Deb Ziegler posted a note for Tony that says: Cheers to you Tony! I feel the same way......we are SO LUCKY to have something fixable. Yes, it is scary, but is also very doable. I thank my lucky stars for each and every day that I feel well enough to do the things I enjoy, which is most days.
Godspeed and good luck with round two. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Julie posted a note for Tony that says: Hi Tony,
Just catching up on the latest info. Just know "God" is watching over you and your family. Please know you are in our prayers each day and night. I've subscribed to your updates and will stay in touch. Love the Kamplains, Mike, Julie, Michael & Thomas

Nancy Lewis posted a note for Tony that says: Hi Tony, praying for you and your family, You will pull through this with flying colors.

Pam Rice posted a note for Tony that says: Hey Tony,
I am just reading for the first time about your heart valve replacement surgery. I am shocked.
I do know a thing or two about this kind of surgery and its risk. I have worked in cardiology for the last 10 years here in Fountain Grove.
When I got injured at T&B Sports, I went to school to become a medical assistant. I got this job right out of school and the this company continued to send me to school to read EKG's and do nuclear stress test. I now work in the nursing department and run our protime clinic for the patients that have to be on blood thinners like Coumadin/Warfarin. I work closely with these patients and many of them have had valves replaced also.

I would have never guessed that you would have one at such a very young age. I don't know what happened the first time but I will be going back to read your journal and find out.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife and son. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. I will make it a point to go see your Mom and Dad and offer my help as well.

I will be praying for you Tony and I will look forward to your next blog on your outstanding recovery. Are you still here in Santa Rosa? I would love to meet your family and offer my help.

Pam Rice

Aunt Maureen posted a note for Tony that says: Prayers are coming your way. Don't worry God will see you through.

Matt Henley posted a note for Tony that says: Tony, you have been dealt the hand from the man upstairs and the plan is in place. I wish you all the power and prayers to come out so much stronger after this ordeal and be the loving husband and father as you do daily. I am keeping your wife, AJ and you in my prayers sir! Stay strong, positive and full of faith. Henley

Joe Schwei posted a note for Tony that says: Tony,

I just got looped in on the challenges that lay before you. All I know is that if this infection is anything like Northwoods League baserunners, it doesn't stand a chance. You've always been an MVP to me and I know you will kick this thing squarely in the you-know-what.

Sandy Wummer posted a note for Tony that says: Hi Tony.. I just had my second replacement (12 weeks after the first) i had the same thing, fevers after the surgery. Mine was a bit more urgent, I had the surgery within one day of them finding that the valve needed replaced.Then t I had 5 weeks of IV antibiotics after the surgery, it is now 7 weeks after my second one and though it was fairly extensive surgery, i am doing good (I thought the second surgery was actually easier than the first). They couldn't find the bacteria causing my endocarditis so I was on 4 antibiotics till they isolated it. just know that yes this is very frightening but i am on the other side now and i am 57 ( in pretty good shape). I also went back to my surgeon as i trust him and felt safe with him. what antibiotic were you on? I felt my journey was really a spiritual one more than a physical one. I didn't know why God have me this "rare" complication. But now know it was for a reason and i wouldn't change anything. my fevers are gone. keep the faith and you will do fine.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Tony that says: Antonio!!!!!!!

Good luck. I guess you got a good practice run the first time. Hate that you have to do it again, but it is what it is. You're going to do great, dude!

Aubrey posted a note for Tony that says: I am three and half weeks post surgery for a biscupid AV replacement . I had to be opened twice the first week due to the PICC line being stuck and they had to pen me up 6 days after the original surgery. That is nothing compared to what you are facing but it shows we have to do and face whatever comes. I will be thinking of your and you can do this, just trust your doctors and they will do what is needed.

Rebecca S posted a note for Tony that says: Tony,
My oh my. Like you we are all asking how this could happen. We haven't even thought of that possible scenario.
I know you are scared. No way around it. We will be lifting you up in prayer.
We have a good friend in Ultrasound at Kaiser. Not that you would see him or know him. Just that its a small world. My husband lived in San Francisco for 16 years when his first wife died. He has introduced me to that beautiful city. We go there at least once a year to see old friends and just hang out and get away from the Texas heat.
Please remember WHO is in Control. Try and put yourself into God's hands.....moment by moment.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Tony that says: Hi Tony,
What a bummer! I am so sorry to hear you have to do a repeat..but you know, we have no choice in all this. We just have to deal. Your friends on this site will give you and your family amazing support..It's hard to accept the bumps in the road but be positive, you will live a long and healthy life post op.
We may run into each other..I am having a AVR in end october at Kaiser SF too- we live in Marin ( ex- east bayers). I have heard lots of great things about the cardiac dept. there so we will be in good hands. Maybe we can stagger down the hall together and compare notes!

