Natasha, it's good to hear your re-cap of the past few days....what a scary time it is, both for the family and the patient. I tried not to think about it as they were wheeling me away and I waved to my family! Glad to hear Tom has made it and out of the ICU, you're right, it is a scary place. Will be anxious to hear Tom's side of the story, and will continue to pray for healing and recovery, each day will get better and hope you are home soon!
Holly P
Thomas Hunt Thanks again Holly! Wish I didn't put them through all the stress, but glad that all is going fine n ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks again Holly! Wish I didn't put them through all the stress, but glad that all is going fine now. Hope to get a few pics up shortly.
On May 20, 2012...
Hi Tom, Just found out about your surgery from Brian when he got back from his honeymoon on Thursday. So happy to hear that it went well and you're on your way back to full recovery. I've read Natasha's and your accounts and can feel the anxiety and fear you all must have gone through. I'm glad you have a wonderful family including a great wife and daughter to support and love you during this difficult time. All our best wishes and hope to see you again in top form soon.
You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan and Chris Bates
Thomas Hunt Thanks Dan and Chris for the nice guestbook post. It was so nice to see you guys at Brian's wedding. ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Dan and Chris for the nice guestbook post. It was so nice to see you guys at Brian's wedding. Dan's advice on what to expect during recovery was very helpful. FYI, I am hoping for a discharge tomorrow or Tuesday. Should have some nice pics and an update later tonight. Take care and please keep in touch!
On May 20, 2012...
Hi Tom, so relieved to hear all went well and that you are on the road to recovery. My surgery is May 29th at CCF with Dr. Roselli and I too will have a mitral valve repair. Take care and God bless you in your recovery. Denise K
Thomas Hunt Thanks Denise! Good luck on your surgery here. CCF is an amazing facility and you will do great. If ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Denise! Good luck on your surgery here. CCF is an amazing facility and you will do great. If you have any specific questions, don't heisitate to send me a note.
On May 20, 2012...
Lookin' good Tom...you give new meaning to the song, "Deep in the heart of Texas"!
Tom Smeal
Thomas Hunt Thanks Tom. Sorry for the slow response, but felt a bit tired the first couple days. I see your sur ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Tom. Sorry for the slow response, but felt a bit tired the first couple days. I see your surgery is right around the corner here with Dr. Pettersson. I have met a patient here that had him and they were very happy. Let me know if you have any questions, and hope to have an update and some pics posted here shortly. FYI, my email is tom8hunt@yahoo.com.
On May 19, 2012...
I am so glad you're doing okay---I bet you and your family are relieved to be on the other side, with the surgery behind you. Barb
Thomas Hunt Can't thank you enough for your help along the way. Looks like we are past the worst part. Good luck ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Can't thank you enough for your help along the way. Looks like we are past the worst part. Good luck in your upcoming surgery. Please keep me updated on your status and let me know if you need anything.
On May 19, 2012...
Hi Tom. Glad everything is going good for you. Good luck in your recovery.
For the long haul
Linda H
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda. Hope to post more tonight and feeling better by the hour. Good luck to you on your jo ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda. Hope to post more tonight and feeling better by the hour. Good luck to you on your journey!
On May 19, 2012...
Good morning Tom-
It sounds as if things are progressing well.
I take it the fluid retention went down? Do you remember them taking your breathing tube out?
Do you remember your family there when you awoke in ICU or was it all just a blur and today is the first day you are alert?
Just curious as my surgery is sched for next Friday so this time next week I hope to be progressing just as you are and counting the days to get home.
I bet it was great to see your wife and daughter after the surgery.
Keep up the good work.
Karen
Thomas Hunt Hi Karen. Guessing you read the details in my post by now regarding the fluid buildup and memory of t ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Karen. Guessing you read the details in my post by now regarding the fluid buildup and memory of the first day in ICU. Obviously I did not have the ideal situation, but based on the many journals I've read here, it doesn't seem like my condition was typical. I don't know why there was so much fluid in comparison to other heart surgery patients. My only guess is that some people bleed more than others. Will ask Dr. Gillinov when I see him tomorrow, or Monday and let you know.
On May 19, 2012...
