Hi Mark!

It's good to here it all went well. The Lord had you in his hands! I pray for a quick recovery for you and your family! Glad to know you havea great support system, that is what you will need in the days to come! Keep your head up and know that the good days will out number the bad ones by far!

Melany Strader, NC

hi Mark!

I'm so glad to hear your surgery went went. I hope by now (Thursday morning) you're awake and feeling good (well, as good as can be expected considering . . .!)

I'm having my valve replacement in Cleveland 2 weeks from today. I, too, am hoping for the 5am slot but we'll see. I'll just be happy to get it over with no matter what time!

Keep us posted on your recovery.

Ricki Shine

Mark, congratulations on a successful surgery. I am so glad to nhear everything went well, and look forward to you coming back home this summer to see us. One of my coaches is a hopsital administrator here, and he raves about CC and their staff, says you are in the best hands possible. Know that we love you and miss you, and are happy that you have this behind you now. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Love, Gary & Mary

Glad to hear your surgery went well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

P.S.-I have a date with Dr. Gillinov on June 21 and was happy to learn that you were very pleased with Dr. Gillinov and the Cleveland Clinic in general.

John LaDisa
Milwaukee, WI

Oh yeah.....That was from Randy and Steve....No I am not dizzy....just confused....OK.

Well Mark,

Here goes. I will be thinking of you all day....Sounds like you got the best Doctor from other posts, so I am sure you do great.

Mark,
Consider yourself Blessed! So many prayers being sent out for you. Everything is going to turn our Super for you. Much- much Love from all your relatives and friends!
Aunt orphia

Hi Mark

Wishing you great success on your surgery. It's wonderful to be able to feel the calm settle in and yes, wouldn't it be nice if the family could have that same sense of calm? We'd do anything to save our loved ones pain but unfortunately this time they can only watch and wait. These are emotional moments but very soon will be over and you'll be on your way to a healthier life. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Mark:

I just spoke with Mom a bit ago, and she told me everything looks good for tomorrow. I know you are looking forward to having this surgery over with, and from everything I have read, you are in the best possible hands. Know that you are in our prayers and thoughts, and we look forward to hearing how good it goes tomorrow. I will try to call you after I finish T-Ball this evening. We love you!

Gary & Mary

Hi Mark,
You might want to make a pre-op visit to Great Lakes Brewing Compaany, because you may not feel up to a cold one for a few days.
Best wishes and Prayers for you from Captain Bill, 7 weeks post op from Cleveland. Please give my regards to Dr. G, he is the best.

Mark,

Way to "Rock" all the way to the operating room!!! I hope to make it to the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame one of these days.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

Good luck tomorrow Dad!! You will do great and glad to hear CC is all you thought it would be and more (and with good food). The puppies are doing good and Schnoo bear has been sleeping on your side of the bed, and thankfully hasn't gotten me up in the middle of the night! I'll call you later after my "second lunch" haha.

-Boppy

Hi Mark!

Glad to hear things went well yesterday. I'll be in Cleveland in 2 weeks going through all the same stuff so it's great to hear the details of your experience.

I know what you mean about your wife and your dad. My husband and mother are far more nervous than I am.

Good luck tomorrow. You're in great hands and everything will go well.

Ricki Shine

Good Morning Mark
Glad to read your post this morning. You'll feel even more confidant after meeting Dr Gillinov this morning. Hopefully he will make your wife and father feel less afraid. You and I are fortunate to have chosen the best hospital and surgeon.Have a good dinner tonight and get as much sleep as you can for the big day. Prayers going out to you and your family.
Fran Z

Hi Mark,

Just think, this time next week you will be a few days into recovery. As for me, it will be surgery day.

You certainly do seem to be in total control, and that is good. Best of everything to you and your family. My prayers are with you.

Please keep me posted.

Elaine

Mark, have been through these testing you're going through at the Cleveland Clinic. Isn't it an unbelievable hospital? Know your surgery is on Wednesday and hope you (and your wife)are feeling as relaxed as you can be. This time next week it'll be all behind you and on the road to recovery. Hope someone will be keeping us up to date while you're hospitalized? Will pray for a successful surgery. Do whatever they ask you to do, they are the experts and will do the best for you.
Fran Z

Mark,
I'm a good friend of you Mother's and she has been keeping me up-to-date with your plans for heart valve surgery. Here's a special get well wish and hope your feeling better soon.
Donna Roulic

Well Mark,

The wheels are in motion. Mom is in DFW and Dad with you and Gayna in CLE. The rest of us Kathy, Gary, Mary, and Steve are on call if you need any help or just somebody to come down and hang out with. Yeah why dont we all come...that would be relaxing....LOL. We know you will be great and you are in great hands. You take care of yourself and know that we love you and your family....and will talk soon after this is all over. Try and be calm or tell the nurse to give you something to relax you...That is a huge part of it, just relaxing. Wish I was there, but you know in your heart we all are. Get well soon.
Randy

mark you will be in my prayers. sounds likes all things are covered. Mark gaither

