Jeffrey's Heart Valve Journal

Matt Hamann posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff!

I'm scheduled to undergo the Ross procedure with Dr. Stelzer next month! I had already made this decision when I came across your story... so it was good to confirm what I believe will be the right choice. Secondly, I appreciate you taking the time to write the very detailed personal Journal entries! They are a tremendous help at a time when I'm trying to remain confident while minimizing nerves and anxiety. Your suggestions around guided visualization and the Peggy Huddleston book (I ordered today) are extremely helpful and quite frankly good advice I've not read anywhere else. So thank you for all of your help... to this point and for what I'm sure will be a big help in the coming weeks and months! - Matt

Ken Sawicki posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff, it's Ken - we chatted a bit right after your Ross.... Glad to hear everything's going so well! I was Stelzer's Ross #201 (in 1998, at Beth Israel). Having both valves replaced (again) next week at Yale, along with part of the aorta. If you'd like to chat, I'll leave you my e-mail address. Congrats on your new lease on life!

Al Cinamon posted a note for Jeffrey that says: I'm in my 15th year since surgery. So, yes, it's like it never happened. Wishing you long life, my dear friend.

Larry Ring posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff...
Enjoyed reading your posts and your anniversary updates.
I'm four weeks out post-surgery...so my anniversaries are measured now in months, rather than years.
I had a question to ask you...as a clinical chiropractor...
How long after my OHS should I wait before resuming my maintenance treatments with my chiro here in CA?
I am a bit paranoid about any adjustments anywhere near my sternum (as you can imagine)...LOL...
But I am feeling some tightness and pain in my scapula (primarily right side) that seems to be positional. If I consciously pull my shoulders back and keep my head erect, I can alleviate the scapular pain...so I'm imagining is a slouching/postural issue at this point in time.
Anyway, thanks again for the updates...
And any insight you have on when I can resume treatment would be much appreciated.

Marcia Meshel posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Congratulations! I can't believe it's been 5 years. Even though I never knew at the time of your surgery that you were a Republican, my best wishes for your health and the health of your family, have always and would always be the same. Love you Jeff.

Peter posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Glad you are doing well! Peter

Reba Hill posted a note for Jeffrey that says: So happy to hear you are still doing well after your heart surgery. Robert and I are doing well, also. He just had another heart cath in December and all his stents are working like a well-oiled machine. During my visits with you I have learned that all doctors are not created equally. Thank you for helping me "see the light"!

Tina Maroon posted a note for Jeffrey that says: So so glad to hear of your success with your surgery. It is very encouraging to everyone and to me as well. I had my surgery June 2015. So I enjoy hearing your updates and positive stories.

The Rictors posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hard to believe it's been four years already! How encouraging your story has been so others yet awaiting their Ross. Keep up the great work at being available to both the Ross patients as well as your own patients. Proud to know you!

The Rictors posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hard to believe it's been four years already! How encouraging your story has been so others yet awaiting their Ross. Keep up the great work at being available to both the Ross patients as well as your own patients. Proud to know you!

Lisa Heinen posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff - would love to have some questions answered about your Ross decision. Both surgeons I have met with - one in Sioux Falls, SD and the other at the Mayo clinic both tried to discourage me from the Ross for the same reasons you were told - making a one valve surgery into two. I am 47 with bi-cuspid aortic valve with severe stenosis and an ascending aortic aneurysm of approx. 5.1 so need to make decisions sooner rather than later. I have been in contact with Dr. Stelzer and he is willing to accept me as a patient and has said I am a candidate - for which I'm grateful. Any advice for me?
Lisa

dj rosa posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff,
DJ Rosa, Male, 44, 6 foot 1 ,245lbs..active but right now out of gas as you might expect
Am scheduled for hart valve replacement on the 24th. Im very anxious and was just wondering if you hav any advice and how are you feeling?
Thank you!

Holly Pomeroy posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff, glad to hear you are still doing great, not that I expect anything less. It's always good to read the updates. Enjoy life, and thanks for all your inspiration!

Mitch Friedman posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Love it! And love you man. Glad all of us are doing so well.

