Andrew Dial - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Andrew Dialposted an update

15 days ago

Rose Madura, Klara Čičić, Timothy Andre and 1 other reacted to this

Has my first appointment today for Cardiac Rehab. It’s going to be twice a week, and I have 34 sessions. Super excited to have a starting point and setting ...Read more

Has my first appointment today for Cardiac Rehab. It’s going to be twice a week, and I have 34 sessions. Super excited to have a starting point and setting goals, And achieving those goals! They are really good about pushing you (safely) but emphasizing Listening to your body. Which I’ve learned is huge- being now 6 weeks post-op, it is very important to listen to your body and not overdoing it. Anyways, just checking in!

I’m enjoying continuing reading everyone’s stories and updates!

Rose Madura Very happy for you Andrew.

You are going to do great!

Daniel Salzer As always, I feel so fortunate to be following in your footsteps. I love that you have 34-sessions ... Read more

Daniel Salzer As always, I feel so fortunate to be following in your footsteps. I love that you have 34-sessions of cardiac rehab!

Klara Čičić That's great, Andrew. I'm happy and excited for you! Good luck!

Timothy Andre Ya buddy!! Welcome to rehab

Deena Elani Great. They start you off at a lower level than you may like. After two weeks, I asked to push hard ... Read more

Deena Elani Great. They start you off at a lower level than you may like. After two weeks, I asked to push harder!!

Andrew Dialposted an update

19 days ago

Klara Čičić, Susan Lynn, Timothy Andre reacted to this

5.5 weeks post Ross.

Susan Lynn Nice incision and healing! You won't be able to see it in a few months, so you definitely want pic... Read more

Susan Lynn Nice incision and healing! You won't be able to see it in a few months, so you definitely want pictures. These surgeons do beautiful work!

Rita Savelis I'm jealous of men because they can just bare their scars. Stay out of the sun for a year and this pe ... Read more

Rita Savelis I'm jealous of men because they can just bare their scars. Stay out of the sun for a year and this perfect scar will completely fade and match your skin color. Take care.

Richard Munson I always thought women could do that. Equality and all.

Marie Myers That is healing nicely. Like Rita says, keep it out of the sun (or seriously use sunscreen) because t ... Read more

Marie Myers That is healing nicely. Like Rita says, keep it out of the sun (or seriously use sunscreen) because the sun can darken scars. Love your “plus sign” pacer wire spots. Mine were just like a “negative” - sign…

Deena Elani Nice scar, Andy; no bulging spots and straight as an arrow. Healing really well! It will fade f... Read more

Deena Elani Nice scar, Andy; no bulging spots and straight as an arrow. Healing really well! It will fade faster than you imagine. Though wear mine with pride.

Andrew Dialposted an update

20 days ago

I’m 5.5 weeks post surgery for Ross procedure/ascending aorta fix with Dacron graft. Do you guys still have noticeable palpitations at times?

Marie Myers I did not have a Ross, but an AVR and ascending aneurysm/root Aneurysm repair. I did feel palpitation ... Read more

Marie Myers I did not have a Ross, but an AVR and ascending aneurysm/root Aneurysm repair. I did feel palpitations on and off for a couple months during recovery. They did lessen with time. My episodes lasted 20 min or less. Some were quite disconcerting in the early weeks of recovery. Hope yours disappear soon. If you have any symptoms like lightheadedness, fainting or other serious symptoms, I would get it checked out.

Martin Smith Palpitations, no. But what felt like a very assertive heartbeat in the vicinity of my ears and in my ... Read more

Martin Smith Palpitations, no. But what felt like a very assertive heartbeat in the vicinity of my ears and in my head as I lay my head on the pillow. After a few weeks it seemed to settle down or I stopped noticing. It's very early still.

Marie Myers Oh yes, I did experience the very strong heartbeats sensation. I still can feel that when taking a ve ... Read more

Marie Myers Oh yes, I did experience the very strong heartbeats sensation. I still can feel that when taking a very deep breath .I think that is due to the greater blood flow out of the heart due to the aortic valve replacement.

Andrew Dialposted an update

36 days ago

Not sure if anyone else has this question or not, but how long after heart surgery should one wait to have sex? I am on blood pressure meds to keep my BP down ...Read more

Not sure if anyone else has this question or not, but how long after heart surgery should one wait to have sex? I am on blood pressure meds to keep my BP down below 110. And am supposed to be watching my BP like a hawk for 12 months, from what surgeon said. Sex would really mess with your BP, one would assume… but wondering when it’s safe after a Ross procedure. I see my surgeon next week and will definitely ask then. Thanks!

