Mark's Guestbook

Hey Mark, jusy wanted to check in and see how you are doing? I am still working through mechanical valve questions. Can I speak to you via email? Eichhorn33@gmail.com Thank you!!

Hi Mark, I am very happy that you are getting better by the day! While trying to learn more about the Ross procedure, I happened upon your journal. My six year old granddaughter is having it done tomorrow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Her first heart surgery was just days after birth to replace her bicuspid aortic valve with a new tricuspid valve. And now we are going through this again! It's difficult because I cannot be there. I have to have faith in the doctors and I believe she's in good hands! Continue your journey of healing!! Thank you for sharing your experience. Nona Harrisburg, NC

Thank you for sharing your journey and detailing the experiences. It’s helped me who will be helping a love one go through a heart valve replacement surgery. I wish you a speedy recovery and good health Everyday.

Hi Mark, Good to see you are feeling better. I'm in Tualatin and have a mitral valve repair/replace and MAZE scheduled Apr 9 at St. Vin's. Would like to meet you some day and compare notes. Hope to see more positive news from you as your recovery progresses. I'm in the past-denial-but-anxious stage myself as my countdown continues... Jim

Hi Mark, 6 1/2 months post op and life is great 👍 I had the same genetic heart condition but found out about it a long time ago Although older at 65 I was also i n good physical condition, working out and jogging. For me the worry was the biggest part of it, the surgery went great and recovery is not so bad either. One week post op I was having a picnic lunch with my wife on the beach and it got easier and better every day. It is very important to keep the lungs healthy, walking or jogging and stay super hydrated as that helps with any symptoms, although I had none. You may find some of my research, preperation for surgery and recovery in my journal to be helpful. You should do great, just accept the inevitable operation that will save and give you a better life and look forward to recovery and your new life ahead. You can do this 👍

Hi Mark...read your story and somewhat similar to mine, re: murmur discovery and later BAVD...I am just over a year from OHS/AV replacement and all went well. Maybe you can read my story and find some comfort. Hang in there and wishing you a successful journey. Will check back after your OHS.

Mark I read your story. I’m very new to this forum I just made my first post a few minutes ago. It sounds like our stories are nearly identical. We are both active and enjoy weight lifting. My surgeon recommendation (who was a weight lifter himself) adviced me to use light weights with more reps. He told me no weights so heavy as to cause me to hold my breadth in order to lift. I am 63 years old an had the valve for over 13 years with very little issues or lifestyle changes. The actual surgery and recovery is not bad. I was in the hospital for about 5 days and went home. At the three week mark I felt completely recovered but still did exactly as the drs recommended. I’m not sure exactly how long I was off work I’m thinking about three months. But overall the surgery and recovery was way easier than I had perceived in my own mind. If you ever want to talk or share any concerns you have feel free to message me.