Dennis Shaffer - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

336 days ago

Teressa Phillips, Yumiko Ishida, Allen Carkner reacted to this

I am now passed my first year. I feel great and have my one year follow up scheduled. It’s strange to me how this surgery could feel so recent, but also like ...Read more

I am now passed my first year. I feel great and have my one year follow up scheduled. It’s strange to me how this surgery could feel so recent, but also like some distant memory at the same time.

Rose Madura I understand that feeling totally. Glad you are doing well.

Allen Carkner Congratulations! I totally get the distant dream thing as well as feeling like it was just a few week ... Read more

Allen Carkner Congratulations! I totally get the distant dream thing as well as feeling like it was just a few weeks ago. There’s no hiding the scars we have to remind us what we’ve been through and accomplished. We just have to keep moving forward.

Dan Fouratt Congrats and enjoy the wine. I can relate to the I had the surgery 8 months ago and it feels like ye ... Read more

Dan Fouratt Congrats and enjoy the wine. I can relate to the I had the surgery 8 months ago and it feels like yesterday at times and a long time ago at other times.

Dennis Shafferposted an update

519 days ago

Samidh Singh, Tiago Rocha, Kathy Ozio and 6 others reacted to this

Past six months post surgery! Cardiac rehab is in the rear view and I feel wonderful. Even memories of the harder parts of this experience are fading. So good ...Read more

Past six months post surgery! Cardiac rehab is in the rear view and I feel wonderful. Even memories of the harder parts of this experience are fading. So good to be kinda normal again. Thank god, my family, all the amazing people on here and my surgeon and nurses who made it happen.

Marie Myers Great post! Glad all is going well…

Rose Madura Wonderful to hear! So happy for you.

Suelynn Hanegraaf Always inspirational to hear from post ❤️‍🩹 6-months+ companions! Enjoy living. ☺️

Grace Mason Great to hear your excellent progress, Dennis.

Daneen Douglas That’s wonderful Dennis!

Dennis Shafferposted an update

705 days ago

Brady Busch, Rob Nielsen, Deena Z and 1 other reacted to this

I'm doing well. I can get somewhat comfortable once I get my pillows in place.

Tom Everson You look great. Take one day at a time and follow the doctors guidelines. Do not forget to sign up fo ... Read more

Tom Everson You look great. Take one day at a time and follow the doctors guidelines. Do not forget to sign up for Rehab when you feel ready

Mike Sparr Awesome! Which valve did you go with?

Dennis Shaffer Thank you, this was the toughest thing I've done, I will whole heartedly follow the doc's orders. My ... Read more

Dennis Shaffer Thank you, this was the toughest thing I've done, I will whole heartedly follow the doc's orders. My wonderful better half has let me know that I will be "all in" for Rehab lol (the support is awesome). I elected for the Edwards Ispiris Resilia. 25mm was the size I ended up with.

Rose Madura Dennis, you're looking pretty good so soon after surgery! Welcome to recovery. Slow and steady. You ... Read more

Rose Madura Dennis, you're looking pretty good so soon after surgery! Welcome to recovery. Slow and steady. You want to be a tortoise now and not a hare. 👍

Klara Čičić Looking good! The worst is behind you! All the best during your recovery, take it easy and try to lis ... Read more

Klara Čičić Looking good! The worst is behind you! All the best during your recovery, take it easy and try to listen to your body.

Grace Mason You look great! One week at a time and you will feel better and better. ❤️‍🩹💖

Pamela Gregory You do look amazing for having had surgery so recently! I'm sure how you feel isn't quite as good bu... Read more

Pamela Gregory You do look amazing for having had surgery so recently! I'm sure how you feel isn't quite as good but as rose said, be a tortoise and let people wait on you a bit.

Valerie Allen Wow 5 days out? Fantastic!

Sean Adkins It's good to see you on the mend!

Susan Lynn Lookin good, Dennis! Keep on smiling! Life is good after heart surgery!

Dennis Shaffer That pic does make me look comfy but I am still quite sore. Thank you for everybody's advice and enc ... Read more

Dennis Shaffer That pic does make me look comfy but I am still quite sore. Thank you for everybody's advice and encouraging words. Has helped me so much with the process.

Dennis Shafferposted an update

709 days ago

Donna Masters, Holly Wale, Susan Lynn and 1 other reacted to this

Dennis is awake and off the ventilator and doing well after his surgery today. He wanted me to share the good news with all of you, as he has greatly valued ...Read more

Dennis is awake and off the ventilator and doing well after his surgery today. He wanted me to share the good news with all of you, as he has greatly valued your words of encouragement and wisdom! -Celine

DeWayne Adamson That's great news!!!

christine blackway Fantastic! On to recovery

Valerie Allen Yay! What good news!