Thomas, Glad to hear from you, really good to hear everything went so well, wish you a speedy recovery, look forward tohearing from hearing from, keep us up tospeed with your recovery progress. Don L
Thomas Hunt Thanks again for the nice notes Don. WIll be sending more updates shortly!
On May 19, 2012...
So glad to read you are doing well! I was a little worried after reading about the excessive fluid drainage and the breathing tube being in for so long. Sounds like you are on the right track now. I hope you got to see your little girl.....she is a cutie!
All good wishes for a full and speedy recovery!
Deb Z
Thomas Hunt The first day was a bit rough, but it's been so much better since then. Was able to hug the kiddo se ... Read more
Thomas Hunt The first day was a bit rough, but it's been so much better since then. Was able to hug the kiddo several times before they left on Saturday. Hoping to send another update shortly and looking forward to heading home.
On May 19, 2012...
Way to go, Tom! Great to hear from you. Heal quickly!!!!
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy! Will do my best. Glad to read you are also feeling better. WIll be watching closely ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy! Will do my best. Glad to read you are also feeling better. WIll be watching closely for your updates these next few weeks.
On May 19, 2012...
P.S. Again...guess you noticed the torch was passed to you...you are now the "Patient in the Spotlight"!!!!!!
Linda Dixon
On May 19, 2012...
Great news Thomas, I was beginning to worry a little, although I knew you were in great hands! Welcome to the other side of the mountain! If you are on J6, tell everyone I said hello!
P.S. If you have Carl Bally as your CNP, tell him my daughter thought he was really hot!!
God bless!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Thomas Hunt Thanks again Linda. I am on J6, but don't have Carl as my CNP (I have Pamela but she's been excellent ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks again Linda. I am on J6, but don't have Carl as my CNP (I have Pamela but she's been excellent). Asked a nurse about Carl and she said he is a hit with all the guests.
On May 18, 2012...
Ttboy. I'm glad to hear everything went well. It was good to see you and Natasha at fish's wedding and I hope to see you guys in the near future with your new superhuman powers. Take care. Lay off the Russian talk for at least 3 weeks. Steder
Thomas Hunt Thanks Contenda. Will try to lay off the Russian Vodka as well. Take care and good luck at your upco ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Contenda. Will try to lay off the Russian Vodka as well. Take care and good luck at your upcoming races!
On May 18, 2012...
Tom, just checking in to see how you are doing. Hope you are progressing well and back on HVJ soon!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda the Tiger! The first 28 hours were rough but it's been smooth sailing since then. Very ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda the Tiger! The first 28 hours were rough but it's been smooth sailing since then. Very happy with Dr. Gillinov's work and how I am doing so far. Looking forward to a possible check out tomorrow.
On May 18, 2012...
Tom,
You were on my mind today, Peace be with you, hope to talk soon, Art
Thomas Hunt Thanks Art. And thanks for sharing your recent successful heart surgery with me. Getting better by th ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Art. And thanks for sharing your recent successful heart surgery with me. Getting better by the hour. Will talk soon.
On May 18, 2012...
Gunner,
Our prayers are with you and your family. I am happy to hear you are out of surgury and are recovering. Hope to talk to you soon.
The Aherns
Thomas Hunt Thanks Mark and Kristina for the prayers and thoughtful note. Feeling much better. Hope you are enjoy ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Mark and Kristina for the prayers and thoughtful note. Feeling much better. Hope you are enjoying your little munchkin and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
On May 17, 2012...
Tommy Boy,
Just think of this as the back nine on the golf course, you always start off shaky and then make a huge come back and silently woop on me, Donger and Hamilton and then snicker as we empty our wallets. I know everything will work out fine for you. Can't wait to hear those cheesy jokes of yours after you get out.
All my best, Neuman
Thomas Hunt Doing much better and finally catching up on all these notes. Thank you Neuman and please say hi to ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Doing much better and finally catching up on all these notes. Thank you Neuman and please say hi to Margarita for us!
On May 17, 2012...
Gunner,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I can't wait to get you back out on the golf course for a round - and I promise not to take any 3 foot gimmes! Talk to you soon buddy.
Johnny
Thomas Hunt Thanks Johnny! Doing much better now. Hope to post some gnarl pics soon!
On May 17, 2012...
