Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: Post by Mary Myers
I have been in contact with Duane's sister Carolyn. He continues to have a few bumps in the road. Duane is still in icu and being monitored closely by his cardiac team. His lungs need to get a bit stronger. He is on the vent to keep him from tiring.Please keep the prayers coming. It has been a quiet day so thats good news.

Hugs to each and everyone of you in this wonderful family!

Love,
Mary

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Duane that says: Mary Myers- Thanks for stepping up to help Duane's sister Carolyn and help us with the update on Duane of June 11th. If you are in contact with her again, please let her know we are thinking of her as well as her Brother and praying for progress in his recovery. Updates are appreciated. Support and comfort to her comes first as well as letting Duane know of our prayers love and support that I am sure you will do your best to convey. Bless you too heart sister. Love and a hug to all. Prayers for Duane and hope this day and evening have shown progress.

Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: Update on Duane,
This is your heart sister Mary from Michigan. Just found out from Duane's sister Carolyn, that Duane was extubated today. He talked a little. He will get stronger each day. He is beginning the healing process. Carolyn asked me to please keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming. We will keep updated coming. Thanks to everyone for all you do to make this heart family the best.

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Duane that says: Thinking and praying for Duane today and hope there is an update soon. Hope there is improvement as well. Blessings, Heart Brothers and Sisters...

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Duane that says: Has anyone seen anything today about Duane? Praying he's improving.

Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: Day 1

Hello this post is from your heart sister Mary from Michigan. I talked to our heart brother Duane's sister (Carolyn). He had his valve replaced. There were a few bumps on this journey today. Duane is in ICU, and holding his own. Please keep him in your prayers.

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Duane that says: Duane- Sending prayers tonight hoping you are resting comfortably and that
tomorrow brings good news and your situation has improved considerably.
Bless you-

Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: Carolyn, thank you so much for keeping our heart family posted on our heart brother Duane. Please give him big hugs from me. I look forward to seeing him once he is stronger. Please take care of yourself and rest when you can. Healing hugs from my heart to Duanes! Mary

Kathleen F. posted a note for Duane that says: What happened?! Junior mint?

Seriously, thoughts and prayers sent your way as you fight your way to recovery. It's hard at first but then you'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel.

Wiliam Height posted a note for Duane that says: Jab and move...

Mary K posted a note for Duane that says: Wishing you tender mercies today.

Lewis Garlisi posted a note for Duane that says: Hey Duane. I'm hoping and praying things are going well for you - as I know many of us are. When you get some of your strength back, let us know how you are doing.

Julie McDonald-Lundgren posted a note for Duane that says: Thinking of you today.

Mary K posted a note for Duane that says: Wishing you tender mercies today.

Laura Metrano posted a note for Duane that says: Thinking of you right now... in expert care getting your heart fixed... what a great day for you! Good thoughts and prayers coming your way :)

Linda Whitney posted a note for Duane that says: Somehow, we all get a little kick in the pants to prompt us through those theater doors.....
You will do awesome in the morning, and by the time you post, you will have a new attitude! One of Gratitude, one which everyone on this site shares. No joke Duane!

Jeanette Davidson posted a note for Duane that says: Hi Duane~
Forgive me. I am on vacation and got confused with the dates. I want you to know that I am thinking very deeply about you. You have been such a source of strength for so many people. And today I want to fill you with a lot of strength. I am holding your hand through this and you are not alone. Put yourself in a peaceful place in your mind and know that you are going to be okay . See yourself well and doing all the things that you love! 💕

Jackie posted a note for Duane that says: Hi Duane,
I have been enjoying your postings for many months. Mary Myers is my sister. I posted for her during her surgery and have continued to check in on the heart community since then. You are all a special, caring group. Tonight and during the coming days you will have many, many prayers going out for you. Wishing you a speedy recovery and many, many years with your new healthy heart!💗

Jim Eyler posted a note for Duane that says: Hi Duane, just a little encouragement before the big day. I recently celebrated my 2 year post surgery by hiking the narrows of Zion in the morning and after a quick sandwich my son and I hiked Angel's Landing later that afternoon. (I'm 64) The following day we hiked Bryce Canyon. I just returned from hiking in the Lake Tahoe area. I chose an Edward's bovine valve as a replacement for my BAV. This surgery is life changing and I'm here to tell you you'll be back feeling better then ever. Good luck and keep us informed.

