On December 7, 2011...

David...you and I have so much in common, it's almost scary. I am 7 weeks out from my AVR with ascending aortic graft, via full sternotomy. I know exactly how you are feeling right now. The waiting is definitely the worst part. Just know you can and will get thru this just fine. I am feeling great and doing everything I was doing prior to surgery.
It may be helpful to read thru my journals (if you get bored). Please feel free to ask me anything you wish.

Take care....

JH Mattingly

David Tatelbaum JH…Thank You!!
Yes, the waiting is tough. Still don't know the dirty facts yet….MRA tomorrow to get a ... Read more

David Tatelbaum JH…Thank You!!
Yes, the waiting is tough. Still don't know the dirty facts yet….MRA tomorrow to get a look at everything, so hopefully I'll have some more info tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for the reassurance. I will defnintely read over your journal….it's been very insightful to read other people's experiences and is making this much easier. I'm glad I found this site hru Adam's book. And I may take you up on a question here and there. Thanks again for writing.

Cheers!
David

On December 6, 2011...

Hi David,
Like you, I never knew I had a heart problem until November of last year when I found out I had three leaky heart valves. After hearing that I would need open heart surgery, I couldn't eat or sleep for several weeks, and I was in full panic mode all the time. After a second and third opinion and lots of research, I had my valves repaired in October. It took me many months to accept the fact that I needed to have this done, and my biggest regret is that I waited so long to have the surgery. It was many months of worry.
I can honestly say the worst part of the surgery is worrying about it. Do your research, find a surgeon you have confidence in and "git 'er done". It is scary, but it will make you a stronger, kinder and better person.
Godspeed and good luck......you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Deb Ziegler

David Tatelbaum Hi Deb,
Thank You for sharing your story and offering some words of encouragement. I'm working on pre ... Read more

David Tatelbaum Hi Deb,
Thank You for sharing your story and offering some words of encouragement. I'm working on preparing myself mentally for the surgery even at this early stage. I still have a ways to go before even setting a date, but I'm focused on moving ahead positively and with the right mind set. It is definitely a humbling experience to have to face something like this and it resets one's priorities pretty quickly. I'm glad your surgery went well and I appreciate your parayers.

All the Best…
David

On December 5, 2011...

David,
Sounds like we have a lot in common. I had a repair of a thoracic aneurysm and an Aortic valve replacement on 9/20/2011 at the Cleveland Clinic. I am now nearly 11 weeks out and feel quite well. I ran 8 miles on Saturday (I am an avid runner and marathoner) and I have been playing tennis again with my wife. I had a full sternotomy, none of this minimally invasive stuff for me! Things are going well for me. The journey was not without some bumps, dips, and detours. But I am in a good place now. The anticipation is mentally exhausting. Take care and God Bless you on your journey. Read over my blog if you have insomnia and need some help falling asleep.

Jim Davis
Aortic Graft and Mechanical AVR composite
9/20/2011

David Tatelbaum Hi Jim,
Thanks for writing. I just read through your journal and yes…we do have a lot in common. I ju ... Read more

David Tatelbaum Hi Jim,
Thanks for writing. I just read through your journal and yes…we do have a lot in common. I just met with my primary yesterday and I have almost the exact same situation…just waiting to have an MRA this Friday and we'll know more, but cardiologist says I'll definitely require surgery based on what is known at this point.
I'm inspired by your journey and glad to hear you are doing well now. It's also very inspiring that your are back to running and being active.
It's been a week since I got the shocking news and I haven't told anyone until yesterday when I informed my siblings and then posted the news to my Facebook friends. But I'm very glad that I got my support group into the loop. I was feeling very alone until yesterday and the outpouring of support has definitely helped with my fear and nervousness. I am also blessed with a wonderful and supportive wife (her being an RN is a bonus!). We have a 16 year old daughter and we're planning to all go through this together. They both accompanied me to my office visit yesterday and it's reassuring to know that they will be by my side throughout.

I wish you and your family the best of luck as you continue on your journey. Thanks again for your words of support.

David Tatelbaum