LIN posted a note for Dan that says:
Hi Dan,
I live in Tampa, Fl. and will need aorta valve replacement in the future. I wanted to find others that have had this type of surgery that live in my area so I could talk to them since I am fearful.
Dan Sinclair I understand fearful, I was as well but it is three years behind me and I seldom think about it anymore. This site can help you more than you can imagine. Did you read my journal?
Meredith Bray LIN, I'm near Clearwater. Perhaps we can meet up somewhere. Send me an email MeredithLBray (at) hotmail.com
On September 12, 2016...
Ernie Keen posted a note for Dan that says:
Damned Cowboys.
Gary Mercer posted a note for Dan that says:
Hey Dan, just read all your posts and certainly hope I do as well as you. Unfortunately I will not be walking near the beach post operative. I will be in Ohio dodging the snowflakes. I meet Dr. Gillinov on Monday and I'll let you know how things go.
Dan Sinclair Yea I found out about those snow flakes when I had the bright idea of surgery in mid November. You will like Dr G, he IS the man as far as I am concerned. Please ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Yea I found out about those snow flakes when I had the bright idea of surgery in mid November. You will like Dr G, he IS the man as far as I am concerned. Please keep us all posted on this site and if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.
On September 23, 2014...
Hi Dan. I just read though your journal and want to thank you for sharing. My surgery is 9/29. I was shocked when I read about the collapsed lung, was not expecting that, yet you seemed pretty calm and better within a couple of days. wow! It was nice to see your day 2 pic - you looked great and your caption made me laugh. Glad all went well for you.
Dan Sinclair Hey Christine,
Thank You and No Problem, just let me know any questions you have and I will try my best to answer them. I will be watching for your posts in ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Hey Christine,
Thank You and No Problem, just let me know any questions you have and I will try my best to answer them. I will be watching for your posts in the coming days and weeks. You are going to be just fine. I did an eleven mile power walk this last Saturday and am planning on a twelve mile to mark my anniversary date 11-13-14. Taking that day off, spending the night at the beach with my wife to celebrate, it is all good!
On September 12, 2014...
Ernie Keen posted a note for Dan that says:
Your wife is an angel.
Dan Sinclair Ernie,
How are you doing, I was just checking in to the old site and realized that I have not heard from you in a while, I hope all is super!
On May 14, 2014...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
What is the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don’t know, and I don’t care.
Carol Jackson posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan,
Wow! Ten mile power walk! I wear a Fitbit and I got 17,000 steps in on Sat. and 15,000 steps in on Sun. helping my daughter pack and move.Hard to believe it's been 6 months for you and 7 months for me! Glad to hear you continue to do so well.
Dan Sinclair And You as well Carol. Hope your daughter appreciates those 32,000 steps. Been There and Done That, A Few Times!
Record for me yesterday on my fitbit - 22,139 steps- Holy Bovine Valve!
On May 13, 2014...
Tom Huskisson posted a note for Dan that says:
Great to hear you are doing so well !!
Dan Sinclair Thanks Tom,
Hope you are still doing well also. Think I will be sore tomorrow, 10 miles is quite the walk for me and I am starting to feel it this evening!
On May 13, 2014...
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Dan that says:
Wow, ten miles?? How many times did you stop for a beer?Thats very impressive ! Its great to see you are better than ever and that the surgery was all good.
A great thing to do for a 6 month marker- I feel more confident knowing YOU walked 10 miles!
Dan Sinclair Lynn, Between You, Jim and Ernie, I get no slack what so ever.
If it would have been on a Saturday afternoon there would have been a definite possiblity of a beer stop but I had to go to work after :(
On May 13, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan:
You are the man! Congrats. Your attitude is contagious. I am going to get in my car right now and drive 10 miles. What, you walked it? Amazing. The best to you, big guy.
You have to settle the score on who holds the title of The Heart Valve Surgery Designated Comedian, See Above Comments From Jim and Lynn. I think they both may be trying to dethrone you........
