David's Journal

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. 

Allen Carkner  Excellent news! I was very happy when I got the green light to start jogging intervals. Happy your recovery is moving along smoothly.

Ana Brusso  As our dear Andy say, you do have a way with words. Congratulations on your speedy recovery. 🙏❤️

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! 

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 brother

Deena Z  And you only will get stronger and stronger.  Congrats on making it through it all!! Thxs for the update.

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!  😂😂

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.

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 where you can

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 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. It's amazing how much our bodies can handle

Ana Brusso  Congratulations David! You are doing great already. Continued good health and recovery and God bless you 

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 your body. You look great in the pic, and so soon after surgery! Love the smile....prayers for continued healing. Blessings!

Grace Mason   That is so great that they could spare the valve and you look very well! Hope you are in less pain soon

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 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'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 were removed.

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 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 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, 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

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 Z  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 great! We are cheering for you, you can do this!!!

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 team will do all the work and then you wake up! Sending you more well wishes 🙏

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!

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 hear your recovery is going well and may reach out for pre and post surgery advice and whatever insights you can share.  Take care!

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 🙏❤️

Jason Hyrup  Hi David.

  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.

 Im still trying to make my choice.

Thanks Jason