Daniel Salzer Good question Andy - I look forward to Dr. Burke's response - I suspect there is best practice guidan ... Read more

Daniel Salzer Good question Andy - I look forward to Dr. Burke's response - I suspect there is best practice guidance for Ross patients for keeping your heartrate (vs. BP) below a certain level for a X weeks post surgery for any form of exercise. Dr. Burke told me I'll be able to resume running 6-8 weeks after my Ross procedure and I'm very curious to see what my HR is like during exercise after my faulty aortic valve is gone.

Rose Madura Your cardiologist will tell you the answer. If not, ask him/her.

Richard Munson I was told never again but then i’m 80.

Ana Brusso Oh Richard, you made made me laugh literally out loud. Sex, what’s that? Love ❤️ you my dear fr ... Read more

Ana Brusso Oh Richard, you made made me laugh literally out loud. Sex, what’s that? Love ❤️ you my dear friend

Adam Baumgartner I'm surprised they didn't go over it at discharge. It was part of my discharge notes and nurse went o ... Read more

Adam Baumgartner I'm surprised they didn't go over it at discharge. It was part of my discharge notes and nurse went over precautions. Discharge instructions say it's OK to resume sex when you wish as long as you do not support yourself on arms for 6 weeks and follow sternal precautions. I know I had a different surgery, but imagine it's similar. Maybe read through your after visit summary from discharge.

Andrew Dial Thank you all. I will let you know what they say or what I find out, incase anyone else is wondering ... Read more

Andrew Dial Thank you all. I will let you know what they say or what I find out, incase anyone else is wondering too :)

Laura Bickford I asked at my first post-op visit. A bit embarrassed, but hey this information is important. I'm su ... Read more

Laura Bickford I asked at my first post-op visit. A bit embarrassed, but hey this information is important. I'm sure it depends on your surgery, I was told at least 6 weeks after surgery

James Hall I was told it would be six weeks before I could drive and have sex I thought that would be dangerous ... Read more

James Hall I was told it would be six weeks before I could drive and have sex I thought that would be dangerous until my cardiologist pointed out not at the same time 😳

Andrew Dialposted an update

41 days ago

Hey y’all… sitting here on the couch relaxing. All of a sudden got SUPER lightheaded and dizzy. Room was spinning. Freaked me out, and lasted 3-4minutes. ...Read more

Hey y’all… sitting here on the couch relaxing. All of a sudden got SUPER lightheaded and dizzy. Room was spinning. Freaked me out, and lasted 3-4minutes. Checked BP: 113/57. Damn near right on the money. Ross procedure 16 days ago. Any ideas ? Definitely freaked me out

Daniel Salzer Yikes! Is this the first time anything like this has happened since you were home? If this happens ... Read more

Daniel Salzer Yikes! Is this the first time anything like this has happened since you were home? If this happens again, seems like UW Heart Institute will want to hear about these symptoms

Andrew Dial First time that’s happened yes. I called and left a message.

Richard Munson I had vertigo about a month after my surgery just laying in bed. The room was upside down. Wife call ... Read more

Richard Munson I had vertigo about a month after my surgery just laying in bed. The room was upside down. Wife call 911. It lasted about 5 minutes. I fell on the floor. Not good after heart surgery. Had a milder case 6 months later on my treadmill. Since then nothing. No idea why i had the first one but it seems that it must have had something to do with my heart surgery. Very scary. I thought i was dying.

Ana Brusso I had vertigo almost a year after my surgery sitting on the couch and went to the ER got all kinds of ... Read more

Ana Brusso I had vertigo almost a year after my surgery sitting on the couch and went to the ER got all kinds of tests done including an MRI of my brain. They didn’t see anything and days later my Neurologist gave me an Epley maneuver but nothing was noticed either. It was very scary but Thank God I didn’t have another one since. But I have to say my balance got bad after surgery and even with exercise and walking it has not gotten better, so I’m just very careful and try not too walk too fast inside the house. Still grateful for the surgery.

Michael Klusyk Hey Andrew. Arrhythmia’s are not uncommon after heart surgery and can decrease cardiac output which ... Read more

Michael Klusyk Hey Andrew. Arrhythmia’s are not uncommon after heart surgery and can decrease cardiac output which could be the reason for the light headedness. I had a very short run of V-Tach and a longer run of AFib when I was still in the hospital. I was prescribed Amiodorone for the AFib and have had no more runs since 3 days post surgery. Definitely follow up with your surgeon or cardiologist and inquire about a halter monitor so they can see what’s going on in there electrically.

