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Caren Millerjust updated her profile

9 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Educational Video About Aortic Stenosis

6 Expert Tips for Women With Aortic Stenosis

Doctor Interviewed:
Dr. Katie Berlacher

6 Expert Tips for Women With Aortic Stenosis

Upcoming Patient Surgeries

Sarah Gunning Moser
Aortic Stenosis
March 30, 2026

Jeff Frutkin
Mitral Regurgitation
March 31, 2026

Matthew Boyer
Mitral Regurgitation
April 1, 2026

Ana Brussoposted an update

9 hours ago

Hello Richard Munson, how are you? Is everything ok? Just checking on my hvs brother. 🙏❤️

Richard Munson Hi ana, all good

Roslyn Curryjust updated her profile

12 hours ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Jeff V.posted an update

20 hours ago

It’s been a while since I’ve visited/posted on HVS.com! I had a mitral valve repair (MVP) via full sternotomy in 2014 by Dr. Gosta Pettersson at the Cleveland ...Read more

It’s been a while since I’ve visited/posted on HVS.com! I had a mitral valve repair (MVP) via full sternotomy in 2014 by Dr. Gosta Pettersson at the Cleveland Clinic. At the time the MV condition was moderate/severe. Secondarily, my bicuspid AV was under evaluation for a possible replacement. In the end, the AV condition was determined to be mild and the surgeon elected to leave it alone as he advised that it might be another 10-20 years before intervention would be required. Well… after almost 12 years, it’s time to replace my AV as the condition is now severe. I’m returning to the Cleveland Clinic at the end of April for two days of tests and then scheduled for SAVR on the third day with Dr. Anthony Zaki… however, I am also meeting with a TAVR team in case it is determined that TAVR is recommended. I’m 62, in good shape so all things being equal, SAVR or Mini SAVR would typically be the first line approach. Since I am a redo, I am in a higher risk pool primarily because of scarring so all options are open. These matters will all be dialed in following tests. I must admit, the TAVR recovery is very appealing but if SAVR gives me a more durable and longer lasting result, I’ll be inclined to endure the longer recovery and discomfort though considering another SAVR is a daunting prospect. My first-round surgery and recovery went very well and I expect a similar experience. At least this time, the overall anxiety level is much lower if SAVR is required because I now know what to expect afterwards… and I can tell you, my imagination ran off to some dark places prior to the first surgery. Thankfully, Adam and his website were a fantastic resource for keeping things real and providing me with great support! I will now lean back into the HVS.com network for support and guidance! Thanks again, Adam for all your amazing work! Jeff V., MVP 2014 & pending AVR April 2026, Cleveland Clinic!

J Alexander Lassally Hi Jeff - nice to meet you. I really appreciate your words. Similar timing for me with first surgery ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Hi Jeff - nice to meet you. I really appreciate your words. Similar timing for me with first surgery at 50. I, too, dread the idea of another one - but know it is always possible. Agree that the first time was filled with dark fears - and knowing what to expect lessens it to some extent.

I am glad are returning to CC and also trust that as a seasoned warrior, you will be ready for what comes. Keep us posted on the plan.

PS = seems like your logic is sound. 62 is still young enough that a "second round" sternotomy probably gives best durable result and CC is very skilled in these redos. You don't want that to time out at 70 with an average TAVR. Your mitral is still good?

David Buchananposted a journal

1 day ago

Pamela Gregory reacted to this

To mark my 6 months we travelled to Vietnam and walked a hill in Ninh Binh - just outside of Hanoi .

So amazed everyday that my heart ❤️ ...Read more

To mark my 6 months we travelled to Vietnam and walked a hill in Ninh Binh - just outside of Hanoi .

So amazed everyday that my heart ❤️ performs like it did when I was 21 !

Besides the heat , I climbed with ease !

There Is Hope at the end of the Surgical Journey and I hope those of you who are getting ready for surgery , you can take comfort in knowing there is a better future ahead !!!!!

Thanks to On-x USA 🇺🇸 for the leading technology that keeps me alive and to my surgical team in Australia 🇦🇺 !

David Buchanan Just 6 months ago this week

Ana Brusso Congratulations on your six months anniversary. You look great. Continued good health. God bless you ... Read more

Ana Brusso Congratulations on your six months anniversary. You look great. Continued good health. God bless you ❤️🙏

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Congrats David, best wishes for you and your heart!!

Marie Myers Enjoy your renewed health!

