Vic's Journal

It’s been a while since I’ve posted an update on my recovery. This community meant so much to me both pre and post surgery that I can’t help but be thankful. I’ve been doing great, my life is better than ever and I’m happy to say I lost 50 pounds throughout the year through diet and exercise (although I’m positive I gained it all back Thanksgiving Day). Today I’m writing because I had an unbelievable opportunity presented to me. I was interviewed about my health journey!! I was on the cover of a magazine and given a chance to share the experience with countless others. I was so happy to give this community a shoutout in the article too. I’m humbled with the knowledge that someone may be able to find solace in this group just like my wife and I did in our most dire time of need. If you’re still on the road to surgery, it’s ok to be scared. It’s ok to worry. But be sure to reach out to your supporting cast and let yourself get those worries off your chest. Ask your questions, gain peace of mind. You’ll be better for it. If you’re in recovery now, keep fighting. Keep getting better each and every day. You aren’t defined by how quickly you recover, but by simply enduring and overcoming. Don’t turn away help, I know I felt like I didn’t want to burden anyone but I had to realize I couldn’t do it alone. Family and friends are always happy to help. I’m going to continue becoming the best version of myself I can be. Please feel free to reach and message us on social media if you ever need words of “wisdom” (I don’t feel like I know much but I’m happy to share in what worked for me) or if you just want to talk it out, because trust me just getting it out is ALWAYS helpful. Thank you everyone! -Vic B. Below is the link for the online article, you can pick up an actual magazine in the Bakersfield newspaper. :) https://www.bakersfield.com/bakersfield-life/in-sickness-and-in-health/article_ececfb53-cd95-58f5-ac64-3fe008809c15.html

It's been about 3 full weeks and I'm doing great, slowly but surely. I have been walking like before and haven't been tired like I was in the hospital for some time now. I owe so much to my team at Cedars, the entire staff was incredible. Dr. Trento was actually able to repair my valve so I don't have a MVR I'll be good for at least another 20 years from what he told me. :) My ICU team who got me back on my feet. Most importantly, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my loving wife, she dealt with cranky me and needy me, with the most care I could ever imagine. Love you Sosh. To everyone going through surgery soon, stay positive. It's scary delving into what's unknown but go couragesly knowing that you will come out better and stronger than before. My scar is a badge of honor that I wear proudly (I actually have been more proud of it than I initially thought I would be). Stay looking ahead to recovery. To those in recovery, forge ahead and maintain the good progress. Thanks for all the well wishes, I apologize for it responding to everything lol I've been focused on getting to full strength and then some. Thanks again!!

i love to laugh, that's an understatement, I've been feeling better now that I'm home. I've found a pillow to stint my incision site helps so much while I'm watching tv. 😂😅 I guess what I'm saying is, I never thought I would feel a little bit of pain from laughing afterwards, but, it's entirely worth it! I hope everyone is recovering well. DONT STOP LAUGHING!

Hiiiiiiii everybody!! I'm out of the ICU and I'm on the 6th floor of Cedars. Aside from the burning lungs when I breath and get up, the pain isn't bad at all. If you're worried about feeling anything when they give you anesthesia, don't, because it will feel like you closed your eyes and you woke back up. I have never had a surgery of even kind before this and I am glad to have caught this ahead of time. I have taken Adams advice and used my triflow religiously, it's probably the best advice I could give anyone. Also, I think someone told Sosh to buy and sleep mask, omg it was a life saver!! It's all a bIt surreal at the moment, so I apologize if this lost is everywhere lol. Focus on the recovery, it'll keep your spirits up and prevent the. Ad energy from getting you down before surgery. Also, don't be afraid to tell the staff if you're in pain while recovering, they want you to be at 100% also. Best of luck everyone, I'll be keeping an eye out I wish you all the best of recovery!

Hello this is Vic's wife, Sasha Dr. Trento came out to update us on Vic's heart surgery. He was able to REPAIR Vic's heart valve!!! No mechanical replacement needed which means he will not need to be on blood thinners. I didn't even think repairing the valve was an option. ALSO- No more leak or murmur!!! We serve a mighty God. And I thank you all for the prayers and good vibes. It's been an emotional day, that's for sure. We will get to see him in an hour. I can't thank you all enough. Dr. Trento said his valve repair will last him many many more years. Feeling so blessed.

Surgery has been scheduled for 05/31 I'm anxious to begin this new chapter of my life. The road to recovery is long and arduous but I believe in something higher than myself and my family deserves the best husband and father possible. I plan on continuing to strive to be that man. I can't wait. Thanks for all the support!

So... I switched up and changed surgeons because I felt uneasy with my surgeon in Bakersfield. That was such a pain to deal with from the insurance giving me the run around to finally getting all my paperwork together and submitted to my new doctors office, but IT WAS ALL WORTH IT. I am sitting in cafe of Cedars enjoying lunch with my beautiful, loving, and compassionate wife awaiting my first meeting with the wonderfully talented Dr. Trento! I am beyond excited, I feel as if I'm meeting a an old friend even tho I have yet to meet him. We have done our research and I have felt a sense of peace knowing I'll be at Cedars with some of the most talented care providers in the industry. Thank you any and everyone who takes time out of their day to read/comment, Sasha and I truly appreciate this community and the outpouring of support!

Ok, this might seem like such a small problem in the grand scheme of things but I feel like it'll help me get back to being myself after surgery. When all the dust settles and I'm fully recovered, what is the likelihood that I will be able to finish my tattoos? I heard all about the antibiotics I'll be required to have and all the other cons, but has anyone ever successfully completed ink work after recovering? I apologize if I sound selfish, I understand there is much greater things to worry about, I just need some insight lol. Thanks for any!

Why was I so nervous? CT scan was quick and I didn't even have to change. Still awaiting results but the impending doom I felt all day has all but subsided.

Bakersfield, CA. going to my CT scan today, feeling anxious. I suppose it's typical. Just need good news for a change, thankfully my wife has been here for me every step of the way. *1st post, here's hoping I can share my recovery story and become a beacon of hope for others who might be fearful of the vast unknown.