My Guestbook

On August 5, 2017...

Cathie Sant posted a note for Steven that says:

Looking good Steven. Keep the faith and enjoy life. God Speed.

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On May 13, 2017...

Sasha Saldana posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steven. I seen you have the same condition my husband does and he's right around your age. Was yours moderate or severe regurgitation when you were diagnosed?

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On March 20, 2017...

Justin Ellis posted a note for Steven that says:

Steven,

I am scheduled to have heart surgery with Dr. Johnston in the near future. I am driving up to meet with him Friday. I was reading about all your information and noticed after going back and forth between mechanical and tissue, what made you decide on tissue? Any other information about your situation you could provide me would be great, I am having an aneurysm repair at the same time and since our age was so similar, a first hand perspective on choice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Justin

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Jan Persico Justin, I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced by Dr. Johnston on February 13. He is amazing, a great surgeon. I was able to have a mini thoracotomy since ... Read more

Jan Persico Justin, I had my bicuspid aortic valve replaced by Dr. Johnston on February 13. He is amazing, a great surgeon. I was able to have a mini thoracotomy since it was the replacement only. Although I am older than both you and Steven, yet not old enough that it was forgone conclusion I would have a tissue valve, Dr. Johnston was very helpful in the decision making process. I was able to get the Trifecta valve. So far, so good. Hope it lasts a good long time. Good luck and I really think you will like Dr. Johnston and his staff. Jan

On February 24, 2017...

Bridget Sawmiller posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steven, I wanted to check in with you to see how you are feeling? Doing great here!

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On January 2, 2017...

Gilad posted a note for Steven that says:

Hey Steve,
I subscribe to heartvalvesurgery's newsletter, but I very rarely spend time reading the website and have never posted on here, however your story in the top 10 for the year got my attention and so I checked out your journal. We have a lot of similarities in our stories (I'm 44 and had two valve surgeries at 29 and 42, I'm a lifelong soccer player and still play at a pretty competitive level, also love the outdoors and hike a lot), so I thought I would just reach out and say happy new year and keep going strong with everything!
Peace,
Gilad

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Steven Dean He Gilad, Thanks for the note. I wouldn't say I play soccer at a competitive level but I love playing (I didn't start playing until i was 24-25 but now I play ... Read more

Steven Dean He Gilad, Thanks for the note. I wouldn't say I play soccer at a competitive level but I love playing (I didn't start playing until i was 24-25 but now I play 2-4 times a week). Hope you are had a good new year and glad to hear there are other valvers out on the pitch!

-Steve

On August 22, 2016...

Dawn Ransom posted a note for Steven that says:

So glad you are doing so well I have been thinking and praying for you. I love you
Aunt Dawn

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On August 21, 2016...

Phyllis Noury posted a note for Steven that says:

I am so happy that you are doing so well. Your Mom kept telling us what a good patient you are. Have a wonderful life with your lovely wife and keep exploring the world. Love from Grandma Phyllis

Like | Bridget Sawmiller, Conrad Skowronski likes this

On August 15, 2016...

Taco & Rocco Bellante posted a note for Steven that says:

Hey Steven, wanted to say hi from the West Coast....Rocco and Taco are very impressed with your incredible recovery. We look forward to you sending your mom back home to us soon. She rocks our world, we are lonely without her. xoxo

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On August 15, 2016...

Bridget Sawmiller posted a note for Steven that says:

I wanted to check into to see how are you feeling?

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Steven Dean Hi Bridget. I am feeing really good. Currently waiting to see my PCP. My arms are still very sore but otherwise not much pain. How are you?

Bridget Sawmiller Good, really tired today. My arms are sore too, what do they do to us to cause that?

Steven Dean Yeah I don't know. It makes me want to watch an operation.

Bridget Sawmiller Me too

Amy Dorsey Plenty of operation videos online! I watched a bunch!

On August 12, 2016...

