Guestbook of Paul Lechiaro

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1453 days ago

John Sheehy reacted to this

John Sheehy posted a note for Paul that says:

Hi Paul, Thank you for your message. Tomorrow is my surgery at Tufts Medical and as you can imagine form my story this is all new to me. And yes I am petrified ...Read more

Hi Paul, Thank you for your message. Tomorrow is my surgery at Tufts Medical and as you can imagine form my story this is all new to me. And yes I am petrified as you can imagine. I arrive tomorrow at the hospital at 6am and my valve replacement and maze procedure is at 7am. The unknown is whats frightening so any advice or what to expect from arriving for prep of surgery, do I see the OR and all the machines and when I wake up in ICU will I freak out with all the tubes, etc? To going home and how I feel after having my chest cut open. It's all so scary so any words would be greatly appreciated. And wonderful to see you are doing so well so soon, when did you feel you could actually go out side and feel a bit like yourself? Thank you

Paul Lechiaro Hi John,
Like you I had to be at the hospital early around 5am. Once you go into pre op you are greet ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Hi John,
Like you I had to be at the hospital early around 5am. Once you go into pre op you are greeted by nurses and anesthesiologist team. They will be very helpful. I can just vaguely remember getting wheeled into OR and the next thing I knew I was waking up in the ICU. They got the tubes out pretty quick which was somewhat uncomfortable but was not too bad. Your voice will be hoarse for several days. The incision surprisingly was not too bad. I had some strong medication for a couple of days but transitioned over to Tylenol after day 2 or 3. The main thing is they want to get excess fluid out of you and make sure your lungs are clear. They will give you a deep breathing exerciser for that. Also, the nurses will have you up and in a chair the day following your surgery. They will try to get you walking a bit too pretty quickly. Not far but just getting up and moving a bit. My surgeon told me I feel a bit better by the second week. I'd be about 70% after 6 weeks and 100% after 12. I was outside the 2nd week home. Just have to motivate yourself and get it going. Much more consistent this 3rd week although the cold weather is a drag. No doubt I was just as worried and scared as you are but you will do fine and this will be in the rear view mirror quicker than you can imagine.

Mathew Johnson Just remind yourself that when you awaken, do not freak out about the tubes in your throat, I did, it ... Read more

Mathew Johnson Just remind yourself that when you awaken, do not freak out about the tubes in your throat, I did, it was awful, but once out you get past it quickly.

Richard Munson I was just happy to awaken, as my only fear going in was that i would not. Probably a common fear.

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1457 days ago

Timothy Stoner posted a note for Paul that says:

Paul, what kind of valve did you get? I'm going with the on-x valve. The more I read, the more questions I have, but I'm ready to move on and get this over ...Read more

Paul, what kind of valve did you get? I'm going with the on-x valve. The more I read, the more questions I have, but I'm ready to move on and get this over with. My surgery is being done at Emory/St Joseph's Hospital near Atlanta. Thanks for your feedback and hope you have a quick recovery. Tim

Paul Lechiaro Hi Tim, I got the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna Ease. You will do great Wednesday, It will go by ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Hi Tim, I got the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna Ease. You will do great Wednesday, It will go by in the blink of an eye!

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1472 days ago

Dan Baltazor and 2 others reacted to this

Deena Z posted a note for Paul that says:

Hope you are doing well, Paul. Each day you will exponentially get better, keep that in mind. Enjoy the walks around the unit. They get easier and easier!!! ...Read more

Hope you are doing well, Paul. Each day you will exponentially get better, keep that in mind. Enjoy the walks around the unit. They get easier and easier!!!

Paul Lechiaro Hi Deena- Happy to report that things went well. Had surgery last Thursday morning and as someone sai ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Hi Deena- Happy to report that things went well. Had surgery last Thursday morning and as someone said it was over “in the blink of an eye.” Was in and out of surgery in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Thought it would be longer. Some nausea in recovery especially when they removed breathing tubes. Thank you for all the well wishes and prayers. Pretty tired but hopefully the next few days show marked improvement!

Deena Z Excellent. That was fast. ! Might want to ask about your hemoglobin level, probably pretty low. Prote ... Read more

Deena Z Excellent. That was fast. ! Might want to ask about your hemoglobin level, probably pretty low. Protein helps with raising it, which helps start raising energy.

George Gardopee Paul - glad to hear you are on the recovery side. I also had nausea for most of the first two days.

