Tom's Guestbook

Hi Tom, I like all of your photos and journal entries. I am celebrating 10 weeks post op today and feeling GREAT. Wasn't the care and the people at Mayo's/St Marys amazing? Not that I would want to have to go through this again but, it was a fascinating experience and I miss all of the nice people who took care of me. Take care!

Tom, Hopefully we haven't seen a post from you because you're doing so well, it slipped your mind you had the procedure. Seriously, heartened by your post, and appreciative of the note you sent me all the best.

So Glad everything is going great! My husband had exact same surgery—at the exact same hospital—and even the same surgeon. We loved him and his PA. That was April 2015. He is doing great and you will to. They are the best of the best up there! I know exactly how you wife feels!

Hi Tom! Thinking about you as you prepare for your surgery on June 5th. From what I've read in your most recent posts you seem like you're ready to get to it and through it. Praying you have God's peace leading up to your surgery Tom. Peace and blessings to you!

Hi Tom! Thinking about you as you prepare for your surgery on June 5th. This is a journey with ohs. And I (and so many others) understand the roller coaster ride of emotions, thoughts, and feelings that come with this journey. Rest assured that Jesus God's Holy Son will be there in that operating room with you. While undergoing the operation you will be sleep but Jesus will be wide awake overseeing the entire procedure from start to finish. And when you wake up He will still be there with you to comfort you and heal you as you begin your recovery journey. Fall in His everlasting, caring arms, and watch Him carry you through this. I'm not saying it's easy by any stretch of the imagination. However, the road to recovery is a lot less bumpy when we trust Him. You're gonna be just fine Tom. Peace and blessings to you!

Hi Tom, Your story is all too familiar for me. I went for a routine physical, discovered a murmur and was diagnosed with aortic stenosis. They were unable to confirm the cause (a congenital heart defect known as bicuspid aortic valve) until the surgeon actually removed it. I was monitored for 12 years with AS until it was "time" for my surgery because my stenosis also reached the severe stage. At 52, I had OHS and it is indeed the greatest challenge I had to overcome in my life so far. And while it is a big deal, I had to remind myself that many people before me have had this same procedure. You will find many of them on this site. I chose a bio-prosthetic valve from Edwards Lifesciences (Edwards.com) and this past April was invited to their Patient Day where I got to tour the facility and meet the people who actually sewed my personal valve - very emotional. Go to the website as there is a ton of information on valves and recovering from valve disease. There are certainly pros and cons to mechanical versus bio and everyone has to weigh the options and discuss with their surgeon. The thing to remember is that many of us have been in your place -- anticipating a great life event that is certainly going to change you -- for me, it has made me stronger, more giving, and I indeed have reprioritized my life to make sure I pay attention to the things that matter most. If you would like to exchange emails or ask questions, please let me know. I had my open heart surgery in Houston in Feb 2016 -- so I celebrated my third "heart-aversary" this past Feb. Every day is a blessing and I live with a grateful heart....grateful for my doctor who detected the murmur, grateful to my cardiologist who taught me and watched me and the surgeon who not only replaced my valve but found an aortic aneurysm and repaired it....blessings to you. Lea

Still thinking and praying for you, Tom. Keep busy and try to have everything up-to- date so your mind is at ease during those first weeks of recovery. You will read it a hundred times here, "the waiting is the worst of it". Try YouTube videos with calm, relaxing sounds. The Honest Guys (yes, that's the name) make some great generic meditations for relaxing.

Hey Tom, I had my aortic valve replaced January 8th 2018. I'm very much aware of your anticipation as we all have that to deal with. All I can tell you is the surgery is not that painful. The stuff they stick down your throat now that's the worst part of the whole deal.. Coughing is another rather uncomfortable situation just grab the pillow and hold it tight if you have to cough. In 3-4 weeks you'll be so anxious to get back to driving that the discomfort of the surgery will soon just be a memory. All my best buddy. You'll do just fine.

Hey Tom I was wondering if you would be able to share with me the questions that you have for the surgeon and cardiologist. I want to make sure that I am asking the right questions. I always forget to write things down and then turn into a deer in headlights when I get to the room with them.

Hi Tom, from your picture it looks like you love the beauty of nature. You must have so many more places to visit and things to see. You've been given a wonderful gift to be able to plan to keep on living. A dear friend had heartburn one evening and while his wife went to get some antacid, he died of a heart attack. Just that quick. He had no time to choose a doctor, talk with family or say, "I'll have surgery to be with my grandchildren". I know it's hard to keep walking into exams and meetings and know that you are asking for OHS when we would like hide somewhere. But, what is your other choice? The doctors will be ready for you. They do the tests to prepare just for YOU. Before surgery, you will be surprised by how calm you are and then you wake up and it's over. God is giving you this time to prepare. It's a blessing. How many people have an event and need surgery in a hospital they have never been in and it is done by strangers? I wish I had gone into my OHS with more gratitude than fear. I was 73 and weak from a failing aortic valve. I questioned whether it was worth doing at all until I spent this Christmas recovering at home with my grand children. It wasn't easy, but it is worth it. It's hard to erase the scary thoughts, but just the smallest bit of hope and being grateful that you have a choice to live will get you through. Believe the positive posts here. They are the real truth because we have already lived through it. Your thoughts haven't experienced it. Have your thoughts had OHS? They are not real. What the kind people write here is real. You are a young pup and will do great.

Thank you for your response back. Unfortunately I wasnt able to read the whole response. I think it's because I dont have Facebook I tried to sign up but got frustrated after getting denied after several attempts if you contact me add the 52 it should be hunter3176252 My surgeon is Dr. Stulak one of several great surgeons that we are lucky to have working in our back yard at the Mayo clinic. I have known for about 8 months that I would need this surgery. They originally wanted to replace last April but I was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the time and when I was getting clearance from cardiology to have my prostatectomy done they were concerned about how narrow my valve opening was and recomend valve surgery first. I told them I wasnt symptomatic yet and they didnt really believe me judging from my echo and CT scan results. So we agreed if I passed my stress test I could take care of my prostrate cancer first. I passed the stress test with flying colors and had a successful prostatectomy this past May 1st and I'm cancer free! 6 months later I had another echo and the valve has narrowed even more and I am now having the shortness of breath and chest pains at times when exercising. As time goes on you come to terms with the thought of OHS ( for me anyway)...I'm am actually looking forward to mine and moving on to the recovery side. I know I have a great surgeon and care team and I'm in great hands with them and with my Lord Jesus watching over me.

HI Tom...My name is Steve. I live just east of you about 45 minutes away. I will be having aortic valve replacement surgery at Mayo on Valentine's day. Let me know if you have any questions that I might be able to answer for you. I'M in my 50's as well and will be going with the mechanical valve as well. You can email me if interested at hunter31762 at out look dot com as I'm not a member on here but read all the awesome information and advice from all the great Heart Warriors on here.

In Feb 2017 I went to my Dr for a head cold that I couldn’t shake. When she started to exam me, her stethoscope didn’t leave my chest. She told me, “that doesn’t sound good”. I was 66, in good shape and having none of the classic symptoms of ankle swelling, shortness of breath, passing out or anything. Well, to make a long story short, I had Severe Aortic Valve stenosis. I had my OHS on May 23, 2017. 4 days after the surgery, I went home. We all understand the worries about facing this major surgery. I will tell you our minds play terrible games with us and makes us all scared to death. Research and find the best surgeon and the best hospital with excellent outcomes and get it done👍