Patient Pictures of Dan Vechiola

My Photos

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

43 days ago

Like | Joey Hardee, Susan Lynn, Louanna Miller and 7 others like this

Dan Vechiola Me and my daughter's 4.5 month old puppy Matilda on the trails.

Debbie Kelly Love the pic!

Tracy Fallu Oh my goodness- the cutest puppy. 🐶

Catie B Oh, Matilda is adorable! Good to see you're doing the trails!

Adam Pick Cutie-pie Matilda! Love that name!

Rob Sparling Awesome! Get that puppy a Fitbit!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

101 days ago

Like | Joey Hardee, Lisa McLaughlin, Robert Bach and 9 others like this

MY REDEMTION - Me and my daughter Alyssa next to our courtside seats at the United Center for a Bulls game.

Adam Pick Awesome Dan!

Joey Hardee This is flat out awesome! What its all about right here! A conqueror!! Way to go, Dan!

Susan Lynn Fantastic, Dan!

Rob Sparling Way to go, Dan! Do it again next year, too! 👍

Dan Baltazor Just fantastic!! Way to go Dan V!!!

William Fults Excelsior! Thanks for your words here Dan, your story is an inspiration!

Kim Boardman Awesome! Job well done!

Jill Mullikin I love seeing this!

Natalie Galpern Yay Dan! 💪🏼💪🏼

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

120 days ago

Like | Louanna Miller, Lisa Guinan, Willie Radl and 4 others like this

Snowblowing during a snowstorm 4.5 months after AVR sugery. For those in the waiting room, think positive, keep marching forward, visualize success and be confident that your life will go back to normal.

Thomas Brusstar Wish I had a snowblower! I was all old school today, out there shoveling the walk and then the alley. My 13-year-old son knows I jokingly say “because of ... Read more

Thomas Brusstar Wish I had a snowblower! I was all old school today, out there shoveling the walk and then the alley. My 13-year-old son knows I jokingly say “because of my heart!” when I’m too lazy to do something, but we all know I’m back to better than before. I would have started coughing and wheezing if I’d tried to shovel like that a year ago.

Dan Vechiola Thats big going old school Thomas. Its great to feel the difference. My last snowblow experience was 2 years ago and I had to take a break half way.

Tracy Fallu That’s Michigan weather for us.
Glad you continue to feel great.

Debbie Kelly Thank you, Dan, for all the encouragement you give us. Stay warm!

Louanna Miller Way to go Dan!!!

Dan Baltazor That looks WAY better than a shovel. Great update!

Jennifer McInerney I hate snow so I’m cruising on “heart thing”. So far, my husband is buying it

Bradley Dunn It was 70 here yesterday. I spent some time on the baseball field...

Gonna be 27 here tonight but no snow. And grats and doing something I will never do :)

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

134 days ago

Like | Jeremiah Erez, Susan Lynn, David Moore and 12 others like this

Getting my walk in on this beautiful January day in Chicago! Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it. Keep grinding everybody!

Jeremiah Erez Looking good Dan!
Proud of you my Heart Warrior buddy!
Best wishes for continued progress in your recovery. 💪

Tracy Fallu Nice job Dan! There a reason we all start walking in the hospital ASAP! Nice job continuing.

Bob Guzzo You're an inspiration Dan! Keep up the great work!

Dan Baltazor Great pic!!

Rob Sparling Looking good DV! Keep it up! 👍

Maryann Gomez You look great Dan.... strong, healthy and happy! Who could ask for more.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

139 days ago

Like | Dan Baltazor, Valerie Herndon-Vitarella, Louanna Miller and 7 others like this

Dan Vechiola Cardiac Rehab is complete!! I recommend it highly!

Dan Baltazor Congratulations! Wow Dan! You are AWESOME! Looking great! Happy New Year!!!!

Louanna Miller Awesome!!! I just completed my 2nd month of cardiac rehab today. We are on the mend, Dan!!!

Tracy Fallu Way to go Dan! Absolutely agree with you- cardiac rehab is so incredibly impt.

Rob Sparling Congrats, Dan! Way to go!

Dan Vechiola Thanks my friends! We are stronger together and I appreciate all of you!

Susan Lynn Congratulations, Dan! Another accomplishment! ❤

Thomas Brusstar Great job, Dan! Happy new year!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

140 days ago

Like | Mark Wilbur, Lisa Guinan, Dan Baltazor and 9 others like this

3.5 months post op. Feeling great and having fun at the mall while getting my steps in.

Judy S Looking good Dan!

Tracy Fallu Yeah you!

