Hey Mitch. My name is Rob Goldberg and I am a fellow new yorker. I have bavd also and a ascending aortic aneurysm as well. The experts say I am proably about 1-2 years away from the same surgery as you. I wanted to let you know that I have been following your blog closely and that you have been an inspiration to me. Wishing you the best of luck and a speedy recovery. god bless! Also Yes for Big Blue!
On February 5, 2012...
Mitch. you're doing super. Thinking of you .. and will be right behind you (well not literally.... but on thursday.... ) You should be home by then, I hope. love the posts. Hope I can do them, too from where ever they put me... be well. Hugs, Cuz Nanc avr /2/9 st louis. MO
On February 5, 2012...
Hey Mitch, your Dad was so so happy to see you and hold your hand! He probably forgot to send my wishes.
I have this little book of enlightenment , following is a passage that I would like to share with you...BE PRESENT-BRING YOUR AWARENESS INTO THE MOMENT-LET THE NON EXISTENT PAST AND IMAGINED FUTURE GO! MOST OF WHAT WE WORRY ABOUT NEVER HAPPENS.NOW NOW
NOW IS ALL YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT!
So happy you made it thru! Ei
On February 5, 2012...
Those surgery drugs are crazy huh?! My nurse said my first question was, "Did I crap the bed?"
You did great and you will be out of ICU soon and running around the hallways. Hang in there!
JH
On February 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Sorry about the current difficulties; hope they clear up soon and you can get out of ICU.
Having a good attitude and keeping your spirits up definitely helps.
John Lund
On February 5, 2012...
Dear Mitch,
Reading your journal avidly. All will work out. As you said your spirits are great. That always helps the healing. Would that I could visit. Tom keeps me informed.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx's
MimiMom
On February 5, 2012...
Hang in there, Mitch! Get some rest and know we're all thinking of you and hoping for the best speedy recovery! Each day will get better! Keep your spirits up!
Stacy (Identity)
On February 5, 2012...
Mitch,
You are a making it very difficult to send you something. Get your butt out of ICU, so they will let me send something from the gift shop.
I hope the blood has made you less tired. You must have felt exhausted between the low blood pressure and the need for additional blood. I hope this gives you a little more energy. You need a Peter Luger steak.
If good wishes help, I could not possible send you more. Thinking about you so much.
Jane
On February 5, 2012...
Hey Mitch, hope the blood makes you feel stronger. I think it's fairly common to get transfused after OHS, bypass really dilutes the go juice! Just know I'm pulling for you, hope you get out of jail (oops...icu) soon. Behave yourself and hang tough!
Still waiting...Linda
On February 5, 2012...
Yes, mine was super low too and got blood. You'll be better tomorrow, so rest up for now and you'll be in regular room soon. Sending good wishes your way, buddy!!
Janis Kielbasa
On February 5, 2012...
I got two pints after my surgery too. My feet felt heavy before the two pints. Much better after. Take one day at a time. You are in good hands.
Sylvia
On February 5, 2012...
Mitch- glad to see your spirits staying high. That will get you throw this and back home as fast as possible.
Stay tough!!!
Jimmy J
On February 5, 2012...
LOL, on those first post surgery words. The sudden urge to eat grass was hilarious too. great to hear from you. I hope your blood pressure stabilizes and they get you out of ICU already!
Jeff
On February 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch, Glad to hear you are getting back to normal, but I do have to say you're to funny. I think you are in Dr. Oz's hospital, if you see him tell him I said hey, watch him all the time. Just continue to improve and Im with you with the Giants hope they win tonightl, but I was hoping for the Broncos. Until Later Linda H
On February 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch!
So happy to hear your surgery went well. My blood pressure was very low after surgery. They almost kept me in ICU and extra day but after about 30 hours there, they transferred me to step-down. My pressure stayed low throughout my hospital stay (I can't remember exactly what it was but it was something like 55 over 45.) It did start to climb by the time I was discharged 6 days after surgery and in time (can't remember how long - probably a few weeks) it was back to normal.
The only time since that I had blood pressure problems was when I was in rehab. When I arrived it was normal - but it shot up as I walked my warm-up laps. The cause? Fox News on all the TVs ringing the walking track. (Wish I was kidding!)
Stay well.
Ricki Shine
On February 5, 2012...
Oh yeah...read Adam's latest blog...now I know one reason I'm having to wait so long...Dr. Gillinov is doing "book signings" in February!!! Seriously????
