Jackie’s Story

Site created on February 2, 2007

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. It has been created to keep friends and family updated about Jackie's upcoming surgery.

Jackie may have to have another open heart surgery to repair an aneurysm on her mid-ascending aorta (caused by the first surgery, which incidentally, will last two lifetimes) sometime in the future. The aneurism is at 40 mm (1.5 in.) which is below the 55 mm (2 in.) required for surgery. 

Love, John & Jackie Beach

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Jackie has a Bicuspid Aortic Valve (aortic valves should have 3 cusps and she has 2 cusps) plus severe stenosis (narrowing of the valve). She was born with this but didn't exhibit any problems until 1995. We will arrive in Rochester on the 14th.

We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and swift recovery.

• 1995 - TIAs (mini-strokes) started occurring. Lasted 8 years before diagnosis. Aspirin started.
• 2000 - Misdiagnosed with Asthma for 3 years
• 1/27/03 - PFO (Hole in heart) plugged (separate issue entirely). Factor V Leiden (clotting disorder) diagnosed. 
• 2/15/07 - Coronary Angiogram
• 2/16/07 - Open Heart Surgery (St. Jude Valve - it clotted)
• 2/20/07 - Open Heart Surgery (Carbo Medics Valve)
• 2/20/07 - Opened up again for excessive bleeding
• 2/26/07 - Pacemaker implanted because of irregular AV node
• 3/02/07 - Discharged from the Mayo
• 3/14/07 - Hospitalized for 2 days (Fairview) because of congestive heart failure

 

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."    Phil. 4: 6-7

Newest Update

Journal entry by John & Jackie Beach

Hey everyone! I haven’t been on here since I don’t know when. I don’t have to go to the Mayo until 2025 (first time since 2007 that I get to miss a year!) for a checkup. Things are going so well. I still have a mid-ascending aortic aneurysm that they are monitoring, but it’s stable right now.

But I stay quite active doing a twice weekly Zoom class with light weights (up to 50#), Pickleball weekly, biking 5 days a week, hiking, snowshoeing (once we get some snow), and playing with our two grandkiddos (2 and 4 years old).

I am so very grateful for every moment. I have two chapters left to do (of 7) on the Romans 1:20 book (Wonderful World), and I’m painting when I can. My motto is still Upright and This Side of the Grass is a Good Day!

Thank you everyone of you for your prayers, help, and love through the years! I will never forget the kindness.

You are loved and blessings to you,
Jackie

”Every moment a blessing,
every breath a gift.” 

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