Dan Baltazor Looks good!

Louanna Miller You are doing so great. You inspire me.

Rob Sparling Look at you! Getting younger everyday! 😜

Nancy Luth looking good1

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

145 days ago

Like | Sara Moyce, Dan Baltazor, Diane Maher and 7 others like this

Merry Christmas to all of my Heart Warrior brothers and sisters!!!

Tracy Fallu Merry Christmas to you and your family. You’re smile exudes feeling great and fabulous health.

Dan Baltazor Merry Christmas!!!!!

Judy S Merry Christmas Dan and thanks for your generous posts!

Rob Sparling Looking good, Team Vechiola!

Debbie Kelly Beautiful pic, Dan.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

164 days ago

Like | Lisa Guinan, Jennifer John, Rob Sparling and 6 others like this

Our holiday picture! I'm living the dream because of them with a new longevity!

Susan Lynn Gorgeous family!!

Louanna Miller Wow! Beautiful family. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your family. I have appreciated your support this year.

Rob Sparling Perfect! Looking great Vechiola clan! Congrats, Dan!

Dan Baltazor Yes, back to living!

Judy S Fabulous Dan! You have been an inspiration to everyone on this site, helping so much with your positive attitude. Here’s to an amazing 2019!

John Lant Beautiful Family Dan, Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

217 days ago

Like | Dan Baltazor, Susan Lynn, Nancy Luth and 3 others like this

Happy Sunday Heart Warriors! As we all know best. The past is History. The future is a Mystery. Today is a Gift, that's why it's called the Present. Unwrap your gift of today and enjoy!! GO BEARS!!

Rob Sparling 👍. Good morning, Dan! Keep grinding!

LINDA ROBERTS I will second that. Here is to the Precious Present!

Manuel Moreno There are projects, goals, to have your path defined where you want to go, life teaches you that it is not what you want, it is that God has for you that everything ... Read more

Manuel Moreno There are projects, goals, to have your path defined where you want to go, life teaches you that it is not what you want, it is that God has for you that everything can change from one day to another. Keep going❤️👍

MARIE PICUN Looking great Dan.

Bradley Dunn Happy late Sunday!

Robert Bach Great picture! You look great for five weeks.

Dan Baltazor Looks like you had a great day today.! Don’t know how your Bears did, but Seahawks did pretty good over in London😏

Rich Hahn Dan, thanks for providing regular updates. I'm really just starting down the path, but a new valve is inevitable. The question is when and do I have a bicuspid or tricuspid valve.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

220 days ago

Like | Dan Baltazor, Shannon Gray, Nancy Luth likes this

My incision at 5 weeks. Dr. McCarthy and his team at Northwestern really did a great job. I am very pleased and recommend them highly!

Rob Sparling Looking great, Dan! Almost invisible! It will be soon. 👍

Jennifer McInerney Gives me hope that my cleavage will return to semi attractive 😂

Judy S Wow Dan—another aspect of a speedy recovery! Did you use anything or is this how it recovered naturally?

Dan Vechiola This is just healing naturally. I'm very surprised myself. Every day I look at it I can't believe how well it is healing.

Susan Lynn Great healing!!! Almost invisible!

Bradley Dunn What incision?

Molly Ivers Oh my, your surgeon is an artist!

Judy S Well you deserve good things—you’ve been such a source of positive energy!

Catie B It's fading so nicely!

Louanna Miller I'm 7 weeks out with surgery by Dr. McCarthy and mine doesn't look that good. WOW!!! I am impressed with my scar and its healing. He does a super job on the ... Read more

Louanna Miller I'm 7 weeks out with surgery by Dr. McCarthy and mine doesn't look that good. WOW!!! I am impressed with my scar and its healing. He does a super job on the valve surgery itself, but also on the incision. I was told this at NW by most of the nurses.

Dan Baltazor Wow, AMAZING!!

Dan Vechiola Sorry for those using a desktop. Didn't mean for my picture to be so GIGANTIC! lol

Paul Howarth that's incredible. its like nothing is even there. that's so awesome. i told my wife if the scar is to bad, im going to get tattoos. this may ruin it for me.. thank you for sharing.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

234 days ago

Like | Dan Baltazor, Doris Fowler, Susan Lynn and 4 others like this

Good Morning from a cool brisk Chicago! 1st of 2 - 28 min daily walks!

Susan Lynn Looking good, Dan!

Catie B You're on the move--great work!

