Fran Zilko - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1539 days ago

Adam Pick, Lisa Ferguson and 2 others reacted to this

I'm sad to report the effort to improve Fran's health so she could accept the TAVR process failed. Her kidneys, lungs and heart just couldn't get things going ...Read more

I'm sad to report the effort to improve Fran's health so she could accept the TAVR process failed. Her kidneys, lungs and heart just couldn't get things going in the right direction. The severity of the problems encountered could not be overcome and she died peacefully surrounded by her loving family Thursday evening, November 15th. Thank you for your support and prayers. Pete Zilko

MARIE PICUN My thoughts and prayers for her and her family.

Adam Pick I am at a loss for words. I wish I could unread what I just read. Fran has been such a wonderful par ... Read more

Adam Pick I am at a loss for words. I wish I could unread what I just read. Fran has been such a wonderful part of this community over the years. My heart, my thoughts, and my prayers are going out to Fran's spirit and the Zilko family. Fran will be missed. Rest in peace Fran! Love, Adam

Liz Gephart So sorry for your loss, sending thoughts and prayers.

Janice West I am so sorry and sad to read this. Praying for comfort and peace for the family.

Duane Hunt Fran was a woman of great strength, love, faith, and compassion. We are so sad for your loss, Pete, ... Read more

Duane Hunt Fran was a woman of great strength, love, faith, and compassion. We are so sad for your loss, Pete, and your family's great loss. Fran was one of four of us who had our heart surgeries in the same time window back when the journals were brand new-late 2009 and early 2010. The four of us, along with Adam and others on the journals, were such an immense help and support system to one another through the challenges, ups and downs of each of our heart surgery and recovery journeys. The four of us have gotten together annually most years for a reunion in central Florida, though one is from Ontario, and one was from Maine, now Florida. We four are entering the window celebrating our 9th anniversary. Thank you, God, for Fran's life, love, and impact on so many! We were truly heart buddies!

William Thune Fran was a gracious, strong lovely lady that I had the honor to meet at Cleveland Clinic in 2010. We ... Read more

William Thune Fran was a gracious, strong lovely lady that I had the honor to meet at Cleveland Clinic in 2010. We had the same surgeon and her room was a few doors down from mine. We had a special bond. Seeing her strength during recovery, gave me strength to make the dreaded walk around the ward. I would top off the stroll with a short visit at her room; aka rest stop. Our prayers are with Pete and all her family. Rest assured she is pain free and smiling down on everyone.

Robert Bach I am so sorry to hear this.

Dan Baltazor We are saddened to hear of Fran. So sorry for your loss!! Dan & Stephanie

Cheryl Irvine What a horribly disappointing and sad post this is Pete. Fran has been fighting this battle for so l ... Read more

Cheryl Irvine What a horribly disappointing and sad post this is Pete. Fran has been fighting this battle for so long I can see that her body just couldn’t climb that hill any longer. What a courageous dear soul and very good friend she was to me and the other HVJ friends she met here. I, like Bill, Richard and Duane and our spouses got to meet her personally several times over the 9 years since my own surgery. Fran has been a huge source of information, support and inspiration to my recovery and ongoing health problems and I will miss her dearly. She always had such understanding and good advice to share. My heart breaks for you Pete and your precious family. Our own angel entered heaven last evening. God bless.

Roxanne Baumgartner So sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers are lifted up to Fran, her family, and friends.

Susan Lynn Pete- I'm deeply saddened to read about Fran's passing. Sincerest sympathy to you and your family. ... Read more

Susan Lynn Pete- I'm deeply saddened to read about Fran's passing. Sincerest sympathy to you and your family. You will remain in our prayers. Today, all of our hearts are broken. 💔

Dan Vechiola So so sorry to hear about Fran. My thoughts are with you at this this difficult time.

Molly Ivers So sorry to hear about this - I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

Jennifer McInerney So sorry to read this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Catie B I'm terribly sorry and saddened to learn this. My heart goes out to you, Pete, and your whole family. ... Read more

Catie B I'm terribly sorry and saddened to learn this. My heart goes out to you, Pete, and your whole family. Prayers for much comfort!

