Mitch Friedman Not sure who wrote this? Hint, please sign your posts. But, many thanks to whomever wrote it.
Oh, and Janis is pretty upbeat. Her journal is a riot. But then again, she is one of those, you know, who are on the other side of surgery. Can't wait for that to be me!
On January 10, 2012...
Mitch,
This is in response to your Jan 10th posting.
1) I take the blame for you using social media as part of your medical treatment. So, yes, social media is a "time sponge." In fact, when I'm done posting here, I'm going to Facebook where my mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought, cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives. But for the moment, I coalesce the vapors of human experience into a viable and meaningful comprehension for you. Don't fight the time sponge; besides, right now, you need it. When this is all through, I'll turn you on to other time sponges, so you won't go through social media withdrawal.
2) Regarding crying on the treadmill. Yes, I would too, if the 80 year old lady, on the adjacent treadmill, wearing corrective sneakers, was running faster than I. When the surgery corrects your ailment, you'll show her! Then, we'll see who cries.
3) If you weren't riding an emotional rollercoaster, we'd think you Abby, as in Abby Normal; and not the Hans Delbrück that you are. The ride ain't over, so strap yourself in for highs/lows. Think of this as your chance to experience PMS. Besides, I (and others) are your knights in shining armor, coming to your emotional rescue. Don't be shy (who said that?).
4) Roll with it, baby, and use this website and your peeps as your guardrails to keep you on course.
5) The Dave hotline is open; here is it as this whacked hour, and I'm waiting for your call (actually I'm waiting for another call, but if I see your caller ID, I'll still pick-up [but may ask you to disguise your voice as the caller I was expecting]).
Peace and love.
- Dave
Mitch Friedman 1) Facebook?
2) I think she was 90
3) Where's Mongo?
4) Could not agree more
5) You 'da man. Thanks ... Read more
Mitch Friedman 1) Facebook?
2) I think she was 90
3) Where's Mongo?
4) Could not agree more
5) You 'da man. Thanks bro.
On January 10, 2012...
omg mitch i cant punish you now!!!!!!i love you
mom
Mitch Friedman Thank god the statue of limitations governs parents too!
On January 10, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Wish I was there to take you out for a beer and give you a hug. All I can say is these guys really do, do it all the time...You are going to be more than alright! You are going to be the bomb! It was probably more risky when you were driving the tr on the wrong side of the street... really, really fast.
Pam
Mitch Friedman Oh great, now my mom knows about the keg parties and driving on the wrong side of the road (really, r ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Oh great, now my mom knows about the keg parties and driving on the wrong side of the road (really, really fast). So I guess the bottom line is, if I survived high school, this is a walk in the park.
Thank so much for your thoughts Pam. Love to you, Scott and the girls!
On January 10, 2012...
If they do need to fix your aortic root, it's something they fix all the time along with the valve. You won't feel a thing! You will wake up the same, feel the same, and go thru your recovery process the same. The TEE is done during the surgery. You will get an IV in the prep, talk to some people and next thing you know, you are waking up and it's all over.
It's tough but just try to relax and not stress...you will do great!
JH Mattingly
Mitch Friedman Thanks JH. Today is a good day. But the thought of ordering a 3 week IV drip sounds enticing at tim ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks JH. Today is a good day. But the thought of ordering a 3 week IV drip sounds enticing at times. I greatly appreciate all of your support.
On January 10, 2012...
Darn..this laptop doesn't like me! Somehow it sent my message before I was done!
The last unsigned message was from your friend Linda Dixon and I was trying to say, I'm here along with Janis, Jane, Sheila, Deb, JH and a bunch of other valvers to do exactly what Adam intended when he started this site...encourage Mitch and make him know...it's all good...you will do great...I just know it!!!
Now tell me I'm gonna be fine!!!!
Your friend
Linda
Mitch Friedman Thanks friend. It is so good to know I have compatriots in the same boat. More than misery loves co ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks friend. It is so good to know I have compatriots in the same boat. More than misery loves company (which I do), it is great to know that we all have the same feelings at one time or another. We will both be fine. But I'll be fine sooner :-). Couldn't resist....
On January 10, 2012...
