Joe,
An excellent choice on the heart valve. When you wrote "life time of taking blood thinners" I figured you'd opt for the alternative. Sound like you're doing very well. Looking forward to talking to you when you feel up to it.

Mike

Joe,

We are thinking and praying for you.

Ray and Teresa

We spoke with Mom & Dad a few times today. Joe has been moved to ICU, surgery went well and there will be an update on the blog from Joe's Dad after 9PM tonight.

It is nice to see that so many people are thinking of Joe today. Thank you for all your kind thoughts!

Pat Minnucci (Joe's Brother)

Joe, thinking of you today and praying for you
Love
T

Well Joe, I know you are in surgery and evrything is going fine. Its Monday at 11:50 right now. We will be seeing you in Lansdale after you get out. Our prayers are all for you on this day.
Auntie & Uncle Bob

be glad that they're only shaving your chest & not waxing it. :). See you at HUP with the cookies. Michele

Hi Joe!

I like you're post-op recover plan -- iPad! When you go -- get 2, please! And I'm not joking about that, lol!

Well, I'm VERY curious -- right now! as to what's going on .. can't wait to receive your first and future updates!!

I'm SO glad you've been given this chance! Scary. You are going to feel SO much better - no doubt energy wise :)

Take care of you and fill us in only we're you're feeling strong and up to it!

Love and kisses!
Korry and VA family!

Dear Joe,

My thoughts and prayers are with you today for a very sucessful surgery and a speedy recovery :) You will be just fine... a new and improved Joe :) By the way I love the photo of you in Australia :)

Love,
Athena :)

You made the right choice by not holding out for the ipad. It's very over rated, just like mechanical valves. Best of luck

happy boating
captain bill

Hi Joe,

Everything will be fine. Just request to have some pretty sexy nurses around you as I did once. It will defintly boost the moral.

Good luck Joe,
Peter

Hi Joe,

All the best! You're in my thoughts.

Steven in Calgary

Hi Joe
Good luck on your surgery. After Dr. Gillinov's session last week, I have a whole new thought about the tissue valves. He is so optimistic about the replacement of those tissue valves that I think they are a good choice. Obviously big advances are in the offing. Hope your surgery goes really well. Cheryl, Ontario

Assume your surgery is still a go. I will also be having tissue valves when I have my surgery next month. Dr. Gillinov, my surgeon believes that when it's time to replace the tissue valves they will be done with a catheter thru the groin into the heart. Believe he even mentioned this in his conference call last week. Did you get a chance to get in on the call? So, not to worry about when it comes time to replace the valve. Keep us posted on how well you do. Nothing but positive thoughts to you.
Fran Zilko (FL)

Hi Joe,
First off I should probably tell you it's Roni, figured the "Hi" might throw you off a little :). Just wanted to say good luck with everything and that your in my thoughts. :)
-Roni

Joe,

All my love. Can't wait to test drive the new heart together.
I will be here with you always...

=D

Hi Joe,
Can't wait until you are better and come home to teach me the computer,

XOXO

Hi Joe,
I'm looking at the photo of you holding up your finger - index that is - to Uncle Michael asking for him to throw you into the air "one more time." I know he cannot do that now - but go for the one more time!
We will come and visit at your mom's. I'll unplug the computer! LOL
See you soon in Lansdale!
Aunt Jane

Hey, major bummer about the iPad. Oh, and the surgery too! We're all pulling for you here in Coatesville.

Joseph, sending positive vibes your way from Calgary, but don't blame us for the snow, that comes from the midwest! We have similar diagnoses, would be interested in reading more about your story.

Chin up... and go and get 'em.

Steven in Calgary

Your Mother tells me you will be resting up after the surgery at their place and you will be using the free time to teach her to use the computer. I'm sure you will do fine with the surgery, teaching your Mother to use the computer is another story.

Uncle Mike

The blizzard will hopefully end in time for you to get to the hospital for your surgery. Would be terrible to have a delay when you are pchyed to get it done. My surgery is not till March 18th but will be watching your updates as you have your surgery and recovery Wishing you clear sailing and no bumps in the road.
Fran Zilko (FL)

Hi Joe,
I have also noticed weight and breathlessness increasing these last 3 months and have been told that it is due to fluid retention and reduced heart efficiency and capacity. I am told by my surgeon that I am expected to return to full fitness after my MV repacement later this month. Wishing you a safe and speedy recovery.
Warmest wishes and safe journey through the blizzards! We have had the toughest winter in Scotland in 30 years so understanding your concern that it may delay you.
Penny

Joe,

Dennis and I will be praying for you, but we are confident everything will go well. Denny's mom had the same surgery in her 70's and she made out just great. If an old lady can make out great, I'm sure a young man can. Nevertherless, we'll be lifting you up to the Lord daily. Keep us posted.

In case you don't remenber us, we are Korry's aunt and uncle.

Pat & Denny

Joe,

We'll be thinking about you while you are in surgery and look forward to seeing you shortly thereafter!

Pat & Julie

Joe~
ohhh the recorded books sound like a really good idea. you could come through all this much better read!

Love the blog and look forward to the updates.

Hi Joseph,
Had to laugh at Susan's reminder about the shave. You might want to practice with Nair or something instead! Good for you for trying to keep things in perspective. Get prepared and ready for what you can and let the doctors worry about their end. And pray.
Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Joseph,
I wish you the best this week as you near your surgery date. This is such a great tool to be able to connect with people that have the same condition as I do. You will be in my thoughts and prayers this week and I will continue to follow your progress through this journey. God Bless!

Trevor - Rockford, IL

Hi Joseph, your information sounds familiar. My husband was a nervous wreck but as it got closer he seemed to calm down and was surprisingly not nervous day of surgery. His mitral valve surgery is done and he has been in ICU for about a week now and ready for step down which means he is getting better.
PS - you will be having much more than just your chest shaved! Only the beginning of the different experiences you will experience! Bottom line it is all good when it is necessary and gets you back to health.
Richard's wife, Susan

Hey man,
I'm kind of in the same boat, but I have some time. I'll be thinking about you and hoping it goes well.
Patrick in STL
pcsfd2@gmail.com

Hi Joseph,
Good idea! I'm also thinking about getting some talking books - just in case I don't have the strength to hold a paperback up for long enough...
Looking forward to following your journal, is anyone going to keep it up to date for the day or 2 that you may not feel like it? Remember to give them your password - but you do sound organised so am sure you have it covered.
warmest wishes from snowy Scotland
Penny

Hi Joseph
I think it's a great idea to load the Ipod with your favourites. I planned my music for enjoyment and relaxation in case I got anxious during my procedures and surgery. I was concerned I might get anxious and have my newly repaired heart thumping to beat the band and was hoping if that happened, my music would help calm me down. It worked. Besides, once in the hospital I was taken out for various tests etc. and spent a lot of time waiting so it also became my entertainment along with a good book. When is your surgery? Cheryl, Ontario