Rose Madura A couple years after my surgery, I had terrible bouts of vertigo along with severe ear infections. ... Read more

Rose Madura A couple years after my surgery, I had terrible bouts of vertigo along with severe ear infections. After much anguish and PCP visits I suggested a referral to an ENT who correctly diagnosed me with BPPV and did the Epley maneuver which corrected it. That waa 2 years ago and I've been ok since. There are crystals in your ear that control balance. One got out of whack causin the vertigo. The Epley maneuver put it back in place. It kind of odd that many of us had this - kind of like the auras. When I asked what was the cause of the crystals being out of place, my young PCP said (as he usually does), "Well, as you get older......:

Richard Munson Ana, you brought a smile to my lips by saying you had an mri on your brain and they didn’t find any ... Read more

Richard Munson Ana, you brought a smile to my lips by saying you had an mri on your brain and they didn’t find anything. Stand up comedy. Are you on tour?

Miriam Alejos I have had these episodes a couple times after surgery. Doctor didn't say much about it just to keep ... Read more

Miriam Alejos I have had these episodes a couple times after surgery. Doctor didn't say much about it just to keep a watch on my HR when it happens but that is always normal.

Brady Busch After leaving the hospital and being home,it had to have been around the third or fourth week,post su ... Read more

Brady Busch After leaving the hospital and being home,it had to have been around the third or fourth week,post surgery,because I stayed at a hotel for the first two,there was some dizziness.
The most extreme episode,was kneeling and bending my head down,a very quick sensation,sort of like how general anesthesia does it's thing.I quickly righted myself and gained my equilibrium.Kind of scary.The nurse I talked to called it,positional dizziness.
Another time or two,when getting into bed,there was some mild room spinning,but it didn't last long.
I was most likely having afib at the time and that could of contributed.

Rose Madura My diagnosis of BPOV stands for Benign Paradoxical POSITIONAL VERTIGO. I'm find this very interesting ... Read more

Rose Madura My diagnosis of BPOV stands for Benign Paradoxical POSITIONAL VERTIGO. I'm find this very interesting at all the cases.....

Ana Brusso Lol Richard, leave it to you my dear friend to also put a smile on mine too

Richard Munson Rose, my doctor tried to convince me it was not related to the surgery. Seems i never had it before. ... Read more

Richard Munson Rose, my doctor tried to convince me it was not related to the surgery. Seems i never had it before. Same with blurry vision. I now know that people suffering from vertigo all their lives must be depressed awaiting the next one.What a frightening experience. Even a couple of bouts of over drinking in my early days could not compare. Imagine having it while driving. It came on so fast i was ill prepared to deal with it.

Rose Madura I know! And actually, I wouldn't drive when I had it. I feared having an "episode" when driving. ... Read more

Rose Madura I know! And actually, I wouldn't drive when I had it. I feared having an "episode" when driving. The last straw was when I was walking down the stairs and it hit me. I had the wherewithal to grab the banister and sit down.

Richard Munson Glad you were able to react. My first was right after surgery watching tv. One second later the room ... Read more

Richard Munson Glad you were able to react. My first was right after surgery watching tv. One second later the room flipped up side down and i fell on the floor. When the emts arrived i was fine. A little embarrassed we called them but i really thought i was dying at the time. Knock on wood i have been vertigo free for months but it is always in the back of my mind.

Andrew Dialposted an update

48 days ago

Klara Čičić, Daniel Salzer, Miriam Alejos and 6 others reacted to this

And here she is….

Klara Čičić Magnificent...

Adam Baumgartner Amazing

Marie Myers So cool!

Deena Elani Miraculous. The heart in itself and your surgery.

Kristine Schroeder That is incredible.

Susan Lynn Amazing! Suitable for framing!

Daniel Salzer Great photo! Beautiful evidence of Dr. Burke's handiwork.

Rose Madura Only a heart valve warrior would appreciate this! Amazing photo.

Luke Rodriguez No wonder my ribs still feel like Mike Tyson pounded on them.

Lisa Coombe That’s an awesome picture, I got one of mine just after I was opened up

Michael Klusyk Awesome! Thank you for sharing.

john roland Amazing picture

Andrew Dialposted an update

48 days ago

Rose Madura, Scott Kinghorn, John Errico reacted to this

Turns out my bicuspid aortic valve was actually Unicuspid!

John Errico wow

Andrew Dial Yeah… the thing is destroyed

Andrew Dial Not sure how it was even functioning at all…

Klara Čičić Woooow Andrew! You're a unicorn :))))

Daniel Salzer Thanks for sharing the pic! It is so great that your failing valve is gone and that you have a health ... Read more

Daniel Salzer Thanks for sharing the pic! It is so great that your failing valve is gone and that you have a healthy valve meeting your 100K beats/day need

Andrew Dial 🙏🏼

Deena Elani No wonder you were dizzy and faint!!. Thank goodness you got it all fixed-up!. It’s over now- fina ... Read more

Deena Elani No wonder you were dizzy and faint!!. Thank goodness you got it all fixed-up!. It’s over now- finally. What a feeling…

Kristine Schroeder Wild!

