Home > Community > Patient News Feed > John Schutte

John's Posts

Diagnosis: Aortic Regurgitation, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Aortic Aneurysm

Member Since: January 25, 2015

Send John a Guestbook

My Posts

John Schutte posted an update

8 years ago (September 30, 2017)

Today marks 2 full years since my aortic valve replacement and repair of an aneurism on my upper aorta. The anniversary of this life-altering day is cause for both celebration and reflection. On one hand, I remain grateful for the wonders of modern medicine and Dr. Svensson's miraculous care. Thankfully,... Read more.

👍 Kathi Mancuso, Shannon Gray and reacted to this

Marie Myers

Great post! I can identify with so much of it. I had the same surgery, just 6 months ago. Congrats on your promotion, and may we both find acceptance of our " new Normal"!!!

Craig Wise

John, thank you so much for your candid reflection. It sure spoke to me. I identify with all of it - particularly my lack of fully accepting the distance between my pre-AVR self and post. And, it sometimes results in agitation and anger. I've had two surgeries this Summer. I'm... Read more.

Barbara Wood

That's interesting, a good post. Other people here have said the same- that they feel a little diminished by their surgery, mentally & physically. I'm 4 months past & haven't experienced any of that, I feel better in every way & more positive about my life now. I'm kind of... Read more.

Laura Shepherd

That is how I felt and still feel after my lung surgery (07/26/2011). I can no longer exercise like I use to and I had no idea the continued shortness of breath had anything to do with my heart values malfunctioning! Now, I have a lot to be thankful for... Read more.

Lilly Black

I'm right there with you, John. I feel exactly the same way. Grateful, but changed, and feeling vulnerable at times. In addition, people do treat me a bit differently knowing what I had been through. I feel that I am getting passed it however, as it will be 3 years... Read more.

Gerald Poulton

Hi John and thank you for the update. It sounds like you have done GREAT, both in your physical and personal health. Some great personal and life accomplishments and personal rewards. You have worked hard, have a good life and have been blessed.👍 I had the same operation, valve replacement... Read more.

Betty Sullivan Sorge

Thank you sooo much for the post. I am now 4 weeks post op, same surgery, same Doc! Care in Cleveland Clinic was outstanding in every way. That being said, I am definately not myself. I'm having trouble sleeping, which I think has alot to do w it. Anyway, have... Read more.

Rose Madura

Hi Joh. Great post and I'm amazed at your honesty about not feeling at 100 percent. It sounds like you have a wonderful family that loves you. I, too am acutely aware of my mortality as well. My 2nd trip to ER nearly took me and I did have to... Read more.

Bob Gillespie

Well Colonel, I would say the Air Force recognizes that 95% of you is better than 100% of most!! Blue Skies Sir!

Rita Savelis

Hello John, I hear you. I am also 2 years post OHS and not 100%. Think I will never be. Accepting that is very hard, and I hear your pain and anger. All of that needs to be expressed. Take care.

Jill Krajnovich

Hi John, I had the same surgery with Dr Svensson 2 mo ago. I am glad to hear that you are right back at it even though you had to relinquish a little. Best wishes to you and your family and may your rededication bring you the results you are... Read more.

Larry Ring

Hi John...sounds like we had identical surgeries. I'm 8 months post op. Your words resonated loud and clear with me. Thanks for articulating things so well...and giving me another perspective on being grateful and moving forward. Great post!

Jonathan Bines

At the risk of sounding preachy, I can't recommend meditation enough for getting to a place of acceptance and peace (and satisfaction!) with your current situation. I am facing AVR surgery, probably in a year or two, maybe less, and yet I can honestly say that I experience very little... Read more.

Bonnie Stone-Hope

Wonderful post! So true. I believe we expect to just go through the surgery, and return to "normal". The big surprise for many, including myself, is that the new "normal" is not the same as before.

Jonathan Bines

Ha. Funny to see this thread revived! I just had my OHS 8 days ago (so, less than "a year or two" as it turned out). There was a moment of anxiety when my cardio told me the time has come, but in the intervening weeks (3 weeks, to be... Read more.

John Schutte posted an update

10 years ago (March 30, 2016)

Today marks 6 months since open heart surgery to replace my regurgitative bicuspid aortic valve and repair an aneurism on my upper aorta. It is hard to believe that half a year has already passed since that angst-filled morning in Cleveland when I put my life in Dr. Svensson's highly... Read more.