Ok, I was trying to make you laugh with my earlier post, having noticed in another valver's journal that the rest of the world wasn't stopping for you either! I mean, can't they see that ALL we can think about right now is some relative stranger splitting our sternum (even if its a mini...only 3 or 4 inches, so what?) cutting our heart valve out and replacing it with some foreign object, either metal, plastic or barnyard???? I mean, really, how could anyone think of anything else?
In other words, my friend Mitch, I should say I'm sorry you are feeling a little less like superman today, but actually I'm glad you are as scared as I am (I know, that's mean).
Seriously, I know exactly how you feel. I do fine some days, feel very confident in my surgeon and know that I will be fine. Other days I think about everything that could go wrong, not the least of which is....well...you know.
On January 10, 2012...
You WILL be alright...there are way too many people in your corner for you not to be...
Love you lots,
Debbie
Mitch Friedman That crowded corner is a nice place for me. Thanks!
On January 10, 2012...
Hey Mitch,
How are you holding up? I know it feels like the rest of the world is moving along at a regular pace, but yours is quite different now. I have you in my thoughts and hope you are not too stressed. I hope you have days that are busy enough that you can forget for a while. I look forward to hearing from you.
Jane
Mitch Friedman And you are on mine. I hope your recovery days continue to go well and going back to work was ok.
On January 10, 2012...
Although....it's still not fair you get to go before me... ;-)
Linda
On January 10, 2012...
Mitch
Wishing you much positive energy & love as well as Meggan and the family.
Denise
Mitch,
Couldn't reply back again on the previous post. My cardiologist wasn't into the Ross procedure when I first brought it up last year, but after seeing Dr. Stelzer speak on it last month, he was so impressed that he encouraged me to meet him. Adam Pick also has met with and watched Stelzer in surgery and word is he is amazing. The good thing is he has done more Ross' than anyone else. Not sure if I will end up getting the Ross but I am doing my due diligence on it. Considering Cleveland Clinic as well and may pay a visit there too.
Jeff
Mitch Friedman Keep up the good research. At the end of the day. The right procedure for you is the one you are mos ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Keep up the good research. At the end of the day. The right procedure for you is the one you are most comfortable with. Good luck.
On January 8, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Best of luck to you. I am actually going up to NY (I am in FL) on Feb 2nd to meet with Dr. Stelzer at Mt. Sinai to discuss a Ross Procedure for me. I will be thinking of you that day! I will be having my surgery sometime this year as well. I have bicuspid Aortic valve and also need an ascending aortic aneurysm repair. Again, best of luck to you.
Jeff Shebovsky (jshebovsky11@gmail.com)
Mitch Friedman Thanks Jeff. Best of luck to you too. Lots of good docs up here. One told me Ross Procedure was les ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Jeff. Best of luck to you too. Lots of good docs up here. One told me Ross Procedure was less popular these days. It was not really on my radar, so did not get into asking reasons why. If you want to see other docs that day when you are here, I can give you a few names or I am sure you can find them easily here. If I can help you in anyway please let me know. HVJ is an incredible source of information, the people have been incredible. I encourage you to ask away on any question you have.
On January 8, 2012...
Just learned of the news and your journal...crazy stuff - here for you if you want some company as I am in the city a few days a week! Better yet, if you want to come to the suburbs for football Sunday - we would love to have you anytime!! We are thinking of you, love Jodi and Michael
As a yogini, I practice opening my heart every day. Chanted this morning with 22 other bright souls for 2&1/2 hours. My heart feels really open right now. And with my open heart I say, stay open, and I'll be really glad when yours is all closed up again.
Mitch Friedman Touching. Thanks so much. Keep thinking and 'Ohming' about me. Namaste.
On January 6, 2012...
Hey Mitch
Good luck with everything. Our thoughts are with you, of course. We just made plans for a trip to NYC this summer. We'll be in the city for 2 weeks at the end of July.
Scott
Mitch Friedman Thanks Prof! Hope to see you this trip. Been too long.
On January 6, 2012...
PARTY IS ON ME I WILL START MAKING PLANS AND EVERYONE IS INVITED TO CELEBRATE MOM
Mitch Friedman Di is buying, again. Well, this time she knows she is buying....
On January 6, 2012...
Hey now, had to echo what you said about mom. We are blessed. I love you! Welcome Di!
