Guestbook of Herb Greenberg

My Guestbook

On March 1, 2021...

Kathleen Young posted a note for Herb that says:

Hi herb it's kathleen hector is having his surgery on april 9th 2021 he is going to beth isreal deaconess medical center in boston his dr is kamal khabbaz we are very comfortable with him. Do you ever have any problems with your tissue valve

Like |

On February 28, 2021...

Mike Tontillo posted a note for Herb that says:

Thank you so much Herb for all of your information and support. I appreciate it very much.

Like |

Herb Greenberg Mike, my pleasure. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

On February 28, 2021...

Kathleen Young posted a note for Herb that says:

Hi my name is kathleen my husband hector has aortic regurgitation he is getting a tissue valve what is the Edward's bovine 2700 can you tell and how are you doing now what was the whole process like for you from before surgery and after

Like |

Herb Greenberg Kathleen, it's an older type of tissue valve, tried and true, but depending on his age and where he is having it done, they may use something else. I would ... Read more

Herb Greenberg Kathleen, it's an older type of tissue valve, tried and true, but depending on his age and where he is having it done, they may use something else. I would go with the surgeon's recommendation. (Please tell me that unless this is an emergency, you got a second opinion regarding the surgery.) Before surgery I spent a lot of time researching surgery. I concluded that for most people the odds of a great outcome are very high. Hospital and surgeon are important in the selection process. Post-surgery was not as bad as I had expected. I hear that over and over. The first few days are not the most fun, but the meds they give you do wonders and as long as you follow instructions and protocol the healing will progress. Attitude going in is very important. The more positive, the better! This IS a big deal but these surgeons do it every day; it's their day job. For the rest of us, hopefully it's a rarity in our lives. And with my surgery a year in the rearview mirror, I view the experience positively. Let's put it like this: Two-months post surgery I would have felt comfortable (if Covid hadn't been a thing) hopping on a plane to travel cross country to a business event. If he would like to chat let me know.

Bob Fessler The surgery for me was a lot easier and wayyyy less painful than I thought possible. I had an Edwards bovine 3300 4 years ago. It felt like a truck had hit ... Read more

Bob Fessler The surgery for me was a lot easier and wayyyy less painful than I thought possible. I had an Edwards bovine 3300 4 years ago. It felt like a truck had hit me afterwards because I had no energy. Totally tired but.....no pain. Your husband can do this! Contact me if you want more detail about my recovery.

Herb Greenberg Bob, maybe it's our brains doing selective memory and blocking out the bad stuff. I do recall, at one point in the ICU, saying to myself, "Better me than my wife." But things rapidly improved.

On July 2, 2020...

Ben Landry posted a note for Herb that says:

Thank you for you very detailed post explaining the recovery process. It's so helpful to read how you're feeling and what you remember feeling. Being in the pre-op stage myself, it's somewhat reassuring to know that our expectations and imaginations can be the toughest part. It's definitely a struggle of mine and reading seems to help (I may take your advice and not over-read on certain topics!). Keep at it! You are crushing it!

Like |

Herb Greenberg Hi Ben, thanks very much. After reading some forums I over-visualized the drainage tube removals. Big mistake. (Was not as bad as I thought.) Everybody has ... Read more

Herb Greenberg Hi Ben, thanks very much. After reading some forums I over-visualized the drainage tube removals. Big mistake. (Was not as bad as I thought.) Everybody has a different experience with recovery, some harder than others. But I was fascinated in reading through the comments on so many forums the number of people who have said it wasn't anywhere near as bad as they had expected. These surgeons - replacing valves and repairing hearts is their day job. If I didn't have this 9" scar I'd never know I had surgery. And FWIW - my chest really never hurt much at all. My back after surgery - yes - that's quite common, but it went away within a week or so. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Ben Landry That is such a relief Herb. Truly, thank you. My imagination is definitely running a bit wild. I met with the surgeon today and he also helped put me at ease... Thanks again.

On March 18, 2020...

Jim Hilbe posted a note for Herb that says:

Congrats Herb! You picked the best, CC, Drs. Svenson & Griffin. I believe that you will be fine. We also live in So Cal and my wife had AVR at CC with Drs. Lytle & Griffin in July, 2009. Ten years and doing great!

Like |

Herb Greenberg Jim, thanks. Isn't Dr. Griffin fantastic? Glad to hear she is doing so well; hopefully I can match that.

Kim Owen What is CC? Thank you.

Herb Greenberg Kim - CC is Cleveland Clinic.

On March 18, 2020...

