My Guestbook

On January 15, 2015...

Carolyn Williams posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom,
I'm so glad to hear you are doing well. I'm glad that things just keep getting better. Having heart surgery really does change your perspective on things. Sometimes it easy to forget that we might not be here without heart surgery with all the annoying things in life. It's good to remember.
Carolyn AVR 9-25-12

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On July 3, 2014...

Kim Stripling posted a note for Tom that says:

Great 6-month checkup Tom!!! Hooray!! Keep up the good work!!

Have a great 4th of July!

Kim

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On May 27, 2014...

Adam Pick posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom,

Great to hear you are doing so well!

Keep on tickin!

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On March 17, 2014...

Clare posted a note for Tom that says:

Glad you had decent weather to get outside on Saturday before the cold front hit. You never know what the weather will be around here.
Also good to hear that work is going ell for you. I start back next week.

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On March 17, 2014...

Susan Smith posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom, good to hear from you and hear about your precious granddaughter. I have 3 brands and they are blessings. Enjoy, enjoy and enjoy. 😊. God is good and greatly to be praised.

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On March 16, 2014...

Dora posted a note for Tom that says:

Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend. Sitting with my 2 year old granddaughter the day I got home from the hospital 5 weeks ago, was something I will always remember. They are so comforting. Makes me so glad to think that I will have many years with her and my grandson (and future grandchildren) because of what I had the courage to go through, but of course only by the grace of a God.

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On March 16, 2014...

Joe Findeis posted a note for Tom that says:

Hi Tom...been reading your journal and keeping up with your progress...it sounds like you're doing great....Congratulations. I Want to let you know that you've been an encouragement to me. I too have a Bicuspid Aortic Valve. I've known about it since my early 40's and I'll turn 60 this May. Had zero symptoms all these years until the past 12 months...I easily get short of breath. I was hoping to wait till I turn 65...but I know the time is soon. Meeting with my Cardiologist on May 5th, then with my Surgeon to make plans and pick dates. Thanks for sharing your story.

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Tom Bender Joe,
Thank you for the most kind words. I've share with others in my journaling that it became a form of a ministry or mission to me. I had taught adult bible ... Read more

Tom Bender Joe,
Thank you for the most kind words. I've share with others in my journaling that it became a form of a ministry or mission to me. I had taught adult bible study about a decade ago (time flies) and was looking for my purpose. Seems like this fits. Let me know if I can help more. I think you will be happy with getting it done sooner than later. After spending the weekend with the 16 month old and knowing there is another on the way! I made it a personal commitment at the time of surgery to be at their high school graduations and visit them in college.
note: The hospital days and the 8 weeks recovery at home wasn't near as bad as I imagined.
Tom

On February 28, 2014...

Susan Smith posted a note for Tom that says:

Hey! Tom congrads on the full work and still holding your own. It is amazing to think of where you were and where you are now. Keep up the good work and keep us posted. God is looking out for all of us.

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On February 25, 2014...

Susan in Oregon posted a note for Tom that says:

I'm glad you survived your first day back at work so well. I'm not ready for work yet but I am continuing to make steady progress. I would like to know how your first full week of work goes. Take care and hope you get out to beautiful Oregon again.

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Tom Bender Susan,
I'll do an update at he end of the week. Funny thing today, when my alarm went off at 6 am I thought "why is my alarm going off this early on Saturday"! It's going to be a long week!.
Tom

On February 22, 2014...

Carolyn Stone AVR 9/25/2012 posted a note for Tom that says:

Welcome back to work! I'm impressed with you. I ran out steam when I first went back to work. Especially on days where I had rehab in the morning before work. Glad your still doing well!

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Tom Bender I'll probably run out of steam on those days next week. That's why I let Friday be my first day, half the people were gone.
I like how you have your surgery ... Read more

Tom Bender I'll probably run out of steam on those days next week. That's why I let Friday be my first day, half the people were gone.
I like how you have your surgery date in your digital signature. I sent the website a suggestion to have that as part of the profile, so it is easy to compare progress. They gave me a busy reply. I'll try again. To bad I can't count it for our 2014 CI quota!
Maybe when it really becomes spring and warm we can go walking on the path at Botts. Have you used the fitness center there yet?
Tom

On February 21, 2014...

