Danny's Guestbook

Hi Danny, my name is Sher. I totally understand the anxiety you are experiencing as I am waiting on the date for my surgery and they told me it would be in the New Year. Well its the New Year and so now everyday I am waiting and starting to worry about the surgery. I too am asymptomatic and a figure competitor so in pretty good shape and feel the best I've felt in years. It was hard for me to get my head around the part where I need surgery when I feel so good. One thing about this forum is learning from others that have already been through what you are going through and will go through and I find that is a relief and somewhat calming. Everything I've read and listened to the different presentations Adam has put together with top notch Doctors, sure does look like you have a great Doctor and will have a great team looking after you as well as your husband. 

You I'm sure being in such great shape will bounce back fairly quickly and be running those races even better once you are all better and you won't have to worry about your heart any more. I am really looking forward to following your process and recovery and wish you all the very best. 

You got this Danny! Get it done and put it behind you! My aortic valve was accompanied by a septal myectomy and a 'little valve rehab' on the mitral valve. It was done just before Labor Day in 2024 and honestly, I was so afraid....while its not a picnic, it was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. And more importantly, I hope you have the same experience! 

Hi Danny, my name is Bob and I had my third heart surgery in December 2022 at the Cleveland Clinic. My journey began at 15 with the discovery of a Coarctation of The Aorta repair. That was repaired at 15 and again 30. I, like you, had known for decades that I would need my Aortic Valve replaced at some point. In addition one blockage was found pre-op so that was also taken care of in 22. Every feeling you have is appropriate and expected. The most important thing is you have trust and in your surgeon and care team. The lead up is the toughest part. Surgery day is busy and somewhat blinding. When you wake up in ICU you will be surrounded by angels who will care for you around the clock keeping you as comfortable as can be. I had immediate relief from pre-op pain and by the end of the week I was up and walking without aid. I spent Christmas in the hospital, out of state. Emotional yes, but the angels who surrounded and supported me made it ok. You will be ok. Remember every emotion, feeling, fear you have are yours. Use them to find strength. God-Speed my friend. We are all cheering you on. 

Hi Danny, had the same surgery aortic valve replacement with pig valve, along with aneurism repair. The first week afterwards was both physically and psychologically difficult, you quickly start feeling better within the first month...At about the year mark you will feel amazingly healthy and you will have forgotten about everything regarding the surgery...Best of luck Danny, think positive,  you got this!

Hi Danny,

I just wanted to drop you a note of encouragement. My mom had an AVR with Dr. Accola in December of 2022. You are in excellent hands. She also had a ton of anxiety but is doing very well now. I can’t tell you how many nurses in the hospital told us that if needed open heart surgery they would choose Dr. Accola. Best of luck to you!

Jennifer Micai 

Well Danny, welcome. You have chosen a very good surgeon. You are going to be fine and know we will be here to encourage you and also answer questions you may have. We will be here to welcome you into recovery. God bless you 🙏❤️