Thomas & Family,
My prayers are with you, please keep us updated.
Don L
Thomas Hunt Thanks Don. Will be sending more updates shortly. Your prayers are much appreciated and wish you go ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Don. Will be sending more updates shortly. Your prayers are much appreciated and wish you good luck in your journey. If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. FYI, my email is tom8hunt@yahoo.com.
On May 17, 2012...
Thomas, Natasha and family-
You will be close in my thoughts and prayers today. I'll look forward to seeing updates of Tom's progress.
Great pics by the way!
Karen
Thomas Hunt Thanks Karen! Will hopefully be uploading a few more pics this evening. Hope you finding a bit of ca ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Karen! Will hopefully be uploading a few more pics this evening. Hope you finding a bit of calm in these final weeks. I know exactly how you feel now, but it will be such a releif once its over!
On May 17, 2012...
Natasha and Thomas, my prayers are with you today, waiting is so hard for the family, and I'm glad you have someone with you. Looking forward to the updates, and praying everything goes as planned!
Holly P
Thomas Hunt Thanks Holly! so helpful to hear your story the days leading up to my surgery.
On May 17, 2012...
Hey Tommy,
I'm with you and the family all the way today.
love,
Christina
Thomas Hunt Thanks Chrissytina. Doing much better now. Will send more updates soon!
On May 17, 2012...
I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Soon you'll be on your way to recovery.
Deb A
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb! Your prayers are so much appreciated.
On May 17, 2012...
My thoughts and prayers are with you Thomas. God bless you and your family.
Denise K
Thomas Hunt Thanks Denise. Will be reading your journal closely and maybe our paths will cross when your hear for ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Denise. Will be reading your journal closely and maybe our paths will cross when your hear for pre-op. More updates on my recovery (all good) coming soon!
On May 17, 2012...
Go get 'em Thomas! Soon you will be on the other side of this mountain! Thinking of and praying for you today. You will do great...the wait is almost over!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda. Great to know I had a former Gillinov patient sending prayers my way!
On May 17, 2012...
My thoughts will be with Tom, Natasha and family today. Will be anxiously awaiting the 'he's out and doing great' message.
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy! Appreciate the well wishes! Finally getting around to responding to all these nice not ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Nancy! Appreciate the well wishes! Finally getting around to responding to all these nice notes. Will be watching your journal closely and rooting you on!
On May 16, 2012...
Hey Thomas,
I hope you are able to sleep tonight. I am praying that God will give you His peace and strength for your surgery tomorrow and your recovery in the days ahead. You will do great!
Godspeed and good luck!
Deb Z
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb! Sleep unlikely, but hoping to get an hour!
I am scheduled for the first time tomorrow, a ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb! Sleep unlikely, but hoping to get an hour!
I am scheduled for the first time tomorrow, as I had hoped, but no confirmation on the recovery room with a view yet. :-) Stacy, the CCF nurse, thinks my stay will be so quick I won't need a view. But she did say that if one opens up and I want it, they will gladly oblige
Take care and good luck with your continued recovery. Hope to be back here in a couple of days!
On May 16, 2012...
You're on a roll! Trust all goes well. Peace -- DVB
Thomas Hunt Thanks DVB. Your comments and information you provide here are always so helpful. Thanks for stopping ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks DVB. Your comments and information you provide here are always so helpful. Thanks for stopping by to say hello and hoping to send my own updates soon.
On May 15, 2012...
Wow! You have a lot going on in just a few days! Are they going to use the same site as your heart cath for the by-pass? Did you decide to go with the robotic surgery? Best of luck and prayers being sent your way the rest of the week, try to sleep when you can, it's rare in the hospital!! I was able to be extubated before going to the ICU, and don't remember any of it, hope the same for you!
Holly
I thought I heard something earlier today from the cath lab crew about using the other leg for the heart-lung by-pass, but the details are fuzzy. Have a couple consultations tomorrow and should find out those details then. Thanks for helping add another question to my list :-)
As for robotic or not, I won't know until tomorrow when I meet with the surgeon. The cardiologist seemed to think it was likely. I have bi-leaflet prolapse, which is not as simple of a repair as when there is posterior leaflet prolapse. He explained that during robotic surgery, the view of the repair can be slightly restricted. If the surgery were to begin via robotic and can't be completed using that method, then the surgeon would need to switch to repair via a sternum incision. That would result in having two surgical openings, and basically the worst case scenario for recovery. Will post an update tomorrow with the final decision.
