Guestbook of David Augustus

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David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

263 days ago

Sarah lambert posted a note for David that says:

Dear david

10 days ago my husband, a keen climber, contracted sepsis. The infection went to his heart and on Tuesday they replaced his aortic valve the ...Read more

Dear david

10 days ago my husband, a keen climber, contracted sepsis. The infection went to his heart and on Tuesday they replaced his aortic valve the better to fight off the infection.

he is in intensive care still and has to recover, if he does, not only from the surgery but from the sepsis so early days.

but looking to a future what kind of recovery regime did you follow to be able to hike peaks. We are not American and live in Spain but his life will be over if he cannot hike the mountains.

As his utterly un-medical wife, can you give me any advice?

with gratitude for your inspiration

sarah lambert

w

susan harris do you know if he has a mechanical valve or a tissue (cow or pig) valve? i’d urge you to write dow ... Read more

susan harris do you know if he has a mechanical valve or a tissue (cow or pig) valve? i’d urge you to write down questions and take the list to doctors. write down what they say so you can look back on it.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

2014 days ago

Irfan posted a note for David that says:

I am also having same problem and get it fixed 07/08/2019 with mechanical valve.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

2022 days ago

Gregg Nissly posted a note for David that says:

Hi Dave, my 5th anniversary is coming up on December 4. But I really wanted to comment on your Mt Whitney picture. I hiked the last 65 miles of the John ...Read more

Hi Dave, my 5th anniversary is coming up on December 4. But I really wanted to comment on your Mt Whitney picture. I hiked the last 65 miles of the John Muer trail back in 2006. I remember Forrester Pass quite well. We had to hike thru snow in August to get to it. Great trip. And congrats on your sixth anniversary.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

2024 days ago

David Augustus reacted to this

Adam Pick posted a note for David that says:

Hey Dave, Just saw you back at the website! Hope all is well. Any new adventures? Still love this post - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2015/09/22/hiking/ ...Read more

Hey Dave, Just saw you back at the website! Hope all is well. Any new adventures? Still love this post - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2015/09/22/hiking/

Dave's Hiking Success Story After Heart Surgery

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2015/09/22/hiking/

See the patient success story of Dave Augustus who hiked the Grand Canyon and Mount Whitney after heart surgery by Dr. Luis Castro.

David Augustus Hello Adam, today is the 6th anniversary of Dr. Luis Castro fixing my heart. I have Mt. Shasta and t ... Read more

David Augustus Hello Adam, today is the 6th anniversary of Dr. Luis Castro fixing my heart. I have Mt. Shasta and the return to the Grand Canyon on my list, which is currently on hold. When I can get back out there, I will post about it. Thank you again for all that you do for the heart valve community!

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

2754 days ago

Peter willard posted a note for David that says:

David great looking family.I had a bovine valve at 67 and now 75 doing great.l often look at my kids and grandkids and pray none of them have BAV did your family ...Read more

David great looking family.I had a bovine valve at 67 and now 75 doing great.l often look at my kids and grandkids and pray none of them have BAV did your family get checked.

David Augustus Thanks Peter, my wife is a cath lab nurse and she is on top of making sure it didn't passed down to ... Read more

David Augustus Thanks Peter, my wife is a cath lab nurse and she is on top of making sure it didn't passed down to our daughters.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

3352 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Mary Ann Espelage posted a note for David that says:

Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary and great adventure! I just passed my 2 year anniversary on my Aortic Valve Replacement in June. Since then I went ...Read more

Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary and great adventure! I just passed my 2 year anniversary on my Aortic Valve Replacement in June. Since then I went on my own adventure in spain and planning a trip to France next year. We're so lucky to live in this time when this kind of surgery is possible and successful.

David Augustus Mary Ann-congratulations on your two year anniversary! I agree that we are blessed to have access to ... Read more

David Augustus Mary Ann-congratulations on your two year anniversary! I agree that we are blessed to have access to such great doctors and that they are skilled in fixing our hearts. Keep on enjoying life!

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

3484 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Paula Kamena posted a note for David that says:

How very very great. Congrats - and beautiful photos. Paula

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

3722 days ago

Elaine Cutri and 1 other reacted to this

Art Schoeller posted a note for David that says:

Hi David, great story! I love to bike and hike as well. You've really helped understand that an active lifestyle is entirely possible. I just turned 60, and ...Read more

Hi David, great story! I love to bike and hike as well. You've really helped understand that an active lifestyle is entirely possible. I just turned 60, and my "day" has not come yet, although my cardiologist says we may run the string for a long time. I have leaky aortic and mitral valves, some afib (seems when I play basketball trigger is, so I have stopped), and an expanded aortic root (under 5cm). Plus a bad family history. I am curious with your active lifestyle your choice of mechanical valve. There is the risk of accidents, etc. where having thinner blood may be an issue. I LOVE to hike mountains, and with a son in Boulder, CO. I hope to keep heading up the tall ones with him for a long time. Your video and pictures were great!

