Guestbook of Sue Maize

My Guestbook

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

15 days ago

Valerie Allen posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue! I saw your comment on my update and was hoping to get an update from you! 💕

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

55 days ago

Rose Madura, Kathy Ozio, Sue Maize reacted to this

Richard Munson posted a note for Sue that says:

To the cat lady

Pamela Gregory That's the truth!

Richard Munson I just got a similar i have to go bad wake up call from my main squeeze shadow at 4:30 am. I learned ... Read more

Richard Munson I just got a similar i have to go bad wake up call from my main squeeze shadow at 4:30 am. I learned over the years when they speak i listen. Beats an accident on the rug every time.

Debra Sciranka That is so true about cats!

Sue Maize Multiply by 3 and there’s no peace after 6am! 😅….my friend just asked if I wanted a fourth! Te ... Read more

Sue Maize Multiply by 3 and there’s no peace after 6am! 😅….my friend just asked if I wanted a fourth! Tempting, but no thanks! 😹😹😹

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

89 days ago

Sher Follett posted a note for Sue that says:

HI Sue, hope you are doing great! I have been following you but knew you needed some time post surgery. You give me so much hope! I know you are from Toronto ...Read more

HI Sue, hope you are doing great! I have been following you but knew you needed some time post surgery. You give me so much hope! I know you are from Toronto and I live outside of Calgary. If you're up to it, you had indicated in your story that you got some additional opinions and also you commented on that when I posted my story. I wondered if your second opinions were from doctors in Canada and the US or just Canada. I am getting a second opinion October 2, 2024 in Calgary and I have been trying to get a second opinion from a doctor in Chicago (was a presenter on Adam's site) but have been finding it hard to get imaging etc from our Canadian medical side into the US side. I gave all hard copies but they want to see actual imaging. I have another CT Scan October 29th so am hoping they send directly to the US for me. I just want to get a couple of other opinions before I make my decision. It makes me so happy to here that you are doing okay! Happy healing to you !

Sue Maize Hi Sher! Thanks for your message—I’m doing well, thank you! Happy to hear that any of my posts ma ... Read more

Sue Maize Hi Sher! Thanks for your message—I’m doing well, thank you! Happy to hear that any of my posts may have encouraged you—we certainly benefit from others who’ve “been there”.

I sought opinions from only 2 surgeons in Canada (Toronto and Kitchener) but that was because I was initially wanting to have the Ross procedure. In the end, I didn’t have it because it would have been too dangerous in addition to other surgical procedures I needed. There are many great surgeons here in Canada and, to my knowledge, your provincial health insurance will likely not cover something in the US that is already offered here—ask your cardiologist because healthcare may differ from province to province. Otherwise, out of pocket, that’s a lot of $$$. I hope you get the answers you need for your peace of mind and best possible outcome! ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

102 days ago

Kimberly Eisenhut reacted to this

Richard Munson posted a note for Sue that says:

Shadow is a sled dog thru and thru but the canadian tundra might be a bit much for our spoiled little guy as he lays on the bed while i write this with head ...Read more

Shadow is a sled dog thru and thru but the canadian tundra might be a bit much for our spoiled little guy as he lays on the bed while i write this with head on pillow.

Sue Maize Awww Shadow! 💕

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

102 days ago

Antonia posted a note for Sue that says:

Sorry...are recovering

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

102 days ago

Antonia posted a note for Sue that says:

Hope you ate recovering well from your surgery and that you have bien helped by friends.

Sue Maize It’s a slow and steady process but yes I am. Thanks for your message Antonia. 💕

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

102 days ago

John Romanous posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue

I just read your story. I hope youre doing well post surgery.

Sue Maize Thank you John! I haven’t bounced back as well as you have it would seem, but recovery on the whole ... Read more

Sue Maize Thank you John! I haven’t bounced back as well as you have it would seem, but recovery on the whole is going well. You seem to be doing really well—good for you and may it continue. 🙏🏻❤️‍🩹

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

102 days ago

Liza Pickles posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue,

I just came upon your story. I have been diagnosed last year with a rheumatic heart valve involving my mitral valve.

