Guestbook of David Seligman

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David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

557 days ago

Steven Mccormick posted a note for David that says:

Thanks for all your posting David, I’m so happy to see all is going well after your surgery and I completely relate to your bio, around mental and emotional ...Read more

Thanks for all your posting David, I’m so happy to see all is going well after your surgery and I completely relate to your bio, around mental and emotional Im 9 weeks out from aortic valve replacement, and I do find myself questioning who I was as a man prior I always considered myself this big, strong person that took care and protected everybody and was always healthy. Doing lots of self reflection and meditation and doing things in life I always put off. If you ever need to chat mccormick602@msn.com. I hope you are enjoying the amazing weather we are having.
Steve

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

557 days ago

karsten madsen posted a note for David that says:

Hey! Thanks so much for the note! I did feel a touch crazy like I was unable to handle this. I've had an ACL surgery and yes was nervous but not like this. ...Read more

Hey! Thanks so much for the note! I did feel a touch crazy like I was unable to handle this. I've had an ACL surgery and yes was nervous but not like this. If you are okay talking about you experience would love to chat!

David Seligman Happy to chat at any time, send me an email at daseligman@hotmail.com and we can coordinate info. I ... Read more

David Seligman Happy to chat at any time, send me an email at daseligman@hotmail.com and we can coordinate info. I had a similar offer from someone on this site (now a friend) and it was a game changer in a positive way. Just remember you’re not alone and as an athlete you have the mental fortitude to handle it. Doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy but you got this!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

568 days ago

Allen Carkner posted a note for David that says:

Did your sugeon do anything to your valve, as in repair it? I just thought most bicuspids tend to get stenotic or reguritant or both. Or is it plenty functional ...Read more

Did your sugeon do anything to your valve, as in repair it? I just thought most bicuspids tend to get stenotic or reguritant or both. Or is it plenty functional and they just needed to take care of the aneurysm? Thanks for sharing your journey. I've been following my bicuspid valve since I was a baby and always tried to stay reasonably fit despite of it. Sometimes pushed it beyond cardiologist recommendations a bit sometimes. They always said I'd need surgery one day, as a middle schooler it was sometimes tough to know. Just thought I'd be like 40 or 50, turning 25 soon. All our valve journeys tend to be so different. It really is interesting stuff to deal with. Thanks for listening to everyone's unique story's here. Take care!

David Seligman Hi Allen, thanks for reaching out. Heading into my surgery the goal and hope was to just take care o ... Read more

David Seligman Hi Allen, thanks for reaching out. Heading into my surgery the goal and hope was to just take care of the aneurysm and spare the valve (David procedure). Fortunately my valve was & is functioning well so they ‘only’ had to replace the aneurysm. Being so young, I’m sorry you’re going through this. Given your story and condition I think it might be helpful to connect with Andy Dial on HVS. He’s closer to your age and also had the Ross procedure about a year ago, so could probably relate on a number of fronts. I’m also happy to help and be a resource of course but wanted to let you know. Cheers!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

577 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for David that says:

Hi David ,
You ‘re doing great and your dog looks to have had a good swim.
My dog loves swimming

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

594 days ago

David Seligman reacted to this

Sharon Dawson posted a note for David that says:

So glad you made it through the surgery and are healing. Seems it always takes longer than we'd like...So hang in there. It can be really nice to stimulate ...Read more

So glad you made it through the surgery and are healing. Seems it always takes longer than we'd like...So hang in there. It can be really nice to stimulate the vagus nerve and the "rest and digest" response with massaging the ears. You can look at how to do that on-line or have a therapist do a vagus nerve massage. It can help with pain and recovery. I am a yoga therapist with a mechanical aortic valve and a yearly check on my dilated ascending aorta. I use this method myself and have had great success with clients.

David Seligman Great suggestion, thanks 🙏

Marie Myers David- I remember how sore my Upper back and shoulders were; they bothered me more than anything! I ... Read more

Marie Myers David- I remember how sore my Upper back and shoulders were; they bothered me more than anything! I believe the soreness came from the positioning on the surgery table Many others have experienced this as well. Things will get better bit by bit, and day by day. Hang in there; you have been through a huge surgery. Recovery is a mental as well as a physical challenge.

