Guestbook of Sue Starr

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Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1130 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Kristine Schroeder posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue. Glad to hear you are doing well. I also have a recently discovered mitral valve flail with severe regurgitation. I am not symptomatic. Did you have ...Read more

Hi Sue. Glad to hear you are doing well. I also have a recently discovered mitral valve flail with severe regurgitation. I am not symptomatic. Did you have minimally invasive surgery with or without robot? I met with my surgeon this week here in Tampa. My husband and I really like him. He says I am a candidate for the minimally invasive robotic surgery which is a blessing because I am a wheelchair user and basically do everything with my upper body. I was considering trying to get an appointment with Dr. Gillinov . How long was your wait?

Sue Starr Hi Kristine……I had a minimally invasive sternotomy so my incision is about 3.5 to 4 inches. I wa ... Read more

Sue Starr Hi Kristine……I had a minimally invasive sternotomy so my incision is about 3.5 to 4 inches. I was not a candidate for the robotic version because my left ventricle and left atrium were enlarged somewhat. According to my surgeon that makes the robotic version more of a risky surgery so he will not do it that way and increase any risk.

I was able to get all of my records sent over to Dr. Gillinov in November electronically including all imaging. Within two weeks his nurse called me with his recommendations for surgery and all the details. At that time, I had to wait for an April date as he is highly sought after for this type of surgery. Depending on when you call, the wait might not be as long for you. Hope this helps you and you have my best wishes. Please reach out with any other questions you might have.

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1132 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Sue that says:

Welcome home sue

It will feel wonderful to be back home !

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1136 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Robert G. posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue

I just read your story and want to wish you luck and strength on your procedure and recovery.

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1136 days ago

Susan Lynn, Sue Starr reacted to this

Robert Young posted a note for Sue that says:

Good luck tomorrow Sue. Look forward to your updates on recovery!

Susan Lynn All the best, Sue! Sending you positive thoughts and prayers! ❤

Ann Zucker You’re gonna do great!!

Sue Starr Thank you!!! I look forward to being on the recovery side for sure!!

Rose Madura Godspeed

Lifting you up in prayer for your surgery tomorrow. God bless you

Ginny Turner We're cheering for you, Sue. You should be in surgery as I write. Can't wait to celebrate your recove ... Read more

Ginny Turner We're cheering for you, Sue. You should be in surgery as I write. Can't wait to celebrate your recovery!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1137 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Timothy Andre posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue, I want to wish you all the best with surgery tomorrow. I hope all goes well for you and that you experience a smooth recovery

Sue Starr Thank you Timothy! I appreciate your well wishes!! All the best to you as well!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1137 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Patsy Stewart posted a note for Sue that says:

One more sleep, and your wait is finally over. Prayers that your surgery goes well tomorrow. Prayers for your husband and sons as well. You can do this! ~❤️ ...Read more

One more sleep, and your wait is finally over. Prayers that your surgery goes well tomorrow. Prayers for your husband and sons as well. You can do this! ~❤️

Sue Starr Thank you Patsy! I love the perspective of “one more sleep!” Hard to believe it’s finally here ... Read more

Sue Starr Thank you Patsy! I love the perspective of “one more sleep!” Hard to believe it’s finally here!!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1137 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Dan Rhoden posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue, wishing you nothing but the best tomorrow. I was exactly where you are last week. My OHS was Monday March 28. I came home Friday and in recovery mode, ...Read more

Hi Sue, wishing you nothing but the best tomorrow. I was exactly where you are last week. My OHS was Monday March 28. I came home Friday and in recovery mode, doing well.

You have an excellent hospital and surgeon taking care of you. The other thing I pleasantly found was nurses, therapists, staff, etc was the best care I've ever received. I told all of them the reason why I'm here isn't good but the excellent care I received was really over the top. I'm sure you will receive the same.

Lean on your family and everyone for support, you'll do just fine.

Dan

Sue Starr Thank you Dan!! I can’t wait to join you in recovery! Happy to hear you are doing so well and I w ... Read more

Sue Starr Thank you Dan!! I can’t wait to join you in recovery! Happy to hear you are doing so well and I wish you continued success. Were you at the Cleveland Clinic as well? Dr Gillinov?

Dan Rhoden I was at St. Francis Indianapolis with Dr. Gerdisch. I've seen his profile on here, patient revie... Read more

Dan Rhoden I was at St. Francis Indianapolis with Dr. Gerdisch. I've seen his profile on here, patient reviews, and videos he has made on here as well. Very impressive, great passion for his work. Similar to Dr. Gerdisch. You're in great hands.

