Bill's Posts

I'm doing quite well almost a year since my mitral valve repair and 1 CABG surgery by Dr. Trento at Cedars-Sanai in Los Angeles. I just filled out their annual survey on how I'm doing. My lead line in the comments section is that my recovery has been "remarkably unremarkable." I've drifted away from checking in here, but want to return to say how much I appreciate this website, Adam's book, and the good help it was for me a year ago. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Trento and Cedars-Sanai hospital. I was tempted to say "good luck" to all who are now facing heart surgery, but I don't think it's a matter of luck so much as being well informed, being proactive with your questions, choosing treatment providers wisely, and having great support of friends and family. All of that is greatly assisted by this website!

Re: Incision Shield -- I had my mitral valve repair surgery last April at Cedars-Sanai in Los Angeles, performed by Dr. Alfredo Trento, and my recovery has gone exceptionally well! At that time, I obtained the "Incision Shield" mentioned elsewhere on this site. I'm really glad I had it, especially for sleeping; it helped avoid bedding and clothing rubbing on my incision as promised. Now, I no longer need it, I have thoroughly cleaned it, and I will be happy to send it to someone soon to have surgery who could use it (free.) If you are interested, send me an email at wtharrison@aol.com and put "Incision Shield" in the subject line so I won't miss it. For information about this device, type "incision shield" in search box at top of page. Bill Harrison

I'm doing quite well these days after my mitral valve repair and 1 CABG procedure last April. I completed cardiac rehab in Rancho Mirage a few weeks ago, saw my cardiologist today for routine follow-up, and all is well. What prompts me to update my status now is to acknowledge the personal appreciation I have for Florence Henderson, who died this week. We all knew of her through the years, but I never expected I'd have a sort of personal connection with her, through Adam's site. Florence had surgery performed some years ago by Dr. Alfredo Trento at Cedars Sanai Hospital in Los Angeles, and she subsequently produced a wonderful video about Dr. Trento, his history of growing up and going to medical school in Italy, his being recruited to Cedars Sanai, about his wife's insights into the kind of man Dr. Trento is. Florence Henderson's engaging personal message, along with other videos here, helped me decide to engage Dr. Trento for my heart valve repair. Florence's charming story about him made me feel that I already knew him pretty well before we ever met in his office. That in turn helped me feel secure and confident as I went into surgery. Thank you Florence Henderson, and of course, again, thank you Dr. Trento for the very successful operation and great outcome that you performed on me April 24, 2016.