“OOOOHHHHHH MYYYYYYY GAWWWWD!!!”

That was my first reaction when I learned that I would need open heart surgery.

“YOU ARE KIDDING ME, RIGHT?!!!”

That was my second reaction when I learned my sternum would be broken, my heart would be stopped, my aortic and pulmonary valves would be replaced, and then my chest would be stitched back together with [1] sternal wires.

Now… Here comes the good part of the story.

It is two years after my double valve replacement (aka the [2] Ross Procedure)…

And…

During the past week, I had the great, and somewhat miserable, pleasure of moving into a new house with my wife Robyn.

I HAVE TO TELL YOU…

MY HEALED CHESTPLATE FELT NO PAIN OR DISCOMFORT AS I LIFTED 5,000 BOXES UP 25,000 STAIRS - IN ADDITION TO 3 DRESSERS, 4 BEDS, 2 REFRIGERATORS AND 5 SOFAS.

(Okay. I’m exaggerating some. That’s what men do when the machismo comes out.)

However, the point I’m trying to make is critical for all patients and their caregivers.

Your [3] broken sternum can heal. Your heart can heal.

Open heart surgery is not a curse!

Open heart surgery is a medical blessing!

Happy 2008!!!

Keep on tickin!

[4] To learn more about Adam’s heart valve surgery book, click here.