Guestbook of Matthew Russo

My Guestbook

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

2184 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3212 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3213 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russo Hello Roger! I was also told to be at the Aldred at 6.30am. They were right on time too and whisked m ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hello Roger! I was also told to be at the Aldred at 6.30am. They were right on time too and whisked me out the back into pre-op - I was first up! Mum and Dad drove me in and then after I was admitted they went off for a coffee and had a break for a few hours. It was quite funny actually, as they came back to the hospital at about 1.00pm, went into the cafeteria for a drink and ran into my surgeon! She had just finished my surgery and told them everything went well. They, then went into ICU recovery and waited with me until I woke up.

How are you feeling about the surgery Roger? I know you will do great - the staff at the Alfred are so wonderful and caring. Yes it is daunting but try and focus on Thursday evening and your recovery.
By then you will be resting and in the great care of the hospital staff. Surgery day is a bit of a blur, it all happens quite quickly and before you realise, it will all be over.

Feel free to call me tomorrow if you like. I am happy to answer any questions you have and give you any insight I can. My mobile is 0418 982 588. You can call anytime that suits.

If I don't speak to you then all the best for Thursday and I look forward to hearing from you after surgery.

Warm Regards
Matthew

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3226 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3227 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Stephen Reeve I have not had a problem washing my hair. I just keep elbows below the shoulders. Plus raise both h ... Read more

Stephen Reeve I have not had a problem washing my hair. I just keep elbows below the shoulders. Plus raise both hands together so I am not stressing the chest stitches.

Matthew Russo Hi Roger, I second Steve's comments. I was able to raise my arms above my head and wash my hair as so ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hi Roger, I second Steve's comments. I was able to raise my arms above my head and wash my hair as soon as I came home from hospital which was 5 days after surgery. The process was a little more tiring than I expected but the pain was minimal. Of course exercise caution, move gently and don't do anything that does cause pain.

I think a short clip is a good idea!

Roger Bideleux Thanks for the quick replies, very reassuring.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3290 days ago

Matthew Russo and 1 other reacted to this

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 ...Read more

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...

Larry Ring Oops...
Forgot to log in to my account before posting. LOL...

Matthew Russo Haha! Yes I do Larry, I will provide an update soon! I started cardiac rehab last week and it was gre ... Read more

Matthew Russo Haha! Yes I do Larry, I will provide an update soon! I started cardiac rehab last week and it was great - I think you will find it very beneficial.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3309 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Matthew Russo Hello Ursula, thank you for your message. I came home on day 5 (Saturday) and am slowly feeling stron ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hello Ursula, thank you for your message. I came home on day 5 (Saturday) and am slowly feeling stronger. Energy levels are still low but sleep and appetite are on the improve. I am moving around the house without too much problem and venturing out for about 20 mins for a slow walk each day. How many months was it before you felt like your old self?
Take care Matt

Douglas Williams Hi Matt; 12/2/16 was my surgery date, AVR. I really started feel like I turned the corner around week ... Read more

Douglas Williams Hi Matt; 12/2/16 was my surgery date, AVR. I really started feel like I turned the corner around week 5/6. I could actually sneeze without pain around week 8 or so. Good luck with your recovery, keep moving, walking. that helped me a lot. Around 10 weeks I started to feel almost normal.

Matthew Russo Gidday Douglas, I appreciate the personal insight and yes will ensure I keep moving and aim for smal ... Read more

Matthew Russo Gidday Douglas, I appreciate the personal insight and yes will ensure I keep moving and aim for small iimprovememnts daily. Oh yes I sneezed yesterday and will now do all I can to avoid doing that again - ouch!

