Kevin's Guestbook

Kevin Excu  Hi everyone, apologies for the delayed update. My fathers surgery on Tuesday went well and he’s been recovering in the ICU. He’s still in quite a bit of pain and when I went to see him yesterday, I became overwhelmed and fainted. They were moving him into a chair and hearing him in pain made me feel horrible so I passed out and was revived by the nurses in the ICU. We found out from his surgeon yesterday that the chest tubes should be removed soon which should really help. I’m going back today with my mom and will try to be less dramatic and not faint again. 

Kevin Excu  Thank you! We just got checked in and my mom has gone to the pre op area with him. Hoping we’ll get to see him before they wheel him away 

Leona Resch  Hi Kevin! I just had my aortic valve replace Dec. 20 at 63 years young!’ Lol
I had so much anxiety before it was incredible.. Now a month out I  will say I have much more energy and am walking g over a mile a day! Your dad will be great after this’ -better than ever! All the anxiety before is the worst part but soon he’ll be in recovery mode!!

Kevin Excu2  Hi everyone, had to create a new account since I lost access to my original. We received a call at 3:30am that my dad's planned valve replacement surgery that was scheduled for today needs to be rescheduled. His surgeon was called to do an urgent heart transplant so we'll have to play the waiting game again. Very annoying given all the mental preparation that went into today but nothing we can do. Hopefully they can reschedule for next week. 

Kevin Excu2  Thank you marie! I had to create a new account since I lost access to my original. We received a call at 3:30am that my dad's planned valve replacement surgery that was scheduled for today needs to be rescheduled. His surgeon was called to do an urgent heart transplant so we'll have to play the waiting game again. Very annoying given all the mental preparation that went into today but nothing we can do. Hopefully they can reschedule for next week. 

Susan Lynn  Welcome, Kevin! There are plenty of bicuspid aortic valve replacement folks here. Hopefully, they will chime in and reassure you. Heart surgery has come a long way! Your father will do just fine! Sending him, you, and your family positive thoughts and prayers. We'll be awaiting your father's post-op good news!

Kevin Excu  Thank you both! He received the arrival time for tomorrow so no going back now. I know it will be fine but his surgeon mentioned that he'll want to speak with us after and now I'm convinced myself he'll tell us that my dad didn't make it :( 

Greg Lewis  Hi Kevin! I had my BAV changed in June of 2021. Now, if you read my story, you will probably say, " why is this guy trying to reassure me " lol.  I sort of agree with that. But I am, because, these surgeons are so good at what they do, that even when something goes wrong,  they still know what to do! They are great! They have a 99% chance of getting your dad through this without any problems,  and a 1% chance of problems, that they know how to handle. You can't get better than that, my friend!  Your dad is in very,very good hands!  You are all part of a great miracle! 
God will be with your dad, and the team. There is not a  more qualified leader than that !    He will be OK.  Let me know, if you have any questions.  Take care! 

Pat Munn  Hi Kevin. I had the exact fear when my sister had her surgery a few years ago. She is fine. Lean on all the support you have to help you   

Pamela Gregory  We all know the fear you are feeling too well. Greg said it best, the odds are truly in your Dad's favor! I will be sending positive prayers for your family tomorrow

Patsy Stewart  Dwelling on the negative will only bring on more negative thoughts. Tell Satan to knock it off! God has your dad in the palm of His hands…just like He always has! Try to dwell on good, peaceful and  successful thoughts. There is hope! He’ll make a way. I wish for peace to come into your heart and your mind. Sending lots of prayers up for your dad, you and your family. 

Rose Madura  Kevin, I had this surgery in 2017 at age 59. And add in there an ascending aortic aneurysm and root repair.  It's very common and they are good at this.  The odds ARE in your Dad's favor.  While I did have some scary complications, the doctors knew what to do and took very good care of me.  Please keep us posted when you can. Godspeed.

Kevin Excu2  Hi everyone, had to create a new account since I lost access to my original. We received a call at 3:30am that my dad's planned valve replacement surgery that was scheduled for today needs to be rescheduled. His surgeon was called to do an urgent heart transplant so we'll have to play the waiting game again. Very annoying given all the mental preparation that went into today but nothing we can do. Hopefully they can reschedule for next week. Has anyone had this happen to them/family member?

Rose Madura  Kevin, yes it happened to me. My surgery was postponed for one week.  I was terribly upset and cried most of the day. I ended up watching a documentary on YouTube to get my mind off it. I'm still not sure why it upset me so much. I kept telling myself that everything happens for a reason.  At least I wasn't the emergency. God bless you. It will be ok.  

Kevin Excu  Thank you so much for the prompt response! I so wish I had found this site earlier. Just made my first post and as I'm sure is quite common, we're all terrified and worried about tomorrow's operation. The part that gets me is the stopping of his heart to replace the valve...I've convinced myself that they won't be able to restart it :( 

Kevin Excu2  Hi Adam, I seem to have lost access to my original account. Wasn't able to log in this morning despite knowing that the email/password are correct. I tried to reset the password but received a message that my email wasn't recognized. Anyway I can get back into my original account? Very strange so created this additional account so I can update everyone. Surgery that was planned for today was rescheduled :(