Great visit Jeff. Really meant a lot to dick & me. Our pix is on my journals the site.
Meant ask when your NYC trip was. Either way. Enjoy !
Hugs. Nancy. 2-9. Avr
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks. Will check your journal now. Great talk today! I am glad we met. NYC trip is Thurs/Fri this w ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks. Will check your journal now. Great talk today! I am glad we met. NYC trip is Thurs/Fri this week
On January 31, 2012...
Jeff,
I can't wait to hear about your visit with Dr. Stelzer. Thank you for taking the time to help us while completing your own research. Enjoy your trip to NY!
Niki Dixon (Chris' wife)
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks Niki. I am getting our list of questions together now
On January 31, 2012...
Dear Jeff, Wanted you to know that we've been thinking of you... We will keep reading this fantastic journal, and keep calling your parents for further info. All the best to you and your family. Agi, Jack, Ariel & Bella
Hi Jeff, I recall you mentioning this at Joe Borios meeting. I have confidence that you will make the right decision and things will turn out great. Just letting you know I'm thinking of you. Your brother knight Francis
Jeff: Over the years, your Mom and Dad, on numerous occasions, without embellishment, have told us about your wonderful family, as well as about your professional and business successes with special emphasis on your baseball heroics. So - this is the scene - the moment before the surgery. It is the bottom of the ninth inning, your team is losing by three runs and its two out. The pitcher runs the count on you to two and three. The fans in the stadium are silent as twilight turns into night. In almost total darkness a burning fastball leaves the pitcher's hand as the white streaking ball approaches the darkended plate the crowd's silence turns into a deafing roar. Suddenly, the stadium's lights turn on and you swing with all your might. At this same moment the surgery ends. As you awaken you see yourself rounding the bases as you approach homeplate and your entire family is waiting for you and the smile on your face tells everyone that all is well again!
Our thoughts will be with you. Diane & Jerry Goldstein
Jeffrey Shebovsky Jerry and Diane,
Thanks so much for writing. This is a GREAT scene. I will add this to my list of oth ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Jerry and Diane,
Thanks so much for writing. This is a GREAT scene. I will add this to my list of other positive things like my affirmation, my heart surgery song playlist, inspirational videos, mantra and more. I really love this one. Right up my alley. Thanks again.
On January 30, 2012...
Hi Jeffrey,
My son had major surgery last Sept. He was living in Maryland at the time. A month later he was offered a job in NY and came to live with me. Immediately after his surgery, he needed to see the surgeon on an on going basis. Once he came to NY his surgeon connected him with someone up here. I know each surgery is quite different and you will ,I am certain, discuss all your concerns when you meet the MD. He/she will put yourmind at ease.
In the meantime, we are here on Long Island, andshouldyou need anything, don't hesitate to contactl us. Take care and keep your spirits high. Positive thinking goes a loooooooong way. Gail and David
Jeff, I did check out your website...very impressive. Now I have a question for you. Although I have had manual adjustments in the past, my chiropractor uses something that I describe as looking like a "tuning fork", that he touches to each vertebra and a drawing is displayed on the computer screen. Then the "tuning fork" becomes something like a Jackhammer of sorts, tapping all the way down the spine. Then, he adjusts my lower back with the drop table. And I usually get on the roller table for about 10 minutes (lower back pain is my main culprit). My question is....how long do you think I will have to wait before getting adjustments?? I am hoping to have a mini-sternotomy, but of course, that is if nothing changes that. Had not thought about that before. What do you think? Need to ask my surgeon?
Linda
Jeffrey Shebovsky I have adjusted many patients in the past who had OHS. Obviously we have to wait for the chest to hea ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky I have adjusted many patients in the past who had OHS. Obviously we have to wait for the chest to heal, so likely 8-12 weeks. Sounds like you are not getting any manual, so maybe sooner. The main thing is to avoid any thoracic adjustments for awhile and any compression to the rib cage which would in turn put pressure on the chest. I also recommend cold laser (low lever laser therapy) for the chest healing. I will be doing that to myself to speed the healing and ease any pain. Go to You Tube and search "Cold Laser ML830" and watch some of the news videos. People getting better with all kinds of pains and issues. We get these results daily in our offices. Talk tomorrow. Have a good night.
Jeff
On January 29, 2012...
