So this post is specifically about my hospital stay, I mean who wants to hear about my stay? Honestly if you have a major surgery coming up, I hope this brings you comfort reading this. I will say this was the most scariest thing that has happened to me, other than finding my sister. Both of these are on the top scale of stress and things you can never imagine going through.

I was admitted to the hospital October 10, 2024. I was admitted in Nashville, TN at St. Thomas which is know for their heart and vascular specialists. I was admitted, because I had a leaking aortic valve, and aortic aneurysm measuring 9.6cm. In reality your aortic root is supposed to be 3.2 cm, and it’s not supposed to grow. With Marfan’s syndrome it makes the elasticity of the organs loose to the point where it starts stretching. As stated before I knew nothing about having Marfan’s, most Marfan’s people know from the time they are born, and can use preventative measures such as medication.

Even though I had all that going on with me, I was considered stable. I was stable enough not to do surgery just yet. I eventually met with the surgeon, Dr. Scoville, and his team about whether or not if I should do a mechanical valve, or porcine valve. Each valve has their pros & cons. I can talk about those in a later post and discuss why I went with the mechanical valve. I was also not interested in getting cut open again through my chest, so I went with the mechanical valve. The doctor did let me take the weekend to actually think about this discussion, so I wasn’t rushed.

October 15, 2024 was my surgery date. I was strong up until I had to actually go back. I hugged, and kissed my husband, my daughter, and my mom with tears rolling from my eyes. The nurse that took me back reassured me I would be alright, and I was in good hands. It was a bittersweet moment, because this was the moment I realized everything we try to have control over is really out of our control. I wish I could say I went into the operating room and did my own surgery, but that would be far from the truth. During this time, I began to reflect how God really keeps us during our hard times here on earth. Did I loose you with God, well if that’s the case I can only talk from my experience because it’s my testimony.

Side Note: March 30, 2023 I lost my sister due to a fentanyl overdose. It was laced in her weed, and she was only 27 years old. I didn’t just loose her, I was the one that found her. Imagine waking up, and finding your loved one passed away. This was one of the things that played over in my head. It wasn’t until I had the health scare for myself that I understood why these series of events happened. I’m currently making a book about my experience with grief, and when it’s finished, I will let you know.

After I was prepped, it was time to go back to the operating room. I just remember lying in bed and rolling pass lights and doors. It was also very cold like wintertime, but not as chilling to where you could get a frost bite. They were very generous with the warm blankets. I came in, and instead of being transferred over to the operating table, I was a loud to scoot over, because I was so young. I remember the technician saying I’m not used to the patient coming over by themselves. The operating table is very small, for a person my size. I felt like I was going to fall off. Nurses and technicians were all around me doing different things and getting me ready for the surgery. They hooked me up to anesthesia, and before you know it I was out.

I wish I could brag, and say I had some kind of vision of Jesus and heaven but I didn’t. I always wanted an experience like that, and considered others lucky if they did have this experience. It was like I was asleep, and kind of woke up groggy. I feel like this is a good stopping spot so I’m cutting it short and leave you on a cliff hanger but I will be back to tell part 2. How was your hospital stay when you had a major surgery? Do you remember it? Here’s a picture of me from when I was in the hospital.