Guestbook of Jay Burgess

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Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

391 days ago

Ana K posted a note for Jay that says:

Hi Jay, I also have a bicuspid valve. When I was 21 the doctors told me I won't get symptoms until I'm about 50-55 and technology will be super advanced by ...Read more

Hi Jay, I also have a bicuspid valve. When I was 21 the doctors told me I won't get symptoms until I'm about 50-55 and technology will be super advanced by then. I'm 37 now and I have severe aortic stenosis so I will need surgery soon. I asked the doctors if there was anything I could have done to slow it down and they said 'no'. I wonder if I was vegan like you if it would have made a difference.

Dan Fouratt Ana I really think it is the luck of the draw. I too have a bicuspid valve. Not a vegan, turst me th ... Read more

Dan Fouratt Ana I really think it is the luck of the draw. I too have a bicuspid valve. Not a vegan, turst me there, lived a life that included a few bad health decisons but my valve lasted until I was 63.5. it will be replaced in 20 days.

Marie Myers I think Dan is right. I believe a lot is “luck of the draw”, and my bicuspid valve lasted till i ... Read more

Marie Myers I think Dan is right. I believe a lot is “luck of the draw”, and my bicuspid valve lasted till i was 63 also. For me, 2 aneurysms were the driving factor for scheduling my surgery.

Barbara deLoache Diet is probably not a factor with bivalves becoming stenotic. I have been fortunate to live a long t ... Read more

Barbara deLoache Diet is probably not a factor with bivalves becoming stenotic. I have been fortunate to live a long time with mine.. i will be 78 when I get a new valve in April.

Sue Maize I don’t think diet can make any difference to stenosis—I remember asking my cardiologist as much ... Read more

Sue Maize I don’t think diet can make any difference to stenosis—I remember asking my cardiologist as much when I was first diagnosed at 45. I’m 56 and expecting my AVR within the next few months. Of course, a good heart healthy diet is important for avoiding other cardiac issues and helping with recovery. I’ve lost 20 pounds in my attempt to get in as good shape as possible before my surgery, and I’ve been eating mostly plant-based and fish to do it. Harder at this stage of life but I feel so much better. Wishing you well. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Valerie Allen I have wondered about calcium supplements.

Jennifer Fuller My cardiologist told me that diet and exercise habits don’t have anything to do with the rate at wh ... Read more

Jennifer Fuller My cardiologist told me that diet and exercise habits don’t have anything to do with the rate at which your bivalve stenosis progresses. He did say that taking calcium supplements might be a problem, but that the jury is still out on that. Dietary calcium from dairy, etc. doesn’t seem to be an issue. It does seem all about chance\genetics. This also applies to how long your replacement lasts. It just lasts as long as it lasts. 🤷‍♀️ Of course taking good care of yourself and your overall heart health are going to make future surgery and recovery easier, but it won’t make your valve last longer.

Valerie Allen My cardiologist says the same thing about the calcium supplements. One study appeared to show impact ... Read more

Valerie Allen My cardiologist says the same thing about the calcium supplements. One study appeared to show impact on stenosis but it hasn’t been proven yet.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

527 days ago

Tracy Mend posted a note for Jay that says:

Thank you Jay.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

545 days ago

Jay Burgess reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Jay that says:

Hi Jay ,
Congratulations on your first anniversary

Check that you ‘re not anaemic or lacking any vitamins in your diet .

I occasionally get a “zig zag”... Read more

Hi Jay ,
Congratulations on your first anniversary

Check that you ‘re not anaemic or lacking any vitamins in your diet .

I occasionally get a “zig zag” ocular migraine but if I close my eyes it goes after a few mins .

Make sure that you are eating regularly and drinking enough fluids . Sleeping enough .

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

916 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Jay that says:

Welcome to recovery Jay ! 😊

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

918 days ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

Patsy Stewart posted a note for Jay that says:

Jay, you sound very excited for your surgery tomorrow. That’s a good thing! I’m offering lots of prayers up for you that everything goes well and that you’ll ...Read more

Jay, you sound very excited for your surgery tomorrow. That’s a good thing! I’m offering lots of prayers up for you that everything goes well and that you’ll be ready to rock recovery. ~❤️

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

918 days ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

Rhodie Jacobson posted a note for Jay that says:

Blessings to you on your surgery tomorrow!! ...and for a great recovery after...

Pamela Gregory Good luck tomorrow Jay. I will be sending my best thoughts and prayers for a successful

outcome

Angela Meletiadis Best wishes, Jay, for a successful operation and a good recovery!!!