Rose Madura Oh my!

Susan Lynn I'll take the 8" x 10" and wallets package. Totally cool!

Luke Rodriguez Thanks for sharing, I was wondering what mine looked like, this helps.

Michael Klusyk Apparently mine was a uni-cusper as well according to the surgical notes. Happy that bad boy is gone! ... Read more

Michael Klusyk Apparently mine was a uni-cusper as well according to the surgical notes. Happy that bad boy is gone!!

Erik W. Crazy!

Brent Musat yeah, I though most of my life that I had a bicuspid valve, but imaging from the last couple years co ... Read more

Brent Musat yeah, I though most of my life that I had a bicuspid valve, but imaging from the last couple years confirmed unicuspid, and my surgeon confirmed indeed it was horrible looking and unicuspid.. so happy to be rid of it!

Andrew Dialposted an update

54 days ago

Daniel Salzer, Rose Madura, Travis Ederer and 10 others reacted to this

Hi all, well it’s been a few long days. First night had the breathing tube in all night due to the fact I was falling asleep and my breathing would want to ...Read more

Hi all, well it’s been a few long days. First night had the breathing tube in all night due to the fact I was falling asleep and my breathing would want to stop. Yippy, lol. Thurs/Fri they found some things in my ekg that they watnted to look at. So Saturday did an echo, and everything looks fantastic! Also got released from ICU status yayyy! Still on oxy/Tylenol, mirolax, I believe a blood thinner still and maybe one or two other things.

Overall in good spirits. when pain meds start to wear off, a headache comes on, but blood pressure is good. Pulse and oxygen look amazing! I have pictures to post but crappy service isn’t letting me!

thankyou EVERYONE on heartvalvesurgery and Adam pick, and HUGE thank you to the University of Washington Hesrt Clinic and the entire team. Christopher Burke and his fellow and team did absolutely stellar job!

Rose Madura Andrew, it's great to hear from you! Glad you are out of ICU. Welcome to recovery. Take your time ... Read more

Rose Madura Andrew, it's great to hear from you! Glad you are out of ICU. Welcome to recovery. Take your time and listen to your body. You'll be going home before you know it!

Marie Myers You did it! Congratulations!!

Deena Elani Great to get the update, Andrew, and even better to know that you are doing well and so out of the IC ... Read more

Deena Elani Great to get the update, Andrew, and even better to know that you are doing well and so out of the ICU. Check! Dang, rough first 24 hours, but you stayed strong. The hardest is over, and each day will get better and better!!!
Right on and congrats.

Michael Klusyk Good job Andrew! Standby for a little improvement everyday, continue to use your spirometer, and enjo ... Read more

Michael Klusyk Good job Andrew! Standby for a little improvement everyday, continue to use your spirometer, and enjoy being home when you get there!

Thomas Brusstar Great work! You’ll be amazed at how fast your body heals from here on out!

Adam Baumgartner Good to hear. It's all downhill now

Miriam St.Clair Such wonderful news!

LINDA ROBERTS Great news!

Miriam Alejos Its great to hear your update! Welcome to recovery!

Patsy Stewart Fantastic update! Keep getting better!

Lee Lewis Great to hear , out of ICU, hope you feel stronger everyday. Prayers

Susan Lynn Yay!!!! Great news!

Ana Brusso Great news Andrew, continued good recovery and health. God bless you

Daniel Salzer It was so good to reed your first post-surgery message. I'm so glad Dr. Burke was able to complete t ... Read more

Daniel Salzer It was so good to reed your first post-surgery message. I'm so glad Dr. Burke was able to complete the Ross Procedure and that you have graduated from the cardiac ICU. I will look forward to seeing your next update - thanks for keeping us informed!

Timothy Andre Keep up the good fight bro!! Your doing great. Congrats on graduating to the step down unit. If you... Read more

Timothy Andre Keep up the good fight bro!! Your doing great. Congrats on graduating to the step down unit. If you have a roommate as I did, I hope they are not snoring like mine did. lol

Andrew Dialposted an update

58 days ago

Daniel Salzer, Miriam Alejos, Deena Elani and 9 others reacted to this

❤️here we go

Daniel Salzer It's go time! Best wishes for a smooth surgery today.

Marie Myers Have a good nap! Will be looking for your posts!