Larry posted a note for Duane that says: Ok Duane, pre op all done and I'm ready to get that valve tomorrow.
No more theatrics, ok?
will keep track of first BM and let u know.
I'm in for a $1 on the first one!

Jeanette Davidson posted a note for Duane that says: Thinking of you all day today! Sending you lots of prayers and healing positive energy! Look forward to hearing from you when you are recovering beautifully! Stay strong and positive!💕

Jennifer Anderson posted a note for Duane that says: "I just wanted to tell you good luck, we're all counting on you." ~Dr. Rumack

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Duane that says: Duane, Like Tammy just wrote I want to also write tonight in case you get busy and not able to check in for posts. I was thinking about your recent "episode" and know that the first thing I thought of was that your "Dad" was also at your side letting you know it was not your time yet and he will be by your side again the day of your surgery and as you recover. You've been a "Fighter for a lot of your life"- you know how to duck and weave as it is probably second nature after all of these years and I truly think if there is a guy who can make it through this surgery this man is you! For allthe love and support you have given this community we will be here for you as you enter this upcoming "ring" knowing you will be surrounded by a great Team dedicated in getting you home for your recovery as soon as they can. So have a nice day tomorrow and keep up the positive attitude you have had while waiting for this day to arrive!
You will do fine! Take care
heart brother and remember your Dad will be there with you in spirit & always within your Heart! Take care Heart Brother.

Tammy Pilcher posted a note for Duane that says: Duane, just in case you don't have time to check your journal tomorrow, I want to wish you the very best for Tuesday! You are such a blessing to this community with your great humor! I'm looking forward to reading your post op posts. I know they are bound to be very entertaining! Tell your doctors to fix that valve, but leave your funnybone alone! Prayers and best wishes! God bless you! Your heart sister, Tammy

steven a husted posted a note for Duane that says: hey be safe take it easy slow down give yourself time you will be able to try it again best wishes and prayers steve (popeye)

Terrie Syvertsen posted a note for Duane that says: Duane- Well kiddo, that wasn't a pleasant experience to be sure....I want to take a moment to comment of the fact that you may have saved lives for sharing this with your heart brothers and sisters. My cardiologist was giving me an exam PRIOR to my heart surgery and discussing things I shouldn't pull before my big day. This was weeks before my surgery. I was going to try and get one trip out on the kayaks with Gary and scout out a new lake for that day. My cardiologist informed me that this wasn't advised as my time was still spent being "asymptomatic" but he said there are
a couple of things to be careful of. # 1 Don't be in too Hot of water like hot baths or hot tubs OR be in too Cold of water. Both HEAT and TOO COLD can make there a chance of making it too hard on the heart which I believe you found out the hard way.
This doesn't mean no baths or swimming just saying not a prolonged heat or too cold of cold water! It was fortunate you had your friend there and we are happy you are this much closer to your Big Day. Take care and Be Well.

Robyn Tatu posted a note for Duane that says: Duane - here'a special wish for you that your surgery goes well - know there are a lot of folks here who will be praying / sending positive thoughts / and will be looking forward to your thoughts, delivered in your special way , about the recovery. All my best, Robyn

joni moore posted a note for Duane that says: Hey duane! joni here. I have been following your journal whenever I can , and I must say,...If anybody has the right- attitude going into this it is you!You have done your homework, you now have many many friends to help every step of the way, an excellent surgeon... you have it all my heart brother!!And you will def. feel the prayers the first few weeks of recovery, we lift you up!!
My aortic bicuspid valve was replaced with a tissue valve moooo feb 18th, and I knew in 3 days this was much better, even though I didn't have symptoms before surgery. Lots of healing going on here, but much stronger!!! all positive prayers and thoughts to you Duane- we will all be hearing from you soon! is it moooo, or oink?

