Guestbook of Joseph Ballett

My Guestbook

On March 18, 2017...

Henry Brouwer posted a note for Joseph that says:

Hi Joseph, I am not sure if you even visit this website anymore, but if you do, I am very interested in what valve you went with. I am in the process of meeting a surgeon at Southlake hospital in the next week and am curious on what their valve recommendations will be. I am 52 years old.

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On April 25, 2015...

Elaine Foster posted a note for Joseph that says:

HI Joseph, I hope this finds you doing well, and feeling better than ever. I just wanted to let you know how much your posts during both our surgeries meant to me, and I wish you the very best. God bless you

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Joseph Ballett Elaine I am doing fine and thank you for your note , you have brought a smile to my face . I hope all is well with you.

On January 15, 2015...

Peter Willard posted a note for Joseph that says:

Joseph I had a bovine valve put in Feb.2010 at age 67 and now at 72 I work out 6 days a week.I know Adam Pick choose the Ross operation as did Arnold S. Joseph how old are you and why did you choose the cow valve and how long did the DR.say they last.
thanks
Pete

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Joseph Ballett Peter i picked the cow as the main reason was not wanting to be on the blood thinners, I at first picked mechanical then changed my mind, the Dr said 10-15 ... Read more

Joseph Ballett Peter i picked the cow as the main reason was not wanting to be on the blood thinners, I at first picked mechanical then changed my mind, the Dr said 10-15 yrs and i have read they do last longer just depends i guess how lucky you are. The second reason is if you read the advancement in heart surgery a invasive surgery may not be needed by the time it needs replaced, what they can do now and what they will do in say 15 yrs i place my bet on technology. I am 48 and want to live a long time yet.

On December 17, 2014...

How did the surgeon know your ribs were clicking? And why is it a bad thing? I ask because my left rib head was giving me a slight pain, like pushing in on my lungs, but I had that in the past and thought it was acting up again due to the surgery. Thanks. And thank you for your comment, I loved it! That's about how I felt in his office. I hated the feeling of having to defend myself to him.

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And this evening was weird. I felt things in my chest almost shifting, or I really should say settling, in place. No pain, but for a few minutes, I was thinking, ok, this is interesting.

Joseph Ballett The surgeon knew because i told her they where clicking, i can feel them move or rub when i stretch or laid on my side and then rolled back, or cough. That ... Read more

Joseph Ballett The surgeon knew because i told her they where clicking, i can feel them move or rub when i stretch or laid on my side and then rolled back, or cough. That pain you said you had sounds like a bite of fluid not enough to drain but enough to be a bothersome , from what my surgeon said is that the pain because the lung has not fully attached to the rib and move in unison , so the ribs move then touches the lung and causes the pain, the fluid will dry up over time. Just remind your self slow down a bit , you have been doing alot lately .

Joseph Ballett Never defend your self walk away and know in your mind that what we all have had done is what makes us alive today.Time will tell for all of us and we will deal with if it come's up again.

Joseph Ballett Oh I forgot , if the ribs don't heal together , i think the surgeon was trying to say in a nice way she would have to open me back up and re- tie them.

Thanks Joseph. It will be so nice when the healing is finished, won't it? Just keep picturing those ribs healing together, they will, the body is amazing. ... Read more

Thanks Joseph. It will be so nice when the healing is finished, won't it? Just keep picturing those ribs healing together, they will, the body is amazing. I had an excellent chiropractor solve my rib head moving several years before this surgery, and since it has come back, though not as severe as it used to be, I will have them "adjust" it back into place. My surgeon gave me clearance, I am just still a little chicken but in two weeks, I think I will be ready. Did you have a mini stern? Three inch incision? I have been doing a lot, you are right, but I seriously have no choice. I have to take care of everything and everyone around here. You are lucky you have a partner. I feel a lot better moving....and when I get tired, those days I just go lie down, and listen to my body. Denial helps me move forward as well as knowing I need the right mindset to get through a lot of this. Thank you for your support!!