Nancy LeClair Gottlieb I'm really sorry to learn of your wife's passing. I pray God comforts you and your family during thi ... Read more

Nancy LeClair Gottlieb I'm really sorry to learn of your wife's passing. I pray God comforts you and your family during this difficult time.

Joey Hardee So sorry for your loss and so sad to read this news. Praying for you all.

Louanna Miller We grieve with you and your family and are so sorry to read about Fran. Rest in the peace of our Lor ... Read more

Louanna Miller We grieve with you and your family and are so sorry to read about Fran. Rest in the peace of our Lord and Savior. She was a believer and has a completely healed body and renewed spirit. God bless you.

Barbara Wood I'm so sorry for your loss Pete, all my sympathy to you and your family.

LINDA ROBERTS I am so sorry for your loss. Fran was a very special lady who inspired and encouraged others who wou ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS I am so sorry for your loss. Fran was a very special lady who inspired and encouraged others who would be going through heart surgery. She will forever have a special place in my heart. Sending prayers at this very difficult time.

Rob Sparling I can only add one more voice to those above. It is comforting to know Fran was surrounded by family ... Read more

Rob Sparling I can only add one more voice to those above. It is comforting to know Fran was surrounded by family during her last moments and hope you can all find peace in that. Grieving is tough...

Valerie Herndon-Vitarella Such sad news. I am so sorry to her this. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Phyllis Petersen So sorry to hear this! She sounded like such a fighter that I really thought she would make it. My th ... Read more

Phyllis Petersen So sorry to hear this! She sounded like such a fighter that I really thought she would make it. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Tracy Fallu So sorry for your loss.

Bradley Dunn Dawg tears.

Rita Savelis In deepest sympathy.

Lisa Ferguson I am honored to join the heart valve community choir in sending prayers for comfort during this diffi ... Read more

Lisa Ferguson I am honored to join the heart valve community choir in sending prayers for comfort during this difficult time.

Shannon Gray My sincere condolences... continued prayers for your family.

Debbie Moriarty I’m so sad to hear this news. Love and hugs for her family. ❤️

Jennifer John My deepest sympathy❤️🌺

Lenore Mitchell Reading Fran’s journal has provided a window into the wonderful woman she was. Sympathy to her frie ... Read more

Lenore Mitchell Reading Fran’s journal has provided a window into the wonderful woman she was. Sympathy to her friends and family.

Joy Vera I'm very sorry to hear this. Fran provided so much support to me before & after my 2010 valve replac ... Read more

Joy Vera I'm very sorry to hear this. Fran provided so much support to me before & after my 2010 valve replacement. What a lovely, kind person. My thoughts are with you & your family.

Debbie Chatzky I’m so very sorry to hear this news! So sorry for your loss.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1540 days ago

Diane Maher and 1 other reacted to this

It's been a rough road since Nov 1st. Her recovery from the pneumonia is slow because her heart is not able to cooperate. Thus it was decided that the valve ...Read more

It's been a rough road since Nov 1st. Her recovery from the pneumonia is slow because her heart is not able to cooperate. Thus it was decided that the valve needed to be replaced ASAP. Since flying her to Cleveland via air ambulance was a cost not covered by insurance it was decided to go to a Florida hospital with a high quality TAVR team - and there are several. Health Park Hospital in Fort Myers was selected and she was transferred there last Monday evening. She will undergo her evaluation testing over the next days. If all goes well the TAVR procedure should be performed soon thereafter. Your continued support is welcome. Thank you. Will continue to keep you advised.

Catie B I'm sorry to hear the valve situation has become so severe and has hindered Fran's recovery. So good ... Read more

Catie B I'm sorry to hear the valve situation has become so severe and has hindered Fran's recovery. So good that you've found an excellent team so this can be taken care of quickly. Best to you both!

Susan Lynn Prayers to both of you. Please keep us posted on Fran's progress. ❤

MARIE PICUN My God have his hand on her during surgery and a healthy recovery. In Jesus name amen

LINDA ROBERTS I think Florida Hospital in Orlando is good for open heart but not sure about TAVR. Wishing her futu ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS I think Florida Hospital in Orlando is good for open heart but not sure about TAVR. Wishing her future good health and a successful surgery.

