Guestbook of David Tavarez

My Guestbook

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1024 days ago

Danny Mahoney posted a note for David that says:

Hello David: Just wondering what you thought of Weill Cornell's after care post operation.

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1039 days ago

Donna Casaletto, David Tavarez reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for David that says:

Hi David ,
I hope that you are doing well .
The first shower after surgery feels great ! Getting outside and smelling the fresh air when you are discharged ...Read more

Hi David ,
I hope that you are doing well .
The first shower after surgery feels great ! Getting outside and smelling the fresh air when you are discharged home feels amazing .

Leona Resch Hope you are doing well David!! Yes Ruth, even though the temperature was in the teens and so cold wh ... Read more

Leona Resch Hope you are doing well David!! Yes Ruth, even though the temperature was in the teens and so cold when I went home, that fresh air was heavenly!! And the shower!!! I couldn’t wait !! Lol

David Tavarez Thank you, Ruth and Leona!! Yes, I have been showering for a few days, and it is such a mood booster! ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you, Ruth and Leona!! Yes, I have been showering for a few days, and it is such a mood booster! I bought a shower seat beforehand, but frankly, I did not need it all. I hope both of you are doing well.

Leona Resch Hi David! Sounds like you are progressing and doing well ! Glad to hear! I’m pretty good - trying t ... Read more

Leona Resch Hi David! Sounds like you are progressing and doing well ! Glad to hear! I’m pretty good - trying to walk a lot but get tired easily- could be in part due to beta blocker cardiologist still has me on. Sleep is improving- can now lay on one side but the other side still too painful. But able to sleep more comfortably overall and back to some normal daily routines like having a coffee with friends! Feels great!
Have my visit with Girardi next Friday! I’ll let you know how it goes!!
Hope you continue to feel better!!

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1039 days ago

Susan Lynn reacted to this

Leona Resch posted a note for David that says:

Hi David! Wondering how you are doing! Hope each day you feel a little better and are home soon!!

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1041 days ago

Susan Lynn reacted to this

Heidi Donohue posted a note for David that says:

So Happy for you David can't wait to hear more about your recovery and what kind of valve you decided o go with as I', approaching my surgery next month and ...Read more

So Happy for you David can't wait to hear more about your recovery and what kind of valve you decided o go with as I', approaching my surgery next month and I am just one year younger than you. All the best.

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1042 days ago

Amy Berger reacted to this

Deena Z posted a note for David that says:

David, congrats! Enjoy your strolls around the unit. Made me feel better every time -plus a confidence booster.

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1043 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for David that says:

Welcome to recovery , David

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1044 days ago

Joyce Jent posted a note for David that says:

Dear David you are going to be in & out & healing before you know it I had the anuerysm on my aorta & replaced my aortic valve you just pray because ...Read more

Dear David you are going to be in & out & healing before you know it I had the anuerysm on my aorta & replaced my aortic valve you just pray because support of family friends yes!!! But when you have god you will have total peace please pray & Post again on your journey to heal !

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1045 days ago

Pamela Gregory posted a note for David that says:

Sending you my best thoughts and prayers today David

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1045 days ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

Susan Lynn posted a note for David that says:

Sending you positive thoughts and prayers, today! We'll be anxiously awaiting your post-op good news! Go get 'em, David!

Donna Casaletto Wishing you all the best today 🙏‼️

David Tavarez thanks os much, Donna!!!

David Tavarez Thank you Donna, and Susan!! I missed your post when I was in ICU, but your good wishes and positivit ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you Donna, and Susan!! I missed your post when I was in ICU, but your good wishes and positivity have certainly made a difference. Thank you!!

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1045 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for David that says:

Hi David ,
Wishing you good luck for your surgery today .

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1045 days ago

David Tavarez, Rose Madura, Susan Lynn and 1 other reacted to this

jonette kruk posted a note for David that says:

Hi David! Tomorrow is your big day, congratulations! As one patient said before, "all you have to do now is show up." Trust in your medical team and staff. ...Read more

Hi David! Tomorrow is your big day, congratulations! As one patient said before, "all you have to do now is show up." Trust in your medical team and staff. They are there to improve your life and health. I can't wait to hear from you after your surgery. I wish you a speedy recovery, and you and your medical team will be in my prayers. Stay Strong!!! Trust!!!