STILL WAITING!!! DOG GONE IT!!!
Linda
On February 5, 2012...
Hey Mitch!!!!!! So good to finally hear from 'da man himself!!! I know what your problem is...you were working out so hard before you went in for surgery that your heart, said ..."what the heck???" when they stopped it! And now it's telling you "make up your mind already!! First you work me to death, then you slam on brakes and NOW you want me to play nice???"
I wish I could have been there to hear your "drug talk". You are just too funny. I know your girls were excited and relieved to talk to daddy.
I had to work yesterday and today for a few hours. Supposed to be retired, but hey...giving me something to do other than worry about heart surgery, plus the extra money is nice. Gonna have to spend it on heart surgery stuff, though, lol.
Anyway, take care, behave (if that is possible) and I still have you in my prayers.
Still waiting...Linda
On February 5, 2012...
The last message is from Ivana.
On February 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
I am glad you are on your way to recovery. I had same problrm with low blood pressurr while in ICU. It. Turned out at the end my surgon was upset that they kept me there for 3 days and gave me lots of medications trying to elevate it and every time they stop it would go back down. At the end he got me out of ICU and off meds. My pressure is still on low side but that is better than having it on higher end. Perhaps talk to dr. On call and ask about just letting it be. I had bad reactions on those meds after i was less dizzy. But you are doing great and it will all fix itself in time. The worst is over:)
Mitch Friedman Very interesting Ivana, that is exactly where I am. Plus, as I recall you were in pretty good shape ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Very interesting Ivana, that is exactly where I am. Plus, as I recall you were in pretty good shape going into surgery. I can't help but think there is some link with that. Hmmmm.... Either way, of I don't get out tonight, surgeon will be back tomorrow (Monday).
On February 5, 2012...
Each day will get better and you are moving in the right direction. I'm sure your girls loved talking to their daddy as much as he loved talking to them. Soon, this will be behind you and you will be at home recovering. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Janis Kielbasa
On February 5, 2012...
Mitch
Its good to hear things are moving in the right direction. We're thinking of you, bro. Since we don't really have a dog in this fight, we'll cheer for the Giants tonight on your behalf. (My Lions don't actually play in a league that allows them to go to the Superbowl...oh, wait, yes they do!)
Scott and Pam
On February 5, 2012...
Mitch. It's good to hear from you!!! Things will start to normalize.
Keep us posted and hoping you get home soon.
Jimmy J
On February 5, 2012...
Hey Mitch, great to here from you. I know you can't wait to see your girls! Glad that you're sitting up and in good spirits. I go in tomorrow morning for my surgery. Praying for you man!! Take care
Robert Hartner
On February 5, 2012...
Of course you are alive. ! Wouldn't have it any other way. Love that you are ok. Besy. Nancy. (cuz)
On February 5, 2012...
It will get better as time goes on, there are always some little setbacks for mostly everyone, I remember when I opened my eyes, in CICU I said "Yes I am alive" then I said a prayer Thanking GOD and my surgeon and his staff. Oh by the way
GO PATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
take care jim
On February 4, 2012...
Mitch-
Glad to hear you are on the road to recovery! I had my aortic valve and root replaced in march with dr Stewart. I'm 28 and very active so I could really relate to pretty much everything you posted, But the kicker for me was that the night before mt surgery I too loaded up at Elios! Good luck with the recovery. You will be back to yourself in no time. You are in great hands and seem to have tons of support form family and people from this site, but if you have any questions about recovery or what not don't hesitate to email me.
Best,
Jonathan
On February 4, 2012...
Great news Larry! Thanks for the update. Tell Mitch I said hello and "hang in there". Can't wait to hear all the details (good and bad). You are a good friend for doing this for him (and for us...so we don't worry). Take good care of him!
Still waiting...Linda Dixon
On February 4, 2012...
Don't be discouraged, afib happens to many. Thinking of you and have you in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for the updates Larry!! Janis Kielbasa
On February 4, 2012...
Curious. Did it cure itself. Or meds? Inquiring minds like to know. Seems as tho whatever it was worked
F a s t. Great ! Nancy
Please tell Mitch that I developed A-fib also, but after I was at home. Beta-Blockers and Coumadin were prescribed and did the trick. I know it is a scary feeling even though it was anticipated. Thinking of you a lot these days.
Jane
On February 4, 2012...
Larry. Thanks for the great up dates. Mitch knows his fellow valvers are following him/ you
If u can. Big hugs to him. ( or not ). Lol
Glad the afib went away. Best to entire. Family.
