Mark Buttell - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

327 days ago

Valerie Allen, Adam Pick, Pamela Gregory and 3 others reacted to this

It’s been quite a while since I have hopped on to see all you heart Warriors! It has been a very busy past few months gearing up for our annual Christmas ...Read more

It’s been quite a while since I have hopped on to see all you heart Warriors! It has been a very busy past few months gearing up for our annual Christmas Ring and Run event and also delivering to our recipients that were chosen by our small town communities within my Minnesota County I live in. This year we raised over 40k and knocked on 72 individuals or families to “cheer” them up for the holidays. I remember back in April about a week after I got home from my 4th open heart surgery. I looked at my wife still in pain from surgery and said to her I wonder why I pulled through this one. It’s been a lifelong disease from birth and this time both the tricuspid and pulmonary valves were replaced. As we sat there, I looked over at her and said “I don’t think my mission is over” and she thought the same thing. Eleven years since my finding of this organization all because of this disease and a vision to let folks make someone’s day,minute or hour that has faced tragedy such as heart,cancer,parkinsons or other diseases and sadly maybe the loss of a loved one during the Christmas time of year. So all of you who are still yet facing the anxiety and wait of a valve replacement your mission is not over. Stay the path and let the miracle workers do their thing and have faith above all that you are and have much more to do when you recover from your surgery. Merry Christmas to all and Blessings to you and your family during this wonderful time of year!

Valerie Allen Such a wonderful and uplifting note to all. Thank you, Mark.

Deena Z Merry Christmas, Mark.
Beautiful, inspiring post.

Pamela Gregory

You are very inspiring!!! Merry Christmas

Rose Madura Merry Christmas. Great post! 🎄

Ana Brusso Great Post Mark, God bless you. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year 2024❤️🙏👍� ... Read more

Ana Brusso Great Post Mark, God bless you. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year 2024❤️🙏👍🎊🎉👍

Jill Porter You are an inspiration!!

Kathy Ozio Beautiful! Merry Christmas!

Mark Buttellposted an update

543 days ago

Allen Carkner, Brady Busch, Susan Lynn and 1 other reacted to this

Well, just a bit over a month since my double valve replacement. The worst thing I did was compare my previous surgery off of this one. Maybe age had a thing ...Read more

Well, just a bit over a month since my double valve replacement. The worst thing I did was compare my previous surgery off of this one. Maybe age had a thing to do with my first three weeks post op? But when it truly came down to it I couldn’t stop thinking about my daughter and her surgery two years ago and what a champ she was with her HCM disease. As the shirt says “Faith is what keeps this heart beating!” Sometimes you have to let go and let God carry you through those most difficult times and he did. Blessings to all you heart champs! Keep the faith!

Ana Brusso Glad to hear from you. Yes Mark, it is all about faith in a God that is always there for us. God bles ... Read more

Ana Brusso Glad to hear from you. Yes Mark, it is all about faith in a God that is always there for us. God bless you both ✝️🙏❤️

Rose Madura Amen!

Pamela Gregory

Susan Lynn Beautiful photo! Sorry you and your daughter had to travel this road, but no doubt you served as i... Read more

Susan Lynn Beautiful photo! Sorry you and your daughter had to travel this road, but no doubt you served as inspirations for each other. No one can understand the journey of a heart warrior like another heart warrior! May you both enjoy a lifetime of good health!

Mark Buttellposted an update

572 days ago

Mark Buttell, Patsy Stewart, Kimberly Eisenhut and 2 others reacted to this

Hey all you heart champs! One more day and we are out of here! A replacement pulmonary valve and a brand new tricuspid valve and my 4th ICD installed today. ...Read more

Hey all you heart champs! One more day and we are out of here! A replacement pulmonary valve and a brand new tricuspid valve and my 4th ICD installed today. I am so very blessed and appreciate this group. As my congenital heart doctor said “You’re just getting started.” How true that is and now we can recover and write that next chapter. God Bless all of you.

