Jimmy's Heart Valve Journal

6 Months already and some BIG news!!

August 22, 2012

Time really does fly. It's been 6 months already. Please ask me all the time so has life returned to normal and I tell them no. It's better than normal. Before my normal was worry (when/how/why). And now it's just doing Running/Swimming..not thinking about it. I am reminded of it every day when I see the scar. But it doesn't remind me of what I went through but it reminds me to thank of what I will do. Life does get better. You will feel better...People will not treat you differently. You can do this!

The big news. My wife showed me a picture of my youngest of the 3 boys. (FYI - Valve Replace surgery will do a lot of things for you but the one thing it doesn't do is make you smarter!). I must have looked at the picture for 5 mins and she was looking at me like "do you see it yet?"..I looked at her with help in my eyes and she said "look one more time at everything." So I did and then I noticed it. He was wearing a T-shirt that says BIG Brother. Boom..We are going to be parents again for the 4th time. The 1st thing after I hugged and kissed my wife was please don't let this be twin boys..Haha.

This Life is wonderful and again I thank Adam for sharing his experience and for creating a site for other like me to talk and become a family of Valvers!!

Jimmy Johnson - AVR 2/20/12..OR DID I?...doesn't feel like it..

Saddened by the loss of a college friend

August 9, 2012

A good friend of mine from college passed away last night from a heart attack. He leaves behind a wife and two young daughters. It just has me thinking about everything I have gone through this year with my surgery and how fortunate I was to learn of my condition and keep an eye on it and take action to fix it even though I was scared out of my mind.

It just put in perspective for me how lucky I am to still be here. My heart goes out to his family and his community as he was an Indiana State Trooper and one of the truly good guys.

With my new lease of life I am still humbled when I hear of someone passing so soon and particularly when it has something to do with the heart.

Before my surgery I use to think that once this is done I will never say anything or let anyone know because I don't want to be looked at or treated differently. But, I find I am not ashamed and I feel like a warrior who went through something that challenged me physically and mentally. I did it with Pride..Patience..Humility..and Will. In the end I did it because I wanted to not because I had to. I wanted to show my boys that sometimes in life you will be faced with things that are hard and scary. Rely on family and friends (so many that I met on here) and ask for help and tell them what thinking and feeling. Can they relate - no - but, they can listen and hug you and let you know that you are not alone. That was what I wanted to show my boys..Yes, I am afraid..No I don't know how this will end up but it's okay to be afraid. It's okay to need help and let others be brave for you.

I find myself just staring at my boys and feeling grateful that I have the opportunity to see them reach major milestones in life and I am overwhelmed.

Sorry this was long winded and rambled but thinking about my friend and feeling sad but also feeling very lucky and I wanted others to know I know I am lucky.

Jimmy Johnson – AVR 2/20/12

Has it really been 20 weeks?

July 11, 2012

It's hard to imagine that I would feel this good 20 weeks after a life altering experience. I just had it built up in my mind that life would be horrible and I would be less of a man so I just tried to ignore it or make believe it wasn't happening. Then I found this site where I could read the same fears and concerns that other people "like" me were having and would understand. I opened up and shared and what came back was AMAZING. I made connections like Mitch/Greg/Nancy/Janis/Jane who blazed the path and shared experiences and thoughts openly for me to decide my best course of action. I also made connections of people Like Chuck/Stephanie/DVB/Jeff/Chris/Nancy and countless others… That would go after me and I hope I was able to help.

I am feeling really good in Body and Mind. I am exercising like I never did before. I eat healthy (though I still like my burger every now and then). I find myself looking at my kids longer in amazement of the people they are and I am over joyed in now having the opportunity to be amazed at the people they will become because I will still be "ticking".

To use a movie reference with the New Spiderman movie that is out..I feel like I live everyday with my SPIDEY senses in high gear. Things slow down for me and I see them more clearly and feel so connected to what is happening around me and I appreciate it.

