Guestbook of Brian Havlin

My Guestbook

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

409 days ago

Svetlomir Ivanov posted a note for Brian that says:

Hey, Brian how are you doing after mitral valve repair? My one was 6th weeks ago, and I have some questions, may I ask you?

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2028 days ago

Dan Baltazor reacted to this

Hello Brian! Thinking about you buddy. Hope your recovery is going well and that you are enjoying your new heart health and better quality of life. Peace ...Read more

Hello Brian! Thinking about you buddy. Hope your recovery is going well and that you are enjoying your new heart health and better quality of life. Peace and blessings to you my fellow heart warrior!

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2162 days ago

Rob Sparling, Dan Baltazor reacted to this

Hello Brian! Thinking about you man. How are you? Hope your recovery is coming along well. Peace and blessings to you!

Brian Havlin Hey Jeremiah! Good man!! Feeling much better. Got an appointment with my cardiologist tomorrow am ... Read more

Brian Havlin Hey Jeremiah! Good man!! Feeling much better. Got an appointment with my cardiologist tomorrow am. Hoping he says I’m all systems go. The Metoprolol kind of slowed down my progress but adjusted the dosage and now seem to be tolerating it well. Hope you’re doing great!!

Good to hear from you Brian and glad you're doing better.
I'm coming along, each day I'm getting bett ... Read more

Good to hear from you Brian and glad you're doing better.
I'm coming along, each day I'm getting better. Thanks.
Hope all goes well with your cardiologist appointment tomorrow and that you continue to make great strides in your recovery.
Peace and blessings to you my fellow Heart Warrior!

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2193 days ago

Dan Baltazor reacted to this

Hello Brian! Thanks for the encouragement! Been thinking about you man. How's your recovery coming along? Hopefully a lot smoother than mine lol! Peace ...Read more

Hello Brian! Thanks for the encouragement! Been thinking about you man. How's your recovery coming along? Hopefully a lot smoother than mine lol! Peace and blessings to you my friend.

Dan Baltazor Yes, we are also hoping your recovery is going a little smoother for you.

Brian Havlin Quite honestly I underestimated the recovery. I am 49 and in very good shape. Worked out 4 days a w ... Read more

Brian Havlin Quite honestly I underestimated the recovery. I am 49 and in very good shape. Worked out 4 days a week. The robotic approach left me more sore than I expected because I'm a muscular guy (that's what the surgeon said). Today is two weeks from the surgery day and I am feeling much better. Still got a ways to go but definitely can tell a difference each day. For me, a lot of it is mental. Am I OK now? What was that? That's not something I've felt before...etc. But I'm working through it. I am so glad it's over. And for anyone else that's reading this...the WORST part is the time leading up to the surgery. They put you to sleep and you wake up and it's over. This site was very helpful, therapeutic, and educational for me. I hope you guys are both doing better too. How is your recovery coming? Dan?

I hear you Brian.
Yes, the mental (and emotional, for me at least) part leading up to surgery is a to ... Read more

I hear you Brian.
Yes, the mental (and emotional, for me at least) part leading up to surgery is a tough go.
My recovery has had its share of challenges as well thus far.
I remain hopeful though that things will settle down and smooth out as time goes on.
Best wishes to you Brian on a complete and total recovery.

Dan Baltazor You describe it well Brian, I feel the way you do mentally and physically. Today is 4 week mark and ... Read more

Dan Baltazor You describe it well Brian, I feel the way you do mentally and physically. Today is 4 week mark and I slept my best last night. So improvements happen, just small incirments at a time. Glad to hear you’re doing good overall. Hang in there Brian and Jeremiah, we have better days ahead.

Brian Havlin Time will make everything good. I'm looking forward to sleeping on my side. LOL. Only able to slee ... Read more

Brian Havlin Time will make everything good. I'm looking forward to sleeping on my side. LOL. Only able to sleep on my back. Little steps though. We will all get there. Good luck to you guys and I really appreciate you both being here and supporting me and others.

Thanks Brian and Dan.
Best wishes to you both.

