Dan's Guestbook

William Fults  Just a heads up Mitchell, My surgeon, Dr. Svensson did the Commence Trial for the Inspiris Resilia valve and stated to me that it is a little different from the older model, due to a smaller sewing ring that makes it a little tougher to get a good fit. I haven't had my surgery yet (feb 26th), but he wasn't able to promise the resilia for me, because he has to see the condition of the aortic annulus. Apparently, the smaller sewing ring could be an issue if there is a lot calcification in the aorta where it gets sewn in, resulting in bleeding post op. There's a really good video of Dr. Svensson putting one of these valves in on Youtube, and he makes a comment about the sewing ring making it a tougher procedure, it's worth a look. I'm really hoping he can get this valve into place for me, it looks promising for a longer term fix.

Dan Vechiola  Hi Mitchell (and William.) Thanks for your guest book post. This is a big surgery and a significant one because it involves your life. It is very important that you do it at a great hospital using a great surgeon. I'm glad to see you are at Mayo and that William is at the Cleveland Clinic. The surgeion I I selected, Dr. Patrick McCarthy at Northwestern Memorial, said he would use the Edwards Inspiris Resilia, He was also part of the trial and had been using it for years. He has over 10,000 open heart surgeries and over 6,000 heart valve surgeries so I have a lot of confidence in him so I put my fate in my hands. As Dr. McCarthy has said in interviews, this is a difficult surgery so make sure you choose a surgeon who has done a lot of these surgeries and is very familiar with this valve. He also told me that the Edwards Inspiris Resilia is projected to last 20 to 25 years and is made for a TAVR valve to fit inside for the next surgery which takes me out 30 to 35 years. Dr. Svensson is also a great surgeon so I respect his opinion as well. My experience has been a great one. My life was pretty much back to normal at 3 months. Now I am at 5 months and I feel 20 years ago great. These surgeries and surgeons have come a long way so visualize I successful surgery, hospital stay and recovery and keep a positive mind and you will be on your way. So this is my recommendation to both of you. Select a great surgeon, place your fate in their hands, make the trust fall into their arms, and let go. Best wishes as you march forward!

Dan Vechiola  Yep you are right Rob. I was discharged on opening day/night against the Packers and I was able to see the game at home because it was on Sunday Night Football! This loss today hurts because it was such a fun Bears season and the Bears season was with me as I marched through recovery. However. just like cardiac rehab being over it's time that I man up and keep marching on my own and find new challenges going forward atleast until the Cubs start spring training! 🤣🤣🤣

Dan Vechiola  Haha! It really is a catchy song. I really believe people stay the entire game even in extra innings so they can sing that song if they win lol.

Dan Vechiola  Haha! It really is a catchy song. I really believe people stay the entire game even in extra innings so they can sing that song if they win lol.

Dan Vechiola  Thank you Cheryl and David. I am glad my words helped you. We are very strong together and I couldn't have done it without the support of this great network of friends. Happy New Year and lets make it a happy and healthy 2019!!!

Dan Vechiola  So glad you were able to get your dad out on Thanksgiving. Must have been a special day and hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Your Lions gave us a very nice gift yesterday Rob! I don't know how Da Bears won that one but we are very grateful. We are starting to get very excited here with their 8 and 3 record. They have a nice rhythm going and playing with confidence.

Dan Vechiola  Thanks for the message Adrianne! I am doing great and much better than expected. Actually surgery and recovery for me went much better than I had envisioned. I am 9.5 weeks post op, 1/3 of the way through cardiac rehab, pain free medicine/Tylenol free and 100%. I give all the credit to Dr. Patrick McCarthy, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the wonderful heart warriors on this site!

Adrianne Lane  Well I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing really well. I’m really scared about this whole thing.

Dan Vechiola  Thanks Fay. I appreciate the note. This community helped me through one of the most difficult obstacles of my life and will always be special to me. Thanks again for the kind words!