Gods blessing to you

Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: Hello Duane, it is hard to believe your surgery is Tuesday! Loved your post about tipping. It won't be long and you will be back to your amazing on the go schedule.
So sit back in your easy chair. Let the show begin. Please have your sister or Beth text me., when your going into surgery and out. I know you will be just fine, but will worry until the good news reaches me. Thinking of you this weekend. Big hugs from your heart sis Mary! :-)

Linda Whitney posted a note for Duane that says: Duane, you are more than ready to take the Nestea plunge, and I know you will do great! In no time at all, you'll be looking back at this and wonder why it was able to captivate you so entirely. I sure know I did. The anxiety and wait was by far the worst. On June 9th I'll be 60 days post op, and all I can say is it took you, your sense of humor, and all the other wonderful posts and encouragement I got to get me through this ordeal, but I made it, and I want to say THANKS! I'll be thinking about you! Try to behave in ICU, there are some sick people there!

Maria posted a note for Duane that says: Hi Duane
First of all prayers for a successful surgery. Just to let you know you are in great hands with Dr Sakwa. My husband had an aortic valve replacement with Dr Sakwa in oct 2014. He did great. Dr Sakwa was able to do it minimally invasive. He is a wonderful physician, and me being a nurse I did my homework to find the best. All the hospital staff were great too, as were all the PA's and nurse practitioners.
Again, I hope all goes well, as I am sure it will. You are in the best of care. Anyway we can help, or if there is any question you have, just let us know.
By the way, my husband has a cow valve now, so he we told him we didn't want to find him on the golf course grazing.

God Bless
Maria (John)

Larry Fuller posted a note for Duane that says: Ok Duane, one week to go for us both.
My AVR is 6/9. Keeping tabs on you all the way.
I like your attitude on this not being the worst malady to have and I am keeping that in mind!

Lewis Garlisi posted a note for Duane that says: Well, I finally met Casey. Yes, he is a nice kid. Very personable. He introduced my wife to a cider she really likes - and for that I am grateful. Convincing too. He even had me try a Michigan brew that I must say I enjoyed.

I haven't had much time to brouse this site lately, but I know you'll be fixed this week. Wishing you the best, and I know with your attitude, medical team and support, you'll do fine. Don't expect too much out of yourself the first few days / weeks, but know recovery is the fight you'll slowly win.

Good luck, and keep the humor coming on this site!

Larry Fuller posted a note for Duane that says: Hi Duane- It IS hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person...
Larry
AVR coming up 6/9.(tissue)
where in northern Michigan was your photo?
we have a place in Beulah

Joe __ posted a note for Duane that says: hey man - thanks for your support and comments. really put a smile on my face, when not much has been able to do so lately. pushing for you big time guy. we'll have to compare notes as we go.

Jeanette Davidson posted a note for Duane that says: Duane, you always touch me with your posts! Your support and love is immeasurable! I am here for you too!❤️❌⭕️

Janna posted a note for Duane that says: Having churned chocolate/chips and chunks ice cream, not butter pecan, and watched the "Rapids" 13 year-old soccer players, including my grandson, win their last season game 4-0. Not the Detroit Tigers, but my favorite team. Good day, eh, Duane?

Bill Cherry posted a note for Duane that says: I don't want to be around when Duane wakes up from the operation. He's likely to come up punching! :)

Tim Goff posted a note for Duane that says: Duane
Good news, at least in my case. The flavor of Jamesons (15yr) is just as I recall with no adverse affects. After 8 weeks figured I earned it! No sense in having you stressed about the finer things in life returning.
TimG

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Duane that says: Duane thanks so much for your support. I just had a power recliner delivered. Makes me feel goofy. I'm in this cycle now where one moment I'm relaxed and confident and the next anxious and scared. I slept good last night, woke up and then went into a tizzy. Now I'm fine again. My thoughts and strength to you too buddy.