My 39th birthday is 7/21 and that is how long I have been on this earth but I really feel like I have been "living" the last 20 weeks. Not sure that makes sense to anyone.

This site is one of the greatest things that has happened to me and I hope others can get out of it what I can. It is sad to see all the newcomers because it's a scary reminder of how prevalent Valve Disease really is but with a family like the HVJers it makes it easier to face with humility and hope.

THANK YOU for those that help me and for those on the side that I am - I hope wish you all the very best and for those just starting or getting close - you are not alone - we know what you are felling and thinking and I can tell you for most of us waiting really is the hardest part.

Let me know how I can help any of you - Please don't hesitate to reach out and i will share my phone number and e-mail address and will take the time to listen and tell you about my experience.

Jimmy Johnson AVR Bovine Tissue Valve 2/20/12..MOO

All is normal 3 months post op

May 24, 2012

I had my 3 month post op echo today. Got the call that heart has returned to normal size and my ejection fraction has returned to normal range. This important because at at my 8 week follow up everything was still the same before surgery and doc wasn't sure it would get better. My ejection fraction was in the low 40% range and that is bad. But not anymore.

To answer Stephanie's question of is it really normal... My answer is yes. Today feels like a rebirth for me. The doc said in July he thinks I will come off the toporol and the lisinipril. That is amazing to hear.

I am running 2-6 miles a day 5 days a week. I am playing intensive basketball once a week. Life is good.

Now I truly appreciate everything. My boys and I have so much fun. Took my 6 year old to see the Avengers( best movie ever). Ready to go camping and vacation. I am really thinking of the future with hope and excitement.

I really have to say my friends and family on here are really and truly awesome. Please keep recovering and living life. For those about to go through it you should lean on the people here. We are here to help like those that helped us. It's scary but not that hard of an adventure. Ask for help, except help, don't feel helpless.

Good Luck... Great surgery...awesome recovery...priceless life!!

Jimmy Johnson AVR 2/20/12

10 weeks..short update

May 1, 2012

Still doing Great. It really is starting to get to be a nonevent. Only thing is nagging soreness in my chest muscles. I haven't started lifting as of yet. Still running so I am wonder if I slept funny or it was me throwing the baseball with my son. Dr's don't seem to be too worried but it's a nagging uncomfortable pain that Tylenol doesn't help with. Called my Primary DR and see if he can help.

Anyways - I am happy that there are so many good updates from folks: Chuck/Mitch/Stephanie/Jan/Linda/Chris/Jeff..Keep on getting stronger

Jimmy Johnson AVR 2/20/12..

9 weeks and feeling GOOD

April 24, 2012

Hard to believe that 9 weeks ago at this time I was eating broth getting ready to move out of the ICU to the step-down unit. I have to say Thank You to DR. David Andrews at the Presbyterian Hospital uptown Charlotte and to his PA Buddy for making sure I came out on the other end stronger. I would also like to thank all the Nurses that made sure I well looked after and comfortable. It really is "Remarkable Medicine, Remarkable People".

I feel so good these days. I had my best workout last night as I was able to push hard and run hard for a long long period of time and it felt great.

Getting less and less soreness and tenderness in my chest area. This is my 4th week back to work and I am finding that I get less tired midafternoon...

I really do think I am 95% or more back to normal. But not my old normal. My new normal..

It's awesome. Really the waiting is the hardest part.

In short while in the hospital...
Breathing Tube - won’t hurt. Might not even notice it
When you weak up you won’t feel pain
Chest tubes don't hurt. Just feel weird coming out.

This is what hurt - not badly or for long but to be candid it did hurt but you can manage it.

Catheter coming out...Ouch
Pace Maker wires coming. Really ouch but for a few seconds only.

This is something you can do and get through. Use this site for encouragement and support. I did and still do. This site really was a life saver for me from an emotional stand point..
Good Luck HVJers!! Life is good!!

