Herman's Photos

Herman Kanter  I am doing GREAT! Aortic valve replacement surgery on Sept 13, 2019 at age 55. Since the surgery (& cardiac rehab) I managed to lose 55lbs. It's a lot easier to run, step, and cycle without having to catch my breath every 2 minutes. Happy to answer any questions on FB. Adam and HeartValveSurgery.com are The BEST. Regards, Hermanzo

Herman Kanter  My story begins on July 11, 2019 when I received the surprise diagnosis of severe AVR. September 13, 2019, the day of my aortic valve replacement surgery -- my story's climax. It was a fascinating experience. I recall being wheeled into the OR, I saw my surgeon and his team on one side of the room. I observed a lot of complex equipment and I asked about the Heart & Lung Machine and I was told that this machine is wheeled in later. I was transferred onto the operating table and the anesthesiologist said I am going to have you breath in some oxygen and here comes the (I forget what he said). I felt a cold sensation around the back of my head. I think I may have attempted to count backwards and reached "94". The next thing I remember is waking up with a tube in my throat doing my breathing. For a second or two, I then recalled what I was waking from and where. I don’t recall immediately seeing anything but, I recall hearing something about the breathing tube and something about “ Acidosis”. The next memory was someone saying, Mr. Kanter give us one cough and I felt the removal of the breathing tube. I was expecting to awake to a lot of discomfort but, it was alright. The people were great! I kinda took the whole thing in stride and made it a lifetime educational experience.

Susan Lynn  Herman - Excellent information for those in the waiting room. I remember some of the same experiences, but I was out in the OR way before '94'. Hope you're progressing every day! Great adventures ahead!

Nicole DuPont  Best to you for your recovery. You did a great job remembering those details. I remember the “give us a cough” line too when they pulled out the breathing tube. Overall, the experience is just like you say it is. You’re being taken care of every step of the way.

Herman Kanter  WOW! That was quite an experience. Surgery started on time Friday, Sept 13, 8:30AM. I was in recovery by 1:05PM and the breathing tube was removed at 4:05PM. I had the ON-X aortic valve prosthesis installed. Everything went as planned. I was moved to a room with monitoring the following morning. I experienced a brief episode of A-Fib which was remedied with an IV drug. No need for any narcotic strength pain medication after Friday which was good. Up and walking the next day. Excellent care staff at The Mayo Clinic/St. Marys Hospital. I followed all instructions and I was released from the hospital on Day 5. My surgeon was very pleased with the outcome and my progress. I had requested that he get some pictures of my heart and the valve which I can share in personal email requests from anyone who is interested – fascinating stuff. I actually lost 11 lbs in what I think was water weight collected over time as a result of the aortic valve insufficiency. Post-operative Echocardiogram and x-rays look good. I will have my INR checked again tomorrow. Having my family with me helped a lot, knowing what to expect was much appreciated, and a sense of humor, patience, and a faith and trust in the professionals all made this well, not fun but, as good as possible.

Herman Kanter  Greetings! On Friday the 13th, I will be undergoing open heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. This is a remarkable place and I am in very good hands. We were here 40 years ago when my mom had her heart's Aortic Valve replaced.

Apparently, heart valve disease can be insidious with subtle symptoms spanning several years.

I have to say that this is going to be one of my most intense experiences. Things are about to get REAL and I am ready to face this.

Here is some levity: I don't believe in superstitious stuff and just to have some fun, I found this ONYX black cat crossing
my path under a ladder. Well, not really. I named the cat "On-X" after the name of the ingenious mechanical heart valve which will add years to my life. However, unlike a real kitty, I won't awake to it kneading on my chest which will be good :-)

Thanks to Adam Pick's helpful book, "The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery", all of my questions have been answered and
nothing will be On-X-pected!

Seriously, I appreciate everyone who has been a part of my amazing life.
I am blessed to have my wonderful and supportive family and friends.
May God bless all of you and all of the people who have devoted their lives to helping others.
I am looking forward to feeling much better.
Take care and best regards,
Hermonzo

Susan Lynn  All the best, Herman! You'll be through it before you know it. It's like a one minute nap and you'll be joining the recovery club! We'll be here to welcome you! ❤

Marie Myers  I would agree, heart surgery is a life-changing experience. You are in a great place, and I am sure you will do well!

tim miller  Best wishes and with your positive attitude going in you’ll be on the recovery side soon enough. Will keep you in our prayers

Tom McDonald  Herman,
Your in good hands at the "MAYO ". I also had my severely calcified BAV replaced there, by (Dr Pochettino). I have the ON-X valve also and hardley notice it, You will adapt pretty quickly to the daily blood thinner regimen and periodic INR blood checks. Not a big deal, really! All the best in the days ahead and into your recovery, you are going to do great! Remember your going to one of the best medical facilities in the country. You wont be disappointed. Peace to you!

Joey Hardee  What a great place to have your procedure. You'll do great and I will be praying for your quick and smooth recovery. Please update when you feel up to it on the recovery side!

Marjorie Murphy  I had both of my OHS done at Mayo in Rochester. 1st one was mirtal valve repair in 2005. Second was aortic & mitral valve replacement in 2018.
Great place. I had full confidence in my surgeon and the post op care.
Wishing you an uneventful recovery!

leslie terjesen  Best wishes but what place could be better than where you are going. You'll be on the road to recovery before you know it. Keep up the good thoughts; I went in knowing all would be allright and it was and I was home and no time and doing great! You will too!

Adam Pick  Herman, My thoughts and prayers are with you! You and your new On-X valve will do great today and for years to come. Also, thanks for the kind words about my book and this website. You just made my day! Looking forward to your next update from the "other side". You got this Herman!

Dinedh kapoor  Great. All the very best. U agree valve replacement makes a new healthy chapter in one's life. Prabhu accha hi karega

  Just read this Hermonzo, by now you probably are out of surgery and doing great. My turn will come next month and I am looking forward to it and as my surgeon said I will feel so much better. Not that I have had too many symptoms but as you said this valve disease is insidious and is better to take care of it while you can. Write when you wake up and let us know how you feel. God bless you and glad you have good family and friends

Kay Swain  Take one day at a time after surgery and don’t worry about meeting “weekly” milestones. Your heart is in control, just follow its lead. I’m 11 weeks out and have been in rehab 2 weeks. It’s still a new and challenging experience. Before surgery I was a 69 yr old gym rat, strength training 3x a week and spinning 3x. I have been humbled. Good luck and God bless.

jackie Taylor  After 18 months I am most appreciative of the surgeon and staff that made my life possible today. There are many cheering for you.

Fathiya Nasser Said   My best wishes comes late as I have recently joined in but I guess we will always need it. Please tell us how you have been since the surgery.