Joseph Ballett Christine you and so many more will always have my support, for the question about the cut no it is more like 5-6 inches. I also like to Thank you for your ... Read more

Joseph Ballett Christine you and so many more will always have my support, for the question about the cut no it is more like 5-6 inches. I also like to Thank you for your support, every one on here is awesome it has made this journey so much easier to deal with.

On December 8, 2014...

Joseph glad to hear the appt went well.

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On December 6, 2014...

I sure do hope your visit with the surgeon went well and that you are doing OK. Prayers continue to come your way.

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Tammi Gunwall Thinking the same... sending positive thoughts and energy your way!

Joan Napier Me too Joseph.

Joseph Ballett Yes things went well with her , she told me i had a bit of fluid around the lung but not enough to worry about, she also asked if my chest was still shifting ... Read more

Joseph Ballett Yes things went well with her , she told me i had a bit of fluid around the lung but not enough to worry about, she also asked if my chest was still shifting around , I said yes it was so she is keeping me on lite lifting still , also asked about sleeping on my side, again I said yes, and again i am band from doing that. The surgeon also said she would fill out my paper work so that i will not have to return to work till maybe the spring. Other than that she liked what she saw and said there would be a 100% recovery! So very good news I also told her about this site she seemed glad there was a place like this to come to for help and support.

Joan Napier Relieved to hear your good report Joseph! And it's great you will take a bit more time off of work until you are fully recovered. One's health is priceless and it always comes first :)

Tammy Pilcher Great to hear Joseph! We're keeping on keeping on!

That's great news. And hooray for not having to return to work until Spring. Enjoy your family and that puppy and live every moment to its fullest. I'm glad to hear that the fluid wasn't worrisome.

Elaine Foster Thanks for sharing, so glad all is going well. Enjoy the holidays with your family, and take advantage of this time off.

Tammi Gunwall Glad to hear Joseph! Thanks for the update.

Joseph Ballett Thank you ladies for your nice comments, You are all the sunshine of this site.

On December 5, 2014...

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Joseph that says:

Joseph, just checking in to see how your appointment went. I hope it went well! Prayers for good news!

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Joseph Ballett It went well thank you the way she explained it was awesome made total sense. I will write a general post later to explain how it all went down, again thank you!

On December 4, 2014...

Thinking of you and wishing you good luck tomorrow when you see your surgeon. I will say a prayer that all goes well.

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Tammy Pilcher Me too, Joseph. I hope everything's okay tomorrow.

Joseph Ballett Thank you , both of you are very special people!

On November 29, 2014...

Rebecca Roberts posted a note for Joseph that says:

I had pericardial effusion post surgery...with similar symptoms.
it was very painful, but easily treated.
Please call your cardiologist!

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Joseph Ballett I will call if it gets bad again woke this morning feeling alot better . Thanks Rebecca.

On November 28, 2014...

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Joseph that says:

Joseph, I was having some soreness in my neck and chest about a week ago every morning. I finally decided to change around the pillows I was propping up on to sleep. It helped. The soreness was gone. I think I was at too much of an angle sleeping. I just thought I would mention it. I hope you feel better soon.

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Tammy Pilcher Joseph, I forgot to add that with the soreness in my chest it was hurting to breathe too. But, figuring out the right angle to sleep helped me. Hope it helps.

On November 28, 2014...

Christine pittelli posted a note for Joseph that says:

Something's not right if the pain is worse than surgery. I will share with you that at 2 months post op tomorrow, though I am doing well, I still get weird neck pain, collar bone pain, sometimes along breast bone, and still not 100 percent breathing deep in and out.... When I am walking it becomes easier to breath, when I slow down and go about my day, I do find at times I need to take a few deep breaths( not shallow, the kind where you breath through your nose and stomach expands out like a balloon, than a deep breath out, with the stomach going back in). I also find sometimes I may be doing too much and will sit for a while and then I feel fine. I do have some pain under my left rib cage as well at times, but all of my pain is fleeting- on and off throughout the day. I have become used to what feels like normal pain. My concern for you is that you feel like u r at week two. I hope u call your cardiologist just to get checked out. Overall I am doing well, but I know I still have a another month to go before the sternum fully heals, and everything is still finding its place back in my body - I have a planned trip to a chiropractor as soon as I get the ok. Stretches feel awesome, and so do my massages, , but they can trigger pain the following day. I don't know that any of this helps you, but I just wanted to share what my recovery is like, in case it does help you. I am sure you r ok, but I am one of those people that if I feel something concerning or a pain that is constant..., I am at the dr that day! Take care of yourself.