On May 15, 2012...
Hi Thomas,
Glad to hear all your testing went well. I forgot to tell you, when you go to your TCI appointment (To Come In), you can request a time for your surgery. So, if you want to be the first one of the day, be sure to tell them that....they will try to honor it. Otherwise, they will just assign you a time. It might also be a good idea to ask for a "room with a view" in the step down unit. I have no idea if it will do any good, but the rooms on one side of the hallway have an awesome view of downtown and are very bright, and the rooms on the other side of the hallway look at a wall about 10 feet away. I had the wall, and while it wasn't a big deal, I really wish I had a room with a view after being in there for 9 days. Like I said, I have no idea if it will do any good, but it might be worth asking. Isn't it a cool hospital???
Keep us posted on how you are doing and have a great night.
Deb Z.
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the advice above Deb. I just added those two questions to the top of my list! Will let yo ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the advice above Deb. I just added those two questions to the top of my list! Will let you know if they accommodate my requests.
And yes, the hospital is amazing. The Miller Pavillion reminds me of a hospital of the future, with the 9-story unique, curved greenish-blue glass exterior. And everywhere you step there is someone willing to answer a question. At this point we are definitely happy we chose to come here.
On May 15, 2012...
Hello Texans! And welcome to Cleveland !! I live in a western suburb heer and will be having my pre-op testing this Thursday and then meet with Dr. Pettersson on Friday. My AVR job is June 6th.
Looks like you're all set for your surgery so hang in there, breath deep and relax...somehow.
Tom
Thomas Hunt Thanks Tom. Good luck to you and thanks for saying hi. Wish my commute here wasn't so far, but it i ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Tom. Good luck to you and thanks for saying hi. Wish my commute here wasn't so far, but it is nice to get away from the distractions back home for a couple of weeks!
On May 15, 2012...
Hi Tom,
Wow, that's a lot of testing for one day. Take it easy after the cath, you don't want to spring a leak in your groin (it could get messy :))
I wonder why they did the cardiac cath and the CT angiogram? I thought you got all the info from the cath that you get from a CTA plus more? My ins. Wouldn't pay for the CTA. At first I thought it must be more expensive than a cardiac cath, but it's not. There's got to be another reason I don't know about.
best of luck. I'll be looking for info and support from you...I'll be up to bat in 20 days.
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt "Thanks Nancy. The last 20 days will fly for you!
That is a good question Nancy, and I don't know t ... Read more
Thomas Hunt "Thanks Nancy. The last 20 days will fly for you!
That is a good question Nancy, and I don't know the exact answer, but I am sure there are quite a few on this site that do. What I did learn from the CCF cardiologist, Dr. Juan Plana, is that the CT scan is used to confirm robotic mitral valve surgery is an option. Apparently the insurance did not understand this either, but once this was explained to Cigna, the procedure was approved."
On May 14, 2012...
You are in my thoughts and prayers... Barb
Thomas Hunt Thanks Barb! And thank you for all the advice over the past few months. 2 days to go!
On May 13, 2012...
Thomas, I had the robotic mitral valve repair on April 25th at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. It will be 3 weeks on Wednesday, and I am doing great! My insurance paid for my CT scan, which for some reason they say is necessary to make that final decision for robotic repair. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield. I will be following you and praying for you as your day arrives, There is quite a bit of pain after the surgery, but the recovery is much quicker! Try to sleep when you can, and stay strong!
Holly P
Thomas Hunt Thanks so much Holly! Great to hear how well you are doing so soon after surgery. Couldn't help but ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks so much Holly! Great to hear how well you are doing so soon after surgery. Couldn't help but chuckle after reading your journal and hearing about all the stitches and sutures that keep popping out. Will keep an eye out for those! :-)
On May 13, 2012...
Hi Thomas,
I did not have Cigna........I had Anthem Blue Cross. I have to say they were great about paying for EVERYTHING except the CT scan (all $119,000.00 of it). I didn't have to pay a cent for my whole surgery because my deductible had been met. I'm sure Dr. Gillinov will get you clearance since you are having it done robotically.