Welcome to recovery and continued good health. God bless you

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1475 days ago

Colleen Fisher posted a note for Paul that says:

Good luck tomorrow Paul. Prayers for you and your family as you have surgery and begin the healing process.

Paul Lechiaro Will be a happy day to be on the other side Colleen. Thank you for the well wishes.

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1475 days ago

Leslie Houseal posted a note for Paul that says:

May you have peace of mind and heart going into tomorrow. All will be well. Prayers for you and your family.

Paul Lechiaro Thank you for your prayers Leslie!

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1475 days ago

Deena posted a note for Paul that says:

Almost near, Paul! You will soon be in a recovery mode and so happy (and relieved) that you are all fixed up. You will have one highly skilled nurse 24/7 ...Read more

Almost near, Paul! You will soon be in a recovery mode and so happy (and relieved) that you are all fixed up. You will have one highly skilled nurse 24/7 there to only take care of you. So, anything you need, don't hesitate to ask!! The pain will not be as imagined, much lower and tolerable. You will be really exhausted for a host of reasons, including a low hemoglobin, but you look pretty young so you will gain strength readily. If you don't have much of an appetite the first couple of days, I had my family bring in protein shakes to get me the needed protein and start working on my low hemoglobin. You will be back on the golf course and in way better shape. Godspeed.

Paul Lechiaro Thank you Deena, Great idea on the protein shakes. Thursday morning is coming quick!!

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1476 days ago

Jesse Althen reacted to this

Martin Smith posted a note for Paul that says:

Hello Paul! I want to wish you a successful operation and smooth recovery on your upcoming operation. I'm 14 months post op. I had a Ross procedure done by ...Read more

Hello Paul! I want to wish you a successful operation and smooth recovery on your upcoming operation. I'm 14 months post op. I had a Ross procedure done by Dr. Chu in London, Canada where I live. I noticed you mentioned your having taken a break from your lifelong pursuit of golf. Yes, our motivation to do some of the things that have played such important roles in our lives waxes and wanes prior to, and following, surgery. That's been my experience around my passion for paddling and skiing. Surgery, the idea of it more than its reality, can feel somewhat like a train derailment. But you will be able to climb back onto the tracks, and you will probably want to do so sooner than you imagine at the moment. And if you decide not to get back on the those same tracks, it may be because some other pathway presents itself to you and you find the new one equally rewarding. I suspect that wonderful times await you not far around the next bend. Maybe two holes-in-one in the same round. And who knows, maybe you'll trade in your golf clubs for pen and paper and you'll try your hand at mangling a metaphor as I've done in this message to you. After all, let's face it: golf can be such a soul destroying exercise! Goodbye shank! Goodbye slice! Goodbye sand trap! Goodbye triple bogey after perfect drive off the tee! Surgery and recovery will give you a perfect reason/excuse for giving it a trial separation! All the best, Paul!

Paul Lechiaro Hi Martin, for whatever reason I slacked off on doing a bunch of things that I liked to do even thoug ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Hi Martin, for whatever reason I slacked off on doing a bunch of things that I liked to do even though I did not have any symptoms and the docs said to go ahead and do whatever I wanted to short of lifting 300 pounds and running a marathon. Neither of those I had to worry about! I know you are right about wanting to get back out there quick. Also a skier and have a brand new set sitting in my garage. I hope you are doing well and appreciate your well wishes!!

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1476 days ago

George Gardopee posted a note for Paul that says:

Hi Paul. I just saw your comment. Thanks for your encouragement and the same for you on Thursday. I waited for about an hour and a half after prep, but no ...Read more

Hi Paul. I just saw your comment. Thanks for your encouragement and the same for you on Thursday. I waited for about an hour and a half after prep, but no complaints. Best part was hearing that I don’t need bypass. I’ve had high cholesterol for years but I have apparently dodged the bullet. Good luck to you on Thursday.

Paul Lechiaro Thanks George. They found a small artery blocked about 80% so the minimally invasive went out the win ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Thanks George. They found a small artery blocked about 80% so the minimally invasive went out the window. However, without doing that test I would have never known. My numbers have come way down with diet change and doc put me on a statin back in August. Killed my arm with muscle ache but it definitely helped bring #'s down. Hopefully, good days ahead for both of us and everyone else going through this situation.

George Gardopee Paul: my minimally-invasive plan failed as well due to plaques in my aorta. No blockages, just a conc ... Read more

George Gardopee Paul: my minimally-invasive plan failed as well due to plaques in my aorta. No blockages, just a concern that they would break loose from the heart/lung machine. I’m wishing you well tomorrow.