Jeffrey, Sheila Garrison is an aortic valve replacement success from California. She is a wonderful, loving, inspirational support. You can look up her journal, she is very encouraging and is a sports/ therapeutic massage therapist. I was telling her that my chiropractor used to have a therapist in his office, but he apparently had some insurance issues and he no longer offers that. I am curious about how long you will have to be out of work, considering what you do. Do you do the "manual" adjustments or some other method. I would think the "manual" would be a little hard on the ole chest there buddy.
Anyway, look up Sheila, she's great!
Still waiting...Linda
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks, I will look her up. I do mostly manual. SO, I MAY be out of work longer than the next guy. Lu ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks, I will look her up. I do mostly manual. SO, I MAY be out of work longer than the next guy. Luckily I have an associate doctor and a medical doctor on staff. I may need to hire a covering doc in my absence as our vole may be too much for the one chiro to handle alone for that long.
On January 29, 2012...
I'm packed for jeffs place Linda. Let s go. He won't even know we re there. He ll be so out of it. Oh wait. So will I. But as you might have read Jeff. I have the same question about traveling after. I do know that so many folks go to CCF. And fly home several days after wards. So I can t see why not
What I am Having trouble with is. Who do we work with after the surgery. Surgeon is off to others. We re history to them. Cardio guy is well not exactly your next visit. And normal / regular doc? Is he even involved ? So that s a good question to ask m
Glad Turks. Was great. Too bad u can't recoup there.
Best. Nancy.
Jeffrey Shebovsky Not sure about this Nancy but I will find out more on Thursday. Recoup in Turks?......Hmmmmm....neve ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Not sure about this Nancy but I will find out more on Thursday. Recoup in Turks?......Hmmmmm....never thought of that!
On January 29, 2012...
In my humble opinion, I would say your doctors should be able to answer all those questions.
After my surgery, I convalesced in Marc's house. You might want to.....nah! Fuggedaboutit!
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes I sure will be asking the surgeon. Was just kind of asking around right now. Yeah, staying at Ma ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes I sure will be asking the surgeon. Was just kind of asking around right now. Yeah, staying at Marc's would be a bit suicidal. Maybe worse than the surgery itself - LOL!
On January 29, 2012...
Hey Jeff, just read your vacation post!! I think I'll tell Mitch we have a change in plans...no reunion in New York...nooooo...Jeff has a condo in Turks and Caicos....nice...much better!!!
Seriously, my husband and I went on a cruise there the year before he died. It was beautiful!
And did I read that you are a chiropractor??? My new BFF, Jeff and Sheila (massage therapist)!!
Linda
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes Turks is nice. The cruises stop in Grand Turk. Never been there. We are in Providenciales on Grac ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes Turks is nice. The cruises stop in Grand Turk. Never been there. We are in Providenciales on Grace Bay. REALLY nice! We could have our reunion there BUT I only have a studio - LOL. Can we all fit in one bed?? - LOL.
Yes I am a chiropractor. Who is Sheila the massage therapist? She a valve patient too? Here is my website if you want to check me out: www.chiropractor.com I own all 4 offices but work mainly at the South Orlando office, so you can find more info there.
On January 29, 2012...
Jeff, It is possible to request a telephone consultation with "Dr. Ross" or his direct associate. I'm quite sure any & all your questions will be answered. These days, doctors do phone consults.Every case is different and them the same. Margaret
Jeffrey Shebovsky Dr. Ross is the original inventor of the technique. I am seeing Dr. Stelzer on Thursday and will ask ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Dr. Ross is the original inventor of the technique. I am seeing Dr. Stelzer on Thursday and will ask all my questions. I was just putting this question out there for other valve patients to see what the typical response was. Most are sent home after discharge from the hospital.
On January 29, 2012...
Hi Jeff, I don't know about New York, but at Cleveland Clinic and Texas Heart Institute, you can fly immediately after discharge. Now, I'm sure that is assuming that everything is fine. Also, you are discharged to the care of your PCP and cardiologist. I was told at CCF that I will have only internal stitches, so there will not be any to remove. Sounds almost unbelievable to me that you can just fly away so soon after OHS but apparently it is done every day.
Hope you won't have to go all the way back up to New York for follow up. If you do, you'll just have to crash with Mitch, lol!