Janet Roberson I had lots of pain all over my back the day after surgery. From the second day on, the pain has been ... Read more

Janet Roberson I had lots of pain all over my back the day after surgery. From the second day on, the pain has been concentrated in the upper right quadrent of my back. I have muscle relaxants and the Physical Therapist at the hospital told me to do gentle shoulder roles and to hold my shoulders back and down for three seconds at a time. Like Marie, I have heard that this is a common problem -- positioning on the surgical table and sleeping on the side. Every day gets better!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

597 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for David that says:

Hi David ,
Welcome to recovery

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

598 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Eleanor Erdogan posted a note for David that says:

Hi David good luck to you on your surgery today let us know how you feel ASAP

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

599 days ago

David Seligman reacted to this

Cheryl Vaughan posted a note for David that says:

Hi David, I was diagnosed with tricuspid aortic valve in February 2022 causing severe aortic stenosis. I had open heart surgery on March 3,2022 to replace my ...Read more

Hi David, I was diagnosed with tricuspid aortic valve in February 2022 causing severe aortic stenosis. I had open heart surgery on March 3,2022 to replace my aortic valve with a bovine valve. I have done well. Went through cardiac rehab and today have been able to return to my regular activities running, walking and working out in the gym. Hope you have a quick recovery.

Cheryl Vaughan Bicuspid

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

599 days ago

Allen Carkner, Deena Z reacted to this

Andrew Dial posted a note for David that says:

David, brother…. You are about to begin the new chapter of your life… I am so excited for you to go thru your heart journey. You have already learned ...Read more

David, brother…. You are about to begin the new chapter of your life… I am so excited for you to go thru your heart journey. You have already learned so much up until now, and are about to experience and learn a whole lot more! Earlier today, you wrote to Adam Pick about wanting to get involved in helping others… I absolutely agree with you on that and would LOVE to do the same. Both of us being only 45min apart, we could def make this a team experience helping anyone and everyone. I am so passionate about this heart world, heart community… I could do it everyday. It has been a pleasure talking to you, texting, FaceTime, etc… and I cannot wait to shift from pre surgery discussion, to recovery discussion!

Tomorrow is the BIG DAY! and you always know, I’m here for ya brother. Text/call/type. Anything. -Andy

David Seligman Absolutely Andy, I’m in!! Thanks for your support brother!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

599 days ago

Pamela Gregory, Rose Madura reacted to this

Susan Lynn posted a note for David that says:

You're ready, David!
Enjoy the quick nap and the world's greatest ice chips!
We'll be waiting to welcome you to recovery!

Deena Z Thinking of you David. Will say a prayer once I post this message. I know it is hard to believe all... Read more

Deena Z Thinking of you David. Will say a prayer once I post this message. I know it is hard to believe all of this is happening, but you will get through this and be okay. The odds are so very very in your favor. Just remember that. Ask for any help you need once in the ICU. Your nurse is there just for you!! Don't be concerned about pain. You wont have that much but you will be very weak. That's normal. Every day you will get much stronger. -- Particularly after the first two days. Look forward to hearing from you. Protein shakes help alot the first several days and helps with your lower hemoglobin, that is exhaustion. In the meantime, Godspeed!

DeLois Tweedy Prayers are with you for your surgery. You'll be through it and recovering before you know it! Keep u ... Read more

DeLois Tweedy Prayers are with you for your surgery. You'll be through it and recovering before you know it! Keep us posted when you are up to it. Blessings!

David Seligman Thank you for the encouragement 🥰

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

600 days ago

Pamela Gregory, Grace Mason reacted to this

Tim Traub posted a note for David that says:

Hi David, your story resonates with me esp the cognitive dissonance part. I had a David’s Procedure last Nov… I did not have a bicuspid valve… instead ...Read more

Hi David, your story resonates with me esp the cognitive dissonance part. I had a David’s Procedure last Nov… I did not have a bicuspid valve… instead one of my leaflets was prolapse (folded backwards) which led to 46% regurgitation. Last year before surgery I biked 3,300 miles. In fact my wife talked me out of riding my bike 325 miles to Cleveland Clinic from my house in Dayton. Bottom line, when the Doctor tells you your aorta and ventricle are enlarged, it’s time to get it fixed esp if you are in great shape. My rehab has been great… I’ve done so well that my heart remodeled back to 4.3cm from 5.5cm in four months. You will do better because you are living life to its fullest and you are telegraphing to your body that you want to thrive. Just be careful on the other side to not overdo the recovery with intense workouts. Follow the rehab and get through the shock and awe of surgery. God Bless and best wishes for your surgery on Weds! I’ve included my stationary bike video at 6 days after surgery.

David Seligman Thanks for reaching out to me Tim, especially on the eve of my surgery, it means a lot. It sounds lik ... Read more

David Seligman Thanks for reaching out to me Tim, especially on the eve of my surgery, it means a lot. It sounds like we share many common interests and as well the same diagnosis which is a weird serendipity. I’m inspired seeing you on the bike so soon after your surgery and I never thought of a reclining bike as an option, I love it! I’m a big road and mountain biker as well and assumed that biking of any kind is off the table for a while but this is something I will look into!

