Guestbook of Andrew Dial

My Guestbook

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

202 days ago

Sharon Losekamp posted a note for Andrew that says:

Andy, thank you so much for sharing your story. I was officially diagnosed around the age of 34 with a quadricuspid (4 leaflets) aorta valve and was told that ...Read more

Andy, thank you so much for sharing your story. I was officially diagnosed around the age of 34 with a quadricuspid (4 leaflets) aorta valve and was told that the only other one he had heard of was at Cleveland clinic while in med school. Cleveland Clinic followed me for 10 years before I had my open heart surgery. Dr Pettersson performed the Ozaki to repair my aorta valve February 22, 2021.My recovery was very similar to yours even the Fog brain which was frustrating to deal with. I have a journal that I have recorded my successes and my setbacks throughout the healing process. I just had my three-year check up. Everything is great but like you, I know someday it might have to be repeated, but until that time I try to live every day to the fullest and thank God for places like Cleveland Clinic.

susan harris I have been researching Ozaki procedure for my son. Did they give you any range of how long it will l ... Read more

susan harris I have been researching Ozaki procedure for my son. Did they give you any range of how long it will last before replacement is needed? All I can find in clinical studies is they’ve looked at outcomes at 5 years.

Andrew Dial Wow Sharon thank you so much for sharing! Sounds like you have had quite the journey as well, fightin ... Read more

Andrew Dial Wow Sharon thank you so much for sharing! Sounds like you have had quite the journey as well, fighting thru the ups and downs. I am happy to hear you are living life and enjoying your time here :)

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

202 days ago

Barry Brasseaux posted a note for Andrew that says:

Andy,

I just watched your video and it gave me so many emotions around the same process I went through. I had an aortic valve replacement in 1988 ...Read more

Andy,

I just watched your video and it gave me so many emotions around the same process I went through. I had an aortic valve replacement in 1988 at Johns Hopkins and aneurysm repair in 2017 at Hopkins. My wife was such a big support. I do realize that mentally it took a toll on me that I wish more people at the hospital had talked to me about. I don't think I fully recovered physically for a year but was back to work in Washington DC about 2 months after my second surgery. So, good to hear that you have fully recovered and are back to doing all the things you enjoy and having a wonderful life with your family. Continue to do well and stay healthy. All the best.

Andrew Dial Barry thank you for writing and thank you for viewing the documentary! I think it is so HUGE to be ab ... Read more

Andrew Dial Barry thank you for writing and thank you for viewing the documentary! I think it is so HUGE to be able to connect with other warriors, and just talk about your feelings thru it all, and be able to relate and really, just have a friend who knows what you’re going thru. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. !!

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

202 days ago

Yumiko Ishida reacted to this

Mike Jackson posted a note for Andrew that says:

Ty Andrew for your video. You brought a perspective to me that was very helpful as I go through my journey (BAVS). You're doing good work here supporting... Read more

Ty Andrew for your video. You brought a perspective to me that was very helpful as I go through my journey (BAVS). You're doing good work here supporting me and others, keep it up brother! Appreciate you.

Andrew Dial Mike thank you so much! It makes me so happy to know the documentary is helping people! That was the ... Read more

Andrew Dial Mike thank you so much! It makes me so happy to know the documentary is helping people! That was the whole goal with that project- Help people thru connection, inspiration and support.

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

202 days ago

Dee Rincon posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andy, Ty for sharing your heart valve story. It helps so many people. Glad all is going well for you. I am curious and did you have another ...Read more

Hi Andy, Ty for sharing your heart valve story. It helps so many people. Glad all is going well for you. I am curious and did you have another person's value placed in you that it appears to be? Also, were drs concerned about it rejecting? Just trying to understand if I assume this is correct. I had OHS in 2017 for a rare tumor under my aorta. All went well and glad it was benign. My best to you and Adam Pick. I think he is wonderful for helping people.

Andrew Dial Hi Dee… yes so I had the Ross procedure, in which my bad aortic valve gets removed, and my own pulm ... Read more

Andrew Dial Hi Dee… yes so I had the Ross procedure, in which my bad aortic valve gets removed, and my own pulmonary valve gets put in my aortic position, and then YES, a cadaver valve gets put in place of my pulmonary valve. I was not told of any issues with rejection, although I’m sure there is a chance of that happening. I’m glad things are going better with you!

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

202 days ago

Russ Fairchild posted a note for Andrew that says:

Thank you Andrew. What more can one say then that. I had Mitral valve surgery due to a congenital defect, but I never knew it existed. You ...Read more

Thank you Andrew. What more can one say then that. I had Mitral valve surgery due to a congenital defect, but I never knew it existed. You carried around in your mind for a long time that you had a time bomb in your chest. Something that is hard for me to fathom. Kudos for making this video. FYI, a friend of mine's grandson of four months had a similar procedure. Things have definitely advanced.

