Guestbook of Chris Germano

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Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

28 days ago

David posted a note for Chris that says:

Great news all is going well. Its good to read that you didn't find it as bad as you imagined. I've had severe aortic stenosis bicuspid valve diagnosed ...Read more

Great news all is going well. Its good to read that you didn't find it as bad as you imagined. I've had severe aortic stenosis bicuspid valve diagnosed about two years ago and are on 6 month cardiologist checks.

I live in New Zealand so won't be traveling there for my op when the time comes. My Cardiologist told me to enjoy my summer on my last visit so I think my time is close. Next cardio visit is in a month. So thanks again for posting.

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

158 days ago

Chris Germano, Pamela Gregory, Janet Gaffney reacted to this

Janet Gaffney posted a note for Chris that says:

Hi Chris - just thinking about you! Wishing you a good recovery!

Chris Germano Hi Janet, I hope all went and is going well for you. I'm discharging today. They said I could have le ... Read more

Chris Germano Hi Janet, I hope all went and is going well for you. I'm discharging today. They said I could have left yesterday, but I wanted one more day of walking the halls. I do hope things went well for you and the throat hose wasn't in long. Let me know how you're doing.

Derek Schilling Safe travels home Chris!

Chris Germano Thanks Derek. I'll be at the hotel for two days then a Tuesday visit for final scans and tests then ... Read more

Chris Germano Thanks Derek. I'll be at the hotel for two days then a Tuesday visit for final scans and tests then fly home on Wednesday

Janet Gaffney Throat hose no problem; they used child sized stuff. Didn’t even have a sore throat and I barely re ... Read more

Janet Gaffney Throat hose no problem; they used child sized stuff. Didn’t even have a sore throat and I barely remember it.

Chris Germano Great... Hope recovery is going well

Janet Gaffney It is, thank you! A few bumps but nothing awful.

Chris Germano

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

159 days ago

Chris Germano reacted to this

Barbara Davis posted a note for Chris that says:

Lookin’good,Chris. Congrats! You are standing up so straight. Your post op photo looks just like mine after my AVR at The Clinic 4 years ago. Best ...Read more

Lookin’good,Chris. Congrats! You are standing up so straight. Your post op photo looks just like mine after my AVR at The Clinic 4 years ago. Best wishes.

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

159 days ago

Chris Germano reacted to this

Ruth Rehak posted a note for Chris that says:

Hey Chris, you are at the best place to have your surgery! I had mine there 6 years ago. Best wishes!

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

159 days ago

Tom Mahan posted a note for Chris that says:

Hi Chris. You're doing great!! We have nearly the same story. Congenital bicuspid aortic valve, stenosis. High school football and wrestling. ...Read more

Hi Chris. You're doing great!! We have nearly the same story. Congenital bicuspid aortic valve, stenosis. High school football and wrestling. Active runner and long distant cyclist for years. Had been watching my valve with my cardiologist for a few years and then shortage of breath, light headedness set in. My cardiologist said it was time for surgery. Long story short had my aortic valve replaced via open chest on August 1, 2023. What I can pass on to you is to be patient during your rehab and over the following 6 months past your surgery date. 2 years past my surgery date I feel better than I have felt for a long time. Hang in there and be patient. Holler if I can be of any help. Tom

Chris Germano Thanks Tom... Our stories are very similar. I do see the next few months as a bit of a challenge.

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

159 days ago

Dee posted a note for Chris that says:

You look great! CC took great care of me six months ago tomorrow I know they will do t for you and you look well ahead !!!! 👍. Dee

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

159 days ago

Michelle posted a note for Chris that says:

Praying that every day gets better & better.

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

162 days ago

Geoff Curtis posted a note for Chris that says:

Welcome to recovery OHS brother! ❣️❣️❣️❣️

Chris Germano Thanks ...

Geoff Curtis hope you're past the first 48hr hump! they were the worst for me, but it got better and better each ... Read more

Geoff Curtis hope you're past the first 48hr hump! they were the worst for me, but it got better and better each day afterwards. the hardest part is definitely out of the way!