Cathie Sant. posted a note for Steven that says:

So glad to hear you are home. Praying for your returning to running, jogging and oh yes work.
Cathie sant

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On August 12, 2016...

Jan and Patrick posted a note for Steven that says:

Jan and I have been following your recovery -- congratulations for being finally at home. Now the physical therapy period starts -- but since you have kept physically active anyway, this will be a "piece of cake". That heart muscle -- like any other muscle -- needs to be exercised! All the best!

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Denise Kirchner Wonderful news! Glad to hear you made it home safe and sound. Take care Steven!

On August 12, 2016...

Anne Cassidy posted a note for Steven that says:

Steve, Kevin and I have been following your progress. Great news each day. Prayers and much love, Anne

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On August 10, 2016...

Maureen & John posted a note for Steven that says:

We have been watching your progress and are so pleased and relieved it has going so well. Bon courage.

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On August 9, 2016...

Angela Foster posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steve,

Glad to hear you are recovering nicely! Keep up the good work. We miss you at lunch.

Like | Conrad Skowronski, Bridget Sawmiller, Adam Pick likes this

On August 7, 2016...

Bill Gentile posted a note for Steven that says:

Wishing you the best Steve. So happy you chose Cleveland Clinic, they will be my destination one day when I'm due. I too am a Federal employee (saw your earlier post). What insurance did you go with? I'm hoping that BCBS Standard does the trick for me. Wishing you a quick recovery,
Bill Gentile
Los Alamos, NM

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On August 7, 2016...

Adam Pick posted a note for Steven that says:

Steve, The inspirational "Thumbs Up!" picture you posted earlier today was so inspiring, I had to share it at our Facebook page. Guess what? The picture has gone viral. In just a few hours, over 5,000 people have "Liked" and/or "Shared" your photo. Thank you for sharing your story with our global community!!!! You can see the post at https://www.facebook.com/heartvalvesurgery/.

HeartValveSurgery.com | Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/heartvalvesurgery/

HeartValveSurgery.com, Redondo Beach, CA. 195,167 likes · 12,983 talking about this. www.HeartValveSurgery.com Founded by Adam Pick, a patient, in 2006,...

Like | Kate Watson, Amy Dorsey likes this

On August 6, 2016...

Patrick Weidhaas posted a note for Steven that says:

Thank you for the good news. We wish Steven continued progress in his recovery!
Love to all of you, Jan and Patrick Weidhaas

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On August 6, 2016...

Peter De Bear posted a note for Steven that says:

Hey Steven,
I knew you would cruise through! You will be up n at em fast.
Stay well
Peter

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On August 5, 2016...

Dawn posted a note for Steven that says:

Been thinking of you today. So glad things went well now let the healing begin. I love you. Gloria thanks for the updates today love you too

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On August 5, 2016...

Patrick Weidhaas posted a note for Steven that says:

Thank you Gloria for keeping everyone up to date on Steven's surgery. It's been a long and exciting (in every sense of the word) day for the whole family. It sounds like Steven has kept his sense of humor - even while still partly under the anesthesia. That's a wonderful sign! Tomorrow will be a much better day and there will be a big relief that this major procedure is behind him - that's always a great feeling. Give our best regards to Steven and also his mom - our dear friend!!! Jan and Patrick Weidhaas

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On August 5, 2016...

Patrick Weidhaas posted a note for Steven that says:

Hoping for a smooth routine recovery!
Our best wishes,
Jan and Patrick Weidhaas

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On August 5, 2016...

Cathie sant posted a note for Steven that says:

Thank you Gloria for the great news. Love to all of you.

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On August 5, 2016...

Barbara Bellinghiere posted a note for Steven that says:

Way to go, Steven!
Congratulations on the successful surgery!. The Bellinghiere family has been praying for you and waiting to hear this good news.
We are very happy for you. We know you will be out there trekking along the trails soon enough.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and lots of good ice cream! : )
Blessings, Barbara

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On August 5, 2016...