I have no doubt you will be able to see your daughter before she has to leave. It will be a real incentive for you to get out of ICU! I think it will be a happy distraction to have her there.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers this week. Testing day is a long one, but your meeting with Dr. Gillinov will be very calming.
He is really great.
Stay strong....
Deb Z
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb! Very helpful info. Should have an update for tomorrow and hoping to stay on schedule wi ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb! Very helpful info. Should have an update for tomorrow and hoping to stay on schedule with all the appointments.
On May 12, 2012...
Thomas,
Nothing better than the home stretch! You are going to do great!
If you get a chance, please let Dr. Gillinov know that I say, "Hi!".
:)
Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
Thomas Hunt Will surely pass on your "hi" to Dr. Gillinov. Thanks again for the words of encouragement.
Thomas Hunt Will surely pass on your "hi" to Dr. Gillinov. Thanks again for the words of encouragement.
Just read the devastating news about Cindy Pastrano and can't imagine the pain they must be going through. I know you typically post an update for the community when a member of HVJ is lost, and that you take it as hard as many of us do. On that note, I wanted to again thank you for taking a real and personal interest in all of us.
Just wanted to let you know that I did say hi to Dr. Gillinov for you. He smiled and said you've been a great ambassador to the valve surgery community. He also told me that your surgery was WAY more complicated than mine, and with my procedure I'll do just fine. Ten days post-op I couldn't feel better.
Website is looking great. Good luck in all your endeavors and as always, thanks for what you do!
On May 12, 2012...
Hi Thomas,
Best of luck to you; I will add you to my prayers. I know how it feels to have a little one .. it will be great to have them welcome us home after it's over with! :) Best wishes to your family.. as my 89 year old friend (and someone who had a valve replacement 9 years ago) tells me.. "Be tough!" and it will be over before you know it! I'm trying hard to follow his great advice. Kate Rooney
Thomas Hunt Thanks Kate! And best of luck to you. Will be eagerly awaiting your updates on surgery and recovery ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Kate! And best of luck to you. Will be eagerly awaiting your updates on surgery and recovery as I go through my own pre-op appointments these next few days.
On May 12, 2012...
Hi Tom,
I think it's wise to not let your daughter see you when you're wired and tubed. I'm not really sure it's necessary to bring her to the hospital at all, but I supposes it teaches empathy and shows her how much mommy and daddy love each other. I remember when I was a kid, my mother was in the hospital. I missed her incredibly and was not allowed to visit her. I was so relieved when she was home..of course that was for totally selfish reasons as I was just a kid.
Best of luck with your surgery..may you fly through!
Nancy B
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the note and well wishes Nancy. I think we will try to follow your advice and wait until ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the note and well wishes Nancy. I think we will try to follow your advice and wait until all tubes are removed. Unfortunately my wife and daughter will have to leave 2 days after the surgery, so it'll be cutting it close whether or not I'll be a scary sight!
On May 12, 2012...
Hi Tom,
Looks like you are ready to go! I had the same trouble with insurance not wanting to pay for my CT scan, and in the end I ended up not having it, but only because Dr. Gillinov said I didn't really need it because he knew I wasn't a candidate for robotic surgery ( I had two valves to repair). CCF told me the only way insurance would approve the scan is if Dr. Gillinov would personally call the insurance company and explain why it is needed. Apparently he doesn't do that unless it is necessary.
The Intercontinental Suites is a great place to stay......especially if there are several people in your group. It is very close to the hospital and very nice and accommodating (not that I was there much, but my husband and daughter said they were super nice). You got a GREAT price! We had to pay $137 a night, and we were there a long time.
I think you will be fine to see your daughter as soon as you get out of ICU. All your tubes will be gone and you will feel pretty good.
Godspeed and good luck.....
Deb Ziegler
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb for the words of encouragement and the heads up on the CT scan issue. Curious if you had C ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb for the words of encouragement and the heads up on the CT scan issue. Curious if you had Cigna as well, or if this is something that comes up with most or all insurance companies.
I think we will try and follow your advice and wait for the tubes to be removed before letting her see me. My wife and daughter can only stay in town for 2 days after the surgery, so hopefully I'll get a chance to kiss the munchkin before they leave me.