Cami in SLC posted a note for Tom that says:

How did that first day back at work go? Anxious to hear!

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Tom Bender It went pretty well. I wasn't sure if I would make a full day, but I did. It helped that on Fridays about half the people are gone. I got home and ate dinner ... Read more

Tom Bender It went pretty well. I wasn't sure if I would make a full day, but I did. It helped that on Fridays about half the people are gone. I got home and ate dinner and then crashed earlier than normal, especially for a Friday night. I'm sure Monday will be different. Thanks for asking. I did not get to doing a journal entry last night.

On February 20, 2014...

Cami Munk posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom, it sounds like you're doing well. Hope your first day back at work is calm and peaceful! You put good info in your journal posts, reading them helps me a lot. My surgery is March 3!
Best,

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On February 14, 2014...

Kim Stripling posted a note for Tom that says:

CELEBRATE TOM!!!! You and Vicki deserve it!!!! So glad you are doing so well!!!

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On February 14, 2014...

Susan Smith posted a note for Tom that says:

Yes, Tom , Valentines Day is a day that is very personal for everyone in this Community. I call it HEART DAY. God bless you and yours.

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On February 14, 2014...

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Tom that says:

Happy Heart Day to you and your family,Tom. Wishing you many more! <3

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On February 7, 2014...

Angelo Varrone posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom,
My sternum didn't feel solid until about 8 weeks after surgery. I felt movement, too as well as occasional "clicking." Both apparently came from cartilage that's attached to the ribs and sternum. However, I've also read that sternums do separate for one reason or another. So, this is something you'll want to talk to your surgeon about.

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Tom Bender Thanks. I asked the rehab nurses about it this morning when I finish for the morning. One of them felt it and listened to it as I lifted my arms above my ... Read more

Tom Bender Thanks. I asked the rehab nurses about it this morning when I finish for the morning. One of them felt it and listened to it as I lifted my arms above my head in what is typical for drying after a shower. She did not hear anything unusual. Just a strong sounding new valve. I'll keep an eye on it and talk with the surgeon in 2 weeks (if not sooner)
Tom

On February 2, 2014...

Marcia posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom my chest only gets sore if i turn wrong in bed or move just doing the wrong thing its more tightness than any thing..

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Tom Bender Tightness would probably describe it. Yeah tht getting out of bed is still the single biggest pain (literally). I got a reply below from my coworker Carolyn ... Read more

Tom Bender Tightness would probably describe it. Yeah tht getting out of bed is still the single biggest pain (literally). I got a reply below from my coworker Carolyn Stone and she said it was not unusually for it to hurt down the road with new activities.

On February 2, 2014...

Carolyn S. posted a note for Tom that says:

Hello Tom,

I find that when ever I do something for the first time since the heart surgery then my incision hurts. There are a lot of firsts towards the beginning so it hurts a lot more. For example I did yoga for the first time 1.2 years after the surgery. I definitely pulled that scar tissues in ways it hadn't been pulled yet. So my scar hurt for a couple days. Hope this helps, the pain should get more and more infrequent. You probably hadn't been sick like that since the surgery and tugged on the scar tissue uniquelly and it caused pain.Hope you feel better.

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Tom Bender Carolyn,
Thanks for the input. Hard to believe new activities will trigger the hurt down the road.
But the body is a mysterious thing. The biggest key is ... Read more

Tom Bender Carolyn,
Thanks for the input. Hard to believe new activities will trigger the hurt down the road.
But the body is a mysterious thing. The biggest key is to listen to the body, and it's been yelling and nagging at me this weekend. As you can see below also heard from Glenn who had surgery bout a week after me and Jeff with similar reports. This really has been a great resource.
See you in about 3 weeks.
Tom

On February 2, 2014...

jeffo posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom, my chest soreness started to go away at about 4 weeks. Then as I felt better, I started to do more and more and my chest soreness stayed with me for about 5 months. Though it was greatly diminished it was still with me. Then one day it was completely gone. I think trying to lift and move a steel swing set at week 5 set me back. Now, even at 6 months my chest gets sore with over-exertion.