Rose Madura Wonderful news! Happy Anniversary.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Edgewood, KY - Sponsored

Gary Fabre

“I just went in for an annual check-up. After listening to my heart, my doctor told me I had a heart murmur. I never knew I had a heart murmur, and I didn’t know much about them. The images ... Read more.

We made the decision, at the time, to keep an eye on it for a year because I had no symptoms. Based on my second echocardiogram, it was determined that my mitral valve prolapse had progressed, and it was time for surgery. Now, I am ecstatic to say that my wife and I just returned from a 10-day holiday in Saint Lucia which included four scuba dives.

Dr. Castillo-Sang gave me the confidence that I would be able to dive again, and he was 100% correct."

-- Gary Fabre, heart valve patient

Karla Wrattposted a journal

1 day ago

7 months post op life's good no pain just a light thud when valve open and shuts.Due to having pulsating tinitis I dont hear the click of the valve but my daughter ...Read more

7 months post op life's good no pain just a light thud when valve open and shuts.Due to having pulsating tinitis I dont hear the click of the valve but my daughter can.

Marie Myers Good to hear you are getting along with the new valve! And you found the “upside” about the pulsa ... Read more

Marie Myers Good to hear you are getting along with the new valve! And you found the “upside” about the pulsating tinnitus as to blocking the valve noise.

Chris Register just updated his profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Chris Register posted an update

1 day ago

Just got diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve, and aortic valve calcification and aortic dilation. I am super nervous and scared

Pamela Gregory Hi Chris. You have come to the right place for information and true, honest support from people that... Read more

Pamela Gregory Hi Chris. You have come to the right place for information and true, honest support from people that have been in your shoes. Make sure to find a surgeon that has done tons of valve replacements! You can ask any questions on this site and collectively we can help you get the answers. I can tell you that I am extremely wimpy when it comes to pain and got through this surprisingly well. I was beyond scared leading up to the surgery but it was not nearly as bad as my mind had me thinking. It is no walk in the park but they controlled the pain amazingly well considering the surgery. It is a long recovery to get your endurance back but it does return. Please feel free to reach out

David Buchanan Chris we have all been in your position
this is the best website and resource you can find
ma ... Read more

David Buchanan Chris we have all been in your position
this is the best website and resource you can find
make sure you attend all of the webinars and take heart knowing we are all in this together

I’m 6 months Post surgery but credit Adam and this website for allowing me to go into surgery informed and calm

Rose Madura Hi Chris, I had the same surgery almost nine years ago. I agree with Pamela to make sure your surgeon ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Chris, I had the same surgery almost nine years ago. I agree with Pamela to make sure your surgeon is on who has done many of these surgeries. Do your best to stay in shape before surgery because it will help in your recovery. God bless you on this journey. Let us know if you have any questions.

Karla Wrattjust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

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Matthew Boyerjust updated his profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Mary Jean Yarbroughjust updated her profile

1 day ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Jeff Frutkingot a new guestbook post

1 day ago

Fidel Martínez Ruiz reacted to this

Deena Z writes, "Jeff, I went with Dr Adams for mitral and tricuspid valve repairs. He and his team are outstanding. Couple of lessons learned:
- i wld have eaten ...Read more

Deena Z writes, "Jeff, I went with Dr Adams for mitral and tricuspid valve repairs. He and his team are outstanding. Couple of lessons learned:
- i wld have eaten more iron-fueled foods before the surgery, because your hemoglobin tanks post-surgery; and it is a major reason for feeling so exhausted.

I would have asked for more help while in the bed to feel more comfortable, because laying solely on your back is uncomfortable. Adjustment of the pillows, etc wld have helped.

Lastly, hospital food and appetite will not be great, so have family bring in food like protein shakes, etc.

"

Jeff Frutkin Hi Deena! Thanks for much for the kind and helpful post. Glad to hear your procedure went well with ... Read more

Jeff Frutkin Hi Deena! Thanks for much for the kind and helpful post. Glad to hear your procedure went well with Dr. Adams. I'm def nervous lol with surgery scheduled for Tuesday. Question for you: How did you feel coming out of the initial surgery? Best, Jeff

Joady Cicerojust updated her profile

2 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

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Matthew Boyergot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Steve C writes, "Hi Matthew, wishing you all the best for your surgery. I'm 6 weeks post op (mitral valve replacement). My friends who had open heart surgery were very encouraging ...Read more

