Guestbook of Damian Kudelka

My Guestbook

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

1259 days ago

Priya A posted a note for Damian that says:

How are you doing now? Hope all is good and you had an excellent outcome.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

2704 days ago

Kathleen F. posted a note for Damian that says:

How are you doing? Your situation is concerning, and I wish you a good outcome. I hope you are enjoying the holidays.

Damian Kudelka Thanks for asking. Very kind. Minimally invasive TPVR failed so had traditional OHS to replace the pu ... Read more

Damian Kudelka Thanks for asking. Very kind. Minimally invasive TPVR failed so had traditional OHS to replace the pulmonary valve in October. I just started rehab and feel quite a bit of Deja vu

Damian Kudelka uncertainty so I try to focus s in the present.

Kathleen F. I'm so sorry to hear. Was Dr. Stelzer surprised? I know that's a possibility from the Ross but I did ... Read more

Kathleen F. I'm so sorry to hear. Was Dr. Stelzer surprised? I know that's a possibility from the Ross but I did not think it was very common and I am so sorry it was your result. It could have been any of us, and I believe God only gives us as much as we can handle. He must know you can handle a lot! Love and prayers for a great recovery.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

3304 days ago

Adela Morsz reacted to this

Ashok Vaid posted a note for Damian that says:

Hi Damian Did you have the ross procedure ? how has the experience been for you

Damian Kudelka Hi. I'm very pleased with the results. 2 years post op aorta looks perfect. Retained milde mitral va ... Read more

Damian Kudelka Hi. I'm very pleased with the results. 2 years post op aorta looks perfect. Retained milde mitral valve regurgitation, but that isn't uncommon with AS to have developed. There is a tightening where the pulmonary valve was stitched. the PV is fine, but on the artery some tightening. I'm following up on that. I suggest reaching out to Dr. Stelzer at Mount Sinai to talk about patient histories etc. Avg reop rate is over 20 years so I'm all for that!

Ashok Vaid Amazing , the other question is how complex is the reop , does it involve the autograft. Yes I reache ... Read more

Ashok Vaid Amazing , the other question is how complex is the reop , does it involve the autograft. Yes I reached out to dr stelzer too :) . BTW I am 26 y/o with moderate stenosis , may need intervention in future when I develop severe symptomatic AS

Ashok

Cathleen Weed Hi there I had a Ross Procedure when I was 22. It was holding up perfectly until I had an aortic aneu ... Read more

Cathleen Weed Hi there I had a Ross Procedure when I was 22. It was holding up perfectly until I had an aortic aneurysm that required a re-operation 11 years later. The valve would've lasted much longer if the aneurysm hadn't pulled it apart. If you have a bicuspid aortic valve please be sure to speak with the surgeon about the possibility of an aortic aneurysm in the future. They now know that that is a common problem for people with that kind of genetic valve defect. My donor pulmonary valve from the Ross procedure is still in there 23 years later (I'm 45 now) and doing great ❤️💪!

Damian Kudelka Hi Cathleen. Ultimately, i think its a gamble with timing. I'm now 3.5 years post-op with severe pu ... Read more

Damian Kudelka Hi Cathleen. Ultimately, i think its a gamble with timing. I'm now 3.5 years post-op with severe pulmonary stenosis and may need a replacement valve. Yours is serving you for decades. go figure...

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

3685 days ago

Jeff Shebovsky posted a note for Damian that says:

Thanks for the update Damian. Great news. Can't believe its only been a year for you. seems like more. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to hearing about ...Read more

Thanks for the update Damian. Great news. Can't believe its only been a year for you. seems like more. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to hearing about your athletic endeavors. Jeff

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4033 days ago

Kathleen F. posted a note for Damian that says:

Can you tell us anything about your experience at cardiac rehab?

Damian Kudelka hi. very delayed response but its great. its going to the gym for cardio twice a weak. builds strengh ... Read more

Damian Kudelka hi. very delayed response but its great. its going to the gym for cardio twice a weak. builds strenght
and confidence

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4046 days ago

Kathleen F. posted a note for Damian that says:

Hi Damian, I was wondering whether you decided to go to cardiac rehab somewhere in NYC, or if you're just running on your own? You're doing great!

Damian Kudelka Rehab as well. I strongly encourage rehab, but also need to work out on own.

Kathleen F. Where did you choose for rehab?