Also, your words of ‘not overdoing it’ are duly noted as this is one of my wife’s biggest worries (I tend to push myself, you can probably relate). That being said, I really don’t want to mess with any part of this thing and over the last 9 months since my diagnosis I’ve really been careful. I’m really curious to hear how you’ve been progressing? Mentally, physically etc? Any additional insights, no matter how big or small, that you are comfortable sharing would be greatly appreciated! If you have any interest in connecting directly after my surgery to chat let me know - my email is daseligman@hotmail.com and phone is 206-227-0423. Thanks again 🙏

Tim Traub David! I just saw that you came thru surgery and ICU in a flash… Praise the Lord. I would love to c ... Read more

Tim Traub David! I just saw that you came thru surgery and ICU in a flash… Praise the Lord. I would love to connect with you. I will text your cell number… you let me know a good time to call or facetime and I’ll do my best to share and discuss my experience with you!!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

601 days ago

Allen Carkner reacted to this

Jason Hyrup posted a note for David that says:

Hi David

I'm 52 with a BAV, a enlarged adsending/root aorta. I was reading your story, and you mentioned they are doing a valve sparing surgery. ...Read more

Hi David

I'm 52 with a BAV, a enlarged adsending/root aorta. I was reading your story, and you mentioned they are doing a valve sparing surgery. So are they going to repair your valve? I asked about that with my sergeon last week. He said a repair may work short term, but if i dont want any more surgerys, (as i dont if possible) the bentall is his choice for me. Your valve must be in great shape. I was told my enlarged aorta is from the BAV. So i was confused why you are not replacing the valve. Anyway hope to here more about your heart story soon. Thanks

Katherine Jensen David, I also have an aneurysm due to a BAV. I am scheduled 6/20 for my surgery. I look forward to ... Read more

Katherine Jensen David, I also have an aneurysm due to a BAV. I am scheduled 6/20 for my surgery. I look forward to following your progress and recovery. You will do great because it sounds like you have always taken good care of yourself both physically and mentally.

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

602 days ago

Andrew Dial, Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Paul Whitfield posted a note for David that says:

Hi David,

I’ve been following you and wanted to tell you something my surgeon told me before the surgery. Everything is going to go well and ...Read more

Hi David,

I’ve been following you and wanted to tell you something my surgeon told me before the surgery. Everything is going to go well and you will be fine. I have the exact same story as you and I had my surgery 8 days ago and feel great! I’m 51 and my girls are much younger than your children. You are fit and strong and I am quite sure in good hands with your surgeon. Look forward to your posts after the surgery. If you have any questions about anything please reach out.

David Seligman Thanks for your post Paul, I’m glad to hear you’re on the other side of this and feeling good - c ... Read more

David Seligman Thanks for your post Paul, I’m glad to hear you’re on the other side of this and feeling good - congrats! My surgeon has told me the exact same thing. Would love to hear about your progress as well as what you’ve learned so far so let’s stay in touch 🙏

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

603 days ago

David Harrington posted a note for David that says:

Hello David, We share a similar story. I used to run! Loved running, and being outside. Part of my surgery is replacing my Bicuspid valve. ...Read more

Hello David, We share a similar story. I used to run! Loved running, and being outside. Part of my surgery is replacing my Bicuspid valve. I decided to have a flesh valve.

I look forward to reading about your warrior journey!

Best, David

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

606 days ago

Allen Carkner posted a note for David that says:

I feel for you, I've always tried to stay fit and healthy. Thought I'd need surgery closer to 40 or 50 years old. Turns out I needed it at 24 years old.

David Seligman Hi Allen, it looks like you had your surgery, how are you doing/feeling? I’m sorry you have to deal ... Read more

David Seligman Hi Allen, it looks like you had your surgery, how are you doing/feeling? I’m sorry you have to deal with this at such a young age. Sending positive thoughts your way!

Allen Carkner I'm doing pretty great I think. My surgery went smoothly and I was in the hospital 5 days. My surgery ... Read more

Allen Carkner I'm doing pretty great I think. My surgery went smoothly and I was in the hospital 5 days. My surgery was March 15th. My pecs and ribs gets a bit sore sometimes but other than that I'm pretty much getting back to normal. It's no walk in the park all this,
emotionally and physically but you got this!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

606 days ago

Angela Meletiadis posted a note for David that says:

Hi David! I can relate to your situation very well - active, athletic, (skiing, tennis, swimming, biking, hiking) and I teach primary school PE. I found the ...Read more

Hi David! I can relate to your situation very well - active, athletic, (skiing, tennis, swimming, biking, hiking) and I teach primary school PE. I found the wait to be difficult but I tried to keep myself busy and not to think about it. I did the research, found the hospital and surgical teams, then tried to just forget about it until it came. I stopped feeling invinceable and began to go easy on myself. Nine months later, I'm back at work and playing tennis again. I live in Greece and I'm determined not to miss a day of swimming in the Meditteranean this summer. I still have pain where the inscisions were made but it is slowly subsiding. I go easy on my body and listen to its signals. I enjoy time with loved ones more, appreciate people more. My teaching style has changed a bit too, for the better. Stay strong. May God give you peace and your surgical team sharpness of mind and steadiness of hand!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