Steve C writes, "Hi Matthew, wishing you all the best for your surgery. I'm 6 weeks post op (mitral valve replacement). My friends who had open heart surgery were very encouraging before I went into hospital, but I wish they'd told me how tough the first week could be. Because I was quite fit and only 63, I thought I'd bounce back pretty quick. I wasn't mentally prepared for the first 2 days in intensive care unit. Some of the things I experienced were: very hard to breath (only able to take split second 'sips' of air for the first day); time warp - I thought I had dreamt/slept for hours but it was just a few minutes on the clock; weird dreams, repeating over and over. Your experience might be quite different. I just wish someone had told me about these things so I could have been better mentally prepared. I was very grateful for the whole medical team and hospital staff and also grateful to be discharged after a week, and able to go home. Each week I'm feeling a bit better, able to walk further, go out for dinner, feel more like my myself. I hope it all goes well for you."

Fidel Martínez Ruiz My experience in mitral valve replacement was very bearable, despite being 75 y.o. at the moment of ... Read more

Fidel Martínez Ruiz My experience in mitral valve replacement was very bearable, despite being 75 y.o. at the moment of the replacement. I didn´t feel much breath lack and in a few days, I don´t remember, I felt myself much better. Everyone of us have his/her own story. There are many factors working in the recovery, for me one of the most relevant is the physical shape before surgery. If you are in good physical form, you have more probabilities to have a mild and good recovery. Then, cheer up and hang in there Mathew!!

Matthew Boyer Thank you both for sharing your stories. I am scheduled for surgery April 1st. I am a little scare ... Read more

Matthew Boyer Thank you both for sharing your stories. I am scheduled for surgery April 1st. I am a little scared, but I am ready to get there and get it done.

Alvin Maharg got a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Steve C writes, "Hi Alvin, wishing you all the best for your recovery. I am 6 weeks post op for a mitral valve replacement. I found the first few weeks very difficult but feel ...Read more

Steve C writes, "Hi Alvin, wishing you all the best for your recovery. I am 6 weeks post op for a mitral valve replacement. I found the first few weeks very difficult but feel better as each week passes. "

Candy Wilsonposted a journal

2 days ago

Steve C, Rose Madura reacted to this

Today marks one month post surgery, can't believe it has been that long already! Thanks again to everyone who has helped and encouraged along the way! ...Read more

Today marks one month post surgery, can't believe it has been that long already! Thanks again to everyone who has helped and encouraged along the way! I start cardiac rehab near our home on April 2. Looking forward to that a lot! My energy is improving day by day and the problem with the fluid around my lung seems to have stopped. Keep going everyone, our future is bright!

Rose Madura Great to hear. Glad you are doing well Candy!

Matthew Boyerjust updated his profile

2 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

New Posts About Aortic Stenosis

SMART Clinical Trial Reveals Medtronic Evolut TAVR Treatment Advantages for Women

Big News! In case you missed it, the new SMART Clinical Trial just revealed... Read More.

Free eBook & Video: 6 Expert Tips for Women with Aortic Stenosis

Our recent webinar, “6 Expert Tips for Women with Aortic Stenosis", was fantastic! During... Read More.

Matthew Boyergot a new guestbook post

2 days ago

Joel Kaplan writes, "Mathew, my name is Joel Kaplan. I had a mitral valve repair surgery by Dr. Chikwe two years ago. Like you, I am an avid hiker and I also am an advanced ...Read more

Joel Kaplan writes, "Mathew, my name is Joel Kaplan. I had a mitral valve repair surgery by Dr. Chikwe two years ago. Like you, I am an avid hiker and I also am an advanced skier (skiing for about 53 years now) and offshore fisherman. I also work out at the gym, typically 3 times per week. My mitral valve disease, once detected, progressed rather rapidly, in just 10 months from early/moderate stage to severe. I would die without intervention. Long story short, I ultimately met with Dr. Chikwe, and my surgery was schedule for just 3 weeks later. I had robotic assisted surgery at Cedars Sinai Hospital. Dr. Chikwe is a phenomenal surgeon and also a genuine caring person. Her surgical team, like Dr. Chikwe, is world class. She is just the very best and I thank her every day for saving my life. Her skillset is amongst the highest in the world, and in fact, she is highly renowned for her skills, globally. Her genuine care for every patient, as a person, is just wonderful. My stay in the hospital was surgery on Tuesday morning and released to go home on Friday morning. Within a few weeks I was walking 2 miles, within 6 weeks or so I was hiking near normal levels. I was soon back at fishing and pulling up 70 lb tuna and it was if I had never even had cardiac surgery. The next winter my skiing was also as if I had never even had cardiac surgery. I still am at it, at the gym. To this day, other than a few minor scars, I would never know that I had undergone cardiac surgery. I fully recommend that you see Dr. Chikwe. She will be honest with you about everything. If you are a good candidate for robotic assisted cardiac surgery, as I was, she will tell you so. I love Johanna Chikwe, she is just the very best human being and cardiac surgeon."

