Need your prayers guys

[RuSsMaN]

My lovely wife Brandy was born with a rare heart valve disorder. Ebstein's Anomaly (http://www.mayoclinic.org/ebsteins-anomaly/) is what it's called, and she has been at the Mayo clinic in Minnesota for the past week, having extensive testing done.

Her heart has started to enlarge, and it has been determined that her best (and really only) chance for survival is surgery. Tomorrow, she will have open heart surgery to replace the defective valve in her heart.

That's it, in a nutshell, I would appreciate if you all could include Brandy in your prayers. I'm trying to stay as positive as possible, she is probably with the BEST team of surgeons in the world, for her specific disorder. It is tough, to know that your best friend, and the love of your life is about to go through such a major ordeal, at such a young age.

Cheers,
Russ

[dorokusai]

No problem Russ, I'll think of you two, and I hope everything goes smoothly.

[Ron-P]

Russ, bro, my family and I will be praying for your wife, you and your family.

Please keep us posted!

[F1nut]

She'll be in my prayers and you as well. God speed.

[Demiurge]

Best wishes and prayers to your wife, you, and the rest of the family.

[PolkThug]

Prayer sent.

[Mjr7531]

May everything go smoothly with a speedy recovery,
My prayers are with you,
Matt

[phoneisbusy]

Will be remembering you in our prayers tonight.

Dave

[Tour2ma]

Done deal, Russ...

[Frank Z]

Done!!!!!!!!!

Gladly I might add! Best wishes to your wife and to you as well Russ.

Need anything?

[shack]

Absolutely. A prayer for a sucessfull surgery and speedy recovery is the least we can do.

[Toxis]

to be honest, I'm not a religious man so I don't pray but you and your wife definitely be in my thoughts. Good luck to you both, I have a feeling you have nothing to worry about. http://www.di.fm/forums/images/smilies/grinning-smiley-003.gif Keep your head up as high as you can...

[mlong]

She will be in my prayers and so will you.

Mark

[gatemplin]

I cannot even begin to comprehend what you two are going through. I wish her a speedy recovery. Best wishes go out to both of you.

Graham

[TroyD]

You know my thoughts and prayers are with you, brother.

Anything you need and it's done.

BDT

[BlueMDPicker]

Keeping a good thought here. Take care of yourself bud.

Mike

[dcarlson]

All the best.

[masanz1]

best of luck...my prayers are with you also

[Tide]

Prayers sent.

[Polkapops]

My wife & I will keep you two in our prayers -
Please keep us updated.....

Dan

[VR3]

Man... I'm sorry to hear this, best wishes and prayers, going her way man! Best luck!

[jtgranby]

Prayer said mayo clinic is great.
JT

[dragon1952]

Positive vibes from the entire dragon clan are on the way ;)

[GZ]

Brandy and you will be included in my prayers too. May the Good Lord above guide the surgeons hands.

[nadams]

My prayers go out to you guys. Best of luck, too, and keep us posted.

[Strong Bad]

Russ:

Absolutely you'll been in my thoughts and prayers!

Please keep us all in the loop as to her progress!


John

[Polkersince85]

Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and know that we are with you.

Ken

[disneyjoe7]

Done Russ.

Sorry to hear, keep looking for the positive's.

[hoosier21]

You got it Russ!

Like Troy said you need, it's done, just let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do for you two.

Russ

[beardog03]

You and your wife are in our thoughts and prayers also, Russman.

Stay positive, bro...

Keep us posted..

[amulford]

You have our prayers, my brother. She is in good hands. God has plans for this angel, she ain't goin' nowhere fast...

Anthony

[polkatese]

Russ, our thoughts and prayers with you and Brandy.

[MSkeezer]

My wife and I will pray for you and your family. No worries.

[hotwheelman]

Russ,

I will have both of you in my thoughts and prayers, my dad has added this to the prayer chain at the church they attend. Your a great guy and she is lucky to have you, I have been down the same road you are on ( albeit the surgerys were not the same) but I know where you are at right now and I am there with you also. I hope she will have a speedy recovery. Keep the faith man. If you need anything just say the word.



Take care,
Mike

[DAGLJAM6]

Hoping for the best for the both of you.