On May 7, 2014...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
Yeah, I guess I'm going to have to stick to walking for now. When I left cardiac rehab, the exercise physiologist told me to just walk and not jog. She said my joints would thank me down the road.
Good luck with your Bucs and Steelers. I don't have much faith in the Cowboys, but who knows, maybe Romo will slip up and forget he's supposed to choke every other game.
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
Damn. Got back to jogging/walking, then yesterday made it about 2 miles into a 3 mile round trip and injured my right calf again. I stretched good too before I started my jog. I had to call my roommate to come pick me up because I still had a mile to go to get home and a lot of it was uphill. I would have just injured my calf further. Arrrrr!!
Dan Sinclair Damn it Ernie,
Were you not the one that told me to take it easy...Sorry to hear about injuring the calf muscle again. I still have not tried jogging, at all, ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Damn it Ernie,
Were you not the one that told me to take it easy...Sorry to hear about injuring the calf muscle again. I still have not tried jogging, at all, since before surgery,....when I passed out and tried to stop the fall with my teeth, which did not work out so good. However last Sunday I did a 6 mile power walk along the waterfront, it felt good but I was a little tired the rest of the day. When you get back to it again try just a brisk walk, I think it is better for you anyway at least when you get up to our age. New NFL schedules are out for the upcoming season, The Bucs are playing the Steelers this year, my current team against my old and stand by teams, looks like an interesting year for the Bucs, new head coach, lots of new faces, never know. Maybe your Tony will bounce back this year......... Take Care Ernie
On April 15, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan
This is wonderful news! You are an ironman. I remember the first day you started your journal. So much has happened for so many of us since that day. Keep up the great life.
Best.
Susan Smith posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan are you a work-a-holic??? Probably not, just doing what needs to be done, is my guess. Power walks....wow. I can't wait to get on the other side of this situation. I am 2 weeks and a day out from my scheduled surgery date. Yes I am nervous about being out of commission for the time it takes to get recovered, but I know I must go through this to get to living a good life again. I just love living in Florida, my son lives in the foothills of the Rockies outside of Denver and it is snowing.....yuk! Do drop in every now and again and let us all know how well you are doing.
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan!!!
Good hearing from you, buddy. I'm doing well. Feeling good. Didin't make it back into the gym, but I've started walking on and off a bit. I usually do 3 miles, and that's what I did today.
I still have a weird pain in my sternum. My cardiologist thinks I might have done something to loosen the wires, but chest x-ray showed the wires at least weren't broken. I think it's from compression on the sternum from laying on my side when I sleep. I may have to go back to sleeping in the recliner again to try and get that baby to heal. I need a job. Thanks for checking in on me.
Glad to hear you are doing well.
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan Sinc!!
How are you doing? I hope recovery is still going well for you. Middle of March will be 6 months for me, so I'll be writing something else in my journal at that time. I've been really bad. I strained a muscle in my calf a month and a half ago and quit walking and lost all my momentum. Gotta get my butt back into the gym. Take care. Be well.
Dan Sinclair Hey Ernie,
Good to hear from you. I just got back from a five mile power walk on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, it is a beautiful day here, sunny about ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Hey Ernie,
Good to hear from you. I just got back from a five mile power walk on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, it is a beautiful day here, sunny about 70 degrees during our walk and may get to 80 degrees. I have not been "exercising" enough either but I have been working 12 hours a day, that leaves precious little time to exercise so it has been reserved for Sundays. My future son in law got me a fitbit for Christmas, it tracks your steps during the day so while I am not "exercising" I still average about three miles a day in my office, things may slow down just a little in a few weeks and I will try to get back to my 2 mile walks in the AM, anyway feeling really good, after a few bouts with Pericarditis. Take Care Ernie, and get back to that Gym buddy! Cheers!
On January 30, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says:
Danny Boy
Your news is terrific! As they say, well done. I am so glad to hear how well you are doing! We all have come a long way in a short time.