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Tom Bender Jeff,
Thanks. It is good to knowI am to alone. I did not figure it was anything new or unusual, but certainly good to hear or others.
Tom

On February 2, 2014...

Glenn Oden posted a note for Tom that says:

Hi Tom,
You're about a week ahead of me, but I've been wondering the same thing. I had the mini-sternotomy (4 in.), but my chest feels as sore as it did just after surgery.
I'm able to move arounds easier, but the dull ache hasn't changed that much since the first day.
I'm limiting my contact with large groups to lessen the chances of getting a bug.
Let's hope that things improve.

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Tom Bender Glenn,
I had not been around anyone last week except my household family members and a short visit from my brother after lunch on Monday. And the cardio rehab ... Read more

Tom Bender Glenn,
I had not been around anyone last week except my household family members and a short visit from my brother after lunch on Monday. And the cardio rehab staff, clients and equipment. But I got the flu anyway. I sure the soreness will start getting better in week 6 (at least I hope it does).
It seems a little different than the soreness before.
Glad to hear I'm not a lone. Hang in there.
Tom

On February 2, 2014...

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Tom that says:

One way or the other, I'm rooting for John Fox! :)

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On January 29, 2014...

Clare posted a note for Tom that says:

Hi. I had bicuspid valve replaced on 1/9/14. Good to read your updates since you are just a little ahead of me. I am near St. Louis so just on the other side of the state. Sorry to hear about the flu. Hope you are better soon.

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On January 29, 2014...

Carolyn STONE posted a note for Tom that says:

So sorry u were sick! The anesthetics made me sick and gave me terrible pain at the incision site. Hope you get better soon.

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On January 28, 2014...

Stephanie O'Donnell posted a note for Tom that says:

So glad to hear! You have been in my prayers.

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Tom Bender Thank you. But I got a nasty batch of stomach flu in the middle of the night. And so
I had to postpone my surgeon visit for 3 weeks. Other than that I'm doing well.
Electronic hugs....

On January 27, 2014...

marcia posted a note for Tom that says:

tom glad to here your doing so well. I too feel ok just back pain and need to keep up with meds on that.I did have some problems with my potusium and blood pressure hope to get that sqared away to tomorrow when i see my primary.. i try and walk3 times a day out side (as its been nice) but when back pain is bad i try to walk in side.I hope to start rehab next month and a class on cooking right when i can dirve we live 30 mins away for hospital where i have to go your lucky you close enought=. keep up the good work..

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On January 27, 2014...

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Tom that says:

Glad to hear your rehab is going well. Keep up the good work. This is encouraging to me. I'm meeting with my surgical team next Tuesday, and will probably find out my surgery date then.

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On January 19, 2014...

Carolyn Stone AVR, PFO Closure 9/25/12 posted a note for Tom that says:

Hey Tom,

That's great that you started your cardiac rehab! I remember feeling pretty shaky when I started mine. I'm so glad your blood pressure issues resolved.

I haven't been following Rachel from across the pond. I'll have to check out her journal.

I'll let the few people that I know in your department informed that you're doing well. Unfortunately I don't know that many. Did you send out your HVJ information to them?

Look forward to seeing you in February.

-Carolyn

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Tom Bender A few. But strangely enough not my bay mates. Medical details make some of them uncomfortable. Vicki sends my baymates updates once a week. And responds ... Read more

Tom Bender A few. But strangely enough not my bay mates. Medical details make some of them uncomfortable. Vicki sends my baymates updates once a week. And responds in person or on the phone to people in both buildings. That seems to keep them satisfied. And I wanted to make sure there was no opportunity for work stuff questions. A little paranoid on my part, but others have had issues.
One of my peeps calls me on the weekends. He gives updates to them. See ya.
Rehab bright and early in the morning.

