I just celebrated my 5 year heart valve anniversary earlier this month. For those of you that are awaiting your surgeries "You Got This"! My anxiety level was ...Read more
I just celebrated my 5 year heart valve anniversary earlier this month. For those of you that are awaiting your surgeries "You Got This"! My anxiety level was through the roof but this website was a Godsend. I loved reading about how others were going through the same thing as me. The time has flown by so just take it one day at a time.
I can't believe it's been three years since my OHS. Time has flown by. It seems like yesterday I was told I needed the surgery. For anyone else that is awaiting ...Read more
I can't believe it's been three years since my OHS. Time has flown by. It seems like yesterday I was told I needed the surgery. For anyone else that is awaiting your surgery keep using this website to help you. I can't thank Adam enough for creating this
Just celebrated my 2 year anniversary earlier this month. I cannot tell you how much this website helped me with my anxiety before my surgery and reading the ...Read more
Just celebrated my 2 year anniversary earlier this month. I cannot tell you how much this website helped me with my anxiety before my surgery and reading the posts of other going through the same thing as I was. God bless you Adam for creating this websit
Doran Herritt Looks good except for the hat. Skol Vikings!
This is a year later. For those that are getting ready for surgery you’ll get through it. I can’t believe how fast a year has gone by. Keep reading the ...Read more
This is a year later. For those that are getting ready for surgery you’ll get through it. I can’t believe how fast a year has gone by. Keep reading the posts because this website helped me so much during the entire process. God Bless❤️❤️❤️
You are right about this blog. It has been a life saver. Your scar looks amazing. Keep up the good wo ... Read more
You are right about this blog. It has been a life saver. Your scar looks amazing. Keep up the good work. Thank you for your post%
Mike Roskowinski Man you dont even look like you had surgery. Keep it up looking good sir!!
Kirk Bepler Great to hear! Wow, your scar looks great.
Deb Amstutz Molnar That has to be the best scar EVER! I'm a little more than a month from my first anniversary, and my s ... Read more
Deb Amstutz Molnar That has to be the best scar EVER! I'm a little more than a month from my first anniversary, and my scar is just OK - nothing exceptional like yours! Congrats on your first year!
Joey Hardee Wow, Mark! You look great! Can't believe its been a year though. Glad you are doing so well!
Mark Jaycox I just hit my 1 year anniversary. I’m so blessed and lucky to have such a great support team. This ... Read more
Mark Jaycox I just hit my 1 year anniversary. I’m so blessed and lucky to have such a great support team. This was about 36 hours after surgery. My next post will show you the scar a year later.
Susan Lynn I'm sure that first glimpse was a little scary - but, what a difference a year makes! Glad you're doi ... Read more
Susan Lynn I'm sure that first glimpse was a little scary - but, what a difference a year makes! Glad you're doing well!
I'm so blessed to be celebrating my 25th Wedding Anniversary today. I don't know if I would of made it if I hadn't had the AVR surgery last December. My beautiful ...Read more
I'm so blessed to be celebrating my 25th Wedding Anniversary today. I don't know if I would of made it if I hadn't had the AVR surgery last December. My beautiful wife and daughter helped me get through this tough time along with this wonderful website.
Celebrating my 6th month anniversary on Bourbon Street tonight. I probably celebrated too much!!
Michael Greco Nah, that’s not too much celebrating, after all, strictly speaking about that pic, you only had at ... Read more
Michael Greco Nah, that’s not too much celebrating, after all, strictly speaking about that pic, you only had at most half a drink. (Never mind that it was the size of a large fishbowl!) 😄
Rob Sparling Mike, doesn’t it say “Image not to scale” somewhere on the photo? Cameras distort things. Cong ... Read more
Rob Sparling Mike, doesn’t it say “Image not to scale” somewhere on the photo? Cameras distort things. Congrats on 5!
Susan Lynn Happy Six-month Anniversary! Enjoy, Mark!
Mike Roskowinski Awesome Mark. Congrats on 6 months. You are doing awesome and look great. Enjoy life and have the ent ... Read more
Mike Roskowinski Awesome Mark. Congrats on 6 months. You are doing awesome and look great. Enjoy life and have the entire fishbowl to yourself. Looks like a lot of fun enjoy!!! 🍺
Louanna Miller Glad you are doing so well. Six months is a huge mark of success.
Before I had my surgery 4 months ago I booked a trip to San Diego to reward myself and family for getting through this tough time. Well I’m enjoying the beach ...Read more
Before I had my surgery 4 months ago I booked a trip to San Diego to reward myself and family for getting through this tough time. Well I’m enjoying the beach with my daughter now. Life’s good❤️
Mike Roskowinski Awesome reward Mark. I told my wife I am planning a golf trip next fall/winter once I get mine done. ... Read more
Mike Roskowinski Awesome reward Mark. I told my wife I am planning a golf trip next fall/winter once I get mine done. And a long Christmas break next winter with the kids to Florida.