Andrew Dial Thank you so much! Many many hours were put into the film, and I am so excited to share it with every ... Read more

Andrew Dial Thank you so much! Many many hours were put into the film, and I am so excited to share it with everyone! Yes I believe the Ross can be done at a very young age now!!! I hope all is well with you!

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

243 days ago

Isabella Heart posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andrew, congratulations on being on the other side and feeling great. I am in the waiting and researching stage. I know mechanical valve is not for me. ...Read more

Hi Andrew, congratulations on being on the other side and feeling great. I am in the waiting and researching stage. I know mechanical valve is not for me. Anyway, I am trying to decide between Inspiris Resilia (the new long lasting bio valve) and the Ross procedure. Did you know about Reselia valve before your surgery? If yes, why did you choose the Ross procedure?

Andrew Dial Hi Isabella, thanks for the message :) I was 33 when I had my surgery, and I learned of the longevity ... Read more

Andrew Dial Hi Isabella, thanks for the message :) I was 33 when I had my surgery, and I learned of the longevity with the Ross… which should get me 20+ years before reintervention. To my knowledge, the only two options that last that long for someone my age is the mechanical or the Ross.

Isabella Heart Thank you Andrew. The Resilia is pretty new so maybe it was not available yet or the reaserch was in ... Read more

Isabella Heart Thank you Andrew. The Resilia is pretty new so maybe it was not available yet or the reaserch was in the very early stages when you had to make your decision. It promises longevity of 25+ before a need of intervention. I know that Ross procedure is very complex one and more things can go wrong. So I’m in a pickle. You are lucky you are on the other side already

Andrew Dial 25 years is fantastic !!!! I’m 21 months post surgery. Things are going well for sure!

You ... Read more

Andrew Dial 25 years is fantastic !!!! I’m 21 months post surgery. Things are going well for sure!

You will make the right decision for you in the end. Do ur research and get all of
Your questions answered :)

Isabella Heart Thank you Andrew! Your job is very demanding. Remember to be kind to your "new" heart!

Andrew Dial Thanks Isabella, yes, I work a physically demanding job as a boat builder and am on my feet 10 hours ... Read more

Andrew Dial Thanks Isabella, yes, I work a physically demanding job as a boat builder and am on my feet 10 hours a day. I appreciate the reminder to be kind to my heart tho :)

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

250 days ago

c w posted a note for Andrew that says:

Thanks for sharing your update. Glad to hear you are doing so well. I imagine people drift off this site once they return to their normal life, so it is encouraging ...Read more

Thanks for sharing your update. Glad to hear you are doing so well. I imagine people drift off this site once they return to their normal life, so it is encouraging and inspiring to see how people are doing a little further out than 3 or 6 months after surgery. I appreciate the real talk of how long it took you to get back to 100 and how you are feeling now. 💓

Kelly Whalen Thanks! I’ll be sure to report back!

Andrew Dial Hi c w… of course! This site was a huge help for me before, and after surgery. Lots of support in t ... Read more

Andrew Dial Hi c w… of course! This site was a huge help for me before, and after surgery. Lots of support in this community website, and I am personally more than happy to support and inspire others and let them know they’re not alone. There are others like them, and things can and will be better :)

Sue Maize

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

251 days ago

Tiago Rocha posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andrew!

Amazing voyage you are having!

Keep thriving!

All the best!

Andrew Dial Thanks much!

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

251 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Great Hoodie Andy !!!

Andrew Dial 😁🙏🏼❤️‍🩹

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

254 days ago

Andrew Dial reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

HELLO Andy !!!!!

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

311 days ago

c w posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi, Andrew. I just read through your story and journal… thank you so much for sharing it all! I saw you had lightheadedness before surgery, and wondered if ...Read more

Hi, Andrew. I just read through your story and journal… thank you so much for sharing it all! I saw you had lightheadedness before surgery, and wondered if that is still an issue for you now. Also, did your doctors have a theory for why that was happening?

I am four months out from surgery and still have them from time to time… was hoping surgery would resolve them for me.

Andrew Dial Hey! So they said it was just from the severely calcified aortic valve that was extremely horribly. M ... Read more

Andrew Dial Hey! So they said it was just from the severely calcified aortic valve that was extremely horribly. My valve was very leaky, and very thick with stenosis. It looked absolutely HORRIBLE when they took it out. I have a picture.. it was actually Unicuspid, and they were shocked it even worked haha.

Things for me were up and down for months after surgery… and the light headedness was 100% caused by the beta blockers (I was on heavy dose) and it made my blood pressure drop down into the 80/90s. = lightheaded. We changed them up multiple times for months.

c w Wow! I am so glad you had your surgery — that's amazing you managed to have such an active life be... Read more

c w Wow! I am so glad you had your surgery — that's amazing you managed to have such an active life before. I hope you feel a million times better now!