Chris Germano

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

162 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Christopher Gardner posted a note for Chris that says:

Hi Chris, since your surgery was today I am assuming you're currently either on the table or in the ICU. I am praying

for you that everything goes well. ... Read more

Hi Chris, since your surgery was today I am assuming you're currently either on the table or in the ICU. I am praying

for you that everything goes well. I know your surgeon has a great reputation and the Cleveland Clinic is one of the best places you can be for what you're having done.

I will be coming in for my next aortic valve replacement on Halloween. I've been told I will likely not be heading to step down until Sunday or Monday. I hope you have such a quick recovery that you are on your way home by then. However, if you are still at CCF and we happen to run (or walker) into each other please say hello.

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

163 days ago

Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Chris that says:

Hi Chris ,
Good Luck for your surgery .

Pamela Gregory Sending my best thoughts and prayers your direction today for a successful surgery and uneventful re... Read more

Pamela Gregory Sending my best thoughts and prayers your direction today for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery

Chris Germano Thanks all! so far so good

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

165 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Chris Germano, Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Chip Bahn posted a note for Chris that says:

You're in the best of hands at CCF Chris. Four years ago tomorrow (10/25) I had a redo SAVR there. I anticipate this Edward bioprosthetic will push well past ...Read more

You're in the best of hands at CCF Chris. Four years ago tomorrow (10/25) I had a redo SAVR there. I anticipate this Edward bioprosthetic will push well past 15 yrs.
Be well.

Chris Germano Thank you

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

166 days ago

Sharon L posted a note for Chris that says:

Hi Chris, I choise an Ozaki valve at CC 4 1:2 years ago for my aorta valve They will provide great care for you which ever valve type you choose.

Chris Germano thanks

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

166 days ago

El McRae posted a note for Chris that says:

Chris,

I was same with BAV and stenosis. At 66 in 2024, I had SAVR.
You will do fantastic as you sound like you’ve always been in shape. I did a ...Read more

Chris,

I was same with BAV and stenosis. At 66 in 2024, I had SAVR.
You will do fantastic as you sound like you’ve always been in shape. I did a lot of Sprint triathlons and have been a swimmer since I was 3. Being athletic and aware of your body makes you ready and able for surgery. Good luck, recover well. Beth

Chris Germano Beth, Thanks for the encouragement

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

166 days ago

Don posted a note for Chris that says:

Just read your story and I am exactly like you. 66 years old, congenital bicuspid valve, and experiencing the same symptoms as yours. I had my surgery in mid ...Read more

Just read your story and I am exactly like you. 66 years old, congenital bicuspid valve, and experiencing the same symptoms as yours. I had my surgery in mid July and recovery going extremely well. Feeling much better. Curious, not sure if you are comfortable in sharing. Mechanical or biological valve? I went with the mechanical (On X) and have no regrets.

Surgery not so bad. Before you know it you will be back on your feet and running!

Don

Chris Germano Thanks Don! Edwards' latest Bovine valve

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

166 days ago

Nancy Nemoyer reacted to this

Suzy posted a note for Chris that says:

You got this !! I had mitral and tricuspid valve's replaced May 2024. Just go through the motions and follow everything they tell you do it. I ...Read more

You got this !! I had mitral and tricuspid valve's replaced May 2024. Just go through the motions and follow everything they tell you do it. I feel amazing !!

Nancy Nemoyer Thank you. That's very reassuring.

Chris Germano Thanks Suzy!

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

166 days ago

Manuel Cardoso Jr. posted a note for Chris that says:

I was also diagnosed with aortic stenosis : bicuspid valve. I am 68 yrs old. Had it replaced last February 13th. Never experienced pain after the procedure. ...Read more

I was also diagnosed with aortic stenosis : bicuspid valve. I am 68 yrs old. Had it replaced last February 13th. Never experienced pain after the procedure. Never had to take pain killers either. Was operated at the Cardio Thoracic institute in Coimbra,Portugal. I opted for the biological valve instead of the mechanical one. A less complicated choice in terms of the future.Was home after 5 days.