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1477 days ago

Paul Lechiaro, Paul Lechiaro and 1 other reacted to this

Hi Paul lifting you up in prayer for a successful surgery and recovery. God bless you

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1477 days ago

Ginny Turner posted a note for Paul that says:

Hi Paul, just wanting to wish you well with surgery this week. I hope everything goes perfectly and your recovery is easy and smooth. Extra prayers for you ...Read more

Hi Paul, just wanting to wish you well with surgery this week. I hope everything goes perfectly and your recovery is easy and smooth. Extra prayers for you on Thursday. Former patients always say the waiting is the hard part and your wait is almost over. You'll be back out on that golf course in no time!

Paul Lechiaro Thank you for your prayers Ginny! Easy and smooth sound good to me.

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1478 days ago

Marcheta Nix posted a note for Paul that says:

Hi Paul, I am 65 and had my bicuspid aortic value replaced 4/12/2016, 5 and a half years ago now. I only found out I had the bicuspid valve about 2 weeks ...Read more

Hi Paul, I am 65 and had my bicuspid aortic value replaced 4/12/2016, 5 and a half years ago now. I only found out I had the bicuspid valve about 2 weeks before surgery. I really had only minor symptoms but the valve was very damaged and needed to go. I now have a bovine valve which is doing well. My surgeon at Sacred Heart in Pensacola, FL said "I can fix you." That was great news and I was in the hospital only 4 nights. Find a wedge or hopefully you have an adjustable bed for sleeping the first few weeks. It's not a breeze but life is good a few weeks after. Prayers for you and the surgeon!!

Paul Lechiaro Thank you Marcheta for your prayers and well wishes. No adjustable bed but do have a recliner. Hope ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Thank you Marcheta for your prayers and well wishes. No adjustable bed but do have a recliner. Hope I can match your 4 nights!

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1480 days ago

Paul Lechiaro reacted to this

Katheryn Applegate posted a note for Paul that says:

Hi Paul, Your story sounds just like mine. I had SAVR in Sept. 2021. You will be so glad to have the waiting and worrying behind you that recovery will ...Read more

Hi Paul, Your story sounds just like mine. I had SAVR in Sept. 2021. You will be so glad to have the waiting and worrying behind you that recovery will be a breeze. Best wishes as you move to the recovery side!

Paul Lechiaro Thanks Katheryn. Just spoke with pre op this morning. I am looking so forward to having this behind m ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Thanks Katheryn. Just spoke with pre op this morning. I am looking so forward to having this behind me. Glad you are doing well!

Katheryn Applegate Best of luck to you! You will be fine.

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1481 days ago

Holly Wale reacted to this

J H Mattingly posted a note for Paul that says:

Paul....you got this. I was in your shoes about 10 years ago. This part is a very anxious time, even being as prepared as you can. Just keep in mind, that ...Read more

Paul....you got this. I was in your shoes about 10 years ago. This part is a very anxious time, even being as prepared as you can. Just keep in mind, that when your day comes...it will be over in the blink of an eye and you will be over the mountain. A bit sore, but all your focus can then be on your recovery road and you are on your way! From your photo, you and I share a common interest...and you will be back to swinging your clubs very soon! You will do great Paul!!!

Paul Lechiaro thanks JH for whatever reason I did not play at all this past summer which was the first time in prob ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro thanks JH for whatever reason I did not play at all this past summer which was the first time in probably 50 yrs I had not gone out. Something about this overhang and knowing it was on the horizon. I know I'll be so happy when this is done. Very nervous but I know everyone feels the same. The recovery road will be sweet!!

Paul Lechiaro thanks JH for whatever reason I did not play at all this past summer which was the first time in prob ... Read more

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1481 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Holly Wale reacted to this

Sandy carbone posted a note for Paul that says:

Hi Paul, I had the same diag. 2009 had valve replaced. 62 years old. All went well with very little pain. Home in 4 days. On to 2017. Went to Cleveland ...Read more

Hi Paul, I had the same diag. 2009 had valve replaced. 62 years old. All went well with very little pain. Home in 4 days. On to 2017. Went to Cleveland clinic. Had valve replaced again. What a difference. Cleveland clinic could not do enough for me. Care was outstanding. It's my "go to hospital" from now on. Again no pain pills after the second day and very little pain. Nothing to fear. My worst problem was sleeping on my back and then on our water bed at home. I will be praying for a great result for you. Let the peace of Jesus be with you as you sail thru this little bump in the road. Sandy carbone Concord nc.

