Roger's Guestbook

I live in Bradenton and Dr. Calderon will be referring me to Jeffrey Sells at Sarasota Memorial for Mitral and Tricuspid Repair after my TEE & Left/Right Catheterization next week. By now I am sure you are looking back at this memory and glad it is over. Good luck in your continued recovery. Any advice is welcome. Thank you.

Roger I had a bovine valve put in 2010 at 67 and now 74 work out 6 days a week. I would like to know what kind of valve are you getting and I was also in the Air Force in Viet Nam 68-69 Good luck to you.

Hi Apple! As usual, you take a common sense approach to this. This is a good way of maintaining some control over a very uncontrollable situation. I am sure you will do well with this. I am always sad to hear about everything you have gone through and will be going through. My memories of you are of such a carefree kid with such a great smile and love for everything! You have always excelled at everything in your life and this is one more challenge for you to overcome with triumph. Although we are far from each other, I always have my military family close to my heart. We had great times together and went through alot as well. Keep the positive thoughts and remember that you will recover from this just like everything else and have another story of courage and determination to inspire us all. Reach out to me anytime. I continually search my calendar to find an opportunity to travel out your way and would love to knock on your door one day. Hang in there brother, you are constantly in my prayers and thoughts. Mac

Roger, I am amazed at your strength and resolve...AVR is Monday, the 24th, for me...your surgeon sounds like the correct one, Florida Hospital, in Orlando has a good reputation...I am in Bradenton and Sarasota Memorial will be the hospital I use...maybe after this surgery it will be smooth waters for you...praying for you right now❤Terrie

God Bless you, Roger! I'm 2 weeks post-op for mitral valve repair and I want you to know I will have you in my prayers. You've been through a lot, but I believe the Lord still has great plans for you, for me and all of His special OHS people. We have witnessed first-hand His infinite mercy and healing power. My mantra,"Trust in the Lord. Trust in the Lord. Trust in the Lord more."

Roger... you probably already know what I'm going to say, so I won't repeat myself. But I will say this... God has got you covered and you are so worthy and God doesn't deliver you from your previous surgery and all your medical history to simply have you ride off into the sunset (so to speak). So you do your part, let your surgeon and his super fantastic awesome and spectacular team (you too doc) do their parts and when you recover, because I'm a firm believer that you will...because God is not done with you yet....eh hem... so where was I... Ah Yes, When you recover, prepare your self for all the blessings God has ready to bestow on you because you, my friend, have a natural talent to influence change and God is not going to simply let you go! So have your surgery, take good care of yourself (no wild parties), recover and get back in the saddle that God has intended for you. My prayers go out to you and some inspirational quotes too... when I remember to post them! God Love Ya Roger! Many Blessings are coming your way! Laura

Dear Roger, God bless you; you have been through a LOT! I am very sorry that you need to do this again. My husband had mitral valve repair surgery almost 16 months ago, and he will likely need resurgery for his returned leak. He has had some other minor complications, but is stable and doing ok. I would strongly urge you to do a lot of research on surgeons who have both a high volume of surgeries of what you need to have done as well as the technical expertise for what you need to have done. I am finding that almost everybody has complications of some sort from heart surgery. The best strategy is to go to a Center of excellence for the type of surgery that you need, plus having a surgeon with a LOT of similar and successful surgeries under his belt. I have been impressed with Mt. Sinai hospital in New York; they have an expertise with re-do surgeries, and I'm pretty sure also with complex surgeries. It may be worth a look. I will pray for you; for a successful surgery and full recovery. Do know that God loves you. May He give you peace and healing. Maria

Hang in there Roger.I too med for adhd and anxiety. I have similar panic attacks and PCV\'s, I have chosen to get surgery May 2nd while the getting is good. I get depressed sometime already, maybe its a good thing I know what it feels like :). I have talked to my shrink about upcoming surgery and possible side effects. we have agreed communication is key . Regards Matt

Roger, it is completely normal to have depression after heart surgery of any kind. It is also a ore common experience than many know to have difficulty reading, concentrating, etc. Some of that is related to the depression, but some to the surgery itself. The good news is that both will get progressively better for most people as recovery continues. If you have friends that are good listeners just talking about your depression may help you but don\'t hesitate to find a good professional. Sometimes a boost from modern meds can help you feel better, so you recover faster which helps with the depression. If you haven\'t been able to start rehab yet, try to get in as much exercise as your doctor recommends. It will boost some endorphins in your body and lift your mood. For memory and concentration, try crossword puzzles. It worked miracles for me. I am not a big fan of them but it helped me focus and work on the part of the brain relating to words, memory, etc. I was finally able to enjoy reading again after doing them for awhile. Be kind to yourself and give your body time to readjust. It is as if you had a horrible car wreck and your body has to recover from the trauma, inflammation, and the headings needs of the surgery all at once. Good luck to you and you are in my prayers. Sherry Bradford AVR and aneurism repair, 10/23/2012.

Wow.....you deserve a break! Hang in there because sooner or later things have to get better. I had a couple valves repaired at CCF about 15 months ago, and I STILL have the pounding in my chest and head. It drives me nuts. Some days are worse than others, and altitude makes it ten times worse. Would love to figure out how to make it disappear. I also had trouble concentrating, remembering and reading after surgery. It got a lot better after I quit taking amioderone, and I no longer have any problems with that. I wish you all the best for a full and speedy recovery. Godspeed and God Bless, Deb Ziegler

Roger, have you read the chapter on cardiac depression in Adam\'s book? It helped me as I too experienced it post AV replacement. I\'ve never been depressed before and am mostly an optimistic sort, but my recovery is taking much longer than I\'d like. When I find myself spiraling down I take a \"gratitude break\" and literally count my blessings. I live in the moment as much as I can as well. My thoughts are with you. Linda Johnson AVR

Hi Roger, Wow! What a story! Best wishes for your future and hope that things will start to calm down ....I\'ll keep you in my prayers.... Al Zebal AVR,Maze, 1/17/13

Good Lord Big Daddy.........hang in there we still have to go to the jungle! You need to refile with the VA you should be getting 100%. When you get better I\'m flying to Florida and will play golf and you can take me to the Jungle in your hood. Life is too short my brother that\'s why I live everyday like it\'s my last. Rico Pamintuan

I thank God each day you are with us. I know you have been through more than anyone should. You are very special to us all and do not ever forget this. I am praying for you and your family...they have been through alot as well, especially your mother. Just know I am here for anything you may need. I love you son! Remember, Papa-San will be here for ya...pals for life!

Roger... if anyone has the strength and positive outlook to get through this one with their heart and spirit intact... it is you. God has a plan for you my friend... keep the faith! Laura

Wow, I sure am happy you are doing better after going through all that. Sorry things didn\'t go as well a you had hoped initially, but it sounds like you have fought hard to get where you are and I will be praying for you and sending positive energy your way for a speedy recovery. Miss chatting with my old friend and hope you are up to that soon. Take care my friend, stay strong and get well soon. George Turner