Kristine Schroeder Whoo-Hoo!

Rose Madura Take care.

Michael Klusyk Praying that surgery went well and you’ve had progress Day 1 post op. It gets easier everyday my f ... Read more

Michael Klusyk Praying that surgery went well and you’ve had progress Day 1 post op. It gets easier everyday my friend!

Holly Wale Andrew! Hope it was a great day and we all want to hear more when you are up to it! Get some goo ... Read more

Holly Wale Andrew! Hope it was a great day and we all want to hear more when you are up to it! Get some good rest and you'll be on the mend in no time at all!

Adam Pick Let's go! See you on the other side!

Deborah Berger Wishing you a speedy recovery. You got this!

Leslie Prebyl Andrew I hope you have a speedy recovery. My 22 year old son is scheduled to have the Ross Procedure ... Read more

Leslie Prebyl Andrew I hope you have a speedy recovery. My 22 year old son is scheduled to have the Ross Procedure in September. I think I am more nervous then he is. We are going to Mount Sinai in New York. We live in the Kansas city area, so the traveling makes me nervous. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Take care.

Andrew Dialposted an update

58 days ago

Daniel Salzer, Timothy Andre, Rose Madura and 1 other reacted to this

Thank you everyone for their wishes! I appreciate you all immensely. The nerves are starting to kick in a little bit, but overall I am at peace. I look forward ...Read more

Thank you everyone for their wishes! I appreciate you all immensely. The nerves are starting to kick in a little bit, but overall I am at peace. I look forward to posting post-surgery pics and updates for you all. If anyone wants to follow me on IG: @dial_it_in_outdoors

Ana Brusso Don’t be fearful dear friend, you are in our prayers and God is in-charged. Praying for your succes ... Read more

Ana Brusso Don’t be fearful dear friend, you are in our prayers and God is in-charged. Praying for your successful surgery and recovery. Write when you can. God bless you 🙏❤️

Rose Madura You will do great. Ana is right- God is in control.

Miriam Alejos Those nerves are definitely normal. I remember even getting nauseated the night before my procedure.... Read more

Miriam Alejos Those nerves are definitely normal. I remember even getting nauseated the night before my procedure. You will do just fine

we are all praying for you!

Andrew Dialposted an update

61 days ago

Daniel Salzer, Ellen Higgs, Joyce Shelby and 5 others reacted to this

Enjoying my last weekend before surgery on Wednesday. Fishing, boating, eating good food… mind is at ease. I’m ready.

Marie Myers That is a great pre-op picture!

Klara Čičić Wow! I see we are the same age :) Nice to see my generation. Good luck!!!

Joyce Shelby All the best on your surgery and recovery, you GOT this!

Adam Pick Smart!!! Do what you love. Enrich the mind/body connection. Heart surgery will not change that - jus... Read more

Adam Pick Smart!!! Do what you love. Enrich the mind/body connection. Heart surgery will not change that - just a temporary "pause" button. I am already looking forward to your post-op picture in a similar setting with a healthy heart pumping away (and a bigger fish

) !!! You got this Andrew!!!

Adam Pick Smart!!! Do what you love. Enrich the mind/body connection. Heart surgery will not change that - jus... Read more

) !!! You got this Andrew!!!

Adam Baumgartner Good Luck.

Rose Madura A great way to spend the weekend prior to surgery.

Susan Lynn You're going to do just fine! You'll be fishing again before you know it!

Timothy Andre

That's what I'm talking about!! You look calm and at peace bro. Happy your spending time on the wat... Read more

Timothy Andre

That's what I'm talking about!! You look calm and at peace bro. Happy your spending time on the water, your happy place.

Andrew Dial Thank you everyone! You all have really helped me thru this time and I can’t wait to be in the othe ... Read more

Andrew Dial Thank you everyone! You all have really helped me thru this time and I can’t wait to be in the other side.

Deena Elani We are all rooting and praying for you, Andrew. You have an incredible surgeon and a whole lot of w ... Read more

Deena Elani We are all rooting and praying for you, Andrew. You have an incredible surgeon and a whole lot of warriors behind you!!!

Civita Fahey Best of luck.. you will do great!

Linda Johnson Great photo Andrew! I am sending you best wishes and positive thoughts as you prepare for surgery th ... Read more

Linda Johnson Great photo Andrew! I am sending you best wishes and positive thoughts as you prepare for surgery this week. You will do great!

