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.
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.
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.
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 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
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!
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.
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.
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.✌️
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.
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.
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
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.