Congratulations Eric and Justine. I know one woman who is bouncing up and down with joy (Mom Rovin). 2 blessings at one time is very exciting. Continue your recovery, you are doing just wonderful. I am so happy for all of you. Justine, you are a wonderful woman.
God's blessings to all of you, Linda Teschner

Congratulations from me too.
You are so good together.
And Justine.....what a wonderful job you have done to keep all of us informed about all of your mostly great news.
Love,
Melody

Eric, congratulations to you and Justine! I've always thought you were perfect for each other and wondered what was taking you so long!!!! Sounds like you are doing really well and I'm so glad. Keep up the good work!
Pat

Kathy Gira was the one who sent the no name message...duh

OMG! We were just wondering about when this would happen!!!
CONGRATULATIONS! Pictures please! WOW! Definately good for the heart!

bl

Eric and Justine....
Congratulations! I just logged on to your journal today, and coincidentally asked Karen when this event was going to take place. I'm so glad I tuned in today. Great news all the way around. Eric, you are a mover, a shaker, and a planner!

So happy your recovery is going so well! Congratulations on the engagement so happy for the both of you! Justine you have to come in again to show off your ring! Congratulations again!
Kim, Alyson, and Eva

Just thought I'd check in and see how things were going and I read you're ENGAGED - A huge congrats, what a way to do it, talk about deep meaning. It could of been on a mountain top, snow boarding, but this goes way beyond that. This is truly your own mountain top. Sounds like everything is going fantastic. I'm so happy for you both!

Kim Neilson

P.S. Justine, I love your post about the food choices and shopping at the CC - you're awesome! Oh, and how not so comfy the guest sleeper is LOL.

Congrats on the engagement!! I'm so very excited for you guys!! Great job Eric!!

Shaina

Ps. Eric, Karen is very upset that she knew nothing about it... she's changing your eval right now! Sue says congrats too!

CONGRATS!!!! Now that just may be a first for Cleveland Clinic! Best Wishes to you both!
Connie T

Hurray and congratulations to both of you! It gave me goosebumps to hear that you are engaged! Please say that I can come to your wedding!! Fondly, Karen :)

PS Tell Eric that if he's strong enough to get on his knees, he's strong enough to get back to work. LOL

Mazel Tov ! Congradulations and all things wonderful !
Mona

Eric,
Sounds like your surgery went well. All our best wishes for a speddy recovery!
Julie Loewes & family

My husband found that if he asked for an extra blanket from the nurse and rolled it up and stuck it in the crack in the bench/bed it made it a little more comfortable when he stayed overnight with me. He also brought over a pillow from the hotel.

Wishing eric a speedy recovery.

Hi Eric..
Glad the surgery went so well!! Wishing you a very speedy recovery!
Connie T

Hi Eric....it was nice to see you Sunday for dinner at Bravo. Here it is Wednesday,3 days later and look what you have been through!!! BRAVO to you, Justine,Mom and Dad!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and wishing you a speedy recovery!!
Love,
Lynne & Alan

Glad to hear all is going well with Eric and Wolf! I am sure that makes Eric feel even better knowing Wolf is recovering just fine! Justine, Eric is very lucky to have you guys taking care of him! Thanks for keeping us updated! Keep up with the speedy recovery!

Justine,
I will have to meet you when everyone is back home and on schedule. You are one amazing person. Glad to hear that Eric is doing well and tell him I am counting on him to heal well and fast and just think totally happy thoughts.

Pat and I are at Benihanas for half price sushi in your honor. Way to go today! Love ya...Lj

Good luck tomorrow, I am also 38 and getting ready to go on that journey in a couple months. I hope you get back on that board and look me up when you hit colorado mts.
Alex V

Eric- Just wanted to let you know my prayers are with you, Justine, your family, and all the Doctors, nurses, care givers who will be helping. May you heal quickly and be snowboarding again in no time. Good luck-stay strong and awesome! Edith C.

Eric - You must be in the midst of all the pre-surgical preps today so I know you're distracted and busy. I am thinking about you and will be sending along my "Angel Wings" prayer every night until I know you are home safe and sound. Judy Claxton

Hey Eric! I'll be thinking of you! I have ever confidence that you will be back up and boarding in no time. You are one of the most determined people I know. I wish you a speedy recovery!

