Ana's Guestbook

Ana Brusso  Hello Kathleen, thank you for your note. I was told about my heart murmur in 2014. I was never told in all my follow ups that someday I will need open heart ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Hello Kathleen, thank you for your note. I was told about my heart murmur in 2014. I was never told in all my follow ups that someday I will need open heart surgery until July 2019 when a new cardiologist ordered a left heart catherization and noticed my regurgitation and an aneurysm on my aorta was severe enough that I needed open heart surgery. The news freaked me out and I was referred to a heart surgeon right away. After several scans and other tests the surgeon scheduled me for the surgery but he offered very little information and at that time I found this site. I was offered support, information from others that have gone through this before and also suggested I should get another opinion as I was not trusting the surgeon I had. I found Dr. Vaughn Starnes through this site at USC in Los Angeles (I live in the desert). I had my visit with him and he explained in very clear terms what I needed done and I immediately felt so comfortable with him I trusted his explanation and also his many years of experience and canceled my previous surgery and scheduled the new one and had it done in November 2019. I was scared and anxious when I first found out about having open heart surgery. I had all kinds of thoughts about not surviving etc., it’s natural for Hector to feel scare, you can read so many of the heart warriors here felt the same way and we are here encouraging others and providing whatever experience we have had. I felt that the alternative was worse. Tell Hector to read and learn about all the new procedures and advances in this particular surgery. Ask his cardiologist and doctor questions. Ask questions here on this site. I’m sorry it was a long answer but this was my experience. I will pray and hope you and Hector find more answers and feel confident with this life saving surgery and make the right decision for Hector. God bless you both

Ana Brusso  Not good, he never called me back and I have called them three times. The good new is that my dizziness and lightheadedness subsided, BP still normal. So grateful ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Not good, he never called me back and I have called them three times. The good new is that my dizziness and lightheadedness subsided, BP still normal. So grateful for God to take care of those two issues but disappointed in the Cardiologist not responding. I guess I didn’t need him after all. Thank you for checking and many blessings dear friend ❤️🙏🤗

Susan Lynn  Ana - Glad to read you're doing well. Keep searching for the right cardiologist. We're surgical patients for a short time, but we're cardiology patients ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Ana - Glad to read you're doing well. Keep searching for the right cardiologist. We're surgical patients for a short time, but we're cardiology patients forever. I went through several cardiologists before I found the right one. Don't lower your expectations- find the doctor who can meet or exceed them! You're too precious not to have the best care! ❤

Ana Brusso  My primary was the one that took me off Labetalol. He referred me to a Neurologist and I am awaiting for an appointment. I decided on Monday to ask him to refer ... Read more

Ana Brusso  My primary was the one that took me off Labetalol. He referred me to a Neurologist and I am awaiting for an appointment. I decided on Monday to ask him to refer me to a new Cardiologist. He has been pretty helpful. He did say that if I feel bad enough to go to the ER. But my daughter read somewhere that primary doctors in this area have about 4,000 patients they take care of. So you have to be very proactive with your health here. Will continue to pray and do my best. Thank you for responding Steven. God bless you and your family

Susan Lynn  Ana - I am so sorry to read that you're not feeling well. I think you have the right idea - find a responsive cardiologist. I asked the staff at cardiac rehab ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Ana - I am so sorry to read that you're not feeling well. I think you have the right idea - find a responsive cardiologist. I asked the staff at cardiac rehab and they recommended a physician who is so responsive that I'm never worried about getting an answer to my questions.
I hope you feel better soon. Positive thoughts and prayers to you! ❤🙏

Ana Brusso  Thank you my Angels Susan Lynn and Marie. Monday morning I will be calling my Primary and ask him to refer me to a new Cardiologist. Thursday will be two weeks ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Thank you my Angels Susan Lynn and Marie. Monday morning I will be calling my Primary and ask him to refer me to a new Cardiologist. Thursday will be two weeks without Labetalol and have been checking my blood pressure without the incident and after and the numbers are normal, only the second number comes up at above 80 sometimes. Pulse also changes between 73 and 83. It’s frustrating not to be able to pinpoint and know what to do. Yesterday was a good day and didn’t have an episode. Hoping today will be a good day too. Thank you for your concern and well wishes. Will keep you posted. God bless you both and keep you safe

Susan Lynn  Ana - Just checking in to see how you're doing this week. Did you find another cardiologist? I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. It is incredibly ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Ana - Just checking in to see how you're doing this week. Did you find another cardiologist? I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. It is incredibly frustrating when you don't have a responsive physician. Wishing you good luck and health! ❤

Ana Brusso  Hi Stephanie, thank you for your post. It’s always comforting to me to read the posts of faith. We have no control over anything because we know God is in-charged. ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Hi Stephanie, thank you for your post. It’s always comforting to me to read the posts of faith. We have no control over anything because we know God is in-charged. The concept of Grace is most amazing, and undeserving but God loves us so much He gives it to us. Stay in prayer and have a blessed and healthy weekend 🙏❤️🤗

Ana Brusso  Hi Rose, you know you are one of my Angels. You have been so encouraging and informative to me since I joined this site. Thank you for responding on the Calcium ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Hi Rose, you know you are one of my Angels. You have been so encouraging and informative to me since I joined this site. Thank you for responding on the Calcium as I was also diagnosed with Osteopenia a couple of years ago. I guess everything in moderation. God bless you and be well
❤️❤️🙏🙏🤗🤗😘😘

Marie Myers  For what it is worth, I follow the same thinking as Rose. I am limiting my calcium supplements to 300-500 mg/day. My cardiologist thinks that is the way to ... Read more

Marie Myers  For what it is worth, I follow the same thinking as Rose. I am limiting my calcium supplements to 300-500 mg/day. My cardiologist thinks that is the way to go. He also asked me to supplement with Vit K, for bone health.

stephanie arnold  I drink milk. was always leery about calcium supps because of the heart valve issue. I think I'm good on calcium with diet. I do take magnesium,d3,e,co q10,fish ... Read more

stephanie arnold  I drink milk. was always leery about calcium supps because of the heart valve issue. I think I'm good on calcium with diet. I do take magnesium,d3,e,co q10,fish oil, and bit c. and even tho I'm alone, I treat myself like company and fix good healthy meals.