Barbara Wood Prayers for you & Fran, wishing you all the best as you push forward.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1551 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Fran has had a temporary setback in her recovery from the fall. She was admitted to the hospital (Cape Coral) Thursday evening suffering from shortness of breath ...Read more

Fran has had a temporary setback in her recovery from the fall. She was admitted to the hospital (Cape Coral) Thursday evening suffering from shortness of breath and coughing. Turned out to be pneumonia. Presently in ICU in treatment. Also retaining fluid creating a problem for her heart. It's going to be a while before it's all resolved. Will keep you advised. Pete

LINDA ROBERTS Sending prayers to Fran and hope she will soon be feeling much better.

Susan Lynn Please let Fran know we're thinking of her. Prayers to you both. ❤🙏

Dan Baltazor Sorry to hear Pete! Thanks for the update. You and Fran are in our prayers.

Duane Hunt Oh drats!! Will be praying for you both!

Catie B Prayers here, Pete!

Meredith Geneja Thinking of you both. I came home from surgery with a bad cold. Coughing was tough. So grateful Fran ... Read more

Meredith Geneja Thinking of you both. I came home from surgery with a bad cold. Coughing was tough. So grateful Fran is receiving great care. Appreciate the update, Pete.

Nancy LeClair Gottlieb Prayers for your complete recovery and continued good health.

Molly Ivers You're in my thoughts Fran!

Rob Sparling Yikes, so sorry to hear the complications continue. Praying for you both!.

Dan Vechiola Sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you and Fran,

MARIE PICUN Prayers to her. Let God have his hand on her.

Janice West Prayers for all of you.

Roxanne Baumgartner Prayers offered for Fran!

Pam Dillard Best wishes for a speedy recovery from this set back! Prayers for your family.

Louanna Miller Praying for healing, strength and recovery so you may have your heart surgery.

Sommer Russell Well wishes.

margerite tarulli So sorry please feel better

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1561 days ago

Chris Shackelford and 2 others reacted to this

Been home since Tuesday, October 16th. Getting OT and PT for arm and legs. New TAVR date is December 10th. It became apparent I wouldn't be strong enough for ...Read more

Been home since Tuesday, October 16th. Getting OT and PT for arm and legs. New TAVR date is December 10th. It became apparent I wouldn't be strong enough for November date. Thanks for all your support!

Marie Myers Hoping things continue to improve for December date!

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1576 days ago

Rob Sparling, Chris Shackelford, Valerie Herndon-Vitarella and 2 others reacted to this

Discharge from Rehab scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, 2018. Will continue rehab at home. Hoping to be strong enough to be at the Cleveland Clinic November ...Read more

Discharge from Rehab scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, 2018. Will continue rehab at home. Hoping to be strong enough to be at the Cleveland Clinic November 14 to 16 for pre-op and then TAVR procedure on November 20. Feeling hopeful!

Duane Hunt Praying for the strength to go home on Tuesday and continue rehab. Also, praying for the strength an ... Read more

Duane Hunt Praying for the strength to go home on Tuesday and continue rehab. Also, praying for the strength and wellness to enable to the surgery to go forward. Lots of love to you both!

LINDA ROBERTS Sending prayers you way.

Jennifer McInerney God bless

Fran Zilko Exit Rehab October 16, 2018 not November!!

Rob Sparling Ahhhh, makes more sense. I read it yesterday and didn’t know what to post because I was confused! ... Read more

Rob Sparling Ahhhh, makes more sense. I read it yesterday and didn’t know what to post because I was confused! Sounds like a plan! Fingers crossed it comes together and Fran gets to CC without any other delays/complications!

Steven Methot Here's hoping!