Michael Klusyk Hi Andrew. Great job getting out and getting after it! My son, his wife, and I went camping and off-roading the week before my surgery. Totally completed my preparation for recovery. Not sure if you have a packing list but I found a few things helpful:
• shorts and underwear. You don’t have to sit forever in a hospital gown without anything down below.
• some type of slip on shoe for walking - I took Crocs
• toothbrush and toothpaste - gamechanger
• phone and long charging cable
... Read more

Andrew Dialposted an update

72 days ago

Hey guys, 2 weeks until my surgery!! Anyone have recommendations for things I need to get ready at home for post-surgery? My wife will be staying home with ...Read more

Hey guys, 2 weeks until my surgery!! Anyone have recommendations for things I need to get ready at home for post-surgery? My wife will be staying home with me for a week and I will have additional family help as well for a few weeks.

any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

Tom Everson Hi A shower chair came in handy

Marie Myers I loved my rented electric recliner. I used it for 1 month, and it made it easier to sleep, and get u ... Read more

Marie Myers I loved my rented electric recliner. I used it for 1 month, and it made it easier to sleep, and get up independently.

Adam Baumgartner It is good to have help for a few weeks. A heating pad helps a lot with the pain. And find a few show ... Read more

Adam Baumgartner It is good to have help for a few weeks. A heating pad helps a lot with the pain. And find a few shows to binge watch because you'll have some downtime.

Andrew Dial Thank you everyone

Steve Neal Get a project to do that’s easy - nothing to do with healing but great for zoning out and concentra ... Read more

Steve Neal Get a project to do that’s easy - nothing to do with healing but great for zoning out and concentrating on. I got a huge Lego set d would just do a little a day but kept me occupied

Andrew Dialposted an update

79 days ago

Rose Madura, Andrew Dial, Timothy Andre and 5 others reacted to this

Me and my better half :)

Rose Madura Beautiful picture! You both look very happy!

Kristine Schroeder Lovely photo! Looking good.

Adam Baumgartner Is that Lake Chelan?

Richard Munson Definitely your better half.

Deena Elani Beautiful photo, beautiful wife and after your surgery long beautiful life!

Miriam Alejos Beautiful couple !

Andrew Dialposted an update

80 days ago

Daniel Salzer, Ellen Higgs, Adam Baumgartner and 4 others reacted to this

Hey guys,
Today I had my pre-op exam and discussion with my surgeon Dr. Burke. We talked a bit about what to expect on surgery day and kind of a timeline ...Read more

Hey guys,
Today I had my pre-op exam and discussion with my surgeon Dr. Burke. We talked a bit about what to expect on surgery day and kind of a timeline of events and whatnot. It went really well, and I am totally ready to get this thing done. One thing that I learned today, is that in addition to the Ross Procedure + Dacron graft.. I also need an Annuloplasty ring (I think that’s what it’s called), to replace the widened section directly above my bad aortic valve.

Anyways, we are just a little over 3 weeks till surgery and getting everything figured out at home, and I am excited to get this done and focus on the healing process.

Thank you to Adam Pick, Timothy Andre, and everyone else who has reached out so far!

Daniel Salzer Thanks for the update - I'm glad the session with Dr. Burke went well today. I'm following in your f ... Read more

Daniel Salzer Thanks for the update - I'm glad the session with Dr. Burke went well today. I'm following in your footsteps - just one month behind you.

Andrew Dial That’s great Daniel. You are gonna like him a lot, he is so smart and can answer any questions you ... Read more

Andrew Dial That’s great Daniel. You are gonna like him a lot, he is so smart and can answer any questions you have .

Adam Baumgartner Glad it went well.

Deena Elani Hey Andrew, your checklist is going well. Control what you can and the rest is up to your “A team ... Read more

Deena Elani Hey Andrew, your checklist is going well. Control what you can and the rest is up to your “A team” with Dr Burke. Also, know almost all of us get those “rings”. Helps not having to come back for another repair😎

Rose Madura You have a great and positive attitude. Godspeed.

Andrew Dialposted an update

87 days ago

Timothy Andre, Daniel Salzer reacted to this

Tomorrow I have my pre-op dental visit and next Monday I have my pre-op exam with Dr Christopher Burke. Not sure exactly what they do for the exam, but am excited ...Read more

Tomorrow I have my pre-op dental visit and next Monday I have my pre-op exam with Dr Christopher Burke. Not sure exactly what they do for the exam, but am excited to be getting closer to surgery. T-minus 4 weeks!

If anyone has any recommendations for What and What Not To bring to the hospital with me for surgery/stay, please feel free to chime in !

Timothy Andre It's nice to get the pre-op exams done and knowing your are closer to the big day.

As for what to b... Read more

Timothy Andre It's nice to get the pre-op exams done and knowing your are closer to the big day.