Bob Jensen Matt - Good morning from Florida. My 19 year old daughter's boyfriend is in Melbourne this week and ... Read more

Bob Jensen Matt - Good morning from Florida. My 19 year old daughter's boyfriend is in Melbourne this week and loves it - you live in a nice city. I am 9 weeks post op and yesterday I woke up feeling my old self again with little discomfort and my mind was in gear with my body (the old mind and the old body like's themselves now), Give it all 8 weeks and you will be smiling looking back and looking full bore to the present and future. You are young - you have that on your side. So while you are healing - eat what you want, and have everyone wait on you hand and foot. It will be over soon enough. LOL.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3314 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russo Gidday Bill, sorry mate, saw your message while in hospital last week and then forgot to reply! I am ... Read more

Matthew Russo Gidday Bill, sorry mate, saw your message while in hospital last week and then forgot to reply! I am from Melbourne and had surgery at the Alfred hospital. Slowly feel like I am on the improve. Are you back to feeling good now, four years later?

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3315 days ago

Cathleen Weed reacted to this

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russo Hi Gilda, I appreciate your well wishes and advice so much and will definitely take it on board. I do ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hi Gilda, I appreciate your well wishes and advice so much and will definitely take it on board. I do need to work on trying to relax and release some anxiety. I have done a little meditation but hypnotherapy is something that definitely intrigues me. Thank you again for reaching out and so pleased you are doing well. I will be sure and keep you updated on progress. Take care Matt

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3319 days ago

Sue Sanchez Grela reacted to this

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russo Thank you so much for your kind words of love and support Penny. Day 4 now and feeling pretty good :) ... Read more

Matthew Russo Thank you so much for your kind words of love and support Penny. Day 4 now and feeling pretty good :) Hope you are doing well?

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3320 days ago

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 ❤

Matthew Russo Thank you Sue! Your prayers are very welcome and appreciated.

Matthew I wish you the best my friend. My prayers are with you as well my friend . Good Luck and God ... Read more

Matthew I wish you the best my friend. My prayers are with you as well my friend . Good Luck and God Bless!!

Matthew Russo Hey Keith, appreciate the prayers and well wishes! Your surgery is a day after mine, I am sending you ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hey Keith, appreciate the prayers and well wishes! Your surgery is a day after mine, I am sending you well wishes and prayers right back for a successful surgery. I look forward to sharing the recovery journey with you. Take care mate

Marie Myers Matthew and Keith- Best wishes and prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

Barbara Wood Sneaking in my prayers for successful surgeries & smooth recoveries for you you both!

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3320 days ago

Jeannette McLaughlin, Sue Sanchez Grela, Jane Welp reacted to this

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 ...Read more

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

Laurie Baglio God bless you Matthew! I pray for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!

Matthew Russo Thank you Laurie and Michael for your prayers and well wishes! Just under 24 hours away before check- ... Read more

Matthew Russo Thank you Laurie and Michael for your prayers and well wishes! Just under 24 hours away before check-in. Feeling quite calm and relaxed and ready to have this done and start the recovery phase. Speak soon!

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3321 days ago

Sue Sanchez Grela reacted to this

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russo Thank you Jeannette, your heartfelt wishes are so very much appreciated :) Yes the forum has been a w ... Read more

Matthew Russo Thank you Jeannette, your heartfelt wishes are so very much appreciated :) Yes the forum has been a wonderful and I feel so blessed to have the support of so many wonderful people!

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3323 days ago

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 ...Read more

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!!

Matthew Russo Hey Elizabeth! Thank you for your words of encouragement - it certainly helps me stay positive about ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hey Elizabeth! Thank you for your words of encouragement - it certainly helps me stay positive about the surgery Monday. I read your story and you sure had your challenges needing a second surgery so soon after the first. Glad you are now doing well and back into being active! Reading accounts like yours makes the whole process seem more achievable.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3323 days ago

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 ...Read more

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.

Matthew Russo Linda, your message helps ease the tension before surgery and gives me more peace of mind that all wi ... Read more

Matthew Russo Linda, your message helps ease the tension before surgery and gives me more peace of mind that all will be fine. So glad to hear you are doing well since surgery in April. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated, it really means a lot - thank you.