Today is my 3 month anniversary since I had my OHS. My recovery has gone very well and I just graduated from Cardio Rehab last Thursday. I just renewed my gym ...Read more
Today is my 3 month anniversary since I had my OHS. My recovery has gone very well and I just graduated from Cardio Rehab last Thursday. I just renewed my gym membership so will continue my recovery.
Saw my cardiologist today and he Said everything looks great and I can return to work on Monday. All my friends are saying I’m crazy and shoul milk the short ...Read more
Saw my cardiologist today and he Said everything looks great and I can return to work on Monday. All my friends are saying I’m crazy and shoul milk the short term disability as long as I can. It’s only been a little over five weeks and I’m going cra
Mark Jaycox I’m not sure what happened to my post but I wanted to ask others if six weeks is too early to retur ... Read more
Mark Jaycox I’m not sure what happened to my post but I wanted to ask others if six weeks is too early to return to work.
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I was fine going back at 6 weeks, but I didn't have a physically demanding job. I went back FT and it ... Read more
Valerie Herndon-Vitarella I was fine going back at 6 weeks, but I didn't have a physically demanding job. I went back FT and it did make the timing of rehab a lot more stressful since I had to go after my work day.
Susan Lynn Mark - you might want to start with half days and see how you feel. I felt really good early into m ... Read more
Susan Lynn Mark - you might want to start with half days and see how you feel. I felt really good early into my recovery, but the fatigue did linger for awhile. Good luck!
John Morales Damm Mark you look great so glad to see this, I'm still 2 months away form my surgery needing both a ... Read more
John Morales Damm Mark you look great so glad to see this, I'm still 2 months away form my surgery needing both a Mitral & tri . scared Sh** but you and the others give me hope
Civita Fahey I started part time at 6 weeks and I was fatigued at the end of the day. Had to take a nap.. I work a ... Read more
Civita Fahey I started part time at 6 weeks and I was fatigued at the end of the day. Had to take a nap.. I work a desk job. If you can start part time you may want to think about it..
Mark Jaycox I have a desk job and pretty low stress so I’m going to try and go back FT and we’ll see how it g ... Read more
Mark Jaycox I have a desk job and pretty low stress so I’m going to try and go back FT and we’ll see how it goes.
Judy S I have a desk job as well Mark but it's high stress. I really enjoyed taking more time so I could do ... Read more
Judy S I have a desk job as well Mark but it's high stress. I really enjoyed taking more time so I could do cardiac rehab and also to get my brain fully in gear. So I went back after 3 months but it was fabulous to have the time to really recover! (And I am working from home right now about 3 days a week.) It has given me time to eat well and not go back to old bad habits!
Thomas Brusstar You might just find yourself tired, just in general or because of medication. So I was fine after a ... Read more
Thomas Brusstar You might just find yourself tired, just in general or because of medication. So I was fine after a month, but I do admit I got tired in the afternoon and left early sometimes. I would say just be alert and don't try to "tough it out" if you're feeling too tired. Just go home and come back better the next day.
Tracy Fallu Everyone is different with recovery and returning to work. My surgeon/cardiologist allowed me to rema ... Read more
Tracy Fallu Everyone is different with recovery and returning to work. My surgeon/cardiologist allowed me to remain off work until rehab, 36 visits, was completed.
Marie Myers I went back to work part time at 8 weeks .. But like Civita said, I needed a nap when I got home. I t ... Read more
Marie Myers I went back to work part time at 8 weeks .. But like Civita said, I needed a nap when I got home. I think it all depends on how you feel. As for me, I wanted to get back to normal, and normal means working.
Barbara Wood I went back 1/2 days at 6-7 weeks & I came home & napped every afternoon. My job was fairly physical, ... Read more
Barbara Wood I went back 1/2 days at 6-7 weeks & I came home & napped every afternoon. My job was fairly physical, not deskwork. Mentally, it was a little challenging for the first few months too, I forgetful & kind of had to reach for my words sometimes - just wasn't really sharp! Good luck to you, let us know how it goes!
Jill McDonald Hi Mark, I am just a week behind you. I am 5 weeks today. I originally thought I would go back at ... Read more
Jill McDonald Hi Mark, I am just a week behind you. I am 5 weeks today. I originally thought I would go back at 6 weeks part-time. I have since changed my mind. I have started cardiac rehab yesterday and would like to get some weeks under my belt before I tackle work. My dr. gave me two most of s/t disability. I have since decided to use the entire time or at least go back part time the last week. Let us know what you decide. I still need to the car yet. I need to start that tomorrow. Good luck on your decision. Work will always be there! Take the time you need!
Kirk Bepler Congratulations! Wow, you have healed great! I was out for 9 weeks, I thought I would be back in 5 we ... Read more
Kirk Bepler Congratulations! Wow, you have healed great! I was out for 9 weeks, I thought I would be back in 5 weeks tops.. It's nice getting back to normal, good to hear you have progressed so fast..