Keep up the great work, enjoy life and hi to Mrs. Sinclair! Best.
Dan Sinclair Jim,
So good to hear from you. I sincerely hope that you are doing well. We all would like an update, when you get a chance. The best back at you bud!
On January 30, 2014...
Meredith Bray posted a note for Dan that says:
I just stumbled on your journal, and am looking forward to reading it thoroughly when I get home tonight. I'm in Holiday, and looking at Morton Plant Mease for my surgery sometime in the next three months. Keep warm!
Dan Sinclair Well Meredith if I can help you in any way, let me know. You will find this site invaluable.
On January 29, 2014...
Susan Smith posted a note for Dan that says:
Hi Dan, nice to hear from you and to find you doing great. Back to normal and doing your thing. I'm still waiting. I see the cardio 3/7/14. Will see what he says about the echocardiogram. Kind of yucky weather wise,but our weather is so much better than everyone else can't complain. Take care and drop in when you can.
Dan Sinclair Good to hear from you Susan, we are blessed to live in Florida but let's keep that between us.....
On January 29, 2014...
Stephen K. posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan...Thank you for posting your journal. It truly helped me get through my surgery, and I'm sure many others also were quietly following your journey. As you know the Cleveland Clinic was awesome....great, great doctors and an awesome staff. I am back to normal in just 7 weeks. What a gift we were both given. Thanks again Dan!
Dan Sinclair Hey Stephen, so happy to hear you are doing so well, Cleveland Rocks!
On January 17, 2014...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan,
Sorry I'm late getting back to you. Wasn't notified somebody signed my guestbook until today.
I didn't have a fever either when I got Dresslers. Just had pain in the chest a smidge left of the sternum. It was harder breathing and I tired really quickly trying to walk. Took several days taking Naproxen to get over it. Frustrating part of recovery. Good luck.
Susan Smith, from the East Coast posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan, Sorry that you have a glitch go on with the Lung, but you will over come that, just has you have over come the other issues with your health. I want you to know that I consider you, Jim and Ernie, the 3 Musketeers of Heart Valve Land. I have truly enjoyed the lessons learned, the stories told and victories won by you all. I still have a ways to go, but one day soon I will be catching up with you in my journey to a new heart valve. 2014 is the year I believe my surgery will take place and my family will have its first wedding as my eldest granddaughter will be marrying her high school sweetheart in September and they will have the ceremony in Florida, rather than in Denver where they live. So these will be a great year. May God continue to bless you and your sweetheart. Do keep us posted on how you are doing, as I am interested in my fellow Floridians well being, as always your friend
Dan Sinclair Thanks Susan, It has been fun if you can call it that, conversing with all of the HVS family. I am doing pretty good and the partially collapsed lung was just ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Thanks Susan, It has been fun if you can call it that, conversing with all of the HVS family. I am doing pretty good and the partially collapsed lung was just a temp set back. Keep us posted as you get closer and the best to you when you decide to proceed!
On January 4, 2014...
Carol Jackson posted a note for Dan that says:
Wow! collapsed lung! Hope you are on the mend. That makes me want to take it easy. I returned to my 1st power water aerobics class yesterday. I couldn't do the crawl or breaststroke laps but was able to do 6-7 "continuous" laps with the board and/ or flippers and not get out of breath. Before surgery I could only do 3-4 laps and would get out of breath. Amazing how the surgery helped.
Take it easy and Good luck!
Dan Sinclair Hey Carol, keep up the work don't let my set back, set you back, I will be back at it in another week, maybe not quite as hard but back to it.
Take Care!
On January 4, 2014...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
DON'T MAKE ME COME OVER THERE!!!
No power walking. You can do LONG, regular walking. You can add distance now, and vigorousness later. This is NOT A RACE. Give your body time to heal!! You're not a spry teen any more. Takes a little more time to heal for us more mature guys. Healing is job number one for you. Don't sabotage yourself. I'm picking out a board right now to make into a good paddle in case I've got to come over there and spank you.
