Guestbook of Toni Z

My Guestbook

On May 10, 2018...

Chris Purvis posted a note for Toni that says:

Hi Toni what valve did you end up going with? I’m 41 and I can not see myself taking blood thinner for the rest of my life!

Like |

Toni Z Hi, sorry for late response. I ended get mechanical valve to avoid repeat surgery. I’m not a candidate for TAVR since my heart is too small. I hope you are ... Read more

Toni Z Hi, sorry for late response. I ended get mechanical valve to avoid repeat surgery. I’m not a candidate for TAVR since my heart is too small. I hope you are doing well. What did you decide to get? I had a stroke when I had my second son so that made me worry about the blood thinner but it was from a clot traveling up to my brain and not from an bleed out. Luckily I recovered from that with no residual problem.

On February 18, 2018...

Kelly Stoll posted a note for Toni that says:

Hi Toni. Thanks for the info on the mechanical valve diet. Please keep me updated. Congrats on your surgery and I wish you a healthy recovery.

Like |

Toni Z So far the biggest adjustment has been the ticking , it hasn't really kept me from sleeping but I can definitely hear it tick away. If I sleep on my back, ... Read more

Toni Z So far the biggest adjustment has been the ticking , it hasn't really kept me from sleeping but I can definitely hear it tick away. If I sleep on my back, it’s the most quiet. I was a side sleeper before the surgery but now I think I’ll be a back sleeper. If I try to sleep on my left, it’s too loud. Sometimes the tick becomes a squeak at the base of my neck so I shift my head and it stops. Super weird and this is my new norm.

Michael Cline Hi Toni, Who is the manufacturer of your mechanical valve?

Toni Z St Jude 19 mm. It was the smallest they had but it was too big so the had to widen my root with graph. Luckily my root was not an issue so no replacement or repair needed.

Kelly Stoll My first introduction to a mechanical valve was at family friends house during dinner. They played a trick on me, went silent, and we all were "trying" to ... Read more

Kelly Stoll My first introduction to a mechanical valve was at family friends house during dinner. They played a trick on me, went silent, and we all were "trying" to locate the ticking noise. A good joke to play on a 17 year old! I admit my spouse has expressed concern about how loud I will be after surgery. I keep reminding him that it will be worse for me, than it is for him. May you adjust to it with ease and get plenty of rest too.

On January 26, 2018...

Martha K posted a note for Toni that says:

Hi Toni,
Thank you for your thoughts. I m glad to hear you are doing well. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. I hope you get to go home soon!
Martha

Like | Adam Pick, Toni Z likes this

On January 22, 2018...

Debra Langford posted a note for Toni that says:

Great to hear you may be going home. Good luck in your recovery at home.

Like | Ilisangela Flores oliva, Toni Z likes this

On January 19, 2018...

Martha Kaczala posted a note for Toni that says:

Hi Toni,
Saying prayers for a successful surgery and recovery today!

Like | Adam Pick, Toni Z likes this

On January 18, 2018...

Debra Langford posted a note for Toni that says:

Praying for a successful surgery tomorrow and a speedy recovery. Sending well wishes your way!

Like | Toni Z likes this

On January 18, 2018...

Bonnie Stone-Hope posted a note for Toni that says:

Hi Toni,
Tomorrow is your surgery.
Thinking of you and wishing you an easy surgery and speedy recovery.

Like | Toni Z likes this

Toni Z Thank you!!!

On January 18, 2018...

SH posted a note for Toni that says:

Good luck, tomorrow, Toni. The waiting is the worst part. While you're hanging out at the hospital, you may want to order a shower chair/stool. When you get home, you may feel a little weak. A chair will certainly make you feel more confident and give you some independence. There are lots of inexpensive choices on Amazon.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Like | Toni Z likes this

On January 18, 2018...

Rhonda Williams posted a note for Toni that says:

Saying prayers for a textbook procedure and peace for you and your family. I had a Ross to replace my aortic valve just a week ago and I'm doing great so stay positive!

Like | Toni Z likes this

Toni Z Thank you.... trying to stay busy and calm. Any tips on what to bring or have when you got home?

Rhonda Williams So sorry I didn't respond to you! I just saw this today. I don't get notifications from the site and I've been lax about checking it. I need to remedy that ... Read more

Rhonda Williams So sorry I didn't respond to you! I just saw this today. I don't get notifications from the site and I've been lax about checking it. I need to remedy that because I want to give as much encouragement and support as I can. I hope you have been doing well since your surgery.

On January 18, 2018...

Lisa Hunley posted a note for Toni that says:

Praying for you!

Like | Toni Z likes this

Toni Z Yes, please! Thank you for any positive energy.

On January 18, 2018...