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Duane that says: So you need a nose job now?? I think if I'd ask my surgeon he's do the "add on"! He'd do it. He's from Brazil you know. He loves steak, and we have a Brazilian steakhouse here in Madison. He and my son hit it off. The Place is called "Samba". 14 different types of steak, brought to your table ad nauseum. I asked if that was a heart healthy way to go, he just smiled and winked at my son.

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Duane that says: Hi Duane: It's your sensitivity that makes you strong. Thanks for the song. It's a beautiful day here in Madison, but I'm perseverating about this up coming procedure. Visited the dentist to get the OK about not having any infections so that checked out. Yesterday my nurse that's in on the Heart Cath. called to go over things about that. They said I cannot bike or swim for one week after it so the site can heal where they put the what ever they call it. Anyway thanks again for your note and heart song. ;))

Lewis Garlisi posted a note for Duane that says: Hey Duane,

I was driving up I-75 and decided to take a late lunch at World of Beer, Brandon. Nice place - only I was told that Casey worked the night shift. I did learn though of another benefit of OHS - I'm a very cheap date now. What they served there had affected my attitude after only 2 drinks. Didn't quite make it back to the office. Good thing I'm self employed. Also, I finally did catch the Grabel / De La Hoya fight on Youtube. It really was a pretty good.

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Duane that says: I'm with you bro!! How bout some BB King! If you gonna play the blues, youz gotta pay your dues ;)). You always make me smile.

Terry Shermeister posted a note for Duane that says: I was writing you a heart felt inspirational thank you and it vanished so I'll try again. Any way, I agree with your note to me. You are not Mr. Herman my friend but I can relate how this hits you up side the head. I worked with some of the most volatile gang involved youth here in Madison. I coached varsity basketball for 15 years at the high school level. My father was a weight lifter, amateur boxer, race car designer who participated at the Indy 500. He had valve issues and ignored them for 20 years, finally dying at 85 of congestive heart failure. You remind me of my dad. You are tough but sensitive. I'll let you know what my surgeon says on Wednesday. I love you like a brother, though I'm an only child. You take care, we'll beat this thing. Terry

Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: Duane, I take it you have been somewhere warm, as its been so blasted cold here in Michigan. A nice warm sandy beach sounds pretty nice right now. Each day I am thankful we live in the time when these heart surgeries can be done easier and help us to live a longer healthier life. I saw you have two cats. Love cats but am very allergic. Two bichon pups are my little precious pups.

Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: You only work two miles from my house! What a small world. What time do you usually finish your day at work?

Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: Hello duane,

Wow that guy at the bar really got you. When I first read your post, I thought oh no! What is this guy going to say? Glad to hear that he was seeing if you would grab the bait. You did! I sometimes was second guessing where and who was going to do my surgery, then finally felt confident. The more I e researched I came to the right choice for me. I ended up having to stay in the hospital because of afib for ten days. So I was thankful that my hospital was not far from home. That way my family and friends were able to visit. My heart was just very angry!!! I felt like my body was trying to run a marathon, as my heart was pumping 200 beats a minute!!! A scarey feeling, but once the medical team explained everything to me, I then rolled with it.

Take time to do whatever relaxes you. One of our heart sisters reminded me not to stress. She said, it was not good for the heart. I listened and felt so much better.

I was so relieved to hear that our heart brother Jim's surgery went well.
Have a good night. Look forward to hearing from you.
Your heart sis, Mary

Mary Myers posted a note for Duane that says: Duane, It's your neighbor Mary from Sterling Heights. I basically had the anterior thoracotomy performed by your surgeon. The scar healed well. I had a bit of discomfort in my back area where they work through the ribs. The ribs are spread open during the procedure. Other than that just made sure to hold on to a heart pillow that they will give you at Beaumont.

I am realizing not to many individuals on the site have had the anterior thoracotomy. Much less invasive. I believe that when the arteries are clean that it qualifies for this procedure.

Well take care, gotta run. Enjoy the weekend.
Hugs
Mary

Jim Hernandez posted a note for Duane that says: Ty for the kind words and the chuckles you made me have from your postings on my journal....your my go to guy with your wit and hope to hear of great things about your procedure and recovery....