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1593 days ago

Joey Hardee, Chris Shackelford, Mark Wilbur and 7 others reacted to this

Been here (rehab) a week now. Work with therapists 6 days a week. Made great progress today\ standing with assistance. Pushed myself to do 4 minutes. Very little ...Read more

Been here (rehab) a week now. Work with therapists 6 days a week. Made great progress today\ standing with assistance. Pushed myself to do 4 minutes. Very little to no pain. Strive to improve some every day. Keep the prayers coming.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1601 days ago

Joey Hardee, Bradley Dunn, Chris Shackelford and 5 others reacted to this

Big step yesterday!! After 2 weeks in hospital moved to skilled nursing facility where therapy will continue. Goal is to have the TAVR procedure in Cleveland ...Read more

Big step yesterday!! After 2 weeks in hospital moved to skilled nursing facility where therapy will continue. Goal is to have the TAVR procedure in Cleveland by Nov 19. Thank you for all your encouragement and support.

MARIE PICUN May God bless you

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1606 days ago

Chris Shackelford and 3 others reacted to this

The Cleveland Clinic had scheduled Fran for the week of Oct. 23-30 for her TAVR. Once advised of her accident, the procedure has now been postponed to the ...Read more

The Cleveland Clinic had scheduled Fran for the week of Oct. 23-30 for her TAVR. Once advised of her accident, the procedure has now been postponed to the week before Thanksgiving so she will be stronger. Right now, Fran is still in the hospital with the hope of upgrading her accommodations to a rehab facility within a couple days. She is beginning to sit and stand with assistance. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, please keep them coming.

Dan Vechiola Thanks for the update Pete! Tell Fran we are thinking of her and are all here supporting her!

LINDA ROBERTS Sending prayers and positive thoughts for her to get stronger each day.

Fran, keeping you in my prayers. You have a good support guy in Pete. May each day find you stronger. ... Read more

Fran, keeping you in my prayers. You have a good support guy in Pete. May each day find you stronger.

Jennifer McInerney Please let Fran know that she is the definition of courage. I am praying for her.

MARIE PICUN God has his hand on you.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1609 days ago

Good news: First bowel movement in 6 days!!; Sat in chair to 2 hours for lunch; Hematoma (blood clot) in pelvic area is shrinking; Kidney chemistries are improving. ...Read more

Good news: First bowel movement in 6 days!!; Sat in chair to 2 hours for lunch; Hematoma (blood clot) in pelvic area is shrinking; Kidney chemistries are improving. No so good news: laxatives used to produce BM cause strong cramping; progress with PT and OT not going fast enough, will delay move to Rehab; pain still very strong (pain medication causes constipation); All hugs and prayers gratefully appreciated.

don frantz Thanks for the updates, Pete. Fran is going thru a rough period, but I am joining others in praying t ... Read more

don frantz Thanks for the updates, Pete. Fran is going thru a rough period, but I am joining others in praying that she will be ready for the surgery soon.

don frantz I sure appreciated Fran's praying for me after my AVR.

LINDA ROBERTS Sending prayers your way.

Lisa McLaughlin Sending hugs and positive thoughts!

Rob Sparling Hoping things even out for you very soon! Stay positive!

Chris Shackelford Thanks for update Mom! Slowly but surely!

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1611 days ago

3 people reacted to this

Being followed several times a day by kidney doctor and hospitalist. Having PT and OT twice a day. Standing up most difficult. Lot of moaning occurs. Goal is ...Read more

Being followed several times a day by kidney doctor and hospitalist. Having PT and OT twice a day. Standing up most difficult. Lot of moaning occurs. Goal is to be transferred rehab hospital in the next few days. Fran doesn't think it will be that soon, but team is Hopeful. This is going to take time. Fran says thanks for all your love and positive thoughts!

LINDA ROBERTS Sending prayers to you

Susan Stroud Positive energy being sent your way

Prayers your way Pete and Fran.

Cheryl Irvine Wow a Fran. Just st cannot fathom the agony you are in. Will rehab hospital have a kidney specialist? ... Read more

Cheryl Irvine Wow a Fran. Just st cannot fathom the agony you are in. Will rehab hospital have a kidney specialist? That sounds to be the most immediate internal problem. You can beat this ~ just keep looking down the road. Every painful upsetting day that passes makes you one day closer to being healed. You certainly are being tested. Big hugs my dear friend. 🙏🏻💐

Fran Zilkoposted an update

1613 days ago

Ashok Vaid reacted to this

UPDATE: May have a problem with October TAVR dates in Oct . Had a fall at home on Sept 1. Fractured left upper arm and pelvis. Being on Coumadin complicates ...Read more

UPDATE: May have a problem with October TAVR dates in Oct . Had a fall at home on Sept 1. Fractured left upper arm and pelvis. Being on Coumadin complicates the issue but the bigger issue is chronic kidney disease for the past 5 years. Hopeful the issues get resolved quickly.