Thanks for the info on BP, that nakes sense. I have low BP — still often in the 90s even tho I have been off metoprolol since October. I try to stay hydrated but sometimes I forget. I had a fall last weekend so feeling I need to figure it out & be more careful in the meantime.

Thanks ag

ain

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

321 days ago

Andrew Dial reacted to this

Abhishek Sharma posted a note for Andrew that says:

You have a interesting story... Best of luck for surgery..

Andrew Dial Thanks. Surgery was June 2022

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

322 days ago

Max Jam posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hii Andrew! Super cool tattoo!

im new here and young like you (28), recently diagnosed with mild to mod regurg (bicuspid).

did you ...Read more

Hii Andrew! Super cool tattoo!

im new here and young like you (28), recently diagnosed with mild to mod regurg (bicuspid).

did you have regurgitation? If si, how fast did it progress prior to surgery?? This is worrying me so much :(.

thank you!!

Andrew Dial Hey Max, welcome to HVS! Yeah so I was born with aortic stenosis, bicuspid. And I had my surgery at 3 ... Read more

Andrew Dial Hey Max, welcome to HVS! Yeah so I was born with aortic stenosis, bicuspid. And I had my surgery at 33. They started watching it more closely about 2 years before surgery. I was then doing my echos every 6 months instead of annually. I did have regurgitation. And even more severe was my ascending aorta, which was 4.8cm at time of surgery, which they replaced with a Dacron graft. Hope that helps! I’m more than happy to answer any questions you have

Andrew Dial P.s. you have nothing to worry about. Keep your head up and live everyday to the fullest.

Max Jam Thanks bro, means a lot.

did you always have that aneurysm or did it just showed up in your e ... Read more

Max Jam Thanks bro, means a lot.

did you always have that aneurysm or did it just showed up in your echo later on? If so, by what age it started showing up?

Andrew Dial We started monitoring it maybe 4-5 years before my surgery. You gotta remember… every person is dif ... Read more

Andrew Dial We started monitoring it maybe 4-5 years before my surgery. You gotta remember… every person is different. They can vary with each person.

Max Jam Thank you!

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

323 days ago

Andrew Dial reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andy ,
I hope you and your family are all okay .
It looks fab !
Happy new year

Andrew Dial Happy new year Ruth!’

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

353 days ago

Deena Z posted a note for Andrew that says:

Andrew, saw your reply. So... your fellow fisherman is up next for surgery. -- on December 5th. His name is Kyle Griffin. You can search by name or look... Read more

Andrew, saw your reply. So... your fellow fisherman is up next for surgery. -- on December 5th. His name is Kyle Griffin. You can search by name or look up by next surgery.

I looked at your tattoo again. --incredibly creative and well done thus far, love it.

Andrew Dial Thanks so much Deena! I’ll look him up :) I’ll post more pics as we continue with the sleeve in t ... Read more

Andrew Dial Thanks so much Deena! I’ll look him up :) I’ll post more pics as we continue with the sleeve in the coming weeks

Deena Z cool

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

354 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andy ,
That ‘s a great tattoo and the sentiment behind it is wonderful too

Good to hear from you !!!

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

390 days ago

Grace Mason posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andrew,
Did you participate in rehab after your Ross procedure? I am going to be starting soon and was wondering if you were given a target HR or any ...Read more

Hi Andrew,
Did you participate in rehab after your Ross procedure? I am going to be starting soon and was wondering if you were given a target HR or any guidelines in exercise as to protecting the autograph as it "learns" to act as the new aortic valve, since previously in the pulmonary position, it had a lot less pressure on it.
Where I am going for rehab, they do not see many or possibly no Ross patients.
Thx😊

Andrew Dial Well hello Grace :)

I did do cardiac rehab. I wanna say my HR was up like 90-100 between my f ... Read more

Andrew Dial Well hello Grace :)

I did do cardiac rehab. I wanna say my HR was up like 90-100 between my fast walk and regular walk. They wanna watch it go up, and then return back down.

Grace Mason Good to know. I have been trying to keep my HR around 100 or less during my walks. I have been told ... Read more

Grace Mason Good to know. I have been trying to keep my HR around 100 or less during my walks. I have been told the surgeon wants the systolic pressure around 110, but I assume it is okay to go higher than that during exercise, but didn't see any guidelines about that in my discharge paperwork. I wasn't sure if you might have remembered

Andrew Dial That’s exactly what I remember as well. 110 is the goal, but can go higher with exercise. As long a ... Read more

Andrew Dial That’s exactly what I remember as well. 110 is the goal, but can go higher with exercise. As long as everything settles back down and doesn’t stay way up. Sounds like you’re doing just great :)

Grace Mason Thanks for your input, Andrew. It is much appreciated!!
I am feeling pretty well and excited to ge ... Read more

Grace Mason Thanks for your input, Andrew. It is much appreciated!!
I am feeling pretty well and excited to get started in rehab and gain some more strength back.🙂

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

423 days ago

Andrew Dial reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

423 days ago

Andrew Dial reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Wow Andy !!!

