Matthew's Guestbook

Ira Goodman posted a note for Matthew that says: Hey Matthew. I posted on your page a few years ago, around your surgery time.

I had a stroke and an aortic aneurysm also. (don't often come across many young people who've had both too). How are you doing these days? How are things in Australia?

Ira

Roger Bideleux posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Matthew, Thanks so much for your message. It was good to hear your surgery day passed so smoothly, and I guess I am a bit envious that you were first cab off the rank. No such luck for me so will have to wait till the afternoon before I get all the attention :)
Thanks for giving me your mobile number, that's a very kind gesture. Mine is 0405 298349 and I will look forward to chatting with you sometime soon. It is the early hours of Wednesday as I write this, I gave up trying to stay in bed - just too much going on in my head, haha.
I can agree with all the things you say about the staff at the Alfred, they were very good when I was in Ward 3East having one test after another prior to the diagnosis. Knowing first hand how great they were is reassuring now.
I look forward to chatting and wish you continued swift progress in your recovery,
Cheers for now, Roger

Roger Bideleux posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Matthew, Just thought I would let you know I had a call at lunchtime to say I am booked in for surgery on Thursday arvo. I have to be there at 6.30 so it will be a long hungry day! I had planned to get one of our sons to take me in on their way to work but the hospital said my wife & I should both front up at 6.30!! I don't expect her to hang around though, nothing worse than hospitals LOL.
I will be glad the wait is over but right now it all seems a bit daunting, it's suddenly very real.
I hope your recovery is still on track, best wishes, Roger

Roger Bideleux posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Stephen and Matt,
Thanks for your replies, good to know. It's a minor thing but everything seems to take on more importance these days! I already have crook shoulders so it is never easy to raise hands above head but it seems it will be no worse after the op, haha. That's reassuring.
Thanks again and best wishes, Roger

Roger Bideleux posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Matt,
A question came to mind today if you wouldn't mind answering for me!
After surgery did you find it painful to lift your arms above your head? I hate not being able to wash my hair regularly and wonder how soon I will be able to shampoo in the shower!
My wife uses a clipper to keep my hair presentable and was horrified when I said I wanted her to use the shortest attachment before I go into hospital!
How long was it before you were able to lift your arms high enkugh to shampoo?
Thanks in advance,
Roger

Larry Ring posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Matthew....
You need to post an update in your journal! LOL...
How was your experience?
How are you doing now?
I think everyone's post-surgery updates are really helpful to those who are getting ready for surgery.
Hope you are doing well and on your way to full recovery.
I start my cardio rehab program on Wednesday...

Ursula Browning posted a note for Matthew that says: Dear Matthew, you looked so well already on day one, I wonder if you are already running around by now..... My best wishes for an ongoing great recovery from a 6 year post op friend in England.

Bill Kynaston posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Matthew......Wishing you all the best from W.Aust. What part are you in?
I had a replacement aortic valve inserted through my groin 4 years ago and it is working well

Gilad Lumer posted a note for Matthew that says: Hey Matthew, I just saw your story in the newsletter that I receive from this site. We're close in age (I'm 44) and I had a very similar surgery a couple of years ago (I had an aortic aneurysm repaired, and my aortic valve was replaced for the second time). Just wanted to reach out and give you my support and blessings towards a quick and pain-free recovery. Having gone through open-heart surgery twice now, I thought I'd share with you a known secret that aids with the speed of recovery (which you might already be aware of) - a very big part of it is mental (besides the physical pain and healing of course), so two things that really help that most people don't consider are hypnotherapy and meditation. Might not be for everyone, but my recovery was literally twice as fast when I incorporated those into my recovery routine. Give it a try if you're up for it, you'll be back at your normal activities in no time.
Best wishes from the US,
Gilad

Penny McIntosh posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Matthew, I have just posted in my journal after a gap of almost 5 years but seeing the list of upcoming surgeries and understanding what you are going through in your head made me want to reach out to you. You will forget all of this in a short space of time, only your (very faint) scar will remind you. Just be patient with your recovery - pace yourself - you know all about that as part of your sports training after any kind of injury. Take one day at a time but with the long goal always in mind.
Love and hugs from Penny in Scotland

Sue Sanchez Grela posted a note for Matthew that says: Matthew, I am praying for the very best for you and look forward for your recovery Journaling ❤

Michael McMullen posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Brother Matthew...just dropping a note as you close in on your Go Day. The last 24 hours before can be anxious...well, maybe 36 hours...anyway, hang in there look forward to hearing from you after surgery. God Bless

Jeannette posted a note for Matthew that says: It is now 6:15 AM Saturday in your part of the world and as you’re about to start your day, lots of things must be going through your mind as you tackle the last preparations leading to a new chapter in your life. Combined energies are more powerful than energy coming from a single source, so thanks to this forum you have support and prayers coming your way from various directions. Take care, Matthew, and wishing you a textbook surgery and recovery! Warm regards, Jeannette

Elizabeth Ott posted a note for Matthew that says: Matthew you will Rock this surgery as you are in great shape! I, myself am an athlete who didn't have many symptoms but was told to have OHS! It's scary as hell but you will prevail. After surgery look at your recovery as a New athletic challenge and goal to achieve!!