Jimmy Johnson AVR 2/20/12 (Bovine Tissue Valve) Moo..

8 weeks Post Op

April 16, 2012

Life for me has returned to normal..My new normal where I have a high energy level and I am working out 5-6 days a week. Not only do I stop to smell the roses but take a picture of them so I may look upon them again..Haha..Seriously, I do enjoy life more..I have slowed down and say hi to more strangers..I find I am not in a hurry anymore.. My body has recovered so nicely. I feel stronger and less fatigue. I am still waiting for I start lifting weights, after all I did go through a traumatic experience so why rush it.

Going back to work hasn't been too bad. I find that I wish I was still home..I have been able to settle in nicely and get back into a good routine. After about the 3 day you are a little over going through the entire story again but I its nice people are concerned and ask about you.

My son's 6th birthday is this weekend so I am looking forward to that. We do Birthdays up in our house..He wants french toast and gummie savers for breakfast. After his baseball game he wants 2 Dorito tacos from Taco Bell. For his Bday dinner he wants NY style pizza from our favorite pizza place Tony's Pizza with Orange and Lime Sherbet on the side.

I don't think too much about the surgery or that I am in recovery until I make a sudden move or a stretch that reminds me. I have for the most part gotten back to living my life.

I still come here often to see how folks are progressing with recovery and offer help to those about to go through the it.

Hope everyone has a fabulous week..All this talk about Pizza and Dorito Tacos has made me hungry..Time for a snack.

Jimmy Johnson AVR (Bovine valve) 2/20/12..Moo

1st Post Op Cardiologist Follow Up

April 12, 2012

Saw the Cardiologist today. Visit went well. No Echo as I will go back in 6 weeks for that. After that visit they will look at all the numbers and look at my EF and determine if I can come off the Toporal and Lisinapril. Doc said it was looking like a good chance that could happen. Heart sounded good today. He said I looked good as well.

So May 24th for the Echo and July 19th for the next follow up.

Going to start working on sleeping lying flat in the bed on less pillows. I am still sleeping propped up a bit.

Ok..That's all I have to report for this update. Hope everyone is resting and recovering well that needs to and staying calm if you date is approaching. You can do this!!

Jimmy Johnson

7 Weeks post Op

April 9, 2012

Things are still going great. Last week was my 1st week back to work. I only worked to about abut 2 and then I headed out. I really underestimated how tired I would be at the end of the day. At least 2 days last week I was in bed by 7. This will be my 1st full week (reg hrs). Let's see how that goes. I could also be tired because my walks are now later in the day when I use to do them early in the morning.

I will occasionally get some soreness and stiffness but nothing to terrible. I find that my ankles/Knees/Lower back/Wrist ache a bit. Not sure if that is my body adjusting to less medication or just tired from working most of the day and then going on walk runs in the late afternoon.

It's so nice to pick up my youngest son now. I pick him up and he wraps his arms around my neck and puts his head on my shoulder and just relaxes for the longest time. It's awesome. My older boys are still a bit to heave for me to pick up but they have no problem climbing into my recliner with me..haha

We had a great weekend. My oldest son will have his 6th Birthday in 2 weeks and my Wife's Family is coming in for that. Let's see how I do with that many quest and in-laws..haha.

Hope those that are recovering are doing so well and restfully. Those about to go let us know how we can help. Everyone's experience is different but we that have gone through are willing to answer any question we can.

I am looking forward to a great 2012..I am actually ready for the Holiday's..This past year my mind and heart was heavy with knowing what I was about to go through. Now I want to experience them with my new lease on life.

Jimmy Johnson - AVR 2/20/12

Mowed lawn with a push mower!!

April 1, 2012

Almost 6 weeks post op. and I moved the lawn yesterday. It takes about an hour with a push mower. Wow!! I was a little sore but not to bad.

