Guestbook of Sondra Dean

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Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

34 days ago

Adam Pick, Janet Gaffney reacted to this

Jenny Woodworth posted a note for Sondra that says:

I am hoping your surgery went well and you will be feeling great very soon.

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

35 days ago

Rosie Miller in California posted a note for Sondra that says:

Your surgery is today. Good luck. I hope you feel 100 percent better. My mitral valve repair was 3 years ago. I think I'm much older than you, and I feel great. ...Read more

Your surgery is today. Good luck. I hope you feel 100 percent better. My mitral valve repair was 3 years ago. I think I'm much older than you, and I feel great. Again, good luck.

Sondra Dean Thanks Rosie! Today is Week #5 and doing really well! It all went as planned - and it is just incre ... Read more

Sondra Dean Thanks Rosie! Today is Week #5 and doing really well! It all went as planned - and it is just incredible what they are able to do! Amazing to think I was only in hospital 7 days and released! I look forward to the continued healing and recovery of strength/stamina!! Thanks!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

35 days ago

Liana posted a note for Sondra that says:

Thank you for sharing your story Sondra. I am able to relate to your story and take comfort in knowing I’m not alone. This platform is a treasure. I am scheduled ...Read more

Thank you for sharing your story Sondra. I am able to relate to your story and take comfort in knowing I’m not alone. This platform is a treasure. I am scheduled for the same repairs as you next month. Wishing you a successful repair and speedy seamless recovery.

Sondra Dean Hi Liana! All went very well and doing really well! Wishing you the best and speediest recovery! S ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Liana! All went very well and doing really well! Wishing you the best and speediest recovery! So much of the sharing on this site really prepared me for what to expect - of course every person is different but it certainly gave me insights that I would not have had! Go in prepared and with confidence that you will do well and with trust in the team - you will be on the backside and on the road to recovery which is so positive. Reach out if you have any questions!! Best Wishes to you!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Brian Sweeney posted a note for Sondra that says:

Sandra - You will do great with your valve repairs at Cleveland Clinic. Prayers to you for a speedy recovery. I had mitral and tricuspid valves ...Read more

Sandra - You will do great with your valve repairs at Cleveland Clinic. Prayers to you for a speedy recovery. I had mitral and tricuspid valves repaired several years ago at Cleveland Clinic and doctors and nurses there were the best! I ended up having a pacemaker put in a week later and then developed afib after I got home. A cardioversion and then an ablation plus medication has my afib under control. I also had the left atrial occluder device installed after all this so I could get off of blood thinners and everything is good now. I’m sorry we have so much in common but feel free to reach out if you need to talk or vent to someone. So many people on this site have been through what you are going through and are great resources for you. And yes, get a recliner.

Sondra Dean Hi Brian! Today is Week #5 post surgery and doing very well! I had an excellent experience at the C ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Brian! Today is Week #5 post surgery and doing very well! I had an excellent experience at the C.C. and they were able to "Repair" my Mitral Valve which was great!! They also did the ablation for the AFIB and closed my P.F.O. which had never closed after birth. So far no issues post surgery and will see Cardiologist/next Echo in 2 weeks.....I am looking forward to the increasing strength and stamina as each day passes and looking forward to Cardiac Rehab to help. Thanks for your feedback and support! Best wishes to you!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

CIndy posted a note for Sondra that says:

I just got on and saw your post. I too traveled to Cleveland Clinic for mitral valve repair last January at age 60.

I am praying for you. ...Read more

I just got on and saw your post. I too traveled to Cleveland Clinic for mitral valve repair last January at age 60.

I am praying for you. It will take some time, but you will soon feel much better !!! -CIndy

Sondra Dean Hi Cindy - thanks for your note. Today is Week #5 post surgery and doing really well! The experienc ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Cindy - thanks for your note. Today is Week #5 post surgery and doing really well! The experience at Cleveland Clinic was excellent and looking forward to feeling better and better as each day passes....it is a new lease on life!! Thank you for the support and best wishes to you!!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Linda Gilmore posted a note for Sondra that says:

You will have the best of the best care at the Cleveland clinic! Follow their instructions and you'll be up and about in no time.❤️

Sondra Dean Hi Linda - you were/are so correct! Today is week #5 and I am doing very well! The C.C. did a fanta ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Linda - you were/are so correct! Today is week #5 and I am doing very well! The C.C. did a fantastic job - they were able to repair my M.V. ( a complex case ) and it is such a great feeling knowing the future is very bright! So I am up and about and eager to get into Cardiac Rehab! Thanks for your note!!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Kathy Gazin posted a note for Sondra that says:

Sondra, 4 years ago, I had mitral valve surgery at Cleveland Clinic. I also had afib. The hospital was wonderful and the best place for heart surgery. ...Read more

Sondra, 4 years ago, I had mitral valve surgery at Cleveland Clinic. I also had afib. The hospital was wonderful and the best place for heart surgery. All my heart issues were taken care of. I had repair, not replacement. I honestly had no pain from the surgery. They know how to keep you comfortable. I had open heart because of all they had to do. The one issue I had was being very weak after surgery. It took about three months to be totally fine and myself again. Since then I have no issues. Dr Gillenoff was my surgeon. Be patient, as it is not as bad as it sounds. I am older than you, so you probably will heal faster. Best if luck!!

