Louise Tompkins posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, Glad to hear that you are working and driving - being able to go out and do for yourself does wonders to uplift your mood. Good luck with the next stage of recovery.

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Jim that says: Looking forward to it! I can use all the cheerleaders I can get.

Cheryl Shute Walter posted a note for Jim that says: Wait, I just met you. You can't be leaving me already, lol (just kidding). I'm so happy for you. Now get on with the business of LIVING the rest of your life!

Laura posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
I have enjoyed reading your posts. I'm happy to hear you are doing so well and moving on with your life. Best of luck with everything!
from a fellow MA resident, living in NYC, with a mitral valve surgery in her future...

Derek Perkins posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,

Happy New Year to you and Lise! Fantastic to hear the great progress you are making. Look forward to catching up next week.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Jim!!!!!!! You Bastard. You beat me to it. I plan on doing my last post for awhile as well. I'm planning on doing a summary for patients who stumble on my journal and don't want to read 20 pages of my B.S. I plan on posting again at 6 months post-op and at a year post-op, and/or if something noteworthy comes up like Mom joining rehab or if the local Hooters restaurant closes. I'm planning on trying to work up to a 5k run in 2014 sometime, so I may post when I do my run or if I get down to my weight goal of 175 lbs. I was at 187 in October, but put on 10 pounds through the holidays. Hitting the Gym pretty regularly now and have taken off 4 pounds on the way to my goal. Not sure how fast I should aim for doing my 5k in, but I'm thinking I may aim for 10 min. miles to start with and hopefully get to some 8 min. miles down the road.

I've enjoyed your posts and guestbook banter. Good luck and good health in 2014 and beyond. Give Lise a big hug for me.

Dan Sinclair posted a note for Jim that says: Hey Jim,

Wishing you and Lise the best as we run down this road. It has been a pleasure reading your posts and keeping up with your progress. I also have been slowing down on the posts, just a natural thing as our lifes get back at least closer to normal.

Take Care Brother!

Diane & Wally posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, it's great to see how well your doing!
Wishing you a healthy 2014! Enjoyed seeing the photos you posted.. Your doing remarkable progress. Keep up the good work... Happy New Year to you & Lise! Take Care....

Higgy posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,

Glad to see you have established a routine. It is such a confidence booster when you get in a groove. I wish you a healthy and prosperous 2014!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: JIM!!!!!! Wishing you a safe and healthy 2014 with your upgraded ticker.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: Happy New Year Jim and Lise!! Goodbye 2013!!! Heres hoping we all have a healthy and relatively stress free 2014!

I should have gone for a wifi fitness monitor...I cannot figure mine out! It's fun to see the measurements tho...how nice to be back in bed like a normal person too! You are starting 2014 in fine form! Have a lovely New Years Eve in Bean Town! Are you a first nighter?

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Jim that says: Happy New Year to you too. Heres to a good and healthy one. We have been so blessed. Keep doing good.

Kevin Woodard posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
All good news! You have been such a huge supporter and friend to everyone on this site. I would like to say thank you from everyone in the HVJ community. I wish you a happy new year and all the best in 2014. God Bless!

Susan Smith posted a note for Jim that says: Sorry my smart phone put an o in lise's name.

Susan Smith posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, glad hear you are doing well. I can see that post surgery fitness is just as important in maintaining and in order to improve. I am still in losing weight mode but the last time I tried to weigh (which is every Saturday morning) the reading was a 100# more and I almost fainted. The scale was broken so I must get a new one. That monitor sounds great. Keep up the good work. Jim and Lose may the new year be happy and healthy and fun.

Jeff posted a note for Jim that says: Ouch, that's cold. Where do you live?
And yes, about six days post surgery I was walking a few city blocks to get pizza LOL

Jeff posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
I am from NYC originally. Born and raised in Brooklyn. Moved to Florida Jan 1992 after chiropractic school. Love going back and always head straight for the bagel...followed by Pizza, Chinese and Deli. LOL!]
And yes we had a great group going though this at that time. Made some great friends.