Linda Gonzales posted a note for Matthew that says: Matthew, Everything will be fine. I had Heart Value surgery in April 2016. I felt the same way you did about my surgery. Everything went well. Had my 6 month check up and everything was good. Keep calm. God Bless you and I will be praying for you.

Bill Schofield posted a note for Matthew that says: Hey Matthew! I have a slew of info I'd like to share now that you may go tissue if needed. It deals not only with the present, but also the next procedure in 15 years or so. There are a multitude of factors (science, engineering, process, personal, etc) that determined my going the tissue route. The least I can do is share my research and logic behind it. Here's my personal email.....Schofield.Bill@gmail.com
Shoot me an email and we'll chat more before your surgery. Thanks and hope all is coming together on your side of the pond! Bill

Ira Goodman posted a note for Matthew that says: Hey Matthew, how are you doing? How is the lead-up to the surgery treating you?

Larry Ring posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Matthew...
just wanted drop in a hi and let you know my positive thoughts and prayers are with you...
hope all goes smoothly.

Bill Schofield posted a note for Matthew that says: Hello Matthew. I'm finally back online. Today I am three weeks postop. At this point a few weeks ago I was having the breathing tube removed and starting my recovery. Man, it's been a tough few weeks. The first two weeks in particular were the hardest. But now I'm past the primary pain and working at the recovery. I have my three week follow up appointments on Friday with the surgeon and the cardiologist. I'd say I'm right on track based on everything I've read and people I've spoken with, but definitely can feel that this will be a several month process to feel like "me" again. The procedure went well and early checks in the hospital showed good positioning and flow with minimal to no regurgitation. I'll have a more thorough check on Friday now that I'm better healed. Been getting my walks in, stretching, breathing, and basic movements to keep myself flexible during healing. It's not a cake walk, but I'll gladly go through a couple weeks of discomfort for years of longevity! I'll keep you posted after my follow ups this week. Good luck and keep me posted on your schedule! Bill

Michael McMullen posted a note for Matthew that says: Hey Brother Matthew...checking to see if your dates are on track? I know you've had some rescheduling changes and must be tough. Hang in there...let me know.

Daniel Kung posted a note for Matthew that says: Matthew: I understand how hard it is to wait for your surgery date. I moved my surgery date up a month early because I simply did not want to wait that long. For me, the waiting was harder to endure than the surgery itself. You are much younger than I am. Once the surgery is over, I am sure you will be able to recover much faster and better than what I went thru. Wish you the best!

Heath Larner posted a note for Matthew that says: Prayers on your behalf. Tomorrow will go perfectly.

Kim Jones posted a note for Matthew that says: Good luck. I relate to your story as I am only 40 and pretty much without symptoms. I hope you have a quick recovery.

Michael McMullen posted a note for Matthew that says: Matthew,
Best of luck with good thoughts and prayers your way!

Ira Goodman posted a note for Matthew that says: He Matthew! Looks like your new surgery date is the 30th. I had surgery just over a year ago to replace my ascending aorta (aneurysm). And also like you, I suffered a stroke, about 4 years earlier. Fortunately my surgery went very well, and I didn't need to have my valve replaced. My recovery was rather speedy and uneventful.

Just wanted to drop you a note and tell you to keep your spirits up. I think the anticipation was the worst part of it all.

Laurie Baglio posted a note for Matthew that says: Hi Matthew! My surgery is booked for January 30, 17 as well. I am looking forward to having it over. I live in Canada and it's been a mild winter. Easy to get around since we haven't had too much snow. I am hoping we have an early spring so that I can get out and walk before it gets too warm. All the best on the 30th for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Maria posted a note for Matthew that says: Wishing you the best and praying for a perfect surgery and speedy and full recovery. Maria

Julie Hermes posted a note for Matthew that says: Good luck Matthew ! I live in Auckland and I am 8 weeks post surgery - Aortic valve replacement (Bicuspid from birth). I am amazed how the body heals, but do agree with you - getting your head around the surgery is difficult. Some people handle it pretty well. I do meditation and that helped right up until the morning of my surgery. (Then I thought I might just pack my bag and escape from the hospital!). Afterwards I think the body goes into a sort of shock for a few days. Definitely needed emotional support afterwards. Some people just seem to get thru it all very well. Hopefully you will be one of those people!

Pam Monahan posted a note for Matthew that says: Good luck with pre-testing and surgery!

Michael McMullen posted a note for Matthew that says: Good luck Matthew!
All the best on your upcoming OHS and on to a healthy and speedy recovery!

Carmen P posted a note for Matthew that says: Good Day Mate! Sorry, I've always wanted to say that. Good Luck to you Matthew. My surgery was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Mostly because my Husband made sure that I was given pain meds on schedule. Ask for help and really.....don't lift that gallon size milk carton until they say you can. (I did and regretted it) All kidding aside, take time to heal.

