Chris Germano - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

9 days ago

Geoff Curtis, Cathleen Weed, Pamela Gregory and 4 others reacted to this

Made it home.

Arrived about an hour ago. Flights from Cleveland went well. My daughter was here to cook dinner. My son is coming tomorrow night.
The ...Read more

Made it home.

Arrived about an hour ago. Flights from Cleveland went well. My daughter was here to cook dinner. My son is coming tomorrow night.
The neighbors also made food.
Wonderful kids and great neighbors.

My wife is being a solid nurse and taking good care of me. Thank you Darlene.
All is good.

Can't say enough about Dr Roselli and his surgical team at Cleveland Clinic. The operation went very smoothly.

Heading to bed, tired.

Goodnight all.

Cathleen Weed

Valerie Allen Yay! Great to hear!

Pamela Gregory Welcome home! You will be so much more comfortable in your home with friends and family

Kimberly Eisenhut Great news! Always happy to see posts like this and wish you a speedy recovery and no complications � ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut Great news! Always happy to see posts like this and wish you a speedy recovery and no complications 🙏❤️🫶

David Buchanan Great news good luck with the recovery process. Enjoy the journey is all I can say.

David Buchanan good luck with the recovery process. Enjoy the journey is all I can say.

Melinda Donahue Get some rest !! Every day a little better and so wonderful you have your family taking care of you. ... Read more

Melinda Donahue Get some rest !! Every day a little better and so wonderful you have your family taking care of you. Best of health.

Rose Madura Wonderful news!👍

Deena Z No place like home, makes the healing process so much easier. Congrats . Hardest part is over!!!

Janet Gaffney Congratulations!

Chris Germano Thanks all

Wendy Hanavan Glad you are back home!

Tom Mahan Congratulations on the progress, Chris!

Chris Germanoposted a journal

10 days ago

J V, Chris Germano, Aaron Bader and 6 others reacted to this

Discharged yesterday. In hotel for a couple days then a Tuesday CC visit to get the ok to fly home on Wednesday. All going somewhat smoothly.

J V Congrats!

Chris Germano

Kimberly Eisenhut Wow, this is so great! You did it! Let us know how the flight home goes. You look pretty darn great f ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut Wow, this is so great! You did it! Let us know how the flight home goes. You look pretty darn great for just having surgery🫶

Rose Madura Wonderful news!👍

David Buchanan Great news

Pamela Gregory Boy, that lobby looks a little too familiar! You look fantastic and glad things are going smoothly!

Valerie Allen So great to see! Congrats!

Deena Z Yahoo!

Chris Germano Thanks all

Chris Germanoposted an update

20 days ago

Darrell Malone, Scott Mills, Christopher Gardner and 3 others reacted to this

First walk "behind" the walker, not holding on. Adam, I'm standing in front of Dr Roselli's wall photo. Tell him it might be time for an updated picture

Harry Neumann Looking good

Liana Zee Looking great, keep it up!

Chris Germano Thanks

Pamela Gregory Doing great Chris!!!

Chris Germanoposted an update

20 days ago

Pamela Gregory, Wendy Hanavan, John Cook and 10 others reacted to this

Made it to the other side.
One and a half days in ICU. Now in a stepdown room at The Cleveland Clinic. Things seem to be progressing nicely.
Dr Roselli ...Read more

Made it to the other side.
One and a half days in ICU. Now in a stepdown room at The Cleveland Clinic. Things seem to be progressing nicely.
Dr Roselli told my wife that it was a very "ugly valve". Thanks for the thoughts and prayers from this site.

Marie Myers Wow, you are doing well to be posting so early in your recovery! Congratulations on getting to the r ... Read more

Marie Myers Wow, you are doing well to be posting so early in your recovery! Congratulations on getting to the recovery side!

Pamela Gregory Yay!!! So glad to see you are feeling well enough to post. Every day will improve. Lots of walking t... Read more

Pamela Gregory Yay!!! So glad to see you are feeling well enough to post. Every day will improve. Lots of walking the halls. If it is a nice day there is a nice rooftop area to get some fresh air

Valerie Allen You got out of ICU fast! That’s a great sign. Welcome to recovery.💕

Derek Schilling Congratulations Chris, you will be home healing up in no time!