Rob Sparling Hang in there guys! It wouldn’t be heart surgery if it was a cakewalk! Think of small advances an ... Read more

Rob Sparling Hang in there guys! It wouldn’t be heart surgery if it was a cakewalk! Think of small advances and comparisons to the first few days. I walk around the cardiac rehab floor between sets of exercises. It is 200 footsteps. That was once a full day’s work! You will get there, too!

Dan Baltazor That’s Great Rob!!!!

Dan Vechiola Sleep is huge in the recovery process. My recovery start making bid advances once my sleep was close ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Sleep is huge in the recovery process. My recovery start making bid advances once my sleep was close to normal. Take it one day at a time everybody and soon you will almost forget you had surgery. It really does get better.

Brian Havlin Good to know Dan! Thanks for the comments. My sleep has not been normal but getting better.

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2204 days ago

Dan Baltazor, Rob Sparling and 1 other reacted to this

Hello Brian! Thinking about you man. Hoping your recovery is going well. You are a true Heart Warrior! Heart Warriors never give up, we never quit! Keep ...Read more

Hello Brian! Thinking about you man. Hoping your recovery is going well. You are a true Heart Warrior! Heart Warriors never give up, we never quit! Keep fighting. Hang in there champ. Your fellow Heart Warrior, Jeremiah.

Brian Havlin Thanks Jeremiah! Recovery has been a bit tougher than I expected but each day it gets better. I was ... Read more

Brian Havlin Thanks Jeremiah! Recovery has been a bit tougher than I expected but each day it gets better. I was very sore from the robot. Going home tomorrow. Thanks for all of your support.

Your welcome Brian.
Good to hear from you.
My recovery has had some hiccups too, but like rainy days ... Read more

Your welcome Brian.
Good to hear from you.
My recovery has had some hiccups too, but like rainy days, this too shall pass and the sun will shine again.
As you said, each day it gets better. The challenges only build us up and make us stronger. Just make sure you get your proper rest. That's crucial to recovery. Don't overdo it.
The trick is when we start to feel better we think we're all healed up but then that one wrong move or that one time reaching too far for something and then we are reminded that not yet, still in recovery.
Breathing excercises are really helping me. Still a little unsteady walking but taking it slow.
I wish you all the best my friend.
Peace and blessings to you!

Dan Baltazor Thanks for the update Brian. So glad everything is going good for you overall. It goes by faster on ... Read more

Dan Baltazor Thanks for the update Brian. So glad everything is going good for you overall. It goes by faster on this side of surgery.

Rob Sparling Look at you guys..... Three members of the Other Side Club. Feels great to have you on this side! ... Read more

Rob Sparling Look at you guys..... Three members of the Other Side Club. Feels great to have you on this side! Glad to hear all is trending in the right direction for the three of you!

Thanks Rob!
Very encouraging.
Much appreciated.
I like that title of our heart recovery family, " ... Read more

Thanks Rob!
Very encouraging.
Much appreciated.
I like that title of our heart recovery family, "The Other Side Club".
Very nice.
Peace and blessings to you and your family my fellow Heart Warrior!

Dan Vechiola Yes this recovery side family is rapidly growing! Congrats to all! Time really flies on the other si ... Read more

Dan Vechiola Yes this recovery side family is rapidly growing! Congrats to all! Time really flies on the other side. Keep grinding everyone!

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2206 days ago

Sara Moyce, Dan Baltazor and 1 other reacted to this

Alyssa Arrowsmith posted a note for Brian that says:

Thinking of you Brian! Hope everything went well today and you are resting and recovering!

Brian Havlin Yes it went well. How are you doing? Are you in step down unit? What’s your room

Alyssa Arrowsmith Hi Brian- sorry I am just seeing this now! I ended up being in the hospital for 6 days. I’m home no ... Read more

Alyssa Arrowsmith Hi Brian- sorry I am just seeing this now! I ended up being in the hospital for 6 days. I’m home now and feeling so much better than even a week ago. It’s amazing how each day is different. How are you doing?