By the way, hoping your A-fib issues and pain are getting better. Will be keeping an eye out for your next update when you get around to it.
On April 19, 2012...
Ah, another May repair. I'm down for May 11 at Mt. Sinai, with Dr. Adams. We plan a mini-sternotomy so it will be interesting to compare notes on our individual recoveries (though it looks from your picture like I've got about 30 years on ya!) Just in case you haven't seen it yet, Dr. A has another informative website: mitralvalverepair.org. Lots of videos there, too.
Best,
Selma Kaplan
Thomas Hunt Thanks Selma. I have seen a few of Dr. Adams surgeries. Its quite impressive all the surgeries and ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Selma. I have seen a few of Dr. Adams surgeries. Its quite impressive all the surgeries and research he has done. Will look forward to sharing notes. Just got done reading Paul G's latest journal entry and had to show my wife. We both had a good laugh and it was kind of nice to get a reality check (both with the words and photos). Just a good reminder that this surgery thing is not a walk in the park!
On April 19, 2012...
Thomas, welcome to the HVJ! Glad you came out of hiding! Just wanted to let you know I had aortic valve replacement on 3/13/12 at CCF done by Dr. Gillinov, in my opinion the world's greatest heart surgeon. He is amazing! I'm not at all surprised at how quickly he responded to your email. He makes himself available to his patients! I could not have been more pleased with everything at CCF, especially my surgery. It could not have gone any better! I go to my local cardiologist (I live in SC) today, hopefully will be released to drive! I did have a mini sternotomy, my incision is only about 4 inches and looks great! Keep us updated on your wait and remember...this really is the hardest part...the wait!
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/2012
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda. Have gotten a kick out of reading your journal the past few months, knowing that it was ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda. Have gotten a kick out of reading your journal the past few months, knowing that it was just a matter of time before I travel down the same road you did. It has been very helpful reading through your updates since they often describe the same thoughts and feelings we are all going through.
Take care Linda and will be looking forward to hearing more about your recovery!
On April 19, 2012...
Hi Thomas,
Sorry to hear you won't get your video tape, but better to be safe.
Dr. Gillinov ALWAYS returns phone calls and emails immediately. He told me that unless he is in surgery or driving a car, he will respond right away, and he has been true to his word with me. It is a really nice feature when you live far away. In fact, all the doctors at CCF will give you their business cards and tell you to call if you have any questions. Dr. Gillinov is the best at getting back to you though.
As for getting back to work in a month, You will probably feel good enough to go at least part time barring any complications. I had a mini sternotomy, but I was amazed at how much energy I had just a few weeks out. You will still be sore though. One thing about recovery......it isn't really a gradual thing. There will be bumps in the road, but you just deal with them as they come up.
Peace to you as you wait.......
Deb Ziegler
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the insight and the kind words Deb. Looking forward to the meeting with Dr. Gillinov. And ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the insight and the kind words Deb. Looking forward to the meeting with Dr. Gillinov. And will keep looking for your journal updates. Already planning to look into "The Glidden House" as we don't have a place picked out for the few days after we are discharged.
On April 18, 2012...
Love you, brudder :) maybe this isn't the forum for that but I'm super proud of you for being so open about this and I think you and the other people sharing on this site are so admirable for sharing your stories. See you in 4 weeks!!
Thomas Hunt Thanks sis. Will be great to see you in Cleveland for the family "reunion". -Tommy
On April 8, 2012...
Hey Thomas,
I forgot to ask.....if you have your surgery done robotically, will you be able to see anything if it is videotaped? Just curious:)
Happy Easter!
Deb Ziegler
Thomas Hunt Hi Deb. I don't think it would be an issue based on a few videos I've watched online, but we'll see. ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Deb. I don't think it would be an issue based on a few videos I've watched online, but we'll see. Here is a video with Dr. Mihaljevic at Cleveland Clinic (Dr. Gillinov is noted in the opening credits) doing a robotically assisted repair.
Thanks so much for the your well wishes. With all that you do through your book, website, interviews, attending conferences, etc, it's impressive and so very much appreciated that you find the time to personally say hi.
