Guestbook of Mike McKenna

My Guestbook

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

506 days ago

Grace Mason posted a note for Mike that says:

Just checking in with you Mike since you had your thorocentesis. Have you had good results, with no additional fluid buildup or are they still monitoring it?
Wishing ...Read more

Just checking in with you Mike since you had your thorocentesis. Have you had good results, with no additional fluid buildup or are they still monitoring it?
Wishing you all the best in your recovery.

Mike McKenna Hi Grace! No other problems after the thoracentesis thankfully. It was amazing how much better I co ... Read more

Mike McKenna Hi Grace! No other problems after the thoracentesis thankfully. It was amazing how much better I could breathe after 800 ml drained. I would say that at 10 ish weeks, I'm 95-98%. Will finish up cardiac rehab at 12 weeks to celebrate. I did have to get my carvedilol dosage cut in half as I felt over medicated and dizzy when working out and pushing myself.

Grace Mason That is wonderful news, Mike. Love hearing this❤️ I hope to feel 95% at 10 weeks!! I am starting ... Read more

Grace Mason That is wonderful news, Mike. Love hearing this❤️ I hope to feel 95% at 10 weeks!! I am starting rehab in a couple days 👍

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

538 days ago

Roz Kubek posted a note for Mike that says:

Wonderful Mike!

Ana Brusso Hello Mike, welcome to recovery ❤️‍🩹

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

582 days ago

Rose Madura reacted to this

Ruth joy posted a note for Mike that says:

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

Grace Mason 🫶🙌🏻 heart high five for you Mike, sleep then conquer ❤️‍🩹

Ana Brusso Mike, Lifting you up in prayer for a successful surgery tomorrow. God bless you

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

582 days ago

Luke Rodriguez posted a note for Mike that says:

I have been right where you are and you will survive this and come out better on the other end. It sucks...embrace it. Everyone says take it easy.....good ...Read more

I have been right where you are and you will survive this and come out better on the other end. It sucks...embrace it. Everyone says take it easy.....good advice....take it easy and allow time to heal. I started back at the gym after 5 months and everything hurt, a lot. But now, a little over a year later I am doing better than I was doing before surgery even though I had mild symptoms. I hit the gym 5 days a week and feeling great. I got everything artificial because I didnt want to repeat this, and, I am relatively young, 58 yrs old.

What struck me about your story is you were pissed off at this......me too.....I use that anger every day. I walk by a mirror now and see the scar it makes me even more pissed. But I am a better man physically, mentally and spiritually now than I was prior. I don't live in constant anger....I am happy and love life....but I still think....WTF sometimes.

Best wishes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.

Mike McKenna Thank you, Luke. I appreciate the words of advice. No long wtf, just get it done and live until I'm ... Read more

Mike McKenna Thank you, Luke. I appreciate the words of advice. No long wtf, just get it done and live until I'm 90 :) ... I'm 53 now.

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

583 days ago

Justin Bendell posted a note for Mike that says:

Good luck on the 16th. Soon it'll be in the rear view!

Mike McKenna Thanks, Justin!

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

583 days ago

Andrew Dial posted a note for Mike that says:

Couple more days! You are gonna do amazing!

Mike McKenna Thank you, Andrew!

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

583 days ago

Valerie Allen posted a note for Mike that says:

We’ll be thinking of you, Mike. Good luck on your upcoming surgery.

Mike McKenna Thank you, Valerie!

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

593 days ago

Steven Weber posted a note for Mike that says:

Hi Mike, I became part bovine about 10 weeks ago. I'm wishing you all the best. This can be a stressful time for you. This website helped me gain the courage ...Read more

Hi Mike, I became part bovine about 10 weeks ago. I'm wishing you all the best. This can be a stressful time for you. This website helped me gain the courage and confidence to face this very similar surgery. Lean on this community, there's so many people that understand where you are right now and want to be helpful. We're out here for you!

Mike McKenna Thank you, Steven. I truly appreciate you sharing your story. It's definitely been a journey for a ... Read more

Mike McKenna Thank you, Steven. I truly appreciate you sharing your story. It's definitely been a journey for a little over a year. I do have moments of being nervous but know that I am in great hands with my surgeon and his team. Love that guy! He's very personal and caring. I'm ready to get it done and continue living life! This community has been awesome!