Dave

[warlocks1]

I will say a special prayer for her tonight. Keep strong.

[pjdami]

Without doubt, the best wishes, thoughts, and prayers are with your wife and you.

Keep the faith man....she's in great hands and everything is going to be A O K.

[fireshoes]

Best wishes for the two of you. If there's anything I can do for you, let me know.

[bobman1235]

Prayer sent. Good luck man.

[janmike]

God be with you.
Michael

[izafar]

Prayer sent. May God give her a speedy recovery.

[Shizelbs]

Consider it done.

[dkg999]

My prayers are with the two of you! She is in the hands of some of the best medical professionals in the world. I wish her a speedy recovery.

[swerve]

You've got mine. keep positive!

-adam

[egp823]

It is done!!

[organ]

So sorry to hear that, Russ. The two of you are in my prayers. Be strong and positive. Everything will be alright.

Maurice

[Jstas]

You don't even have to ask.

[steveinaz]

Prayers go out to you and your wife brother...

[Drewsmith]

Not much of a religious guy either, but thoughts go out to you and your wife. Wish her a very speedy recovery.

Andy

[Willow]

Russ, I'm sorry to hear of this news.....you can be assured she will be in my thoughts...all the best

JF

[danger boy]

out thoughts are with you, Brandy and your family.

al

[RuSsMaN]

I really appreciate all the kind words guys, and the support.

They have known about the defect, since she was born. It's only recently that technology has 'caught up' enough to actually do something about it.

Just going crazy with the 'waiting game' now. Talked with the Surgeon last night, the right side of her heart is about 4 times as large as it should be. There are also areas on the right side where the tissue has become so thin, it's almost clear.

Good news, when one side of the heart starts to enlarge, it can crowd the other side, and cause it damage. THAT has not happened. They are going to reduce the size of the right side of the heart, mostly by removing the 'clear' tissues.

There is 95% chance they will replace the valve with some man-made materials, and a pig valve. There is a 5% chance they can repair the valve, with her own tissue. If the valve is replaced, she will have to go back in another 10-12 years for a repeat procedure.

She may be off the ventilator today after surgery, but the surgeon said they may also keep her sedated for a couple days, and leave her chest open so if there are ANY issues, they have literally immediate access to her heart.

Hopefully I'll have some good news to report around noon today, or at least an update.

-Russ
__________________

[halo]

Russ,

My wife and I were in a similar situation a few years ago and We've added you & Brandy to our prayers. I've also got my mother's church group pulling for you.

[ninerbj]

Russ,
First off, keep in mind that being at Mayo is the BEST you can do for Brandy right now. I myself have had many trips to Mayo and I have all the confidence in the world that they will fix her up as good as new.
Hang in there dude, get yourself plenty of rest and eat well too. The better you feel...will only help Brandy feel better herself in the long run.
Elizabeth and I are thinking of you both.

Brad

[HBombToo]

I am floored Bro... Of course Ms Brandy is in my thoughts and prayers.

Please keep us posted.

Henry

[RuSsMaN]

Just got word, SHE MADE IT. The tissue damage wasn't nearly as extensive as they thought it would be. They only had to 'nip and tuck' one section of her heart.

They did a complete valve replacement, and everything went so well they are going to close her up, get her off the ventilator, and she should be awake in ICU in matter of a couple hours.

****ing OUTSTANDING.

Cheers,
Russ

[BlueMDPicker]

Russ,

ABSOLUTELY EFFIN' OUTSTANDING!

I hope Brandy's recovery is a speedy one. Now, take a deep breath and relax a little.

Mike

[Frank Z]

SWEET!!
Glad to hear it Russ....Don't forget to tip the surgeon!;)

[gatemplin]

****ing OUTSTANDING.

That's what I was thinking. :)

I wish her the best of luck with the recovery. Thanks for keeping us updated Russ.

[cfrizz]

Glad to hear everything turned out all right. Don't forget to take care of yourself during this time.

[madmax]

Just saw this. Hang in there. You have my best wishes and prayers.
madmax

[hoosier21]

That is great news, hope it continues through recovery

[Zero]

Great news guy. Hope she has a very speedy and problem-free recovery.