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Joseph Ballett Thank you Christine i will keep what you said in mind i took some pain killers and i do have relieve now . If i do not feel well by Sunday i will call the doc ... Read more

Joseph Ballett Thank you Christine i will keep what you said in mind i took some pain killers and i do have relieve now . If i do not feel well by Sunday i will call the doc for monday if it gets to bad i will call 911 Thank you for your concern . just hearing from friends on here make you feel better. Thank you!

Sure. Keep us posted. You know we do care very much! 😊

On November 8, 2014...

Christine pittelli posted a note for Joseph that says:

Your doing well Joseph, and Happy Birthday! Driving already too. The post op time is going by fast. The way we look at things now... it does change a little, doesn't it... but for the better. Life is becoming more normal and at times, when I feel overwhelmed with keeping up with things right now( family stuff) I actually stop and smile and think... I'm glad to be dealing with this. Keep taking good care of yourself.

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Joseph Ballett No Christne i can't drive for another 2 weeks but i get the wife to drive me as i sit in the back I feel like Mr. Daisy . Just started home care as chest wound ... Read more

Joseph Ballett No Christne i can't drive for another 2 weeks but i get the wife to drive me as i sit in the back I feel like Mr. Daisy . Just started home care as chest wound was acting up but it is not severe . I agree it does change life's outlook and for the better. Keep in touch Christine and take care of your self.

Eleanor R Waiting to drive was hard for me, too. I hated being so dependent upon my daughter and nephew, but as the time to drive approached, I was also - not scared ... Read more

Eleanor R Waiting to drive was hard for me, too. I hated being so dependent upon my daughter and nephew, but as the time to drive approached, I was also - not scared maybe, but anxious. I just drove short distances at the beginning, making sure to avoid DC rush hour traffic, and places which would require parallel parking or large turns of the steering wheel. Of course once behind the wheel again, all was well. The only thing I have avoided so far is getting back to swimming - think I will let my sternum heal a little more before I jump back in. Sounds like you are doing great, and I wish you a happy birthday and a year filled with new days.

Joseph Ballett Thank you Eleanor

On October 30, 2014...

Lilly Black posted a note for Joseph that says:

Hi, Joseph. I'm happy for you! You must be so thrilled the waiting is over with! I know it's difficult, believe me. Been there, done that and very soon facing another one. It definitely hit home when you mentioned the fear and how you kept it all inside. My husband has been doing that as well....he is very fearful for me, but doesn't want to show it. I'm keeping it inside because I don't want to upset him...and it's a vicious cycle. So thank you sharing! Every now and then we will talk about it and hold each other. I know it will all work out in the end, because my first surgery was so successful with no complications.

Keep up the good work! One day at a time.....you will do great!

Lilly

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On October 28, 2014...

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Joseph that says:

Hey Joseph, I just found your response on my journal about your numbers. Thanks for telling me, I was wondering if anyone on here had similar numbers. Needless to say, I was pretty nervous when I found out they were so bad. My surgeon said yesterday that when I'm at rest my heart is working like someone's who is running a 5k in order to just keep me alive. So I am very thankful he can do my surgery so soon.

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Melinda Hacker Wow. You'll both be fixed soon. Maybe in the Spring, you'll be ready for a 5k. That's what I'm hoping for. At least be ready to walk a 5k. 🌻

Tammy Pilcher Hey Melinda. You must be up late too. I'm having trouble falling asleep these days. Did you get a recliner or are you using pillows? I'm wondering if I ... Read more

Tammy Pilcher Hey Melinda. You must be up late too. I'm having trouble falling asleep these days. Did you get a recliner or are you using pillows? I'm wondering if I will need the recliner. I got one of those wedge pillows.