Heidi Donohue Nothing but good vibes being sent your way...the best is yet to come and you can finally get this beh ... Read more

Heidi Donohue Nothing but good vibes being sent your way...the best is yet to come and you can finally get this behind you.

Leona Resch Hi David!! I’ve been thinking of you and want to wish you the best of luck tomorrow! You will do gr ... Read more

Leona Resch Hi David!! I’ve been thinking of you and want to wish you the best of luck tomorrow! You will do great! Girardi and team are super organized and talented. It’s amazing how many of these surgeries they do each day. I know how you must be feeling tonight/ the worst part of it all was the anxiety right before. By tm. this time you will already be in recovery mode ! Wishing you the best. Any questions about my experience there please don’t hesitate . Let us know how you are as soon as you’re up to texting . 👍

Ana Brusso Praying for your surgery tomorrow to go well. God bless you David. Write when you can. 🙏❤️

David Tavarez I treasure your words of encouragement, Jonette! I am showing up tomorrow indeed, with my wife and da ... Read more

David Tavarez I treasure your words of encouragement, Jonette! I am showing up tomorrow indeed, with my wife and daughter. I hope you are well!!

David Tavarez Thank you, Heidi! Yes, I cannot wait to get the surgery over so I can start the recovery process, one ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you, Heidi! Yes, I cannot wait to get the surgery over so I can start the recovery process, one day at a time.

David Tavarez Thank you so much, Ana, for your prayers and positive thoughts. I am getting a valve replacement and ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you so much, Ana, for your prayers and positive thoughts. I am getting a valve replacement and an aneurysm correction, and I will post updates as soon as I can. I hope you are having, or have had, a full recovery!

Greg Lewis Hi David! Wishing you all the best tomorrow! Show up, take a nap, they perform a miracle, you wake ... Read more

Greg Lewis Hi David! Wishing you all the best tomorrow! Show up, take a nap, they perform a miracle, you wake up, you dangle, then stand up, do a bit of recovery, go home...easy peasy!

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1046 days ago

Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Danny Mahoney posted a note for David that says:

Good luck this week. You're at a great hospital with a great doctor. My cardiologist recommended three doctors before my mitral valve surgery last ...Read more

Good luck this week. You're at a great hospital with a great doctor. My cardiologist recommended three doctors before my mitral valve surgery last November, and Dr. Girardi was one of them. Only decided to go with Dr. Patel from Lenox Hill since his specialty is the mitral valve.

Pamela Gregory Good luck tomorrow David! You will do great and we can't wait to hear from you after. Lots of prayer... Read more

Pamela Gregory Good luck tomorrow David! You will do great and we can't wait to hear from you after. Lots of prayers coming your way

David Tavarez Thanks for your good wishes and advice, Danny! I trust all is well with your rehab program after your ... Read more

David Tavarez Thanks for your good wishes and advice, Danny! I trust all is well with your rehab program after your move to Georgia.

David Tavarez Thank you so much for your prayers and good wishes, Pamela!! Knowing that you are well after surgery ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you so much for your prayers and good wishes, Pamela!! Knowing that you are well after surgery is a source of inspiration for all of us.

Danny Mahoney All is going well 3 months after surgery. Can’t think of any negative impacts on my daily life. I ... Read more

Danny Mahoney All is going well 3 months after surgery. Can’t think of any negative impacts on my daily life. It will be the same for you. First couple of weeks after the surgery were tough, but no problems since. You’re in good hands with Dr. Girardi. You got this!

Leona Resch Hi David!! I’ve been thinking of you and want to wish you the best of luck tomorrow! You will do gr ... Read more

Leona Resch Hi David!! I’ve been thinking of you and want to wish you the best of luck tomorrow! You will do great! I had my avr with Dr. Girardi on Dec. 20th - now 8 weeks post op and doing well!! Girardi is a superb surgeon and his team are super organized and talented. It’s amazing how many of these surgeries they do each day. I know how you must be feeling tonight/ the worst part of it all was the anxiety right before. By tm. this time you will already be in recovery mode ! Wishing you the best. Any questions about my experience there please don’t hesitate . Let us know how you are as soon as you’re up to texting . 👍

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1046 days ago

David Tavarez, Grace Mason reacted to this

Grace Mason posted a note for David that says:

David, wishing you well in your upcoming surgery!! Sending prayers your way.