Still waiting...Linda
Jeffrey Shebovsky I know, seems odd that they sent you on your way so soon after. I guess (and I am hoping) that bad co ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky I know, seems odd that they sent you on your way so soon after. I guess (and I am hoping) that bad complications are so rare. As for crashing with Mitch...too funny! Maybe we can get some good Corned Beef Sandwiches in NYC!
On January 29, 2012...
Jeff, this is Niki, Chris Dixon's wife. I asked Kathy a few of those questions last week. She very casually stated that after 5-7 days you can just fly home. Seems strange! I didn't get into all the follow-up care questions, but we will be soon. Thank you for all the help you have been to us already. I can't wait to hear how your Thursday visit goes.
Niki
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks Niki. This is on my list of questions for Dr. Stelzer but I figured I'd put it out there anywa ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks Niki. This is on my list of questions for Dr. Stelzer but I figured I'd put it out there anyway. I will get my list together later tonight if I get the chance and send to Chris so you guys can see what I have so far.
On January 29, 2012...
Hi Doctor Jeff!
We both feel so blessed to have you for our chiropractor and we are looking forward to hearing your good news after the surgery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Go out there and "gitterdone". : )
Bobby and Kozette Hill
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks so much. You guys are the best. I am blessed to have such great patients.
On January 29, 2012...
Hi Jeff
Like Ricki did, I had my surgery at the Cleveland Clinic and traveled from SW FL. I was given approval to return home after one night's local stay. Had family an hour away so we stayed with them 4 days before flying back. As Ricki said, no sutures to worry about and no return to see my surgeon. Your cardiologist and PCP should be able to handle any blips that might occur. My cardio has many post op heart patients in his practice. Good luck, know you'll be glad to get this behind you.
Fran
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks Fran. I will likely stay a few extra days too after discharge. I have some friends in the NY a ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks Fran. I will likely stay a few extra days too after discharge. I have some friends in the NY area. I can stay in the nearby hotel too if I need to. Thanks again for your reply.
On January 29, 2012...
Jeff, these are questions to be directed to your surgeon here in NY and cardiologist back home. Everyone is different. I'm certain they are not going to let you out of the hospital unless they are certain all is well and there will be no complications. You will really have to sit back and simply follow you Drs. instructions once you decide which one you are putting your trust in.
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks. I am meeting with the surgeon this coming Thursday and this is on my list of questions but ju ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks. I am meeting with the surgeon this coming Thursday and this is on my list of questions but just thought for now, I'd put the question out there and see what I get back. Thanks again....whoever you are :)
On January 29, 2012...
Hi Jeff!
I live in South Carolina and had my surgery in Cleveland. I had my surgery on a Thursday, was discharged from the hospital the following Wednesday and flew home on Friday. Some people have flown even sooner. I did not have an appointment at the CC after I was discharged but I know some other people have.
I didn't have any sutures left in me when I was discharged. My discharge instructions were to see my primary care physician in SC a week after I got home and my cardiologist 3 weeks after I got home. Both had gotten reports from Cleveland by the time I saw them. I had a few bumps in the road when I got home (the worst being an pulmonary embolism scare that turned out to be pleurisy) that my PCP handled very well. when I saw my cardiologist he did an echo and told me to come back in 6 months unless I had any problems. (I didn't.)
I would talk with your surgeon or his nurse practitioner about what they expect will happen in terms of time of discharge, follow-up appointments up there, etc. It is a bit more complex to have your surgery away from home but for me it was well worth it.
Good luck!
Ricki Shine
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks Ricki. This is very helpful. Appreciate the reply.
On January 26, 2012...
Hi Jeffrey,
I am hoping that you can come to NY prior to your surgery and enjoy someof the good restaurants on Restaurant Row and catch a few great shows. Enjoy yourself first before the surgery, I remember youor wonderful personality and the great jokes you shared with all of us at the anniversary breakfast. Keep the laughter andjoy. Gail and David
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks. Only coming up for Feb 2 and 3 with purpose of meeting the doctor. We are seeing a show thou ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks. Only coming up for Feb 2 and 3 with purpose of meeting the doctor. We are seeing a show though on the 2nd with friends. (after a nice dinner)
On January 25, 2012...
Dr. Jeff, your life will be an inspiration for many people. Your "positive" and "can do" attitude is going to make a difference in this journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!
Great news bro! You must be so psyched!!!! I am jealous you were able to get your results so quickly. You must have clout! Look out NYC Jeff is coming to get info and then get fixed. Totally awesome!!!
