Guestbook of Thomas Brusstar

My Guestbook

On January 10, 2020...

Skipper Kagamaster posted a note for Thomas that says:

Hey, Thomas! Thanks for posting in such great detail; it's a real help to those of us new to the process. I hope and pray that your recovery continues to be stellar.

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Thomas Brusstar Let me know if you want to know more! It has become a part of my identity, in a way. I don't mind talking about it, and if I can help anybody else through it, that's awesome.

On September 25, 2019...

Terry Hudson posted a note for Thomas that says:

Hi Thomas, I had mitral valve repair over 5 years ago. Wanted to comment on your visual disturbances/aura that happens after exercise. I had this and never thought to tie it to the surgery. Asked my Opthamologist, she had no idea. But I figured it out and they’ve gone away. For me, the solution was drinking electrolytes before and after exercise. They almost magically were eliminated. After reading your post, I experimented and tried exercised without taking them: the aura came back. For me, it’s a simple imbalance. I don’t take Gatorade or Powerade, although they work fine. I ordered something called “Hi-Lyte” from Amazon and just add drops to my water bottle. Hope this solution works for you.

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Thomas Brusstar Interesting! I definitely don’t hydrate with electrolytes. I’ll try it starting now. Thanks!

On December 13, 2018...

Barbara Blackwell posted a note for Thomas that says:

Tom, thanks for the "Happy" Christmas wishes! Yes, it's what they say here and actually it's kind of a nice change for me! Your words and encouragement are sincerely appreciated and I'm glad to hear that you are doing well! I'll try to keep all of you posted as best I can, and if I don't "talk" with you before my op again, Happy Christmas to you and yours!! All the best and enjoy this wonderful time of year. ❤️

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Bonnie Stone-Hope Happy Christmas to you too!
Best wishes and prayers for a successful surgery and looking forward to hearing from you soon.🦋

On July 17, 2018...

Louanna Miller posted a note for Thomas that says:

Thinking about you this evening, Thomas. I prayed for you this morning as I knew you were scheduled for surgery today. I hope it went exceptionally well and that you are resting well. I'll be interested in hearing about your surgical experience.

Take are of you.

Like | Mark Wilbur likes this

On July 17, 2018...

Bill Gillam posted a note for Thomas that says:

Your story is almost identical to mine so I can really relate. Good luck tomorrow!

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On July 17, 2018...

Susan Lynn posted a note for Thomas that says:

Thomas - Good luck, today! You're going to do just great! We'll be here awaiting your good news!

Like | Diane Maher likes this

On July 15, 2018...

Don L posted a note for Thomas that says:

Hi Thomas, good luck with your surgery tomorrow. High volume/expert surgery centers like Northwestern have this dialed in, you will do great. I am 51 and had very similar path as you leading up to surgery in Dallas, and recovery has been very smooth. Look forward to your post surgery update!

Like | Mark Wilbur, Diane Maher likes this

Thomas Brusstar Thanks. I’m looking forward to getting the process going. I hope I do as well as you!

Dan Vechiola Hey Tom, good luck on Tuesday the wait which seems to be the hardest part is almost over! I will be following in your footsteps at Northwestern (find out for ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Hey Tom, good luck on Tuesday the wait which seems to be the hardest part is almost over! I will be following in your footsteps at Northwestern (find out for sure on July 25th) so pave the way for me! You will be in great hands. I am confident on this one!

Mark Wilbur Go with confidence, Thomas, knowing how much better you will be in a short time. Prayers for you and your family.

Thomas Brusstar Thanks! I’ll report on my progress. Hopefully I’m back home by the weekend.

Louanna Miller Tom, I will be anxious to read about your surgery on Tuesday and your recovery. I’m going to Northwestern for appontmentscin early August. I’m ready to ... Read more

Louanna Miller Tom, I will be anxious to read about your surgery on Tuesday and your recovery. I’m going to Northwestern for appontmentscin early August. I’m ready to get surgery scheduled. Take care of yourself. Praying for you.

On July 13, 2018...

Adam Pick posted a note for Thomas that says:

Welcome Thomas! Fyi, you are in great hands with Dr. McCarthy! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Patrick-McCarthy-Chicago-Illinois.php

Dr. Patrick McCarthy - Heart Surgeon in Chicago, Illinois

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Patrick-McCarthy-Chicago-Illinois.php

See patient reviews, physician biography and videos of Dr. Patrick McCarthy, heart surgeon, with phone number and address in Chicago, Illinois.

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Dan Vechiola I live in the NW Suburbs of Chicago and on July 25th I will be having an echo at Northwestern and will be meeting with cardiologist Dr. James Thomas & surgeon ... Read more

Dan Vechiola I live in the NW Suburbs of Chicago and on July 25th I will be having an echo at Northwestern and will be meeting with cardiologist Dr. James Thomas & surgeon Dr. Patrick McCarthy. I have done ALOT of research and Northwestern and Dr. McCarthy are the best I could find.

Debbie Chatzky I had surgery with Dr McCarthy May 31st. He is known as the legend at Northwestern. I had a mitral valve replacement with bovine valve and maze procedure for ... Read more

Debbie Chatzky I had surgery with Dr McCarthy May 31st. He is known as the legend at Northwestern. I had a mitral valve replacement with bovine valve and maze procedure for afib. It was a reop.He had to take a stenotic and panis ring repair apart first. It was complex and it was a successful replacement.

Thomas Brusstar Glad to hear yours went well, Debbie! McCarthy has over 11,000 heart surgeries under his belt, so he's seen it all. I'm hoping mine stays simple, just a ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar Glad to hear yours went well, Debbie! McCarthy has over 11,000 heart surgeries under his belt, so he's seen it all. I'm hoping mine stays simple, just a mitral repair. I have Dr. Thomas as cardiologist also. I assume Dr. Thomas will come see me during recovery, but has no real role on the day of the surgery.