John's Guestbook

John, Just reading your post now from February as it was very pertinent to my experience. I've been out now 4 days from the Hospital . Spent 3 days there, so celebrating my eighth day since the procedure. I too had the same. AVR with Bio Prosthetic Bovine. I too had the "Mini T". My Cardiologist and Surgeon worked seemlessly up until the Cath of the heart the night before, to ensure no surprises, and to minimize the amount of trauma I would endure. Thanks Buddy! I appreciate the insight and the positive vibes. The latest picture of you speaks volumes. Keep Tickin'!

Yay! All's going well post- surgery for you....and I still await my fate on Feb 25. - I hope to be alive after "it". I survived the full sternotomy 30 years ago; thankfully. in year 2019 there's "another way". TAVR which after tests and measurements, on Feb 5 - Drs. gave us the 'green light' as in TAVR can be done on me.....waiting's the worst; however, the same Dr. who did my heart-cath's on the TAVR team.....now that I'm post-heart-cath with this Dr. - the Feb 25 TAVR hopefully will go well for all (me and the Drs.) Glad you're on the other side of open-heart surgery.

Super Bowl Sunday! Rams or Patriots? We are getting a lot of rain here (for So Cal) so no walking for a day or two. I'm doing great since I started getting quality sleep. Amazing what a difference that made. I start cardio rehab in a week. I hope you are doing great and keep us updated on your 3 week check up. Positive thoughts from the West Coast Vern

Hi, John! Cudos to you for your recovery! My name is Dave Millard and I am 67 years old. I had a triple bypass and aortic valve replacement (I also have the bovine valve) the end of March 2018. Mine was done in Mayo Hospital in Phoenix, Az. I, too, had an outstanding team that performed my surgery. My surgery was a little longer than yours, and experienced little pain. They had me up walking 12 hours after surgery. I was released five days after surgery and began walking right away. I returned to the gym on limited exercises a week after surgery. Two weeks after surgery I was walking a mile per day. At four weeks I was walking a 5k everyday. I completed cardiac rehabilitation as well as going to the gym daily. I was able to work back into my daily routine at the gym of muscle toning, weight lifting and cardio workouts. Over the last ten years after retirement I got back into shape running 5k's, half marathons and thirty mile relays. I never knew I had any blockages but was well-aware of the aortic valve problem, but never suffered any side effects with all my activity. Since surgery I have done four 5k events and still continue my daily workout at the gym and feeling the best that I have ever felt in my life! I live in Lake Havasu City, AZ, so fortunately cold weather is not a problem for me.

Good morning John! Glad you are getting well. I'm curious, I live in Watertown NY and wondering if this is the same John Isham from here? You mention the cold! Even if you are not the John I know, I wanted to say your message was "deja vu" for me, I had mitral valve repair in Cleveland 4/5/17. I remember all those tubes and hoses, but like you, none were really all that bothersome. I'm approaching two years and feel great, so glad I had that surgery as it was a "heavy" on my mind for 3 years, knowing it was coming - just one day I said - "I'm ready - lets do it" and called my contacts at the Cleveland Clinic. Thanks for sharing and continue to get well.

It has been 7 years since I had my aortic valve surgery with a brand new pig valve. I am forever grateful for my e tended life and thank God on a daily basis for all those extremely talented folks that had a part of my recovery. My only regret is not choosing the mechanical valve.

I had the exact same surgery by Dr. Gaca in Jan. 2018. He was able to do the mini-thoracotomy on me too. HE IS GREAT! I have the same valve and I have had no problems at all with it. Good luck.

John I had my OHS.done Feb. 2010 with a bovine valve.I was 67 yrs old and now 76 I work out 6 days a week.I hope the valve last a long time.I read 5. 10. 15 Years but who knows good luck to you.

John I had my OHS.done Feb. 2010 with a bovine valve.I was 67 yrs old and now 76 I work out 6 days a week.I hope the valve last a long time.I read 5. 10. 15 Years but who knows good luck to you.

Hey John -- As I write this note I realize that you are on the recovery side of your surgery. A little groggy I am certain. And I am also certain that you are in good hands and that you are looking ahead to some fine dining at Duke. (That last one is probably a bit of a stretch). --Greg Hall

Well, John, the time has come and all you can do is surrender, ha! Just think what having a new valve will mean to your spinning, etc. I bet you won't look at cows the same way...and may not even want them for dinner! I remember coming home from the hospital (a 4-hour drive) when we came upon several fields of cows who were just munching away. I've come upon fields of cows before, but this was definitely different. I too was admitted the day before surgery (in the morning). Even though I had done all the major prep work, there was still a lot to be done. Since you'll be joining the elite Minimally Invasive Group, we definitely won't see you among the Scar Selfies! So, John, savour all the moments...they are all part of the journey to a new you! Take care.

Hey OLD Red Raider! This is Pong-Ping spiritual paddle guru and golf instructor. Our prayers are with you and Heather as you take on another of your inspiring and life-giving adventures. When life gives you lemons.... https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIP.r8CrUybScLCHXW_RnfM_tgHaHa&w=193&h=192&c=7&o=5&pid=1.7 The Lord bless you and keep you! Pirate3

Dad , I have faith that everything will go just as planned. Best Docs in the world at Duke. Your time to just sit back & prepare for recovery. You’re gonna be back on the bike & active in no time! Love you.

Hi John, First, I was scared spitless. The thing that surprised me most about the surgery (OHS/AVR ) was how quickly the surgical team kept everything moving. I was quickly prepped and moved out of bed to a gurney, wheeled a short distance to a waiting section that looked a little like ER partitions. My family was there. I had already had IV prep previous day. When the staff said ,"we are ready to go". That's honestly all I remember. I do not know anything about the operating room, or any other procedures before or during surgery. I woke up with my family around me. I don't remember a breathing tube or anything else worth mentioning. As I woke up a little more, I could talk clearly and say I had no pain when asked. I fell back to sleep. Next thing I know, I was in my room in L.A. Sunset Kaiser, looking out the window at the Hollywood sign and Griffith Park Observatory. My family was still with me. Nine year old grand daughter was very impressed with the Hollywood sign. After that, I had tea, toast and pain med. Then it was all recovery. Best of luck to you, I pray you go through this as uneventful as I and you have a quick and comfortable recovery.

Hey John – I’m praying for you , and I’m grateful for you. I think a recliner could be a nice Plan B, if you don’t enjoy recovery in your bed. If you need anything, please feel free to reach out to me. You’re the best.