Cindy Wilson posted a note for Tony that says: Hi Tony,
Sending positive thoughts, energy and prayers your way. Wishing you and your wife all the strength in the world to get through this with an easy recovery for your son. Thank you for sharing.

John O\'Neill posted a note for Tony that says: Hi Tony
Thanks for the update, even if it isn't the kind we are used to reading about on this site. You are doing a service to the rest of us valvers though, by reminding us that things don't always go as planned. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you prepare again for this journey. We are so fortunate to have the doctors, nurses and hospitals we have today to get us over these bumps in the road.
John O

Barb Brooks posted a note for Tony that says: Hi Tony... SO sorry to hear you will be going through this again! We are scheduled for surgery the same day - October 29th... so we'll be graduating together ! :-) If you have any tips and/or suggestions, feel free to pass them along. All the best to you!

Lisa Spiegel (one of your many cousins) posted a note for Tony that says: Tony So sorry that you are going through this again. God has a plan and he will take care of you and your beautiful family. This is just a small speed bump in your life. Much love and prayers coming your way.

Bob and JoAnn Bunton posted a note for Tony that says: Just keep pushing forward. You are having a temporary set back. Your story is an inspiration to all of us that contribute these journals. Take care and look forward to the holidays.

Matt Amerlan posted a note for Tony that says: Tony,

Hello from Matt Amerlan and family in Colorado. Know that we are praying for you and are sending positive wishes your way. Some of my favorite memories as a kid are playing wiffle ball with you and your brothers in your drive way. You were the youngest one of us kicking our butt! I
have no doubt you are going to hit a home run in your next step with your battle. I'm really sorry you are going through this and am thinking of you a lot.

All the best buddy.

Matt

McKenzie & Ruben posted a note for Tony that says: Tony, thanks for sharing your storing! We help back tears while reading it! What a brave soldier and your family have been. AJ is defiantly the best medicine! We love you and we will continue to pray for you and your family!

P.s. Yes, more babies please! We already have a mini Tony now we need a mini Heather. How stinking cute would that be :)

Keep your spirits high & keep your awesome humor alive. Humor can help you through anything.

Judy and Ernie posted a note for Tony that says: Tony and Heather,
Ernie and I are so disappointed that his has happened to you but sometimes crummy surprises pop up in life, even to wonderful people.
We will hold you in our heart. We haven't gotten to know you but you have our Heather's love so we know you are a super person.
Keep up your great attitude, Tony. That is so important. It will carry you far.
Take good care of yourself,

Kelly O\'Callaghan posted a note for Tony that says: Tony- I am thinking of you and your family. You are one strong man. You will get through this. Please keep us posted and let us know if there is anything you need, in addition prayers. Keep focused on what you are fighting for!!
Love Kelly OC

Tim and Jaime Escobar posted a note for Tony that says: Tony,

We just finished reading your blog, and we're so sorry you are going through this. We are amazed by your strength, your honesty, and your faith. Sending you and your wife and cutie pie son lots of love!
Tim and Jaime Escobar

jjones@firstwellesley.com posted a note for Tony that says: Tony

So sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you. I went through a bout of endocarditis so I know about fevers and long times to diagnose. It took 2 months for my diagnosis to be made. The good news is the human body is tough. It is so wonderful to hear of your family. It is also great to hear you are an athlete, you will bring the right attitude to this new challenge. All the best as you prepare for surgery. I will have my surgery later Tony, my date is November 5th. All the best!

Ryan Hanlon posted a note for Tony that says: Coach,

I just read all of your posts and got caught up on your situation. Thanks for posting the link to Facebook. I just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. You have such a great attitude (which doesn't surprise me), and your courage is steadfast in the face of remarkable adversity. Just another 0-2 count, and you've seen many before. I have no doubt you will dig in and find a way to get on base!! I look forward to reading your first post on the other side of surgery. Play on playa! -Ryan Hanlon

debbiej posted a note for Tony that says: sorry to hear this is happening again. Hang in there. That little guy needs a dad and a coach. All will be fine. My surgery is next week.

Carol posted a note for Tony that says: Prayers are with you and your family. So sorry to hear this is happening to you.

Kathy Dahlberg posted a note for Tony that says: Tony,

We are all thinking of you and your family and praying for a successful procedure and speedy recovery. We love seeing AJ posts, and will keep him close to our hearts as you go down this road -again! Stay strong!

Kathy, John and Andrew

Brian O\'Callaghan posted a note for Tony that says: Hey man... I know it has been years since we have talked but we are only minutes away in WC and would love to support you and your fam in any way. We can bring dinners or help with AJ as we have an 11 month old and know how crazy kids are...so if you need anything let me know...we are literally minutes away! 925.708.7536..Stay strong!

