Interestingly… The importance of today’s date escaped me until a few minutes ago.

That is when I saw “December 21″ on my calendar. I then eased my shoulders, took a deep breath and smiled. So you know, six years ago, at this exact moment, my heart valve surgery had just begun.

As for celebrating this anniversary, I could ramble on about the amazing journey that has unfolded since my aortic and pulmonary valve replacement surgery 2,190 days ago.  I could do my best to conjure up some inspirational words about the medical miracle of heart valve surgery. I could share select highlights from my “Second Chance” at life.

Read the rest of this entry »

I just spent some time at Heart Valve Journals, our social network for patients and caregivers going through heart valve surgery.

While there, I noticed that Sarah Harnett, from Michigan, and Steve Regouby, from Oklahoma, are getting their heart valves fixed today.

As Sarah wrote in her journal this morning, “Shortly I’ll leave for the hospital. Thanks for so many for the encouraging words on the blog and in cards, on the phone and in person.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Hey everybody,

Sorry for the last minute notice, but tomorrow (Thursday) at 12pm (EST), The Cleveland Clinic will host a special web chat titled, “Stress, Depression & Heart Disease”.  Dr. Leo Pozuelo, who is the associate director of the Bakken Heart Brain Institute, will moderate this very interesting session.

As I personally experienced issues with cardiac depression following surgery, I encourage all patients to attend this event. So you know, my research suggests that up to 32% of patients can experience depression after heart valve surgery.

If you would like to attend this free event, please click here to learn more.

Keep on tickin!

If you didn’t know… Thanksgiving is, by far, my favorite holiday.

How can you go wrong with comfort food, family, friends and the overwhelming reminder of thankfulness? On that note, I want to extend a tremendous “Thank you!” to all members of this growing community of patients, caregivers, surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, cardiac centers and medical device manufacturers.

Together, we are empowering each other in a way that I never imagined when this project started five years ago. I am continuously touched, moved and inspired by your words, your stories, your encouragement and your ongoing pursuit of healthy hearts.

May you have a very happy and a very safe Thanksgiving!

Gobble! Gobble!

I just learned some great news! Dr. Bruce Lytle, Chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Heart Institute, will be hosting a special, live web chat titled “Ask The Heart Surgeon” this Wednesday at 12 pm (EST). Needless to say, this is an exciting opportunity for patients and caregivers to gain direct access to one of the leading heart valve surgeons.

Read the rest of this entry »