Take it easy. Good luck and good health to you in 2014 and beyond.
Dan Sinclair Thanks Ernie,
I will heed your advice. Well some of it anyway!
Take Care my friend!
On January 4, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says:
Hey Dan
Good luck with that lung! It is funny-we need to remain vigilant for a while. We mustr find a solution called "Minute Surgery" to make this recovery move along faster! Heal well, brother!
Dan Sinclair Deb,
I think fluid build up on the outside of the lung, which was probably not rectified yet from surgery and futher compromised by my over doing my walking ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Deb,
I think fluid build up on the outside of the lung, which was probably not rectified yet from surgery and futher compromised by my over doing my walking to much to far, basically my over doing I think, but then again I'm not a Doctor....however I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!
On December 30, 2013...
Linda posted a note for Dan that says:
Thanks, Dan for your recommendation for a local cardiologist. I , too, would go to the Cleveland clinic for valve replacement.
Happy New Year to you.
Linda posted a note for Dan that says:
So glad your aorta valve surgery went well. I live in the Tampa and St. Pete area and was wondering if you could recommend a good cardiologist for valve
problems.
I go to Dr Peter Wassmer, he practices at Northside Hospital. I have been satisifed with him as a cardiologist to date but I think for sure that ... Read more
I go to Dr Peter Wassmer, he practices at Northside Hospital. I have been satisifed with him as a cardiologist to date but I think for sure that it is a matter of personal preference. I would not hesitate to tell you to give him a try and see if he is a fi for you. If you read my journal you can see I decided to go to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio to have surgery, and my experience there was as good as one could imagine for this surgery. Hope that helps! The best of luck to you Linda!
On December 22, 2013...
Stephen K. posted a note for Dan that says:
Hi Dan....congratulations!!....sounds like you will be better than before soon enough! When you say you are working out full days, what are you referring to? (how did you built up your workout schedule and what do you include). I am up for surgery myself in the future and I cannot tell you how much your postings, and your Guest's questions have meant to me personally as it helps to conquer the fear of the unkown. I am sure you have touched and helped so many others who don't post too. You rock!
Dan Sinclair Thanks Rose,
Could not have done it without your support.
We are blessed to have you as our daughter.
Love you!
On December 21, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan
You are doing great! So pleased to see how well you are doing. Happy holidays to you all and keep up the good work!
Dan Sinclair You as well Ernie, Thank you for all of the laughs along this journey. You sound like you are doing very well yourself. I think you will be ok tomorrow against ... Read more
Dan Sinclair You as well Ernie, Thank you for all of the laughs along this journey. You sound like you are doing very well yourself. I think you will be ok tomorrow against the skins, 3-11, I don't think it is possible to choke on that record.
On December 20, 2013...
Carol Jackson posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan,
Glad to hear you had a good report and life is good! Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas! It will be a very special Christmas for all of us.
Dan Sinclair Carol,
Thank you and yes it is going to be a special Christmas for us. Glad to read you are doing well yourself, can't wait to get to the three month point ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Carol,
Thank you and yes it is going to be a special Christmas for us. Glad to read you are doing well yourself, can't wait to get to the three month point like you to see how that is going to feel.
Take Care.
On December 20, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan, life is good and getting the surgery behind you, along with having your family with you is the icing on the cake. Have a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year. Keep on keeping on.
Dan Sinclair Thanks Susan,
You do the same, keep us posted on your journey!
On December 17, 2013...
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
You must be waiting until after your Dr.s appointment on the 19th to post again with news. Either that, or you're out overdoing again, or you DID overdo it again after your last post and now you're too embarrassed to post, because you know I'll have to spank you hard for not listening. You take it slow.
Like I tell my dog every time I take it for a walk, " Heal, damn you, heal!!"