Jordan Konig posted a note for Steven that says:

Following your updates from Tax Division. Glad to hear that Steve is out of surgery and everything went well. We're already getting our cow-related jokes ready for his return.

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On August 5, 2016...

Denise Kirchner posted a note for Steven that says:

Keeping Steven in my prayers today!

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On August 5, 2016...

Jessica Urton posted a note for Steven that says:

Good luck Steven!!! Sending good vibes your way!

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On August 4, 2016...

Sam Hunter posted a note for Steven that says:

Sending love and good vibes!

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On August 4, 2016...

Cathie Sant posted a note for Steven that says:

My prayers are with you and family. You are blessed to have such a great wife and mom. God bless

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On August 4, 2016...

Jan Weidhaas posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steven,

we send you positive thoughts for tomorrow's surgery. Our best wishes for total success! Jan and Patrick Weidhaas

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On August 4, 2016...

Barbara Bellinghiere posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steven,
Our family will be praying for you and all of your doctors & nurses. You are strong have a wonderful family to give you needed support and care. You are a fighter who will not give up and God is on your side. Wishing you well with a successful surgery, speedy recovery and healthy days ahead.
Barbara

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On August 3, 2016...

Peter De Bear posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steven,

I just want to say hi and let you know that you are in our thoughts. You will weather this storm, because you have your mothers spirit and courage. It will go perfectly ... I know it will. See you soon!!

Love ya

Peter

Like | Barbara Laurie likes this

On August 3, 2016...

Angela Rubenstein posted a note for Steven that says:

Good luck Steve, we are thinking of you every day!
xoxox angela, ben & lucy

Like | Gloria Maier likes this

On August 3, 2016...

Marcy Lagardere posted a note for Steven that says:

HI Steven,
Keeping your successful surgery in my thoughts and prayers.

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On August 3, 2016...

Madi Lomas posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steven,

I'm Mike Bellante's girlfriend and we are thinking of you as you go through this surgery! Sending love your way, and wishing for a speedy recovery. :)

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On August 3, 2016...

Jon Lagardere posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steven-

We haven't met but I know much about you. I'm your Mom's friend and Marcy's son. We are sending you some serious high energy and lots of strength and love.

Looking forward to meeting one day.

Love,
The Lagardere/Uribe family

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On August 3, 2016...

Janette Rehua posted a note for Steven that says:

wishing you all the best Steven for your surgery and praying for a fast recovery

Like | Bridget Sawmiller likes this

On August 1, 2016...

Steve Nicklin posted a note for Steven that says:

Best wishes Steven!

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Steven Dean Thanks!

Conrad Skowronski Steve - I hope that this will be the last one for you. Best wishes and a speedy recovery.

On August 1, 2016...

Bridget Sawmiller posted a note for Steven that says:

Leaving for Cleveland in a few hours, going to go and see PJ to see how she is doing once we are checked into the hotel. Maybe we can walk the halls together on Sunday when we are both recovering from our OHS!! Best to you on Friday! See you on the cardiac floor!

Like | Darlene Smith likes this

Steven Dean We are headed to Cleveland as well good luck and hopefully I will see you in the halls this weekend.

On July 31, 2016...

Tina Maroon posted a note for Steven that says:

Steve I hate to hear that you had to have another Heart Surgery again. I am hoping that your second one will go well. I am wishing you a speedy recovery and minimal or no complications at all.

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On July 31, 2016...

Dawn Ransom posted a note for Steven that says:

Steven Sending our our love and support for you. Hate you are having to do this again. We are here for you and Gloria if you need anything. You will be a little over 4 hours from us. As your Aunt I am so proud of you and the wonderful man you have become and you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love you

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On July 22, 2016...

Grandma Phyllis posted a note for Steven that says:

Dear Steven, Love you and thinking of you lots. Looking forward to hearing about your successful surgery in the very near future. You will always be my favorite, unless others like you come along in your family. Then you will have to share. We will see you in the near future.