Duane Hunt Oh Fran! Hate reading this! Will double up on the prayers. Keep holding His hand and try to take o ... Read more

Duane Hunt Oh Fran! Hate reading this! Will double up on the prayers. Keep holding His hand and try to take one day at a time moving forward.

Marjorie Murphy So sorry Fran. I am praying for your healing. We are all here for you. Blessings

MARIE PICUN May God bless you

Nancy LeClair Gottlieb Prayers sent. Sorry to hear about your fall.

Robert Bach I am so sorry to hear this. I hope you heal quickly.

Fran Zilko Thank you all.

Civita Fahey Hope all goes well. Had a fall myself a few days ago and will have elbow surgery tomorrow

Fran Zilkoposted an update

1613 days ago

UPDATE: May have a problem with October TAVR dates in Oct . Had a fall at home on Sept 1. Fractured left upper arm and pelvis. Being on Coumadin complicates ...Read more

Cheryl Irvine Oh no Fran! Usually breaks take 6 weeks to heal so hopefully you will heal on time. Did you have any ... Read more

Cheryl Irvine Oh no Fran! Usually breaks take 6 weeks to heal so hopefully you will heal on time. Did you have any issues with bleeding? What a disappointment yet again. I’m just so sorry you are climbing yet another hill. What do they do for the pelvis? Were they able to put a cast on your upper arm. 🙏🏻💐

Fran Zilko Ortho says no surgery needed. No cast either. That's the good thing. The bad thing is complications w ... Read more

Fran Zilko Ortho says no surgery needed. No cast either. That's the good thing. The bad thing is complications with kidneys. CT scan shows large hematoma in bladder area decreasing kidney function. One thing leads to another and another. Etc. Seeing a lot specialists. Written for Fran by Pete

Fran Zilkoposted an update

1617 days ago

Shannon Gray and 5 others reacted to this

Well, did get some news from the CC!!! New aortic valve will be end of October. Two more months of waiting. Will go in ahead of time for some testing before ...Read more

Well, did get some news from the CC!!! New aortic valve will be end of October. Two more months of waiting. Will go in ahead of time for some testing before the valve is inserted. Have yet to get the specific dates. My hope is my condition does not worsen too much while I wait. Thank you to all of you who given me your encouragement and prayers. I thank you from the bottom of my imperfect heart.

Cheryl Irvine Oh jeeze Fran, still more waiting. I’m really sorry they aren’t moving faster but hopefully that ... Read more

Cheryl Irvine Oh jeeze Fran, still more waiting. I’m really sorry they aren’t moving faster but hopefully that means they don’t believe you to be in a dangerous position. Lets try to look on the positive side. It will happen. Just a wee bump in the road. “Hi to Pete.” Glad you have a good man there.

Fran Zilko Yes, a wee, 2 more month's wait. Trying to keep busy and looking forward to a healthy Thanksgiving an ... Read more

Fran Zilko Yes, a wee, 2 more month's wait. Trying to keep busy and looking forward to a healthy Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yes, Pete is a blessing to me as are my family and friends.

Duane Hunt I am truly sorry for this extensive delay and can understand why it is so maddening. Praying for God ... Read more

Duane Hunt I am truly sorry for this extensive delay and can understand why it is so maddening. Praying for God's peace to envelope you, as you seek Him and place yourself in His hands. We are all with you and for you. Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

LINDA ROBERTS Sorry for the wait for it can be agonizing. Sending prayers your way.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1628 days ago

Kelly Stoll, Mark Wilbur and 3 others reacted to this

Well, am 1 1/2 weeks into my 2-3 wait to learn of the date for my TAVR procedure. Time is certainly dragging slowly. Hope to have a more positive post next ...Read more

Well, am 1 1/2 weeks into my 2-3 wait to learn of the date for my TAVR procedure. Time is certainly dragging slowly. Hope to have a more positive post next time.