Bob Jensen Matt - I have been following you for a while down to the wire - I know the feeling. Trust me - you ... Read more

Bob Jensen Matt - I have been following you for a while down to the wire - I know the feeling. Trust me - you are going to come out of this spectacular and do so well. I am 6 weeks post op and back to work, driving, and just took a three night overnight business trip. Wow. You and your energy will be lighting up this entire website a few days after your surgery. let us know we are all routing for you!

Matthew Russo Bob your spirit and enthusiasm is infectious! After reading your post I feel almost invincible and ev ... Read more

Matthew Russo Bob your spirit and enthusiasm is infectious! After reading your post I feel almost invincible and even more prepared for surgery. Thank you mate your well wishes and heartfelt support means so much.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3324 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russo WOW Bill, I really appreciate you reaching out and offering your advice and findings. Will definitely ... Read more

Matthew Russo WOW Bill, I really appreciate you reaching out and offering your advice and findings. Will definitely drop you an email! Chat soon mate.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3324 days ago

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?

Matthew Russo Hi Ira, thank for your message. Surgery lead up is going pretty well. I am still working and it has b ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hi Ira, thank for your message. Surgery lead up is going pretty well. I am still working and it has been very hectic, so that has been a good distraction. I spoke with the surgeon today and that also helped give me some peace of mind.

am well into the acceptance phase now and actually looking forward to having the surgery behind me and starting the recovery. Thank you for the support, it is greatly appreciated. I will be sure and update you once I am through! Take care Matt

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3331 days ago

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.

Matthew Russo Hi Larry, much appreciated mate, thank you. Congratulations on being on the other side, so glad every ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hi Larry, much appreciated mate, thank you. Congratulations on being on the other side, so glad everything went well for you. Take care.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3337 days ago

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 ...Read more

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

Matthew Russo So great to heat from you Bill and I am glad you have gotten through the hard weeks and are starting ... Read more

Matthew Russo So great to heat from you Bill and I am glad you have gotten through the hard weeks and are starting to improve. Keep us updated on how the follow up appointments go! Take care mate.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3338 days ago

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. ...Read more

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.

Matthew Russo Hey Michael, appreciate the thoughts and well wishes! I am doing fine, I started back at work as the ... Read more

Matthew Russo Hey Michael, appreciate the thoughts and well wishes! I am doing fine, I started back at work as the waiting was making me feel quite useless and it has been a good distraction. Hope you are recovering well and starting to feel like you are getting back you your old self?

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3338 days ago

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. ...Read more

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!

Matthew Russo Thank you for the support and kind words Daniel., it is very much appreciated.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3347 days ago

Heath Larner posted a note for Matthew that says:

Prayers on your behalf. Tomorrow will go perfectly.

Matthew Russo Prayers and thoughts are much appreciated Heath. My surgery date is still uncertain, it should be in ... Read more

Matthew Russo Prayers and thoughts are much appreciated Heath. My surgery date is still uncertain, it should be in the coming fortnight.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3347 days ago

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.

Matthew Russo Thank you Kim, my surgery date is still uncertain. Sending positive vibes your way for the surgery, y ... Read more

Matthew Russo Thank you Kim, my surgery date is still uncertain. Sending positive vibes your way for the surgery, you will do great!

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3348 days ago

Michael McMullen posted a note for Matthew that says:

Matthew, Best of luck with good thoughts and prayers your way!

Don Catoe Praying for you and your surgeon. I will be recovering and healing along with you. God has us in his ... Read more

Don Catoe Praying for you and your surgeon. I will be recovering and healing along with you. God has us in his hands.

Matthew Russo Thank you Michael and Don, my surgery date is still uncertain, in the next fortnight I would think. P ... Read more

Matthew Russo Thank you Michael and Don, my surgery date is still uncertain, in the next fortnight I would think. Prayers and thoughts for your surgery Don.

Matthew Russogot a new guestbook post

3353 days ago

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, ...Read more

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.

Matthew Russo HI Ira, thank you for the message and well wishes! My surgery date looks like being early February no ... Read more

Matthew Russo HI Ira, thank you for the message and well wishes! My surgery date looks like being early February now. Great to hear your valve was spared. How are you doing a year on from surgery?