Bill Hendrickson - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Here's my newest picture!

August 1, 2016 Like | Wanda Mroz, Barbara Laurie, Conrad Skowronski and 3 others like this

Seattle with grandchildren

Catie B Lovely photo, Bill. Hope you are still feeling great!

Update posted on...

April 15, 2016

I am 14 mos postoperative after double valve surgery and feel great with lots of energy at 75 yrs. My pain after surgery was minimal however I was very weak because of blood loss and afib for about two days. I felt like a new person when sinus rhythm returned. My pain medicine after a week was Tylenol which I only needed for several weeks.

Like | Jeff V., Jeff V., Mike Mo and 1 other likes this

Update posted on...

August 15, 2015

I can't see photos on this web site as of about two weeks ago. I use an iPad Air and iPhone 5c. Anyone else have this problem?

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Charles Haas Same think on MacBook Pro - I think the server is very slow to load. Happening on multiple browsers on my home machine.

Eleanor R Same with me, photos are gone, replaced with a little black box with an X.

Same thing happened to me about two weeks ago but now I'm able to see photos again. It just suddenly started working again after my browser on my computer ... Read more

Same thing happened to me about two weeks ago but now I'm able to see photos again. It just suddenly started working again after my browser on my computer updated to the latest version and on my phone, the software updated as well. Maybe check to see if you have the latest updates? Just a thought.

Sonny Abbasi Yes on two computers and on my IPad---all 3. Adam?

Jean Raber I can see photos, but the site will no longer allow me to update the "my story" column with surgery dates and stuff. I get a "fatal error" message. I'm using a PC.

Daniel Spurgeon I can see the photos normally on my Apple mobile devices

When I had the problem a couple of weeks ago, I spoke with Adam because I got the Fatal Error message whenever I tried to even access the site. He said they ... Read more

When I had the problem a couple of weeks ago, I spoke with Adam because I got the Fatal Error message whenever I tried to even access the site. He said they were doing updates to the site that morning. So that was probably the reason for the error message.

But I continued to have the problem with photos loading for a couple of days off and on and then it suddenly worked again.

What I did notice though after everything worked again, my photos had an upload date of July 21, 2015 even though the photos were posted a year ago. I noticed another member's photos that were posted last year also had the July 21, 2015 date on them when they were in fact posted last August in 2014. I then got curious so I checked several other members' photos that I know were uploaded last year and they also had a July 2015 date on them. So whatever the site work was, it must be affecting the photos in some way.

Perhaps there are still site updates in the works.

3rd surgery completed

Journal posted on June 3, 2015

I am 5days postoperative with 3 hours of hernia surgery completed. The initial pain and nausea was greater than the two back to back heart surgeries at the end of January 2015. My heart issues are completely healed and I feel back to normal in that regard. My recovery now is limited to healing the three holes left in my abdomen by the robotic surgery for hernia repair. I should be able to resume exercise and trail biking in about 4 weeks. On the plus side both new valves have a nice solid closing sound and I have 100% sinus rhythm without pvc's. I wish good outcomes for all those on the waiting list. Regards to all, Bill H

Like | Nancy D and 3 others like this

Tammy Pilcher Prayers for a great recovery from your hernia surgery, Bill. Praises for your great recovery from your heart surgeries! God bless you!

Duane Beeman Next time, read the instructions !!

Ray Lockhart Bill, It's good to hear from you. I am sure there are some good one liners about "being full of it," but I will resist. Glad you are on the upswing again.

bilateral hernia surgery completed at 4 mo.post-op

Journal posted on May 31, 2015

The hernia surgery was the result of my not reading the stool softener label. Do not use excessive straining,but take your time and let the stool softener work . I was surprised at the level of pain from hernia surgery which was greater than my valve surgery at the end of January. I actually had 3 small 1/2 in in diameter hernias because of straining. The surgeon used the robotic machine and cut 3 small holes for the repair. In summary what a price to pay for not reading the drug label.

