David's Guestbook

David Seligman  Happy to chat at any time, send me an email at daseligman@hotmail.com and we can coordinate info.  I had a similar offer from someone on this site (now a friend)  and it was a game changer in a positive way.  Just remember you’re not alone and as an athlete you have the mental fortitude to handle it. Doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy but you got this!

David Seligman  Hi Allen, thanks for reaching out.  Heading into my surgery the goal and hope was to just take care of the aneurysm and spare the valve (David procedure).  Fortunately my valve was & is functioning well so they ‘only’ had to replace the aneurysm.  Being so young, I’m sorry you’re going through this.  Given your story and condition  I think it might be helpful to connect with Andy Dial on HVS.  He’s closer to your age and also had the Ross procedure about a year ago, so could probably relate on a number of fronts.  I’m also happy to help and be a resource of course but wanted to let you know.  Cheers!

Marie Myers  David- I remember how sore my Upper back and shoulders were; they bothered me more than anything!  I believe the soreness came from the positioning on the surgery table Many others have experienced this as well. Things will get better bit by bit, and day by day. Hang in there; you have been through a huge surgery. Recovery is a mental as well as a physical challenge.

Janet Roberson  I had lots of pain all over my back the day after surgery. From the second day on, the pain has been concentrated in the upper right quadrent of my back. I have muscle relaxants and the Physical Therapist at the hospital told me to do gentle shoulder roles and to hold my shoulders back and down for three seconds at a time. Like Marie, I have heard that this is a common problem -- positioning on the surgical table and sleeping on the side. Every day gets better! 

Deena Z  Thinking of you David. Will say a prayer once I post this message. I know it is hard to believe all of this is happening, but you will get through this and be okay. The odds are so very very in your favor. Just remember that. Ask for any help you need once in the ICU. Your nurse is there just for you!! Don't be concerned about pain. You wont have that much but you will be very weak. That's normal. Every day you will get much stronger. -- Particularly after the first two days. Look forward to hearing from you. Protein shakes help alot the first several days and helps with your lower hemoglobin, that is exhaustion. In the meantime, Godspeed!

DeLois Tweedy  Prayers are with you for your surgery. You'll be through it and recovering before you know it! Keep us posted when you are up to it. Blessings!

David Seligman  Thanks for reaching out to me Tim, especially on the eve of my surgery, it means a lot. It sounds like we share many common interests and as well the same diagnosis which is a weird serendipity.  I’m inspired seeing you on the bike so soon after your surgery and I never thought of a reclining bike as an option, I love it!  I’m a big road and mountain biker as well and assumed that biking of any kind is off the table for a while but this is something I will look into!


Also, your words of ‘not overdoing it’ are duly noted as this is one of my wife’s biggest worries (I tend to push myself, you can probably relate). That being said, I really don’t want to mess with any part of this thing and over the last 9 months since my diagnosis I’ve really been careful. I’m really curious to hear how you’ve been progressing? Mentally, physically etc?  Any additional insights, no matter how big or small, that you are comfortable sharing would be greatly appreciated!  If you have any interest in connecting directly after my surgery to chat let me know - my email is daseligman@hotmail.com and phone is 206-227-0423.  Thanks again 🙏

Tim Traub  David! I just saw that you came thru surgery and ICU in a flash… Praise the Lord. I would love to connect with you. I will text your cell number… you let me know a good time to call or facetime and I’ll do my best to share and discuss my experience with you!!

Katherine Jensen  David, I also have an aneurysm due to  a BAV.  I am scheduled 6/20 for my surgery.  I look forward to following your progress and recovery.  You will do great because it sounds like you have always taken good care of yourself both physically and mentally.  

David Seligman  Thanks for your post Paul, I’m glad to hear you’re on the other side of this and feeling good - congrats!  My surgeon has told me the exact same thing.  Would love to hear about your progress  as well as what you’ve learned so far so let’s stay in touch 🙏   

David Seligman  Hi Allen, it looks like you had your surgery, how are you doing/feeling? I’m sorry you have to deal with this at such a young age. Sending positive thoughts your way!

Allen Carkner  I'm doing pretty great I think. My surgery went smoothly and I was in the hospital 5 days. My surgery was March 15th. My pecs and ribs gets a bit sore sometimes but other than that I'm pretty much getting back to normal. It's no walk in the park all this,
 emotionally and physically but you got this!

David Puzycki  Thank you David, I do appreciate that tidbit! I will definitely take your advice! Best of Luck to you! 

David Seligman  Thanks Grace, I read your story and can absolutely identify with the surrealness of this entire experience. I’m sure that, like many others in this community, it feels like you’re watching someone else’s life unfold and even as I write this it’s hard to believe it’s happening. I hope you, like myself, find support, strength and knowledge here 🙏. 

Brady Busch  I hadn't heard of the David procedure.Looking it up,the outcomes are about 99% successful.Plus,if there's no stenosis,that's even better.

David Seligman  Small world Andy! Thank you so much for your message, it really hits home and very helpful to hear that the anticipation is worse than the actual surgery/recovery.  How are you doing now?  I would love to hear any specific insight or recommendations you have to share looking back.  I have a million questions but as I get my life ready to have surgery and recover, right now it’s answering “looking back, I wish I had known this..,”.

Thanks so much and appreciate the support more (or maybe not) than you know. 😎

Andrew Dial  There’s sooo many questions I know! I will say, Adams book is a huge help. It answered so many of my own questions prior to surgery. I would be willing to meet with you and let you borrow or have my book if you wanted. (I live in Puyallup). Lmk. 

I’m doing well, I’m 8.5 months now. There were some hickups along the way so far, but nothing major. Honestly just medication changes. The surgeons have so much more information nowdays, and have learned so many things. Heart valve surgery is way more common now. You have nothing to worry about, and I promise you, once it’s all done, you are gonna live an even better life than you are now. Your mindset is gonna shift a little.. idk man.. it’s a life changer in such a good way. Hard to explain haha. 


Let’s meet up or I’d be willing to do a phone call as well. I’ve chatted with a few guys on here prior to their surgery. 


Anyway, let me know man!


-Andy