Brian Havlin That's OK. I'm doing better. Each day I get a little closer to where I want to be. I walked around ... Read more

Brian Havlin That's OK. I'm doing better. Each day I get a little closer to where I want to be. I walked around the CC and looked for you LOL...not trying to be creepy. Just wanted to check on you. Hope you continue to feel better.

Alyssa Arrowsmith Aw that’s sweet! I wish I could have met you in person! I agree that each day is better! I’m anxi ... Read more

Alyssa Arrowsmith Aw that’s sweet! I wish I could have met you in person! I agree that each day is better! I’m anxiously awaiting that 6 week mark when the sternum will be healed and we can start cardiac therapy. It’s hard to not feel like yourself! Are you home now?

Brian Havlin Yes i'm home. Been home for 16 days. Going nuts. I'm used to always doing stuff and going places. ... Read more

Brian Havlin Yes i'm home. Been home for 16 days. Going nuts. I'm used to always doing stuff and going places. I'm glad it's over with. Hope you continue to get better each day!

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2208 days ago

Brian Havlin, Bradley Dunn reacted to this

Dan Baltazor posted a note for Brian that says:

We are thinking of you Brian and you’ll be in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow. You got this and we’ll be looking for your post.

Agree!

Rob Sparling Thinrking of you and hoping all goes well! You’ve got the team, that’s for sure! ❤️💪

Brian Havlin You guys are awesome! Im feeling a little better about it. Just need to go in there and take a nap ... Read more

Brian Havlin You guys are awesome! Im feeling a little better about it. Just need to go in there and take a nap and let the surgeon do what he does every day. I’ll update you when I’m able. God bless you all.

Debbie Kelly Will be praying for you, Brian. We are all sibling heart warriors, here for you!

Louanna Miller Praying for you and for a successful surgery, little to no discomfort and pain, and a quick discharge ... Read more

Louanna Miller Praying for you and for a successful surgery, little to no discomfort and pain, and a quick discharge home for healing. Will be watching to see your updates.

Rebecca DeMarino Sending prayers up Brian! And Debbie - love how you said we’re all “sibling heart warriors!” Ye ... Read more

Rebecca DeMarino Sending prayers up Brian! And Debbie - love how you said we’re all “sibling heart warriors!” Yes!

Brian Havlin This is Brian’s brother. He did great and recovering in icu. Tubes out and relaxing. Robotic proced ... Read more

Brian Havlin This is Brian’s brother. He did great and recovering in icu. Tubes out and relaxing. Robotic procedure successful and should be feeling better tomorrow. Thanks for all your prayers. Please keep them coming. Updates to follow.

Great, great news! 🙏
Been thinking about Brian a lot today.
Glad everything went well!
He's an of ... Read more

Great, great news! 🙏
Been thinking about Brian a lot today.
Glad everything went well!
He's an official Heart Warrior now! 💪
Please let him know that his heart family is thinking about him and continually praying for him. ♥️
And thank you for posting on his behalf.
Peace and blessings to you!

Rob Sparling Awesome news! Thanks for the post!

Dan Baltazor Thank you for the update! Continued Prayers.

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2209 days ago

Linda Griffin posted a note for Brian that says:

Hi Brian, I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair last month. I am in the process of starting cardiac rehab. I was out of the hospital in 3 days. I ...Read more

Hi Brian, I had minimally invasive mitral valve repair last month. I am in the process of starting cardiac rehab. I was out of the hospital in 3 days. I have deep faith and had a "peace that surpasses all understanding." The doctors and nurses felt I did great. My incision is under my arm and healing very well. I needed alot of support with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, etc. because of fatigue and difficulty moving about but that was my only complaint. Each day gets better. I am a high energy person so I am learning to be patient. Minimal pain was controlled by Tylenol. My surgery was successful and yours will be too!

Brian Havlin Hi Linda-thanks for the encouragement. I'm having robotic surgery...is that what you had?

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2209 days ago

Adrianne Lane posted a note for Brian that says:

Well same with me I’ve had a heart murmur all my life like you, but I have a Bicuspid aortic Stenosis and now I’m going to be having heart surgery to be ...Read more

Well same with me I’ve had a heart murmur all my life like you, but I have a Bicuspid aortic Stenosis and now I’m going to be having heart surgery to be replacing my valve to a mechanical one . Hope to here from you and hope you are doing well good luck with your surgery as well. Adrianne!