I have ...Read more

Hi Sue,

I just came upon your story. I have been diagnosed last year with a rheumatic heart valve involving my mitral valve.

I have a mitral valve regulation which my cardiologist is following.

Glad to hear that all went well with you.

I live in Napanee, ontario and was wondering which hospital did your surgery. Who was your cardiologist?

Sue Maize Hi Liza, thanks for your note! So glad you found this community—these folks have been indispensable ... Read more

Sue Maize Hi Liza, thanks for your note! So glad you found this community—these folks have been indispensable to me on this journey. ❤️‍🩹

My surgery was done at Toronto General by an excellent surgeon named Maral Ouzounian—her whole team was amazing and mine was not an easy one. Entrusting myself to her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. God bless you and please be sure to reach out if you have any questions! ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

103 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Sue that says:

Dear Sue .
It ‘s always good to celebrate life !!! 😊
Fab photos !
Make the most of every day xxx

Sue Maize Absolutely Ruth! ❤️

Valerie Allen Sue, I so enjoyed the photos too! Your heart sisters and brother there with you in spirit! 💕

Sue Maize Thank you so much heart sister! ❤️

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

105 days ago

Valerie Allen posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue, I miss your posts and am just checking in. How are you doing?

Sue Maize Aww Valerie—that’s so kind of you—bless you. 🥰 I am doing well, just had a very busy weekend ... Read more

Sue Maize Aww Valerie—that’s so kind of you—bless you. 🥰 I am doing well, just had a very busy weekend and I’m still battling fatigue and experiencing what I describe as small heart tremors—sometimes it looks like my chest is actually moving but it may be an optical illusion too, who knows? Recovery is quirky. I haven’t been online as much lately but I love to check in and follow the news feed. How are you doing these days? You always seem to be recovering well, but I sometimes wonder what’s happening with folks between posts. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻 Recovery is not a straight line I’m finding.

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

130 days ago

Ruth joy posted a note for Sue that says:

Great news Sue

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

146 days ago

Brian Hogan posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue I had open heart surgery April 3 @ Mass General and they did an outstanding job!I now use vitamin E oil on it daily and it’s barely noticeable! As ...Read more

Hi Sue I had open heart surgery April 3 @ Mass General and they did an outstanding job!I now use vitamin E oil on it daily and it’s barely noticeable! As far as the surgery they repaired a mitral valve prolapse and a double bypass graft, thankfully my doctor sent me for a second opinion ! Mass General is top shelf!

Richard Munson I echo brians sentiments about the mass general experience assuming its the one in boston. They treat ... Read more

Richard Munson I echo brians sentiments about the mass general experience assuming its the one in boston. They treated me right. Wish it was easier to get to.

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

152 days ago

Rose Pearlstein posted a note for Sue that says:

7:21:2024

Sue, hopefully, your scar is the least of your concern.

The good health of your heart is what matters.

And yes, it fades ...Read more

7:21:2024

Sue, hopefully, your scar is the least of your concern.

The good health of your heart is what matters.

And yes, it fades out overtime.

Bless you.

Rose

Sue Maize Thank you Rose—yes 100%! I was only concerned that it was healing properly, not what it looked like ... Read more

Sue Maize Thank you Rose—yes 100%! I was only concerned that it was healing properly, not what it looked like for vanity reasons. 😍

Suzette Schear It took about 4 to 5 months and it’s a fine scar the only part for me is on the bottom where the dr ... Read more

Suzette Schear It took about 4 to 5 months and it’s a fine scar the only part for me is on the bottom where the drains were they are a little darker

Suzette Schear Here’s what it look like now

Sue Maize Amazing healing Suzette!

Suzette Schear I didn’t use anything on it.

Valerie Allen I wasn’t told to use anything on it either. Mine’s redder than yours but I’m at 3 months post-o ... Read more

Valerie Allen I wasn’t told to use anything on it either. Mine’s redder than yours but I’m at 3 months post-op.