Duane Hunt Keep on keeping on, my dear sister and friend! Continued love and prayers.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1637 days ago

2 people reacted to this

Well, finally got some news from the TAVR team at the Cleveland Clinic and not what I wanted to hear. In spite of several phone calls, someone dropped the ball ...Read more

Well, finally got some news from the TAVR team at the Cleveland Clinic and not what I wanted to hear. In spite of several phone calls, someone dropped the ball for almost 3 weeks. They did not get the request for the procedure until 8/6. Now am told it will be 2-3 weeks for them to review everything and will then get in touch with me with a date. Apparently there are 2 TAVR doctors who only do them three days a week and each of them do several a day. My hope they triage potential patients and I get an early date. Well, at least I finally have some info. Now patience is what I have to learn.

Duane Hunt I'm glad you got a response, but I am sorry it is not immediate. Frustrating. Praying that God's Ho ... Read more

Duane Hunt I'm glad you got a response, but I am sorry it is not immediate. Frustrating. Praying that God's Holy Spirit fills you with His peace and patience.

Cheryl Irvine Well they won’t drop the ball twice Fran. Now you know a date will come. Hang in there.

LINDA ROBERTS Sorry you have to wait. Know it is frustrating when you want to get it over. Hope you hear sooner t ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS Sorry you have to wait. Know it is frustrating when you want to get it over. Hope you hear sooner than later.

Fran Zilkoposted an update

1638 days ago

4 people reacted to this

Not anxious about my upcoming TAVR procedure, but getting impatient with waiting to hear from the TAVR team with a date. It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I was at ...Read more

Not anxious about my upcoming TAVR procedure, but getting impatient with waiting to hear from the TAVR team with a date. It's been 2 1/2 weeks since I was at the Cleveland Clinic for testing and a cardiac consultation. Hopefully will know something by the end of the week.

Cheryl Irvine Keeping you in my prayers Fran. This sounds like a great procedure. Keep positive thoughts. ❤️� ... Read more

Cheryl Irvine Keeping you in my prayers Fran. This sounds like a great procedure. Keep positive thoughts. ❤️🙏🏻

Joy Vera Hi Fran. I posted in your guestbook a few days ago but hadn't logged in so guess it didn't "take". ... Read more

Joy Vera Hi Fran. I posted in your guestbook a few days ago but hadn't logged in so guess it didn't "take". Please know that you are in my thoughts. It does sound like a great procedure.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

1645 days ago

8 people reacted to this

Well, it's been 8+ years since my double valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Hoped it wouldn't happen, but will be having the TAVR procedure there shortly. ...Read more

Well, it's been 8+ years since my double valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Hoped it wouldn't happen, but will be having the TAVR procedure there shortly. Dr. Gillinov will not be doing it as they have their own TAVR team. Spent the good part of the day there last month on the 23rd. All my testing confirmed I do have aortic stenosis. My local cardio confirmed the need for the surgery after my last echo in May. Have had shortness of breath with exertion since June. It has progressed and can only walk about 20 steps before it kicks in. As a result, spend most of my time sitting. I am on Entresto, and since it has valsartin in it I am concerned that it will be withheld since it does have valsartin in it. Since I have chronic kidney disease, the positive result of the Entresto has been to apparently give better blood flow to my kidneys and lowered my creatinine and BUN levels. So, waiting for that phone call with the date for the TAVR. Would appreciate any input from those of you who have had this done.

Cheryl Irvine Hi Fran. I know this recent development is a real disappointment to you. If there is support anywhe ... Read more

Cheryl Irvine Hi Fran. I know this recent development is a real disappointment to you. If there is support anywhere, you will find it here. We will all stay in touch with each other. If Peter emails one of us, then it will get passed on. We are all here for you dear friend. Keep us posted as to when the surgery will take place. We look forward to seeing you this coming winter. Hugs, Cheryl

LINDA ROBERTS Hi Fran, so sorry to hear this news. Did had your aorta replaced in the past or was it just your mit ... Read more

LINDA ROBERTS Hi Fran, so sorry to hear this news. Did had your aorta replaced in the past or was it just your mitral valve.? I know you had the tricuspid repaired and maze. If you had your aorta valve replaced what brand did they use?
You and I emailed many years ago after your first surgery and now I will be having surgery on Aug. 17th with Dr. Svensson at the CC for aorta valve replacement. Perhaps we will be at Cleveland at the same time period for would love to meet you. Please keep us updated about you upcoming TAVR surgery.

