Guestbook of Mark Caswell

My Guestbook

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2433 days ago

Chris Purvis posted a note for Mark that says:

How is everything going Mark? Hope all is well! Didn’t you end up with a mini t procedure?

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2434 days ago

Jerry Smith posted a note for Mark that says:

Great job Mark, I'm a valve bro too. Pace yourself. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Congrats on doing so well!!

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2459 days ago

Vaughn Johnson posted a note for Mark that says:

Hey Mark, Had my Aortic valve replaced Too. I had Two other valves repaired. You are now a Marvel of Progressive Science as are some of us. Great to have ...Read more

Hey Mark, Had my Aortic valve replaced Too. I had Two other valves repaired. You are now a Marvel of Progressive Science as are some of us. Great to have you join us. We are a tribute to our Doctors as to What they have learned through science and medical research. You go Boy!!!!! You took that chance and you won. Great day for all of us. Take it easy for a few. When it's time then live your life!!!!!

Mark Caswell Well said and Thanks for the kind words my friend.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2459 days ago

JULIA BEATTY beattyfsn@me.com posted a note for Mark that says:

Congratulations. On your way! Did either of your operations involve open heart surgery it were they both robotic? I am up for the former in a couple ...Read more

Congratulations. On your way! Did either of your operations involve open heart surgery it were they both robotic? I am up for the former in a couple of months. Apprehensive.

Mark Caswell My aortic replacement was open heart (sternotomy) and mitral repair was robotic. Robotic recovery has ... Read more

Mark Caswell My aortic replacement was open heart (sternotomy) and mitral repair was robotic. Robotic recovery has definitely been easier and less painful.

I did the 2 operations at 2 different facilities with 2 different surgeons. Both were great and had great outcomes.

I can tell you the surgeries are hard but much worse in your head before. If you are comfortable with your decision of surgeon just go in with a positive outlook and you will do great.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2459 days ago

Mark Caswell reacted to this

Alice posted a note for Mark that says:

Congrats on your successful surgery. I had aortic stenosis and this past October was also at NYU Langone, surgeon Dr. Aubrey Galloway. Excellent hospital, ...Read more

Congrats on your successful surgery. I had aortic stenosis and this past October was also at NYU Langone, surgeon Dr. Aubrey Galloway. Excellent hospital, excellent surgeon. Hope you continue to do well.

Mark Caswell Agreed. Great surgeons and nurses. The post op care has been fantastic.

Hope you are doing well!

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2462 days ago

Mark Caswell reacted to this

Judy Shaw posted a note for Mark that says:

Thoughts and prayers be with you tomorrow.

Mark Caswell Thanks Judy!

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2465 days ago

A Survivor posted a note for Mark that says:

Mark, I didn'the do a good job on first post, don'the see it. I had minimally invasive procedure for mitral prolapse in February. It consists of eight ...Read more

Mark, I didn'the do a good job on first post, don'the see it. I had minimally invasive procedure for mitral prolapse in February. It consists of eight separate cuts. Along with the 3-inch pectoral muscle cut across. The first two months-, no drugs. This last month was tough as I'm flying solo. I have difficulties with my right side. Limited range of arm motion. Still hugging pillow. Tie my hair in a ponytail. Transferring laundry from washer to dryer. Weight limitation of 3 lb. Unable to unscrew fresh jar lids. Groceries. I can drive. Again best of luck! You can handle it. A Survivor.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2465 days ago

Mark Caswell reacted to this

A Survivor posted a note for Mark that says:

Mark, I forgot the fourth rib was broken during procedure. And one of the in case wires wouldn't come out. I have a momento and must remember to advise ...Read more

Mark, I forgot the fourth rib was broken during procedure. And one of the in case wires wouldn't come out. I have a momento and must remember to advise MRI tech!! From my view point, one sterumony scar and the rib cage's natural pressure is best. You've got this! Don't over think it. Again, all the best. See you at the next marathon.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2466 days ago

steve godbey posted a note for Mark that says:

Good luck Mark, be well.

Mark Caswell Thanks Steve!

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2473 days ago

Randy Hart posted a note for Mark that says:

Praying it all goes well, Mark.