Nancy Friedman. St Louis mo. 2-9. Avr.
On February 4, 2012...
I have been following your progress since surgery glad to hear all went well, even with the little set back last night. I have been keeping in touch with Larry so as soon as I am allowed will come visit. Beth
On February 4, 2012...
Mitch- pulling for you!! Hope you can rest and get back on track. I am sure you can do it.
Jimmy J
On February 4, 2012...
Bummer! Well....they say about 1/3 or patients who have heart surgery develope Afib temporarily. Sorry you had to be one of them, but hopefully it will resolve itself. Don't be discouraged, okay? Just when you thought it was going to be a piece of cake, huh?? I am thinking of you and praying this is just a teeny tiny little bump in the road.
Thanks for the update Larry.
Still waiting...Linda Dixon
On February 4, 2012...
You're doing great, Mitch! Many, if not most, of us had afib. I certainly did. Also, keep in mind recovery is not a consistent upward trajectory. It is up and down. You will not feel better every minute of every day. As long as the overall trajectory is upward, you're doing fine!
Duane in FL
On February 4, 2012...
Mitch- this is great news! Matt and I will be by to pick you up shortly. We'll beep when we get there- just flick the porch light.
Glad you made it through with flying colors
Mike
On February 4, 2012...
Mtch, we did it! Sounds like you are doing great kepp it up young man :) ive had a final minor problems but nothing major and nothing i havent had with previous surgeries of differnet natures so i wasnt surprised when these arose. Surgery itself went great and a success and ive been walking 4 times a day around the ward today and yesterday and sitting up is actually more comfortable for me then laying down. Its so nice to hear that thngs went well for you i will look for your posts and see how ots all going. Take care claire tunmore
Mitch Friedman Very impressive Claire. I guess I am on the slow track. So be it, we did it and that is all that co ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Very impressive Claire. I guess I am on the slow track. So be it, we did it and that is all that counts. Once I get my pressure up, I'll be good to go. Keep up the good work.
On February 4, 2012...
MITCH! So glad you are up and around. Been thinking about you ALL WEEK. I so happy that the pictures show you looking fine; in fact so much BETTER than pictures from the bus during our Europe MBA trip. Much love & laughter, Dee Cullinan
On February 3, 2012...
Glad Mitch is doing good. He will be back to normal in no time. Been thinking about him this week.
Stephanie
On February 3, 2012...
Hoe can you look so good a day after surgery??? I sure hope I look as good. P.S. I tentatively scheduled March 7.
Jeff
On February 3, 2012...
You look fantastic! Much different than yesterday! I can't tell you how happy I am that you are doing so well...Love you...
Debbie
On February 3, 2012...
Hello Handsome!! So happy you are done with surgery and on your way towards recovery. Continued blessings and prayers sent your way. Janis Kielbasa
On February 3, 2012...
You look great, now a big burden is lifted off you shoulders, Yahoo. I know you would do excellent, Cardiac Surgeons are the best in the business, now the next part is getting through the hospital stay. Keep walking everyday, before you know it you will be home. Things will go slow at first but once you are feeling better, time will go by fast. I have one more week (12 weeks) before I go back to work, I could get use to this semi retired bit, LOL take care I will continue to lift you up in prayer everyday, be well my friend. Jim
On February 3, 2012...
as Billy Crystal used to say -
YOU LOOK MAHVELOUS!!!!!!
On February 3, 2012...
Hi Mitch. Looks like you have a very big heart. Lol but dont laugh. You also look very happy. How is it being on the other side of this bridge? Until Later Linda H
On February 3, 2012...
Mitch! You look FABULOUS!!!!!!!!! You did it! Now, you're really going to do it!!!!! YIPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Christy
On February 3, 2012...
Mitch
You look awesome! I will see you soon
Ps- I didn't realize they were going to shave your head :)
J boy
On February 3, 2012...
Looking good buddy!!!! Way to go!!
Jimmy J
On February 3, 2012...
Mitch,
You're a nutcase!! And I mean that with all due respect!! MMooooooo
You're attitude is infectious and heart warming -- pun intended!!
Heal quickly my AVR friend.
Chuck Holmgreen.
On February 3, 2012...
Hi Mitch this is Jeff Shebovsky's mom... been pulling for you ......you look great ! I am delighted to see that everything went well and you are doing so TERRIFIC, Wishing you continued health and well being.