Raj K Super news. Tailwinds from this point on!

Larry Peterson Great news, Dennis and Celine!

Sean Adkins Great news!

Tom Everson Great news. Waiting was the hard part. Now the job is to follow the Doctors advice( no short cuts) an ... Read more

Tom Everson Great news. Waiting was the hard part. Now the job is to follow the Doctors advice( no short cuts) and walk as much as he can. Everyone heals at different paces so try not to compare. Congratulations

Pamela Gregory Awesome news!!! Sounds like he is doing well considering. Thank you for sharing the good news

Susan Lynn Thank you for the update, Celine! Please let him know that we're thinking of him!

Grace Mason Wonderful!! Thx for sharing, Celine.

Leti Tenner That's very good news. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

Ana Brusso Great to hear this news. Continued good health and recovery for Dennis. God bless you both and thank ... Read more

Ana Brusso Great to hear this news. Continued good health and recovery for Dennis. God bless you both and thank you for letting us know.

Rose Madura Wonderful news! Tell him welcome to recovery. Time to listen to the doctors and most importantly, li... Read more

Rose Madura Wonderful news! Tell him welcome to recovery. Time to listen to the doctors and most importantly, listen to your body.

Deena Z amen!

Rich Butela Great news. praying for continued good news.

Dennis Shafferposted a journal

710 days ago

DeWayne Adamson, Grace Mason , Donna Casaletto and 4 others reacted to this

I'm in Dallas. All checked in, bloodwork, xrays and paperwork. I'm scheduled to show up at 5:00am...surgery at 7:00am. Hoping for a good day! I'm pretty sure ...Read more

I'm in Dallas. All checked in, bloodwork, xrays and paperwork. I'm scheduled to show up at 5:00am...surgery at 7:00am. Hoping for a good day! I'm pretty sure I'll show up lol

christine blackway Wishing you the best possible outcome and a quick recovery!

Mike McKenna Sending lots of good vibes for a quick recovery. What did you decide for a valve if needed? I chose ... Read more

Mike McKenna Sending lots of good vibes for a quick recovery. What did you decide for a valve if needed? I chose bovine but they just repaired.

Rich Butela Prayers for you and your team ! Next stop Recovery

Dennis Shaffer Thank you so much. Mike, they will consider repair but will likely replace it. I choose bovine.

Valerie Allen Best wishes! 💕

Grace Mason First thing in the morning is good! Sleep well. It's just a regular day in the office for your team. ... Read more

Grace Mason First thing in the morning is good! Sleep well. It's just a regular day in the office for your team. They got you.❤️

Marian Janes All the best to you Dennis. You've got this! Sending prayers and positivity your way.

Rose Madura Great picture. Best wishes for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. Godspeed.

Klara Čičić Good luck, heart warrior!

Abhishek Sharma Best wishes...

Pamela Gregory Sending positive thoughts and prayers you direction today!

Michele Miller Hoping everything goes smoothly and looking forward to hearing about your recovery

Delise Becker Lifting you up in prayer today as well as the days to follow. Best wishes for your recovery journey.... Read more

Delise Becker Lifting you up in prayer today as well as the days to follow. Best wishes for your recovery journey.

Deena Z Love the photo, Dennis.
Let’s get this on-the-road! Next photo all better, in recovery and hug ... Read more

Deena Z Love the photo, Dennis.
Let’s get this on-the-road! Next photo all better, in recovery and hugging a pillow. Godspeed.

Marian Janes Thinking of you and praying for your successful surgery!

Susan Lynn Looks like you're ready to put this behind you! That smile says it all! Go get 'em, Dennis!

Dennis Shafferposted a journal

711 days ago

2 days till, freaking out just a little bit lol.

Jennifer Fuller It’s OK to freak out a bit! This is scary stuff! Just try to keep your mind occupied with fun thing ... Read more

Jennifer Fuller It’s OK to freak out a bit! This is scary stuff! Just try to keep your mind occupied with fun things, movies, books, time with family, whatever you enjoy. Before you know it, you’ll be waking up in the ICU with new and improved parts!

Raj K Good luck Dennis…keep up the regular routine heading into the surgery. For me it was getting outsi ... Read more

Raj K Good luck Dennis…keep up the regular routine heading into the surgery. For me it was getting outside, staying physical, stretching etc. in the anticipation of reduced activity on the other side of it. I also stocked up on books etc. that I thought I would read while laid up in the hospital but I never cracked a single one while admitted (although I’ve largely worked my way through them since I’ve been home). Eyes on the prize - recovery is on the other side!