P.S. I wanna come to the kegger too!
On January 6, 2012...
Well, aren't you the lucky one (yeah, right, I know, everything is relative)! So the big day is Feb 2nd. You are very fortunate to not have to wait so terribly long. So....you should be completely recovered by the time I have mine on March 13th, so you will be able to give me the real nitty gritty about how things really are. I will have to spend 4 days in Cleveland before my surgery...all day testing on Friday, meeting with the surgeon on Monday. So I have all of Saturday and Sunday to work up a good case of nerves. Lucky you! :-)
Linda
Mitch Friedman No doubt. I will be there at your finish line and helping you all along the way. Just like you are ... Read more
Mitch Friedman No doubt. I will be there at your finish line and helping you all along the way. Just like you are helping so many now.
On January 6, 2012...
Mitch:
Just heard about this and wish you a very speedy recovery. Sounds like you are in excellant hands. We are here for you. Mike
Mitch Friedman Thanks pokey! Hope all is good with you. Been too long. Let's change that!
On January 6, 2012...
you the best i know im the mama
Mitch Friedman Hey everyone, Di is in the house!!!! Seriously mom, I love you. Sorry to keep you out of the loop f ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hey everyone, Di is in the house!!!! Seriously mom, I love you. Sorry to keep you out of the loop for so long, but I am really glad I waited for answers and so glad to have you in the loop now. You are the best mom anyone could ever have. As I have often said about you, you are a saint!
When this is all over, can we have (another) keg party at your house. We will even tell you about this one and let you come!
On January 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
I don't know anything about heart valve surgery but it sounds like you very informed and have good doctors. This is a great website. When exactly is the surgery? We will be thinking of you and watching for updates. We will be in NY again this summer and will look forward to celebrating your full recovery!
On January 5, 2012...
Mitch, so glad you found your surgeon. Its a huge relief when you find the doctor who makes you feel confident. I had no worries and felt I was in capable hands. You will do great!! Janis Kielbasa
On January 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Glad you pick out your surgeon, like I said before you will do AWESOME. I had my Aortic Root repaired along with the AVR. You will see how well you do, once you get out of the hospital time will go by fast and you will see how much better you get each week. I am now at the end of 7 week post op, it goes by fast. Have someone home with you for the first 2 weeks to tend to your needs, will you have a visiting nurse to check your blood ratio and vitals. Also stay away from anyone with a cold or flu, you don't need to add anything. Remember also to do your breathing exercises, this will keep your lungs cleared that is very important. Also do your exercises everyday that you can, becareful with the cold weather if you go outside to excercise. You will figure it all out. I will keep you in Prayer my friend. Take Care, Jim
Mitch Friedman Great advice Jim. Sorry for my delay in responding, life took over. Keep up the good recovery work. ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Great advice Jim. Sorry for my delay in responding, life took over. Keep up the good recovery work. Your advice is invaluable. Thanks so much. Be well.
On January 5, 2012...
Sounds like you may be needing a Bentall procedure, which is what I had. You will do great.
JH Mattingly
Mitch Friedman Good info. More research to do, love it! Thanks JH
On January 5, 2012...
Good luck and God Speed to you brother!
Jim Davis
Mitch Friedman Thank ypu brother for all of your support.
On January 5, 2012...
Well....if I am the Linda you were referring to in your post....I'M JEALOUS! No fair you get fixed before me! I knew you would have no trouble deciding on the surgeon, I know there are great ones in New York. Seriously, I'm glad you don't have to wait so long. So...do you know if your aortic root is actually dilated or did they just throw that in as a possibility since it is fairly common with BAV? I will be interested in how much, if any it is dilated and what they recommend. Did you mention if they were planning to replace valve with tissue or mechanical? These are my issues as well, I know my surgeon leans toward tissue, not so sure about doing anything with the aorta because it is only 4cm. at the dilation. I kind of lean towards fix it while you are in there. Anyway...happy to hear your good news (that of course is relative under the circumstances, lol). Keep me updated. I have good days and not so good days with the anxiety. Got my packet from Cleveland today and it was another "Oh my god, it's really happening" moment. Take care
Linda Dixon
Mitch Friedman Of course you are the Linda I was referring to!!!!!