JULIA LAFEAR Wishing you a speedy recovery

Fidel Martínez Ruiz I wish you a good and quick recovery, I see you´ve started excellent!

Adam Pick Chris, Welcome to the other side! Great to hear Dr. Roselli and his team have taken care of that 'ug... Read more

Adam Pick Chris, Welcome to the other side! Great to hear Dr. Roselli and his team have taken care of that 'ugly valve'.

Ana Brusso Congratulations on your recovery. You are doing well. ❤️‍🩹🙏

Corey Potter Wishing you the best in your recovery!

Geoff Curtis YEAH!!!!

Deena Z Amazing that you were only in the ICU1.5 days. —— Plus as Marie said, above, you already can s ... Read more

Deena Z Amazing that you were only in the ICU1.5 days. —— Plus as Marie said, above, you already can send LUCID messages. All your intense aerobic exercising is paod off. You’re a strong healer. Aka- great rebounder!

Rose Madura Wonderful news! And such a great smile so soon after surgery....👍

Kevin Cammack Great to hear your progress. Roselli replaced my valve (and aorta) in August. I went for the Edward ... Read more

Kevin Cammack Great to hear your progress. Roselli replaced my valve (and aorta) in August. I went for the Edwards Resilia valve btw. If you have any questions re recovery, let me know and I will be happy to help.

Chris Germano Thanks Kevin.

Chris Germanoposted a journal

20 days ago

Adam Pick, Pamela Gregory, Chris Germano and 1 other reacted to this

Check in time at The Cleveland Clinic: 10:00am 10/27/25

Adam Pick You got this Chris!

Geoff Curtis Chris - it may be difficult, but try and relax and enjoy the weekend. You'll be in great hands at CC ... Read more

Geoff Curtis Chris - it may be difficult, but try and relax and enjoy the weekend. You'll be in great hands at CC! Cleveland has some great places to go hangout and just relax. The Rock-N-Roll hall of fame, there is a illusion museum there, botanical gardens & there are some great hikes just south of town within a 20-30 minute drive. you've got this!

Valerie Allen Wishing you the best! They’ll take great care of you!

Janet Gaffney Wishing you the best, Chris. Praying for you!

Chris Germano Thank you all so much. I am very confident in CC and Dr Roselli. I GOT THIS!

Patricia Miller Chris- I had my second OHS at CC w/ Dr. Roselli 1/2024. You will be getting excellent care. He has ... Read more

Patricia Miller Chris- I had my second OHS at CC w/ Dr. Roselli 1/2024. You will be getting excellent care. He has a superb team working with him. Nerves are almost behind you and you can start your recovery! Deep breaths. You got this.

Chris Germano

Harry Neumann All the best...

Chris Germano Thanks all.

Chris Germano Well guys.... Get ready for the ups and downs. Was feel really good when I post the above. That aft ... Read more

Chris Germano Well guys.... Get ready for the ups and downs. Was feel really good when I post the above. That afternoon...not so much. It's a rollercoaster ride. Just hang in there.

Carmen P You can expect to hit what I called "The Wall" on some days. When you do, REST. It takes time. It ... Read more

Carmen P You can expect to hit what I called "The Wall" on some days. When you do, REST. It takes time. It will get better.

Chris Germano Indeed. I have experienced "the wall". Just keep hanging on.

Chris Germanoposted a journal

20 days ago

Pamela Gregory, Geoff Curtis, Deena Z reacted to this

Hi, my Grandkids sewed me a personal heart pillow to take with me this weekend. 5 yrs and almost 3 years old. With a little help from a great daughter-in-law.
This ...Read more

Hi, my Grandkids sewed me a personal heart pillow to take with me this weekend. 5 yrs and almost 3 years old. With a little help from a great daughter-in-law.
This side is from the 5 yr old grand daughter

Chris Germano This side from the 2.7 year old

Chris Germano grandson

Richard Munson

Valerie Allen Oh my gosh, that is so special! What a thoughtful gift 💕

Aaron Bader That is so cool, and wow, some big time talent and artistry too!

Chris Germano

Rose Madura Very sweet! You will always cherish it and you'll be the talk of the hospital.

Chris Germano

Grace Mason Omgosh, I can't imagine a better pillow than that one!