Joseph Ballett I got a recliner rental goes back this week but was well worth it i found the wedge was good for the bed

On October 28, 2014...

Rob Broley posted a note for Joseph that says:

Heh Joseph- I am unable to reply to any posts so I will send you a note. Yeah I am starting to ramp up the energy, and starting to walk around 4-5 km a day now, feeling better, still have times of gurgling in the chest but I think that's just normal I think. I actually rode a riding lawn mower to crush the ten tons of leaves on my front lawn. not too bad. Anyway if you are having a crappy day you can call or text me at 705-794-7208 my cell phone, if you need to talk to another zipper club member, or if you want to hang out one of these days. By the sounds of it things are going well for you so that's awesome. Good things happen to good people is one of my mottos and you sound like an upstanding dude of society. We will see you soon- call anytime.

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Joseph Ballett Awesome i will do that in the next few days

On October 13, 2014...

Jason Leber posted a note for Joseph that says:

Glad to hear you're home and doing well. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving with your family.

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Joseph Ballett I did thank you how are you doing

On October 6, 2014...

Linda Crawford posted a note for Joseph that says:

I will be thinking about you and your family tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing that you are recovering well and going home.

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Joseph Ballett Thank you so much

Adam Pick Joseph, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep on tickin! Adam

Janet Underwood I'll be thinking of you too, Joseph.

Joseph Ballett Thank you Janet

Joan Napier Hi Joseph, I will be thinking positive thoughts and praying for a very successful surgery tomorrow. Please update us when you're feeling better post-op. Looking ... Read more

Joan Napier Hi Joseph, I will be thinking positive thoughts and praying for a very successful surgery tomorrow. Please update us when you're feeling better post-op. Looking forward to hearing good news! Joan

Joseph Ballett I will chat as soon as i can need to write more like i did today in my journal. feel free to read... I believe

On October 6, 2014...

Tom Elliott posted a note for Joseph that says:

It's going to go great, Joseph. We're all pulling for you.

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Eleanor R I hope that tomorrow is the day Joseph, I know you are tired of waiting and want to get things moving. Thoughts and prayers with you, and especially with your ... Read more

Eleanor R I hope that tomorrow is the day Joseph, I know you are tired of waiting and want to get things moving. Thoughts and prayers with you, and especially with your family and caretakers who have the hardest job of all, waiting and wondering while you sleep. Can't wait to hear you are in the cardiac unit and all is well. Eleanor

Joseph Ballett Again Thanks Tom and Eleanor and remember I Believe

On October 5, 2014...

Susan Ericsson posted a note for Joseph that says:

Good luck Tuesday. You are in my prayers tonight. Sue

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Erica Eberl Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way, Joseph!!

On October 5, 2014...

Praying for you Joseph!

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On October 2, 2014...

Jacques Castonguay posted a note for Joseph that says:

Thank you for adding me to your blog Joseph. During the time that you will be off work, let me know if you need anything. I am right there. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Wish you a speedy recovery and am looking forward to lots of laughs together at work.

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Joseph Ballett Your real solid jack, great to know your there

On September 28, 2014...

Eleanor R posted a note for Joseph that says:

Sounds like you are having a great weekend, I hope that next weekend is equally good for your family, with the hope that you will be home by then or shortly afterwards. My guess is that they will enjoy having Dad at home full time for a change, and you will need to curtail your energy and enthusiasm to be on the move. I am sending you and your beautiful family my thoughts and prayers for next week and beyond, so that you have the smoothest surgery and recovery. Best wishes. Eleanor

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On September 23, 2014...

Rob Broley posted a note for Joseph that says:

Hey Joseph. Wow just so you know I am from Barrie too and get my zipper on the 29 gotcha by a day. We will kick this surgerys butt and be back on the horse in no time. Probably see you in rehab. I started at southlake and found myself at toronto general. Gotta say this is quite the experience . If you ever wanna meet and talk war stories over a beer when we are allowed to consume I am in. I know we will both fight a winning battle because we have malot riding on it family is everything. Good luck and stay in touch

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Joseph Ballett Wow sounds great to me

Adam Pick Now, that is an amazing coincidence! You guys are going to do great! 9/29 will be an excellent day in Barrie!

