Tom's Photos

tim miller  Tom, thanks for posting. As soon as I figure out my ring size I’m going to order one too! Do you still hear it tick or have you become use to it by now. ... Read more

tim miller  Tom, thanks for posting. As soon as I figure out my ring size I’m going to order one too! Do you still hear it tick or have you become use to it by now. I’m at 5 weeks and will still hear it depending upon what I’m doing, mainly at night trying to sleep.

Tom McDonald  Tim, sorry that you are hearing the ticking frequently , I have only heard my valve faintly ticking but nothing bothersome, otherwise I haven't noticed @ ... Read more

Tom McDonald  Tim, sorry that you are hearing the ticking frequently , I have only heard my valve faintly ticking but nothing bothersome, otherwise I haven't noticed @ 12 weeks post-op. Continued success in your recovery

Tom McDonald  Was just wondering if anyone with the on-x mechanical valve, knows or has heard anything about a ring you can get from the company that makes the valves. ... Read more

Tom McDonald  Was just wondering if anyone with the on-x mechanical valve, knows or has heard anything about a ring you can get from the company that makes the valves. It is made out of the same material that the valves are made from. I saw it on Facebook in the aortic valve replacement group that I belong to also. It would be pretty cool to get one. I believe they are free.
(The pic attached is from the post)

Tom McDonald  UPDATE:
I just ordered my ring today. (8-26-19) Anyone that has a ON-X mechanical heartvalve can call: (512) 580-2295. If you sent in your registration card ... Read more

Tom McDonald  UPDATE:
I just ordered my ring today. (8-26-19) Anyone that has a ON-X mechanical heartvalve can call: (512) 580-2295. If you sent in your registration card that will help when you call b/c, they will have your info. Name, address, DOB, valve serial #. Know your ring size.

Tom McDonald  After cardiac rehab today I decided to try walking down and backup one of a few long, winding, and steep grade hills in town (Stadium Rd Hill). Being only 7 ... Read more

Tom McDonald  After cardiac rehab today I decided to try walking down and backup one of a few long, winding, and steep grade hills in town (Stadium Rd Hill). Being only 7 weeks post OHS this hill probably would have been tough on my BAV heartvalve, pre-surgery, but today not even close to heart attack level! My new mechanical aortic valve is working perfectly, and I'm feeling stronger everyday💪

Tom McDonald  Hi all,
it's been awhile.
My surgeon does good work! The Mayo clinic in Rochester MN rocks!
I'm 5 1/2- 6 weeks post-op and doing better than I deserve. ... Read more

Tom McDonald  Hi all,
it's been awhile.
My surgeon does good work! The Mayo clinic in Rochester MN rocks!
I'm 5 1/2- 6 weeks post-op and doing better than I deserve. I've knocked out 10 sessions of cardiac rehab so far and feeling great! Lots of energy again. I have 26 more sessions until graduation. I'm also getting my 10,000 plus steps in a day walking. I'm down approx. 30lbs since surgery. For those of you thinking about putting of surgery, DON'T! My surgeon told my "wife that I was a very lucky man to get in when I did, b/c it wouldn't have been to much longer before something bad happened". Now I have a chance to live longer. Very Thankful! My cardiologist was right on the money when she told me it was time to get it done. For those waiting you can do this! I never thought I could, and that I would be doing this well so soon. God is Great, trust in him b/c he will never let you walk this journey alone! I'm wishing you all in the waiting room the best in your journey's and to successful recoveries! Peace!

Joey Hardee  Tom. As I have said before, please at least LOOK like you have had OHS. You are doing phenomenal and the "scar" looks like you had it 6 months ago. 10 sessions ... Read more

Joey Hardee  Tom. As I have said before, please at least LOOK like you have had OHS. You are doing phenomenal and the "scar" looks like you had it 6 months ago. 10 sessions already? Gosh I hope they let me start next week. Tuesday will be 4 weeks for me and the CR facility I will go to has it 3 days a week, I am chomping at the bit! :-)) You inspire me, Tom! Thank you!

Mike Roskowinski  Awesome to hear Tom! Yeah it is quite crazy how quickly our bodies can bounce back. Get started on the cardio rehab soon and it will help you move forward. ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski  Awesome to hear Tom! Yeah it is quite crazy how quickly our bodies can bounce back. Get started on the cardio rehab soon and it will help you move forward. Also just walk as much as you can handle. It is the most important thing to do. Also dont forget to use your spirometer at home. So how are you doing with the ticking of the valve? I know mine was really weird at first. Someday's it bugs me more than others. Keep up the continued success and soon you will be out on the bike again. I dont think they want me riding my bike till after 12 weeks. I keep asking but keeping getting the no you might fall response. So just keep walking and living life again! The hard part is done.

