On May 4, 2012...
Hi Tom,
I'm Norb's wife, Cly Denna. He is scheduled for mitral repair on July 11. Just wanted to know we are with you on this journey and you have two Northern Kentuckieans ( suburb of Cincinnati) praying you on along this journey. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It helps all of us.
On May 3, 2012...
Hi Thomas, I had my aortic valve replaced on 3/13/12 by Dr. Gillinov at Cleveland Clinic. I traveled from South Carolina because I felt this was be best place to go and boy was I right!! It is an awesome facility and you will be in great hands. I don't know how much you know about CCF, probably a lot since you are in Ohio, but if you have any questions just ask.

Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12
Thomas Smeal  Thanks Linda. I am actually looking forward to the pre-op tests so I can personally see the Miller Fa ... Read more
On May 3, 2012...
Hi Tom,
6 + 6 = 12. .....cute. Do you suppose it means something?
My surgery is 6/4/12 do you think this means I should have had my surgery in 2010?

Nancy B
Thomas Smeal  I just thought the numbers were interesting...anything to take my mind off of reality sometimes helps ... Read more
On May 3, 2012...
Hi Tom,

Good to hear you are set with Dr. Pettersson. He's an amazing surgeon and incredible person. Did you know about his book?

Keep on tickin!
Adam Pick
Thomas Smeal  Thanks Adam. I have your book of course; and I didn't know about Dr. Pettersson's book. The nurse sai ... Read more
On April 30, 2012...
Tom,,,,,, Patty here. I hope you know Tom and I will be praying for you and will keep you in our thoughts. Boy I don't know who you'll be able to get to keep up with you after you are all fixed up!!!!! they'll all just be feeling a strong wind as you whoosh by them all!!!! Keep us in the loop and know you are loved!!
On April 28, 2012...
Tom, you were there for us @ Southwest (Sal was a wreck) and for that we're eternally greatful.

With you in love and spirit,


Carolyn & Sal
On April 28, 2012...
Tommy...Praying that your surgery goes well. We want you back at volleyball in October. ~Georgi
Thomas Smeal  Since I'll be 'born again' after surgery with a better heart I'm sure I'll be able to jump higher!!!! ... Read more
On April 28, 2012...
I did not have a dentist...clinic said "use ours." Get your DDS to provide the clearance letter all hospitals/clinics will want. I let too many things accumulate...it gets overwhelming. CClinic dentistry was excellent, prompt, and cheap.
Thomas Smeal  Thanks for the dentist tip. I just had a lot of dental work done so hopefully I won't need any more b ... Read more
On April 27, 2012...
Glad I called your wife this a.m.and we will keep in touch this way - WE think you are young, viril and very active.!!! No way we can anticipate health issues at any age. We want to hear and know what's going on. After all, we did "parent" your furry friend and she liked us...Dean & Tom
On April 27, 2012...
It's just hunny, keeping track of what you put out on the world-wide web

Love ya, me
On April 26, 2012...
Thomas... I didn't mean disrespect, but I am 67.5 years and looking for a lot more when this is done. I completed my final pre-op today with a tooth extraction, and a visit with my surgeon, Bruce Lytle,MD. Your plans?

John Teeftt
Thomas Smeal  Darn,I was hoping that I was the oldest one here so I could pretend I'm wise...:)

Wow, Dr. Lytle is ... Read more
On April 25, 2012...
Hello young neighbor, and welcome to HVJ. My AVR is scheduled for 5/4/12. Here I am John Teeftt. Otherwise teeft.jack@gmail.com.
Thomas Smeal  Young? I take it your valve job is at the Cleveland Clinic? Who is your surgeon?