Did a little light run on Friday - wow - wasn't ready for all that bouncing. Haha

I will echo what Janis said on keeping in touch. I am on Facebook if you guys want to connect on there.

Going to enjoy today as its back to work tomorrow.

Good luck to those that have surgery this week. You have a family of folks on this site who will be thinking about you and wishing you the very best!

Jimmy Johnson

Doc told me to go live my life!!

March 29, 2012

Got the all clear to start driving and return back to work. He told I could do what ever I wanted but follow these 2 simple rules.

1) if it hurts don't do it

2) if I get tired...rest

Told me to skip rehab as it would be a waste of time and money for me.

The chest exray looked great and all my vitals were good. When I 1st saw the surgeon my resting heart rate was 108. Today it was 66. Surgeon also listen to my heart and said it sounds perfect. No murmur.

I will start back to work on Monday. My boss and his boss have already called me and said no more than 4-5 hours a day my 1st week back.

I am going to start walk/run workouts tomorrow.

Had my 1st sneeze last night - held out a little over 5 weeks post op. didn't hurt so that was good.

I can't tell how much this site and the people on here mean to me. No judgements. People shairing personal experiences and fears with others. I felt like I knew everything that I could expect preop and post op.

Thank you my HJV Family!!!

I may not post weekly anymore but I will continue to post updates and check in regularly to see how friends are doing and hopefully continue to make new ones that I can help and support through their journey!!

Jimmy Johnson

5 weeks post op

March 26, 2012

All is well. Up to 4.5 miles a day walks. Sleeping better.

See the surgeon on Thursday. He should release me at that point. I feel great.

Our CEO is in town and the local managers are having a leadership dinner with him. Though I don't go back to work until next week I am going to go to the dinner tonight. My question is I wonder if it's ok to have a beer or wine with dinner?

How long after surgery did others wait before they had a cocktail?

I am not on any meds that could react with alcohol.

Thanks for all the support!!

Jimmy Johnson

4 weeks post op

March 19, 2012

Not much to report this week. Feeling great. Sleeping better.

My resting heart rate in betweens 60-75. It hasn't been that low in years. Before the surgery it was 100. Blood pressure continues to be good.

Walking 3.5 miles at one time at a pretty good pace. I also get to a nice resting heart rate faster after activity.

Still get a little sore because I trick myself into doing more. Nothing major.

All and all I am doing great. I see the surgeon next week.

Glad Linda the tiger is back home doing well. Glad Stephanie is recovering well

Good luck to Chuck who goes tomorrow. My thoughts will be with you and your family. You will do great!!

I am loving this new me!!!

Jimmy

3 weeks post op

March 12, 2012

Its been 3 weeks since my "v" day. I am doing well. I am walking a lot very day. I still get days where I am tired and I have to nap and rest. But for the most part i am doing really well.

My blood pressure has ravaged from 104/60 to 122/68. That's as good as it ever has been. I hoping that I won't have to take any mo bp medicine.

My pulse usually rest in the 70's. It was in the 90's prior to surgery. It does dip into the high 60's on occasion. Not sure if the 70's are still high.

I have lost close to 20lbs. Few lbs before the and mot after. My appetite is good. Must be all that walking and the fact that my portion sizes are a lot smaller. I just can eat the amount I use to.

The incision scar looks good. I get more flexibility and mobility every day.

Sleeping is still some what of a challenge. Maybe one to two hours and then up and back down for one to two hours and up again. I follow that cycle tille about 630 and a that's when my kids are up to get ady for school. I go down and have breakfast with them. I am going to move back into my bed instead of the guest room. Now that I am mo mobile I can get in and out of my bed. Plus it's memory foam and much more comfortable. I will let you know how that works.

I go see my surgeon on 3/29 where I expect he will release me to drive and return to work.

My son started tball this week so that gets me out of the house. I go have lunch with coworkers once or twice a week.

Hope Stephanie and Linda have a great surgery and and a fast recovery in cleveland. I know they will do great!!