On January 17, 2014...

Jim Jones posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom
You are doing great! I can not believe you have already started cardiac rehab. I started my 8th week after. Good for you. Keep up the good work, Tom!

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On January 14, 2014...

Marcia posted a note for Tom that says:

Hi Tom. glad to hear your doing well.Been home sents sat here and seem to do doing ok. It s just hard to get on a scheudle but getting there.Have been walking 2-3 times a day and in the house, been cold here or my body temp is way off..home nurse came yeasterday and said i was doing good, got med figured out..See cardo next wed. so that should be a hoot.. glad you family was there for you its nice to have them close.. Keep up the great work as i will too.

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On January 9, 2014...

Sidney Nash posted a note for Tom that says:

Hey Tom,

Noticed your issue with HBP. I had valve replaced at Duke on 10/3. bp was 90-110/60-70 range up to my cardio follow up on 10/24. I put up 115/75. I was out of woods or so I thought until I sat down at Bp Machine at grocery store and dialed up 176/110. Freaked out and spent the next 3 days watching it go up at night to sometimes the 200/120 range. My doc has pretty much doubled my meds and I'm closer to normal now. He wants me to go from 275-230 and exercise. That being said, my heart has returned to normal size and EF function. Good luck and I honestly think it is our hearts being too efficient than what our systems have gotten used to. That is from my nonexpert, unlearned opinion.

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Tom Bender It seems to have somewhat stabilized, but to the lower end. Discussed it with my primary yesterday. Monitoring and watching it for now. Not sure what it ... Read more

Tom Bender It seems to have somewhat stabilized, but to the lower end. Discussed it with my primary yesterday. Monitoring and watching it for now. Not sure what it will do during rehab, but I know they will monitor it.

On January 9, 2014...

Susan posted a note for Tom that says:

Not yet. My next cardio appointment is for 3.7.14 and I am in weight loss mode. Per Dr order. So far 37 down and 13 to go. He has already talked about test and valve replacement surgery. Six months and waiting. Keep up the good recovery.

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On January 9, 2014...

Susan Smith, pre-op and waiting posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom, Sounds like you are doing great and are well into your recovery. Hope you got all those questions answered. I do know BP is different in each arm and that is because of the heart. Question are you driving already or do you have someone take you to the appointments? Just wondering. Stay dry and stay warm.

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Tom Bender Susan,
Thanks for the inquiry. Not driving yet. My 3 week post op or post home visit to the surgeon is the last week of January. I have a couple of options ... Read more

Tom Bender Susan,
Thanks for the inquiry. Not driving yet. My 3 week post op or post home visit to the surgeon is the last week of January. I have a couple of options for getting to rehab, once we get that setup.
In the meantime I can do laps inside the house.
Like other places around the country, it's been really cold here. At least it was decent when I had to go to the doctor yesterday.
Whenever I see your name I think of a former coworker named Susan Smith.
Do you have a date set for surgery?

On January 8, 2014...

Kevin Woodard posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom,
It is funny how fast time flies after surgery! It's been 24 days since I went in and I can't believe it. I guess that is because time was moving so slow leading up. Glad to hear you are home and feeling well. Best of luck on your continued recovery!

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Tom Bender Thanks Kevin. I had a good post op primary doctor visit today. He's aid if he had not known why I came today (and had not looked at my chest), he would not ... Read more

Tom Bender Thanks Kevin. I had a good post op primary doctor visit today. He's aid if he had not known why I came today (and had not looked at my chest), he would not have known that I had major heart surgery just12 days ago. Same comments from the font office.

On January 8, 2014...

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom, Glad to hear your blood pressure has gone down. Best wishes for your continued recovery!

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On January 8, 2014...

Kim Stripling posted a note for Tom that says:

Hi Tom,

Good Luck today at your doctor's appointment. I'm sure he will tell you that you are doing AWESOME!!!!

Do you have any food restrictions that we need to know about???

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On January 4, 2014...