Ana Brusso

Fidel Martínez Ruiz

Derek Schilling That will be a great help!

Pamela Gregory OMG!!! That is the best pillow I have ever seen. You will for sure be ok now. What an inspiration to... Read more

Pamela Gregory OMG!!! That is the best pillow I have ever seen. You will for sure be ok now. What an inspiration to have in the hospital and comfort

Janet Gaffney And this, right here, is why you’re going to do GREAT. Keep your thoughts on how much extended time ... Read more

Janet Gaffney And this, right here, is why you’re going to do GREAT. Keep your thoughts on how much extended time you’re going to get with your grandchildren. How incredibly thoughtful and lovely of them to do thus for you. Makes me smile and tear up.

Chris Germano

Mary Cobb Love your pillow, Chris! I have a very similar story to yours, and had aortic valve replacement with ... Read more

Mary Cobb Love your pillow, Chris! I have a very similar story to yours, and had aortic valve replacement with an Edwards bovine valve 8 months ago. I am doing great and can do everything I was doing before-and more! I am also a runner and have started running again (slowly) and it feels really good. I have 10 grandchildren and hope to be around for another 20 years at least! (I turn 69 next week.) You will be surprised at how quickly the recovery goes by!

Chris Germano Mary, Thanks for the encouragement!

Chris Germano

Deena Z How cool is this!!!! A first that I have seen on HVS.com. Could sell those, but only YOU have the o ... Read more

Deena Z How cool is this!!!! A first that I have seen on HVS.com. Could sell those, but only YOU have the orginal.❤️

Chris Germano

Chris Germanoposted a journal

30 days ago

Just completed my pre-op evaluation at The Cleveland Clinic on Monday, 10/13/25.

Lots of tests, full day's worth. Blood tests, EKG, CT Scan, Echocardiogram. ...Read more

Just completed my pre-op evaluation at The Cleveland Clinic on Monday, 10/13/25.

Lots of tests, full day's worth. Blood tests, EKG, CT Scan, Echocardiogram. Met with Cardiologist, Dr Kalahasti and Surgeon, Dr Roselli.

All went well, but, Dr. Roselli noted a congenital chest bone irregularity, that apparently will prevent the use of a mini-AVR. It might be a full SVAR. Not the best news.

Surgery is still on for Oct 27th. Trying to decide on either the new Edwards Resilia bio-valve (only 8 years of data, positive data) or the Magna normal bio-valve with decades of data. Thoughts?

Oh, by the way, if you have a Heart Catherization coming up... be prepared for some extensive bruising. I was told minor bruising at the hospital in Wilmington NC., but bruising up and down the thigh is somewhat normal. just watchout for swelling, indicating possible internal bleeding.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Hi Chris: I got a mitral Magna biovalve only two years ago and I´m going well. I cannot judge which... Read more

Fidel Martínez Ruiz Hi Chris: I got a mitral Magna biovalve only two years ago and I´m going well. I cannot judge which one is the best, but some few trials have been made (with 3 years of follow up) and the conclussion is that up to now, the new Resilia works in the same way that the former Edwards Magna, that is to say, well. But it is supposed that the life of Edwards Resilia valve should be longer than Edwards Magna, given that the first one (Resilia) brings-in a surface anti-calcification layer. The future and our own experiences will tell us. Wish you the best, sure it will go fine

Chris Germano

Thanks Fidel!

J Alexander Lassally The first two days are incredible at CC... I felt like I was in a factory but it was a good feeling.

Chris Germano Thanks

Janet Gaffney I’m a day behind you. We can get through this!

Chris Germano Yes indeed we can. I've started meditating to relax.

Janet, So many others have done this and it wil... Read more

Chris Germano Yes indeed we can. I've started meditating to relax.

Janet, So many others have done this and it will turn out fine... wonderful in fact. You'll be singing to your improved heart's content

Pamela Gregory I had Dr. Roselli and went with the Edwards Resilia

. Dr. Roselli is amazing and you are going to do ... Read more

Pamela Gregory I had Dr. Roselli and went with the Edwards Resilia

. Dr. Roselli is amazing and you are going to do great! Sending my best to you

Janet Gaffney @Chris, I’m meditating (and praying) too! Thank you for the encouragement! I hope you will keep pos ... Read more

Janet Gaffney @Chris, I’m meditating (and praying) too! Thank you for the encouragement! I hope you will keep posting afterwards so I can follow and encourage your progress.

