Happy Friday! I continue to be both inspired & humbled hearing about everyone’s individual journey on this site. Quick update: to my utter amazement ...Read more
Happy Friday! I continue to be both inspired & humbled hearing about everyone’s individual journey on this site. Quick update: to my utter amazement I received the blessing from my cardio rehab team to begin running again this week only 7 weeks post surgery to replace my 5.3 mm aneurysm. Granted it was only a total of 8 min broken into 2 min intervals but still very excited! Felt great and exhausting at the same time but to my surprise no discomfort. Between this, light weights, indoor biking and daily hikes I just want to share an optimistic message of what’s possible. The previous year of stress, anxiety, decisions etc only make running for 2 minutes that much sweeter 🙏 as I honestly didn’t think I would be able to do these activities again.
Thank you HVS community! There’s times in this experience where we need to be lifted up and supported as well as times when we are able to do the heavy lifting to help others as we all travel a different road to recovery. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there as well and as Adam says, Keep on Ticking 😎! Cheers!
Andrew Dial Wow David, you have a way with words. And how quickly you were able to return to actually running.. o ... Read more
Andrew Dial Wow David, you have a way with words. And how quickly you were able to return to actually running.. only 7 weeks out of surgery! I am thrilled for you, because you are an inspiration, and you clearly have a passion for staying healthy, pushing the limits a little, and provide help for anyone in need! Congrats, my friend.
Hello all! I received a shirt as a gift for post surgery but ended up not needing it. It’s brand new with tags and I’d love to give it to someone ...Read more
Hello all! I received a shirt as a gift for post surgery but ended up not needing it. It’s brand new with tags and I’d love to give it to someone that might be able to use it. Let me know who wants it and I’m happy to mail it to you ❤️🩹. It’s size large with snap away shoulder and side so good for the first few weeks of post op.
Andrew Dial I think this would make your muscles look bigger ….
Happy Friday my fellow heart warrior brothers and sisters! Today’s my one month ‘surgaversary’. Walking / hiking 3-4 miles daily, started ...Read more
Happy Friday my fellow heart warrior brothers and sisters! Today’s my one month ‘surgaversary’. Walking / hiking 3-4 miles daily, started cardio rehab (which I strongly recommend) and despite daily aches and pains from who knows what (or possibly overdoing it at times) feeling very positive and grateful. Met w/ both my surgeon and cardiologist last week. Both gave a thumbs up on my recovery and the best news is that I no longer need to take beta blockers! I continue to find inspiration and perspective from the HVS community on the daily, thank you all and wherever you are in the process, don’t hesitate to reach out if and when you need support or help ❤️🩹. Cheers!
Sue Lee You look fantastic! Hope you enjoy the long weekend
Sue Lee Looks like you will be back to sport before you know it.
Allen Carkner Great work! I enjoy my rehab time immensely. You're making me want to step it up a bit. They just let ... Read more
Allen Carkner Great work! I enjoy my rehab time immensely. You're making me want to step it up a bit. They just let me start jogging a little this week and my legs are pretty sore. Good to see you're doing well!
Timothy Andre Great update David! Happy to hear all is well. One day at a time. God bless you
Klara Čičić You look amazing, David! Recovery is ups and downs, but having attitude like yours certainly helps. : ... Read more
Klara Čičić You look amazing, David! Recovery is ups and downs, but having attitude like yours certainly helps. :)
Andrew Dial David, you are an inspiration, and I love seeing how far you push yourself! U inspire me daily brothe ... Read more
Andrew Dial David, you are an inspiration, and I love seeing how far you push yourself! U inspire me daily brother
Today is 3 weeks post op and just wanted to give a quick update 😎 I get so inspired and humbled every time I log on to HVS, what an amazing community, ...Read more
Today is 3 weeks post op and just wanted to give a quick update 😎 I get so inspired and humbled every time I log on to HVS, what an amazing community, thank you! I basically stopped all narcotics day 6 (first day back from the hospital) and have been slowly feeling better and better. Walking 3-4 miles / day w/ my dog which makes me very happy and trying not, in my wife’s words, to be dumb. Which honestly is hard sometimes but my body has told me loudly when this happens. Sleep is still a challenge but overall feeling good and excited to begin cardio rehab later this week. Peace 🕊️
Andrew Dial My dude! You’re doing great! So happy to hear this update. Ttys
Klara Čičić That is great, David! Listen to your body and your wife :) you are doing great!
Rose Madura David, sounds like you are doing great. Walking is good. Along with listening to your body and your ... Read more
Rose Madura David, sounds like you are doing great. Walking is good. Along with listening to your body and your wife, now you should listen to Klara! 😂😂
Allen Carkner Doing great! Glad your pain has been manageable.