So here is what I have learned, I hope it helps ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Of course you are the Linda I was referring to!!!!!
So here is what I have learned, I hope it helps you. They told me my root is an issue because it has enlarged to 4.2cm. I have only had echo's done, which they said is not accurate. So, they want a CT scan to get an accurate measurement. Both Dr.'s said 4.5cm was my magic number. If the CT show my number is that or greater, they replace my root. If number is lower they don't. It is based solely on their estimated chance for future problems. I am not clear if 4.5cm is a universal number or if it applies to males, my height, weight etc.
I did not mention valve type, as like you, I have not yet decided. Both the guys I saw would only give me facts to consider, they would not give me a recommendation. However, like your doctor, they both seemed to present facts that indicate a preference for tissue valves. I was pretty set on mechanical, now I am pretty set on tissue. I am sure I will keep flipping back and forth over next few weeks.
Don't get daunted by the receipt of the Cleveland package. Read it at your leisure, take your time, and be good to yourself. You will be fine, as will we all will.
BTW, I also saw the older post your referred to. We should not read them, it only makes us scared. But I found I could not stop reading it. Crazy right!?!?
Be well.
On January 4, 2012...
There's sand in NYC? You New Yorkers are tough sons of guns, so this surgery will be a piece of cake for you. Seriously, you will do great and all this preliminary stuff will go by very quickly. Research as much as you can, make your decision and then focus 110% on getting yourself through the surgery and recovering. Befor you know it, you will be an old has-been like me!
JH Mattingly
Mitch Friedman I have a bucket of sand that I carry around with me. I get great looks when I pull my ostridge move ... Read more
Mitch Friedman I have a bucket of sand that I carry around with me. I get great looks when I pull my ostridge move on the subway. At least everyone clears away and I get a seat. OK, I rarely take the subway, but it made for a good story.
On January 3, 2012...
ooppps....sorry Mitch....didn't sign my post...Janis Kielbasa
Mitch Friedman Welcome back my friend. And welcome to the other side. I am jealous! Yes, it is truly amazing to s ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Welcome back my friend. And welcome to the other side. I am jealous! Yes, it is truly amazing to see your progress after 7 days. Glad I could be part of your walk.
My 4AM wake-ups have now become 3:30, so we were probably up at the same time last night? I hope to sleep more after I get some answers this week. Stay strong daily!
On January 3, 2012...
Mitch, I hope you get a surgery date soon. I know the anxiety of waiting is hard. Knowing you are able to be "fixed" and lead a full life is a blessing. I'm on day 7 and writting you....amazing, huh?!! I left the computer in the home office and you are part of my walk. LOL. You will do great!! I have you in my thoughts and prayers. Okay, off to walk to the kitchen now!!
On January 2, 2012...
Hi Jim,
My name is Cindy Kenward (Originally from Long Island now living in the Atlanta area). I just had my Aortic Valve replaced along with an Assesding Aorta repair done on December 6th at Emory Unversity Hospital. Just like you I had my mind set on the Mechanical Valve literally until I was in the pre-op area. My doctor did not even know for sure until just before he scrubbed in. I am 50 years old but am pretty active. Not quite like you but I do walk 2 miles per day. I also ride a motorcycle. Therefore I was advised to stay away from Coumadin. I also was thinking that even though I will need the valve replaced it can be done via a less invasive procedure. I am doing very well in my recovery. I'm up to walking about 1.5 miles per day now. I'm hoping to return to work maybe next week. I have a follow-up cardiologist appointment tomorrow. I hope this helps.
Cindy Kenward
Mitch Friedman Thanks Cindy. Very helpful! I am not sure what I will do, but know answers will come to me at some ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Cindy. Very helpful! I am not sure what I will do, but know answers will come to me at some point. It is great to hear you are doing so well in such a short period of time. Keep it up! And again, thanks for your comments.
On January 2, 2012...
JIm is totally on the ball! He has given you great advice echoed by my boss. In fact, the first surgeon we meet is a known to my boss as he has performed this procedure on some of our patients. All with good results. The second is not known but it just so happens my bosses' son works ( as a neurosurgeon, I believe) at the same hospital. Info has already been asked for and is on the way. Also, the nurses, on the floor and in the OR, are your best source of info. We need to do a little extra snooping when we are there (if it's possible). Oh yeah and, head in sand time is OVER! Sorry kiddo but time to get back to reality and do our due diligence on this thing! You are going to be better and stronger than ever! (I'm in your corner, how could you not?LOL) Love you, love you, love you! xoxoxoxoxo forever and always!