Mark Caswell Thanks so much Randy.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2516 days ago

Susan posted a note for Mark that says:

Mark - The biggest reason I opted for minimally invasive vs. robotic was surgical time. I wanted a good result without increasing bypass and intubation time. ...Read more

Mark - The biggest reason I opted for minimally invasive vs. robotic was surgical time. I wanted a good result without increasing bypass and intubation time. Ironically, the person who talked me out of robotic was a surgeon who does many of these surgeries every year. He was very forthcoming about the risks associated with the extended duration of this method vs. others. It's an individual choice. Do your research and make the decision that's right for you. All the best!

Mark Caswell So helpful. My last was a sternotomy for aortic valve just 2 years ago so i am just glad i dont have ... Read more

Mark Caswell So helpful. My last was a sternotomy for aortic valve just 2 years ago so i am just glad i dont have to do that this go around.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

2523 days ago

Mark Caswell reacted to this

Susan posted a note for Mark that says:

Mark - I can't say enough about my MV repair surgeon, Dr. Scott Goldman, and the nurses on the second floor of Lankenau's Heart Pavilion just outside of Philadelphia. ...Read more

Mark - I can't say enough about my MV repair surgeon, Dr. Scott Goldman, and the nurses on the second floor of Lankenau's Heart Pavilion just outside of Philadelphia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaI9dUTRlm8

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair at Lankenau Medical Center

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaI9dUTRlm8

Dr. Scott Goldman and his team lead one of the most experienced mitral valve repair centers in the country, with superior patient outcomes. For more informat...

Mark Caswell Thank you so much.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

3324 days ago

1 person reacted to this

posted a note for Mark that says:

Mark, I totally get what your saying, just certain aspects of this procedure that freaks me out. Heart stopped and similar!!

Mark Caswell Totally understand. I had the same fears. You'll be asleep when your heart stops so you won't even kn ... Read more

Mark Caswell Totally understand. I had the same fears. You'll be asleep when your heart stops so you won't even know lol. People told me the same info and honestly you won't really understand until you are on the other side.

Hang in there and try to relax as much as possible.

Paul Doria I struggle with the how it's done and putting my life in others hands. I've had operations before bu ... Read more

Paul Doria I struggle with the how it's done and putting my life in others hands. I've had operations before but this is the main organ. It's just huge in my eyes

David Augustus When you find the right surgeon for you, the fear will go away. That was my experience.

Paul Doria I hope your right, see your post op pics look great

Wanda Mroz It is huge Paul. Very huge. That's a given. But I think when you do find the right person who will ... Read more

Wanda Mroz It is huge Paul. Very huge. That's a given. But I think when you do find the right person who will put you at ease that will help. IT did me. I so know how you feel.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

3324 days ago

posted a note for Mark that says:

Mark, I totally get what your saying, just certain aspects of this procedure that freaks me out. Heart stopped and similar!!

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

3332 days ago

Mark Caswell reacted to this

Rhonda Rawles posted a note for Mark that says:

Just wanted to wish you well as you join the rest of us on the other side this week. Getting the surgery behind you will be a relief and then you can focus ...Read more

Just wanted to wish you well as you join the rest of us on the other side this week. Getting the surgery behind you will be a relief and then you can focus on recovering. Try to have a relaxing weekend with your family and stay busy to pass the time.

Mark Caswell Thanks for the great message. Doing my best to relax. Easier said than done.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

3333 days ago

Mark Caswell reacted to this

Enrique K posted a note for Mark that says:

Many blessings on your operation Mark, be sure you will be as good as new very soon and so you will able to do the things you like the most with a mended heart. ...Read more

Many blessings on your operation Mark, be sure you will be as good as new very soon and so you will able to do the things you like the most with a mended heart.

Mark Caswell Thanks Enrique. Much appreciated.

Mark Caswellgot a new guestbook post

3334 days ago

Emily Rowley reacted to this

Patricia Garcia posted a note for Mark that says:

Hi Mark, I want to tell you that January 12, 2016 will be one year since my valve surgery. This year has flew by and now I am reading other stories on here. ...Read more

Hi Mark, I want to tell you that January 12, 2016 will be one year since my valve surgery. This year has flew by and now I am reading other stories on here. I am a third time heart surgery survivor and I am back doing the same things I did before I had my last surgery. It is a scary time filled with so much uncertainty and really the worst part of it is the time before surgery. The waiting is a tremendous torture on our minds and this is really hard to deal with at times, but time can be such a great thing as this day will come and go. This will be nothing but a memory and you will also be up here giving advice to people waiting for surgery.