Kari de Burgh posted a note for Herb that says:

Herb,
So happy to hear all is well with you and this is now behind you. Speedy recovery!
Kari de Burgh

Like |

Herb Greenberg Hi Kari -

All went well and surprised how good I feel, even with a 10-inch scar, which I forget is there. Ran into Desmond pre-surgery. Looks like he is doing ... Read more

Herb Greenberg Hi Kari -

All went well and surprised how good I feel, even with a 10-inch scar, which I forget is there. Ran into Desmond pre-surgery. Looks like he is doing tremendously well. His valve surgery certainly is deep history. Thanks very much.

On March 18, 2020...

Michael Floyd posted a note for Herb that says:

Dear Herb,

So pleased to learn you are doing well. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Best,

Like | Adam Pick likes this

Adam Pick Love the support Michael!!!

Herb Greenberg Mike, yeah you were right - they know what they're doing in Cleveland. I'm stunned at how well I feel. Now if only it would stop raining I can go out and walk.

On March 4, 2020...

Beth Witt posted a note for Herb that says:

Herb, My name is Beth Witt and I currently live in San Diego. You and I have the exact same story! I had my open heart on Nov 8, 2017 with Dr Svensson at Cleveland Clinic. Prayers today!!!! Let's connect

Like |

On March 4, 2020...

Carlos Banuelos posted a note for Herb that says:

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. I still remember our phone conversation about 9 months ago before my surgery and how reassuring you were to me. I know everything will go great for you too. You will soon be happy to have put it past you and will be focusing on recovery.

Like |

On March 3, 2020...

Skipper Kagamaster posted a note for Herb that says:

Praying for your surgery tomorrow, and I can't wait to hear about your recovery! You look to be in very good hands; trust the skill of your doctors and have faith and confidence in the process. You literally have some of the best professionals in the world working on you and wholly invested in your successful procedure and recovery. See you on the other side!

Like |

On March 3, 2020...

Susan Lynn posted a note for Herb that says:

Herb - Tomorrow, you'll be our latest rock star! We'll be cheering for you and sending you positive thoughts and prayers. We look forward to your post-op good news! You'll be back in sunny California before you know it. All the best!

Like | John O'Neill and 2 others like this

Herb Greenberg Susan, thanks very much. People like you inspire and comfort people like me. In a great headspace today, pre-ops later. Cheers! Herb

Susan Lynn Thank you, Herb! Glad you're feeling ready and confident. You've got this! Cheers to you! 🥂🍾❤

john roland Keep up the good spirits Herb. Tomorrow after lunch you start the recovery.

Mike Roskowinski Herb cheers and good luck on your journey these next few days. It gets better quickly just keep strong and keep fighting. See you on the recovery side

Herb Greenberg Susan, once again, thanks!
John, following in your path here. The fun starts at 6 a.m., with surgery by 7.
Mike, thanks. I followed your journey closely and ... Read more

Herb Greenberg Susan, once again, thanks!
John, following in your path here. The fun starts at 6 a.m., with surgery by 7.
Mike, thanks. I followed your journey closely and was impressed with how you rolled with it. See you then.

Lorraine Mobley Prayers and positive vibes your way....on recovery side soon!

On March 2, 2020...

Adam Pick posted a note for Herb that says:

Hey Herb, I see you are on deck with Dr. Svensson. As you know, Dr. Svensson is a heart valve guru. Great job finding him. You are in GREAT, GREAT, GREAT hands. If you get a chance, please let Dr. Svensson know that I say "Hi!". He is such a nice guy. https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Lars-Svensson-Cleveland-Ohio.php

Dr. Lars Svensson - Heart Surgeon in Cleveland, Ohio

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Lars-Svensson-Cleveland-Ohio.php

See patient reviews, physician biography, videos and contact information for Dr. Lars Svensson, heart surgeon, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Like | Shannon Gray likes this

Herb Greenberg Thanks, Adam! Plus he is a nice guy.

On February 27, 2020...

John Manning posted a note for Herb that says:

Herb, best wishes on your upcoming procedure! I had my aortic valve replaced ten years ago and am thankful for the skill of the medical staff who worked on me. I am now 66 and can exercise the way I did when I was younger. Cleveland Clinic is top notch and is respected world wide for good reason. I will be thinking of you and all who are taking this journey-

Like | Adam Pick likes this

Herb Greenberg John thanks a ton. Have my tickets for the Main Event. Headed out Sunday!

On August 22, 2019...