Billy G Hi Art, I'm not sure if this is helpful or not, but you may want to read some of this blog: https://r ... Read more

Billy G Hi Art, I'm not sure if this is helpful or not, but you may want to read some of this blog: https://robovalve.wordpress.com/. Anthony is around 30 years old, has a mechanical valve (which replaced an original mechanical valve about 6 months after the first!), and is very active outdoors with hiking, rock climbing, and more. I talked to him for a while on a phone call, and my impression of him is that he knows the risks and uses caution but otherwise continues being active as before. One thing he said he has changed since his AVR is that he always ensures he has more first aid supplies, especially antiseptics to prevent infection if he gets cut or scraped. He also said he now carries a product that can help clotting to put on a wound if he has a severe cut and cannot get medical attention quickly.

I have a recently diagnosed severely leaking tri-leaflet aortic valve, so I can only share information based on my research over the past 2 months. However, I see no reason you could not continue living your life being active. I know that's what I plan to do. In fact, since it sounds like you've given up basketball because of the issues, I'd plan on picking that up again after getting the issues fixed if I was you!

Anthony's Heart Valve Replacement Saga

https://robovalve.wordpress.com/

Having a big heart is a serious condition.

David Augustus Art, the only adjustment I have made is that I don't mountain bike on technical single tracks and sti ... Read more

David Augustus Art, the only adjustment I have made is that I don't mountain bike on technical single tracks and stick to fire roads. Being on a blood thinner hasn't reduced my activities, just minor adjustments. Feel free to email me if you have other questions, (lildog376@yahoo.com). Dave

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

3778 days ago

Tapan Mehta posted a note for David that says:

Hi David, I am a new member of this wonderful online community and just found your journal. First and foremost, Congrats on the great recovery. You have ...Read more

Hi David, I am a new member of this wonderful online community and just found your journal. First and foremost, Congrats on the great recovery. You have tonnes of information listed here and is helping me with my own research. I would love to chat with you if possible as I need to get my aortic root and valve replaced over the next couple of months. I did meet with Dr.Castro today for a second opinion and leaning towards him. I have few questions that I am trying to get that sorted out and any insight you could provide would be much appreciated. Thank You, Tapan 408-838-8487

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

3849 days ago

David Augustus reacted to this

Lora Lee posted a note for David that says:

Your are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing!

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

3849 days ago

Eva posted a note for David that says:

What a great way to spend your anniversary, Dave! How awesome is that?

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

3849 days ago

Greg posted a note for David that says:

Dave So awesome that you and Sandy spent your one year anniversary doing something you love to do and can now do. Your my hero!

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

3849 days ago

The Vallerga Family posted a note for David that says:

Congratulations, David! What an accomplishment in the Grand Canyon. Glad that you are feeling great and doing so good. We should all learn to appreciate ...Read more

Congratulations, David! What an accomplishment in the Grand Canyon. Glad that you are feeling great and doing so good. We should all learn to appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4074 days ago

Gary & Teri Clarke posted a note for David that says:

Dave, It is interesting how things are meant to be. We found out a couple of weeks ago that my husband, Gary needed heart surgery and we were researching heart ...Read more

Dave, It is interesting how things are meant to be. We found out a couple of weeks ago that my husband, Gary needed heart surgery and we were researching heart surgeons. Our friends Andy and Shelley came over and remembered that they have a friend who had similar surgery and contacted Sandy. Since then we have met with 2 heart surgeons, and you are absolutely right about knowing when you have found the right surgeon for you. It is very emotional and my hands are shaking as I write this to you. Thank you so much for your journal as it has helped us in making our decision in choosing Dr. Castro as Gary's surgeon. We are glad you are doing well. We would be happy to meet you and Sandy and talk with you about our hearts. Thank you

David Augustus Gary and Teri, I'm honored to know that my journey has helped you with your journey. Dr. Castro is a ... Read more

David Augustus Gary and Teri, I'm honored to know that my journey has helped you with your journey. Dr. Castro is an amazing man and a great surgeon. The two things that helped with my journey was the confidence in Dr. Castro and the information and support from this website. I would honored to meet you and talk to you about the process and what to expect. You can email me at: dmaugustus@gmail.com

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4075 days ago

Shelley Dowdle posted a note for David that says:

Dave, I don't know if Sandy has relayed this to you, but i want to thank you for sharing your journal so freely. We have a friend who was just diagnosed with ...Read more

Dave, I don't know if Sandy has relayed this to you, but i want to thank you for sharing your journal so freely. We have a friend who was just diagnosed with needing his aortic valve replaced. Your journal has been a huge source of information, and I think reassurance as well. Just want to make sure you knew how much we appreciate it. Glad to see you doing so well. Thanks again.