Like | Chris Vereb, Barbara Laurie likes this

Steven Dean Thanks Grandma! Love you.

On July 21, 2016...

Barbara Bellinghiere posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi Steven, thank you for including me in your posting and sending an update. It is great to hear from you and share this journey with you through the internet. Know that you and Gloria, all of your family, and your doctors will be in our prayers as you approach this surgery and go through recovery.
4 years of technical advances will be on your favor. Best wishes and Blessings to you, Barbara Bellinghiere and family.

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Steven Dean Thanks Barbara! I hope you all are doing well.

On July 20, 2016...

Patrick Weidhaas posted a note for Steven that says:

The best of luck, Steven. I had a bovine aortic valve put in a little over 2 years ago, spent 4 days in the hospital, then went home and had to - slowly - start physical exercise, first short walks, eventually treadmill and other machines. The first month after surgery was a bit tough -- but certainly not "nightmarish". They had warned me that I might have bouts of (mild) depression, and sure enough - at sundown - I felt a bit gloomy. A nightly shot of brandy on the rocks helped! The cause of the depression was my inability to do any work around the garden, I couldn't lift much -- all because of the "sternal restrictions". That darn sternum had been cut and needed to heal. The heart itself hasn't given me any problems. Have faith in the miracles of modern medicine! We'll keep you in our thoughts,
Jan and Patrick Weidhaas

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Steven Dean Thanks Patrick - glad to hear your recovery went well. I am hoping to be discharged in 4 days as well.

On October 27, 2013...

glasswall posted a note for Steven that says:

Hi steve just like u had my surgery at 26 i m now 29 not easy when u used to wearing yo neck low shirts my email is charlieglasswall@gmail.com

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On December 7, 2012...

My husband and I are retired Federal Employees with medicare as our primary insurance and Blue Cross/Blue Shield as our supplement (carried our insurance into retirement). My husband recently had aortic valve replacement at Cleveland Clinic and was fully covered by the combo of medicare & BC/BS. He has had no problems with insurance coverage. Hope this helps with your question.

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On September 25, 2012...

Hi Steven,

Sorry for the news about your leak. I'm wishing you the best. I had my mitral valve repaired and it has trace leakage (but one cardiologist's trace leakage may be another one's moderate leakage). For now, it is wait and see for me. Perhaps another operation awaits me sometime in the future.

If there is another operation for us then we already know what to expect. It's just that it is major surgery and it's hard to wrap my mind around it.

Keep strong. Keep living.

Regards,

Lee Castro

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On September 25, 2012...

Hi Steven,

I was just reading an update in Thomas H's journal and am sorry to hear about your set back. I know how you feel. I too, had an echo at 6 weeks post surgery that showed the mitral valve leak was back. A TEE at CC several weeks later confirmed it. It is a moderate leak, so they will not operate at this time - will just keep a close eye on it. They consider it a functional leak, easy to say if you are not the patient - right! Anyway, I am scheduled for an echo stress test at CC on November 2nd once I have completed cardiac rehab. They want to see how the valve fnctions under stress.

My cardiac rehab is going well, but I do feel the fatigue that goes along with a valve leak - was hoping that would all be behind me. I am taking one day at a time and keeping the faith - hoping for good results on Nov 2nd. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Denise K

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On September 25, 2012...

Steven,

You are always in my thoughts and prayers and if you need anything we are here for you. I am so sorry for the set back but you never know it could always correct it's self with the power of prayer.
Love
Aunt Dawn and family

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On July 29, 2012...

Damn. Sorry to hear that Steve. That's the second round of bad news here on HVJ that i've read in the last hour. Hoping this is just a bad echo or an overestimate on the amount of leakage. Will keep an eye out for your next update and wish you the best.

-Tom

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On July 13, 2012...

Glad your echo got moved up! How did it go? It's good to see that you are doing so well and back to work, but don't over-do it! Each week gets better!
Holly P

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