As for what to bring.......I didn't bring anything at first. However, I did pack a backpack that my Mom brought to me on my request. I am a light sleeper so I brought ear plugs. There is lots of beeping from machines and also after the ICU, in step down unit I had a roommate. Of course he snored so I was happy to have the plugs. A phone charger that is long. I brought an 8ft charger. You never know how far the receptacle is. Airpods or similar. I like to listen to podcasts and those helped. I also brought my bible which I used while praying. Of course that's a personal preference. I brought a book to read and a note pad and pen. A family photo to give you strength and remind you that you are loved and have a support system waiting for your return. I hope this helps

Adam Baumgartner Some comfortable clothes/pj's. They'll let you put on your own clothes after a few days. Maybe more f ... Read more

Adam Baumgartner Some comfortable clothes/pj's. They'll let you put on your own clothes after a few days. Maybe more for after but I still preferred wearing t-shirts or anything without buttons or zippers to irritate the incision. I bought several a size bigger than normal to make it easier to get on and off.

Andrew Dial Thanks guys, appreciate it. Those are def things I might have forgot

Rose Madura My big thing was a travel pillow. It's wonderful when resting in the recliner at the hospital and at ... Read more

Rose Madura My big thing was a travel pillow. It's wonderful when resting in the recliner at the hospital and at home too.

Daniel Salzer Very helpful tips on what to bring - thanks everyone!

Andy - I'll look forward to hearing more ... Read more

Daniel Salzer Very helpful tips on what to bring - thanks everyone!

Andy - I'll look forward to hearing more about the UW pre-op exam since it's also a mystery to me. My Dr. Burke pre-opt exam is June 27th in advance of my July 19th surgery.

Andrew Dialposted an update

93 days ago

Haven’t had to in awhile, but do any of you guys know how long before my dental cleaning do I take my amoxicillin? Isn’t it like 1 hr?!

Richard Munson Yes, an hour is what i was told

Marie Myers Yes, Richard is right. I am also going to the dentist today and will be taking my 2 grams of amoxicil ... Read more

Marie Myers Yes, Richard is right. I am also going to the dentist today and will be taking my 2 grams of amoxicillin 1 hour before the scheduled visit.

Andrew Dial Thanks guys

Andrew Dialposted an update

94 days ago

Adam Baumgartner, Rose Madura, Timothy Andre and 4 others reacted to this

Got 5 weeks till surgery, been enjoying life and doing a lot of fishing (my passion). Thank you to Timothy Andre for connecting with me and sharing thoughts ...Read more

Got 5 weeks till surgery, been enjoying life and doing a lot of fishing (my passion). Thank you to Timothy Andre for connecting with me and sharing thoughts and personal info from his surgery to help me get my head right prior to surgery. And thanks to Adam and anyone who has reached out and shared thoughts and prayers.

Marie Myers Nice picture! Glad you have your plan for surgery.

Timothy Andre Thanks for the kind words brother. I'm happy to help in any way I can. I know you will do great and... Read more

Timothy Andre Thanks for the kind words brother. I'm happy to help in any way I can. I know you will do great and cant wait to link with you in the future for some fishin'. Stay positive!

Deena Elani Nothing like the outdoors to clear your head; great thing to do before surgery. You WILL get through ... Read more

Deena Elani Nothing like the outdoors to clear your head; great thing to do before surgery. You WILL get through the surgery and come out in better health than going in, though you will feel exhausted. The HUGE plus that you have going for you is that your young. -- Much faster healing. Hang in there, we are all rooting for you. Sending prayers your way until you are in recovery.

Andrew Dial Thank you guys so much. I am totally ready for surgery and can’t wait for it to be over so I can st ... Read more

Andrew Dial Thank you guys so much. I am totally ready for surgery and can’t wait for it to be over so I can start recovery. What an amazing community this is, helping so many people get thru this.

Adam Pick You got this Andrew! Love the snap! Great catch!

Andrew Dialposted an update

106 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut, Miriam Alejos reacted to this

7 weeks from today I’ll be having my Ross procedure w/ ascending hemiarch. I feel like some days are really good for me mentally, and some days are really ...Read more

7 weeks from today I’ll be having my Ross procedure w/ ascending hemiarch. I feel like some days are really good for me mentally, and some days are really a struggle.. I think a lot of it is the constant stress that’s kind of on the backside, like I’m not noticing myself really thinking about it.. but it’s there. Can anyone relate?

Aside from that, I’m excited to get this done, focus on recovery and move on.

Big thanks to Adam for creating this network, making it possible for people like us to talk to others like ourselves, and relate to one another, and share thoughts and ideas. It is a huge help.

thanks to everyone so far that has reached out to me and helped.