Ana Brusso  Thank you my sweet ladies, I will still ask both my PCP and my Cardiologist. I do drink a lot of milk and love yogurt but I still tested positive for Osteopenia. ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Thank you my sweet ladies, I will still ask both my PCP and my Cardiologist. I do drink a lot of milk and love yogurt but I still tested positive for Osteopenia. Will keep you informed. Love you all. God bless you

Ana Brusso  Hello Stephanie, thank you for your kind words. God wants us to support each other and comfort each other. I also believe he saved my life and I can tell you ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Hello Stephanie, thank you for your kind words. God wants us to support each other and comfort each other. I also believe he saved my life and I can tell you that right after I was put under I saw Jesus sitting on my bed holding my hand. I wasn’t afraid and don’t remember anything else until I woke up. We need to remain in prayer and trust him even in the times of pain because you know he is there with us. I will continue to pray for his Angels to comfort you and your family and restore you to good health. May the peace of God be with you and keep you strong.

Ana Brusso  So glad to hear From you. I have been keeping you and all our heart warriors in prayer every day. The COVID-19 has created many hardships for the whole world, ... Read more

Ana Brusso  So glad to hear From you. I have been keeping you and all our heart warriors in prayer every day. The COVID-19 has created many hardships for the whole world, sorry you had to cancel your echo and consultation for now. Hope you will be able to get what you need done soon. I had to postpone my visit with new cardiologist after waiting 3 months for June. Can’t get my cardio rehab until that happens. I’m also isolating it’s been 23 days and no plans to go anywhere for a long time. Sorry your wife has to go out and work, will pray for her to stay safe. What is NHS? Your kids must keep you busy. Continue to take all precautions and stay in. Stay in touch.
God bless you and your family.
Best, Ana

Ana Brusso  Deepak, what symptoms did you have when you found out your valve failed? I have been reading a few of our warriors are having the same problems. I never thought ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Deepak, what symptoms did you have when you found out your valve failed? I have been reading a few of our warriors are having the same problems. I never thought about this issue but now I am. Can you tell me the symptoms. Thank you and continue to take care and know we are praying for you every day. God bless you

Ana Brusso  Maria, thank you for your post and so glad that Dr. Starnes did your surgery this year and that you are doing well. I Am awaiting my surgery and as you may ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Maria, thank you for your post and so glad that Dr. Starnes did your surgery this year and that you are doing well. I Am awaiting my surgery and as you may know the waiting is hard. I can’t wait to get thru it and be on the recovery side. Thank you for your best wishes and I wish you continued good health.

Ana Brusso  Laurie, I’m sorry I didn’t reply. I’m in fairly good health and yes I’m looking forward to get it done. I will be in God’s and Dr. Starnes good hands ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Laurie, I’m sorry I didn’t reply. I’m in fairly good health and yes I’m looking forward to get it done. I will be in God’s and Dr. Starnes good hands and I’m hoping for a successful surgery and a great recovery. Thank you for your post and continued good health to you.

Ana Brusso  Yes, California is absolutely gorgeous. At this time in total chaos with so many wild fires exploting up and down the
State. Thank you for your post. You are ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Yes, California is absolutely gorgeous. At this time in total chaos with so many wild fires exploting up and down the
State. Thank you for your post. You are blessed your Cardiologist is a friend and warn you ahead of time. I met with four different cardiologists two in Los Angeles and two in New York and was never told about the aneurysm or the possibility of needing surgery in the future. So it was a sock three months ago when I was told I was going to need OHS and not with the best bedside manner. But little by little with prayers and God’s guidance I have been finding answers and directions as to wha to do. This website has been so helpful. Blessings to you Chalah.

Ana Brusso  Hello Deepak and thank you for your post. Wow, I know that there unexpected things that can happen during any type of surgery and especially the heart. My new ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Hello Deepak and thank you for your post. Wow, I know that there unexpected things that can happen during any type of surgery and especially the heart. My new surgeon is very experienced with heart surgery and his team also. All I can say is that my first surgeon would have done only half of what I needed and would have to go thru another open heart surgery or worse. I have tried to get as much information as I can but in the end my faith is in God and his perfect plan for me, whatever it is. I am trying to stay positive, trust God and pray a lot for all of us. I know there are no guarantees but I am hoping for the best. Thank you for your kind words and your prayers. God bless you

Ana Brusso  At first my cardiologist sent me to the surgeon to do an aorta repair. The cath she had taken showed an aneurysm measuring 4.9mm. When surgeon performed additional ... Read more

Ana Brusso  At first my cardiologist sent me to the surgeon to do an aorta repair. The cath she had taken showed an aneurysm measuring 4.9mm. When surgeon performed additional CT SCANS the results showed the 3D scans showed in more details that the Aneurysm was not as big and Aorta did not need repair, but aortic valve was regurgitating too much and needed to be replaced. Surgeon consider this good news.

Ana Brusso  Adam, I sent out a message about maybe canceling my surgery. I was told today that my surgeon is going to cut and clip my aneurysm at the the same time he ... Read more

Ana Brusso  Adam, I sent out a message about maybe canceling my surgery. I was told today that my surgeon is going to cut and clip my aneurysm at the the same time he replaces my aortic valve. This was new to us. Have you heard of this before? Please I need your help. I am confused. Thank you