DeLois Tweedy Wow! Sounds like you are feeling pretty good to have just had all that done. So glad for you. Take ca ... Read more

DeLois Tweedy Wow! Sounds like you are feeling pretty good to have just had all that done. So glad for you. Take care of yourself and let us know how it's going. God bless!

Ana Brusso Yes dear Mark, you are blessed. So glad your surgery went well and you are getting ready to go home t ... Read more

Ana Brusso Yes dear Mark, you are blessed. So glad your surgery went well and you are getting ready to go home tomorrow. God is amazing and loves us so much. Take it easy and listen to your body and be patient with yourself. God bless you and keep us posted on your progress. 🙏❤️✝️👍

Patsy Stewart Great news!! Sounds like they got you all fixed up and you're ready to start life anew. Praise God fo ... Read more

Patsy Stewart Great news!! Sounds like they got you all fixed up and you're ready to start life anew. Praise God for His wonderful blessings! I am wondering though....why 4 ICDs? Mercy!!

Rose Madura Wonderful news and update.

Susan Lynn Awesome news! There's no place like home!! 👠 👠

Kimberly Eisenhut I am also wondering why a 4th ICD? Were they not working? Glad you are doing well and on your way to ... Read more

Kimberly Eisenhut I am also wondering why a 4th ICD? Were they not working? Glad you are doing well and on your way to going home :)

David Carriker Wow. That is a lot! Glad you are doing so well already! I have surgery on May 25 to replace my Pulmo... Read more

David Carriker Wow. That is a lot! Glad you are doing so well already! I have surgery on May 25 to replace my Pulmonary valve and to repair my Tricuspid. It's my first OH since I was 5! I'm very worried but hopeful

Mark Buttellposted an update

587 days ago

Steven Methot, Pamela Gregory reacted to this

Good afternoon Heart Warriors. For those of you with a religious belief I am processing the "waiting" period of OHS and with the Easter week upon us gives ...Read more

Good afternoon Heart Warriors. For those of you with a religious belief I am processing the "waiting" period of OHS and with the Easter week upon us gives my perspective of "The Agony in the Garden" a whole new perspective and appreciation. However, his was much much larger scale knowing what he truly was going to go through for mankind. So as I wait it brings me deeper to reflect what sacrifice was given for all of us. I will offer up my next surgery and post op days to all who face their battles of OHS and other illnesses. You folks are an inspiration and a reflection of facing "mortality" but successfully "defeating the agony" for myself and so many to appreciate. Can't thank you enough. Have a Blessed Easter!

Rhodie Jacobson Well said...thank you. I am also thinking about where Holy Saturday fits in. That day was starkly aft ... Read more

Rhodie Jacobson Well said...thank you. I am also thinking about where Holy Saturday fits in. That day was starkly after the terrible Good Friday and, though it had been predicted, people just could not see Easter ahead. Looking back, we can see it as a waiting day but it didn't feel like that to faithful folks. Good things were ahead of Holy Saturday but people didn't/couldn't know that when they were in it.

DeLois Tweedy Mark, so beautifully and eloquently put. As you, I have a very strong faith. Easter is a very special ... Read more

DeLois Tweedy Mark, so beautifully and eloquently put. As you, I have a very strong faith. Easter is a very special time for reflection and gratefulness. As you contemplate your OHS, I have a bit different decision to contemplate. I am starting with a research team for clinical trials to see what may be the best for me for mitral valve replacement (maybe triscuspid repair). My heart issues stem from radiation treatments years back. I am high risk and OHS does not seen to be an option for me. Easter will be more special to me this year, with thankfulness to God for His stripes for our healing and His passion and love for us. Wishing you a blessed Easter as well as all our "friends"on this wonderful site. Thank you Adam!