Matthew Boyer Thank you for your response. I am scheduled for surgery on April 1st. I am glad you are doing well ... Read more

Matthew Boyer Thank you for your response. I am scheduled for surgery on April 1st. I am glad you are doing well and back to your pre surgery levels of activity.

Riccardo Puleojust updated his profile

3 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Alvin Maharg got a new guestbook post

3 days ago

Fidel Martínez Ruiz reacted to this

Candy Wilson writes, "Alvin, thinking of and praying for you tomorrow. Hang in there, you are in good hands, and the hospital staff will help you through everything post op. ...Read more

Candy Wilson writes, "Alvin, thinking of and praying for you tomorrow. Hang in there, you are in good hands, and the hospital staff will help you through everything post op. Stay strong!"

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Hang in there, Alvin, I´ve my mitral valve replaced more than two years ago and now is all right, y... Read more

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Hang in there, Alvin, I´ve my mitral valve replaced more than two years ago and now is all right, you´ll be much better after than before the surgery.

Mitchell Needhamjust updated his profile

3 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Educational Video About Aortic Stenosis

6 Expert Tips for Women With Aortic Stenosis

Doctor Interviewed:
Dr. Katie Berlacher

6 Expert Tips for Women With Aortic Stenosis

Bill Fergusonjust updated his profile

3 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Sarah Gunning Mosergot a new guestbook post

4 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Ruth joy writes, "Hi Sarah ,
Welcome

Alvin Maharg got a new guestbook post

4 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Ruth joy writes, "Hi Alvin ,
Welcome

Wishing you good luck for your surgery ."

Vincent Kohnejust updated his profile

4 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Michael Morrisonposted a journal

4 days ago

Sue Cortner, Kimberly Eisenhut, Darrell Malone and 3 others reacted to this

5 years post-op today.
From heart surgery to chasing grandkids and discovering a love for pickleball—life is good.
If you’re facing this ...Read more

5 years post-op today.
From heart surgery to chasing grandkids and discovering a love for pickleball—life is good.
If you’re facing this journey, there’s a full, active life waiting on the other side. ❤️
#HeartWarrior #ValveLife #5YearsStrong

Sue Cortner So glad you are doing well! Those grandbabies will keep you young (or young at heart) forever!!!

Michael Morrison

Rose Madura Happy Anniversary! Glad all is well!

Ana Brusso Yes, life is good. 🙏❤️

Diane Pietrowski Congratulations on your anniversary! Best wishes

Pamela Gregory Wonderful news! and adorable grandchildren

Kimberly Eisenhutjust updated her profile

5 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Vincent Kohnejust updated his profile

5 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Kimberly Eisenhutjust updated her profile

6 days ago

Check out the new edits to 'My Story' page by clicking here.

Kimberly Eisenhutposted an update

6 days ago

Please heart valve family, help me get a few sales in order to keep my Etsy shop running, as it is my only income now. I am so sorry for the shameless plug, ...Read more

Please heart valve family, help me get a few sales in order to keep my Etsy shop running, as it is my only income now. I am so sorry for the shameless plug, but I have few choices and need to do whatever I need to to make sales so my son and I can survive.
Please consider one of my hand stamped keychains for any of your gifting needs.
I am trying to come up with a listing for our community with a hand stamped aluminum tag that says; "Heart Warrior" with an added penny with your name and on a penny year you choose (can be your surgery date, birthdate or other significant date)
Thank you for being here for me through this as I am still going through complications and am hopeful to keep my shop going while I start cardiac rehab finally and hopefully start getting some of my life back. My son and I have been through so much and especially for him, I need to make this work. Mother's Day and Father's Day is coming up and my shop needs sales in order to stay high in rankings, or it will not show up and we will be in real trouble.
Rustic Midwest Charm
Love to all my HVS friends and look forward to posting my rehab experience and goals next week!
I am fighting and will keep fighting!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1437426754/personalized-hand-stamped-lucky-pennies