Sue Starr We are blessed to live in such a time where this is possible!! ☺️

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1137 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi sue ,
thinking of you , wishing you good luck for your surgery and for a good recovery

Sue Starr Thank you Ruth!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1138 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

JOHN C MCGOURTY posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue, I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair at Stanford a little over three years ago. I feel great and have returned to a pretty heavy workout schedule ...Read more

Sue, I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair at Stanford a little over three years ago. I feel great and have returned to a pretty heavy workout schedule (three days of weightlifting; three days of elliptical - each week). I am a nervous type and the period before surgery was stressful but just know you are in good hands at Cleveland Clinic and you will have a good result. Stay strong and you will be out and about before you know it.

Sue Starr Wow John! That's an impressive workout schedule and very encouraging to hear! I'm not one to be sti... Read more

Sue Starr Wow John! That's an impressive workout schedule and very encouraging to hear! I'm not one to be still at all so I love hearing this. I had a hard time laying in the hospital bed for just 2 hours after my heart catheterization! 🥴 Thank you for posting this as your story is very encouraging and I can't wait to be on the recovery side!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1139 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Tony Netto posted a note for Sue that says:

I'm from Upstate New York, (actually Watertown, NY where Dr Cosgrove is from - former CEO of the clinic) and I had mitral valve repair with Dr Gilinov at the ...Read more

I'm from Upstate New York, (actually Watertown, NY where Dr Cosgrove is from - former CEO of the clinic) and I had mitral valve repair with Dr Gilinov at the clinic. He's definitely worth the wait - if your valve can! They are amazing there and rest assured it's the best care anywhere. I had my surgery 04/05/2017 and all is normal - so you have that to look forward to and get that stress behind you. I'll pray for you and that you have the same success that I did.

Sue Starr Tony…thank you for sharing this with me! All these great stories have helped boost my confidence ... Read more

Sue Starr Tony…thank you for sharing this with me! All these great stories have helped boost my confidence going into this. We met Dr G for the first time yesterday and he helped to alleviate many fears I had as well. Thank you so much for the prayers too!! They are appreciated more than you know!!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1140 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Maria Williams posted a note for Sue that says:

Thank goodness you had that echo! I had successful mitral valve repair surgery 11 years ago. I can relate to how you are feeling. I guess ...Read more

Thank goodness you had that echo! I had successful mitral valve repair surgery 11 years ago. I can relate to how you are feeling. I guess you were not experiencing any symptoms. You are in good hands with an expert in the field.

Roselyn Kubek Thank you, Sue! I’m 10 months out and feeling pretty darn good! 11 years! Makes me feel optimist ... Read more

Roselyn Kubek Thank you, Sue! I’m 10 months out and feeling pretty darn good! 11 years! Makes me feel optimistic!

Sue Starr Yes Maria!! I am very thankful I decided to get that echo even though I was a year overdue!! I am as... Read more

Sue Starr Yes Maria!! I am very thankful I decided to get that echo even though I was a year overdue!! I am asymptomatic except for lots of PVC ‘s. Hoping this surgery will help to alleviate most of them. Thank you for reaching out!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1141 days ago

Adam Pick, Sue Starr reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi sue ,
I hope you ‘re okay .
We all had up days and down days before surgery , we ‘re allowed to

.
you ‘re doing really well .

Sue Starr Thank you Ruth! Going through all my pre op testing these past couple of days and finally get to me... Read more

Sue Starr Thank you Ruth! Going through all my pre op testing these past couple of days and finally get to meet Dr Gillinov tomorrow!! It's been a long 5 months but I'm so ready now! I will definitely be scared that morning but I need to get on the other side of this! Thanks again for checking in and I hope to posting some good news soon!!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1142 days ago

Miriam Alejos reacted to this

Sandy Harvey posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue -
Sending you prayers and hugs. The waiting will soon be over and you can concentrate on getting better and recovery. You got the two best reasons ...Read more

Hi Sue -
Sending you prayers and hugs. The waiting will soon be over and you can concentrate on getting better and recovery. You got the two best reasons for keeping good thoughts and prayers in the present - you got this. God Bless 🙏🏼

Katherine Berry Thinking of you, Sue, and praying for successful treatment and healing in the weeks ahead.

Miriam Alejos Praying for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. We will be recovering together. Can't wait to ... Read more

Miriam Alejos Praying for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. We will be recovering together. Can't wait to celebrate success with you. Stay strong!