Rose Madura Mark, interesting thought. Jesus gave it all for all mankind. I'm sure his anticipation was much wor... Read more

Rose Madura Mark, interesting thought. Jesus gave it all for all mankind. I'm sure his anticipation was much worse but it's yet another example of how he experienced everything we do, yet he was without sin....

Steven Methot Funny you should write that. My waiting period (it got extended) was in Advent. I am now officially ... Read more

Steven Methot Funny you should write that. My waiting period (it got extended) was in Advent. I am now officially in that space between the "now" and the "not yet" that is like advent... so yes metaphors and analogies like that appeal to me. All the best to you!

Shelly Hubbard Amen thank you Mark!

Ana Brusso I deleted my post by mistake but all I can say is “the tomb is empty”. Praise God!

Greg Lewis Thanks Mark! I hope you all have a great Easter!

Grace Mason Sending prayers for your upcoming surgery

Ana Brusso Grateful for all of you believers and your posts. Thank you 🙏❤️

Mark Buttellposted an update

645 days ago

Donna Casaletto, Rhodie Jacobson reacted to this

Wanted to give a shout out to my daughter Rose. Two years ago I was able to coach her through all the unknowns of OHS. From echo’s, caths, and ICU. Today ...Read more

Wanted to give a shout out to my daughter Rose. Two years ago I was able to coach her through all the unknowns of OHS. From echo’s, caths, and ICU. Today she turns 19 and is surviving HCM surgery done at Mayo and is now going to college. Happy Birthday Champ,I love you to the moon! She’s ready to coach me now with my upcoming surgery.

Klara Čičić Wow, Rose has been through a lot at such a young age...I bet she is stronger, braver and wiser than ... Read more

Klara Čičić Wow, Rose has been through a lot at such a young age...I bet she is stronger, braver and wiser than her peers because of this experience. She is a heart gladiator. I am wishing her all the best for her birthday

Ana Brusso Oh Mark, you are a good dad. Rose is beautiful and so smart. Happy birthday Rose and good luck in you ... Read more

Ana Brusso Oh Mark, you are a good dad. Rose is beautiful and so smart. Happy birthday Rose and good luck in your college experience. Congratulations and much success. God bless you both 🙏❤️🎂🎉🎊

Mark Buttell Kara and Ana, I learned so much with this girl about what I knew very well about regarding the strugg ... Read more

Mark Buttell Kara and Ana, I learned so much with this girl about what I knew very well about regarding the struggles and recovery aspect of OHS. IF I could trade one day in life with her it would have been that surgery date. I can certainly handle myself through this disease but to see one of my very own made it the longest day of my life. It’s an emotional roller coaster! Moving forward I will offer up my next surgery to her and all of you past and future heart Warriors to never face it again. Rather it be me than anyone. You are all incredible humans that get life and value it through these procedures!

Rose Madura A beautiful young lady (and brave warrior) for my namesake!

Ana Brusso That’s exactly who I thought about Rose when I read Mark’s story about his daughter and her name ... Read more

Ana Brusso That’s exactly who I thought about Rose when I read Mark’s story about his daughter and her name is Rose.
Mark, I appreciate your sentiments not only about your beautiful daughter but all the heart warriors on this site. I myself have gone through a second OHS in two and half years and don’t wish it on anyone. Some on this site like you have gone through many more but by the Grace of God we are still here. 🥰🙏❤️ Wishing you another successful surgery, we will pray and welcome you into recovery. God bless you 🙏❤️

Diane Pellowe Wow! What a brave young woman. Wishing her all the best!