Sue Maize My family doctor advised I put Vaseline and then silicone strips later.

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

154 days ago

Sue Maize reacted to this

Donnie posted a note for Sue that says:

My valve was replaced June 10 2024 as well. My scar is red and my recovery is going well. I'm hoping to be back to my job August 8.👍

Sue Maize May you continue to recover well Donnie! I hope your job isn’t too physically strenuous—I couldn� ... Read more

Sue Maize May you continue to recover well Donnie! I hope your job isn’t too physically strenuous—I couldn’t imagine returning to work tmrw! Blessings! ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

154 days ago

Daneen Douglas reacted to this

Jo Ann posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue. WalMart sells a Fruit of the Earth vitamin E skin care cream. It comes in a white plastic 4 ounce jar. Just apply it every day after you take a... Read more

Hi Sue. WalMart sells a Fruit of the Earth vitamin E skin care cream. It comes in a white plastic 4 ounce jar. Just apply it every day after you take a shower I've been using it for almost a year and my scar is the color of my skin. It's also minimizes development of a keloid.

Sue Maize Thanks so much for the tip Jo Ann! My gp suggested Vaseline for now but I know a lot of people have h ... Read more

Sue Maize Thanks so much for the tip Jo Ann! My gp suggested Vaseline for now but I know a lot of people have had good luck with the Vit E cream. I will keep an eye out for this one next time I’m in Walmart. 😊

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Sue Maize reacted to this

Ed Rancourt posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue, I never dared to look! Now, 2 years later it is most certainly not red. Be well...

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Sue Maize, Grace Mason reacted to this

Nicholas waring posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi sue

Wear it with pride. Who needs a tattoo? My scar is still red-ish since feb '20. It's a scar afterall, and great to be alive.

Richard Munson Now i’m getting jealous with all this scar talk. I got this measly little minimally invasive scar. ... Read more

Richard Munson Now i’m getting jealous with all this scar talk. I got this measly little minimally invasive scar. I might get a scar tattoo in the middle of my chest.

Sue Maize 😂😂😂

Deena Z

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Sue Maize reacted to this

Emma Buchanan posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue, it will fade over time and it is healing nicely. Some people get tattooed and we get a lifeline marking. It reminds us everyday to count our blessings ...Read more

Sue, it will fade over time and it is healing nicely. Some people get tattooed and we get a lifeline marking. It reminds us everyday to count our blessings to be alive and help others going through the same health experiences. It will lighten up.

Karen Hommel My scar is over 8 inches long, healed quickly. It reminds me that i am a valve warrior. My husband ke ... Read more

Karen Hommel My scar is over 8 inches long, healed quickly. It reminds me that i am a valve warrior. My husband keeps asking me to stop showing it to people, but I can’t help myself lol. ❤️

Marie Myers At 7 years, my scar is hardly noticeable! It is just a thin, pale line…Give it time!

Christine Maiorano Hi Sue ,my surgery was 4-10-24 and my scar is healing beautifully. Plus I'm kind of proud I'm a true ... Read more

Christine Maiorano Hi Sue ,my surgery was 4-10-24 and my scar is healing beautifully. Plus I'm kind of proud I'm a true warrior.My incision is called an Evening Gown scar, about 8 inches long.😊

Daneen Douglas Mine is redder below the part that shows. I thought it would be reversed but I have been endowed whi ... Read more

Daneen Douglas Mine is redder below the part that shows. I thought it would be reversed but I have been endowed which probably makes that lower area under a little more strain, lol!🤣🤪 Vitamin e oil is helping though! I’m proud of my scar too! My husband says he likes my scar which is cute!