-Mitch Friedman
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes I have SOME clout. I know the radiologist so he called me with results the same evening.
One week ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes I have SOME clout. I know the radiologist so he called me with results the same evening.
One week from tomorrow for you dude. Postivity rules!!!!
On January 25, 2012...
Jeff - Anything I can do to help you prepare for this journey, let me know. I know that your good health history will be big in your favor as you have your surgery and recover. All the decision making pre surgery is the difficult part, then you sleep through the surgery, and post surgery you just follow orders! Piece of cake!!
Dick Miller
Jeffrey Shebovsky Dick,
You make major open heart surgery sound so easy. You're amazing! Thanks for your support.
Jef ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Dick,
You make major open heart surgery sound so easy. You're amazing! Thanks for your support.
Jeff
On January 25, 2012...
Great news! I am not surprised though considering you are young and healthy! Surgeon was right to request only CT:)
Good luck witj surgery!
Ivana
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yep! But you never know. I have heard way too many stories of young and apparently healthy people hav ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yep! But you never know. I have heard way too many stories of young and apparently healthy people having heart attacks. Thanks for writing Ivana
On January 25, 2012...
Great news! I never heard of anyone having zero calcifications. Then again, I'm only speaking to a bunch of old bats.
Love & xoxox's
Marcia
Jeffrey Shebovsky These IS calcification on my valve but we knew that already. There is none in my coronary arteries a ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky These IS calcification on my valve but we knew that already. There is none in my coronary arteries apparently.
On January 25, 2012...
Oh that's right, I remember! You will be there when he is off in la-la land. I need to write all of these dates down! Mitch had a great idea, I had mentioned maybe going to New York when we were all well and recovered and he suggested we have a reunion (well not re-union since we haven't been unioned yet, lol) and invite Adam to come! Wouldn't that be cool. Of course, Mitch doesn't know yet that we will expect him to pay all of our expenses, lol!!!!
Well, again good luck on the 2nd, hope you come away with a perfect sense of peace!!
Still waiting...Linda
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes great idea. I saw somehere else, was reading some guys story and he had a meeting in NY with a co ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yes great idea. I saw somehere else, was reading some guys story and he had a meeting in NY with a couple of online valve fiends. Love the idea.
On January 25, 2012...
Sorry Jeff, I'm the one who asked you about meeting up with "crazy Mitch". It was late and sometimes my fingers get ahead of my brain and I neglect to sign. Anyway, have fun, hope you come back with a total peace about everything.
still waiting....Linda Dixon
Jeffrey Shebovsky I thought it might have been you! No problem. Yes, I have to meet Mitch one day. Not on Feb 2 when ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky I thought it might have been you! No problem. Yes, I have to meet Mitch one day. Not on Feb 2 when I'm up there though. Guess he'll be a little preoccupied that day!
On January 25, 2012...
Hi Jeff,
I just had my Aortic Valve replaced on December 6th. I also had 21mm of my Aorta replaced. I had it done at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Let me know if you have any questions. I also have a set of videos on you tube documenting my journey. Just search Cindy Kenward and you'll find them.
Cindy Kenward
Jeffrey Shebovsky Cindy,
Thanks for writing. I will definitely check out your videos. So, how are you doing? Are u rec ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Cindy,
Thanks for writing. I will definitely check out your videos. So, how are you doing? Are u recovering well. How's the chest pain? Which valve did u choose? Thanks again.
On January 25, 2012...
Maybe I missed it, but when will you be in NY? When is the surgery and how long will you be in NY? I'd like to visit you in the hospital when you're up to it.
Al
Jeffrey Shebovsky Coming in Feb 2 just to meet with Doc. Then will schedule a surgery date. Thinking maybe Feb 27. Will ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Coming in Feb 2 just to meet with Doc. Then will schedule a surgery date. Thinking maybe Feb 27. Will post here when I have a date. You won't miss it. Did u sign up here for email updates when I post?
On January 24, 2012...
Great news! Have a wonderful time with your friends in the "Big Apple". Enjoy your mini vacation as well. We will be seeing
mom & dad for lunch feb 13. Good times ahead. Margaret
Jeffrey Shebovsky On plane for first leg of trip. Ready for some R & R
On January 24, 2012...
Are you gonna look up that crazy Mitch?? I am going to New York one day when we all are all fixed up just to see if he is as funny in person as on this journal. I am banning myself after surgery....I think laughing is going to hurt!