Grace Mason It's absolutely normal to feel this way, Dennis. Do calming things you enjoy. I liked a bike ride, a ... Read more

Grace Mason It's absolutely normal to feel this way, Dennis. Do calming things you enjoy. I liked a bike ride, a hike or walk near running water and a massage.
Think of things you want to be prepared at home and focus on getting that ready so when you come home you can just relax and recover.

Melinda Donahue good luck to you - best wishes for the speediest recoveries

Rich Butela All the best Dennis, Before you know it, you'll be in the recovery room.

christine blackway Wishing you the best Dennis!

Karen Hommel Believe me, you’ve got this. I will be cheering you on!

Tom Everson This is the hardest part ( waiting) when you are in recovery work as hard as you can ( walk walk wal ... Read more

Tom Everson This is the hardest part ( waiting) when you are in recovery work as hard as you can ( walk walk walk) and ask for help when you need it Keep a positive attitude. Keep us informed Good luck

Susan Eckermann In the words of the late, great Tom Petty, The waiting (truly) is the hardest part. These modern su... Read more

Susan Eckermann In the words of the late, great Tom Petty, The waiting (truly) is the hardest part. These modern surgical teams are amazing! You will soon be on the other side, a warrior, on your recovery journey! All the best to you. You've got this, Dennis!

I know what you're going through...have faith and trust in your team...you'll be in recovery before ... Read more

I know what you're going through...have faith and trust in your team...you'll be in recovery before you know it!

Marian Janes I’m sure I will too! Got you covered in prayer my new friend!

Rose Madura Dennis, it is getting close. Try to find something to take your mine off it. Go to dinner with family ... Read more

Rose Madura Dennis, it is getting close. Try to find something to take your mine off it. Go to dinner with family or friends; watch a movie or documentary. The odds are in your favor so remember that. It's difficult in recovery but very doable even if there are complications. trust the doctors. They know what they are doing. God bless you. Sending you some peace.✌️

DeWayne Adamson Good luck Dennis. I'm right behind you.

Dennis Shaffer Thank you so much to everyone for the advice and encouraging words. I'll post when I'm on the other s ... Read more

Dennis Shaffer Thank you so much to everyone for the advice and encouraging words. I'll post when I'm on the other side. Good luck to you too DeWayne.

Valerie Allen Prayers lifted today Dennis

Abhishek Sharma don't worry all goes well. Keep calm and relaxed..

Melinda Donahue Best wishes for a speedy recovery

Dennis Shafferposted a journal

713 days ago

Susan Lynn, Grace Mason reacted to this

4 days till! I hope time feels like it goes by as fast after surgery as it did coming up on the date.

Susan Lynn Recovery goes even faster!!! All the best to you!!

Dennis Shaffer Thank you, I'm a little nervous lol

Rose Madura Praying for a successful surgery and uneventful recovery. Godspeed!

Pamela Gregory This is the most difficult time. Try to do things you enjoy this weekend and spend time with fun peo... Read more

Pamela Gregory This is the most difficult time. Try to do things you enjoy this weekend and spend time with fun people you love. It helps pass the time in a good way. After surgery, those same people will be there to help you through and are the biggest source of comfort!

Grace Mason 😊it will and it won't both Dennis. But mostly it will. First days in the hospital may seem to go s ... Read more

Grace Mason 😊it will and it won't both Dennis. But mostly it will. First days in the hospital may seem to go slowly because it's just not home and sometimes boring, sometimes uncomfortable. Once you are discharged and recovering at home it does seem to go fast. I felt like you as well. The surgery day came fast, but on surgery morning I felt calm and confident in my team. Wishing you well ❤️

Dennis Shaffer Thank you for the replies, well wishes and insight, it helps more than I could put into words.

Dennis Shafferposted an update

728 days ago

Does anybody know if having an ascending aorta repair complicates future aortic valve replacements? Could the dacron conduit simply be opened up like the native ...Read more

Does anybody know if having an ascending aorta repair complicates future aortic valve replacements? Could the dacron conduit simply be opened up like the native aorta or will the whole conduit have to be replaced at the time of a future valve replacement?

Stanley Cheong I just had my biscupid valve repaired. I don't have the report on me but I've heard from the doctor i ... Read more

Stanley Cheong I just had my biscupid valve repaired. I don't have the report on me but I've heard from the doctor it would complicate sticking a transcatheter replacement. Though it is great that I still have all the parts to my heart!