Nancy is on fire with her poems.

Glad to see Chris and Jeff doing well. Hope Chuck will also have a good go when his time arrives.

Glad to see Mitch doing so well as well as Janis and Jane and all the countless others that have supported me in my journey.

Jan - its so good you are home and doing well. I agree that people in the south should really look at Dr Andrews as he is top notch. Plus the care we both got in the step down unit. We were lucky huh?

All the newbies to the site. You are in great hands here and you quickly feel a part of a bigger family and people genuinely do care about you

Jimmy Johnson

Added some photos

March 6, 2012

I added some photos of my journey..

Wishing Jan and Jeff good luck. Off for my 1st follow up after the surgery.

Walked 2 miles today

March 3, 2012

After my morning mile I felt like I had a bit more so I took my boys on a slow walk and we made it another mile. Now I am sure I will rest a bit tomorrow. Don't want to over do it.

I had been to doing pretty well with pain until my wife punched me in the chest last night. It was an accident. She completely forgot and she got excited after I was explaining kicked in and she punch me. It didn't hurt to long.

Really finding it harder to sleep. My back and neck hurt. I feel like I am pretty mobile at this point. Feels more muscle pain versus the chest. Wall.

Sending big positive thoughts for Jan who has her surgery in the same hospital and surgeon that I had so I am certain she is in good hands.

Glad Chris is doing so much better. Big scare for a minute.

Linda/chuck/Jeff/Stephanie. Not much longer buti am certain you guys will do great. You have the right attitude and you all seem as mentally ready as you can be. I will continue sending positive thoughts. My mantrain the hospital was "eye of the tiger". I hummed that as I walked ny 1st laps until my very last one.

Thanks HJV Family. Have a great weekend!!

One week post OP

February 28, 2012

Wow. Few weeks it was hard to imagine myself here and what it would be like. The surgery and hospital stay wasnt really that bad. Other than a low hemoglobin count that made me dizzy for a few days not bad at all.

Now I am home with the family. When my boys saw the scar the my oldest said that doesn't really look to good daddy ( that aft a week of hearing how good it looked). My middle son could just muster up that my belly button looked funny ( nothing was done to my button - it looked the way it's always looked)

Still trying to avoid lifting heavy stuff. I find that it gets easier to get dressed as well as shower.

Doing my walks. We go to the mall or target to walk if it's raining outside.

Still sleep like 2 hrs then up a bit and then sleep for 2 more hours. The soreness and muscle aches are kicking in.

Today the at home nurse starts coming over every other day for at least 2 weeks.

Again thanks to ALL my HJV family for the support and kind words. It really did and continues to help.

Also sending prayers out to Chris!!!

Night one at home

February 26, 2012

It was nice coming home to all the photos and get well letters my boys wrote me. The recliner has been the area where I am the most comfortable. Though I can't put the foot rest down with out help.

I did sleep in the quest room bed lest night and it's low and easier to do the hip walk to get in position. I used a wedge pillow propped up on other pillows to get angle I needed. My boys slept in the room with me.

Took laps inside the house and now that's it Warner heading outside for a walk.

Each day is diff. I am just going with the flow.

It's me. I am home

February 25, 2012

I was discharged today at noon. Sorry about not writing myself in ethe hospital. The percocet they were giving me made me really dizzy and I just wanted to keep my eyes closed.

All went well. Took me back about 740 that morning. The last think I remember was we are just going to put this hat on you.

Then I woke in the ICU. They were yelling give us a good cough and the breathing tube was out.

Let me just say that the surgeon was fantastic. He did the surgery in 2.5 hrs. All things went excellent. I was in such good hands while I went through this.

My hemoglobin got low and and that made me very nasueas and light headed.

Once off the Percocet and on the iron tablets I started to feel better.

I ended up getting a ministernum. I was pleased the didn't have to cut me all the way open but doesn't make it any less sore.