Sondra Dean Hi Kathy - Today is Week #5 post surgery! My case was a bit complex so it was open heart as well but ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Kathy - Today is Week #5 post surgery! My case was a bit complex so it was open heart as well but they were able to "Repair" my M.V. as well along with doing a maze procedure for the Afib and closed the Patent Foreman Ovale, closed the left atrial appendage - so lots to do and they did it swiftly and well! And, fortunately no complications then and so far. I too had no pain! Yes, there was some "discomfort" in the first days due to drainage tubes etc but no real pain from the surgery which still I am amazed by. It was an incredible and positive experience and have so much to look forward to ahead! Thanks for the note & support! Best wishes to you!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Karen Boylen posted a note for Sondra that says:

I also had a Mitral Valve leak and afib. Was blessed to get into a trial for the Mitral Valve clip. Approved overseas, but not in the United States unless you ...Read more

I also had a Mitral Valve leak and afib. Was blessed to get into a trial for the Mitral Valve clip. Approved overseas, but not in the United States unless you could not withstand open heart surgery. One year ago August 12 had surgery. Home the next day. No episodes of Afib since. Had mine done at Cleveland Clinic. Can’t say enough good things about them. You are in good hands.

Sondra Dean Hi Karen - it was a great experience and doing very well at Week #5! Mine was Open Heart due to comp ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Karen - it was a great experience and doing very well at Week #5! Mine was Open Heart due to complexities and they were able to "Repair" it which is fantastic! They also took care of the Afib and a couple of other items. So I am fortunate that they were able to repair it! I would recommend the C.C. highly! They did a great job through the whole process! Thanks for your note - much appreciated!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Christopher T reacted to this

JULIA LAFEAR posted a note for Sondra that says:

Hope today went well for you. Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery. Reach out if you need anything. Always here

Sondra Dean Hi Julia - Thanks for your note. Today is week #5 post surgery and doing well! It is amazing to me ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Julia - Thanks for your note. Today is week #5 post surgery and doing well! It is amazing to me how well and getting better each day. I am so grateful for such a positive outcome and a brighter future! Thank you for the support!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Jeff Long posted a note for Sondra that says:

Hi Sondra,

My name is Jeff. I live in Canada...Go Blue Jays. You have shown confidence in dealing with issue so far. Take it home. It might feel ...Read more

Hi Sondra,

My name is Jeff. I live in Canada...Go Blue Jays. You have shown confidence in dealing with issue so far. Take it home. It might feel like a solitary experience but you've gone through trials before and emerged on the other side better than ever...

Invictus..

Sondra Dean Hi Jeff - thanks for your note! Today is week #5 post surgery and doing very well. It has been very ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Jeff - thanks for your note! Today is week #5 post surgery and doing very well. It has been very positive so far and looking forward to Cardiac Rehab and getting stronger/building stamina. Thanks for the support!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Tom Wishon posted a note for Sondra that says:

Sondra

Sounds like we were in the same boat with Afib, MV prolapse, flailing flaps, torn Chordae. I had the Afib taken care of first with an ablation ...Read more

Sondra

Sounds like we were in the same boat with Afib, MV prolapse, flailing flaps, torn Chordae. I had the Afib taken care of first with an ablation in 19 that went perfectly, then my MV repair with Maze to bolster the ablation all done robotically at Mayo Phoenix in 21. One night in ICU, drain tubes out in one day, discharged in 4 days and no pain at all post procedure. You will receive absolutely GREAT care at Cleveland Clinic so you have zero to worry about. Good decision to go there! Relax and best wishes and you will be back to normal quickly and feeling super!

Sondra Dean Hi Tom! today is Week #5 and it all went really well! They did a great job - able to "repair" the M ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Tom! today is Week #5 and it all went really well! They did a great job - able to "repair" the MV, do the ablation, etc. I am still astonished considering the complexities and all they did/had to do and how good I am feeling and getting around in such a short time. I too have had no real "pain" which is great . The C.C. did an amazing job and I highly recommend them - especially for more complex cases. Thanks for the support and wishing you the best!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Raksheen Fatima posted a note for Sondra that says:

Recliner is a good option , eat healthy and be

patience .

I got my surgery second time and have Afib .