Sue Starr Thank you Sandy!! Cannot wait to be on the recovery side of things. Pre op testing started today an ... Read more

Sue Starr Thank you Sandy!! Cannot wait to be on the recovery side of things. Pre op testing started today and went very smoothly so I’m hoping the rest is the same. One day at a time now. ❤️❤️

Sue Starr Thank you Katherine and Miriam for your words of encouragement and prayers! Miriam I will be sending ... Read more

Sue Starr Thank you Katherine and Miriam for your words of encouragement and prayers! Miriam I will be sending you prayers as well! All the best!

Ginny Turner We're so proud of you, Sue, and eager for you to be on the recovery side soon. Glad all went well to... Read more

Ginny Turner We're so proud of you, Sue, and eager for you to be on the recovery side soon. Glad all went well today. You will do great!

Sue Starr Thank you Ginny and thank you for your friendship and continued words of encouragement! It has mean... Read more

Sue Starr Thank you Ginny and thank you for your friendship and continued words of encouragement! It has meant a lot to know that you are always there to cheer me on!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1147 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue,

I see you have tricuspid regurgitation also. I have moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation and slight mitral regurg. I have a cardiac specialist ...Read more

Hi Sue,

I see you have tricuspid regurgitation also. I have moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation and slight mitral regurg. I have a cardiac specialist at Northwestern University Hospital in Chicago, Il. I've been told I am still in wait and check mode and have asked many times at what point I would be told it is time for surgery. I keep being told for tricuspid it is more a symptomatic thing as to when surgery is needed. I do get pretty short of breath doing the simplest things. My question to you is, did your Dr. tell you they would fix your tricuspid also, and what information they've given you about the tricuspid valve. I also have an anuerytic aortic artery which is at a 4.1 now. I too have a 16 year old son, but am a single mother and it is just myself and my son, since my older 2 children are now 36 and 32. It is pretty stressful for me as I feel very alone with this. Any information, friendship and advice is greatly appreciated and welcome.

I wish you a successful surgery and continued well wishes and prayers.

Thank you in advance for your time ,

Kim

Sue Starr Hi Kim!!! So I was told that my mitral is borderline severe with a flail and tricuspid is mild by my cardiologist. Both the cardiologist and surgeon recommended surgery within 6 months and that was in November. I think because my left ventricle is starting to enlarge a bit and the mitral is severe they recommended surgery in that time frame. Also since they are going in for the mitral they would fix the tricuspid as well since they are already in there. It will only keep progressing if I don’t have surgery. I, too, was fairly asymptomatic but now feel I can get short of breath sometimes. Not sure if that’s the stress and anxiety or the valve issue.

I believe the sooner they catch these things the better. Be sure you have a cardiologist that you trust and don’t hesitate to get second or third opinions. Research and get the best for yourself!! You are definitely not alone!!!! I am here for you and so is everyone in this community!! We all share a very unique bond!! Please feel free to reach out anytime with questions or just to chat! ❤️❤️

All my best to you!
... Read more

Thomas Brusstar Glad you are planning to fix your flail mitral valve! My mitral valve was flail (with ruptured chord ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar Glad you are planning to fix your flail mitral valve! My mitral valve was flail (with ruptured chordae) for probably 9 months before a diagnosis. It caused (1) dilation of my left atrium to something like 4x normal size (every strong left ventricle pump squeezed a bunch of blood backwards into the weak left atrium); (2) pulmonary hypertension (there is no valve to protect the lungs from the backwash into the left atrium); (3) enlargement of my left ventricle (it was making up for the efficiency lost by so much going backwards into the left atrium), and (4) enlargement of my right ventricle (now its job of pushing blood into my lungs was bumping up against that pulmonary hypertension). The chain of problems caused by a failing mitral valve is bad for the heart and the lungs. A flail valve is bad, and even though your heart is a trooper for working through the problem, it is doing damage. My left atrium shrunk to half its pre-operation size before I even left the operating table. Dr. Gillinov and CC are famous, so you'll do great.

Sue Starr Thomas I’m so glad that you were able to fix all these issues and are here to talk about it!! I ke ... Read more

Sue Starr Thomas I’m so glad that you were able to fix all these issues and are here to talk about it!! I keep thinking mine is getting worse but not sure if it’s the anxiety of the surgery itself causing me to have symptoms. Regardless I’m headed in to have it all repaired very soon. Fingers crossed! Thanks for sharing your story!