Hi Fran, I had a TAVR 9 months ago. It is truly an amazing procedure. I had conscious sedation and th ... Read more

Hi Fran, I had a TAVR 9 months ago. It is truly an amazing procedure. I had conscious sedation and the procedure was over in less than an hour. I had the procedure at 5 pm one day and was discharged at 3 pm the next day. So far everything is great. Any specific questions, just let me know.

Adam Pick Fran, Sooooooooooo sorry to learn of this unfortunate “bump” in the road. The good news is you c ... Read more

Adam Pick Fran, Sooooooooooo sorry to learn of this unfortunate “bump” in the road. The good news is you caught it. The great news is that I imagine TAVR is going to make this procedure a whole lot easier than what you experienced 8 years ago. I’m here for you. Whatever you need, please let me know!!’

John White You are going to be fine. You will have the best working
On you!

Maxine Artman Prayer and Speedy recovery.

Fran Zilkoposted an update

2512 days ago

Nina Gill, Barbara Laurie and 7 others reacted to this

Today is the 6th anniversary of having a two valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Gillinov was my surgeon. As I age, there have been some bumps in the ...Read more

Today is the 6th anniversary of having a two valve surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Gillinov was my surgeon. As I age, there have been some bumps in the road, but blessed to be alive.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

4035 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Those of us who have had our surgeries know the importance of cardiac exercise. This is an unsolicited and unpaid endorsement for Leslie Sansone walking tapes. ...Read more

Those of us who have had our surgeries know the importance of cardiac exercise. This is an unsolicited and unpaid endorsement for Leslie Sansone walking tapes. I just returned from my 4 mile walking \"class\" where we walked to her video. We walk in place, move forward and back, knee lifts, leg kicks and some of it is accompanied with arm exercises. It\'s a great cardio and overall workout but can be done at your pace if you are a beginner. My surgery was March 2010 and have done this class 3 times a week since I finished cardiac rehab, about 1 1/2 years. I have beautiful weather here in south Florida but I get more out of this workout than walking outside. So, consider getting the tape and doing it at home. There is one that has 1, 2, 3 and 4 miles, so you can pick and choose. PS, I\'m the oldest one in my class. Wishing all of you great health. I enjoy seeing my surgeon\'s smiling face on this site every time I sign in, thanks Dr. Gillinov and Adam.

Fran Zilkoposted a journal

4175 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Had valve surgery last year and am on coumadin (have been for 15 years). Need to have a colonoscopy and internist tells me I need to co-ordinate with my cardio ...Read more

Had valve surgery last year and am on coumadin (have been for 15 years). Need to have a colonoscopy and internist tells me I need to co-ordinate with my cardio and now that I\'ve had valve surgery I may have to be admitted, put on heparin right up till the colonoscopy is done. Can anyone share their experience? Prior to surgery all I had to do was go off the coumadin for 5 days prior and then resume right afterwards. Will say, it did male me nervous to be off the coumadin that long. By the way, I am in a-fib, thus the need for the coumadin. Good luck to all who are having their surgeries, be positive, all will be well.

Jean Cook Fran, I had my mitral valve replaced and Maze procedure done in 2013. I had a stroke prior to open he ... Read more

Jean Cook Fran, I had my mitral valve replaced and Maze procedure done in 2013. I had a stroke prior to open heart surgery so I too, am on coumidin. I had a colonoscopy in 2016. They took me off coumidin and put me on Lovenox shots , i believe it was 3 days before and 3 days after the procedure. Lovenox is given with a small needle like insulin is. I gave the injections myself. I am a retired nurse but i am sure you could do it too. It really wasnt bad.

Jean Cook I am sorry. I read the date this. Was posted after i wrote my post. O well, maybe my info can help so ... Read more

Jean Cook I am sorry. I read the date this. Was posted after i wrote my post. O well, maybe my info can help someone else.