Great news and good luck and much fun in New York. Let us know how it goes!
Linda Dixon
Jeffrey Shebovsky It WILL be fun! Going to a broadway play and nice dinner with some good friends. Plus I get to meet ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky It WILL be fun! Going to a broadway play and nice dinner with some good friends. Plus I get to meet an amazing surgeon.
On January 24, 2012...
Jeff,
I look forward to following your story since I also have a bicuspid aortic valve and enlarged(4.6cm) ascending aorta. I have been going to Mayo in Rochester. I'm still on hold and am asymptomatic. I didn't realize there were so many of us out there! I will be thinking about you as you make decisions and have the surgery.
Carol J.
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks for writing Carol. Sounds like we are very similar. (except my aorta is 4.7). Yes there are m ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks for writing Carol. Sounds like we are very similar. (except my aorta is 4.7). Yes there are many of us and in a very short time I have made some friends here as we are all in the same boat so to speak.
On January 24, 2012...
Have fun at the beach and build some castles! Keep up the positivity...will serve you well in this journey. It will be here and over before you know it.
JH Mattingly
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks JH. You were my first valve journal friend and I appreciate it very much. Hope you are contin ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks JH. You were my first valve journal friend and I appreciate it very much. Hope you are continuing to do well.
On January 24, 2012...
Jeff:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
We wish you the BEST of life's BEST!
Good Luck....keep us posted
We love you
Brenda and Stuie
Facebook for valve people... makes me smile...always so positive! You are in our prayers Dr. Jeff!
Jeffrey Shebovsky Sorry but WHO is this? Apparently (and I learned this too), you have to write your name at the bottom ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Sorry but WHO is this? Apparently (and I learned this too), you have to write your name at the bottom of your post or it doesn't tell me who it is
On January 24, 2012...
Dr. Jeff,
You will be in our prayers. We pray that you will have speedy recovery!!
Hi Jeffrey,
David and I are wising you the best for a speedy recovery. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We will be in touch with your mom and dad as well to be updated about your progress.Keep a positive attitude.
Love, Gail and David Sills
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks so much! Positive I am and positive I will be :)
On January 24, 2012...
Jeff, it's soooo addictive, I sometimes sneak around reading journals in the middle of the night....oooooh!!!
Mitch is especially bad about that, LOL,LOL!
(love you Mitch)
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks! Going to catch up on some good reading, lay at the pool/beach and basically do a whole lot of ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Thanks! Going to catch up on some good reading, lay at the pool/beach and basically do a whole lot of nothing! Can't wait!
On January 23, 2012...
Hi Jeff,
Chris Dixon here. I'm eager to how about your upcoming visit with Dr. Selzer. My wife contacted his office today and the folks passed my wife's "sniff test" which is highly super-scientific woman intuition stuff. I can honestly say I wouldn't be too terribly thrilled about flying to New York for this and would prefer to be surrounded by close friends and family. But, if there was ever a time to inconvenience yourself, guess this would be about as good a reason as I could imagine. I believe I mentioned to you that I have spoken with "Ralph Creel," Dr. Stelzer's #444 Ross Procedure. He just told me today that he had his 1 year echo and the Tech said he couldn't even tell he had open heart surgery (aside from the chest scar). Not bad! As soon as I get my cath done on Thursday, 1/26, I'll mail it up along with some other stuff for some phone follow up. I've subscribed to your page and look forward to your journal posts. Hang in there buddy and let me know how the ride is because I'm right behind you! :-)
Jeffrey Shebovsky Chris,
I have your email from a reply. I will email you. Its easier that way
Jeff
On January 21, 2012...
I am very confused! I feel like you lied to me about our relationship in all those private emails, now I find out your married with kids. Does your wife know this whole thing is ruse so you get a trip to NYC to spend the weekend with me? Also, I thought taxes were due on April 15??????
Glad you have some clarity and have made another decision. It is good to keep crossing things off the list. Way to go!
-Mitch Friedman
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yeah Mitch, sorry about that, I thought you knew. BTW, you're some first date. A whirlwind meeting an ... Read more
Jeffrey Shebovsky Yeah Mitch, sorry about that, I thought you knew. BTW, you're some first date. A whirlwind meeting and weekend in ICU. You're a real charmer! LOL