Mark, I do hope all goes well at CC and you have safe traveling. Look forward to seeing you soon. Get Well Steve

Mark we have you in our thoughts and prayers that everything will go great. You are lucky to have your families support and love.We will be checking the journal daily tocheck on your progress. We have known your mothers family for many years and have been blessed to have them. Love to you and the family. Marvin & Carolyn (Warren) Jessee

Hi Mark
Like you, we traveled to Cleveland from SW FL to have Dr Gillinov do my valve surgery. You already know you are in the best hands at the very best hospital, so just let them do what they do so well---fix hearts! Having a parent with the kids and one with you and your wife sounds like excellent support. Please contact me if I can answer any questions. What hotel are you staying at?
Fran Z

Hey Mark

Dropping by to wish you a safe trip to Cleveland. I know the surgery will go just fine but my back-up plan will be prayer. Gayna, praying for you as well. These next few days are going to be long anxious ones. Even though you know deep down Mark will be using that ticket home, there is still worry and concern. Try and keep focused and good luck on your waiting.

Looking forward to Mark's journal update telling us he's fine.

Cheryl, Ontario

Mark,
It has been a long time but I still think you of guys often. I am sorry to hear that you are having to go through this surgery but also glad that you are getting such excellent care at Cleveland. We have a friend in our community that just received a heart transplant from there within the past 6 months and is doing great. Randy is my facebook friend and let me know of your surgery. I just wanted to let you know that we will be praying for you and your family and will be waiting to hear the good news on your site next week. Safe travels to all of you.
Gaye Dickinson

Mark,Glad to hear everything went well yesterday. Mom called and told me.Dad and she are excited about coming to Texas,even if the lil hillibillies can't come.They are there to help yall as much as possible.if you need me,Randy- I don't why, or Gary we will be there.All yall have to do is let us know.You and the rest are in my prayers and thoughts everyday and I will be by your side in spirit. I love you and I am so dam proud of you.
kathy

Hi Mark

One less thing to worry about. Good for you. Now for the next step. Praying for you.

Cheryl, Ontario

Mark,

Oh what great news. Thank God there were no blockages. You earned the pizza.

Elaine

Glad to hear the cath went well today. I can imagine there is a sense of relief/excitement/nervousness right now. Continue to stay positive, and safe travels as you head to Ohio this weekend. We love you, and good luck!

Gary/Mary

Hey Mark,

Everyday it is getting closer. We know you will do great in recovery. We love reading the entries that others have posted. Hey did you know Mom and Dad are planning on being able to stay as long as you need them....LOL You need to keep them for a month or so for we are putting their house up for sale while they are there and will ship their belongings latter.....yep....you, Gayna, the kids....all the the dogs...that will make 5 with theirs included....and Mom and Dad....Now that is what a big brother is all about....Remind us to drop you a check in the mail for $25 a week to help out. Have a great day.....Love ya....

Your younger and thinner brother

Randy

Hi Mark,

Time certainly is flying by. One minute I want the surgery over and recovery to begin.
Then my mind starts to wonder and I get really nervous.

My pretesting is scheduled for May 6. I will be having an EKG, Chest Xray and Blood Tests. In the past year I have had 3 CAT Scans and a few echos. When I am having my tests you will already be on the road to recovery and that is great.

I need to take a lesson from you. You seem so at ease with all that is going on.

Keep me posted and take care.

Elaine

Mark,

You know that you will do great....You have always been so strong and someone to look up to for advice and strenth. I am so proud of you for being so brave and you know if we can help at all, just let us know. I am glad Dad will be there with you for when I was in the hospital he was strong and supportive and it made me stronger just knowing he was there. Mom will handle everything in Texas and I know Sara and David will keep her entertained. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love ya,

Randy and Steve

Good luck on May 5!! Gayle Rhea (UAL F/A...Randy's friend)

Hi Mark,
I'm in Cleveland as we speak. My mitral valve re-repair was last Thursday, April 15th. I was discharged Tuesday, April 20th. CC is the greatest! There is a pharmacy or two on site...where we got some RX filled. There also was a CVS down from our hotel we have been using to get scripts filled. The discharge Nurse Practitioner went over everything with us before we left. They suggested seeing your GP one week after discharge...I prefer to see my home Cardiologist. I called his office Wednesday and set up an appt. for Friday of next week when we return back to South Florida.

Happy to answer any questions! You will be in good hands! My surgeon was Tomislav Mihaljevic...he was the greatest!

Check out my journal!

Blessings!
Carla Hansen

Mark, I love you and I am so proud of you.You are/will always be in my heart and my kids.Call me if you are Gayna needs anything.

Love your big sis

Hey big brother!