Mark Buttellposted an update

653 days ago

Mark Buttell, Susan Eckermann, Sheila Sellars reacted to this

Have you ever stopped to think about life after post surgery? Might get a little deep on my post but truthfully what do we as heart patients think about as ...Read more

Have you ever stopped to think about life after post surgery? Might get a little deep on my post but truthfully what do we as heart patients think about as far as our next goal, missing link, future plans that we never accomplished pre-surgery wondering if that chance will come again after we survive ohs? Back when I was going through VT in and out of hospitals and the community provided a benefit for me I finally realized what my mission was in life. I was a founder of an organization to give back to cheer folks up. This organization has exploded within my county and it is quite humbling experience but yet never would have happened without surgery. So, I’m hoping that maybe by the grace of God I can continue that mission after surgery but hoping you too can find that opportunity to do what you most truly desire after your surgery as well. Hoping I didn’t get too deep or long with this one. The mind is stirred but ready!:)

Rose Madura I wanted to simply enjoy my retirement. I retired when I found out I needed surgery. It was 2 months ... Read more

Rose Madura I wanted to simply enjoy my retirement. I retired when I found out I needed surgery. It was 2 months sooner than my initial retirement plan. And I had a rough recovery. I finally started enjoying retirement when my company called me and asked me to come out of retirement for six months to help train some new people so I did. Then, after I re-retired, I found my reason for being which is doing volunteer work for my church. It has been very fulfilling. And I strongly feel like this is what God wants me to do. I also have a desire to write a book someday.

Heidi Donohue Life is too short not to play it forward even in the smallest of ways and simply try to make it a par ... Read more

Heidi Donohue Life is too short not to play it forward even in the smallest of ways and simply try to make it a part of our everyday lives. I have learned a lot from this site and how kind people can be with words and all the thoughts of encouragement. We are stronger together. May we keep other hearts inspired just one beat a time.

Ana Brusso Wow heart warriors, you are so inspiring with your posts today. Thank you 🙏❤️

Mindi Wieseman Mark, this is truly one of the main ingredients I'm experiencing in this new chapter of my life! Act... Read more

Mindi Wieseman Mark, this is truly one of the main ingredients I'm experiencing in this new chapter of my life! Actually, we had planned a huge change before we even knew about my heart issue, and were in the stages of moving to another state. It was a blessing that we didn't yet put our house on the market last year before we knew anything about my heart! Our plans were to sell our home and live in our rv for a year or two before we moved to Indiana to be with family. I know God was watching over me when I didn't work faster to get the house ready to sell! If I did, I wouldn't be recovering at home. I might not have even gone to my cardiologist to find out why I was out of breath often! That was the only symptom I had. There are small miracles happening all the time that we don't necessarily see right away, or ever I suppose. So just to finish up, we are concentrating on my recovery, but perhaps in 3 months or so, plan to pick up where we left off in regards to traveling and moving. I don't know specifically what I want to do after settling down in Indiana, or wherever it is meant to be, but with time and healing and discovering myself again, it'll be shown to me.

Greg Lewis Hi Mark! If there was ever a time to think deep, this is it!! So, your good!
Honestly, I don't know where the Lord is taking my wife and I. ...My surgery, and recovery were not what we thought would happen, at all, creating hurdle after hurdle! God kept me alive, and sustains me. My PVCs may be back, so a bit scared right now, but God is looking after it. It is becoming pretty likely that I won't be going back to my old job, or anything physical like it. Retirement maybe a few years early. My wife's dad is going in for a Quadruple bypass. And our son is being tested for MS. In all of this, I also see God's hand working amazing things in our lives! Absolutely amazing! ...my wife and I are closer to each other, and closer to God than ever! We have met 2 new christian couples, that are helping us so much. It's amazing.
So. Will we get to complete some of our plans from before this new life? Maybe not. Don't care. Unimportant.
We are being reminded of what is important in life. And that is that it's not complicated. Love your family, and love God. Do your best to navigate the hurdles!
Do what makes you happy!
... Read more

Sheila Sellars I kinda think of this new valve as what will be my 63rd birthday present,and lease renewal from Our ... Read more

Sheila Sellars I kinda think of this new valve as what will be my 63rd birthday present,and lease renewal from Our Creator,I dont know the outcome exactly,but I swore to tell my whole testimony to whomever needs it,Greg, my oldest daughter has MS since 2009 and She is the strongest woman I know,so dont think that the diagnosis is the end .Mark thank you for asking us to ponder that question.