Good luck

Sondra Dean Thanks for your note! Now at week #5 and doing very well thankfully. You are right - Patience is ke ... Read more

Sondra Dean Thanks for your note! Now at week #5 and doing very well thankfully. You are right - Patience is key!! Thanks!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

36 days ago

Joan Imhoff posted a note for Sondra that says:

May all go well! I’m post op of 4 weeks, was in Kaiser Permanente Hospital for 4 days with the best care, but my incision is stilll healing and a little cough ...Read more

May all go well! I’m post op of 4 weeks, was in Kaiser Permanente Hospital for 4 days with the best care, but my incision is stilll healing and a little cough but I’m trying to walk , at least, 30 minutes a day. The first few days are rather a blur with tubes, but I found it scary just because you never know what can happen in surgery. I had a very caring Surgeon who held my hand as I was introduced to the team as they stood around me right before I was put to sleep! Prayers for your surgery and good health!

Sondra Dean Hi Joan - thanks for your note! I hope your recovery is continuing well. I am now at Week #5 post op ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Joan - thanks for your note! I hope your recovery is continuing well. I am now at Week #5 post op and overall doing well. The team did a great job and I am looking forward to regaining strength/stamina to be able to return to "normal"! Not sure if I even know or remember what that used to really be but I know I already feel better than I did!! We just have to take it one day at a time! Best wishes for your continuing recovery!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

37 days ago

Deena Z posted a note for Sondra that says:

Thinking of you, Sondra. Almost there and soon in recovery. You’re in great hands at CC. Godspeed.

Sondra Dean Hi Deena - thanks for your note! Today is Week #5 post surgery and doing very well. They did a gre ... Read more

Sondra Dean Hi Deena - thanks for your note! Today is Week #5 post surgery and doing very well. They did a great job at the C.C. and l'm looking forward to each day getting stronger/better. Thanks again!

Deena Z Right on! Are you going to cardiac rehab or in it now? Does wonders.
And curious did they say an ... Read more

Deena Z Right on! Are you going to cardiac rehab or in it now? Does wonders.
And curious did they say anything about your MAC in the long run?

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

37 days ago

Kathy Ozio reacted to this

Adam Pick posted a note for Sondra that says:

Hey Sondra, Just read your story and wanted you to know that our thoughts are with you! Fyi, great job finding Dr. Wierup who is an excellent surgeon at the ...Read more

Hey Sondra, Just read your story and wanted you to know that our thoughts are with you! Fyi, great job finding Dr. Wierup who is an excellent surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic that has helped many patients in our community. Here's an example - https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2025/06/28/tavr-explant-patient-story/

TAVR Explant Story: From Palliative Care to Life-Saving Miracle

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2025/06/28/tavr-explant-patient-story/

See the inspirational patient success story of Hannah Earls, an aortic stenosis patient needing a TAVR explant performed by Dr. Per Wierup at Cleveland Clinic.

Sondra Dean Thanks Adam! Today is Week #5 post surgery and I am doing very well! The C.C. and surgeon Dr. Wier ... Read more

Sondra Dean Thanks Adam! Today is Week #5 post surgery and I am doing very well! The C.C. and surgeon Dr. Wierup were fantastic. It was open heart surgery due to complexities and thankfully, they were able to "Repair" my mitral valve, do the ablation for Afib, etc. It truly has been an amazing experience and journey! Your website really offered so much incredible information and better prepared me for what I might expect by reading all other patients stories about their experiences and recovery process. It armed me with information and knowledge which gave me confidence going into this .....absolutely priceless!! My thanks to you for this website and to all the other members who have contributed and also sent kind words of advice, support and encouragement to me on my journey! Thank You!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

37 days ago

JULIA LAFEAR posted a note for Sondra that says:

Hi Sondra - I had a very similar diagnosis and went through Mitral Valve replacement at the end of May. You will do amazing wishing you a speedy recovery!... Read more

Hi Sondra - I had a very similar diagnosis and went through Mitral Valve replacement at the end of May. You will do amazing wishing you a speedy recovery!!

Ana Brusso Wishing you a successful surgery on the 30th. God bless you 🙏❤️

Sondra Dean Thank you Ana! Today is Week #5 post surgery and doing well! Thank you!

Sondra Deangot a new guestbook post

54 days ago

Janet Gaffney posted a note for Sondra that says:

Hi!
Welcome to the broken hearts club!

Sondra Dean Thanks Janet - I too thought much of this was aging....life events, etc. In an odd way, it is a reli ... Read more

Sondra Dean Thanks Janet - I too thought much of this was aging....life events, etc. In an odd way, it is a relief to know there actually is a "reason" why we have been feeling the way we do.....now we just have to get it taken care of and will likely feel so much better!