My name is Gina C. I was born with a heart defect in 1973. The defect is called Tricuspid Regurgitation, which means that the right side of the heart, between the right atrium and ventricle. It ensures one-way blood flow, preventing backflow into the atrium. In 1973-1974, I had open-heart surgery where they went in and fixed the leaky valve. I haven’t had any issues with my heart until the last few years. In 2022, I experienced an AFIB heart situation, where I had to get that repaired, and during that procedure, which was supposed to take a couple of hours, took 7 hrs. due to my heart playing “tennis” with each side. During this time, they found that my leaky valve was a little bigger than before my AFIB. The doctors in Waterloo sent me back to Iowa City to have it checked out. I got in with Iowa City right away, and the doctors there have been keeping a close eye on me every 6 months for the last couple of years. The doctors in Iowa City were in no hurry to do surgery at the time, but since I was having some issues with my energy level and the circulation was getting worse, they scheduled me for a stress test in Feb.2026, and I was unable to finish the test; it came back with a lot of abnormal findings. They then scheduled me to have a heart catheterization in March of 2026. On March 5, 2026, I had a really bad episode (heart attack). I was taken to Allen Hospital, and they ran tests and ended up keeping me there for a couple of days. On March 6, 2026, they performed the heart cath, and they found some small blockages, but were not able to put stents into them due to them being too small. On April 29, 2026, I’m having a consultation for heart surgery, not sure what type of surgery it’s going to be. It’s either a reconstruction of my heart or another type of heart surgery. At this appointment, they will inform me of when. On June 25 & 26 I will be having 2 procedures to decide how in depth the surgery is going to be when they get in there. These 2 procedures are definitely going to give a bigger picture on what they are going to do. On July 8, I go to Iowa City for all the preop information and more in-depth details on what I can and can’t do for the near future. I know I won’t be able to lift or drive for 6 to 8 weeks. The surgery date has been verified, and it is July 16, 2026. I will be in the hospital for at least 7 days. ICU for a few days. This surgery is going to take a toll on my fiancé and me. Many days in the hospital, traveling for appointments, and just not being able to do much for myself. I work for CF Schools, and we don’t get paid for the summer months. I planned to return to the Sportsplex to work this summer, but unfortunately, I will have to take a longer leave than I expected. This is going to affect the bills that I have to pay, groceries, and just my everyday lifestyle. I know I have a village of family and friends to help me out, even if it’s just to stop by and say hi, send little cards of encouragement, and good vibes. Anything to cheer up my day during the healing process. I appreciate all of you. Love Always Thank You Again! Gina
Please no spicy, fried, or seafood. Low carb meals preferred. Meals we like-Meatloaf (no topping), Tacos (hard or soft shell), ground beef, Spaghetti (spaghetti sauce and ground beef), Sheet pan recipes (pork chop, potatoes, chicken, assorted vegetables) Sandwiches (hoagie, sub meat), Salad, Pork Chops, Steak, and Casseroles. Drinks we like are sprite, root beer A&W, Dr Pepper, Lemonade, and orange all regular not diet. Gift cards- Kwik Star Casey's Panera WalMart Aldi HyVee LaCava Chilitos Subway Will accept, but not preferred McDonald's Burger King