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Duane Beeman Real men never read the instructions, Bill. Right ??

Bill Hendrickson Duane, very true in my case. I wish you well with your upcoming surgery. I have enjoyed all of your posts and humor. Keep us posted as you complete the journey. Regards Bill

Duane Beeman Thanks pal. Going to see if i can find a few more things to laugh about through this adventure.

Elaine Foster Yes, Bill, I have often thought the top banner of this site should read in capital letters TAKE THE STOOL SOFTENERS EARLY AND OFTEN !!! I didn't feel the nurses ... Read more

Elaine Foster Yes, Bill, I have often thought the top banner of this site should read in capital letters TAKE THE STOOL SOFTENERS EARLY AND OFTEN !!! I didn't feel the nurses stressed this enough, I too had some problems, but luckily no hernias. I had my husband running to the store for prune juice, milk of magnesia, and fleet enemas!! NOT funny then, but gotta laugh now.

Two wks of rehab completed

Journal posted on April 11, 2015

Rehab is going very well, walking about 1.5 miles on park trails weather permitting. My hips limit my walking but biking should be ok. Just was diagnosed with bilateral inguinal hernias and have ultrasound scheduled. I have no idea where this came from but plan to deal with this in the future with possible surgery. This was not in my plans for recovery from valve surgery. I still feel anger that it happened to me as I thought I was in good physical shape.

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Daniel Spurgeon Hi Bill, I'm using bicycling for cardio due to compromised hips too. I wish you well.

Jim Kelly-Evans Sorry to read about the hernias...hope the biking works out for you.

Beta Blocker post op

Journal posted on March 20, 2015

As I start rehab my plan is to watch heart rate with different increasing rates of exercise and also quality of sinus rhythm. I am on a beta blocker which puts me in unknown territory as I exercise. If all goes well I plan to workout at Anytime Fitness for several weeks. After this I will start trail biking at a slow rate. My main concern is getting into Afib territory which has not been a problem up to this time.

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Daniel Spurgeon I used bicycling as my cardiac rehab and between the exercise and scenery it was great. It never prompted any Afib.

Daniel Spurgeon I don't know what your doctor would say about your circumstances but both my surgeon and cardiologist encouraged my bicycling as soon as my sternum healing passed the 8 week mark.

Six week checkup at Cleveland Clinic

Journal posted on March 19, 2015

Feeling like I have a new body, no pain ,lots of energy ,life is GREAT, every day is a new day in paradise!😍. Both valve replacements are working as they should and my ejection fraction went up to 58%. I start cardiac rehab next week at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. I did 20 deep knee bends two days ago which was way too much exercise as a starting point. I was in leg pain for two days, what was I thinking ? My progression after hospital discharge has been great in that I have not experienced any pain and strength has been improving every day. Also I have had only up days with a very busy schedule. The HVS family has been a great help from the time I signed up. I wish everyone a good outcome and high quality of life.

Like | Nancy D, LaDonna Mangile, LaDonna Mangile likes this

Bob M Great recovery! Yes, every day is a new day with a fixed heart! Take it easy heart brother. God bless and rise up!

Jim Hernandez Fantastic news! Encouraging for those of us awaiting our turn....

LaDonna Mangile Wow that sounds great ....certainly hope I'm as lucky! Prayers!

Barry Van Gemert Bill, have you been back on your bike yet?

Lewis Garlisi Great news Bill. Hope you will be on that bike soon after the weather breaks. No deep knee bends for a while though!

Post op 5 1/2 wkd

Journal posted on March 3, 2015

Walking as much as possible in stores & malls. Pa. Cold Air is a no no. Sleep occurs in naps and 5hr segments at night. My original double valve surgery was an extremely long event as they opened my chest and put me on hold as the surgeon was on an emerg case. After 3hrs in the CIC my heart collapsed because of cardiac tamponade which sent me back for emerg surgery at 3:00 am that was done by a cardiac surgical fellow. Way way too much anesthesia for a quick recovery. On the plus side I don't notice any decrease in my ability to complete complex puzzles or working on computer/software problems. Food taste has returned to 80% level.
Best wishes to all facing their first surgery. It will go fast and you will feel much better after 2weeks.