Mike Roskowinski  Awesome Tom. So glad to hear that you had a smooth ride so far in recovery. Keep up the great progress. Welcome to the recovery side. Hope you get out soon. ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski  Awesome Tom. So glad to hear that you had a smooth ride so far in recovery. Keep up the great progress. Welcome to the recovery side. Hope you get out soon. How is the ticking of your new valve? It was weird at first for me.

Joey Hardee  Come on, man! At least LOOK like you had surgery! LOL You aren't supposed to look that good this quick!! :-))
Awesome to see you with those thumbs up, brother! ... Read more

Joey Hardee  Come on, man! At least LOOK like you had surgery! LOL You aren't supposed to look that good this quick!! :-))
Awesome to see you with those thumbs up, brother! That is fantastic! Praying every day gets better and you are home soon.

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Tom I never made it there. It looks very nice and peaceful. You are going to do great you are in great hands. Tomorrow at this time you will be awake and ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Tom I never made it there. It looks very nice and peaceful. You are going to do great you are in great hands. Tomorrow at this time you will be awake and starting your recovery. We will pray for you tonight for a successful surgery tomorrow. Pochettino is awesome and a really good guy. His team is one of the best. I know you feel anxious because that is our innate feeling before something this serious happens. Laugh and have fun with all the people you meet along the way. The better attitude you have and the more positive you are going into this it will help you in recovery.

Tom McDonald  Thanks Mike, Joey and everyone else for all the positivity and support in my journey. Im finally in a place spiritually and mentally to get this done! 5:30 ... Read more

Tom McDonald  Thanks Mike, Joey and everyone else for all the positivity and support in my journey. Im finally in a place spiritually and mentally to get this done! 5:30 am check in. See you on the recovery side. Peace

Michael Greco  Well, that space is a great incentive to get you out of your room and walking around the first few days after surgery! Our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy ... Read more

Michael Greco  Well, that space is a great incentive to get you out of your room and walking around the first few days after surgery! Our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery go with you, as we prep for our own event in a few days.

Mike Roskowinski  Awesome news Tom. Good news is always something we want to hear. Enjoy your day today and know tomorrow will go smooth and you are in great hands with Pochettino. ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski  Awesome news Tom. Good news is always something we want to hear. Enjoy your day today and know tomorrow will go smooth and you are in great hands with Pochettino. You will do great. The one weird part for me was the fully body shave they had to do. Finally getting hair back on my legs. It is weird to have them only shave the front part of you.

Susan Lynn  Angio is pretty easy...just keep focusing on clean arteries! I think getting the all clear report from my cardiologist during my procedure was one of the ... Read more

Susan Lynn  Angio is pretty easy...just keep focusing on clean arteries! I think getting the all clear report from my cardiologist during my procedure was one of the happiest moments of my life! Plus, it's pretty cool to watch the screen if you're awake! All the best, Tom!

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Tom that is the same one that I have also. It was a little weird to get used to the tick from the valve but I guess that tick lets us know we are alive. ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski  Hey Tom that is the same one that I have also. It was a little weird to get used to the tick from the valve but I guess that tick lets us know we are alive. Hope you have a great surgery and Dr Pochettino treats you good. They have a great team and will be there for any issue that you encounter. It is great to be in recovery and dealing with the stuff on this side than being scared all the time. Recovery at times also has it’s scary moments but I think they are able to be managed easier. You got this buddy. Great attitude and keep praying. I know post op my faith was tested a few times but I still prayed everyday and night and trusted in him and everything worked out for me.

Rob Sparling  Mike, great to hear you on this post to Tom. Your positivity was tested and came back 100 fold. The HW support network in full force! Tom, it is also great ... Read more

Rob Sparling  Mike, great to hear you on this post to Tom. Your positivity was tested and came back 100 fold. The HW support network in full force! Tom, it is also great to see you tear into the heart valve details and I have to say that pic of the valve gets the emotions going. Like the curves on a vintage sports car or some sleek piece of state-of-the-art technology (which it is). Just really great, guys, to see the teamwork. So glad to be here and be part of this community. Inspired. (Now, to Meredith’s post, I am not sure I want to put *that* in the google or not. But funny story, I hope!)

JEFF FOLSE  Tom, I was also diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Valve. After a lot of research I also decided to go with the On X valve. It's been 9 months now with my new valve ... Read more

JEFF FOLSE  Tom, I was also diagnosed with Bicuspid Aortic Valve. After a lot of research I also decided to go with the On X valve. It's been 9 months now with my new valve and I feel 100% better than before. Warfarin therapy is not that bad !!

Mike Roskowinski  Tom I was also talking to some friends as a buddy of mine just had brain surgery at the Mayo a few months ago to get a tumor removed. They recommended going ... Read more

Mike Roskowinski  Tom I was also talking to some friends as a buddy of mine just had brain surgery at the Mayo a few months ago to get a tumor removed. They recommended going to the Canadian Honker for some food. Also a buddy of mine in Rochester recommended it also so I think that is where I am heading to dinner tonight!
https://canadianhonker.com/