Susan Robichau I went back at 10 weeks. I needed all of those weeks to get my strength and stamina back. I was nappi ... Read more
Susan Robichau I went back at 10 weeks. I needed all of those weeks to get my strength and stamina back. I was napping daily for almost 2 months. I went back full time and did not have an issue. Is better to wait if you can afford it.
Hanging out with the wife and dog while watching my Seahawks lose to the Cowboys 😡 I needed my heart pillow most of the game.
Dan Baltazor Great pic, bummer game for sure. Don’t rent a scary movie, wait until until 8 weeks. We did, I j ... Read more
Dan Baltazor Great pic, bummer game for sure. Don’t rent a scary movie, wait until until 8 weeks. We did, I jumped and hurt my chest. I hugged my pillow the rest of the movie. 🤣
Bob Fessler I know how you feel. Glad they made the playoffs and with the experience gained this year, next year ... Read more
Bob Fessler I know how you feel. Glad they made the playoffs and with the experience gained this year, next year is going to be a great year for the Seahawks.
Judy S Lot of love in that pic—you’re a lucky man!
Dan Vechiola You looking great Mark and sorry about the Seahawks. I has a similar experience watching my Bears lo ... Read more
Dan Vechiola You looking great Mark and sorry about the Seahawks. I has a similar experience watching my Bears lose on a double doink field goal attempt.
Mark Jaycox Dan, I wanted the Bears to win so bad and as soon as the kicker made the first field goal when the Ea ... Read more
Mark Jaycox Dan, I wanted the Bears to win so bad and as soon as the kicker made the first field goal when the Eagles called time out I knew he was going to miss the next one. That was even more of a heartbreak than the Seahawks loss. Both teams will be back stronger next year.
Bob Fessler My condolences are with you Mark. Definitely a heartbreak loss.
My family decorated my hospital bed and now I’m resting. Hard to believe it’s been less than 5 days since the surgery. For all those awaiting your surgery ...Read more
My family decorated my hospital bed and now I’m resting. Hard to believe it’s been less than 5 days since the surgery. For all those awaiting your surgery you’ll get through it and be on the other side in no time❤️❤️
Louanna Miller Looks like you are well taken care of there. Take it one day at a time. I found the first 2-3 weeks ... Read more
Louanna Miller Looks like you are well taken care of there. Take it one day at a time. I found the first 2-3 weeks to be the most difficult. Take care of you.
Dan Vechiola Time to heal. One day at a time Mark. You are going to be surprised how fast time is going to fly. ... Read more
Dan Vechiola Time to heal. One day at a time Mark. You are going to be surprised how fast time is going to fly. Keep up the great work.
Louanna Miller I remember the first time I saw my incision. Three months out and I am not ashamed of it and if it s ... Read more
Louanna Miller I remember the first time I saw my incision. Three months out and I am not ashamed of it and if it shows I’m fine with that. We earn the scar as we persevere through surgery and recovery.
Thankful you are a day closer to hospital discharge.
Rob Sparling Mark, you are looking good buddy! That is a nice looking incision and you will be happy with it! Ti ... Read more
Rob Sparling Mark, you are looking good buddy! That is a nice looking incision and you will be happy with it! Time to get up and around, there are floor tiles to wear out! 👍
Dan Baltazor 3 weeks and mine looks much better, hang in there and let your body heal
Sara Moyce Congrats on being other side of surgery! Yes first view of my scar difficult but I am so grateful to ... Read more
Sara Moyce Congrats on being other side of surgery! Yes first view of my scar difficult but I am so grateful to be alive❤️
Anders Carlos It’s a sign of strength and courage for all of us.
It’s only been a little over 24 hours and recovery is going very well. Left ICU about 3 hours ago and have most of my tubes out. I’ve had a couple meals ...Read more
It’s only been a little over 24 hours and recovery is going very well. Left ICU about 3 hours ago and have most of my tubes out. I’ve had a couple meals and am ready to order dinner. I don’t think recovery can go any better. My surgeon stopped by th
Kathy Archambault That's so awesome Mark! I am scheduled first thing tomorrow morning. Need to be at the hospital for 5 ... Read more
Kathy Archambault That's so awesome Mark! I am scheduled first thing tomorrow morning. Need to be at the hospital for 5:15. Hope I do as well as you! You look great!
Dan Baltazor So glad to hear that your recovery is going well and headed in the right direction.
Lisa Guinan Yay! You’ll be better every day. Pain meds are your friend.
Jill McDonald You look great Mark! Can't wait to be part of the club on Friday!
Louanna Miller Praying for a successful surgery and complete healing. Once you are I. The step down room take it one ... Read more
Louanna Miller Praying for a successful surgery and complete healing. Once you are I. The step down room take it one day at a time.
Jill McDonald Steady hands for your medical team and strong spirit for your family and blessings for better health. ... Read more
Jill McDonald Steady hands for your medical team and strong spirit for your family and blessings for better health. Almost to the other side of surgery!