Like | Tammi Gunwall, Pat Bluemel and 2 others like this

Lewis Garlisi Bill, sounds like a very tough surgery. Glad you are bouncing back. Keep focused on your recovery. Hope you make it back to the warm temps in Clearwater sometime soon.

Patricia Garcia Bill happy to see that you are getting through this. Sorry to hear that you had to go through so much with your surgery. You are on the way to living your ... Read more

Patricia Garcia Bill happy to see that you are getting through this. Sorry to hear that you had to go through so much with your surgery. You are on the way to living your life happily with your family. Yes I am close to PA and tired of all this nasty weather. Spring is on its way.

Linda Whitney Hi Bill, how are you progressing? I hope you continue to improve with each day. I am counting down until April 6th when I start 3 days of testing at Cleveland ... Read more

Linda Whitney Hi Bill, how are you progressing? I hope you continue to improve with each day. I am counting down until April 6th when I start 3 days of testing at Cleveland Clinic. I want this behind me in the worst way!

1wk post discharge clearance

Journal posted on February 11, 2015

Cleveland Clinic cleared me to travel home on Thursday. No pain ,lungs sound good and replacement valves are ok. Taste recovery is at 40% and lower jaw teeth still hurt from cold liquids which I am told should resolve in 6wks. Taking a shower is still tiring along with walking more than 3 min.
Regards to HVS family.

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Cheryl Batzing Sounds like you are doing pretty well Bill. Good to hear! Will pray for continued healing.

Bob M Day by day! Take it easy heart brother.

Jim Kelly-Evans Good progress, Bill. Continue with the good recovery!

Tammi Gunwall Continued healing to you Bill. Considering all you've been through you sound like you're doing pretty good. Rest and enjoy being home again!!

Patricia Garcia Little by little Bill you will be back to yourself again. Atleast you can get some nice home cooked meals when you get home.

Linda Crawford You will be surprised at how exponentially better you will feel this time next week. And that trend just continues. Day by day, it is harder to feel the progress -- week to week is much more clear.

Discharged from hospital on 2/5 after 7 days

Journal posted on February 6, 2015

Recovery has started with small 200 ft walks and small amts of food as I have lost most of my taste. My pain is min during day and min pain med req'd at night. Heart rate has almost returned to presurgery levels which feels very good. My legs are weak but gives me something to work toward. At this point I have pretty much lost most of 20 lbs of excess fluid (flubber man is gone). Thanks again to family for all your support. My RN wife has been a life saver during this journey.

Like | 5 people like this

Jim Kelly-Evans Great to read that you are free at last, Bill. Best wishes for a smooth recovery!

Tammi Gunwall Good news Bill. Enjoy being home! Wishing you a smooth & uneventful recovery!

Edith Dim I am very glad to hear that you are home after your ordeal. I wish you a smooth recovery.

Madlyn Daniel great to hear you are making excellent progress. I had a lot of leg fluid. In ICU my face was so swollen that I could feel my lips enlarged. Thankfully most ... Read more

Madlyn Daniel great to hear you are making excellent progress. I had a lot of leg fluid. In ICU my face was so swollen that I could feel my lips enlarged. Thankfully most fluid in the legs are gone.

I walk around the house. Glad you fluid is gone and you can now concentrate on walking and gaining new strength

Madlyn

Bob M Outstanding news! Home is where your fixed heart is. Take it easy heart brother.

Kimberly Biddick Great news!!! Enjoy being home!

Clay Rowe Great Bill. Glad the fluid is leaving and you're on the way back. My taste returned as the narcotics (oxy) wore off...ughhhh.

