Ben's Posts

Thanks to all of you who participated in my successful Mitral Valve repair. From the time I found this wonderful site, through the process of determining where, when and who, through the mental mind set, through the operation, and the hospital rehab, you all have been there with me. In turn, I was focused on my issues rather than the issues of my fellow posters here. Now I am home! One week following surgery. Five days following shockingly low heart rates. Four days following the intensity of atrial fibrillation, followed by three days of stabilization. Throughout the process, the compassion of the hospital staff made a huge difference! While they cannot tell you what to expect, they can help you through whatever twist or turn may come your way. Everyone's journey is unique, and each journey has a destination. The professionalism of the nurses and their techs will guide you to the best outcome under any given circumstance. Naturally, it is your family, your friends, your beliefs and your conviction that serves to give you forward drive, and the experience of the hospital staff that does its best to make sure that forward drive nets positive results. I am home, getting ready for the next chapter of rehab, but if anyone wants to compare notes, ask questions or give future guidance...please do not hesitate. Again...thank you for your important participation in this process. Thank you so much!

Hi everyone- Ben's brother Scott here. Ben came through the surgery very well- Dr Dewan called it an "uneventful procedure". Never been so excited to hear such a bland description! They were able to perform a repair as opposed to a replacement, which was chief among Ben's concerns. His newest nemesis is the breathing tube, which we hope to have removed shortly- as soon as the staff is assured he can breathe on his own. All of us here would like to thank you all for the support you've shown Ben. To say you comforted and strengthened him through this process is a gross understatement, but his words will serve better than mine to express the depth of his appreciation. Thank you all.