Rob Broley And it's the release date for the newest archive disk from genesis the music group. Big fan and big dork what can you do. But if that ain't a sign I don't know what is. Hehehehehehehehe

Joseph Ballett Hey Rob what part of Barrie are you in I'm in the south

Rob Broley Up by innisdale high school. Where in the south r u. How old are ya

Joseph Ballett I,m 47 and live in big bay and yonge area

Joseph Ballett Hey like your joke about thats not a scar this is mine to my wife was to ask her what king of rib sauce did she want

Joseph Ballett *kind*

Rob Broley Nice over by the zehrs. Great areA. I am pretty darn close to that. Your kids don't go to innisdale do they. My wife teaches there. Don't be losing sleep ... Read more

Rob Broley Nice over by the zehrs. Great areA. I am pretty darn close to that. Your kids don't go to innisdale do they. My wife teaches there. Don't be losing sleep over this we will do fine. The sleep I am losing is because my 17 month old is teething. Talk about adding to the journey. I have been giggling to myself over it for a bit. Might actual get my best sleep in a while in the hospital. How wrong is that. Lol. I am 42 by the way

Rob Broley Rib sauce. Nice one. You sound like you have eaten at big Chris's and that other one at minuets point

Joseph Ballett Yes my son goes there what does she teach

Rob Broley History grade 10s

Joseph Ballett Yes good food there and also at sticky fingers

Rob Broley Good music too at the fingers

Joseph Ballett My son is going to say hi to her tomorrow .

Rob Broley You know now we really are going to have to go for a beer. You ready for it. I know I am who is your cardiologist

Rob Broley Is your don in her class if not no worries tell him to say hi anyway probably help his worries out . What's his name

Joseph Ballett It's easy to say not to lose sleep but so hard to do so many little things to do before the 30th this is cool having someone close by going though the same thing cool..... very cool

Joseph Ballett His name is Travis not in her class as he is in grade 11

Joseph Ballett Hey at rehab i'm thinking if we find two wheel chairs we could re in act that scene from days of thunder in the hospital hall

Joseph Ballett winner buys beer

Rob Broley Yeah totally. Looks like we are walking buddies after this. I met another guy from Owen sound. He got his done on sept 8 at southlake and so far so good. ... Read more

Rob Broley Yeah totally. Looks like we are walking buddies after this. I met another guy from Owen sound. He got his done on sept 8 at southlake and so far so good. Just told my wife and she will look out for him. She coaches ultimate frisbee. Yeah don't get to caught up in the things to do before they will be there after. You get a little selfish and take care of número uno in these days.

Rob Broley Okay but I might have to pull a Ricky bobby on ya all. And for sure beer for the winner. We will have to make sure we get in the rehab at the same time. Crap we could commute together.

Joseph Ballett Ya sure well got to go for tonight I'll get in touch tomorrow

Rob Broley Make sure you tell Travis to introduce himself to her tomorrow. She won't have a clue who he is

Rob Broley Keep on keeping on Joseph. Talk to you soon. Sleep well and turn off that mind

Joseph Ballett Hey how is it going

Rob Broley Good just watching the Derek jeter love in at Yankee stadium. What says you. Got everything ready

Joseph Ballett Some what ready still busy at work but i got help this week thought it would be to stressful doing it my self

Rob Broley Good stuff who is your cardiologist? And what r u packing for our little stay at the hospital

Joseph Ballett Doc dibble, not sure they said not to take gadgets as you won't be able to always watch it, so i guess just robe and slippers have the kids bring in music from time to time

Joseph Ballett I rented a power lift chair this week also

Rob Broley Yeah I got my wife to bring in cell phone, iPad crap like that. I have dr mcclelland. He is the new guy from Nova Scotia. He commutes back and forth every weekend but he is a hoot I tell you

Rob Broley Nice where did u get that from and if u don't mind me asking how much and how long

Joseph Ballett I called shoppers drug health care at 705 721 1261 $150.00 plus ten bucks for delivery they had to get it sent from Toronto, 3 position rental for the month ... Read more

Joseph Ballett I called shoppers drug health care at 705 721 1261 $150.00 plus ten bucks for delivery they had to get it sent from Toronto, 3 position rental for the month , should show up on friday the 3rd before i get home

Joseph Ballett also insurance may cover it

Rob Broley That's not bad still all. I am gonna try the ole lazy boy at first but if it's too painful the shoppers might be getting a call.