Thomas Brusstar By the way, the anticipation and worrying beforehand is the worst part. I started having dreams in t ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar By the way, the anticipation and worrying beforehand is the worst part. I started having dreams in the couple of months between diagnosis and surgery about my heart stopping. I’d wake up with a start. Fine, obviously, but it was super stressful. Once I had surgery, those dreams stopped! My body seemed to know that stress was nonsense and I haven’t had that again. You’ll be amazed at your ability to heal surgery. My 13 year old son was sweet about it. I didn’t have him visit until I was out of the ICU, just because all the tubes etc might be disconcerting. He wasn’t freaked out at all. We sat and watched TV like a normal night and he ate my cake from my dinner.

Rose Madura Yes, waiting is the worst. But before long, you'll be feeling much better. I just did a lot of rea... Read more

Rose Madura Yes, waiting is the worst. But before long, you'll be feeling much better. I just did a lot of reading to focus on something other than OHS. On a particularly hard day I watched a documentary on YouTube of the JFK assassination. Weird but it worked for me. Godspeed!

Sue Starr Thomas……..the waiting has been tough and has definitely taken its toll. I’ve had plenty of time ... Read more

Sue Starr Thomas……..the waiting has been tough and has definitely taken its toll. I’ve had plenty of time to come to terms with it all and find peace. Most days I’m ok now. I just can’t wait for it all to be over!!

Sue Starr Rose….I’m listening to podcasts now and working on refinishing my first piece of furniture!! Kee ... Read more

Sue Starr Rose….I’m listening to podcasts now and working on refinishing my first piece of furniture!! Keeps me busy and focused on other things!! Projects around the house have worked wonders for me mentally!

Kimberly Eisenhut Sue,
Thank you for you response and offered friendship here.
May you stay peaceful and positive

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1147 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Randy Chapman posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue,
I know the anxiety we all share before surgery. Dr. Gillinov completed a mitral valve replacement for me last week. I had planned for a repair, but ...Read more

Hi Sue,
I know the anxiety we all share before surgery. Dr. Gillinov completed a mitral valve replacement for me last week. I had planned for a repair, but the replacement in my case was necessary. Good news is no AFIB and I am feeling better every day. You are fortunate to live nearby. Like me, you will look at this afterwards as good news when the operation is in the rear view mirror.

Sue Starr Thank you for those encouraging words Randy!! I definitely needed to hear this. I’ve been waiting ... Read more

Sue Starr Thank you for those encouraging words Randy!! I definitely needed to hear this. I’ve been waiting for 5months now so I’m ready to be on the recovery side for sure!! All the best to you in your continued recovery as well!

Ginny Turner Randy is a super patient, back home in Texas less than a week after surgery! Woo hoo! We're proud o ... Read more

Ginny Turner Randy is a super patient, back home in Texas less than a week after surgery! Woo hoo! We're proud of you, Randy, and look forward to having Sue join us in recovery soon.

Sue Starr I look forward to it as well Ginny!!!!

Sue Starrgot a new guestbook post

1193 days ago

Sue Starr reacted to this

Welcome to our site Susan. The heart warriors on this site are amazing. They are always willing to provide information, tips, support and answer questions if ...Read more

Welcome to our site Susan. The heart warriors on this site are amazing. They are always willing to provide information, tips, support and answer questions if they can. I’m sorry you have to wait so long for your surgery as we all know that the waiting is one of the hardest things we have endured. If you have questions ask away. May you find peace and comfort while waiting and keep the faith. God bless you

Rose Madura Welcome Sue from one Ohioan to another. Most everyone here will tell you no matter how prepared you ... Read more

Rose Madura Welcome Sue from one Ohioan to another. Most everyone here will tell you no matter how prepared you think you are, you're never prepared to hear you need heart surgery. I knew since I was 7 that "one day" I'd need it. Yet, it floored me when I was told. You are in the best of hands with Dr Gillinov and the Cleveland Clinic. Their wonderful reputation precedes them. Waiting is the hard part but you will make it. We are here to help you on your journey. Godspeed.

Sue Starr Ana and Rose……thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement!! While I’m finding it di ... Read more

Sue Starr Ana and Rose……thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement!! While I’m finding it difficult to keep my positivity some days, I’m able to remain focused and busy. I’m definitely nervous and scared but everyone’s stories and kind words are growing my confidence little by little. Please keep in touch and know how grateful I am for your kind words as sometimes I tend to feel like I’m on my own island and no one get the anxiety that goes along with this.
Love and hugs! 🥰❤️‍🩹

Rose Madura April will be here before you know it.