Bill Schofield posted a note for Matthew that says: Hey Matthew, thanks for your note last night. I'm in the same mental state right now. Young, decent shape, active, and never knew this condition was underlying. Like yourself my heart condition was found as a secondary finding to my primary reason for going to the doctors. It's been a roller coaster past six weeks for sure. I'm an engineer and PM and tend to first approach problems from a clinical/technical methodology. I did the same now, even with myself. But now that all the technical issues are resolved (valve selection, research, process/procedure), I'm now dealing with the human side of it that this is real and I'm the one going in for heart work. Now it's hitting me a little differently from the past several weeks. It's more personal now. Sounds strange, but for weeks I was able to keep it very technical and clinical. Now as I prepare my home, my family, my friends, it's reached the personal side for me. So I'm approaching it still as an engineering problem, but with some emotion. Lol. It's going to be good and I'm looking very forward to see what life is like with a fully functioning valve, good blood flow, and a normal pumping heart! Good luck in prepping this coming week. I'm doing the same over here in the States!

Robert D'Aurora posted a note for Matthew that says: The mental part for me was really tough for me when making the decision to have the surgery. After that, I blocked out the surgery as much as I could. I got into the best shape that I could, even by just walking. I was 54 when I had my surgery, always have been healthy, never sick, pretty active so it was quite a shock. I researched the surgery as much as I could. At some point, I just accepted the reality, that the surgery was something I had to go through to get better. I trusted the surgeon and found some peace. Good luck and prayers for your operation.

Jeannette McLaughlin posted a note for Matthew that says: Hello! Matthew:

Wow! congratulations…you are doing the right things to prep yourself up for surgery!
I tried sending the information in question via your Guestbook, but the first link showed up as "error" and I assume it would be the same for other links. So, it would be better if I sent the information via your personal email address (you can write to me at jeannettemclaughlin@gmail.com). Thanks!

Jeannette McLaughlin posted a note for Matthew that says: Hello! Matthew - you sound like a positive person, which is a great asset when facing this type of surgery. I had open-heart surgery on Sept. 28, 2016 to replace my bicuspid aortic valve with bovine tissue, as well as replace the ascending aorta (due to aneurysm) with homograft tissue. Please keep in mind that every case is different and that we all recover differently. In my case, I had no pain whatsoever...go figure! At 72 years old, I recovered very quickly from the surgery and my seven-inch incision has healed beautifully (I've used essential oils as well as other oils and a natural scar gel). Having a positive attitude is very important and it accelerates healing time. I found that visualization also helped, as well as meditation, and I did the latter until the last minute before entering the operating room! I was not at all nervous before the surgery or the days leading to it (and I have an A-type personality!) I did a lot of research before the surgery and asked a lot of questions (I even surprised the surgeon and his assistant with some of them!) I have some links that I could send you, if you're interested. One thing that played in my favour of a quick recovery is that I have been taking special care of my health for close to 40 years; as well, I have kept fit over the years (I rode my bike a couple of days before leaving home for the surgery). I also take lots of natural supplements, in which I believe strongly. I can understand why your doctor would recommend a mechanical valve at your age, but I've read about younger people choosing an animal tissue valve as they want to avoid taking anti-coagulation medication for the rest of their life. The older you are, the longer a tissue valve lasts. In my case, the surgeon said it could last 15 to 20 years. By then, they will have come up with other less invasive procedures like the TAVI. So, good luck...ask a lot of questions and be positive!

Lise Bowles posted a note for Matthew that says: Mathew,
I had ohs in August due to severe mitral valve regurgitation. I was in shock even though I was 61 at the time I had never dreamed that I wasn't just perfectly healthy! I eat right, exercise, and am mostly a very content, positive human being. I had no symptoms so I was completely in the dark. I went for a routine physical and she asked me if I realized I had a REALLY loud heart murmur? I said I don't know I had a heart murmur much less a really loud one, and you know by my introduction the rest of the story! I was directed to get the tests necessary todetermine the problem. Anyway, I just want to reassure you that to be nervous about this situation is to be expected! For goodness sake this isn't a stubbed toe or broken finger! I went from panicked to nervous to denial to space cadet and back. I felt better knowing as much as I could about the operation and researching hospitals and doctors. It sounds like you've already done that. You will be fine I am sure, today's modern medicine is so advanced!
Good luck, 😊 Lise

Bob Jensen posted a note for Matthew that says: Matt - welcome to the "family". You are not alone regarding the anxiousness. It is with me every day as my surgery is approaching on Tuesday January 3rd. I have met some many people here on line, and in real life that have had this proceedure and every last one of them have been positive, encouraging, - even showing me their battle scars, and proud they have them. I like you found my problem on a fluke CT scan of my lungs, - undetected, so we share a journey - we have the surgery - we live, without it - we don't. You are young and have a long life ahead of you. My prayers are yours and I look forward to recovery as something to go through, and come out a better man in every aspect. Without this surgery, you would not be part of this group - see - God has a plan! You will do fine!