Marie Myers What a great thread! Very inspiring posts from everyone!

Susan Jones Glad to see Mark put in words one of my thoughts about my future. Seems for one reason or another m... Read more

Susan Jones Glad to see Mark put in words one of my thoughts about my future. Seems for one reason or another my life plans have kept getting pushed back another month ,another year. Wanted to retire at 60 Didn't happen. Don't know where I'm headed most days anymore. Trying to take it one day at a time knowing God has a plan. It always seem to be working out. I've always felt " if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans"

My team - God, my husband and I - have this heart thing covered.

Rose Madura Sounds like a reasonable plan Susan. Life doesn't always go the way we had hoped but we just have to ... Read more

Rose Madura Sounds like a reasonable plan Susan. Life doesn't always go the way we had hoped but we just have to roll with the punches. God bless you!

Klara Čičić Thank you Mark for your thoughtful post. All I know is that I truly appreciate life more after the su ... Read more

Klara Čičić Thank you Mark for your thoughtful post. All I know is that I truly appreciate life more after the surgery and am thankful for each day. Every evening I say to my kids: for what are you grateful today? And they say sometimes very funny things only a 3 and 6-year old can say (like "I am grateful for not going to sleep" my 3 year old says, when she's already in her pj, light is out, and she knows very well we're about to go to sleep) , but sometimes anwser is so deep that it astonishes me "I am grateful for Simon" (Simon is younger, 1 year old brother)... Those are the things so fulfilling... After the surgery even more.

Mark Buttellposted an update

663 days ago

Donna Casaletto, Adam Baumgartner, Klara Čičić and 3 others reacted to this

I know from reading many posts that fear is obviously the most highly mental state we all go through with these procedures. Facing the 5th OH soon naturally ...Read more

I know from reading many posts that fear is obviously the most highly mental state we all go through with these procedures. Facing the 5th OH soon naturally fear is within me. But, let’s be thankful we have a disease that is by far one of the most understood medical procedures to cure. Yes, it is our main organ but yet we are able to continue to live and be active once again because of our incredible heart facilities throughout the world. Let’s be thankful we do not face a cancer,dialysis, and other unknown cures of other diseases. Let’s be thankful for these blogs and sites such as this to learn, vent, cheer and rejoice in the victories of each other! You guys are all champs IMO!

Pat Munn You are so right. Thank you for reminding me of this

Ana Brusso Wow Mark, awesome message. It is full of positivity and gratefulness. I’m thankful for all the amaz ... Read more

Ana Brusso Wow Mark, awesome message. It is full of positivity and gratefulness. I’m thankful for all the amazing medical teams whose passion and jobs are to provide us with the most advanced technologies and best care for a successful outcome. God bless them and us. 👍🙏❤️

Rose Madura Very well said Mark. I've often felt much gratitude and thanks for the heart technology we have in th ... Read more

Rose Madura Very well said Mark. I've often felt much gratitude and thanks for the heart technology we have in this day and age. And I thank the many heart pioneers one from Dayton, Ohio, Richard Dewall. I was friends in high school with his daughter. He was a pioneer heart surgeon and prolific inventor, DeWall created the first workable, portable bubble oxygenator in 1955. The DeWall Bubble Oxygenator soon became the model used around the world for open-heart surgery. Without people like this, none of us would live the fulfilling lives we live. I'm humbled and grateful for all of them.

Klara Čičić Thank you Mark, I try to think like this.

Marie Myers Great post!

Amy Berger Yes we truly do have so much to be thankful for - thanks for the reminder

Mindi Wieseman A wonderful reminder! I'm grateful I've come back here 2 weeks post surgery and read your post, Mark. ... Read more

Mindi Wieseman A wonderful reminder! I'm grateful I've come back here 2 weeks post surgery and read your post, Mark.

