Michael Cusumano - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

1504 days ago

Deena Z, Holly Wale, Susan Lynn and 5 others reacted to this

Hi All, Just packing up and getting ready to head up to Penn for my aortic valve replacement tomorrow morning 2/21/22. The journey getting here has been a ...Read more

Hi All, Just packing up and getting ready to head up to Penn for my aortic valve replacement tomorrow morning 2/21/22. The journey getting here has been a great one and I am looking forward to the recovery and getting back to my life!

Ginny Turner Michael, wishing you all the best with your surgery tomorrow! It will be great to have it behind you ... Read more

Ginny Turner Michael, wishing you all the best with your surgery tomorrow! It will be great to have it behind you and be on the recovery side soon!

Martin Smith Best wishes for a successful surgery, Michael.

Holly Wale Michael, prayers for you and your care team!

Rose Madura Best wishes for a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery. Godspeed!

Kimberly Eisenhut Michael, best wishes for your surgery and a speady uneventful recovery!

Marie Myers Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery!

Deena Z Michael, we are rooting for you. You are almost there. Ask for whatever you need after the surgery; ... Read more

Deena Z Michael, we are rooting for you. You are almost there. Ask for whatever you need after the surgery; don’t hesitate.

Linda Johnson Best wishes Michael!

Susan Lynn Best of luck, Michael! We'll be here awaiting your good news!! ❤

Debbie Dunlop Wishing you the best on your surgery and recovery!! Prayers for you! 🙏🙏

Richard Munson All the best

Robert Young Best of luck

Timothy Stoner Sending you good thoughts. Be strong!

Joseph Frederick Best of luck to you, and a speedy recovery!

Michael Cusumano Thank you everyone! Left University of Penn on the 28th and finally out of the recliner and back in ... Read more

Michael Cusumano Thank you everyone! Left University of Penn on the 28th and finally out of the recliner and back in bed as of yesterday!! Suffering from some pericarditis and unable to take NSAIDS due to another issue, but so HAPPY to be ALIVE

This is a journey of patience of which I am not normally able to practice being a type A, but WOW, you have no choice here, your heart and body will clearly tell you when to slow down................... Sternum unbelievable sore, but guess that's understandable when they split you in half

Michael Cusumano Thank you everyone! Left University of Penn on the 28th and finally out of the recliner and back in ... Read more

Michael Cusumanoposted an update

1515 days ago

2 people reacted to this

Not one to normally share, but I find myself going back to this website for information that is very helpful! My surgery date to replace my aortic valve is ...Read more

Not one to normally share, but I find myself going back to this website for information that is very helpful! My surgery date to replace my aortic valve is 2/21/22 and the countdown has begun! I have been riding this wave of intense emotion and feel that I have reached the point of acceptance. Now I just want to be looking up at Dr. Desai from University of Penn Hospital!! Having a bidet toilet installed, a grab bar and wand in the shower, have a recliner being delivered tomorrow, anything else??

Rose Madura Welcome to this site Michael. Sounds like you are on it! Everybody is different but you may find th ... Read more

Rose Madura Welcome to this site Michael. Sounds like you are on it! Everybody is different but you may find that you need a shower chair. And I found that a travel pillow was a must have in hospital and at home when you wnd up napping in the recliner. Best wishes and let us know how you are doing or if you have any other questions. Nervousness is normal!

Adam Pick Hey Michael, You are in the best of hands with Dr. Desai and the Penn Medicine team. Here are a few ... Read more

Adam Pick Hey Michael, You are in the best of hands with Dr. Desai and the Penn Medicine team. Here are a few things you may want to bring with you to the hospital that are not tangible but helpful. It's a way old post but I think it applies... :) https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/10/29/top-5-invisible-things-patients-must-bring-to-the-hospital/

Top 5 INVISIBLE Things Patients Should Bring To The Hospital - Adam’s Heart Valve Surgery Blog

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2008/10/29/top-5-invisible-things-patients-must-bring-to-the-hospital/

Learn what invisible things patients should bring to the hospital before heart surgery.

Susan Lynn Hello, Michael! How lucky you are to live in Rehoboth Beach - you're going to want to enjoy it in w ... Read more

Susan Lynn Hello, Michael! How lucky you are to live in Rehoboth Beach - you're going to want to enjoy it in when this northeast weather warms up a bit more. I suggest you get button front shirts and stretchy pj or sweat pants to bring to the hospital and wear at home for the first few weeks. Pull over shirts are difficult in the beginning and some heart warriors temporarily retain fluid after surgery so loose fitting clothing is more comfortable. Slip on shoes and slippers are also helpful. You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel in the first two weeks. Best of luck to you! ❤

Heather Kelly Hello Michael - sounds like you are preparing well. You may find afterwards it goes so well you do no ... Read more

Heather Kelly Hello Michael - sounds like you are preparing well. You may find afterwards it goes so well you do not need all of those items but it is always better to be prepared. I just had mine and am home on the side of recovery. It honestly was not as bad as I had imagined it might be. I noticed a shower chair was mentioned and I definitely suggest that as well. Once you are over surgery the staff will have you busy doing things and checking so the time really does go by quickly. Always do what they suggest and it will absolutely help you feel better. You are going to do great. Please ask any questions you may have, Here if you need any input. God Bless

Michael Cusumano Thank you Rose, Susan and Heather, appreciate the support and suggestions! Just warms my heart that t ... Read more

Michael Cusumano Thank you Rose, Susan and Heather, appreciate the support and suggestions! Just warms my heart that there are folks out there who care about others in the same situation. Adam, thank you for validating that I have made the best choice with Dr. Desai and Penn Medicine, they are wonderful!

Heather Kelly I completely agree Michael. This is a huge resource of help.

Katheryn Applegate Hi Michael, all good ideas for being ready! I found a heating pad very helpful after returning home, ... Read more

Katheryn Applegate Hi Michael, all good ideas for being ready! I found a heating pad very helpful after returning home, a habit I have kept to this day, 18 months out! Helps with back pain related to positioning for surgery and moving less than normal. Best wishes for a safe, comfortable, and successful surgery and recovery! You will do great!