Jim O'Brien Good news to hear that you are home. Take it easy and best wishes for a smooth and speedy recovery.

Tim Goff Excellent Bill. I wish you the best on your continuing recovery

1st post op journal

Journal posted on February 3, 2015

Had MV and av replacements on1/29 at 3 pm, went well for several hours,then on 3am 1/30 was re admitted for surgery because of bleed and clots around heart. Recovered ok until after 2/2 afib started which takes ALLthe energy out of you. Surgeon said nothing life threatening and sure enough I converted back to sinus at 12 pm 2/2. Energy is coming back for small walk but eating food is very difficult, My echo was excellent no valve leaks and no fluid buildup very uplifting news.My next task is to eat food for recovery progress. Must say pain is minor compared to overwhelming weakness in recovering from two back to back surgeries. Thanks for all the HVS FAMILY support during this journey. I haven't had strength or time to keep up with all the journals. My RN wife and family have been a great support. Hope to read about others as strength resumes. LOL BILL

Like | John Noriega, Meredith Bray and 5 others like this

Tammi Gunwall Wonderful news!!! So glad to hear you are doing well Bill! Hopefully your appetite will come back soon. I'm sure that will help get your stamina back...as well ... Read more

Tammi Gunwall Wonderful news!!! So glad to hear you are doing well Bill! Hopefully your appetite will come back soon. I'm sure that will help get your stamina back...as well as time. Rest! We look forward to hearing more when you are up for it!

Tammy Pilcher Great to hear you're doing better, Bill! Take it easy and we'll look forward to hearing your progress later!

Kimberly Biddick I am so glad to hear that you are doing well, Bill. I have been thinking about you all week!!

Jim Kelly-Evans You had a rough time of it Bill, but I hope it's smooth sailing from now on...best wishes!

Bill Hendrickson Thanks all for support

Cristen Marzula Great news on the echo! Nutrition really is key to the healing process. The large meals were very overwhelming to me in recovery - it definitely helped to ... Read more

Cristen Marzula Great news on the echo! Nutrition really is key to the healing process. The large meals were very overwhelming to me in recovery - it definitely helped to try and eat smaller portions each hour (oatmeal, watermelon, apple sauce, etc). Best of luck Bill and looking forward to more good news.

Tim Goff We are all pulling for you Bill

Penny Prichard Thank you for thinking about us as we do you.

Patricia Garcia Wow...Bill..look at you posting on here. Prayers have been answered. I have been thinking about you and waiting for an update. You are a fighter and the ... Read more

Patricia Garcia Wow...Bill..look at you posting on here. Prayers have been answered. I have been thinking about you and waiting for an update. You are a fighter and the hardest battle is over. I wish for you a smooth recovery so that you can get back to the family life again. Such great news :)

Bob M I pray that the worst is behind you now, heart brother. Take it easy.

Lewis Garlisi Surprised you are even able and thoughtful enough to post so soon. Good to see it. Eat what you can when you can. You'll get your strength back. Best wishes.

Wiliam Height Sorry to hear about your issues--Get on the recovery road Bill!

Debbie cross Glad to hear things are going better!

Cheryl Batzing Bill, prayers coming your way for healing and glad you are doing well.

Clay Rowe Bill, great to hear from you and to know you're back on track. Eating was an early issue for me as the anesthesia wore off. Anti-nausea meds helped. Keep us posted.

Update posted on...

January 30, 2015

This is Edna, Bill Hendrickson's wife. He had mitral and aortic valves replaced yesterday, and was doing well until 3am this morning when bleeding began around his heart. The right side of his heart colasped and he was taken back to OR. The bleeding has now stopped and he is stable, but still sedated. I can't thank this "heart valve community" enough for all the support leading up to this surgery. Seeing that so many we're going through the same thing as he was made him feel secure with having to go through the surgery. Many thanks to you all.