Hi Tony, this is your cousin Nancy. My mom told me about your surgery. I glad your feeling better. Your wife is beautiful and congrats on the arrival of your new baby.
Take Care,
Nancy

Hi Tony
I am glad to see you are on the recovery road. Just be patient. Keep up on the walks as they really help. My first walk up and down my farm driveway(1/4 mile) required a three hour nap. It takes a lot of sleep to heal. Food will eventually acquire some flavor again, it just takes time. Don't forget to use your incentive spiromoter, if you quit to soon it comes back to bite you. It will also take time for your INR to stabilize as medications and diet changes. Put the pressure on your doctor to get your own coaguchech machine as this is a lot more convenient than driving to the coumidon clinic to be checked every week. Be good to your caregiver as the roles will be reversed in a few short months.
Happy recovery,
John O

Tony!!! Wonderful journal entries, sorry I did not get a chance to read them all before your surgery. Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery. You are a strong man with an amazing spirit, boy have you grown up since first grade! Sounds like you found yourself an amazing woman to compliment you. Hope each day gets better!
Kimmy O'Leary

Great update Tony!

Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick

Tony,
Your surgery is over and now it’s time to relax and recover. Glad you’re well on the way to feeling like your wonderful self again. We know you’re in good hands with Heather beside you.
Sending our love- Sandy and Brenda

Great news, Tony. Each day will be better as you take it slowly. Hugs to you and Heather.
Judy and Ernie

Hi Tony. I am sure that you are doing better now and all of your friends are driving the nurses crazy wanting to spend as much time together as they can! I hope and pray that everything is going well and you will be home soon.

I would love to send you flowers or a plant but I don't know where to send it too! Are you at UCSF or at Kaiser and which one.

Know that you and Heather and little AJ continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Love Auntie"B"

Hi Tony and Heather,
So glad to hear everything went well! The power of prayer is amazing.
I hope the recovery process goes well. Be kind to yourself as your body went through a HUGE operation. You'll be back to normal in no time.
<3 Erin Armstrong

Hi Tony and Heather,
So glad to hear that you are doing so well. I'll keep the prayers going that you will heal rapidly.
Luv ya,
Aunt Maureen & Family

Hey Tony and Heather..... Keep a smile!!!!Love, Auntie"B"

Tony!
Congratulations! That dreaded day has come and gone and now you're on your way to recovery.
Again, thanks to you and your family for sharing all the details of your preop, surgery, and recovery - you are a very brave and also a very considerate person - judging by your postings and your family's comments. Tony - You Are The Man!!!
Sincerely, Scott Miller El Paso, Tx

Tony & Heather:
We are so glad to hear that things are progressing well. Carin is keeping us updated and we are thinking of you and sending positive energy and happy thoughts. Things will get remarkably better, every day. Ron's best days started around day 4 post-surgery. The first few are tough. Stay strong and love each other.
Our best,
Ron & Shannon Eastin

CLUTCH with the bases loaded again, not surprised! Awesome to hear you're doing well!

Ben Quinto

Tony, so, so happy everything went so well! Now do not be a maniac!
Let that valve settle into it's new home. Give it the time it needs....it is going to be there a long time so give it a healthy start!
Take it from the old farts!
Hugs to Heather.
Judy and Ernie

Hey Tony, I knew you would make it! Now the prayers are for a quick and complete recovery, because they can't keep a good man down. You would be bored to death just sitting around, so I prayer Lord that Tony heals very fast, doing just what the doctors tell him to do and keep that wonderful grin and happy, joyful attitude. You are a bright light in many people's heart! Love you Tony and Heather, Auntie "B" and Jim

Dear Tony,

We have been thinking of you non-stop and are so proud of you! We are very happy the surgery was successful and you are on the road to recovery. Now stop reading this, and get some sleep! We love you!

Tim and Jaime Escobar

Tony we are so happy that the surgery is behind you and most importantly that you made it through in champion style! God has blessed you with a beautiful wife, your own little leaguer - AJ, and certainly a long healthy life! We love you and look forward to spending many days ahead celebrating! All our love, Uncle Ken, Aunt Colleen, Kenny and Shelby XOXO

Hey Tony & Heather, Carin was keeping us informed back here in DC, you're at the same hospital that my dad, Heather's Grandpa Clint Christensen had his by-pass surgery, & they're great there! God bless you & Heather, & AJ!! The Hormann Family, Paul, Cindy, Klint, Ariel & Molika XOXOX

The Brusatis send love and prayers your way today Tony!! In fact, we are thinking of the entire wonderful Arnerich gang today. Your strength and that of your family's is amazing. All our love, Mike, Patty & the boys!!!!

We are all praying for a successful surgery! We will be watching for an up-date.
Love the Les Rood family

Good Luck Tony! Lisa and I are rooting for your quick recovery. You're in our prayers!

In my prayer for Tony and Heather and his family, I forgot to end it by saying, "In Jesus name, we pray". Amen