Claudette Fasano posted a note for Angelo that says:
Hi Angelo. I sent you a note a couple of days ago but not sure you got it. I know that you had valve replacement surgery and am so happy to hear you did so well. My brother, Emil, is facing the same surgery. Now living in Oregon he does not feel that Oregon had the most experienced surgeons. My mom had the same surgery a long time ago at St Joes but we cannot remember the surgeon's name. You sound like you had a good experience and were pleased with your surgeon. Can you let me know the name of the surgeon as he would like to come to St Joes for the surgery. Greatly appreciated. Thanks
Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Angelo that says:
Angelo- A little late but congratulation on your 2nd. year Anniversary and thanks for a post that really puts thinks into perspective about our life and reminding us that we are survivors that should always be grateful for the chances to be able to see our hearts repaired, parts replaced so that we may continue with this gift of Life. Happy that you are doing so well and understand the place the HVS community is part of the success of all of this. Take care!
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Angelo that says:
Congrats on the one year anniversary. Next month I hit my 1 year anniversary.
Glad you are doing well. Continued good health to you.
Angelo Varrone Thanks, Ernie. Best wishes for your continued good health, too.
Angelo
On February 7, 2014...
Tom in Kansas City posted a note for Angelo that says:
Congrats. I amateur 6 weeks post op of aorta and aorta valve replacement. Goes by fast. Keep us posted of how the next 6 months goes. Many of us will be there in early summer.
Susan Smith posted a note for Angelo that says:
Angelo, Congrats on the success of your heart valve surgery and feeling great. I am in pre-op and waiting mode. My last visit with the cardio was about more test and surgery. I am losing weight at the dr. request. I do feel the next cardio visit will be setting up more test, since I am in the severe range of BAS. It is always encouraging to hear about the other side of surgery and so I say thanks for sharing. Have a Blessed New Year.
Angelo Varrone Susan,
I hate to say open heart surgery is a "walk in the park," but, frankly, it was a great deal easier for me to deal with than expected. The thought of ... Read more
Angelo Varrone Susan,
I hate to say open heart surgery is a "walk in the park," but, frankly, it was a great deal easier for me to deal with than expected. The thought of it can be scary, but put your faith in your surgeon and do EXACTLY what they tell you and you'll do fine.
Happy New Year,
Angelo
On October 22, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Angelo that says:
Very normal is VERY good, Angelo! So glad to hear how well you are doing in such a short time, relatively speaking. You need a great meal to celebrate!
Jim Jones posted a note for Angelo that says:
Angelo
Looks like you are doing great! Thanks for the encouraging words. Keep it up during your 3rd month. Best
Angelo Varrone Thanks, Jim. Good luck with your angiogram in Oct. That was easier than I thought it would be.
On September 17, 2013...
Rebecca s posted a note for Angelo that says:
Sounds great! I am at 3 weeks and already notice a difference from yesterday to today. Keep up the good work. I am a long ways from walking a mile.
Angelo Varrone Thanks, Rebecca. You'll do great, just keep improving each day.
On September 17, 2013...
Sherry Stevens posted a note for Angelo that says:
Hi Angelo, I am one week behind you- 5 weeks yesterday. It is amazing what a week will do. I am not up to 2.5 miles yet, but doing well in rehab and thinking about driving. Like you I still have some tightness in the sternum ( I was fortunate enough to have a mini sternotomy, though they say that hurts worse??- don't know) but I can live a nearly normal day. It is almost hard to believe that I knew the surgery was coming for many years and yet here I am already well on my way to recovery. Glad to hear you are doing so well. Now we can encourage those coming behind, that it is a very recoverable surgery and life does come back to normal. Determination and faith along with rest and exercise can do it. Take good care and enjoy your first drive and putt !!
Angelo Varrone Sherry, Thanks. I'm sort of an "A" personality, so I may not be a good role model. I was driving at 3 weeks, the first moment after my surgeon gave me the OK. Good luck to you, too.
On September 17, 2013...
jeff o posted a note for Angelo that says:
Angelo, I to am coming up on my 6 week anniversary. I go back to work on the 6 week anniversary day this Thursday. I'm heading back to my GP today to ask about lifting and pains, expect just to get some common sense advice. Maybe he can make me smarter? Doing ok and getting better. Man that was the worst vacation I ever took.
Angelo Varrone Amen, brother. Let's not take any more "vacations" like this! Good luck back at work, that'll do wonders for you (it has for me).
Angelo
On September 9, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Angelo that says:
Angelo
Doing well right now. I have the surgery in Nov and cath early October. My work is in front of me! Keep healing, my friend.
Jim Jones posted a note for Angelo that says:
Angelo
I am glad that you continue your recovery. Real sorry about your infection. That is the last thing you needed! Your walking certainly is coming along. Continue healing, my friend.
This weekend was my one month "anniversary." Can't complain, my recovery is going well. One wrinkle, I came down with an upper respiratory infection ... Read more
This weekend was my one month "anniversary." Can't complain, my recovery is going well. One wrinkle, I came down with an upper respiratory infection on Labor Day and have spend the past week coughing and sneezing. That's taken its toll on my sternum, so I'm sure that it will take a few more weeks than expected for that to full heal.
Feeling pretty normal, though. Thanks so much for asking.
How are you doing?
Angelo
On August 30, 2013...
DVB posted a note for Angelo that says:
Awesome with the walking / exercise!
Jim Jones posted a note for Angelo that says:
Angelo
That is great news. Top 2% is not bad at all! Keep up your smooth recovery. Hope you are back to driving and working soon.
All the best.
Jim Jones posted a note for Angelo that says:
Angelo
Wishing you a steady recovery over the next days. Glad to see that you are home. I suspect that is a welcome change.
All the best
jeff o posted a note for Angelo that says:
I'm scared of my up coming cath. But from your post it does seem too bad. Was it painful? The thought of cutting into my leg really bothers me.
Angelo Varrone Jeff,
My angiogram didn't require any cuts. They inserted a catheter after numbing the site in my groin area. Like you, I was very nervous about this before ... Read more
Angelo Varrone Jeff,
My angiogram didn't require any cuts. They inserted a catheter after numbing the site in my groin area. Like you, I was very nervous about this before hand.
Truthfully, it was no big deal. I felt nothing through the procedure (though I was awake for it) and even now, several hours later, Advil is taking care of any discomfort (just a minor ache in the area). You really have nothing to fear. Trust me on this.
Angelo
On July 16, 2013...
Ernie posted a note for Angelo that says:
Just had mine last week. It was a piece of cake. And then after I had the piece of cake, I had an angiogram. That went fine, too.
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