Like | Adam Pick and 9 others like this

Tammi Gunwall Thank you for your update Edna. I'm sorry to hear about Bill's set back. I pray his heart continues to get stronger and he gets through this with flying colors. ... Read more

Tammi Gunwall Thank you for your update Edna. I'm sorry to hear about Bill's set back. I pray his heart continues to get stronger and he gets through this with flying colors. It's apparent he has a loving family surrounding him and supporting him. Prayers to you all. His heart family here will continue to lift him up in prayer and send positive thoughts your way. God bless!

Edith Dim Will pray that this is not a serious set back and that Bill will be on the smooth road to recovery very soon.

Jim Kelly-Evans So sorry to read about Bill's early bump. Hoping that everything goes smoothly from now on.

Conrad Henselder Edna our prayers and thoughts are with you and Bill.

Tammy Pilcher Edna, thank you for updating us on Bill's condition. We'll be praying for you both! Sending hugs!

Elaine Foster Praying for Bill. Keep us updated as you can.

Adam Pick Thanks for sharing Edna. We are all thinking healthy thoughts for Bill as the CC team works to address this complication. Please give my best to Bill.

Meredith Bray Fervent prayers for Edna, Bill, and hospital team!

Patricia Garcia Thanks Edna for the update on Bill. Praying for Bill and the family that he will get through this fast and back to enjoying his life.

Kimberly Biddick Thank you for keeping us updated, Edna. Many prayers for both and you Bill!

Bob M I pray that Bill's heart will now stabilize so his recovery can begin again

Lewis Garlisi Just another post to let you know that you and Bill are in thoughts and prayers from all corners of this community. Best wishes to Bill for a quick and successful recovery.

Cheryl Batzing Edna, sending prayers to Bill now for full healing and recovery. Let us know how he continued to progress. And sending prayers to you as well, for your wonderful ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing Edna, sending prayers to Bill now for full healing and recovery. Let us know how he continued to progress. And sending prayers to you as well, for your wonderful support and encouragement of your husband!

Clay Rowe Hi Edna, sorry to hear about this extra challenge for Bill and your family. Hope you receive the strength and support all of us send your way so you can move on to recovery. Please keep us posted.

Cath completed (6hrs total)

Journal posted on January 27, 2015

I enjoyed watching the monitor during the cath. All the arteries are very large but no blockage observed. They have me bound up with a protruding foam pressure bandage because of the bounding pulse at the wound. They said this is common with aortic insufficiency.

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Jim Kelly-Evans Glad you got the cath done, Bill. One more step out of the way.

John Noriega Hi Bill....praying for your surgery and looking forward to your posts afterward. Onward & Upward!

Here's my newest picture!

July 29, 2015 Like | Adam Pick, Wiliam Height and 2 others like this

Family vacation at beach

Jim Kelly-Evans How nice...love the beach...good looking group!

Patricia Garcia Nice family Bill. When you get this over and behind you can enjoy more family gatherings.

Bill Hendrickson Thanks for your support. The family has been a real blessing over the years. I wish you well on your recovery path.keep us posted.

Dan Crogan Good luck, Bill. I'll be about a week behind you with my surgery.
Hang tough.

Update posted on...

January 26, 2015

Much thanks to HVS family for support,guidance,comments and journals before my surgery. I am at Cleveland Clinic with two full days of tests and meetings with very little spare time. Ready to go on Thursday,nothing for me to do except to show up for the party😊😊. I even have my ear plugs for the icu,thanks to Lenore.

Like | Mark Alafita and 3 others like this

Bill Hendrickson Forgot to mention that I consider this an opportunity to fend -off more serious problems. Too many people never had the opportunity because they never knew ... Read more

Bill Hendrickson Forgot to mention that I consider this an opportunity to fend -off more serious problems. Too many people never had the opportunity because they never knew what was lurking within. I wish all good fortune in their journey.

Jim Kelly-Evans Best of luck to you, Bill for a successful procedure and a smooth recovery. You're right: we are the lucky ones...we can get fixed!