Like you I was also afraid and apprehensive. All went well. All will go well with you . As we say in Portugal...bem haja !

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

168 days ago

Chris Germano, Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Chris that says:

Hi Chris ,
Welcome

Your heart cushion is beautifully made and very precious .

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

180 days ago

Chris Germano, Kate Watson reacted to this

Carl Lyth posted a note for Chris that says:

I had Aortic and Mitral valve replacement last year. 1 day of back pain and since then no issues at all. Not a runner but 4 miles per day walking in no time. ...Read more

I had Aortic and Mitral valve replacement last year. 1 day of back pain and since then no issues at all. Not a runner but 4 miles per day walking in no time. You will be amazed at how well you do! Great luck!!

Chris Germano Thank you

Chris Germanogot a new guestbook post

184 days ago

Pamela Gregory posted a note for Chris that says:

Good morning Chris. I was reading your story this morning and see you have Dr. Roselli at the end of this month. I had Dr. Roselli October 2022. I think... Read more

Good morning Chris. I was reading your story this morning and see you have Dr. Roselli at the end of this month. I had Dr. Roselli October 2022. I think you will be very pleased that you are making the trip to Cleveland. I live in DE and it was well worth traveling for this life saving surgery. Dr. Roselli is awesome and the Cleveland Clinic runs like a well oiled machine. Anything you need is taken care of and I was actually surprised that they kept me fairly comfortable considering the kind of surgery this is. I have a very poor pain tolerance and was extremely worried about that part. Stay ahead of the pain and you will do great

Valerie Allen Another Dr Roselli patient here. I travelled from South Carolina to have him do my surgery. You won� ... Read more

Valerie Allen Another Dr Roselli patient here. I travelled from South Carolina to have him do my surgery. You won’t regret it. Everything Pam says is true. Let us know if you have questions.

Geoff Curtis I too had Dr Roselli! Great choice, 10/15 is my one year anniversary! Rock it brother!

Chris Germano Thanks so much to all of you for your insights with Dr Roselli and the Cleveland Clinic... 3 weeks ou ... Read more

Chris Germano Thanks so much to all of you for your insights with Dr Roselli and the Cleveland Clinic... 3 weeks out and feeling anxious this past week... Had my heart cath a week ago, in Wilmington, NC, and ended up in the ER a day later. No real issues, just swelling and dizziness, very low Blood pressure. All worked out ok. But, that just kinda started an uptick in anxiety. Probably, normal this close to surgery.... Thanks again for your comments.

Valerie Allen Chris, I see you are from NC. Are you flying? If so it is advisable, if feasible, to book a first cla ... Read more

Valerie Allen Chris, I see you are from NC. Are you flying? If so it is advisable, if feasible, to book a first class seat on the way home and of course the wheelchair service in the airport. These two things make the trip much more doable. Bring your heart pillow on the return trip to hold against your chest if any bumps. My anxiety settled down once I got to CC.

Chris Germano Valerie, thanks. I had booked first class for the return, but just got the wheel chair requested base ... Read more

Chris Germano Valerie, thanks. I had booked first class for the return, but just got the wheel chair requested based on your post. Thanks What's a heart pillow?

Pamela Gregory They will give you a heart pillow in the hospital that really helps if you need to cough or anything ... Read more

Pamela Gregory They will give you a heart pillow in the hospital that really helps if you need to cough or anything like that. sometimes I would just squeeze it gently to my chest and it was comforting and comfortable

Valerie Allen I was at the Cleveland airport waiting for the first flight home and a nice man saw my pillow and cam ... Read more

Valerie Allen I was at the Cleveland airport waiting for the first flight home and a nice man saw my pillow and came over to tell me how well he was doing after a previous surgery and give me a little pep talk. It was really a wonderful gesture.

Valerie Allen The heart pillow