Timothy Andre Well said Mark

Mark Buttellposted an update

668 days ago

Had a long day yesterday but got through it. I was in for a combination heart Cath and Angiogram. The preliminary results show that my pulmonary valve (replaced ...Read more

Had a long day yesterday but got through it. I was in for a combination heart Cath and Angiogram. The preliminary results show that my pulmonary valve (replaced 19yrs ago) has developed some calcium buildup along with the expected tricuspid valve regurgitation due to an ICD lead. This brings new discussion for the cardiac team to figure out best options moving forward. I initially thought we had a one valve procedure but it appears we are looking at two. Keeping the faith and knowing in the end it will all work out. Peace to all you heart Warriors!

Steven Methot Can you get two for the price of one? All kidding aside, it's good that you're in the know about wha ... Read more

Steven Methot Can you get two for the price of one? All kidding aside, it's good that you're in the know about what's up with those valves. I dislike heart catheterization, but each time I've had one I've felt like I came out ahead.

Mark Buttell That's a good one!

I did ask if the 5th one was free. This is open heart number 5 on the horizon. T... Read more

Mark Buttell That's a good one!

I did ask if the 5th one was free. This is open heart number 5 on the horizon. The newer caths are much different than the past.

Danielle Elizabeth Please keep us posted! The only thing that keeps me sane with my own heart health is hearing about ho ... Read more

Danielle Elizabeth Please keep us posted! The only thing that keeps me sane with my own heart health is hearing about how others have had surgeries multiple times and come out in better health. Sending you good thoughts for the consult with your medical team!

Deena Z Mark, you are a MEGA heart gladiator, thank god each time your heart could be mended. This next time ... Read more

Deena Z Mark, you are a MEGA heart gladiator, thank god each time your heart could be mended. This next time will be no exception. Godspeed.

Klara Čičić Yes Mark, a heart gladiator is the word! Hang in there!!! And Danielle, I completely agree with what ... Read more

Klara Čičić Yes Mark, a heart gladiator is the word! Hang in there!!! And Danielle, I completely agree with what you said. This page is keeping me sane as it puts things into perspective.

Greg Lewis At this point, Mark, you are now a doctor! 😁 my wife always says to me, " what are you, the docto ... Read more

Greg Lewis At this point, Mark, you are now a doctor! 😁 my wife always says to me, " what are you, the doctor " so now it's a joke in our house, that I am a doctor. BUT...you gotta be getting darn close!
I wish you all the best! No.5! You can do this standing on your head!!

Danielle Elizabeth Yes Klara! I can’t Google anymore because the issues are too specific. I will likely need another s ... Read more

Danielle Elizabeth Yes Klara! I can’t Google anymore because the issues are too specific. I will likely need another surgery when I’m around 50, and then who know what. Reading these stories def puts it in perspective. I hope your repaired Mitral lasts for decades. Greg, it’s amazing how much there is to learn about our own specific cases and what we learn from these posts. I first learned of angiograms from another patient in cardiac rehab and he said they’re difficult. I don’t know first hand.

Rose Madura Wow Mark. You are a testament to the great things the doctors can do in this day and age. Finally a p ... Read more

Rose Madura Wow Mark. You are a testament to the great things the doctors can do in this day and age. Finally a positive message for my daily saying, "It's the world we live in ".

Mark Buttell I firmly believe that each and every one of you are still writing these posts because your mission is ... Read more

Mark Buttell I firmly believe that each and every one of you are still writing these posts because your mission isn’t quite done. It’s that one more chance to accomplish a dream or gift you haven’t exposed to the world. You’re all miracle’s in your own right. By my pic you will see an image on my hoodie and an organization that I founded only because of my disease. It’s a mission I will continue until I’m fully accomplished. Adam has blessed us with his mission of this sight that we can relay our stories and give hope to others through our procedures. Stay strong all you heart Warriors!

Pamela Gregory You are amazing! Heart warrior and great attitude! You will be in good hands