Lori Beuerlein Wishing you a successful Thursday and speedy recovery afterward!

Clay Rowe Ear plugs are priceless...and take a sleep mask too Bill. Keeping you in mind for the big day...you'll do great.

Preparing for two day trip with snow showers to Cleveland.

Journal posted on January 23, 2015

I want to thank the entire HVS family for all their journals which have been a great help in preparing for surgery. It's very comforting to read about all those who preceded me on this path. I must say the leader board gets your attention when your name moves up the list. I guess others experienced this also. My wife will update my journal when I'm not available. BTW I traded the month of Jan. in Clearwater Beach Fla. for my trip to Cleveland, gives new meaning to vacation fun 🎉.

Like | Jim Kelly-Evans, Adam Pick, Pamela Watkins and 1 other likes this

Jim Kelly-Evans LOL Bill on the vacation spot trade! Yes, when your name appears on the marquee you know it's showtime :) I'm close behind you. Best wishes to you for a most ... Read more

Jim Kelly-Evans LOL Bill on the vacation spot trade! Yes, when your name appears on the marquee you know it's showtime :) I'm close behind you. Best wishes to you for a most successful procedure and a smooth recovery!

Bill Hendrickson Thanks Jim, You look like a serious contender from your picture, the watch gives you away.

Adam Pick Bill, I'm already looking forward to January, 2016 for you... I see you in Clearwater. And, the year after that. And, so on. And, so forth. My thoughts are with you. Adam

Bob M I pray for a peaceful surgery and recovery. It will be a new day when your heart is fixed. God bless and rise up!

Mark Alafita Bill, you're so right about the comfort through reading of others' journeys. I will be watching yours and wishing you all the best.

Meredith Bray A year from now you'll be on the beach showing off your scar!

Bill Hendrickson Thanks for all the positive support. I'm still amazed at the diversity of this family we belong to. My fantasy would be a two week HVS family cruise to Saint Lucia, lots of stories to exchange😍😍.

Joseph Ballett Safe drive.

Tammi Gunwall Cruise to Saint Lucia sounds good to me. ;) Sending you prayers and positive thoughts this week Bill as you prepare for surgery. You will no doubt do fabulous. You will be in good hands.

Update posted on...

January 13, 2015

WOW! What a group for the 14th,I wish everyone fair winds and the best possible outcome. My thoughts go with everyone. My time is pretty full closing out projects and getting ready for the big event. So far no overt symptoms.

Like | Mark Alafita and 1 other likes this

Ruth Valenzuela My prayers go out to Shanna and all those facing surgery tomorrow. God be with you and may you place your trust in Him and your surgical team. Bless you!

Joan876 Howard Hi Bill-I just found your site. I am also scheduled for Mitral & Aortic valve replacement at Cleveland Clinic in March. Sending many prayers and look forward ... Read more

Joan876 Howard Hi Bill-I just found your site. I am also scheduled for Mitral & Aortic valve replacement at Cleveland Clinic in March. Sending many prayers and look forward to following your speedy recovery! Take care.

Update posted on...

January 11, 2015

I want to thank the entire HVS family for all their journals as they have been very helpful and comforting in preparation for the big day.

Like | tina fluhrer, Patricia Garcia, John Noriega and 2 others like this

Adam Pick We're here for you Bill!!!

Barry Van Gemert Best wishes from a fellow rails to trails biker! Hope to meet you out on the trails some day.

Recliner Post-op ??

Journal posted on January 10, 2015

Has anyone used a "0 gravity portable recliner" when a standard recliner is not an option?

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Joseph Ballett No i have not, but it just may work , never thought of that.

Here's my newest picture!

July 22, 2015 Like | Joan Napier likes this

26 mile bike trip with grandaughter

Adam Pick Only 26 miles? Come on Bill! Pick up the pace! With the fixed ticker, I'm looking forward to hearing about a 52-mile trek with you and your granddaughter. :)

Joan Napier Wow, that's impressive Bill!