Jeff Shebovsky posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim,
Can't recall my room # now. I was lucky enough to have a private room thanks to my Aunt who knew the head nurse there. I also had visitors while I was there. One guy, Mitch Friedman, lived up there and we were very friendly going through this. Another lady names Jane visited me too. Chris Dixon and I both researched Ross procedure and Stelzer together and booked our surgeries 8 days apart, so we got to meet in person then also. This past May, Chris, Mitch and I planned a get together in NYC for some fun. We were all a year + post surgery and did NY the right way this time. It was great.
Jeff

Jeff Shebovsky posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim,
Thanks for posting on my journal. Adams and Stelzer are definitely tops and the whole Mt. Sinai team are incredible. Glad to see you are coming along and doing well. Jim Smith is another runner who had surgery for Mitral Valve repair by Dr. Adams. Jim and I were going through this at the same time and he and I were actually in cardiac step down at the same time. It's not often you get to meet HVJ friends in person. You should connect with Jim if you haven't already. Keep up the good work and best of luck to you.

Lynn posted a note for Jim that says: Merry Christmas Jim and Lise!! Santa gave me heart rate, distance, calorie watch! So excited! Also, some major bling to shock me back to life!, haha...enjoy the day

Tracy Aranda posted a note for Jim that says: Mine is 3.25 twice a day

Tracy Aranda posted a note for Jim that says: I'll be taking Carvedilol at least till mid-Feb when I see my cardiologist again (3 months post op).

Louise posted a note for Jim that says: Merry Christmas!

Tracy Aranda posted a note for Jim that says: Sounds great, Jim! Love heart rate monitors! Been using Polars since '07. I believe my current one is the FT7. I've been at the gym the past 2 days and the beta blocker throws me off. Even though I'm at 4 mph with a level 1 incline, my heartrate wouldn't go past 120. Enjoy the holidays!

love momma posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, i just viewed your photos! Great job however you did look a little "peaked" in a few, looking much better last photo. We are very glad you are safe & sound and home for Christmas and wish you & Lise a very HAPPY & HEALTHY New Year with healthy the key word!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: The photo of you at home in your recliner with the heart pillow is priceless.

Cowboys won. A Christmas miracle. Play Eagles next, and just may get their butts stomped pretty good if Eagles play like they did today.

Thanks for the photos. Have a good Christmas.

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: I mean...your family

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
Funny about the heart healthy recipes!
Great photos! Something to remember.
Merry Christmas to you and our family

Gabi x posted a note for Jim that says: Gr8 pics Gentleman Jim! I loved seeing how you and Lise appear in life form! Very jealous of your red satin heart pillow that you have been talking about - all I got was a hospital towel folded inside a pillow case!!! I am also struggling with the no salt zone. I miss mayo on my salad - prob have to make my own EVERYTHING! However, I have lost the puffiness under my eyes, still holding fluid in my cankles and abdomen! LOL! Not a good look!
I am thinking I could make a pretty good Mrs Clause!

Susan Smith posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, I did get a good LOL on the road kill ending. Most heart healthy food has no salt in it and that is a bummer for me. As you know I am in the losing weight mode and now have to deal with possible lactose intolerance on top of it. So now I am doing without or replacing dairy products. Butter replacement has been an issue for me and have found a product call Earth's Balance and it is okay, not great but ok. You might also try sprinkling Parmesian Cheese (fat free) on potatoes, etc. The potatoes I eat now are sweet potatoes baked. It is flavor that is the kicker in the Healthy food. I also use BQ honey sauce instead of butter, but that can trigger "heart burn". So after all that I guess I don't have any answers for you. I am 37 pounds down and 13 or more to go to get to my goal and I hope the doctor's goal as well. You will just have to play with your food and come up with a merging of healthy and happy food. Good luck and keep us all posted on the results. Take care

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: I left you speechless in my last guestbook entry. lol.

I guess you're going to post those photos today, since you didn't post any yesterday. (Gotta crack the whip on you guys to keep things moving).

I haven't changed my diet much. Plenty of chicken and turkey, and red meat maybe once a week.

Good healing.

Gabi x posted a note for Jim that says: Jim!! STAY WARM!!!! Hullo!!! I am like a scorched almond almost melted on the deck! I think you meant STAY COOL? Yes? Anyway anyway I am just back from a swim in the pool, well not a swim really, just a walk up and down the length of the pool for 1/2 hour, I tried a bit of swimming but get puffed with the AF. However, it was so lovely, water a cool 21degrees. I feel so much better and plan on going for a dip each day until the end of March. Now for you you stay warm. OK? Also stay cool man!

Joseph Kusiak posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,

It is all very encouraging. I am so glad to hear you are progressing so well.

The best to you and Lise in 2014.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: "BTW, why do I run? Hmm, could it be to reduce stress?"

You're married. You could just have sex or masturbate. Takes less time and you don't have to spend so much money on running shoes and gear. And you don't have to leave the house.