Had an echo done yesterday and all looks really good. The surges said this is the best you heart has sounded your entire life.

I made it about 25 laps today before I was discharged.

Thank you to the folks that really helped me get reay and for those about to go try not to be too sacred. Ask all the questions you want we will answer any way we can.

I will start to respond to me guest page post shortly.

Jimmy Johnson 5 days post op.

update

February 21, 2012

Jimmy's doing so well! I'm so proud of him. He's such a champ! He makes this look easy. He took a lap around the hall pushing a wheel chair this afternoon and they were going to do it again tonight. I have to come home in the evenings to take care of the kids and take them to school in th mornings.

Out of ICU!

February 21, 2012

Jimmy has been out of the ICU since about 10:30am est. he's doing very well, very sleepy.

Recovery

February 20, 2012

Sorry for the little update before, the dr was calling me back.
He had a really good surgery. No complications so far. The dr and his PA were very pleased with the outcome. They're hoping his breathing tube can be pulled by about 4 today, but they of course won't rush it.

He's out

February 20, 2012

all is well!

Thank you

February 20, 2012

Thanks everyone for all your support! Jimmy was in good spirits this morning. He thoroughly enjoyed the shave down :)

Surgery

February 20, 2012

Jimmy's been in surgery since about 9:10am. No news since that, so that's got to be good.

From Jimmy's wife

February 19, 2012

Hi. I'm Blythe, Jimmy's wife and I'll be doing all the updates tomorrow.

Starting to feel real

February 15, 2012

I had my preop appt today. Whoa..information overload. Plus all the other stuff they had me do was a bit overwhelming. But it hit me there while I was waiting for the next person to come in to poke me or stick me for blood that this is real...

But then I remembered why I am doing this and told my self that I can do this..(in my head I heard the intro to "Eye of the tiger" and I almost let out a "Yo Adrian I can do this"..haha. I really did feel in good hands with all the folks at the hospital and all most every one that I came contact was like Dr. Andrews is the best when it comes to valves. That made me feel really good.

So now I am just going to relax and enjoy the family until I have to be at the hospital Monday morning.

I will probably get one post in by then but in case I don't it will probably be 130ish Monday afternoon before my wife can post an update.

I really appreciate all the support and calming voices on here.

Jimmy Johnson

Update

February 14, 2012

Doc just thinks its a wicked head cold but did give 7 days worth on antibiotics to be sure.

Since I have my Pre-op apptin the morning I will just tell them there. Actually starting to feel better just still have a sore throat. At least it's not strep

Happy Valintines day all. My real "V" day will be on 2/20.

Jimmy Johnson

Fever and a sore throat

February 14, 2012

Had a low grade fever last night and now I have a wicked sore throat. Seeing my regular dr before I call the surgeon. Hope its nothing that will delay my date for 2/20.

It's not in my chest so just appears to be a wicked head cold but want to make sure.

Jimmy Johnson

T-Minus 10 days until my "V" day

February 10, 2012

1st let me say thank you and best wished to Mitch/Nancy/Robert. They have all gone through the surgery and are on their way to recovery. I am giving you guys a standing ovation and now my co-workers are looking at me funny.

I really appreciate you guys and all the others..Jane/Janis/JH and many many others. That have shared your stories of the pre and post op journey. Each one different but no less valuable to me and the countless others that are also embarking on this same journey. Thank You

To my friends still in waiting..Linda/Chris/Jeff/Chuck/Stephanie/Cindy and countless other. Thank you for sharing your fears and courage. Thank you for all your questions and answers to all my questions...

This site has really done more for me that I could have ever hoped for. I find myself coming here all the time to see how people are doing and what help I may be able to provide. I am sorry if I did not mention your name but everyone on here is just plain ole AWESOME!! Thank you!!

I have been sleeping well and pretty distracted but when I do think about it I find most of my thoughts are really around on what I want to do in life after. Laugh more..Cry more..Read more...Slowdown...try new things...

