like it

April 18th, 2023
Erin Sherlock
Age: 51
Diagsosis:
Severe mitral valve stenosis
Mitral valve regurgitation
Congestive heart failure

Scheduled appointments:
1.) Cardiologist apptmt. April 25th
Dr. Aveana banda

2.) Heart Surgeon apptmt May 3rd
Dr. Seccombe

Mechanical mitral valve replacement -
Open heart surgery is
not yet scheduled. Will update when I found out.