Mitch Friedman Hey, I like my head in the sand! Ok, some of the time anyway. Sisters are great. I need her like I ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hey, I like my head in the sand! Ok, some of the time anyway. Sisters are great. I need her like I need OHS. LOL! Just joking Stac, you have truly been awesome. I love you.
On January 2, 2012...
Hi Mitch, like you I've put my head in the sand for a few weeks with the hope that it will all go away... it doesn't of course, but it eases the anxiety for a while. Good luck with your medical visits inthe coming days. The countdown is real now for me, just 22 days to go before my mitral repair. I have difficulty to grasp the bleak reality of what is ahead, as I am still enjoying few days of snow and winter activities.
Christine
Mitch Friedman Thanks Christine. It is so helpful to know others are out there with me and having similar experienc ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Christine. It is so helpful to know others are out there with me and having similar experiences. I guess it is true misery loves company. I am sure we both will be fine, will grasp the reality of all of this and be on the mend soon enough. I keep reading how the anticipation is much harder than the surgery and recovery. I sure hope that is the case for both of us. Good luck to you.
On January 1, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Its amazing how many people have similar stories to tell. I too have had have to have my aortic valve replaced after being monitored for 10 years. As you I have been told my regurg is severe and my left ventricle is enlarged so its time for me too. I have always been fit and healthy and although i have known about my bicuspid valve for some time it still comes as a shock to know im facing open heart surgery. I chose to put my surgery off until Jan 31st as i didnt want to spoil the holidays for my family AND we are just about to move house. It is really hard to pretend that its not happening - a bit surreal really. I was very anxious at first but now feel acceptance as to my fate and feel positive that this will make my life better not worse. I think this site is very helpful - we are not alone and we can help each other through this little bump in the road of life. take care claire
Mitch Friedman Claire, thank you so much for writing. I feel like we are mirror images of each other. So comfortin ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Claire, thank you so much for writing. I feel like we are mirror images of each other. So comforting to read your words. Thanks for sharing.
I will keep you in my thoughts as your date approaches. I am hoping our mirror images continue and I end up with similar timing, but we will see about that. Good luck with your move. Nest like crazy for the next few weeks so you have a comfortable new home to recover in. All the best!
On January 1, 2012...
Oops....that post was from Linda Dixon (my bad....finger got ahead of my brain)
On January 1, 2012...
Hi Mitch, sounds like you are armed and ready! Aren't we lucky that Adam(Pick- not the original Adam, lol) paved the way for us? The docs at Cleveland Clinic say they see patients walking around with Adams book all the time, I think that is so cool. Anyway, happy new year, hope your week goes well and you get all the answers you need. BUT...if you get to surgery before I do...I'm gonna be ticked! Just kidding of course, but you may be surprised how long it might take to get a date. I know I was. Let us know how it goes and who and what you decide. I will be especially interested in the type of valve the surgeon recommends. Good luck!
Mitch Friedman Thanks Linda. I'll be sure to keep you and everyone posted. I sure am hoping to get a date in the n ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Linda. I'll be sure to keep you and everyone posted. I sure am hoping to get a date in the next month or so, but we will see. I appreciate all your support.
On January 1, 2012...
Mitch you are going to do awesome, once you get this behind you and are recovering, you will probably say why didn't I get this done sooner. I suffer with mine for like 2 years with syptoms hoping it would all go away, but it didn't and it kept getting worse over time. Pick the surgeon you feel most comfortable with, talk to some of the nurses on the cardiac floor who better to know about the surgeon see what they say. If you know anyone at either hospital see what they say about your surgeon. Hope this helps. You are going to do great. take care jim
Mitch Friedman Jim, always one to provide great advice. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope your recovery is go ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Jim, always one to provide great advice. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope your recovery is going well.
On January 1, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Good luck with your visits. I was offered a date just about 3 weeks after my surgeon appointment at Columbia. I have Oxford health insurance and was never asked a question. They copied my card and never said another word. I hope that is the end of it and I don't get a huge bill in the mail.