Hi Eric...
I had my BAV replaced at CCF in July this year. Although my valve was critical (the surgeon said they don't usually see people get that critical before they come in for surgery..but I too, had no idea I had a bad ticker)... I did great with the surgery! CCF is an awesome place! Just don't expect to get great food or sleep on your "vacation" there. :) but the dedicated team WILL focus on the important outcome... a successful surgery.
You are physcially fit....have a great support system....and sounds like ready for the challenge ahead.. You will do great!
Best of Luck to you...I look forward to following your journey!
Connie T

Eric,

Your courage and optimism are amazing as you prepare for your surgery. John and I consider you part of our family. I couldn't think of a better man for Justine!

We will take good care of Liza and Pepper while you are hospitalized. Can't wait for some doggie time.

We pray for you daily, and will continue to do so. I truly believe that God hears and answers prayer. Know that you are surrounded by love, light and positive thoughts constantly.

Love,

Joy

Good luck to you Eric! We'll all be thinking of you at school on Tuesday and waiting for the good news that you are on the mend.
Love your website here!
Pat

I am so proud of you. I know getting ready for surgery has been stressful. As I sit here with wolf as we drive up to the vet to drop him off, just remember that I love you and everything will be better than before!

I wish you and your family a safe trip to Cleveland and my prayers into surgery. Let others help you through recovery so you can get back to doing all the things you enjoy that much faster. You are in my thoughts through this journey.
Kim Neilson

Hi Eric
Just to let you know I am thinking of you and sending tons of love and healing prayers. You are in my thoughts.
Mona

Hi Eric, I just wanted to tell you that the power of love and support are with you. My prayers are working for you and I know you will have a speedy recovery so you can get back in the SNOW!!!! I will keep in touch with web site and send my love to all of you.
Linda Teschner

Hi Eric,

Welcome to the open hearts club! Sounds like you have all your ducks in a row, so now you just have to wait......that's the hardest part. I had my valves repaired at CCF also, and it is an amazing place.....you will be in good hands. You say you are worried about the recovery, but that is the easy part. It just takes time to heal. I had my surgery done in late October was skiing hard by the end of February. I probably could have done it by the end of January, but not much before that. In terms of energy I would have been fine, but the soreness was there for a good three months. Boarding won't be a problem, but falling might be! I'm a lot older then you though, so maybe you will heal a lot faster.

Good luck with your journey. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Deb Z

Eric, I'm not a techie (to assist you with your book-style choice) and I haven't had heart valve surgery (yet), but I know for sure that you have wonderful, supportive, loving parents. This journal website is a great idea for you, your family, and all your caring friends. I'm looking forward to tracking your progress and full recovery. You're in my thoughts and prayers each and every day.
Warmly, Glenda

Eric,

You found the right place and wouldn't have known what to do if I hadn't found Adam's site. You will hear many times that waiting is thee worst part and it is. I have thought many times since my surgery (MVP repair) in June, "huh, that wasn't near as big a deal as I thought it would be". Now I know that is only because of the knowledge I gained here, the skill of my surgeon, care of the hospital staff, and my family for helping and putting up with me. It won't be easy, and everyone's experience is different so get yourself to where YOU are comfortable and that is all that you can do.

Ask questions, plan as much as you can, and let the machine take over.

TrentV

Love you!

I bought the ebook and read it on my iPad via iBook. I read it so many times by the time I had my surgery there was no need to refer to it once I was in the hospital or since then.
I actually found that once I knew more about my particular problem that I honed in on the subject and got more and more detail. After a while I ran out of reading material and was more interested in other peoples personal experiences. That's where Heart Valve Journals became a hugh comfort for me.

Nancy B

Eric,

My husband had surgery in Feb. 2012. He is doing wonderfully and you will be too. His story is similar to yours in many ways. His name is Chris Dixon and you can find his journal here. He would be happy to talk to you about his journey.

Praying for you!
Niki Dixon

Eric,

Welcome.

I could really relate to much of your story. Thanks for sharing.

I started this website in 2006 to help patients just like you. If you need anything, please let me know.

Keep on tickin,
Adam Pick

Hi Eric, Welcome to the Heart Valve Journal Community....the club no one wants to belong to. :)
That's quite the story you have! sounds like you just saved your own life.
I, too, found out I needed cardiac surgery on my first visit to a cardiologist. It's a lot to digest.
I love your pictures. anyone who posts as many pictures of their dog as their girlfriend is okay in my mind.

Nancy B