Chris Germanoposted an update

40 days ago

Hi all, I'm heading to the Cleveland Clinic this weekend for PreOp testing. Aorta Valve Replacement Operation is 10/27, using a tissue valve. I was wondering ...Read more

Hi all, I'm heading to the Cleveland Clinic this weekend for PreOp testing. Aorta Valve Replacement Operation is 10/27, using a tissue valve. I was wondering what the longest lasting model might be... looking for any guidance available. Thanks in advance.

Corey Potter Chris, first, best wishes to you on your surgery. I had AVR on July 11th at CC with Dr. Tong. Dr. ... Read more

Corey Potter Chris, first, best wishes to you on your surgery. I had AVR on July 11th at CC with Dr. Tong. Dr. Tong and Dr. Soltez use the Abbott Epic Max porcine valve for the aortic position. There is an excellent video on Youtube (about 1 hour) that goes into great detail on this valve. Just type in Abbott Epic Max Valve and that should come up. They have been using this predominately since late 2023. I don't know if Dr. Roselli uses it or not but the video is very good. I think the other popular tissue valve is the Inspiris Resilia valve. Again, best wishes to you.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz My mitral valve was replaced with a biological valve two years ago. Now there's a new generation of v ... Read more

Fidel Martínez Ruiz My mitral valve was replaced with a biological valve two years ago. Now there's a new generation of valves with a coating that prevents calcification, lasting more than 20 years. They're also designed for the installation then of a second smaller valve on top, using a valve-in-valve procedure, may be it can be done by TAVR (I´ve seen here in the Learning Center) without open surgery. Edwards Lifesciences has valve models of this kind, but I think there will be more on the market with similar features and lifetime.

Rose Madura Hi Chris. I got an Edwards tissue valve - and was told it may last 15-20 years. I was 59 when I got i ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Chris. I got an Edwards tissue valve - and was told it may last 15-20 years. I was 59 when I got it. I'm not so naive that it will be the case for me as everyone is different. That being said, after 8 years, I'm still going strong with no issues. At last cardiologist visit in April, he said it sounded very crisp. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery. You will be in good hands at CC. Please keep us updated.

Valerie Allen Dr Roselli uses the Edward’s Resilia aortic valve -at least on me and to my knowledge. Good questio ... Read more

Valerie Allen Dr Roselli uses the Edward’s Resilia aortic valve -at least on me and to my knowledge. Good question to discuss with your surgeon. Note, I put some traveling tips on your previous post in case you are flying.

Fidel Martínez Ruiz I´ve got also an Edwards tissue valve (Magna Perimount). The new version is being made with Resilia ... Read more

Fidel Martínez Ruiz I´ve got also an Edwards tissue valve (Magna Perimount). The new version is being made with Resilia tissue to prevent early calcification.

Chris Germano Thank you all for the info on valves...and thanks very much for the well wishes.

David Pearl Edwards Inspiris Resilia which can accomodate future TAVRs

Chris Germanoposted a journal

104 days ago

Grace Mason reacted to this

Hi all, I have my SAVR scheduled for Oct 27th at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr Roselli.

Grace Mason Hi, glad to hear you are moving forward with the symptoms you are experiencing. The waiting is the ha ... Read more

Grace Mason Hi, glad to hear you are moving forward with the symptoms you are experiencing. The waiting is the hardest part.

Valerie Allen That is excellent news and Dr Roselli, my surgeon, and his team are outstanding!

Pamela Gregory

Chris Germanoposted a journal

125 days ago

I've decided to have my aorta valve replaced this fall. At the Cleveland Clinic. A little nervous and scared.

Chris Germano We have a lot of travel scheduled for this summer and fall: a 3 week trip to Europe, a visit to fami... Read more

Chris Germano We have a lot of travel scheduled for this summer and fall: a 3 week trip to Europe, a visit to family in NY, a trip to Fla.. Based on when the SAVR surgery gets scheduled, they all may be canceled.

But, on the other hand, I would really like to get this done and have my more active life back.