Bradley Dunn Awesome..I need to walk more..I just hate the heat... At least now.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

240 days ago

Like | Phyllis Petersen, Willie Radl, Bradley Dunn and 7 others like this

Day 15 Post Op - Back to work 1/2 days plus 2 - 20 min walks totalling 1.8 miles. Lets go!!!

Bradley Dunn That's back to work fast!

Rob Sparling And people tell me to slow down! Glad you are felling that strong, Dan!

Robert Bach That's great Dan. You look like you're in good hands there.

Nancy Luth You are an inspiration Dan!

Louanna Miller Wow, that’s awesome! You’re doing great!!

Jennifer McInerney I’m impressed. That seems fast for going back to work. Good for you!

Jennifer John Fifteen days? Might want to put on the brakes. Listen to your body, and take some time to heal.❤️

Maryann Gomez Unbelievable. You are amazing Dan. You look great. My surgery is tomorrow. You have been very helpful to all of us!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

241 days ago

Like | Willie Radl, Valerie Altman, Meredith Geneja and 4 others like this

Dan Vechiola Me and my mini. 2 Weeks Post Op!

Meredith Geneja Healing so well! Looking forward to being where you are, which will be about mid-October. Very encouraging. Hope you are as relaxed as you appear to be.

MARIE PICUN Your scar looks good

LINDA ROBERTS You are healing quickly.

Susan Lynn Looking good! Scar is fading already!

Doris Fowler Dan, where is your chest tube scar? I had a mini too (repair) and my chest tube was on the right side on the top of the breast....even the nurses were surprised by the location.

Doris Fowler Well, looking again, what I thought was your belly button just might be your chest tube scar!

Judy S Way to go Dan!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

246 days ago

Like | Bradley Dunn, Jennifer John, Meredith Geneja and 5 others like this

Good Morning H-V-S.com World! Happy Saturday! Live more, complain less. More smiles, less stress. Less hate, more blessed. #begreattoday#day9postop

Bill Gillam More football!

Nancy Luth Looking great Dan!

Marjorie Murphy You look awesome

Rob Sparling Another cup of decaf, right? Looking good, Big D!

Bradley Dunn Go Braves!

MARIE PICUN Look great

Meredith Geneja Awesome post. And we are all more blessed than stressed! Enjoy your weekend:)

Valerie Altman U look fantastic and that is a GREAT shirt!

Robert Bach Happy Saturday! Go Cubs!

Judy S So great to see you do so well!

Louanna Miller You look like your feeling great!!’

Maryann Gomez You are looking strong Dan!! So happy for you. I got a call from my surgeon today. They are moving my surgery up to their first available time. He said that ... Read more

Maryann Gomez You are looking strong Dan!! So happy for you. I got a call from my surgeon today. They are moving my surgery up to their first available time. He said that it needs to be done ASAP. I’m having perio surgery day after tomorrow with laser. The surgeon is hoping to get me in early next week. No time left to dilly dally around.
I’m terrified.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

250 days ago

Like | Donghua Cai, Nancy LeClair Gottlieb, Nancy Luth and 13 others like this

5 Days Post Op and Enjoying the Recovery Side!

Donghua Cai Congrats!

Catie B Way to go, looking great!

There's no place like home with a mended heart ready to take on the world.

MARIE PICUN Congrats to you

Thomas Brusstar Great fun. Looks like you are well cared for. But make sure the party ends early: you do need some rest!

Jennifer McInerney You must be so glad to be home and looking good as well. Congratulations

LINDA ROBERTS Looking happy. Know you are glad to be at home.

Meredith Geneja Home Sweet Home! So happy for you. Your photos are so encouraging.....Thank you:)

Sue Tom Looking good Dan. Lucky you!

Rob Sparling Well done, Dan! Congrats! Congrats!🎈🎊🎉

Tina Maroon Dan you look fantastic for just having surgery. I hope and pray you continue to do real well.

Judy S So excited for you Dan and a great way to celebrate!

Tammy Hoffert You look great! Gives me hope for my husband's upcoming surgery! Stay well.

Susan Stroud Hey congratulations! Well done!! Yeah!!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

252 days ago

Like | Shannon Gray, Mark Wilbur, Rob Sparling and 12 others like this

Me and my mini on Dischsarge Day 3 of post op. Hello recovery side! Can't believe I am here!

Shannon Gray Wow! Incredible!

MARIE PICUN Good for you.

Sue Tom Great news Dan! Take it easy at home & enjoy football season!

Jennifer McInerney You look great! You are now a true, heart warrior. Take it easy and prayers for a speedy full recovery.

Nancy Luth Congratulations! You are an inspiration!

