JOHN DANGELO - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

19 days ago

Surgery date is set! Ross Procedure on April 29, at USC with Dr. Starnes. I'm nervous, but ready! Any tips for recovery?

Jessica F For me, one of the most helpful tools of my recovery after my surgery was a stuffed animal. Maybe a b ... Read more

Jessica F For me, one of the most helpful tools of my recovery after my surgery was a stuffed animal. Maybe a bit silly, but it was both psychological and physical! I often felt tension in my chest during the healing process, maybe due to anxious thoughts or maybe just a part of my body recovering. Gently pressing a lightweight stuffed animal against it really helped ease the tension I held there. Best of luck in the final stretch!

Marie Myers I would do some daily stretching to get ready for your surgery. My upper back and shoulders bothered ... Read more

Marie Myers I would do some daily stretching to get ready for your surgery. My upper back and shoulders bothered me more than my chest. Some good preop stretching might help. And prepare to be patient with yourself and your recovery.

Darrell Malone Hello. I think for me it is listen to your body. Don't compare your progress with others. We all heal ... Read more

Darrell Malone Hello. I think for me it is listen to your body. Don't compare your progress with others. We all heal different. All the best. My recliner chair was helpful though.

J Alexander Lassally Recliner at your home ready for sleeping and resting. Paramount...

JOHN DANGELO What type of Recliner! We have purchased one to feed our daughter, could that work?

Darrell Malone @John i just got a basic power recliner nothing to fancy (some are fancy however) it also can lift me ... Read more

Darrell Malone @John i just got a basic power recliner nothing to fancy (some are fancy however) it also can lift me up so I can stand so i didn't need to use my arms, that was very helpful while my sternum healed. I picked one from my local furniture/appliance store.

J Alexander Lassally Hi John - Well, I rented one from a medical supply store - They have big and cushy ones with electric ... Read more

J Alexander Lassally Hi John - Well, I rented one from a medical supply store - They have big and cushy ones with electric recline features. You will need an electric control panel to bring it back and forward. Think of it like this: the bigger and more cushy and grandpa like it is, the better!!! I rented mine for several hundred dollars - best money I ever spent in the recovery.

JOHN DANGELOposted an update

65 days ago

Robert Miller, Pamela Gregory, Darrell Malone reacted to this

Hi y'all!
My name is John D'Angelo. My story started 33 years ago when doctors noticed I was struggling to breathe after birth. See, I was trouble since ...Read more

Hi y'all!
My name is John D'Angelo. My story started 33 years ago when doctors noticed I was struggling to breathe after birth. See, I was trouble since day one!!!! Before the age of 2 I had two heart surgeries to help with my BAV and aorta arch. Thankfully, everything went well! Here we are 33 years later and I'll be needing my aorta valve replaced. While very scared, I am confident. I'm looking to get a Ross Procedure done in the month of April either at USC with Dr. Starnes or at UCLA with Dr. Si.

Andrew Dial Ross is a fantastic option! I had mine 2.5 years ago at the age of 33, and very happy with the decisi ... Read more

Andrew Dial Ross is a fantastic option! I had mine 2.5 years ago at the age of 33, and very happy with the decision.

Michael Ponzio Best wishes I hope all works out well and you get the Ross procedure. I’m scheduled March 19 for su ... Read more

Michael Ponzio Best wishes I hope all works out well and you get the Ross procedure. I’m scheduled March 19 for surgery. God willing I am a candidate.