Tammy Pilcher That's terrific, Bill!

Bob M Awesome! It will be better when your heart is fixed.

Final plans

Journal posted on January 1, 2015

I feel at ease as travel/lodging has been finalized. Prelim blood panels look good. I don't know what my surgeon will offer for a fix until the day before surgery but I have trust with his extensive experience. Looking forward to resuming time at fitness club and possible "rails-to-trails" bike rides in warm weather. Romans 8 does provide some peace of mind as I move forward. Best wishes to all in the new year.

Like | Linda Crawford likes this

Tammy Pilcher Sounds good, Bill! Happy New Year!

Clay Rowe My dad did one of those in VA. Sounds like a great way to spend the day enjoying the scenery.

John Noriega Very nice Bill...the word in the Greek is "hupernike" and the Scripture reads: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors (hupernike) through him ... Read more

John Noriega Very nice Bill...the word in the Greek is "hupernike" and the Scripture reads: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors (hupernike) through him who loved us. (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬ NIV)" As your surgery date approaches keep in mind that we are hupernike and all will be well. Onward & Upward! Happy New Year!

Jeff V. Bill, Don't be unnerved if you sit down with Dr. Pettersson the day before surgery and he does not offer a detailed plan for your fix. In my meeting, we talked ... Read more

Jeff V. Bill, Don't be unnerved if you sit down with Dr. Pettersson the day before surgery and he does not offer a detailed plan for your fix. In my meeting, we talked in general terms about his plans to initially fix my MV. He explained that he would then evaluate my AV and replace if needed. He ultimately used a Medtronic 31mm annuloplasty ring to reinforce my MV and cleaned up some elongated anterior leaflet chordae and added neochords. These specific details were not discussed in my pre-surgical meeting. After the MV was repaired, my heart was started to observe the quality of the repair as well as evaluate the condition of my BAV via TEE. Upon further examination, it was determined that my MV regurgitation had gone from severe to "trivial". Dr. Pettersson then evaluated my AV via TEE followed by a review of my most recent MRI & echos (while in the OR) and concluded that my AV should be left alone as the aortic leak was mild (1+). Total surgery time was less than 2 hours. Adam was on the mark when he told me that with Dr. Petterson at the controls, I would do great. Good luck and I look forward to reading about your recovery! Jeff

Bob M Amen Bill! "38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height ... Read more

Bob M Amen Bill! "38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." God bless and rise up!

1st Journal Entry

Journal posted on December 23, 2014

Just received heart valve book which is very interisting and well worth the money. I am scheduled for two full days of testing at cleveland clinic prior to meeting with the surgeon for the first time on 1/28/15 with surgery the next day. The cc cardioligist said I am in good health except for the valves and I hope the workup looks good. This has been a 56 yr. journey waiting for surgery but I have been symptom free for all this time which I am greatful for. I have enjoyed many 25 mile bike rides on rails-to-trails which I hope can resume in the future. I have to rate this web site a 10+ for the fellow patients with similar valve problems and sharing what they experienced after surgery. I wish all a happy holiday and good fortune in the future.

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Jeff V. Welcome Bill! I hope your experience with CCF is a great one as it was for me! Jeff

Bill Hendrickson thanks Jeff

Rhonda Rawles Welcome Bill, you are in some great company here. Just came across the site less than a week ago and have learned so much! God bless you throughout this journey!

Cheryl Batzing Welcome Bill! I just had MVR surgery Dec. 16 and got home Dec. 23...so this is my 4th day home recovering. Will be praying for your upcoming surgery but sounds ... Read more

Cheryl Batzing Welcome Bill! I just had MVR surgery Dec. 16 and got home Dec. 23...so this is my 4th day home recovering. Will be praying for your upcoming surgery but sounds like you are in great shape physically, great hands physician-wise, so you'll do great.