We flew Spirit a few years back to go to my nephew's wedding in Florida. (Atlantic City to Fort Myers). They were wonderful. Much cheaper than any of the airlines flying out of Philadelphia--the airport we normally use. And since they fly out of the much smaller AC airport, we didn't have to get there so early. Easy, quick check in. If I recall correctly, going down the plane left on time, but unfortunately landed about 2 hours late. Not Spirit's fault. Pres. Bush was landing right about the time we were scheduled to, and all traffic was made to circle until the airport was totally cleared. But we did get to see Airforce One at pretty close range as we taxied to the terminal. Coming home, we left just a little late--boy, I'm guessing here--maybe 15-20 minutes? But the pilot few so fast, we actually landed BEFORE our scheduled arrival. I've never been on such a quick flight to/from Florida. I was very pleased with them, but that was back when they were just starting out. Don't know how they are now. I do know my sister and BIL use Spirit frequently when they're going back and forth to Florida, so guess they're happy with them.

Apparently, my heart is fine. So it's not the pump. By the time I saw my primary physician I had ballooned over 10 lbs. (130 has been my high weight in the past 30 yrs., so 10 is substantial) in less than a week of eating a Spartan low-sodium diet. He started me on a low dose of Lasix & I've dropped 7 lbs. in 3 days. A welcome relief. The swelling in my legs and feet is almost gone - I elevate as often as possible - but I still have abdominal swelling that feels like being 9 mths. pregnant before the baby drops. Cannot zip and button any of my pants so have been wearing pj bottoms at home & loose black yoga pants all week. I have more follow up blood work (doc wanted to let the Lasix work before I went to get more drawn) & a follow up w/ my doc to see where we look next now that heart issues don't seem to be the problem. Today marks 2 wks. since my return flight so I'm doubting the current swelling is directly related. Before this began I was a really healthy person. Never took meds aside from eye drops and fish oil. Maintained a healthy weight, ate healthfully, never smoked, rarely drink alcohol. Mystery...

A good friend of mine knits while travelling. For the first few years after 9/11, she was unable to use knitting needles, but now people can do so. Ambien. I've never tried the stuff, but I've heard so many stories of diverse reactions, l certainly wouldn't want to experiment in the air. Alcohol. If you can handle a drink or three on the ground, go ahead, but note that high altitudes will make the stuff go to one's head much faster than on the ground. Cut yourself off sooner. Unless you like airplane toilets, cutting back on diuretics may be indicated. Although, yes, it's a good excuse to get up and move occasionally. If you are sensitive to any foods, avoid those. Those compression socks sound like an excellent idea! Reading material is essential. A magazine or two, a paperback, an e-reader... I'm not afraid of flying (momentary holding of breath as we take off and land aside). My problem is the extreme discomfort at being folded into seats not meant for tall people with bad knees. Hence I always aim to get aisle seating. Since my last flight, I now have a bad ankle. At any rate, due to my size and leg issues, it is impossible for me to sleep on planes. I suspect not even morphine would do it... i do try to sneak a leg into an edge of that aisle where it won't trip anyone, and drowse a bit, but that trolley (which needs the full aisle) comes by every 30 minutes! At 2 am, really???

Thanks :) I know there are no guarantees. While the hope of course is that Molly does well during and after surgery and lives until 17 or 18, anything can happen at any time. But, I don't want to see her get weaker and sicker from this terrible disease, so at the very least I can prevent that. Preventing that alone is worth the money and effort, no matter the outcome. She is too happy and kind of a creature to have any suffering in her life and I will do everything I can to prevent her from experiencing it. I'm very hopeful about some of the clinical trials going on now. Not for Molly, they won't be in time for her (hence why we're going overseas) but I think/pray a breakthrough is just a few years away. MVD is one of the leading causes of death and disability in dogs, and it affects millions of dogs. I truly hope that some of these non-invasive valve replacement solutions will mean far fewer dogs suffering from this horrible condition. {And potentially some of these solutions could one day be used to provide a less invasive option for people with mitral valve disease too).