[halo]

Originally posted by BlueMDPicker
Russ,

ABSOLUTELY EFFIN' OUTSTANDING!

I hope Brandy's recovery is a speedy one. Now, take a deep breath and relax a little.

Mike

I couldn't have put it any better or agree more!

[Ron-P]

Words cannot begin to express Russ, outstanding! Just outstanding! God bless bro and prayers will continue for a speedy recovery.

[steveinaz]

That's great news Russman! Group hug everyone. Glad things went well, kinda puts life in perspective...

Wish her the best for a fast recovery.

[organ]

Awesome! Now that's great news. You're both strong and she's going to have a speedy recovery.

Maurice

[jmasterj]

RuSsMaN,




Wishing Brandy a speedy recovery, and you the best.

PS Get your nurse's uniform ready you're gonna be busy for a while.

God's grace and favor.

[TroyD]

Great news, man, GREAT news.....

BDT

[VR3]

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!! I hope the recovery is as smooth as the operation!!

[PolkThug]

One more prayer sent for a good recovery.

Regards,
Toby

[GZ]

I too am glad to hear the great news. Now the prayers will be turned to a speedy recovery. Hang in there , things will work out.

[jcaut]

But it sounds like things are going well. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery!

[Sami]

http://clubpolk.polkaudio.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[RuSsMaN]

Spoke with the Surgeon again, he re-iterated how well everything went, and said she has real good color and regular heartbeat. However, they have decided to keep her sedated at least overnight, and on the ventilator.

The result should be getting the swelling down as quick as possible, and it should be a lot less painful when she wakes up.

This is so weird, but so GREAT. It amazes me what we, as a species are capable of. It is also making me re-think some of my choices regarding my own health. She's having the fight of her life to GET a healthy, working heart - and I've always had one and have done nothing but take it for granted, and make some BAD decisions health-wise.

Cheers,
Russ

[sowen010599]

http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de//jump.gif

[mantis]

Just saw 2. Glad to hear everything is going well. Best wishes man.

As we get older we have to face these kind of things. Stinks but part of life. Keep your chin up and I think everything will be well for a very long time.

Dan

[beardog03]

OUT- F**KING-STANDING BRO...!

Glad all went well,
and she is recovering well...

Take care of yourself, make sure you eat well and keep up your strength...

Will keep you both in our thoughts , and prayers...

[Shizelbs]

Wonderful news.

[MacLeod]

Just saw this but Ill have a good thought.

Ill also have my sister in law pray for a speedy recovery. Everything she prays for happens. She has a hotline or something.

Glad to hear everythings turning out right. Now hit the gym! ;)

[Polkapops]

Glad to hear the good news -
She's in very good hands down here and He's keeping an eye on her from above - Can't beat that one/two combination!! :)

Dan

[gidrah]

I just found this. I am very glad to hear she is doing well. You will both be in my prayers for some time. God bless and take care.

[Airplay355]

It's great to hear that she is doing well :D As others do, I wish for her speedy recovery :D

[shack]

Just said a prayer of thanks....since the first ones were answered!

I hope the speedy recovery continues.

[Toxis]

Originally posted by Toxis
I have a feeling you have nothing to worry about. http://www.di.fm/forums/images/smilies/grinning-smiley-003.gif Somehow I knew everything was going to work out great. Awesome to hear man, totally ****ing awesome! Gotta love technology and man's love for figuring **** out. haha Someone somewhere was like "Hey, let me take a look at that...I bet if we..." haha Gotta love it!!!

[Tour2ma]

Originally posted by shack
Just said a prayer of thanks....since the first ones were answered!
I hope the speedy recovery continues. Ditto-a-mundo... great news, Russ....

Also, a nice point, Russ, about taking healthy hearts (and health in general) for granted...

[F1nut]

Great news broham.......ah the power of Club Polk.

[disneyjoe7]

Great News.

Sounds like you have a strong wife :)

[ohskigod]

It is also making me re-think some of my choices regarding my own health. She's having the fight of her life to GET a healthy, working heart - and I've always had one and have done nothing but take it for granted, and make some BAD decisions health-wise.