Pamela Gregory Great news David! Definitely listen to your wife!!! Cardiac rehab was wonderful for me
DeLois Tweedy Great to hear, David. Keep up the good work and remember your wife is trying to take care of you! I f ... Read more
DeLois Tweedy Great to hear, David. Keep up the good work and remember your wife is trying to take care of you! I found that Cardiac Rehab helped me in many ways.
11 days post surgery to repair an enlarged aortic root aneurysm and starting to feel like a human being (especially the last couple of days). Sleep and body ...Read more
11 days post surgery to repair an enlarged aortic root aneurysm and starting to feel like a human being (especially the last couple of days). Sleep and body temp (night sweats) regulation seem to be the biggest challenges right now but overall feeling okay. Walking a couple of times a day (20-40 min) helps a ton and very happy to be on the other side of the surgery for sure. A quick shout out to a couple of folks I’ve met through this site that I’ve connected with one on one. I love the generosity and courage for others to share their stories, struggles and achievements. No one is alone and don’t ever be afraid to reach your hand out for help, and that includes me if I can! Peace ✌️
(picture leaving the hospital)
Rose Madura Welcome to recovery. Try not to rush things and listen to your body! God bless you.
Marie Myers Congratulations! Be patient with yourself at home; recovery is a slower process than we would like so ... Read more
Marie Myers Congratulations! Be patient with yourself at home; recovery is a slower process than we would like sometimes…
Pamela Gregory Awesome news! Take it easy and listen to your body. Walking is definitely helpful. Sleep when and wh... Read more
Pamela Gregory Awesome news! Take it easy and listen to your body. Walking is definitely helpful. Sleep when and where you can
Patsy Stewart Amazing photo! I had to look twice to see who was actually the patient! Welcome home and to your seco ... Read more
Patsy Stewart Amazing photo! I had to look twice to see who was actually the patient! Welcome home and to your second chance at life. Sending prayers your way that your recovery goes well. ~❤️
Grace Mason Congrats, David, on going home from the hospital. It's good to hear you are beginning to feel better... Read more
Grace Mason Congrats, David, on going home from the hospital. It's good to hear you are beginning to feel better and continuing to do well, in your recovery
David Carriker So glad you are healing well! I go into surgery on the 25th and I'm about the same age as you are. I ... Read more
David Carriker So glad you are healing well! I go into surgery on the 25th and I'm about the same age as you are. It's amazing how much our bodies can handle
Hello all!! Successful surgery yesterday to repair my aneurysm and they were able to spare the valve as well, beyond thrilled. Many thanks to the fantastic ...Read more
Hello all!! Successful surgery yesterday to repair my aneurysm and they were able to spare the valve as well, beyond thrilled. Many thanks to the fantastic staff at Virginia Mason and Dr. Bob Moraca in particular. In quite a bit of pain but they kicked me out of ICU after less than 24 hours 🥰 so I’ll take it! So relieved to be on the other side now.
Rose Madura Wonderful news! You look pretty good so soon after surgery...
Susan Lynn You did it, David, and you're making it look easy! Fabulous photo! Welcome to recovery! Remembe... Read more
Susan Lynn You did it, David, and you're making it look easy! Fabulous photo! Welcome to recovery! Remember - Walk. Rest. Repeat. You'll soon be home!
DeLois Tweedy David, so glad it went so well and now you can concentrate on recovery. Take it slowly and listen to ... Read more
DeLois Tweedy David, so glad it went so well and now you can concentrate on recovery. Take it slowly and listen to your body. You look great in the pic, and so soon after surgery! Love the smile....prayers for continued healing. Blessings!
Trygve Harris Wow, a day later ! You look great! Welcome to recovery!
Kimberly Eisenhut Wow! and you are smiling!!! Love your grit! You did it!!!
David Seligman Thanks to everyone for the messages of support, truly appreciated! Hoping to get discharged today (day 5) but will see if they want an additional day 🙏. The last 4 days have been filled with moments of.intensity that I never could have anticipated- I literally feel like I’ve lived a 1000 lifetimes. From joy, relief, humility, frustration and pain to acceptance and anticipation about finally being on the ‘other side’ of this.
Was on heavy narcotics because of debilitating pain and spasms from the drainage tubes that was awful tbh. Unfortunately I got behind the pain management and in hindsight would have tried to manage this more proactively. I felt like I could barely breathe without my body spasming - ugh. Fortunately though tubes and neck catheter were removed yesterday and it was a miracle of relief and recovery! While I still feel like I got hit by a truck and new areas of soreness are emerging, I discontinued narcotics with trepidation but am managing ok.