Glenn Oden posted a note for Tom that says:

Thanks for the great encouragement in my guestbook. It's comforting to have another brother in Christ to share this experience with. I told my prayer group that we depend on God for every breath, Monday will be no different…I'll just be a bit more pain. Please pray that my surgery and recovery are successful.

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On January 4, 2014...

Carol Jackson posted a note for Tom that says:

Glad to hear you are doing so well except for the BP. Isn't it great to be on the other side of surgery? If you remember I had the same diagnosis as you. I realize now that I have so much more energy rhan before aurgery. I don't get out of Breath climbing 2 Flights of stairs or swimming 6-7laps with board.( can't so freestyle or Breaststroke yet. Chest too sensitive. ) look forward to following your recovery.

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On January 3, 2014...

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Tom that says:

Hi Tom,
I saw your name in another journal and realized that we have a lot in common. I, too, was born with a bicuspid aortic valve. I'm 57 now, but didn't find out about it for many years. I'm meeting with my valve clinic staff team on February 4th to begin planning for my surgery. I have elected to have a bovine valve, but I'll find out more after testing.
Good luck with your recovery! I'll be following your process.

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On January 3, 2014...

Kim Stripling posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom - glad you are doing so well - you and you family are in my prayers. Just wanted to let you know that we aren't greeters/ushers until next Sunday - January 12th. Make sure you send me your address.

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Tom Bender Thanks

See my emails

On January 2, 2014...

Jim Jones posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom
This is all wonderful news. Amazing to be at the same hospital a half a century later! It's great to know you are on "Recovery Road". Godspeed.

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On January 2, 2014...

Mary Grant posted a note for Tom that says:

Hi Tom

Happy New Year :) So glad everything is going so well. Carolyn just told me about your HVJ. Keep up the great work and keep posting. Love reading your updates. You are in our prayers.

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Tom Bender Mary,
Thank you. And thank you for tipping me off about Carolyn's journal. It helps.
See you in Feb.
Tom

On January 2, 2014...

Stephanie posted a note for Tom that says:

Glad to hear you are doing so well! Keep posting when you are up to it. Get lots of rest. God Bless,

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Tom Bender Stephanie,
Thanks. Posting makes the time go by.
You all feel free to st by afte ushering.
Tom

On January 1, 2014...

Kim Stripling posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom,

2014 will be a GREAT year for all of us! What a way to start your New Year by going home. Sounds like you are doing AWESOME. Keep us updated!

Kim Stripling

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Tom Bender Kim,
Thanks. Hope all is going well with you. You all feel free to stop by after ushering on Sunday. We would love to see you.
Tom

On January 1, 2014...

Susan Smith posted a note for Tom that says:

Tom, what a great way to start the new year out,by coming home. Stay focused and have a blessed new year 2014.

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On January 1, 2014...

Carolyn Stone AVR 9/25/12 posted a note for Tom that says:

So glad everything went well. I'm impressed with your progress. Keep up the positive attitude.

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On January 1, 2014...

Jim Jones posted a note for Tom that says:

Well done and Happy New Year, Tom! Sure looks like a short hospital stay for you. So pleased all went well for you. Now you can move to the next phase of recovery!

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On December 31, 2013...

Marcia posted a note for Tom that says:

So happy to hear all went well Tom. Will keep you in my prayers.My surgery is this friday looking forward also to get this over with and start the recovery and feeling better.

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Tom Bender Marcia,
I'm sure yours will go well. I tried to keep very busy last week. The grand daughter and her parents showing up Thursday was a big help and inspiration. ... Read more

Tom Bender Marcia,
I'm sure yours will go well. I tried to keep very busy last week. The grand daughter and her parents showing up Thursday was a big help and inspiration. I had emotions but I knew doing the surgery was the only option , short of a huge miracle. I know that God hears all the prayers out there. I will be thinking about your surgery.
Tom

Tom Bender Marcia,
I'm praying for peace in your heart and mind as you approach Fridays surgery. Trust in God and his staff on earth. I know he will protect you and the surgery will go fine.
Tom