Ron Weaver posted a note for Herb that says:

Hi Herb. I am in the same boat as you are. My Ascending aortic aneurysm is stable @4.7cm. 3years in a row. Bicuspid aortic valve seems to be functioning normally. I live in San Francisco and Palm Springs and have Kaiser health insurance due to retirement from there. I plan to get another insurance or pay out of pocket to go to Cleveland Clinic. Not sure who the best surgeon is though. I hope you remain stable for many years. Let me know how you picked your surgeon if you get the time. Thanks.

Like |

Herb Greenberg Hi Ron, we are definitely tracking somewhat similarly. I just updated "my story," since the one I posted there was several years ago. Things have changed slightly. ... Read more

Herb Greenberg Hi Ron, we are definitely tracking somewhat similarly. I just updated "my story," since the one I posted there was several years ago. Things have changed slightly. I'm currently continue to lean toward CC, where I have remotely consulted with Dr. Svennson. Other people here have used Dr. Johnston and many others - all seem to have had good experiences. I'm also now considering Mayo b/c of family ties. My goal is somebody who does almost nothing but aortas; just a personal preference. I'm now told by every doctor I see that it is not a question of "if" but "when." (Tick, tick, tick....!) In the interim I am making sure I'm in good shape by exercising very regularly, for my heart and my core. Sounds like you are on the right path.

On August 21, 2019...

Willie Radl posted a note for Herb that says:

Hey Herb, Minnesotan here. I had my Aortic valve replaced at Mayo Rochester and had a very good experience. In and out in 4 days. The surgeons are top notch. I went with Dr. Cicek because he was willing and capable to perform any operation I wanted, Ross, repair, mini sternotomy, etc. I felt really comfortable that he laid out the pros and cons of the surgeries and let me pick (other surgeons seemed to want to pressure me into specific surgeries or valves). My aorta is slightly enlarged so it was a game time decision once he got in there and looked it over, it ended up being in good shape so he didn't replace it.
Dr. Cicek is straight forward and focused on the outcomes, and post surgery I saw him every day in the hospital but after I left the hospital I have not met him in person but he did follow up a few weeks later with a phone call to make sure things were going well.
Overall I was very happy with my experience there, and if I have to get another operation done in the future I'll definitely be going back to Mayo.

Like |

Herb Greenberg Thanks for the input, Willie. Very valuable as I continue to ponder the inevitable!

On August 17, 2019...

Marjorie Murphy posted a note for Herb that says:

Herb
I had both my aortic valve and mitral valve replaced with tissue valves at Mayo in. in Rochester last September. That was my second OHS at Mayo. My first OHS was for a mitral valve repair. Both surgeries were without complications. By the way I was 76 years old when I had my second surgery. I would never go anywhere else. Highly recommend Mayo.

Like | Susan Lynn likes this

Herb Greenberg Thanks, Marjorie. Quite an endorsement!

On April 2, 2019...

William Fults posted a note for Herb that says:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/mick-jagger-heart-surgery-report-valve-replacement-procedure/

They talk to Dr. Svensson for this article, I thought about our earlier conversation about his personality/sense of humor when I read the last sentence. He’s a pretty funny guy.

Mick Jagger heart surgery report shines light on valve replacement procedure

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/mick-jagger-heart-surgery-report-valve-replacement-procedure/

The Rolling Stones frontman says he hopes to be back on stage soon

Like | Shannon Gray, Susan Lynn, Liz Gephart likes this

Herb Greenberg Yep, was thinking about that when I read it; saw the efforts in his quote!

On January 17, 2019...

Jennifer McInerney posted a note for Herb that says:

Hi Herb, I had an aortic root enlargement, aortic aneurysm repair and tissue aortic valve replacement. I am seeing my Cardiologist today for my three month check up. I feel great. Lots of energy and back to the me I knew from about 10 years ago. It’s a journey but you can do it if I can.

Like | Joey Hardee likes this

Herb Greenberg Hi Jennifer, thanks for the update. I went through your journal - that's quite an impressive recovery. I was especially struck by your comments about how "calm" ... Read more

Herb Greenberg Hi Jennifer, thanks for the update. I went through your journal - that's quite an impressive recovery. I was especially struck by your comments about how "calm" you felt. I'm certainly calmer than my wife! I've also done years of research and I believe the only way you can go into this is with resolve and optimism. I think we'll have the images sent off to the surgeon next week for a more realistic assessment. Pre-daughter-s-wedding or post-wedding, that will likely be the question. Key for me is to catch it before it becomes a serious issue. And NOBODY can ever predict that, which is why there is a Class 2a of grading risk/reward. I don't want to wait to become Class! 1 ;-)

Herb Greenberg Hi Jennifer, thanks for the update. I went through your journal - that's quite an impressive recovery. I was especially struck by your comments about how "calm" ... Read more