David Tavarez Thank you so much, Grace!! I hope that your pre-op procedures go very smoothly, and that your plannin ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you so much, Grace!! I hope that your pre-op procedures go very smoothly, and that your planning for surgery goes well. You will have time to plan everything before making some important decisions.

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1048 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for David that says:

Hi David ,
You want to live .
To live you will need to take one of the choices . The actual valve or surgery is less important , the main objective ...Read more

Hi David ,
You want to live .
To live you will need to take one of the choices . The actual valve or surgery is less important , the main objective to to be alive so we have lives to lead and to still be around for our loved ones .
I had urgent OHS and I put my trust in the very experienced and the very amazing heart surgeon . He and his team saved my life and I was home a few days before my youngest son’s 18th Birthday .
I know you are frightened , but you will be okay eventually . Take care , you will be okay .

Marie Myers David, it is a tough decision that we have to make. Keep us posted on your decision. Wishing you peac ... Read more

Marie Myers David, it is a tough decision that we have to make. Keep us posted on your decision. Wishing you peace!

David Tavarez Thank you, Ruth, for your wise words and your encouragement. Thank you also for sharing more about yo ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you, Ruth, for your wise words and your encouragement. Thank you also for sharing more about your own experience. It must have been very scary to go into urgent surgery; mine is scheduled, and I am in good hands.

David Tavarez Thank you, Marie, for asking about my decision. I am going with a tissue valve. It is the right choic ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you, Marie, for asking about my decision. I am going with a tissue valve. It is the right choice for me. Take good care!

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1048 days ago

Jason Hyrup posted a note for David that says:

Hi David. I'm a 51 yr old Male with BAVD. My adsending aorta is enlarged to 4.9 Cm. I was told by dr. i should get the on x mechanical valve. I really dont ...Read more

Hi David. I'm a 51 yr old Male with BAVD. My adsending aorta is enlarged to 4.9 Cm. I was told by dr. i should get the on x mechanical valve. I really dont want to take warfrin or any blood thinners, but i dont want to have Surgery after Surgery either. Let me know how everything goes. I'm having my aniogram the feb17th.

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1077 days ago

Amy Berger reacted to this

Pamela Gregory posted a note for David that says:

Hi David. I was only in the ICU for less than 24 hours. Definitely bring a long phone charger, pillow from home, and extra blanket for your room. These... Read more

Hi David. I was only in the ICU for less than 24 hours. Definitely bring a long phone charger, pillow from home, and extra blanket for your room. These were my life savers

Leona Resch Oh yes! The extra blanket was great- it’s freezing in the hospital. I also brought a pair of sweatp ... Read more

Leona Resch Oh yes! The extra blanket was great- it’s freezing in the hospital. I also brought a pair of sweatpants I could wear underneath the hospital gown- quite the look but kept me warm!

Richard Munson It was so cold in my room at mgh right by a window, they gave me little hand warmers which i moved to ... Read more

Richard Munson It was so cold in my room at mgh right by a window, they gave me little hand warmers which i moved to other areas that will remain a secret. I sat on my hands. My roomie was not next to the window and was sweltering. When i heard him snoring, i would painfully sneak out of bed and crank up the thermostat, and when he saw me sleeping he would change it back. Musical beds. Being in the midst of covid, i had no visitors to bring in long underwear.

Pamela Gregory yes comfy pjs and slippers!

Greg Lewis My wife got a heated blanket for Christmas. That thing is great! If the hospital is OK with it, than ... Read more

Greg Lewis My wife got a heated blanket for Christmas. That thing is great! If the hospital is OK with it, than one of those would be exactly what the doctor ordered!

Danielle Elizabeth A pillow from home was my life saver. I had a cream velvet pillow case and every single person mentio ... Read more

Danielle Elizabeth A pillow from home was my life saver. I had a cream velvet pillow case and every single person mentioned how comfy it looked! Use your incentive spirometer while you’re in there too. You’ll do great!

Greg Lewis If you got them, noise cancelling headphones or ear buds, Bose cancel really good! Because it's nois ... Read more

Greg Lewis If you got them, noise cancelling headphones or ear buds, Bose cancel really good! Because it's noisy, with the buzzers and alarms going off all night

Klara Čičić Noise cancelling ear plugs, pillow from home is a must have, warm warm socks ...

Leona Resch Yes to the warm socks!