Great catch !!!

You ‘ll all be having another delicious meal tonight

Andrew Dial We eat good over here!

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

435 days ago

Pamela Gregory, Deena Z, Allen Carkner reacted to this

Deena Z posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andrew, I've been thinking about you. Hope your first week back on-the-job has been better than you ever imagined. Someday it would be cool to see ...Read more

Hi Andrew, I've been thinking about you. Hope your first week back on-the-job has been better than you ever imagined. Someday it would be cool to see the type of boats you build too.

Take special care of yourself this week. Be gentle on expectations.

Andrew Dial Thank you Deena for the kind words! It is going very well, and I’m really enjoying getting back int ... Read more

Andrew Dial Thank you Deena for the kind words! It is going very well, and I’m really enjoying getting back into the swing of things. I hope your week is going wonderful :)

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

436 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andy ,
Good luck on your first day back !!!
Pace yourself and have a good day

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

450 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andy ,
Wow !!!
My husband and sons love going fishing , wait until I show them your latest catch !!!
Very impressive !!!

Andrew Dial Thank so much ! That is so fun that your husband and sons go fishing :)

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

461 days ago

Grace Mason , Deena Z reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andy ,
You are doing really well .
Working for yourself is also a big life change .
Something as simple as using an exercise bike for a few minutes ...Read more

Hi Andy ,
You are doing really well .
Working for yourself is also a big life change .
Something as simple as using an exercise bike for a few minutes in your workshop between jobs would help relief tension and boost your mood / release endorphins .
Keep a check on any medication you take for the side affects . Also , keep getting out in nature as much as free time allows .

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

466 days ago

Andrew Dial reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andy ,
I hope you have had some good fishing

Andrew Dialgot a new guestbook post

471 days ago

Deena Z reacted to this

Rose Madura posted a note for Andrew that says:

Hi Andy. I've prayed for you and wonder how you are doing? You're such an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others. Be well my friend.

Andrew Dial Thank you Rose.
Just experiencing a mental speed bump is all. It will blow over

Ana Brusso Praying for you dear Andrew, yes, it will blow over 🙏❤️

Richard Munson Life is full of mental speedbumps that you will encounter along the road. I have followed your journe ... Read more

Richard Munson Life is full of mental speedbumps that you will encounter along the road. I have followed your journey on our site since successful heart surgery and you will bounce back. You’re young, have a beautiful family and have a passion for catching fish. I think the key is to dig in and be a fighter. I look back on my life after heart surgery and my bout of depression after the loss of a dear 4 legged friend who aided my recovery in ways i could never explain. I fought thru it, as you will. Wishing you the best.

Deena Z Hi Andrew,
Thinking of you. I have had many "speed bumps" over my six plus decades of living. Whethe... Read more

Deena Z Hi Andrew,
Thinking of you. I have had many "speed bumps" over my six plus decades of living. Whether it was chronic or situational, it helps to identify the root cause. — such as, born with low serotonin (" happy hormone”); anxiety based on a situation (work, health, money) and yada yada. Everyone has there own recipe for getting out of a slump and/or managing a chronic condition. I think lots of us have both. My recipe is to exercise; do a 10 to 20 minute mediation using a u- tube app geared towards what i think is causing my slump, meds; and also writing out one-page on how i feel and what is the worst cause scenario. Don't know if this helps, but wanted to see if I can help in any way

Klara Čičić Dear Andrew, I am thinking of you from the other side of the globe! You are such a strong man with a... Read more

Klara Čičić Dear Andrew, I am thinking of you from the other side of the globe! You are such a strong man with a huge heart and you will overcome this bump. I, too, have those speed bumps every now and then. I hope yours will pass soon. Listen to these wise warriors who said it all so nicely!

Pamela Gregory Hi Andrew. I definitely still get these speed bumps too! Sometimes bigger bumps than others. I get t... Read more

Pamela Gregory Hi Andrew. I definitely still get these speed bumps too! Sometimes bigger bumps than others. I get the feeling this isn't that weird after such a life altering experience. You are never alone in how you feel

Andrew Dial Thank you EVERYONE 🙏🏼for the kind words.

Brady Busch My prescription is,going to your favorite river and catching some of the Pink Salmon,that are coming ... Read more

Brady Busch My prescription is,going to your favorite river and catching some of the Pink Salmon,that are coming in this year.That's what I'm going to be doing.