I get stressed out thinking about running, then run to relieve stress. It's a vicious circle.

Gabi x posted a note for Jim that says: Really Jim? Ice and snow??? We are going for 41 degrees here and warnings to stay home unless absolutely necessary to go out. That is a bit funny because I was booked in to do my first, very first cardio rehab at the hospital Gym! But I will listen for the signs of the Universe and do as I am told! LOl!

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Every day is a stress test for me. And every day I DO have stress, so I don't know if that means I passed or I failed.

Brian W. posted a note for Jim that says: Awesome! No doubt you'll be running in no time. While I hate stress tests, I must say the post surgery one was one I actually enjoyed too cause it really proved all was working as expected, and better than before.

Gabi x posted a note for Jim that says: Hmmmmmm mmmmmm! You da man Jimbo!

DVB posted a note for Jim that says: You are really going to like rehab. Push yourself a bit. You'll be running on the treadmill by the end, probably sooner. I was able to do 10 mph sustained after MV repair after 12 weeks of rehab. Best wishes...

Susan Smith posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, your hopes have been met. You are now entering the next phase of your recovery. Sounds like a Star Trek introduction, but you are about to embark to the rehab phase. Pretty soon you will be leaping buildings in a single bound..... well maybe not, but you will be running around them for sure. LOL Keep up the great recovery.

Stefanie Gray posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim,
I am so happy to read your newest post. Cardiac rehab will help you get to your goal....hopefully you can continue to take it slow and steady.
We all know you will be back to running in no time :)
Sending you all good wishes for a continued recovery.

Lynn Ennis posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim,
What a wealth of information! It's very interesting and I look forward to following your progress. I guess I don't qualify with just a changed aortic spark plug !
All the best in your/mine continued recovery .

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim, I loved how you described the stress test at cardio rehab. Isn't it such a big confidence booster to go to cardio rehab. I'm so glad to hear you did so well and the goal you will set for yourself. I looked forward to going, working out, learning from the nurses, and talking to other heart patients. Good luck

As far as beta blockers go.....I was on it for 5 years....I know I had to take it because of my aneurysm but it sure made me tired. Now I don't have to take it anymore.

Sue Gardner posted a note for Jim that says: Excellent news Jim. I agree. Recovery, at times, can be lonely. I found that visiting a counselor and talking was particularly helpful to my overall progress. You are well on your way.

Aubrey Elmo Jones posted a note for Jim that says: Great progress Jim. The rehab is right, you will be able to run again as long as the heart continues to behave in normal rhythm and even then it should be a controllable situation. Likely you'll be running in six weeks, give or take. Every rehab is different. I have begun to walk as fast as my legs will let me before the running and then some light jogging at the hotel gyms while traveling, for one to two minute intervals and then walking again to get the heart rate back down. No issues do been doing this since about week 12 to 14. Lost about 35 lbs so far and it feels amazing with the new valve. Keep posting and healing.

Ernie A.S. posted a note for Jim that says: Haven't seen a picture yet of that zipper on your chest. I'm beginning to think you're just writing in the journal to get some attention and never had surgery.

Lise Jones posted a note for Jim that says: Jim- what great news on the echo --and sure that the cardiac rehab, the next step in the journey, as well as time, will contribute to even more positive results !! Keep up those walks and pt ,so your many fans can continue to tell you how great you look- But words of advice.. You do need to get another act, as the heart pillow is wearing thin:) much love, moi xoxo:) You're the best!!

Louise posted a note for Jim that says: Happy to hear that you are getting stronger and able to spend a few hours in the office. Six weeks already! How time flies.

Bill and I found that parking at the Dana Farber, going up to 3rd floor (cafeteria has really good food - we ate many meals there) and walking through the bridge to the Brigham - down one floor takes you to the cardio department. It is also quite a walk.

Enjoy the holidays,

Barb Brooks posted a note for Jim that says: Hi Jim!

There's nothing wrong with being attached to sleeping in the recliner :-)

Happy to hear you're doing well, and are back to work. Makes a big difference! Can't believe you're at the 6 week mark already!

Carol Jackson posted a note for Jim that says: Jim,
Sounds like you are coming along at 6 weeks. Your cardio rehab with nutrition and stress tests sounds very thorough. I'll be interested in your details later about the 3 echos. My surgery was different and did not invade the heart, so my echo after the surgery was so much better than before surgery and the repaired aneurysm improved the function of the valve. I bet it is nice to be back to work.