It seems like there will be many different stages of adjustment and discomfort over these next few weeks and months. For instance, my upper clavicles and shoulder places are super sore but I don’t feel like I’ve done anything. I welcome and appreciate any comments or perspective on these kind of things. Thanks to whoever reads this post and continued thoughts and prayers for anyone’s suffering 🙏❤️🩹. ... Read more
David Seligman Thanks to everyone for the messages of support, truly appreciated! Hoping to get discharged today (day 5) but will see if they want an additional day 🙏. The last 4 days have been filled with moments of.intensity that I never could have anticipated- I literally feel like I’ve lived a 1000 lifetimes. From joy, relief, humility, frustration and pain to acceptance and anticipation about finally being on the ‘other side’ of this.
Was on heavy narcotics because of debilitating pain and spasms from the drainage tubes that was awful tbh. Unfortunately I got behind the pain management and in hindsight would have tried to manage this more proactively. I felt like I could barely breathe without my body spasming - ugh. Fortunately though tubes and neck catheter were removed yesterday and it was a miracle of relief and recovery! While I still feel like I got hit by a truck and new areas of soreness are emerging, I discontinued narcotics with trepidation but am managing ok.
It seems like there will be many different stages of adjustment and discomfort over these next few weeks and months. For instance, my upper clavicles and shoulder places are super sore but I don’t feel like I’ve done anything. I welcome and appreciate any comments or perspective on these kind of things. Thanks to whoever reads this post and continued thoughts and prayers for anyone’s suffering 🙏❤️🩹.
Cheers!
Rose Madura David, it actually sounds like you are recovering well. Yes, it's best to stay ahead of your pain an ... Read more
Rose Madura David, it actually sounds like you are recovering well. Yes, it's best to stay ahead of your pain and hopefully Tylenol will do the trick for you now. I did have terrible clavicle pain and shoulder pain and was told by the nurses that it was most likely from the way they have you strapped to the table so you don't move. Hopefully it will get better soon. Walk as much as you feel you can and listen to your body. Godspeed!
Carolyn Maso Congrats for being on the other side, David. you look great! I stared long and hard at everything you ... Read more
Carolyn Maso Congrats for being on the other side, David. you look great! I stared long and hard at everything you're attached to thinking that will be me in a couple of weeks. Wondered about so many things like how do you walk down the hall, the bathroom etc... do they disconnect everything or is a nurse dragging it while you walk? Just think, it will feel so good to disconnect from all of it! A real journey with highs and lows. Thanks for sharing and wish you all the best during your recovery.
Allen Carkner I found the drainage tubes to be one of the worst parts of surgery. It was quite a relief once those ... Read more
Allen Carkner I found the drainage tubes to be one of the worst parts of surgery. It was quite a relief once those were removed.
Surgery in 5 days to replace my aortic root (5.3) and spare my valve. Had a cardiac catherization yesterday and the pipes, as my doc said, are "clear as a... Read more
Surgery in 5 days to replace my aortic root (5.3) and spare my valve. Had a cardiac catherization yesterday and the pipes, as my doc said, are "clear as a bell". 👍
I also just wanted to say that I have found so much comfort, knowledge and inspiration from the heart warriors on this site, thank you! A special shout out and thanks to my visiting angel (and now friend) Andy, who I met thru HVS. His generosity and guidance have changed my mindset more than I could have ever hoped! My surgery is coming up in only 5 days and my body and mind are ready to receive the intervention and fix needed to live a long and healthy life.
While I've shed plenty of tears these last few months from fear and sadness, an greater amount has flowed due to the kindness and grace from people in my circle as well as complete strangers (my other visiting angels). I can honestly say that I feel humbled and overwhelmingly grateful for the outpouring of support and I hope to pay this forward however I can.
DeLois Tweedy Great post, David. It sounds like you are in a good frame of mind- mentally and emotionally, going in ... Read more
DeLois Tweedy Great post, David. It sounds like you are in a good frame of mind- mentally and emotionally, going into your surgery. Glad you have reached this point, and hope that peace of mind continues with you for the next 5 days. Sending best wishes and prayers for you and your heart team.
Andrew Dial We’re all here for you brother! Surgery is going to go AMAZING on Tuesday, and in the blink of an e ... Read more
Andrew Dial We’re all here for you brother! Surgery is going to go AMAZING on Tuesday, and in the blink of an eye you will be in recovery and well on your way to getting back to the things you enjoy, but now, you’ll be feeling even better! Look forward to one last FaceTime before Tuesday. Talk soon brotha. -Andy
Rose Madura Yes, we are here to cheer you on. Your outlook is marvelous. I was just telling my husband tonight ... Read more
Rose Madura Yes, we are here to cheer you on. Your outlook is marvelous. I was just telling my husband tonight how thankful I am to have gone through the surgery. I feel so much better physically. God bless you!