Brian Havlin Thanks Adrianne!

Brian Havlin Best of luck with your surgery!

Adrianne Lane Thank you

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2209 days ago

Debbie Moriarty posted a note for Brian that says:

Hi Brian! We are 3 days out! How are ya feeling? I was sick over Thanksgiving so didn’t have time to get emotional. Seems like there is still so much to do!! ...Read more

Hi Brian! We are 3 days out! How are ya feeling? I was sick over Thanksgiving so didn’t have time to get emotional. Seems like there is still so much to do!!

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2210 days ago

Chris Purvis posted a note for Brian that says:

Hey Brian-got a new phone and lost your number. Give me a shout whenever you want..talk to you soon man

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2212 days ago

Dan Baltazor posted a note for Brian that says:

Brian, will be thinking of you and your wife over the next 5 days and hope you enjoy Thanksgiving without worry. Easier said than done, I know. Praying you ...Read more

Brian, will be thinking of you and your wife over the next 5 days and hope you enjoy Thanksgiving without worry. Easier said than done, I know. Praying you find some Peace.

Brian Havlin Thanks Dan. Really appreciate it!

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2212 days ago

Steve posted a note for Brian that says:

Have confidence, Brian. It's scary as hell when you don't really know what to expect, but the success rates are incredibly high and with the incredible minimally ...Read more

Have confidence, Brian. It's scary as hell when you don't really know what to expect, but the success rates are incredibly high and with the incredible minimally invasive option your recovery should be pretty quick. I too suffered badly with the psychology. Being fit at the start really helps; Being consistent with mobilisation then exercise afterwards will help even more; Eating a good diet will help the most. Two things I did to help my mindset: One was to make sure all my papers and passwords were sorted out and documented somewhere secure. Then I made a recovery plan, itemising a number of targets to hit as I recovered. They helped me a lot.

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2212 days ago

Brian Havlin reacted to this

Alyssa Arrowsmith posted a note for Brian that says:

Hi Brian! I completely relate to everything you’re saying! I also don’t have symptoms but was told this summer it’s time for surgery. The mental part ...Read more

Hi Brian! I completely relate to everything you’re saying! I also don’t have symptoms but was told this summer it’s time for surgery. The mental part has definitely been the hardest thing for me as well. I am scheduled for surgery next Tuesday, the 27th also with Dr. Gillinov! Maybe I’ll see you in recovery!

Rob Sparling You guys are in great hands!

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2213 days ago

Brian Havlin reacted to this

Richard Buckley posted a note for Brian that says:

Hello Brian, Hope all is going well for you. This time next week, you will be on the road to recovery, your heart repaired at a top-notch facility by a ...Read more

Hello Brian, Hope all is going well for you. This time next week, you will be on the road to recovery, your heart repaired at a top-notch facility by a top notch surgeon. Remember Adam Pick's five things to take to the hospital. That was very helpful for me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Brian Havlingot a new guestbook post

2217 days ago

Brian Havlin reacted to this

Adam Pick posted a note for Brian that says:

Hi Brian, Great to have you here as one of our newest members! You are in great hands with Dr. Gillinov! Awesome job finding him! https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Marc-Gillinov-Cleveland-Ohio.php. ...Read more

Dr. Marc Gillinov - Heart Surgeon in Cleveland, Ohio

https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/surgeons/dr-Marc-Gillinov-Cleveland-Ohio.php

See patient reviews, physician biography and videos of Dr. Marc Gillinov, heart surgeon, with phone number and address in Cleveland, Ohio.

Adrianne Lane Well same with me I’ve had a heart murmur all my life like you, but I have a Bicuspid aortic Steno ... Read more

Adrianne Lane Well same with me I’ve had a heart murmur all my life like you, but I have a Bicuspid aortic Stenosis and now I’m going to be having heart surgery to be replacing my valve to a mechanical one . Hope to here from you and hope you are doing well good luck with your surgery as well. Adrianne!