I worry that I may not be giving the surgery enough thought or the recovery. I think it just makes me feel better when I think of the other stuff.

Anyways...I am just going to enjoy the weekend and head into my last week of work and one more weekend. Thanks for letting me rant for a while!!

Jimmy Johnson T-minus 10 days until my "V"day!!

2 weeks to go

February 5, 2012

Just making sure the house is ready for when I come home. Starting with the kids to make sure toys are picked up. I have 3 boys 5 and under a they have a lot hot wheel cars that I don't want to trip on. Have a good support group. Several folks have lined up bringing meals over the 1st couple of weeks and that will be a big help.

My middle son said he was going to draw me a picture everyday I am in the hospital because I am his best friend. Really does put everything in perspective on why we do this.

Trying to do everything I can with family, hugs/baths for the boys/holding them because I am sure it will be several weeks before I can get back to dong that.

At least I won't have any lawn work for a while.

Ok got to get started on our Super Bowl food for later. I really have to end with what an amazing wife I have. Soon she will have 4 boys to look after and I am sure I will be the biggest baby of them all. Lol

Jimmy Johnson - 2/20. Here I come!!!

Good day

February 2, 2012

Good to hear that Mitch had a great day and his tube is out. Wishing for a restfull night for him.

Just finished Adam's book. Great read. I read it from front to back in one setting. Good info and put me at ease a bit.

Night all. The count continues to 2/20

Jimmy

Good Luck

February 2, 2012

Nothing about me today. This post is strictly to show support and best wishes for Mitch - Carmen - Kelly as they have surgery today.

We are all thinking about you guys and praying for a Safe/Healthy/Speedy recovery.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Cath is done

January 31, 2012

Thanks every one. It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Hurt when I was stuck for the Iv and then for the numbing stuff. Was quick.
Worst part was lying there for 2 hrs. Couldn't really sleep cause nurses kept coming to check on my wound.

Results were everything else looked great. My arteries are wind open.

Now just need to rest its a little sore. Count down is on to my surgery 2/20.

Jimmy Johnson

3 weeks to go

January 30, 2012

I am in the it's right around the corner phase not thinking about it too much but starting to think about it more and more.
My family helps keep me grounded and distracted.

I have my Catch and my fellow HVJ buddy Linda has really helped ease my mind on that one.

Question for the folks that are in Post OP or about to have the surgery. Is there a list of things I should do or think about to get ready and to have for when I come home from the hospital? I have ordered Adam's book and it should get it any day. I have my Pre OP apt on 2/15 and I am sure I will get more info then. I just wanted to start early as I have 3 weeks until the big day on 2/20 at 8:30 am.

Thanks for any advice or suggestions you may have.

The date is set!!!

January 26, 2012

Surgeon agrees with the other doctors that my leak is severe enough that it needs to be done sooner rather than later. Working on the 2nd op asap but think I know the answer will be the same.

Really like this guy..DR. Scott Andrews.. He is one of the top 73 doctors in the country. He answered all my questions. He walked me through the echo. Was very assuring and was candid about the risk. Gave me the pros and cons to mechanical vs. tissue. Said in 15 years it's highly likely that this would be done via cath. So the tentative date is set for the 2/20. They need to shed a heart cath to check the arteries.

The reason is say tentative is I had a business trip sched the week of Feb the 13th. I am going to maybe cancel that and go sooner.

I am having the surgery done at Presbyterian Hospital in charlotte NC. It's a top notch facility.

Doc said he we will fix you up so you see your kids grad HS/College/get married/have kids..Basically I see no reason you won’t live to be an old man..That was comforting.
Ok..This has gotten really real. I am ready..I am ready..I can do this..I can do this..I will do this..I will do this..Bring it ON!!