Sue Lee posted a note for Toni that says:

Good luck for tomorrow Toni.......I had the same as you 4 years ago doing fine now.

Like | Toni Z likes this

Toni Z Thank you

On January 18, 2018...

Richard Pierce posted a note for Toni that says:

looks like its you and I have our date together for AVS. all the best see you on the other side.

Like | Adam Pick, Toni Z likes this

Toni Z Hi Richard😀
Yes we have our dates set and I’m sure you’re as nervous as I am. Let’s check in on the other side and prayer for us both for best recovery. 🙏🏽

Richard Pierce getting stronger each day hope you are as well walked 1/2 mile today how are you doing

On January 14, 2018...

Bonnie Stone-Hope posted a note for Toni that says:

Hi Toni,
Your surgery is coming soon.
Wanted to wish you a successful surgery and easy post-op experience.
Looking forward to hearing from you when you are recovering.

Like |

Toni Z Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for the support! Getting more nervous each day as it gets closer but that’s the norm here. I can’t wait for opening my eyes and being ... Read more

Toni Z Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for the support! Getting more nervous each day as it gets closer but that’s the norm here. I can’t wait for opening my eyes and being on the road of recovery. I’m hoping and wishing for quick recovery. How are you doing ?

Bonnie Stone-Hope I had my surgery on December 20th, which will be 4 weeks ago on Wednesday.
Feel fine, no problems at all. Just need to get stronger.

Found the first 2 weeks ... Read more

Bonnie Stone-Hope I had my surgery on December 20th, which will be 4 weeks ago on Wednesday.
Feel fine, no problems at all. Just need to get stronger.

Found the first 2 weeks exhausting, but then all good.

Will be watching for your posts after your operation.
You will be fine.

On December 31, 2017...

Sue S posted a note for Toni that says:

Toni, I’m having Aorta valve replacement Jan 8th. I was diagnosed with bicuspid aorta valve and narrowing of that valve. I am 68 and have chosen a tissue valve over a mechanical one because if I need it replaced in 15+ years I can probably have a TAVR procedure which will be better since I’ll be older....less invasive! Praying that my Cath being done Tuesday comes back with a good report...if so, I will have minimally invasive open heart surgery. If not, it’s full sternotomy 😟. Good luck! Good luck to both of us!!

Like |

Toni Z Yes good luck to us! Your lucky you can have TAVR. Wishing you great surgery results and quick recovery.

On December 17, 2017...

Marie Myers posted a note for Toni that says:

Hi Toni- I also wrestled with the tissue vs mechanical question even though I was 63 at the time. I did go with the tissue, but if I were considerably younger like you, I would probably go mechanical.. It is a personal choice. Best to you for a smooth surgery and recovery! I am 9 months into my recovery from Aortic root, AVR and ascending aneurysm. It is big, but doable. I felt good enough to go back to work part time at 8 weeks.

Like |

Toni Z It’s such a hard decision to make knowing the permanent lifestyle change and ticking to contend with. With a mechanical valve, my surgeon may also need to ... Read more

Toni Z It’s such a hard decision to make knowing the permanent lifestyle change and ticking to contend with. With a mechanical valve, my surgeon may also need to repair aortic root or graft the aortic while I’m under to avoid future surgeries. I’m looking forward to fast forward to where you are.
Happy holidays to you and your family!!

On December 17, 2017...

Patrick Loy posted a note for Toni that says:

Hi Toni
I am 8 weeks out the other side, and it is overwhelming that for sure, my advice - eat well if possible, plenty of water and try and not get too emotional, its all good. Myself and my wife ( researched everything thoroughly ) opted for the tissue valve, I am glad we did for me. I am very happy now, tired but happy.

Like |

Toni Z Hi Prctick,
Thank you for the support. Due to the small size of my heart, it is unlikely that I would be considered for TAVR so if I go with tissue valve I ... Read more

Toni Z Hi Prctick,
Thank you for the support. Due to the small size of my heart, it is unlikely that I would be considered for TAVR so if I go with tissue valve I would most likely need another OHS. At 42 young, that may mean 2 additional surgeries. So for my situation it looks like mechanical will be better. Fingers crossed and hoping for the best on the other side when I open my eyes. Take care and happy holidays!!

Patrick Loy Yes hear you loud and clear, every person has to work whats best for them, and sounds like you are on it. Wishing you a pleasant surgery and a good life,

Rose Madura It's such a personal decision. I was right on the edge at age 59 but went with tissue valve. If I had gone the mechanical way, I would have gotten the On-X ... Read more

Rose Madura It's such a personal decision. I was right on the edge at age 59 but went with tissue valve. If I had gone the mechanical way, I would have gotten the On-X valve. We are all so different. I know people who have started on warfarin at a young age and manage quite well. Good luck with your decision. Keep us posted.