David Augustus Shelley, I'm glad that I was able to pay forward my journey with others, as I found this website to ... Read more

David Augustus Shelley, I'm glad that I was able to pay forward my journey with others, as I found this website to be an incredible source of information.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4079 days ago

John Noriega reacted to this

Eva Denegri Baker posted a note for David that says:

Dave, we are so glad to see the photos from your 4-month anniversary hike. You look so happy! Very proud of you...you have come far in a short period of time. ...Read more

Dave, we are so glad to see the photos from your 4-month anniversary hike. You look so happy! Very proud of you...you have come far in a short period of time. Can't wait to show you the Tahoe Rim Trail! Eva and Bruce

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4134 days ago

Mary Ann Kelly posted a note for David that says:

My husband and I met your wife, Sandy, yesterday. Thanks for sharing your story. It makes me feel a little more at ease about my future surgery.

David Augustus Mary Ann- the two things that made the fear of valve surgery go away was extreme trust in my surgeon ... Read more

David Augustus Mary Ann- the two things that made the fear of valve surgery go away was extreme trust in my surgeon and the information from this website. Good luck with your procedure and I will keep you positive thoughts.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4170 days ago

Carrie Holverson posted a note for David that says:

Hi David, Glad you are better. OHS is quite an adventure. (-: Carrie Holverson

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4170 days ago

Terri posted a note for David that says:

Hi David, Well it certainly seems as though you have gone through your share of ups and downs since we left the hospital. Jeff and I were glad to hear that ...Read more

Hi David, Well it certainly seems as though you have gone through your share of ups and downs since we left the hospital. Jeff and I were glad to hear that things are going well for you now. In looking back over the past few months, did you ever think we would become such heart experts ourselves?? Here's hoping you can now enjoy some "boring" weeks ahead.

David Augustus I know it's crazy to think how we are forced to become experts so we can make sense of our surgery an ... Read more

David Augustus I know it's crazy to think how we are forced to become experts so we can make sense of our surgery and then the recovery. I doing really good and I hope the same for you. Sandy says "hi" to you and Jeff. Have a great summer! Dave

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4170 days ago

Bob Osmachenko posted a note for David that says:

Hey David. Thanks for being specific about the snags and corrective medication used to treat these snags. Much appreciated!! Have a good one.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4172 days ago

Ginger (in the Land of Oz) posted a note for David that says:

David, Thank you so much for your extremely helpful post. Glad Sandy was there to help you, but your message is clear. Be observant and report anything out ...Read more

David, Thank you so much for your extremely helpful post. Glad Sandy was there to help you, but your message is clear. Be observant and report anything out of the ordinary (even if one thinks it might be a heart valve patient's normal). If it is, big deal. But if it's not, it can be dealt with in a speedy manner. Hope you are improving and all is going well. Please let us know how you are when you have a few minutes. And again, thanks for sharing your experience and the wisdom you gained from it!

David Augustus Ginger-thank you for the kind words. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I have received from this w ... Read more

David Augustus Ginger-thank you for the kind words. I'm grateful for the knowledge that I have received from this website and I just want to make sure and pass it forward. Have a great Fourth of July.

David

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4174 days ago

Terrie posted a note for David that says:

Hi David. Sorry you had to deal with another issue after you have been moving right along doing all the right things! Great your wife is a nurse and probably ...Read more

Hi David. Sorry you had to deal with another issue after you have been moving right along doing all the right things! Great your wife is a nurse and probably your best "medicine"! Thank you for sharing your experiences as you recover as it is all part of this process we learn from as we go. Continued good wishes and prayers are with you from all of us out here in our heartland. I hope things go smoother from here on out!

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4174 days ago

Deb Bialecki posted a note for David that says:

Geez David! That's pretty scary to be so far along into your recovery and then have the fluid build up. Glad they were able to drain it. Sorry you had to ...Read more

Geez David! That's pretty scary to be so far along into your recovery and then have the fluid build up. Glad they were able to drain it. Sorry you had to go through another procedure though. Feel better and keep up the good work, I can't imagine walking 3 miles at once - but then I didn't do that prior to surgery either so the 1.5 miles I do is progress for me... :) Take care!

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4174 days ago

Bob Osmachenko posted a note for David that says:

Hey David, those are really good write-ups about your recovery. It's the stuff we need to hear and how you dealt with it. You seem to have a good understanding ...Read more

Hey David, those are really good write-ups about your recovery. It's the stuff we need to hear and how you dealt with it. You seem to have a good understanding of the mechanics of heart rehabilitation post surgery and I appreciate it very much. Peace be with you.

David Augustusgot a new guestbook post

4190 days ago

Ginger (in the Land of Oz( posted a note for David that says:

David, Glad you are doing so well! Three miles is quite a jaunt! So glad the AFib is tuning down for you, too. Will continue to keep you in prayer and lots ...Read more

David, Glad you are doing so well! Three miles is quite a jaunt! So glad the AFib is tuning down for you, too. Will continue to keep you in prayer and lots of positive thoughts, Blessings,

David Augustus Ginger,
Thank you for the prayers and positive thoughts as we can never too many. I have found this ... Read more

David Augustus Ginger,
Thank you for the prayers and positive thoughts as we can never too many. I have found this to be incredible source of information and positive energy as we support one another that have or will have experienced OHS. I am truly grateful and appreciate the kind words. David