It looks like we'll miss you in Cleveland by a few weeks. If your trip gets delayed, or you're back there in mid- to late-May, we'd love the opportunity to meet you.
On April 7, 2012...
Hi Thomas,
I had my mitral and tricuspid valves repaired by Dr. Gillinov last October. He is an amazing doctor and human being, and after meeting with him, you will feel very confident all will go well. I think your idea of asking for a video tape is GREAT! I will be interested to hear if they will do it. It makes sense for medical reasons, and to satisfy your own curiosity. I wish I would have asked!
The surgery really isn't bad.....the waiting is way worse.
Godspeed and good luck!
Deb Ziegler
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb. Will let you know what Dr. Gillinov says. The other two surgeons I consulted with were ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Deb. Will let you know what Dr. Gillinov says. The other two surgeons I consulted with were fine with the idea, hoping he is also ok with it.
I read through your journal and saw the issues you had with A-fib and low heart rate. Glad to see you are doing so much better. I know exactly what it feels like to have A-fib for several days, so having it return after the surgery is one of my bigger concerns. Will keep in touch.
On April 6, 2012...
I thought about asking about a videotape but figured for liability reasons, they would never allow it. So I never asked. Lily Cardlin
Thomas Hunt Hi Lily! Have been following your journal the past week and glad to see you are doing so well. The t ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Hi Lily! Have been following your journal the past week and glad to see you are doing so well. The two surgeons I spoke with were ok with recording it, but haven't asked Dr. Gillinov. Hopefully there won't be an issuem nbut will see.
Good luck on a continued smooth recovery. I'll likely be getting a MAZE procedure as well, so if you have any thoughts on that, would be great to hear them.
On April 6, 2012...
Glad you decided to come out of hiding :) and you already know what a great site this is so you are already a step ahead. I think the idea of having the procedure taped is kinda cool, I have to admit in my research I went on youtube and sure enough they had video's there so I of course watched a view. I'll be having the Ross Procedure on May 7th here in San Antonio I gave some thought to going to New York, was struggling with thinking that was the only place to go if I wanted anyone good, but after I met the surgeon down here he put my mind at ease.
Your little one is adorable!! Keep in touch, keep posting and we are all here to help each other out.
Cindy Pastrano
Thomas Hunt Thanks Cindy. Looks like you are in line just ahead of me. I also considered going to New York, as w ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Cindy. Looks like you are in line just ahead of me. I also considered going to New York, as well as staying here in Plano. So far, picking the surgeon was the hardest decision. Spoke with three top notch surgeons, thanks in part to Adam's info, and felt they would all do a great job. Will be sending positive thoughts your way!
On April 6, 2012...
Hello Tom!!!
Welcome to Ohio. I am scheduled at Cleveland Clinic for 5/4, AVR, Dr. Lytle.. As you will learn, clinic tough in preop scheduling. The end results, however, are that you are with the best.
Keep in Touch.
Jack Teeft (Here John Teeftt).
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the welcome note Jack. I'll be arriving in Cleveland on the 13th and have my pre-op testi ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks for the welcome note Jack. I'll be arriving in Cleveland on the 13th and have my pre-op testing the 14th, so it looks like we'll probably just miss you. Will be keeping a close eye on your journal regardless and sending good thoughts your way!
On April 6, 2012...
Hi Thomas, Welcome to HVJ. You have come to the right place. You will have a lot of support here. It is wonderful Read a lot of the journals here and it will help. If you have any questions somebody will get back to you. It helps to come out of hiding and talk about it and yes even get emotional.
I dont know about taping your own surgery, that sounds kind of creepy. Everything that has happened will be in your records anyway. That will follow you the rest of your life.
You have a beautiful little daughter. She will take real good care of her Daddy. You take care and good luck to you. Keep us all posted.
For the long haul
Linda H
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda! And I agree with your comment. I don't think I could actually watch the video, probabl ... Read more
Thomas Hunt Thanks Linda! And I agree with your comment. I don't think I could actually watch the video, probably would give me nightmares! Just imagining a conversation with a surgeon in 20 years about what they did in the "old days" and being able to email a video file. :-)
Thanks so much for your kind words. Have been reading your journal the last few weeks and looks like you will be just ahead of me. Looking forward to seeing us both on the other side!
Holly P