Brad's Guestbook

Thinking of you.... Looking for a thumbs up post as soon as you get the energy! I am looking forward to a selfie showing off one bad-ass eye twinkle and a knowing smirk that says “yo. did it!”

Hey Brad! I know you may already be in surgery but wanted you to know I was thinking about you and praying for you. You'll do super. You are at a great place and have a great team caring for you. Looking forward to following your recovery!!

Brad, Sending you strength and wishing you all the best for your surgery tomorrow and a speedy recovery! Your going to do great! We will all be here for you, waiting for post-op updates when you can.

Brad, My name is Frank. I am a Swim Coach on Long island New York. I too, have a stenotic aortic valve,(bicuspid not the standard tricuspid) that will have to be replaced. I too have an Aortic Aneurysm that needs replacement. And yes, I am scheduled for June 24th. I wish you the best of luck. I you are like me, you have never spent a night in the hospital until now. Scary, for sure. But I have communicated with many who have said that the first 24 hours is the toughest. After that , they say it's not that bad. In fact someone told me that the anxiety of the anticipated procedure was by far the worst of the whole experience. I sincerely expect to be back swimming and cycling with my club as soon as August. All the Best, and if you want to write back feel free Thanks!

Hey Brad, read your post and it definitely hit home. I have gone through some of the same thoughts and anxiety (still am to some extent). I too was born with a bicuspid aortic valve and am now 43 years old requiring surgery. You're lucky to be so close to a great hospital - UofM is my alma mater! I'm sure everything will be good - technology has improved so much over the years and these surgeries are becoming more and more routine. I'm curious about the valve you chose? I'm going with the On-X mechanical valve because of the lower dose blood thinner requirements and because I don't want to ever have another operation if I can avoid it. It might be worth asking your surgeon about it if you haven't already. Thoughts and prayers are with you. -Carlos

Hi Brad. You came to the right place for support and encouragement. I also had a bad valve which I knew about since about age 7. We watched it all my life and had to go to a cardiologist every year. At age 59, the news finally came that I needed the surgery. I was in such denial that I got for opinions (two from cardiologists, one from by brother (a doctor) and one from his best friend who happened to be a thoracic surgeon. Even though I new the day would come, I was still terrified. I did wake up with a breathing tube in but many people do not. I think they try to remove them before you wake. You are with a good hospital so take comfort in that. Because of my age, I went with a tissue valve rather than mechanical because I didn't want to be on blood thinners and if I need another replacement later, I would go with the TAVR procedure. But that decision is extremely personal. I agree with others who have said that the waiting and all of the "what if's" are the worst part of the process. Your mind is your worst enemy right now. Trust the doctors - they do this every day. You will do fine and I wish you the best. Please keep us posted.

Brad welcome to the best support system EVER!! The best advice I ever received was from my nurse before I went in to my first OHS. Yes there will be a big tube in your throat when you wake up. Stay calm. The calmer you stay, the quicker it will come out. Trust in your doctors and you will be fine. I was 28 when I had my first OHS and have since then had 4 more. As I have told others, the anticipation weeks before your surgery will most likely be the worst part. Best of luck to you!! We are all looking out for you and will stay in touch.

No need to be terrified.... You are strong, your team is able to handle everything. You will find the strength and you will be ready once the time comes. You won’t believe me now, but you will stare this down and it will flinch, not you. Please read my journal and let me know where I can help.