John's Guestbook

John, I see we’re both from Troy, Mich., and also had our heart valve surgeries at the UofM in Ann Arbor. So glad you’re doing well. Each day gets better. My mitral valve repair was 5/31 and performed by Dr. Steven Bolling. Just had my post-op folo-up visit Monday and am doing great. Just have to keep moving and walking.👍🏻 Wishing you strength and patience in your recuperation! Jennifer John❤️💪🏻

Good luck tomorrow John! There is nothing that we can say to ease your stress but hopefully knowing that we are all thinking about you and pulling for you and the sum of all of us helps you know that you aren't in this alone. Believe and have faith that when you wake up you will be ok and the future will be much better for you and your family. Let us know how you are doing when you get up and about.

Dear John, We seem to have a very similiar condition. I am 2 weeks post op and recovering very fast. Some bumps on the way but my advice would be : 1). just go at it with a positive, can do mindset. 2). don’t push yourself too hard but get moving and walking when Comfortable. 3). Visits are great but can also be tiring so let them do the talking. If your are tired and don’t feel like a visit just say so or cut it short by saying it’s time for my .... and they will get the message :-) 4). Invest in some some noise cancelling headphones and create lots of of playlists of relaxing music, happy tunes, music to help you sleep. They also block out the sounds of the beeps and the pumps in the early days. 5). Drink little and often 6.) Move your ankles / crunch your toes like often like on a long haul flight. 7) Use the opportunity of peace and quiet to think about your life and if you have some ideas record them using voice memos to yourself. 8). Try not to sneeze! That really hurts. If you have to grab a cushion and hold it against your chest. Still hurts but less. 9). When at home remember you are still in recovery and pace yourself.

Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery. My surgery will involve the arch so will look forward to reading of your experience. Good luck to you John.

John, It seems like we have very similar conditions and diagnoses. You are a bit further along the path than I. I look forward to reading and hearing of your experience. I wish you well! Steven