Michael's Guestbook

Michael-Just trudging along(and while you are trudging I bet you are dealing with a lot of emotions, sorting them out as you go and it isn't the worst way to get ready for your surgery as it sounds a little less anxious than most here in our community. Speaking of community you have already had some great people reach out to support you and each one has their own unique experience and have helped countless heart brothers and sisters including me with questions and support both prior and after the surgery while recovering. I hope you will continue to reach out as it will make this time go faster and make you able to get "forward to feeling good" as you mentioned in your post. I am going to add that I lost my older brother "Eddie" suddenly at the age of 41 so I know that this isn't the best time to have to deal with all of those feelings right now and I am very sorry for your loss. I would like to suggest even though your load is heavy with his passing that you think about something that I chose to do with my Brothers loss. Every time you think of what you are going to undergo at the time of surgery...think of the gift of extension of life that you have been blessed to receive at this time-that you are up for it-will make it- and you will take a piece of this mended heart(that is broken in more ways than some) and think of how you can honor your Brother by living this life full, with gratitude and know that within your heart your Brother resides within you for all time. It might be this love and this loss that gets you over the hardest moments and lifts you up to meet all of the new, healthier heart filled days you will be given once this mending takes place. I wish you a smooth surgery and that you go in with confidence in the team of people who will do right by you. Know we are all here for you in the community and look forward to time healing in your new recliner and gathering your strength while healing and making plans for your future. I look forward to reading as your journey continues Heart Brother. Bless you and your Family.

Hi Michael, I just read your story and want to tell you I'm so sorry about the loss of your brother. You and your family will be in my prayers. I had my BAV replaced with a bovine tissue valve and also had an aortic root enlargement with a Dacron patch. My surgery was 7 months ago and I've done really well. If I can help answer any questions you may have concerning surgery or recovery, I will be glad to do so. Prayers and best wishes, Tammy

Hi Michael, I'm sorry for the loss of your brother, and glad you are taking care of yourself. These stupid valves of ours ought to come with a better warranty than open heart surgery, don't you think? :) I grew up in Penn Yan, we'll be up there next week visiting from Florida. I'm 43 now, and my surgery was March 2014. I'm back better than ever. My friend was flown to Strong after a crash, and he recovered from a TBI there. My husband and I both agree that URMC is the BEST place to be in that area! I understand your pre-op anxiety, I remember it well. I found the waiting to be the most difficult hurdle. Thanks to all the stuff they pumped in to me during surgery and the 36 hours after, I don't remember a whole lot other than it seemed very surreal. I"m gonna follow you. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have! -Meredith