Pamela Gregory You are going into this with a great mindset! I think everyone on this site experienced the fear, sa... Read more
Pamela Gregory You are going into this with a great mindset! I think everyone on this site experienced the fear, sadness, and tears that you are having. It is scary! That being said everyone on this site is still here after surgery. It was difficult mental experience before and after for me but I have to admit that my biggest fear was the pain and they kept that under control big time! Recovery takes patience and allowing your loved ones to wait on you. Lots of walking helps too. You have a lot of support with your family and this site and we will all be sending our best thoughts and prayers to you and your team for a perfect outcome
Janet Roberson Everything looks ideal for a positive outcome. Best of luck!
Susan Lynn David - By the time you arrive at the hospital, you'll be through the worst part - waiting! The r... Read more
Susan Lynn David - By the time you arrive at the hospital, you'll be through the worst part - waiting! The rest is absolutely doable. It's over in what feels like a moment and then it's recovery time!! You'll be inspiring others in the waiting room, soon, too! Go get 'em! We'll be waiting for you!
Deena Elani David, you will regain the image of yourself as an incredible athlete with a long life ahead of you ... Read more
Deena Elani David, you will regain the image of yourself as an incredible athlete with a long life ahead of you with your family. We aren't called "Heart Warriors" for nothing! Seriously, you will be stronger physically and braver mentally after your surgery. Look forward to hearing about it all during your recovery. You will be okay. Odds are way, way way in your favor.
Klara Čičić David I can totally relate to your words, angels here helped me immensely, too! You are gonna do gre... Read more
Klara Čičić David I can totally relate to your words, angels here helped me immensely, too! You are gonna do great! We are cheering for you, you can do this!!!
Deena Elani Andrew - you're a good guy helping out over Facetime!
Kristine Schroeder You got this, David. I will keep you in my prayers. Looking forward to hearing from you on the recove ... Read more
Kristine Schroeder You got this, David. I will keep you in my prayers. Looking forward to hearing from you on the recovery side!!
Donna Casaletto Just remember as posted by a fellow heart warrior …you show up, you fall asleep, and the medical te ... Read more
Donna Casaletto Just remember as posted by a fellow heart warrior …you show up, you fall asleep, and the medical team will do all the work and then you wake up! Sending you more well wishes 🙏
Hello all, I am about six weeks away from my surgery (valve sparing aortic root replacement) and will be meeting with my surgeon today. I’ve got a laundry ...Read more
Hello all, I am about six weeks away from my surgery (valve sparing aortic root replacement) and will be meeting with my surgeon today. I’ve got a laundry list of questions, but wondering what some of you wished you knew or had asked your doctor leading up to the surgery? Any and all feedback and guidance is welcome and appreciated 😎.
Patty Parrish I had no unanswered questions but I do have 3 tips I learned in hospital which made a big difference. ... Read more
Patty Parrish I had no unanswered questions but I do have 3 tips I learned in hospital which made a big difference. If anyone has a hard time swallowing pills, put the whole pill into a spoonful of applesauce and swallow all at once. Works every time. They tried crushing the pill but that caused a very bitter flavor. If they need to dissolve potassium powder for you to drink, put it in orange juice. BTW, surgery and recovery were very smooth for me and I wish you the same!
Rose Madura I'm sorry I saw this too late to offer any assistance on questions. I hope your visit went well.
Adam Baumgartner Hi David, I just read your profile. I'm also from Washington and had the David procedure just over a ... Read more
Adam Baumgartner Hi David, I just read your profile. I'm also from Washington and had the David procedure just over a year ago. I also questioned myself like you, but now I am doing better physically than I have in years. Good luck with your surgery and I and anyone else here would be happy to answer any questions.
David Seligman Hi Adam, thanks for reaching out and congrats on being in the ‘other side of things’! Glad to he ... Read more
David Seligman Hi Adam, thanks for reaching out and congrats on being in the ‘other side of things’! Glad to hear your recovery is going well and may reach out for pre and post surgery advice and whatever insights you can share. Take care!
Robert Miller Looking great! Enjoy every minute with your family...
Ana Brusso Hello David, you have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your story and welcome. Glad you join ... Read more
Ana Brusso Hello David, you have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your story and welcome. Glad you joined us and hope we can be of support and comfort to you. God bless you 🙏❤️
I too have a bicuspid Aorta valve, and adsending Aorta enlargement... Mine is at 4.9 cm. Did you decide on a valve (bio or Mechanical) if they cant fix your current valve? I hope they can, but you need to be ready if not.
I too have a bicuspid Aorta valve, and adsending Aorta enlargement... Mine is at 4.9 cm. Did you decide on a valve (bio or Mechanical) if they cant fix your current valve? I hope they can, but you need to be ready if not.
Thank you HVS community! There’s times in this experience where we need to be lifted up and supported as well as times when we are able to do the heavy lifting to help others as we all travel a different road to recovery. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there as well and as Adam says, Keep on Ticking 😎! Cheers!