Jeff Tressler posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Wow! It seems like it was yesterday (or maybe a year or two ago). You are an amazing person. You are blessed and a blessing to so many in so many ways. You deserve all you have earned, including an Aruba vacation! Enjoy. Jeff

Brenda and Stuie strauss posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff
Way to go!
God Bless You
We Love You
Brenda and Stuie

Mollie Renforth posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Jeff,
So glad you're doing great! You were such a tremendous support for my family and me during my surgery. Congrats on your 3 years post Ross Procedure. Mine is in August. So grateful for this journal and for all of the generous people who are on it. Stay healthy!
Your Ross Buddy,
Mollie

John posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff, Do you remember the size of your ascending aorta aneurysm when they recommended surgery? I was recently diagnosed with BAVD, moderate regurgitation, and a 4.9 cm aortic aneurysm, but am getting conflicting advice from the surgeons on when to have surgery. I'm 38 years old and healthy. Any thoughts?

Kathleen F. posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Happy Anniversary Jeff! I hope you are feeling so healthy that you forgot the date! Thanks again for your honest and detailed journal; it was very helpful to me as I prepared for my own Ross Procedure 9 weeks ago with Dr. Stelzer (#567) and now, as I'm going through recovery and starting to be more active. It's nice to feel as if we're not doing this alone. Thanks again!

Adam Pick posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hey Jeff! Just saw your post to JH and had to send you a quick note. Great to see you back at HVJ. How is your Ross holding up? Everything else going good? Adam

Holly Pomeroy posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff! It was good to read your update and hear how well you are doing. It's hard to believe 2 years have gone by! Wow! So many experiences that have shaped our lives. Thanks for your inspiration and encouragement along the way. You have been a blessing to me and many other HVJ patients!!
Holly

Connie Jewell posted a note for Jeffrey that says: 2 yrs. post op. and doing great is GREAT news Jeff!! I'm awaiting my surgery date May the 12th. I'm still trying to decide which way to go. Biological valve, Mechanical valve or Ross Procedure. This is a hard decision to make, I guess one of the hardest decisions of my life so far at soon to be 53 yrs. old. Good luck with you're continued good health post op.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Thanks Jeff. Glad to hear things are going well. A couple more days and I will be 6 months post-op. Looking forward to reaching the 2 year anniversary like you. Good luck and good health.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Congrats Jeff! I want to thank you for your journal which I thoroughly read before my surgery Oct. 8, 2013. You had such good ideas for me and you were so positive. It is wonderful to feel so good! The best to you!

Jim Jones posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Jeff:

Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary! May this next year be your best year yet.

To continued great health and a wonderful life.

Janis Kielbasa posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff, I'm so happy you are happy & healthy. You were such an inspiration to me and many others. Our little group hit the 2 year mark and still going strong. Continued love, health and happiness for all the years to come, my friend. Cheers.

Adam Pick posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Jeff,

Congrats!!!!

Keep on tickin!

DVB posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi Jeff, thanks for your update. Sounds like you're good as new. If not better. Best to you in the new year.

Janis Kielbasa posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Jeff, Thrilled to read that you are doing so well. I too have been following Rachel's story (saw it on the heart valve face book site). It really gives one pause to realize how blessed we are to have sailed through our surgery and recovery. I wish you continued good health, love and happiness. Have a awesome 2014. Cheers, janis kielbasa

Susan Smith,pre-op and waiting. posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Jeff, it is always good to hear the success of others as some of us are in the waiting mode. Have a great healthy new year.

Jim Jones posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Jeff
So pleased you are doing so well! I just read your journal. It was a pleasure. It is both positive and honest. I had a mitral valve repair by Dr. Adams at Mt. Sinai on 11/05. I smiled when I read your reports from the hospital stay. Every day I saw a large poster of Dr. Stelzer in 7 West as I did my walking rounds. His message was maintain top hygiene! He truly has a wonderful reputation.

I enjoyed reading about your recovery. It helps folks like me who are in the process of healing to know what great health await us. Thank you.

Happy New Year, enjoy baseball and enjoy life!

Heather St.Pierre posted a note for Jeffrey that says: Hi there Jeff

Not sure if you will be on here anytime soon but I wanted to let you know how your story has given me a great peace of mind!

Congrats on your 1 year anniversary, Jeff! I don't get on here often enough so I'm glad I saw your update. You and Chris were so significant in helping Jim and me decide on the Ross Procedure. I am forever grateful for your insight and generosity in sharing with us.
I still have your number in my contact info and I am going to surprise you with a call sometime :))
Happy Easter to you and your family. We both have so much for which to be thankful!!!
Mollie

Jeff,

Glad to hear you are doing well. My wife is scheduled for a Ross with Dr. Stelzer next Wednesday. Any advice regarding going into the procedure or for recovery at Mt. Sinai?