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Sue Maize reacted to this

Agi Dunec posted a note for Sue that says:

It’s very normal. I had the same very skilled
surgeon in October 2020. My incision healed beautifully. Do not worry give it time.
The most important ...Read more

It’s very normal. I had the same very skilled
surgeon in October 2020. My incision healed beautifully. Do not worry give it time.
The most important is that u are improving each day. Listen to your body and advocate for yourself. Good luck and speedy recovery .Sending u virtual hugs.Agi

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Scott Smith posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue,

Saw your photo and question. 5 weeks I bet is completely normal for redness in a surgical incision of that magnitude.

Other than signs ...Read more

Sue,

Saw your photo and question. 5 weeks I bet is completely normal for redness in a surgical incision of that magnitude.

Other than signs of skin infection, healing deep tissue scars normally show red like yours in my experience. Obviously ask your surgeon or cardiologist if it really worries you. Mine was red for probably 15 weeks or so before it started fading to plain 'skin' color.

For me, Aortic Stenosis remedied with a bovine valve on Sept 27 2023. Progressed from minor to severe stenosis in less than four years, which troubles me still.
My valve seems to be working great, my resting heart rate seems to be coming down with greater activity, plus I live in the Hot Central Valley of CA, which means I lose weight in summer just by sweating.

Good luck to your ongoing recovery, every day I am reminded I was really fortunate to wake up in ICU and see my wife there. It's definitely a new day for us.... something to be joyful of for sure!

Sue Maize You’re so right about our good fortune Scott—it’s quite an experience to feel so acutely aware ... Read more

Sue Maize You’re so right about our good fortune Scott—it’s quite an experience to feel so acutely aware of your own mortality, but to then go on to live a better and healthier life! Wow, such a gift! Thanks for responding and prayers for even better days ahead. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻 P.S. Stay well hydrated!! 💦 😉

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Adam Pick, Sue Maize, Doug Fults reacted to this

Joan Lyons posted a note for Sue that says:

We have badges of success....scars are for others, we're warriors. YOU are doing great

Adam Pick Love this Joan!!!

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Sue Maize reacted to this

Sarah posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue,
yes, my open heart mitral repair scar was red for several months. But it became minimal after about 6-8 months.
I seldom notice ...Read more

Hi Sue,
yes, my open heart mitral repair scar was red for several months. But it became minimal after about 6-8 months.
I seldom notice it now (3 years later) and no one else seems to even realize it’s a scar.

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Sue Maize reacted to this

Ana K posted a note for Sue that says:

Hi Sue, I mean to message you earlier and ask how your Ross went, but I saw your update and realized you ended up not getting the Ross procedure after all. ...Read more

Hi Sue, I mean to message you earlier and ask how your Ross went, but I saw your update and realized you ended up not getting the Ross procedure after all.
Just wanted to say hi and wish you a speedy recovery :)

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Sue Maize reacted to this

James Conway posted a note for Sue that says:

Sue my very best wishes.

I am saying this honestly your scar looks good.

Iam a man and this is a sensitive issue for ladies, but this will fade ...Read more

Sue my very best wishes.

I am saying this honestly your scar looks good.

Iam a man and this is a sensitive issue for ladies, but this will fade dramatically within 12 months.

Be grateful for every single day,4 years after my op i am.

Sue Maizegot a new guestbook post

155 days ago

Sue Maize reacted to this

Sandra Graham posted a note for Sue that says:

My scar was red at first, but eventually faded. It has been nearly 30 years since my valve replacement. My scar is not noticeable.

Upcoming Surgeries

Debra Ruder
Aortic Regurgitation
January 3, 2025

Douglas Merten
Mitral Regurgitation
January 7, 2025

Erin Bolanos
Mitral Regurgitation
January 7, 2025

Surgeon Finder

Find and research over 1,500 patient-recommended heart valve surgeons.

Search Now

HOME

ABOUT US

COMMUNITY

LEARNING CENTER

DOCTOR FINDER

HEART HOSPITALS

VIDEOS

ADAM'S BLOG

NEWSLETTER

STORE

CONTACT

JOIN US

SIGN IN

Sue's Guestbook

Sue's Guestbook

Upcoming Surgeries

Surgeon Finder

Heart Valve Hospitals