I hope your visits guide you in all the right directions. Happy New Year!
Jane
Mitch Friedman Happy New Year Jane. Thanks for your comments. I will give you a call soon as it is clear to me we ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Happy New Year Jane. Thanks for your comments. I will give you a call soon as it is clear to me we have lots to discuss!!!! All the best. Hope your recovery is going well.
On December 31, 2011...
Just had an epiphany my little bro...if you get the mechanical valve you will prob get a "get out of airport body scanner free card" for life! woo hoo! There is a silver lining LOL. Love ya!
Just wanted you to know again that I am here for you in any way you might need...was just thinking if you want I'd be happy to hook you up with Larry Mendelson...you might remember he's a cardiologist down in Philly and he could probably answer a lot of your questions...in addition to doing a few shots when you recover!
Today's humor comes via MR. BEN SCHWARTZ one of the funniest humans on the planet. It's a crazy short with Amir (who is a NUTTY character that i can't even describe). They always talk in DVD titles. Anyway for some guffaws go to:
www.rejectedjokes.com IMMEDIATELY.
Once there, click on the left newest video "Stay Awake Contest". You WILLLL laugh guaranteed, BUT if you want to seriously cry laugh (and cry laugh is THE ULTIMATE prep for the kind of medical situation you are embarking upon), after you watch the video go to the BLOOPERS right below it. IF then you decide that I am RIGHT, laughter is just the best therapy out there....then go and click on the DRINKING CONTEST. It probably doesn't get funnier than this sh (bleep).
I LOVE YOU MAN
(was that the title of a movie or is she expressing a sentiment?)
On December 28, 2011...
The only person whom this would actually make laugh out loud is DI! But hey that counts for something!
From stuff jews like site:
"Jews absolutely love Florida. Ask ten Jews where’s the Jerusalem of America and ten will tell you Boca Raton (though some might say Aventura is a close second).
Before Jews came to Florida for two reasons… to retire and to visit they’re grandparents… who had already retired. But the warm weather, cookie cutter suburbs, and business opportunities have keep Jews coming by the truck load (BMW 5 series… in case you were wondering what truck was bringing the Hebrews to their new home). Matter of fact in the last twenty years so many Jews have decided to lay roots and start families in Florida that the average age of a Jew in the state of Florida has gone from 90 to almost 78 (that’s still good for a discount movie ticket).
Will Florida ever be Israel? No, but there’s a Falafal place in North Miami Beach that would make you think you’re in Tel Aviv. Will the rapid influx in Jewish people help elect a Jewish state governor? Maybe, but for the time being we are only concerned with taking over the media. Will temples keep popping up in the hearts of suburban communities all across the Sun Shine State? Yes, and on some holidays the community will actually fill them up."
PS Yo momma is so fat she sews her clothes with rope!
Love,
Not Michael
Mitch Friedman This was too funny especially since I was just there with all of them. Hahahahaha.
On December 27, 2011...
S'up Holmes?
Wuz thinking Damn i shud be down there wi choo driving round in da drop top checking all da iced out hoes bling! Damn! But it cost ta floss my man so best I stay in da hood, know what im sayin? Goin down to the Cadillac Escalade house today check me some pimped out wheels fo shizzle.
AOUT
G.W.
On December 26, 2011...
Soooo happy for you that you are getting this huge amount of support. I agree with Jim that G-d will take care of you as well as me , mom, Grace, Hannah and Meggan. Not to mention the great team of surgeons I'm sure you will choose. Just had to put my two cents in again and remind you...there's no place like home. So you know a NYC procedure is my choice. That being said, I will certainly follow you to Cleveland if that's where you choose to have your procedure. It seems to me that I keep seeing the same key piece of info, The actual procedure should be driven by the surgeon. A surgeon that has performed many many many procedures of the type they want to use for your valve replacement. I love you and am ready, willing and able to be "in it" with you for the long haul.
Mitch Friedman You are the best. Thanks so much for all your support. I know you keep telling me to stop thanking ... Read more
Mitch Friedman You are the best. Thanks so much for all your support. I know you keep telling me to stop thanking you, but I can't.