Joseph Ballett a few people said it was worth it so why not i thought

Rob Broley Yeah for sure I didn't even think about it. I know my 82 year old dad has one and he loves it. I think he's sitting in it ever darn time I am over there. ... Read more

Rob Broley Yeah for sure I didn't even think about it. I know my 82 year old dad has one and he loves it. I think he's sitting in it ever darn time I am over there. At least there is gonna be a bunch of sports on while we are taking this on

Joseph Ballett yes and set of disc for son's of anarchy plus lots of books and i want to take some coarse's

Joseph Ballett Well my son said hello the other day , surprised your wife i think he said the had a laugh

Rob Broley Good work sounds like you are ready to roll. That's freaking awesome

Joseph Ballett Well i have to go for now i chat with you on the weekend if you like , have so much running around on the weekend then work Monday again working till the ... Read more

Joseph Ballett Well i have to go for now i chat with you on the weekend if you like , have so much running around on the weekend then work Monday again working till the end then i turn in my work van , but get a new one in 3 months

Rob Broley Really might have been the wrong teacher. I keep asking her if he did and she hasn't seen him. She does have a serious case of baby brain right now but I don't ... Read more

Rob Broley Really might have been the wrong teacher. I keep asking her if he did and she hasn't seen him. She does have a serious case of baby brain right now but I don't think it was her. That's a bit funny let me how check with her again. Ask hi what she looked like?

Rob Broley That's a great deal my doc didnt let me go back after summer break. I have been picking my nose all this time. Yeah talk to u later I go into tg hospital on Sunday for the preop.

Joseph Ballett brown hair

Rob Broley Nope totally blonde tell hi to try again tomorrow. She llooks younger

Joseph Ballett oh ya you have to go to toronto

Joseph Ballett Ya it was not her it was my son brain case of crs.

Rob Broley Yep no worries have a good night

Joseph Ballett yes you also

Joseph Ballett Hope all is well and your done , my date got cancelled

Joseph Ballett Hey Rob hope your doing ok.

Rob Broley Hey Joseph just got home on Sunday I was in the hospital for two weeks had an afib attack a couple of times quite the ride holy cow. Hope your op went better than mine

Joseph Ballett hey bud i got home sat. i was delayed one week they cancelled first within 12 hours of it , how you doing

On September 23, 2014...

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Joseph that says:

Hi Joseph,

Yours is a similar story to mine. I am coming up on my one year anniversary since surgery and am feeling great. If you have time take a look at my journal, it may give you some insight as to what you are going to experience. For me it was not as bad as I had anticipated and I wish you the same. If you have any questions please ask.
Take Care, Dan Sinclair

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Joseph Ballett Thank you very much i will read your journal

On September 22, 2014...

Jason Leber posted a note for Joseph that says:

Hi Joseph,
Did the surgeon mention how long he thought your tissue valve would last? Did you have any choice in which type of tissue valve you would receive?
Thanks, ~Jason

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Joseph Ballett I told her what i knew 10-15 yrs they last maybe a 25% chance that it would have to be replaced, told her of the technology i knew they are working on , ... Read more

Joseph Ballett I told her what i knew 10-15 yrs they last maybe a 25% chance that it would have to be replaced, told her of the technology i knew they are working on , the choice is yours my friend and it is a choice you will question over and over and when you think you got it right , over again.