Bob Rini Good luck with your surgery, Jay!

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

918 days ago

Jeannette McLaughlin posted a note for Jay that says:

Bonjour! Jay. At the end of Sept. 2016, I had open-heart surgery to replace a bicuspid aortic valve with bovine tissue. I also had my ascending aorta repaired ...Read more

Bonjour! Jay. At the end of Sept. 2016, I had open-heart surgery to replace a bicuspid aortic valve with bovine tissue. I also had my ascending aorta repaired at the same time, due to an aneurysm. Because I was very healthy and fit, I recovered very quickly. Wishing you a very successful surgery, as well as a speedy recovery. 😊

Jay Burgess Thanks you so much that is what I like to hear and that is my plan!!!

Marie Myers Hi Jay- like Jeanette, I had AVR (tissue), root aneurysm and ascending aneurysm replaced 5+ years ago ... Read more

Marie Myers Hi Jay- like Jeanette, I had AVR (tissue), root aneurysm and ascending aneurysm replaced 5+ years ago at age 63. Like she said, being healthy and in-shape will make for an easier recovery. I did feel well enough to go back to work part-time in 8 weeks. Wishing you a smooth journey through surgery and recovery!

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

918 days ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

Kristian M. posted a note for Jay that says:

Jay good luck in your surgery tomorrow. Wishing you the best of luck everything will be fine!!

Ana Brusso Lifting you up in prayer for your surgery tomorrow. God bless you

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

918 days ago

Christopher Cozzi posted a note for Jay that says:

All the best to you, Jay! Had my aortic aneurysm/valve repair on April 4th. It's very tiring in recovery, but you'll get to 100%.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

918 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Amy posted a note for Jay that says:

Best wishes for successful surgery and quick recovery!

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

919 days ago

Brady Busch reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Jay that says:

Hi Jay , Wishing you good luck for your surgery tomorrow .

michael swarzman Sending good thoughts on your surgery!

Jay Burgess Thank you so much.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

920 days ago

Greg Lewis posted a note for Jay that says:

I wish you all the best in your upcoming surgery, and new life! Send me a note if your wondering about anything or just want to talk.

Jay Burgess Thanks Greg I’m really hopeful this will be smooth sailing and I will be able to get on with my lif ... Read more

Jay Burgess Thanks Greg I’m really hopeful this will be smooth sailing and I will be able to get on with my life. I will reach out though if I have any questions after my surgery.

Greg Lewis So glad your surgery went well! We were praying for ya! Move as much as you are able, as often as you ... Read more

Greg Lewis So glad your surgery went well! We were praying for ya! Move as much as you are able, as often as you can. Good luck with the next few days!

Jay Burgess It has been hard time moves so slow. I’m still in the hospital I ended up needing blood transfusion ... Read more

Jay Burgess It has been hard time moves so slow. I’m still in the hospital I ended up needing blood transfusion 2 pints. That seems to help the numbers. Makes me think I lost more than I thought. They said the surgery went perfect I’m sure over time the body will heal.

Greg Lewis It will heal! Keep your focus on that (healing), not how it feels getting there. And i know what you ... Read more

Greg Lewis It will heal! Keep your focus on that (healing), not how it feels getting there. And i know what you mean about the time going slow. I was just sooo lucky 🙄 to have a nice big clock facing my bed, hanging on the wall! Hahaha Try to sleep lots! Your body heals during REM sleep, i am told.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

920 days ago

Rose Madura, Rhodie Jacobson reacted to this

Timothy Andre posted a note for Jay that says:

Jay, you were born a heart warrior and have been anticipating this big day your whole life. I also knew at a young age that having a unique heart would... Read more

Jay, you were born a heart warrior and have been anticipating this big day your whole life. I also knew at a young age that having a unique heart would gift me with an interesting journey ahead. I encourage you to not rush anything. Allow the process to unfold right before your eyes. Be at complete peace and watch the wonders of technology wow you. You will be taking a nap while the experts work there magic. When you wake up you will have the ICU nurses taking great care of you. You are going to do great and before you know it, you will be back to doing all the things you love. I pray that you, your surgeon and supporting staff all have a smooth and successful surgery. God bless you and we will be here waiting for the good news

Jay Burgess Thanks great advice I will try and be at peace with this whole thing and know this is a new start to ... Read more

Jay Burgess Thanks great advice I will try and be at peace with this whole thing and know this is a new start to my journey in life.