Jimmy J

1st Surgical Consult today

January 26, 2012

I am feeling more nervous today that I was over the last several days. I go in at 10am to meet the Surgeon and get his thoughts as I got my Cardiologist thoughts few weeks ago. My cardiologist was pretty thorough so I know what he is going to tell me but I think it's starting to feel real.

I will update as soon as I can on what the Doc says and next steps. Any so the journey begins…

Thank You

January 20, 2012

Thank You to everyone’s responses and kind words. It's so good to connect with folks who can understand what's going through our minds.
The little guy in my photo is my son Conor. That is where I truly get my strength to face this openly and with hope.
At 6 weeks old he went through Open Heart surgery to repair an aortic coarctation. It happened so fast that we didn't have time to be scared. He saw his DR on a regular visit and then was sent immediately to see a Cardiologist and from there was taken by ambulance to the Hospital and the surgery was done the next morning.
He did so well and was so resilient and is so happy now that you would have never known he had surgery. I was able to see and be impressed the care and attention they get in the ICU as well as the step down rooms.
It was very scary bringing him home. We didn't want to break him...ha-ha. Plus we had to keep our older boys from hugging and squeezing so much. He wanted to be held all the time (I wonder if I will too...LOL). We didn't mind. He was on Tylenol on day 2 of the surgery and from that point on. 8 weeks went by and our routine got back to normal. We did have our mishaps that sacred us more than the surgery. He was wrapped warmly and snuggly in a blanket on the sofa next to my wife and my oldest son comes home and see “his” blanket on the couch and grabbed it pulled it very hard off the sofa. Well that sent Conor soaring through the air a ways from the sofa and he landed fast first. We were scare and panicked and rushed him back to the hospital. He was fine and no issues but I still can’t look at that blanket today with getting a little freaked out.
So I definitely utilized his experience as well as ours to draw some strength and admittedly some courage.

Just passing the time

January 20, 2012

I have just been keeping busy as I wait to meet the surgeon next week.
Thought I do have a new Cardiologist. For the 1st time in 16 years I really this guy. He is personable. Takes the time go talk me and answer any question I have. Really explains what is going. He talked about his family and asked about mine. I am going to like seeing this one.
I really appreciate all the words of encouragement and making new friends on this site.
I have for the most part kept my condition close to a few good friends and family. Not sure I am ready for all the questions.
Curious for all those that have had surgery what's the biggest surprise of things you can do now and couldn't before.
Though I don't have any symptoms and have routine checkups I have always been somewhat timid to pushing myself with exercise. I am really curious how rigorous I will be after getting back to 100%.
Thanks again for all the kind words and hopes everyone has a fun/safe/relaxing weekend.
Jimmy J

Time to get it fixed

January 17, 2012

I am new to this Journal stuff but thought I would take a shot.

I met with my Cardiologist after having an echo and he says my regurgitation has gotten to the point it's time to get the valve repaired or replaced. I meet with the surgeon on 1/26 for his thoughts. I do not have any symptoms and can do what anything that I want without pain or shortness of breath.

I am married to a wonderful woman who has been supportive. I learned 16 years that I had Aortic Regurgitation and at some point it would need to be corrected. I have 3 amazing little boys. Hunter, 5..Luke, 3 and Conor 18 mos. They keep me grounded and give me hope for the future. My youngest Conor had open heart surgery at 6 weeks old to fix an aortic coarctitaion. It went really well and he is doing great. He does have a bicuspid valve and they will keep an eye on that but no major concerns at this point. Seeing him go through this and come out the happy funny kid he is today gives me strength.

I have so many questions and emotions at this point. What will life be like after? Doc said I should be able to get back to a normal activity and normal life expectancy. How will it really be coming home afterwards? I know..I know..Probably too early to be thinking about this stuff.

I am 38 years. The photo in my profile is my Conor in Dec 2011. I will get some more up of my family soon. I plan on updating here as often as I can. I find it feels good just writing about it.

I welcome any comments..Insights..Tips..Words of encouragement. Thanks and let the Journey begin!!