Ann Nelson Awesome Dan! My surgery is September 20 and most of the time I relax and just know I’m in Gods hands but as others have said there are other moments where ... Read more

Ann Nelson Awesome Dan! My surgery is September 20 and most of the time I relax and just know I’m in Gods hands but as others have said there are other moments where I’m not quite so calm !! Prayers and positive thoughts are welcomed 😍🙏

Rob Sparling Awesome, Dan! 👍

Lilly Black Dan, you look great! good luck with your recovery....all the best!

Thomas Brusstar Awesome! I see you have the Tape of Honor on your chest! Great work.

Louanna Miller I am so impressed with you and Thomas Brusstar. Surgery and out in 3 days. How in the world did you do it? My stay was 11 days. Glad you are headed home ... Read more

Louanna Miller I am so impressed with you and Thomas Brusstar. Surgery and out in 3 days. How in the world did you do it? My stay was 11 days. Glad you are headed home for recovery. Take it easy and listen to your body as you heal. You will know what you can and cannot do. Blessings to you always.

Susan Lynn Looking great, Dan!

Meredith Geneja It's like being at the best game ever!!!! Someone on my team just had a big win & I'm sitting here with tears of joy in my eyes. GO, TEAM, GO!!! So happy for you & your family, Dan.

Jeff V. Nice job Danny V!!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

253 days ago

Like | Meredith Geneja, Steve Farthing, Debbie Chatzky and 7 others like this

Breakfast 2 Days After Surgery

Meredith Geneja There you are!!!! What a STAR! You look great. Thank you, so much for posting.

Nancy Luth Congratulations!

Robert Bach Congratulations Dan! I think I was in room 1107.

Dan Vechiola Wow 1155 here

Mark Wilbur Look at YOU! Looking great, Dan! Good going!

Rob Sparling Nice! Kickin’ A$$ and takin’ names!

Louanna Miller Awesome!! You look like your doing great.

Jennifer McInerney Looking good!

Valerie Altman Dan you've made this look easy!😎

LINDA ROBERTS Glad you are doing so well.

Debbie Chatzky Looking good. I was in room 1154!

Wanda Mroz Good for you... that’s great!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

259 days ago

Like |

Marjorie Murphy Love the picture!

Meredith Geneja Such a great smile.....looking forward to seeing your next photo & update. Thinking of you as you heal. We are all so grateful for your input. You have been a strength to me. Thank you:)

Dan Vechiola

7111 days ago

Sommer Russell Hey Dan! It has taken me a minute to get back on here and read your post. 1st- I think you are a fantastic writer! I have no idea what your voice sounds ... Read more

Sommer Russell Hey Dan! It has taken me a minute to get back on here and read your post. 1st- I think you are a fantastic writer! I have no idea what your voice sounds like, but I have my interpretation in my mind how you would have told your story. I particularly love the part of your leaking heart and how you interpreted that! Thanks for the note and I hope that you have something great to happen today. I will keep you, family, surgeons, and healthcare team in my thoughts and prayers as you are nearing the top of this mountain. :)

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

282 days ago

Like | Adam Pick, Susan Lynn, Barbara Maw and 4 others like this

Dan Vechiola Nothing like a Cubs game at Wrigley Field to get your mind off things! GO CUBS!

Adam Pick Go Cubbies!!!!

Susan Lynn Beautiful couple!

LINDA ROBERTS Great picture. Go Cubs!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

298 days ago

Like | Judy Shaw, Adam Pick, Kelly Stoll and 3 others like this

Edwards Inspiris Resilia Aortic Valve.

Adam Pick That's cool. Did you see that at Dr. McCarthy's office?

Dan Vechiola Hi Adam! Yes he showed it to us yesterday when we met in his office. He also has a TAVR one too. I thought it was pretty cool as well.

Jeff V. Did Dr. McCarthy give you a range on lifetime of the new Inspiris valve? I think it is Edwards' latest generation and I'm curious what the spin is on how it ... Read more

Jeff V. Did Dr. McCarthy give you a range on lifetime of the new Inspiris valve? I think it is Edwards' latest generation and I'm curious what the spin is on how it is "new and improved". I'm guessing the plan is to bridge you with the Inspiris until a TAVR can be delivered in hopefully 15+ years... ;).

Dan Vechiola Hey Jeff! Yep that is the plan. Edwards valve then TAVR. He said the valve could last 20 years! This Edwards valve is made for the TAVR valve to fit inside. ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Hey Jeff! Yep that is the plan. Edwards valve then TAVR. He said the valve could last 20 years! This Edwards valve is made for the TAVR valve to fit inside. He also joked by saying that there may be a pill by then to correct things with the way things are advancing lol.

