Herb's Guestbook

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!

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!

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

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,

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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-

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.