Kimberly Eisenhut I cannot relate to the actual event because I am still in wait and watch mode, but with my upcoming e ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut I cannot relate to the actual event because I am still in wait and watch mode, but with my upcoming echo, holter for a week and 6 month checkup with cardiac specialist, I am always quite anxious and have difficulty with the not knowing. You are on the road to getting this resolved and moving on with your life. It will be a relief and positive thing when you can put it behind you and go on knowing you are through the hardest part. Stay positive, know you are in good hands and you have a huge community of people cheering and praying for you through it all!
Wishing you a peaceful, happy day, and just know you are not alone :)💗

Timothy Andre Hang in there brother, it is very normal to have feelings all over the place. Especially from one day ... Read more

Timothy Andre Hang in there brother, it is very normal to have feelings all over the place. Especially from one day to the next. This will continue after surgery as well. I’ve had great days and not so great days. Post-op I went through a sadness period and am now slowly coming out of that. It’s important to allow yourself any feelings you may have but just focus on one day at a time. Because that’s all we can do. Stay strong and know you are surrounded by people who care for you and love you. And they will be by your side the entire journey. Sending you positive vibes my friend 🙏🏽👊🏽

Martin Smith Hey Andrew, the roller coaster ride won't go on forever. I know, not much consolation there...
How ... Read more

Martin Smith Hey Andrew, the roller coaster ride won't go on forever. I know, not much consolation there...
How about this: I'm booked and packed for 11 days solo into the bc country of Ontario's north and now facing a forecast of bone-chilling damp 28 degree F nights, grey Canadian skies, mud, muscle aches, horrific portages, and well, you get the picture...
I keep repeating to myself: "you've got this!". Well, maybe I do...
Those joys of spring were denied to me for 2 seasons and now I'm compensating for the forced hiatus. "Hiatus"?? Didn't someone once name a hernia after that word? Time will fly, my friend, and many happy moments await you, with or without the anxiety and the sadness that tend to accompany surgeries.

Rose Madura Waiting is the worst part. After it's all over you will be so relieved. Emotions run amok. Hang in ... Read more

Rose Madura Waiting is the worst part. After it's all over you will be so relieved. Emotions run amok. Hang in there!

Adam Baumgartner Rest assured that you are in good hands

Andrew Dial Thank you everybody. I greatly appreciate the kind words!

Miriam Alejos I had so many things going through my head before surgery. The wait was definitely hard. I had good a ... Read more

Miriam Alejos I had so many things going through my head before surgery. The wait was definitely hard. I had good and bad days. I still do but I'm sure it is all part of the recovery phase and will be better soon . Stay strong I will keep you in my prayers 🙏

Sandy Harvey Sending you prayers

Andrew Dialposted an update

127 days ago

Adam Baumgartner, Miriam Alejos, Rose Madura and 5 others reacted to this

Last night, Had my cardiac ablation done, (heart catheterization) where they enter my right groin and go up and artery and ablate an unnecessary pathway in ...Read more

Last night, Had my cardiac ablation done, (heart catheterization) where they enter my right groin and go up and artery and ablate an unnecessary pathway in my heart. All was a success! Dr Robinson at UWMC and her entire team did an amazing job. When I entered the operating room, her team was a well oiled machine; they all introduced themselves, everyone knew exactly what they were doing, they made me feel right at home, cracking jokes and making it fun. They started the anesthesia and I was OUT! Woke up back in the icu and was able to go home about 3hours later after mandatory bed rest. Feeling good this morning but groin is very sore.

Rose Madura Glad your ablation went well. Take it easy the rest of the weekend.

Stephen Ray That is awesome! I have just had 2 cardioversions so far and hopefully that is it!

Patsy Stewart Wonderful to hear that it was a success! I’m sure the comradeship in the operating room was a welco ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Wonderful to hear that it was a success! I’m sure the comradeship in the operating room was a welcomed relief. The next team will be much the same. Hold onto and take comfort in that memory when you get anxious over your next surgery. You’re almost there! ~❤️

Andrew Dialposted an update

134 days ago

Patsy Stewart, Timothy Andre, Adam Pick and 2 others reacted to this

Just scheduled my cardiac ablation to fix my WPW syndrome for next Wednesday the 6th! Finally after all these years, I am getting rid of it. This has to be ...Read more

Just scheduled my cardiac ablation to fix my WPW syndrome for next Wednesday the 6th! Finally after all these years, I am getting rid of it. This has to be done before my big surgery in June.

Patsy Stewart Sending prayers that your cardiac ablation goes well on Wednesday. ~❤️

Andrew Dial Thanks Patsy!

Adam Pick Great to hear Andrew!!!