646 days ago

Artie posted a note for David that says:

Hi David, I had a mitral valve repair and an aortic valve replacement in 2015 (a 2-for-1 deal). I came through it fine, but I do have one perhaps embarrassing ...Read more

Hi David, I had a mitral valve repair and an aortic valve replacement in 2015 (a 2-for-1 deal). I came through it fine, but I do have one perhaps embarrassing tip for you. As you're recovering in the hospital, be sure not to get constipated. My nurses (who were all wonderful) didn't monitor that for me. And several days later I was ready to explode. So if you haven't had a movement in two days max, ask them to give you something. Best to you, David. I know you'll do as well as all of us on this site have done.

David Puzycki Thank you David, I do appreciate that tidbit! I will definitely take your advice! Best of Luck to you ... Read more

David Puzycki Thank you David, I do appreciate that tidbit! I will definitely take your advice! Best of Luck to you!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

659 days ago

David Seligman reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for David that says:

Hi David ,
Welcome to you and your family

David Seligman Thanks!

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

659 days ago

Grace Mason reacted to this

Grace Mason posted a note for David that says:

Welcome David. I, too, am in the process towards impending surgery soon. It IS alot to take in. Though my aneurysm and bicuspid aortic valve were discovered ...Read more

Welcome David. I, too, am in the process towards impending surgery soon. It IS alot to take in. Though my aneurysm and bicuspid aortic valve were discovered about 20 years it had stayed pretty stable and I had convinced myself I wouldn't need surgery...just for my mental health. Now it seems surreal that I am going to have to do this. This site has been great for helping alleviate some of my fears. Wishing you all the best in your upcoming procedure.

David Seligman Thanks Grace, I read your story and can absolutely identify with the surrealness of this entire exper ... Read more

David Seligman Thanks Grace, I read your story and can absolutely identify with the surrealness of this entire experience. I’m sure that, like many others in this community, it feels like you’re watching someone else’s life unfold and even as I write this it’s hard to believe it’s happening. I hope you, like myself, find support, strength and knowledge here 🙏.

David Seligmangot a new guestbook post

659 days ago

Brady Busch, Klara Čičić, Timothy Andre reacted to this

Andrew Dial posted a note for David that says:

David thanks for sharing your story.. I was born and raised in Issaquah! I had my Ross procedure 8 months ago, along with Dacron graft to replace my ascending ...Read more

David thanks for sharing your story.. I was born and raised in Issaquah! I had my Ross procedure 8 months ago, along with Dacron graft to replace my ascending aorta. It is a crazy thing to think about before having surgery.. and very easy to worry and be anxious/nervous. I promise you… the wait is worse than the surgery. And once you’re out of surgery, you will be so focused on recovery, all the anxiety you had beforehand will be gone. You’re gonna wake up and they will tell you “it was a success!” And your new beginning starts.

I wanted to say Welcome to the site. This community is extremely helpful, and so supportive. If you’re having a bad day, post it.. many of us will help you get thru it. If you’re having a good day, post it. We kind of all support eachother before and after surgery. -Andy

Andrew Dial Oh yes, and if you have any questions at all.. don’t hesitate to ask!

Brady Busch I hadn't heard of the David procedure.Looking it up,the outcomes are about 99% successful.Plus,if the ... Read more

Brady Busch I hadn't heard of the David procedure.Looking it up,the outcomes are about 99% successful.Plus,if there's no stenosis,that's even better.

David Seligman Small world Andy! Thank you so much for your message, it really hits home and very helpful to hear th ... Read more

David Seligman Small world Andy! Thank you so much for your message, it really hits home and very helpful to hear that the anticipation is worse than the actual surgery/recovery. How are you doing now? I would love to hear any specific insight or recommendations you have to share looking back. I have a million questions but as I get my life ready to have surgery and recover, right now it’s answering “looking back, I wish I had known this..,”.

Thanks so much and appreciate the support more (or maybe not) than you know. 😎

Andrew Dial There’s sooo many questions I know! I will say, Adams book is a huge help. It answered so many of my own questions prior to surgery. I would be willing to meet with you and let you borrow or have my book if you wanted. (I live in Puyallup). Lmk.

I’m doing well, I’m 8.5 months now. There were some hickups along the way so far, but nothing major. Honestly just medication changes. The surgeons have so much more information nowdays, and have learned so many things. Heart valve surgery is way more common now. You have nothing to worry about, and I promise you, once it’s all done, you are gonna live an even better life than you are now. Your mindset is gonna shift a little.. idk man.. it’s a life changer in such a good way. Hard to explain haha.

... Read more