David's Posts

Hi folks, Just a quick note here to say that it has been nine months since my surgery (Aug 22, 2011) and I am feeling fine! I just had a check-up with my cardiologist and the EKG read normal, blood pressure normal. Full-time office work keeps me busy, but I have been active with walks and hikes in the woods when I can and have begun working on our yard and garden. Karen and I are looking forward to kayak tours in our home town of Kingston as well as getting our bicycles tuned-up for the season. Deep heart-felt thanks go out to all of you who have offered support and continue to ask of my well being. I think of you while I keep the heart pulse in my band, Passero (passeromusic.com). Peace and good health to all, David

Well, I have just begun my second week back at work and I feel great. Today marks six weeks since my surgery. I'm sorry if I've kept you guessing about my health - it has been a while since my last post. I was indeed released on September 9th from Columbia-Presbyterian after being successfully treated for the infection. Fortunately it was not serious and my new valve was not in jeopardy. The infectious disease doctor and my surgeon concluded that it may have been a mild form of pneumonia. Whatever it was I responded well, I have finished my oral antibiotics and I am feeling really good. I am no longer on pain meds and any discomfort with my incision and my mending bones is diminishing more and more each day. I had a follow-up appointment with my surgeon on September 23rd and he happily gave me the all-clear to drive again and to return to work. After my first day back to work last week I enjoyed a brief walk on the Walkway over the Hudson, enjoying the incredible views. I have been taking the stairs up to my 5th floor office, sometimes making the trip a few times a day as I run errands to other parts of the hospital (I work at Saint Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie). Most of all I have enjoyed the look of happiness on the faces of my friends when they see how well I am. I am grateful for the miracle of modern medicine that has allowed me to enjoy good health, but more importantly I am grateful for the miraculous power or prayer. My circle of friends and family has given me tremendous support and I feel that I am living proof of the blessings of healing prayers. I cannot say enough to thank you all!

I am being treated at Columbia-Presbyterian with a cocktail of antibiotics via IV and I am feeling much, much better! They want to perform a TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) this morning to get a clear image of my heart. If all goes well I hope to be going home tomorrow. Karen has been with me since the night I arrived (by bumpy ambulance ride all the way from Poughkeepsie) and has been a great support. Thank you for all your prayers!!