Paul Lechiaro That is great news Sandy! I went to CC this past July and had all testing done there and was prepared ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro That is great news Sandy! I went to CC this past July and had all testing done there and was prepared to have surgery early Sept. Decided to stay local as it would be easier logistically. Very impressed with how organized CC was along with how big the campus was. First class all the way. I am glad I went and had the experience. that is wonderfulyou were home in 4 days and had little pain. I hope everyone facing this has the same results you had. thank you for your prayers Sandy!

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1481 days ago

Holly Wale reacted to this

Elizabeth Bennett posted a note for Paul that says:

Hi Paul, Four years ago, I had a bicuspid aortic valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Svensson was my surgeon and had great success. I also saw ...Read more

Hi Paul, Four years ago, I had a bicuspid aortic valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Svensson was my surgeon and had great success. I also saw doctors in Boston. I believe that both Cleveland and Boston are comparable as they both have hospitals that are rated in the top five hospitals for cardiac surgery in the U.S. I truly believe it is important to go where you feel the most comfortable and that your outcome will be successful. My best wishes for a quick recovery and that you are feeling 100% again very soon. Please keep us posted how you are doing.

Paul Lechiaro Thanks Elizabeth. Cleveland Clinic is quite the place. I did sit with Dr. Svensson and was prepared t ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Thanks Elizabeth. Cleveland Clinic is quite the place. I did sit with Dr. Svensson and was prepared to go back this past Sept but plans changed. I am glad everything went well for you and like everyone here in the "waiting room" am looking forward to this being in the rear view mirror.

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1481 days ago

Paul Lechiaro reacted to this

Craig Atwater posted a note for Paul that says:

Hi Paul, I wasn't aware of my aortic stenosis or bicuspid aortic valve until a syncope in the middle of the road while out for a walk. Ten days later I had ...Read more

Hi Paul, I wasn't aware of my aortic stenosis or bicuspid aortic valve until a syncope in the middle of the road while out for a walk. Ten days later I had valve replacement and 2x CABG. It's complex and a bit scary to contemplate, but our surgeons know what they're doing. As Ron just noted, "trust the process." The surgery will make a huge difference in your quality of life. We will all be thinking of you next week.

Paul Lechiaro You are right Craig. I think I will be repeating Ron's "trust the process" quote up until next Thursd ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro You are right Craig. I think I will be repeating Ron's "trust the process" quote up until next Thursday. 10 days gave you not much time to think about anything! I know these surgeons are doing this on a daily basis its just scary as hell when you are on the appointment list. I am glad you are doing well and very much appreciate your thoughts.

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1481 days ago

Paul Lechiaro reacted to this

Ron Davis posted a note for Paul that says:

Paul, I too had a bicuspid aortic valve. I'm 66 and knew about it since my 30's. I had my surgery Feb 3rd this year and sir, it has changed my life! Trust ...Read more

Paul, I too had a bicuspid aortic valve. I'm 66 and knew about it since my 30's. I had my surgery Feb 3rd this year and sir, it has changed my life! Trust the process and you will be fine. After this, you will no longer fear much in life and have a new appreciation for....oh....EVERYTHING!

Paul Lechiaro Thanks Ron. Just had a conversation with my surgeon about an hour ago. I remember my primary care do ... Read more

Paul Lechiaro Thanks Ron. Just had a conversation with my surgeon about an hour ago. I remember my primary care doc talking about a bicuspid valve way back. Never gave it much thought as the years went by but I can still remember him saying after one of my yearly checkups that "this is something you may have to take care of someday." He was spot on!

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1487 days ago

Dan Baltazor posted a note for Paul that says:

Sounds like you're ready Paul. This time of year gets my emotions stirred as my surgery was a November one also. Keep us posted.

Paul Lechiaro Thanks Dan. Not sure if I'm ready but it's closing in!

Paul Lechiarogot a new guestbook post

1494 days ago

Paul Lechiaro reacted to this

Welcome Paul, and glad you join us finally. Yes this site is amazing and have helped many of us in our OHS journey. It seems you have done all the right things ...Read more

Welcome Paul, and glad you join us finally. Yes this site is amazing and have helped many of us in our OHS journey. It seems you have done all the right things and are ready to take care of your heart. Your choice of Hospital and surgical team seems perfect for you. May God bless you and may your surgery and recovery be smooth and successful. Let us know how it went 🙏❤️