Jeff V. Interesting info., thanks!

LINDA ROBERTS Could you give me more input about the valve you and Dr. McCarthy chose? I seems like it has many new features with improved anti-calcification. Since it ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS Could you give me more input about the valve you and Dr. McCarthy chose? I seems like it has many new features with improved anti-calcification. Since it is new and longer studies have not been done, what reassurances did the Dr. give you based on the valve make up of the durability.. Will be having surgery soon at CC and would like to discuss this valve with Dr. Svensson since there is a video out with him using this valve in surgery.

John Lant That is the same Aortic Valve Replacement that I had put into my heart on June 25th 2018.. It is the newest generation if heart valve and is supposed to last ... Read more

John Lant That is the same Aortic Valve Replacement that I had put into my heart on June 25th 2018.. It is the newest generation if heart valve and is supposed to last several years longer than the previous version

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

306 days ago

Like | 1 person likes this

On Facebook Live tomorrow, July 18th. Look up Northwestern Medicine and join live at 1:15 CST.

Susan Lynn I watched it. Very informative. Thanks for sharing.

Louanna Miller Yes,I watched it also. Very informative.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

308 days ago

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Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

322 days ago

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Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

322 days ago

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Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

331 days ago

Like | Rose Madura, Judy Shaw, Susan Lynn and 3 others like this

My heart is not just mine. This is all for my girls

Judy Shaw Beautiful family, Dan.

Dan Vechiola Thanks Judy! Its amazing how you realize when you get older that its not just about you but about all that care about you too.

Judy Shaw Yes it is. I've always been on the care giving side for my husband during his many surgeries and hospital stays. Now he will be my caregiver. This is going to be my first major surgery.

Muhammad Riyaz What a fortunate person you are Dan, indeed. PIZZA, Not Good any more. Hope you will enjoy the life to its fullest.

Susan Lynn Beautiful family! You have a whole team of cheerleaders!
Now, I want pizza - looks delicious!

Dan Vechiola Thanks you guys! Just trying to surround myself with who cares about me the most and try to be as positive as I can as I move forward in this process.

Chris Purvis Beautiful family! I’ve almost been away from my kids for 2 weeks and that has been tough! Can’t wait to get home...home sweet home. Your blessed with your family Dan.

Bonnie Stone-Hope You are truly blessed!

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

331 days ago

Like | Rose Madura, Judy Shaw, Kelly Stoll and 3 others like this

Me and Donna. She has been by my side every step of the way!

Chris Purvis That’s how my amazing wife was. She did sooo much over the last 4 days and man it makes your realize how much you truly can love someone or vice verse.

Dan Vechiola Yes it does! Glad your are doing well and on your way home. Such an event puts in perspective of what is really important in life. As hard as it is for us ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Yes it does! Glad your are doing well and on your way home. Such an event puts in perspective of what is really important in life. As hard as it is for us I actually think its harder for our loved ones to watch and witness.

Bonnie Stone-Hope Lovely photo. You both look so happy.

Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

332 days ago

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Dan Vechiolaposted a photo

332 days ago

Like | Rose Madura, Adam Pick, Judy Shaw and 2 others like this

Steve Farthing Dan, from what you described following the gum flap surgery, that sounds like a rougher experience than most people have after having a heart valve replaced!

Susan Lynn Welcome, Dan! You've certainly been through a lot! We'll be here to cheer you on and welcome you to recovery!

Rose Madura Wow, quite a story. This site was very helpful to my husband and I. Let us know if you have any questions.

Dan Vechiola Thanks everybody. Yes my family said hopefully the heart valve surgery will be nothing in comparison. I don't remember much but it was a horrible experience ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Thanks everybody. Yes my family said hopefully the heart valve surgery will be nothing in comparison. I don't remember much but it was a horrible experience for them. The big thing I have taken out of these experiences is that is not just about me but also about all of those who care about me. When you are laying in the hospital and seeing the faces looking back at you it really hits home. I am fortunate that I feel better than I did when all this first started and I am doing all this for my future and family.

Judy Shaw Hi Dan. I too am having aortic valve replacement, in 6 days to be exact. At first I was scared to death but after finding this site and asking questions of ... Read more

Judy Shaw Hi Dan. I too am having aortic valve replacement, in 6 days to be exact. At first I was scared to death but after finding this site and asking questions of others that have already gone through it, I have found encouragement. People don't mind answering if they can. So don't hesitate to ask!!

Dan Vechiola Thanks all for your support. We can all do this together!!