Cheers,
Russ [/B][/QUOTE]


I'm glad all seems well, i just read the whole thread. getting a nice thorough check up from the doctor will be a good start, blood test, the whole 9. it sucks (i hate doctors) but it's still a good idea.
my best for a continued good recovery for your wife.

[jdhdiggs]

Sorry to hear about what happened but it is grat news that she is recovering.

Keep you head up, lord knows how hard it would be to get back on your shoulders if it fell off... ;)

Seriously though, sounds like you are doing everything right and she will pull through. Best wishes from Suzanne and myself.

[PolkWannabie]

Russman,

Glad to hear things are turning out well ... best of luck to her and you with this ...

[reeltrouble1]

Thank goodness she is doing well, its all I can say Russ, besides God Bless each of you.

RT1

[keith allen]

Your in our thoughts and prayers

[Mazeroth]

Been gone a week and just read this thread now. Glad to see she's doing better and I'll continue to keep her and your family in my prayers!

[polkatese]

Glad to hear everything a OK, Russ!

[trubluluc]

Don't know how I missed hearing this news.
You of course can count on Brandy being in our prayers.
Young and strong is a big plus in her favor.
Glad to hear all is going well.

Health....is our only real wealth.

all the best bro,

-Luc

[Burnzy]

Just saw this post...

Prayers have been sent, and glad to hear she is doing well.

Here is to a speedy recovery. :)

Take care,
Scott

[audiobliss]

Sorry I jumped in on this so late, but you both are definitely in my prayers this evening. Glad to hear the operation went so well!

[RuSsMaN]

Thanks again for all the love, I REALLY appreciate it.

One thing I realize now, there is no such animal as a 'speedy' recovery with something like this. Nothing has gone wrong, but she is still in enormous amounts of pain. She says her back feels like it's got nails driven in it, and her chest feels like she got ran over by a truck.

She's starting to walk, but can only go about 50ft or so, before complete, and I mean COMPLETE and utter exhaustion.

We're going to have our work cut out for us, for sure.

Cheers,
Russ

[beardog03]

Glad to hear she`s getting up on her feet, bro..

It`s good to hear that she is getting stronger...

All my best..

[NCrewson]

Not much of a poster, but I read alot here. This one truly sucks dude. My prayers are there with you.

[disneyjoe7]

Keep the faith she's doing well in my eye's :)

[Tour2ma]

Thanks for the update... Glad to read Brandy is up and walking some. One of the early, big steps on recovery road...

Pain-wise, sounds normal, Russ. Not exactly talkin' simple surgery here...

Dad-in-law was in the hospital a full 7 days after his recent triple bypass. Pain med's, i.e., morphine, were in great demand the first half of that time , then slowly dwindled away to Tylenol at stay's end. He had to get up to 8 laps around the floor of the hospital (in one day's time) before he was released.

Will keep the prayers coming...

[VR3]

Glad to hear all is getting better, and as someone said - getting more strength back!

thats great news!

[wallstreet]

God bless you bro. Let me know if I can help in anyway once y'all are back in town. I'll bring you some dinner or anything to help out.

[jdhdiggs]

Had some similar experience last summer in my family and it sounds like she's on par for the course which is good to hear.

Now that the chances for infection are pretty well past, she should recover just fine. Of course they don't mention all the wonderful physical therapy.

Keep the faith and she will be ok and when she gets snappy, don't take it personally. A whole lot of "yes dear, I'm sorry dear" will work wonders. ;)

Keep us all up to date!

[Ron-P]

Russ, how's the little lady? Recovering very well I hope.

[RuSsMaN]

It's a day by day process, and will be for quite some time.

Things are coming right along though, no problems to speak of. She's still having a lot of muscle pain, in her chest and back. She still can't drive, and has to ride in the back seat when I take her out (can't risk an airbag popping in front of her).

Low sodium diet, with a good amount of greens. If the sodium gets too high, she could start retaining water around the heart, and that's not a good thing.

So far, so good.

Cheers,
Russ

[Willow]

Remember good things take time

[madmax]

Happy to hear things are going well!
Chuck

[hotwheelman]

You just keep pampering her and she will be there in no time, happy to hear she is doing o.k.



Cheers bro,
Mike

[VR3]

Glad to hear all is going right! Hopefully that process will continue!