On December 26, 2011...
Hi Mitch. Had open heart last April for MV repair. Chose that route for these reasons (some mentioned previously):
1. Better view.
2. Bigger workspace.
3. Larger experience base
4. Lower stroke incidence
These all lead to a slightly better risk posture, borne out by statistics.
5. Zipper club benefits package
Your surgeon will include a redemption code on your bill so you can sign up for the goodies.
-- DVB
Mitch Friedman Great comments. Thanks!!! Also, i'm excited about the added benefits! :-)
On December 26, 2011...
Mitch, thinking of you today. I hope by reading all the journals and posts you feel secure knowing that you will be be fine. I'm from Chicago, you are from New York...total zen...is not possible. LOL. Janis Kielbasa
Mitch Friedman Thanks Janis. You are so right, total zen is tough in the big cities. I am sending you big positive ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Janis. You are so right, total zen is tough in the big cities. I am sending you big positive thoughts for you surgery in 2 days. Good luck.
On December 26, 2011...
Hi Mitch,
It is three weeks today that I showered and dressed to be at Columbia Hosp. at 11:00. I can't tell you how crazy it is that it is behind me. It was my main focus day and night. I was panicked, obsessed, tried not to scare my family, but probably did. I got all my "affairs in order". I did the usual Jewish thing and told every single person where my" important papers" were. The safety deposit box key as well as the cemetery plot suddenly became important. I turned into my grandparents/parents over night. I can know tell you how insane that thinking was. At Columbia I immediately became aware of the fact that I was not an unusual case. They do these surgeries literally all day, every day. The surgeon I used Dr. Craig Smith, who is in the same practice as Dr. Stewart as well as the other world famous team was superb. We are so lucky that we do not have to add a travel component to our surgeries. Many, many patients on the floor had travelled very far for the honor of having this team do their
repair/replacements. I know if you go that route you will be very well taken care of.
Your posts from your friends are refreshing, Jane
Mitch Friedman Jane, I hear you on all of this. On more than one occasion I have been suddenly struck with the aware ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Jane, I hear you on all of this. On more than one occasion I have been suddenly struck with the awareness of my own mortality. I had not thought of that much before. Also, your comments about Columbia are greatly appreciated. Hope you are doing well and getting stronger everyday. I'll give you a call when I return from vacation next week. Thanks again.
On December 26, 2011...
Mitch, you are young and you said you are in good shape, you will do excellent, I believe you will bounce back quickly. It can be a tough recovery but you will make it. Keep up your walking after recovery, and do your breathing exercises everyday. Ask your surgeon also about Cardiac Rehab, that will help alot. I will keep you in my daily prayers. You will do fine, everyone goes through what you are going through before surgery. GOD will take care of you. Jim
Mitch Friedman Thanks so much Jim. I really appreciate the encouragement. It helps a lot!
On December 25, 2011...
One of my oldest friends Dana Sydney had aortic valve replacement in 1992 and he's still going strong. He says the technology has come a long way so he's confident you're going to come out strong!
Mitch Friedman Thanks so much for you comment and your support!
On December 25, 2011...
Mitch I agree. Hoping I will wake up and this will all be a bad dream. But, I think education is power. I know the more I have learned, the better prepared I feel for the surgery.....although now it is very close.
One thing I failed to mention is that the percutaneous[threaded up through the groin] aortic valve replacement is being done[approved] in elderly folks who are not candidates for open heart surgery [not well enough] but want a better,stronger quality of life so are willing to take the risk.
So I figure when my tissue [bovine] valve fails me [Iam not a marathoner..yet] the percutaneous replacement will be the norm and approved and safe for everyone and I won't have to have my chest cracked a second time.
Mitch Friedman I have read about the percutaneous method and I know it is a real consideration for going with tissue ... Read more
Mitch Friedman I have read about the percutaneous method and I know it is a real consideration for going with tissue valves. However, as of this moment, I am leaning toward mechanical because I just don't want have to go through this again. That said, I will see how my thinking evolves with more research and after I meet with the surgeons. Thanks so much for replying to me!
Oh, a ... Read more
Oh, and Janis is pretty upbeat. Her journal is a riot. But then again, she is one of those, you know, who are on the other side of surgery. Can't wait for that to be me!