Valerie Allen Dennis, not sure I understand the question exactly, but I will be having an aortic valve replacement ... Read more

Valerie Allen Dennis, not sure I understand the question exactly, but I will be having an aortic valve replacement and aneurysm repair with the intent of a possible TAVR should another valve replacement ever be needed. In other words that is the plan.

Dennis Shaffer Glad to see you are doing good after your procedure! I haven't heard that about the transcatheter rep ... Read more

Dennis Shaffer Glad to see you are doing good after your procedure! I haven't heard that about the transcatheter replacement. Maybe any future work I get will be through the sternum again. I should retain my aortic root so maybe there is some chance a TAVR can be fitted. Thanks for the reply.

Dennis Shaffer Valerie, I was thinking TAVR would be an option but was still wondering if there is a chance to do on ... Read more

Dennis Shaffer Valerie, I was thinking TAVR would be an option but was still wondering if there is a chance to do one more surgical replacement through mini thoracotomy or robotic surgery before moving on to TAVR. I know some people are sorta hoping a second TAVR cound be possible...in case. I wonder if a second SAVR could buy time.

DeWayne Adamson Dennis, technology is accelerating so fast its hard to comprehend what will be standard in 10 years. ... Read more

DeWayne Adamson Dennis, technology is accelerating so fast its hard to comprehend what will be standard in 10 years. My guess is that in 10 years you're tvar will be a 25 year valve. Today's top surgeons have no problems doing a tavr in a dacron aorta.

Dennis Shaffer Thank you for the replies

Dennis Shafferposted an update

729 days ago

Pamela Gregory, Dennis Shaffer, Valerie Allen and 1 other reacted to this

The heart cath was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. Just a little bored in recovery.

Kimberly Eisenhut Glad to here it went smoothly for you :)

Dennis Shaffer Thank you

Dennis Shafferposted a journal

729 days ago

Grace Mason , Kimberly Eisenhut, Susan Lynn reacted to this

Just out of my double heart cath(left and right sides). In recovery, feel great...ready to sneak out of here lol.

christine blackway

Susan Lynn Yay! All clear?

Dennis Shaffer Oh yes, all clear. Guess I should have lead with that.

Susan Lynn Woo-hoo! Great news!

Dennis Shafferposted a journal

739 days ago

With the surgery date closing in, I find myself continuously researching tissue and mechanical valves, dacron conduit longevity and surgical approaches. I could ...Read more

With the surgery date closing in, I find myself continuously researching tissue and mechanical valves, dacron conduit longevity and surgical approaches. I could probably teach statistics and sell valves but still can't decide what valve I want. If I keep this up, I'll be flipping a coin while I'm heading into the OR

Allen Carkner Is Ross procedure an option?

Rose Madura Hi Dennis. I was told that the Dacron sleeve for the ascending aorta will last for my lifetime. I was ... Read more

Rose Madura Hi Dennis. I was told that the Dacron sleeve for the ascending aorta will last for my lifetime. I was 59 when I got a tissue valve 7 years ago. God bless you on this journey and for choosing the valve for you. It is a tough decision. Also, check into the Ross Procedure like Allen suggested. ❤️‍🩹

Sean Adkins I completely understand. I’ve watched all the videos and research I could find. Edwards Inspiris Re ... Read more

Sean Adkins I completely understand. I’ve watched all the videos and research I could find. Edwards Inspiris Resilia tissue valve may still be an option for you. I’m a few years older than you and that’s my intentions. I’m meeting with my surgeon on Thursday. The risk of stroke with a mechanical valve really frightens me.

Dennis Shaffer Thank you for bringing up that valve, I was just reading up on it! I think it was one my surgeon had ... Read more

Dennis Shaffer Thank you for bringing up that valve, I was just reading up on it! I think it was one my surgeon had at the consult...the Inspiris Resilia tissue and the On-X mechanical. Stroke risk frightens me too, followed up by the bleeding risks.

Upcoming Surgeries

Mary Park
Aortic Stenosis
November 5, 2025

Michael Smith
Mitral Regurgitation
November 5, 2025

Carl Bowling
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
November 6, 2025

HOME

ABOUT US

COMMUNITY

LEARNING CENTER

DOCTOR FINDER

HEART HOSPITALS

VIDEOS

ADAM'S BLOG

NEWSLETTER

STORE

CONTACT

JOIN US

SIGN IN

Dennis's Journal

Dennis's Journal

Upcoming Surgeries

Surgeon Spotlight

Heart Valve Hospitals