Thanks.

Grant Goeglein
grant.goeglein@nmfn.com

Almost forgot. Hi and hugs to Carol!

-Mitch

Way to go brother!!!!! Great update. but more importantly, great reality. We rocked this! Can't wait to see you in May. Time in NYC together, without a surgery (or recovery). What a concept!

-Mitch

Glad to hear that you are doing so well! Isn't it great to look back on the last year? My 1 year anniversary is coming up in April and reading your journal and the many others that had surgery during this time was so encouraging and such an inspiration to me. I couldn't have made it through without this website and journal! Wishing you many healthy years ahead!
Holly P

Jeff, I hit the send button before I signed off. My name is Melinda.

Email me at melindahacker1@gmail.com.

Btw, Adam posted my story on this site back when I became pregnant. You may be able to search this site if you're interested.

Jeff, I would love to meet you and talk about your story. I live in nearby Tampa. I am 43 with a bicuspid aortic valve with a dilated aortic root. I have semi-annual echoes to monitor my condition. My cardiologist thinks I'll be headed for surgery in 2 to 3 years, but we all know that can change real fast. I am leaning towards a bovine replacement, but really like the results I hear about with the Ross procedure.

I was running 4 miles 4-5 times a week until 4 years ago when I got pregnant with my one and only child. I had a high risk pregnancy with my heart condition so my cardiologist said no more running. I can walk or use an elliptical machine. My hope is that one day I will be free to run again.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Well, I for one never doubted than you would not pull through your ordeal with flying colors--as they say in South Africa.
Strong in all aspects--thats you.
What we need now, is a small class reunion--you, me, Rich , Tony. Lets set it up.
Call me anytime,
Marc

To one has-been to another....congrats brother! I share all your sentiments and let's continue to keep in touch. We are all part of a special club.
Happy Anniversary Jeff! Keep breathing through your eyelids!

JH Mattingly

Happy Anniversary Jeff! You did it and you did it right. What a journey. What an inspiration. A zillion happy returns of the day -- DVB

Hey Jeff, Happy Anniversary, It sure is nice to be saying this to everyone. I am also coming up to 6 months. Can't believe it has gone by so fast. We all have been so blessed and its wonderful, how lucky we all are. Enjoy life.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Jeff, Happy Anniversary. Needless to say I am thrilled that you are happy and HEALTHY. I knew you'd amaze and inspire us!! Continued blessing for love, health and happiness. Janis Kielbasa

Happy Anniversary Jeff!! I have a few days before my 1 year anniversary on the 13th. I've been thinking about it a lot the last couple of days. Like you, I'm filled with all sorts of feelings and emotions, mainly gratitude and priviledge to have had such a great outcome. I haven't journaled in a while, sadly it's just not the same part of my life, but then again, maybe not sadly at all. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be. I check in from time to time just to see how everyone is doing and offer encouragement when I can. Almost all of our "class" has "graduated" now. I decided not to go back to work, am spending my time volunteering in the cardiac rehab at my local hospital. Still get to exercise at a ridiculously low fee, still get to see the "cute little exercise specialist" every day and am really enjoying it. I feel better than I have in years and I wasn't having any symptoms (right). Off all meds except Lipitor and low dose aspirin daily. So life is good! Glad you are doing so well. Still hoping one day to get to meet face to face. I've never been to Disney World, so I feel like I HAVE to do that at least once before I kick off, so maybe I will take my grandkids down sometime this year. If that works out I will give you a call. I'm also determined to get up to NYC and meet that crazy, loveable Mitch! Take care and again, Happy Anniversary!
Linda THE Tiger, aka Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

YEA JEFF!! Welcome to the 1 year club brother. Can't wait to get together in NYC in May. Thanks for being there for me during this whole thing. We did it!!!!

Chris

You are a true "Brave Heart." Delighted to hear of your progress and well-being. As I try to make known in the St. Francis newsletter, there is life after open-heart surgery.

Way to go, Jeff! What a blessing you have been in our lives! See you in May!

Niki

Hey Jeff...love your 9 month update. Just know I am always jealous of you Floridians this time of year...I miss the warm weather already!
Get that toe healed up and get back on the mound bringing the heat!

Happy holidays to you and your family my friend.

JH Mattingly

Hi Jeff, Its nice to hear from you again. I am almost 3 months from surgery and am so glad its over and I feel so great. The holidays do mean a lot more to us now and I am enjoying the moment even if I do over do it a little bit. But I got my reality check and slowed down. Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday also.
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12