Mary and I hope you are doing well, as we know you're ready to get on with this and move to the next chapter of your life, which is going to be a very long one! Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and thank you for sharing the information here so we can all follow your progress. I am looking forward to you coming back to NC this summer so I can kick your butt in golf (again!) and we can have a big family party. All our love and best wished to you, and good luck!

Love, Mary and Gary

Good Morning Mark
My doctor's NP made the appointment with my cardiologists office before I was discharged. It was made for 2 weeks post op. Was also given scripts for any new meds I was to take. Filled those at the local pharmacy before flying home. When I did see my cardio, he doubled the dose of one of them based on his evaluation. Since Dr Gillinov's team is fabulous, they should take take care of those details, so don't fret. Deanna Scripture NP was my helper and she was great.
Fran Z

Hi Mark
Welcome to the "club". You made the right decision about the Cleveland Clinic and Dr Gillinov. He did my valve surgery March 18th. I have a bovine mitral valve and a tricuspid repair. Having been there you already know what an unbelievable facility it is. I had to arrive for 3 days of pretesting prior to the surgery and everyone was great. Never felt like a number but a real person. Have you met Dr G yet? Since we traveled from FL, didn't meet him till the afternoon prior to the surgery and immediately knew my decision was 100% correct. After surgery when I thanked him he said it was just a plumbing job. So I add humble to his list of qualifications. I had to wait 2 1/2 months for my surgery and if you haven't already done so, you should download the relaxation/guided imagery tapes available for you. There should have been a card in your packet of CC info. It made a big difference for me as I waited. Will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Fran Z

Just wanted you to know we have and will be praying for you in the days ahead. We admire your courage and hope for the future and know you will do well with the surgery. Keep the positive attitude and trust that God will lead you safely through. We are so proud of you! Love, Nugie & Linda

Hi Mark

Welcome to HVJ. You are lucky to have found the site because you've just landed into a wealth of ideas, encouragement and support from people who have either been there or are going there. Also we have great committed caregivers here who can identify with family.

I had a mitral valve repair in Oct/09 and and actively still in rehab only because it's available to me at no charge so, why not? I didn't really start doing any research until last spring when it was apparent where I was headed so I commend you on the work you've been doing. From what I've researched Dr. Mark Gillinov would be my choice as well and certainly the Cleveland Clinic.

I have signed on to receive your journal updates and look forward to you getting this episode of your life behind you.

Keep your spirits high.

Cheryl, Ontario

My darling son,
I appreciate you and the way you face life's obstacles. Dad and I love you very much. You are God's son, on loan to us, and I trust and believe that he will hold you in his loving hands, will comfort you, and heal you during this time in Cleveland. I look forward to seeing you with a healed heart and enjoying life as the beautiful person that you are.
Hugs and kisses,
Mom and Dad

Dear Cousin Mark,
My favorite show growing up was The Six Million Dollar Man! So glad you will be getting the Steve Austin special and emerge better, faster, stronger! The children were just quizzing me about you and what you were like as a kid with a leaky heart.... I told them you would have never known... You were smart strong ambitious leader like to me and I knew to stay out of your basement chamber. Except to sneak and look at
Pictures of your cheerleader girlfriend ha Scottie would watch for me :) and boy was Grammy proud of you and all you accomplished! We all were and are and you are still a good democrat! and facing this with the courage humor and intelligence to take us all along for the learning and cheering and hurray for the human spirit. Thank you for always being an example of how to LIVE!
My love and prayers and I want a party planned in N C for your next bday!
Paula

Mark,

Thank you for offering to share your journey with everyone. It is a very loving and selfless thing to do. You will be in my prayers and thoughts during the next couple of weeks and throughout your recovery. You'll also be on my church's prayer list. Those people WILL be praying for you. I hope that this will bring you some comfort and courage and strength as you prepare for your "adventure". God will be holding you in His hands, so I pray that you will be able to rest in them and will feel his healing power as he restores your loving, precious heart to perfect health. I love you. Beverly

Hi Mark,

It's good to meet you. Welcome to the Heart valve Journals. You'll find that there are many people here ready and willing to answer your questions and share your experiences. this site is truly a wonderful resource for those of us with "broken hearts."

It sounds like you've made great plans and you have everything in place. Keep your mind busy and don't let the worry creep in - you're in the best of hands!

Wishing you an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery!

Joel Bryan, Iowa

Mark, my beloved nephew,
I remember you as a very loving child, also as a teenager and a very caring man. You deserve the best life has to offer. Wishing and praying for you the ultimate health care and speedy recovery. I love you! You are in my prayers..
Aunt Orphia

Mark,

I'm fairly new to this site...just about 2 weeks.

First, good luck on your surgery and a very speedy recovery.

Although you have known all your life about your bicuspid valve I found about 5 years ago that I had one, and only about a year ago that I have an aortic aneurysm. My surgery is sceduled for May 10, a few days after yours. I will be having my surgery at the Univ. of PA.

You mentioned that you will be having a replacement. What type of valve have you selected?

Best Wishes,
Elaine Spiewak