👍 Tina Maroon and Linda Yaff reacted to this

Joyce Shelby

Thank you John for that! I am glad that you are well! Congrats on the upcoming birth of your daughter. Like you, I look forward to putting all of this behind me and enjoying life and my family. I know that God will bring me out on the other side... Read more.

Tracy Simmons

Happy 6 month anniversary. Thank you for your post to let us "newbies" know we're not alone in this roller coaster of a ride. Congratulations on your baby girl and best wishes.

Mike Mo

Awesome John. Inspiring

Shannon Sullivan

Thank you. You timing was perfect as I have been having lots of anxiety surrounding my own mortality. Your boss/mentors words are encouraging. I may use that as a focus phrase. oh and....Happy 6 month Anniversary and Congrats on your expected Baby Girl.

Shannon Sullivan

Petey Bello

Thank you John for your beautiful story of strength, faith & encouragement. Shannon was correct to say 'perfect timing'. Congratulations on your full recovery & the upcoming birth of you little baby girl ! God Bless

Tina Maroon

Thank you for sharing your story. I had Dr. Soltesz from Cleveland 10 months ago. I too feel very lucky. It truly is hard to believe it's been almost a year already for me!!!I love the advice your former boss gave you!!

John Schutte posted an update

10 years ago (October 25, 2015)

Recovery has not been without its challenges. I wound up coming down with pneumonia after returning from Cleveland. Coughing after OHS is not fun. Then, I landed in the ER Friday before last because of my first bout of atrial fibrillation. My HR went to 140 bpm, but fortunately I... Read more.

Kenny Knox

Wow John, I'm sorry to see you go through these complications. It seems like you and Melanie have done a great job staying positive and moving forward with recovery, which is very admirable. I'll keep you in my thoughts. I hope the rest of your recovery is much smoother!

Liz Burroughs

Hi John, I'm sorry you've had such a rough time. I hope things get better for you real soon! Take care & I'll be praying for you. Liz

Kathleen F.

Oh man. Hang in there, it will get better! Thanks for sharing with everyone; this website is really helpful for managing expectations and support - and you sound like you have a great attitude, which really helps for a positive recovery. It does get easier, don't worry. Positive thoughts going... Read more.

Rich Fogel

Hope the rest of your recovery goes much more smoothly, John! I admire your positive attitude and appreciate your sharing your story.

Elaine Cutri

Sending prayers to you and your family.

Gary Stripling

So sorry to hear of your post OHS challenges! But your positive attitude will serve you well over the course of your recovery!

Enrique K

Hello John, so sorry you have had such a bad experience with your post OHS. I got diagnosed with pericardial effusion as well from a recent visit to my cardiologist since my surgery and he prescribed medications. He said this usually goes away in 2-3 weeks after surgery. Doesn't happen... Read more.

Michael Bowes

So sorry to hear of this difficulty that you have had. I can definitely relate that coughing and even worse.. vomiting after an OHS.. feels like nails are making their way up your chest and out. I will keep you in my prayers man. During the tachycardias, did the docs... Read more.

Rita Savelis

I always feel so bad for American patients who are forced to leave hospital so early before all the "side effects" kick in. I stayed in hospital a long time and was still traumatised by everything that happened in my body AFTER surgery.

Kelly Weisgarber

Hope things get better John. Sending prayers.

Susan Kotansky

Really Rita, that is so true. Even though I wanted to leave the hospital in theory, I felt protected there. Coming home so soon was traumatizing as my husband and I were totally on our own with a list of symptoms to worry about. On the few occasions that I... Read more.

Steven A Husted

yes so sorry to hear of your hardship after surgery and i agree you should be able to stay in hospital a little longer to have some of these things cleared up before you go home i know i was glad i spent two weeks in a rehab hospital after... Read more.

W. Carter

You've had a tough time, I hope it gets better soon! This is the reason I tell it like it is when it comes to recovery. It takes 6-12 mo. to come back 100% and start feeling really good. Some here think i'm an a$$hole.. Maybe they are right. :-)

Rita Savelis

You are not an a$$hole W. Carter, you tell it like it is. I think the truth is comforting and it's what helps me.

Susan Kotansky

So much about this experience is attitude. The pain, discomfort, depression, exhaustion, progress, milestones, setbacks.....we all go through the stages...some people get stuck on the difficulties (I tend to) and some of us really look at the amazing progress that happens if not day to day, week to week. There... Read more.

Upcoming Surgeries

Patrick Wraight

Aortic Regurgitation

July 29, 2026