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4057 days ago

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Damian that says:

Thanks so much Damian: You have a great attitude. I'm guessing that is one reason you are doing so well. I love that you are so active. I'm still somewhat ...Read more

Thanks so much Damian: You have a great attitude. I'm guessing that is one reason you are doing so well. I love that you are so active. I'm still somewhat anxious about meeting my surgeon next week Wednesday. I just retired from teaching here in Madison, just signed up for subbing but I'll put that off until next year. My son Sam, though only 18 has been wonderful. Again thanks and I'll follow your posts and advice.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4058 days ago

Jen Huff posted a note for Damian that says:

Can you drive yet?!?:)

Damian Kudelka No but I live in nyc so irrelevant

Damian Kudelka Call Kathy and ask to speak to physician assistant or email Stelzer. I suspect if you feel fine they ... Read more

Damian Kudelka Call Kathy and ask to speak to physician assistant or email Stelzer. I suspect if you feel fine they will say push yourself. I was in class tact with them prior to my formal meeting with Stelzer.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4073 days ago

Peter willard posted a note for Damian that says:

Damian I had a bovine put in 2010 at 67 now at 72 I work out 6 days a week.I wish someone like John Fox the Denver coach would say what valve he got.Damian ...Read more

Damian I had a bovine put in 2010 at 67 now at 72 I work out 6 days a week.I wish someone like John Fox the Denver coach would say what valve he got.Damian you are correct over 60 get a tissue valve but mech you have to take blood thinners for life.I'm sure you will do just fine whatever you choose we are just lucky we have choices for this type of operation years ago people were not so lucky.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4073 days ago

Peter Willard posted a note for Damian that says:

Damian I had a bovine valve put in 2010 and what valve did you get.I think if people would say what valve they chose and why would help others because it is ...Read more

Damian I had a bovine valve put in 2010 and what valve did you get.I think if people would say what valve they chose and why would help others because it is a big decision .

Ginger Murphy yes i think everyone should....i have no clue which to decide on....the pros and cons are really impo ... Read more

Ginger Murphy yes i think everyone should....i have no clue which to decide on....the pros and cons are really important to me in that kind of decision making

Dan D. I haven't had surgery, but Dr. McCarthy told me that most people 60+ have tissue valves rather than m ... Read more

Dan D. I haven't had surgery, but Dr. McCarthy told me that most people 60+ have tissue valves rather than mechanical. He said tissue valves often last 20-30 years though I had heard 10-15. I get frequent bloody noses and worry about being on blood thinner with a mechanical valve.

Ginger Murphy yeah i have never gotten bloody noses til this year....

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4075 days ago

Melissa Cremins posted a note for Damian that says:

I love being able to read your journal and follow you through this incredible point in your life. I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling better!

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4082 days ago

Jeff Shebovsky posted a note for Damian that says:

Told you. But it gets better. Next 2 weeks will be so much better with everything. Your body went thru hell and back. It's trying to adjust to its new life. ...Read more

Told you. But it gets better. Next 2 weeks will be so much better with everything. Your body went thru hell and back. It's trying to adjust to its new life. Here's to a good nights sleep!

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4082 days ago

Lisa Obst AVR 2013 posted a note for Damian that says:

Damian, I had trouble sleeping like you. It seemed to be my pain meds. They gave me crazy dreams and made me sleep for a couple hours then wake up for a couple ...Read more

Damian, I had trouble sleeping like you. It seemed to be my pain meds. They gave me crazy dreams and made me sleep for a couple hours then wake up for a couple hours. As I reduced the meds I slept better. I was taking Percocet. Don't know if that is what you are taking. I would get obsessed with listening to my heartbeat and it would keep me awake. To stop myself I used medical hypnosis for sleep. It worked. You can find them online. I hope you're able to sleep well soon. Nap as much as possible during the day. It will get better very soon. So glad you are on the road to complete wellness! Don't overdo your exercise. It takes time so don't rush yourself. Hang in there.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4084 days ago

Kathleen F. posted a note for Damian that says:

Hi Damian, you asked me about my cardiac rehab research: It seems that NYU (E. 38th St) and New York Presbyterian (Cornell) (E. 68th) require a stress test ...Read more

Hi Damian, you asked me about my cardiac rehab research: It seems that NYU (E. 38th St) and New York Presbyterian (Cornell) (E. 68th) require a stress test first. New York Presbyterian (Columbia) (168th) does not, but does their own exercise baseline test at the first visit. Cornell is primarily a 30 min. cardio session with stretching, but no weights, and has some educational sessions in the hour following some rehab classes, on heart healthy lifestyle topics like stress management. Columbia does include some work with weights after the 30 min. cardio session. NYU has scheduled group "classes" M-W-F, 8-9, 10-11, 11:45-12:45, 5-6, which are monitored by doctors and therapists. NYU also can provide an Exercise Consultation with a program you can follow on your own following rehab, or in the event one might not need the constant monitoring. That's the information I was given over the phone, but don't know anyone who actually participated or has any real feedback, unfortunately. Let me know what you decide to do, and I'm glad your recovery seems to be going well!