Pamela Gregory

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

921 days ago

Danielle Elizabeth posted a note for Jay that says:

Jay, I read your story and it’s similar to mine. BAV and my ascending aorta was at 46-48mm, they took my BMI into an equation that placed me in surgical perimeters. ...Read more

Jay, I read your story and it’s similar to mine. BAV and my ascending aorta was at 46-48mm, they took my BMI into an equation that placed me in surgical perimeters. I became a vegetarian at 29 thinking I’d get more years to delay surgery, and I’ve always been athletic. I just had the surgery a few months ago when I was 34. If you have any questions feel free to reach out, you’ll do great and the recovery time really flew by. Wishing you the best of luck for your surgery.

Jay Burgess Thanks I'm really looking forward to the surgery now since lately I have headaches everyday and getti ... Read more

Jay Burgess Thanks I'm really looking forward to the surgery now since lately I have headaches everyday and getting ocular type migraines. Seems worse up at altitude we have a place in the mountains and it is at 8700 feet. When we road mtn bikes Saturday I had the stupid ocular where you get blurry vision. Who knows could be stress but my theory is I'm not getting enough oxygen flow to my head since my valve is severely restricted right now. The day can't come soon enough to be on the road to healing.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

922 days ago

Jay Burgess reacted to this

Susan Eckermann posted a note for Jay that says:

Hi Jay,

I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to you as you prepare for surgery. It sounds like you are doing everything right. Once your ...Read more

Hi Jay,

I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to you as you prepare for surgery. It sounds like you are doing everything right. Once your surgery is done, with your dedication, you will be on the quick road to recovery and soon be back stronger than ever.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

923 days ago

Michael Klusyk posted a note for Jay that says:

Hi Jay. Welcome to the community.

Our stories are remarkably similar and I recently (June 6, 2022) had my aortic valve replaced. I have been super active ...Read more

Hi Jay. Welcome to the community.

Our stories are remarkably similar and I recently (June 6, 2022) had my aortic valve replaced. I have been super active my whole life. I just turned 50 (mentally 24) and have been a professional firefighter for 23 years. I returned to full duty with no restrictions 9 weeks after my surgery. Please see "my story" and "my journal" on this site for my story and recovery updates. Recovery was hard but I pushed myself when able from day 1 post op. to present and continue to improve. You'll have days when you're tired and unmotivated but realize that's pretty normal. Just listen to your body and do what you can. I am now around 3 1/2 months from surgery, am back to a solid workout program, and feel amazing!

YOU can do it! Continue to prepare and be ready for recovery. Stay positive!!

Jay Burgess Hi that is awesome glad to hear. I just want to get past the surgery and totally fine with the recove ... Read more

Jay Burgess Hi that is awesome glad to hear. I just want to get past the surgery and totally fine with the recovery. I keep telling myself you just have to get past the 1st 24 hours and you will be fine. I know I will bounce back after that. It can't happen soon enough so I can get on with my life.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

924 days ago

Sandy Harvey posted a note for Jay that says:

Sending you prayers. Looks like you have done all the right things to ensure a speedy recovery. I had the same surgery in 3/1/2022.

Jay Burgess Thanks so much.

Jay Burgessgot a new guestbook post

925 days ago

Klara Čičić reacted to this

Terry Tannenbaum posted a note for Jay that says:

You will recover quicker than you think and all will work out for you. I had mitral valve repair in 2010 and it wasn't any big deal; in out of the hospital ...Read more

You will recover quicker than you think and all will work out for you. I had mitral valve repair in 2010 and it wasn't any big deal; in out of the hospital in 4.5 days. Now I need another repair so may take longer to recover and heal but technology is amazing and he doctors and their teams specialize in these complex procedures and have it down to a science.

With warm regards,

Terry

Boca Fla.

Jay Burgess Thanks for the words on encouragement. I have been struggling a bit to deal since I watched this take ... Read more

Jay Burgess Thanks for the words on encouragement. I have been struggling a bit to deal since I watched this take my father but I'm a totally different person. He had all his done at Cleveland Clinic and originally I thought I should go there but this just seems so routine and I live in Boulder and honestly the hospital is top notch. Just feel comfortable going there. My wife is a physician and we got the inside scoop that everything is going to be fine.

Kimberly Eisenhut Jay, lucky your wife is a physician, that sure comes in handy! You seem to be on top of things and kn ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut Jay, lucky your wife is a physician, that sure comes in handy! You seem to be on top of things and know you will do great! Prayers and best wishes sent your way!