Joan Napier Jason, I was told the same info as Joseph- the tissue valves (porcine, bovine, or homologous) last an average of 15 years. My surgeon said porcine (pig)and ... Read more

Joan Napier Jason, I was told the same info as Joseph- the tissue valves (porcine, bovine, or homologous) last an average of 15 years. My surgeon said porcine (pig)and bovine (cow) are equivalent with no advantage of one or the other. There are also equine (horse) valves but that one was not offered to me. Human valves are hard to come by. The pro with tissue valves is that no lifelong coumadin is needed, and the con is the need for repeat surgery. The mechanical valves are usually permanent but require lifelong blood thinners. For those like myself who are not good candidates to be on blood thinners, a tissue valve is best. My doctor believes that in 15 years, the procedure to replace the MV in a minimally invasive way will be perfected, as it already is for other valves. He did say valve choice was my decision.

On September 22, 2014...

Hey Joseph. Welcome to the site and look forward to hearing your story.
What exactly is your issue? Is it a bypass or Aortic valve? Is it the Mitral valve? Do you have any numbers ie : pressures, and opening sizes for us to look at?

This is an important surgery and it will shake you up as to how long recovery is and how much you can do in the meantime. Another way to say it is that this is your number 1 priority and you are the man on the bubble. I was a little surprised that you turned down the date on the 26th because you had too much to do. I understand that train of thought but who is going to get anything done when your heart is compromised and right now you have to protect it from further stress. Secondly, having your wife call 911 when you pass out from cutting the lawn? See your "story" caption. Hmmm.

I am curious to know how your day in the Cath lab went? Are your pipes clean?
I like your thinking around warfarin and your trade and the day to day stuff you do.
Where will the surgery be and have you had an orientation with the intake nurse?
Looking forward to hearing more about your journey. Bob O.

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Joseph Ballett Hi Bob it was nice hearing from you, to clear things up she did not have to call i just had her on stand by to do it. Cath lab went good no other problems with the heart

On September 22, 2014...

Mary Myers posted a note for Joseph that says:

Welcome to our heart community. You will find friends in this community that will help you on your journey . If you have any questions just ask. You asked about valve types. I actually choice the tissue valve. I have the tissue valve made from a pig. I along with you felt that I would like not to have to take blood thinners for the rest of my life. Tissue is supposed to be closer to what the human bodies valves are like. My surgeon chose which type of the tissue.
Good luck with your research. I had to be put on coumadin because I had Afib after surgery. Hopefully, will be able to come off that soon. I bruise very easy with this and have to go for blood tests often.

Speaking of Afib, do not be alarmed if you I have Afib. I was shook up as didnot realize this happens often, after valve replacements. So don't worry, it happens because the tissues get inflamed and my doctor says the heart is angry!!!

I was in hospital 8 days. Starting cardiac rehab tomorrow. In am 8 week post op tomorrow.

You will be fine. Try to focus your energy on positive thoughts. Worrying stresses the heart.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mia ,(Mary from Michigan)

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Joseph Ballett Thanks

On September 22, 2014...

Olga Landry posted a note for Joseph that says:

Hello Joseph,
My name is Olga Landry. I did write to once before but I don't now if you got the message. I am also from Ontario. I lived in Brampton Ontario. I moved to Saskatchewan just over a year ago. I was born with a heart problem called Tetorlogy of fellot.
I had my first open heart surgery at The Hospital for Sick Children when I was 5 years old.
Last June I went to my Cardiologist for the first time to find out he worked with my cardiologist back in Toronto.
He told me I will need surgery between 3 to 6 month.
In Aug I had the Catherazation.
Then a couple weeks later they called me to tell my surgery was going to be on the 8th of Sept then they postponed the surgery on the 30 of September the same day as you.
It feels like a whirl wind.
All I can do is think of my surgery date.
A lot of people on this site have wrote great idea what to except after surgery.
I believe that God will be with us on that day of our surgery.
Take care.
Hope to hear from you.
Olga.

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Joseph Ballett Well i will think of you on that day also , hope to chat with you more before and after the operation

On September 20, 2014...

Adam Pick posted a note for Joseph that says:

Hi Joseph - Nice to meet you and welcome to our community!!! I'm hopeful the information and the people at this website will help with your bicuspid aortic valve.

Great to see the wonderful pictures of your family. If you need anything, please let me know.

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick (patient & website founder)

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Joseph Ballett Thank you and looking forward to chatting