David Tavarez Thank you for all the suggestions!! I will pack warm pjs, a blanket, headphones, socks, etc. Sending ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you for all the suggestions!! I will pack warm pjs, a blanket, headphones, socks, etc. Sending love and hugs to everyone!!

David Tavarez

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1077 days ago

Amy Berger, Steven Methot reacted to this

Leona Resch posted a note for David that says:

Hi David! I left a note for you in patient feed . Deciding which type of valve to go with is a very personal decision. I chose a tissue valve as recommended ...Read more

Hi David! I left a note for you in patient feed . Deciding which type of valve to go with is a very personal decision. I chose a tissue valve as recommended to me by Girardi. I’m active and relatively young and didn’t want to deal with blood thinners. Theses valves have come a long way concerning longevity . The plan is when I need a new valve again I will get a TAVR and as medicine keeps advancing I’m hoping that valve will last even longer than they presently do. Fifteen years in medical advancements is huge. But of course everyone has to do what is right for them! Good luck with your surgery! Keep us posted!

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1079 days ago

Rajan posted a note for David that says:

If it is an option, you might want to consider the Ross Procedure which I understand has good outcomes from a long term perspective. My bicuspid aortic ...Read more

If it is an option, you might want to consider the Ross Procedure which I understand has good outcomes from a long term perspective. My bicuspid aortic valve was replaced using the Ross Procedure in Montreal, QC last year shortly after I turned 63. I was lucky I did not have any pain after surgery and recovery was relatively fast. I was walking 5 kms within 6 wks of surgery. Before surgery I increased my work out routine - mainly riding my bike either outdoors or a stationary bike indoors, bicep curls with dumbells and bench presses. Of course you might want to check with your Cardiologist if it is OK to do this before your surgery as each person's situation is different.

Nevertheless, all the best with your procedure and subsequent recovery.

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1080 days ago

Steven Methot posted a note for David that says:

Hi David,

I too am on the cusp of a decision between mechanical valve or not. I am reluctant to take blood thinners because I am active, already ...Read more

Hi David,

I too am on the cusp of a decision between mechanical valve or not. I am reluctant to take blood thinners because I am active, already bruise easily and I am a klutz. That said, I know of several people in their 80s who have had the surgery to replace cow or pig valves. My cardiologist also suggests that another surgery even after having had a graft for the aorta is not only possible but likely will be easier in a decade... so my advice is go with whatever decision you make and don't worry about the future.

Robert Stebbins David - this was a tough decision for me. My surgeon recommended a mechanical valve. I ultimately cho ... Read more

Robert Stebbins David - this was a tough decision for me. My surgeon recommended a mechanical valve. I ultimately chose tissue. I am 53 and understand that another surgery in the future is a high probability. However, I decided that quality of time was more important to me than quantity of time. I am hopeful that less invasive procedures will be an option when I need my next replacement.

Just sharing my decision. Everyone has their own preferences and I wish you all the best with this difficult choice. My surgeon reminded me that either option was a big improvement over my current failing valve. I found it helpful to keep that perspective in mind.

David Tavarez Thank you, Steven, for your response! Yes, blood thinners seem manageable, but future operations and ... Read more

David Tavarez Thank you, Steven, for your response! Yes, blood thinners seem manageable, but future operations and some conditions (I have diverticulitis) make them less desirable.

David Tavarez Thanks, Robert! I am now leaning towards a tissue valve, and the plan would be, as it is for you, tha ... Read more

David Tavarez Thanks, Robert! I am now leaning towards a tissue valve, and the plan would be, as it is for you, that the next replacement will be a TAVR surgery. The one after that, if necessary, would be a bit up in the air, but we share the same hope that valve replacement technologies will be more advanced by the time we have to schedule another surgery. Stay well, and I trust you had a great recovery!

David Tavarezgot a new guestbook post

1080 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for David that says:

David , whatever you choose will be right for you . I have a St. Jude's mitral valve , i had emergency surgery two years ago , I was very poorly / dying ... Read more

David , whatever you choose will be right for you . I have a St. Jude's mitral valve , i had emergency surgery two years ago , I was very poorly / dying .
I take warfarin . My I n r is stable and I have it checked two monthly now . Life is good and I am very happy to be alive

David Tavarez Thanks, Ruth! I hope you continue to be in excellent health!