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

595 days ago

Jay Heagerty posted a note for Mike that says:

Mike, I had a bicuspid aortic valve replacement and an ascending aortic aneurysm resection two years ago on August 23rd. I am doing great post surgery ...Read more

Mike, I had a bicuspid aortic valve replacement and an ascending aortic aneurysm resection two years ago on August 23rd. I am doing great post surgery and continue to enjoy an active lifestyle. Just wanted to wish you luck with your upcoming procedure and the healing on the other side of surgery. I found a lounge chair the most comfortable post surgery. Also, walk as much as possible after surgery it goes a long way in the healing process. Best of luck for a positive outcome.

Jay Heagerty

Mike McKenna Thank you for sharing. I'm planning on getting back to my active lifestyle as soon as possible after ... Read more

Mike McKenna Thank you for sharing. I'm planning on getting back to my active lifestyle as soon as possible after surgery! I don't have a lounge chair but did buy a wedge pillow. If needed, I can always buy one and get it delivered after.

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

643 days ago

Roselyn Kubek posted a note for Mike that says:

Been on the same side you are on Mike- bicuspid aortic, stenosis, etc. I’m now I am two years post open heart valve replacement, feeling terrific: a ...Read more

Been on the same side you are on Mike- bicuspid aortic, stenosis, etc. I’m now I am two years post open heart valve replacement, feeling terrific: a once a day baby aspirin, yearly cardiology visit and thin foot long scar are the only reminders that it happened.

Let us know if you have any questions- This is a great place for support and info.

Wishing you the best of luck! See you on the other side.

Mike McKenna Hi Roselyn, thank you for the encouraging words!

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

644 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Mike that says:

Hi Mike ,
Welcome

Ana Brusso Welcome Mike, glad you found your surgeon here on our website. I found mine here too. We will be here ... Read more

Ana Brusso Welcome Mike, glad you found your surgeon here on our website. I found mine here too. We will be here to answer any questions you may have and will support you through your surgery journey, just ask. God bless you

Mike McKenna Thanks Ruth! Right now just processing that I will be having surgery. Kind of like a happy it's gett ... Read more

Mike McKenna Thanks Ruth! Right now just processing that I will be having surgery. Kind of like a happy it's getting done / OMG

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

740 days ago

DeLois Tweedy posted a note for Mike that says:

Hi Mike,

Welcome! Interested in your story...you have found a great place here that will provide you with encouragement and information and cover you ...Read more

Hi Mike,

Welcome! Interested in your story...you have found a great place here that will provide you with encouragement and information and cover you with prayers.

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

740 days ago

Andrew Dial posted a note for Mike that says:

Welcome Mike, I’m interested to hear more of your story! -Andy

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

740 days ago

Mike posted a note for Mike that says:

Thanks Jason.

I initially found out I had a 4.7 TAA in July of 22. My 6 month showed 4.9. It was at a hospital where the first was an imaging center. ...Read more

Thanks Jason.

I initially found out I had a 4.7 TAA in July of 22. My 6 month showed 4.9. It was at a hospital where the first was an imaging center. Followup appointment with the surgeon on Monday. Little nervous.

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

741 days ago

Jason Hyrup posted a note for Mike that says:

Hi Mike.

Looks like you are in the BAV club (Bicuspid Aorta Valve). There is a lot of people with this defect.
I will be 52 in a few ...Read more

Hi Mike.

Looks like you are in the BAV club (Bicuspid Aorta Valve). There is a lot of people with this defect.
I will be 52 in a few more days and i to, need my BAV replaced, and my Adsending Aorta repaired.

Welcome Mike

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

741 days ago

Grace Mason reacted to this

Mike posted a note for Mike that says:

It is Nothing Bundt cake and one my favorites!!!

Shelly Hubbard Nothing Bundt cakes is the best!

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

741 days ago

Grace Mason posted a note for Mike that says:

Hi Mike,
Is that a Nothing Bundt cake in your photo?My favorite is the white raspberry

Mike McKennagot a new guestbook post

741 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Mike that says:

Hi Mike ,
Welcome

Upcoming Surgeries

Jon Oletzke
Tricuspid Regurgitation
March 31, 2025

Matthew Banta
Aortic Regurgitation
April 1, 2025

Tammy Gonzalez
Aortic Regurgitation
April 2, 2025

The Patient's Guide

This book has helped over 47,000 patients and caregivers from diagnosis to recovery.

Patient's Guide

HOME

ABOUT US

COMMUNITY

LEARNING CENTER

DOCTOR FINDER

HEART HOSPITALS

VIDEOS

ADAM'S BLOG

NEWSLETTER

STORE

CONTACT

JOIN US

SIGN IN

Mike's Guestbook

Mike's Guestbook

Upcoming Surgeries

The Patient's Guide

Surgeon Spotlight