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
I had Dressler's Syndrome, which was a form of Pericarditis, so I went through the same thing with shallow breaths and pain breathing. Spirometer numbers dropped like crazy. Roller Coaster recovery. Highs and lows get less and less over time. take it slow to heal quick.
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
Hopefully you can get into cardiac rehab and they will give you a good idea of how much, and how fast you should be going for your cardio exercise. Don't worry about stamina. With your new valve it'll come back quick enough. Let your heart heal. It went through a pretty traumatic ordeal, being stopped, cut open, valve cut out and a bovine one sewed in, and then the heart was sewed up again.
Today was my last day of cardiac rehab. They kicked me out and said I was doing really well.
Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says:
Hey Dan
It is tough to do slow and steady but that appears to be what the heart and body want. Good that you are adjusting. It truly is trial and error to get the pace right. Also, I do think you just make Ernie's day! Ernie has become our Yoda. A most powerful Jedi Master. Best.
Aubrey posted a note for Dan that says:
You obviously gave much longer legs than me. Keep up the slow and steady. Sounds like your doing very well. Keep us posted on it all.
I still take the occasional ibuprofen and the rehab has not only helped my stamina but the upper body weights and the core resistance bands are making a noticeable difference. I will try to keep the three to six hours per week of exercise going. I am looking for a six pack abs. I will post if it ever happens, lol.
Joseph Kusiak posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan,
So glad you are doing so good. This surgery saved your life and soon you will feel even better then you did 10 years ago.
Keep up the great work in recovery.
Ernie A.S. posted a note for Dan that says:
4 miles at 16 1/2 minutes. That still seems like you're pushing it a bit too soon. When was your last or is your next doctor/cardiologist appointment? Be sure and tell them how much walking you're doing, how fast, and how you are feeling.
This ain't no race! Gotta let the ticker heal.
Dan Sinclair Thanks Ernie, I will question them on next visit around the 19th. I really was not pushing it though hell I had my anchor (Mary) with me. I have a pretty good ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Thanks Ernie, I will question them on next visit around the 19th. I really was not pushing it though hell I had my anchor (Mary) with me. I have a pretty good stride when walking, Mary does not so when she is with me I have to kick it back a little.
Take care my man!
On December 7, 2013...
Susan Smith posted a note for Dan that says:
Great going Dan. Love the Grouper sandwiches. I went Christmas Shopping this morning and I must confess our weather was lousy today. Gray and misty, but the temp. was 77 so shouldn't complain. Keep up the great recovery and as I move forward, I will keep your words in mind.
Dan Sinclair I think it was around 83 and sunny on this side. Perfect. I typically start my Christmas shopping on Christmas eve, do you think that's too late?
You will be fine!
Take Care Susan.
On December 7, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says:
Hey Dan
Nothing we would enjoy more. Let's see what the future holds. The best deal would be the Rays and Red Sox playing in January of course,
Jim Jones posted a note for Dan that says:
Dan
I don't hate you because you live in Florida. (we had a bit of snow on the ground). I hate you because you are not a Red Sox and Pats fan! (just kidding- we are rabid fans.)
I was thinking of you folks today and your great weather. I hope at some point in the future to be as fortunate. Great walk and great sandwich. I love grouper sandwiches. Continued healing, Dan. And hi to Mary!
Dan Sinclair Go Rays!
Jim,
Maybe someday in the future you and Lise can get a weekend away, and join us for a grouper sandwich. Just make it in the winter cause our summers ... Read more
Dan Sinclair Go Rays!
Jim,
Maybe someday in the future you and Lise can get a weekend away, and join us for a grouper sandwich. Just make it in the winter cause our summers can be....brutal for most people north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Better yet make it during baseball season and during a sox series and we will go out for a grouper sand then take in a game. Love Tropicana Field, though many don't, I do!
Better Each Day My Friend!
Uploading your photo!
I live in Tampa, Fl. and will need aorta valve replacement in the future. I wanted to find others that have had this type of surgery that live in my area so I could talk to them since I am fearful.