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4087 days ago

Ravi posted a note for Damian that says:

Honestly, 3,000 steps is wayyyyyy more than I take these days with being chained to the desk at work!! Really glad to see surgery went well and that the progress ...Read more

Honestly, 3,000 steps is wayyyyyy more than I take these days with being chained to the desk at work!! Really glad to see surgery went well and that the progress has been very good based on your updates. Chat v soon. Take care

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4088 days ago

Jeffrey Shebovsky posted a note for Damian that says:

Great stuff Damian. So glad you are doing well. I knew you would. And you thought I was crazy when I told you I walked to a restaurant in NYC a week after surgery!! ...Read more

Great stuff Damian. So glad you are doing well. I knew you would. And you thought I was crazy when I told you I walked to a restaurant in NYC a week after surgery!!

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4093 days ago

Jschwar05@gmaiil.com posted a note for Damian that says:

Hi Damian, My name is John Schwartz.I'm an RN at Mount Sinai on 7east.I Also have severe aortic stenosis. I've been reading your journal and am happy to see ...Read more

Hi Damian, My name is John Schwartz.I'm an RN at Mount Sinai on 7east.I Also have severe aortic stenosis. I've been reading your journal and am happy to see you are doing well.I would like to stop by and say hello if you are up to it .

Damian Kudelka Ok

Damian Kudelka Jon lets talk

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4094 days ago

Jeff Shebovsky posted a note for Damian that says:

Hi Damian, great to see you posting yourself again. I'm so happy for you that you are doing well. I told you, and you will see in the coming weeks how fast ...Read more

Hi Damian, great to see you posting yourself again. I'm so happy for you that you are doing well. I told you, and you will see in the coming weeks how fast you recover. Way to go!! By the way it looks like my first guest post after your surgery didn't go through. Oh well at least you have this one. Looking forward to more good news

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4095 days ago

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Damian that says:

Damian- Hope and pray your procedure went well today and you are tucked away snugly for the evening. Hope you find the beginning of recovery begin with the ...Read more

Damian- Hope and pray your procedure went well today and you are tucked away snugly for the evening. Hope you find the beginning of recovery begin with the knowledge you are being thought of by all of your heart brothers and sisters here at the community. Take it slow and easy and relieved that that wait is over! Be Well.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4096 days ago

Jen Huff posted a note for Damian that says:

Damian - best of luck to you for a speedy recovery! I am having the Ross procedure with Dr. Stelzer next Friday, February 27th.

Damian Kudelka Hi Jen.

First big tip is sleep deprived and you need to train staff to be thoughtful and kind. Ha ... Read more

Damian Kudelka Hi Jen.

First big tip is sleep deprived and you need to train staff to be thoughtful and kind. Have someone to be you comfort and sleep advocate! Also get on pain meds ASAP

Surgically you are in great hands.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4096 days ago

Anna Shender posted a note for Damian that says:

Work won’t be nearly as fun or productive without you. I wish you the quickest and easiest recovery. We are all pulling for you and look forward to having ...Read more

Work won’t be nearly as fun or productive without you. I wish you the quickest and easiest recovery. We are all pulling for you and look forward to having you back – as they said of the Six Million Dollar Man “Better than he was before. Better, stronger, faster.” Of course, you’re too young to remember that show :)

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4096 days ago

Pat Bluemel posted a note for Damian that says:

You should be well on your way into your procedure. Soon you will wake up with different sets of eyes, some familiar, some not - looking into you yours, caring ...Read more

You should be well on your way into your procedure. Soon you will wake up with different sets of eyes, some familiar, some not - looking into you yours, caring for you and making sure you are just right. Sending great vibes of ease of recovery today and over the weekend.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4096 days ago

Jen Huff reacted to this

Mary Crispyn posted a note for Damian that says:

Hi Damian my prayers and thoughts are with you today. I have two boys with bav and will also seek Dr Stelzer when it is surgery time. God Bless you.

Damian Kudelkagot a new guestbook post

4097 days ago

Ruth Scott posted a note for Damian that says:

Hello Damian, My name is Ruth and sorry I do not have a journal here … just didn’t get to it. I had a mitral valve re-repair and tricuspid repair at Mt ...Read more

Hello Damian, My name is Ruth and sorry I do not have a journal here … just didn’t get to it. I had a mitral valve re-repair and tricuspid repair at Mt Sinai last September. My surgeon was Dr. David Adams, someone I selected because I wanted the best shot I could get at a re-repair, and Dr. Adams has a top reputation and lots of experience with those surgeries. I do not know a lot about Dr. Stelzer or the Ross procedure, but of course you have met others here who do. One type of doctor we may have in common is the anesthesiologist. Dr. Gregory Fischer, head of the ICU there, is an awesome person and doctor who will do his best to help you through the initial days. He even helped me with pain medication when I was first transferred to the 5th floor step down. Way beyond the ordinary I would say. I don’t think you gave an age, but your look pretty young. I am now 72 and was 71 at the time of my Mt Sinai surgery, 68 at the time of my first mitral valve repair at a different hospital. I was at Mt Sinai for 8 days due to the re-operation’s requiring a longer stay. I am walking over 3 miles per day and enjoying a good recovery despite a few minor bumps in the road. Live well, as you say.