John's Journal

Hey fellow heart patients, Just checking in. It's been a while. My first year anniversary of my Mitral valve repair was 3-1-2013. This was done at St. Marys Hospital Rochester MN by Dr's Suri and Burkhart. Robotic Mitral Valve repair. I sincerely hope all is well with each and everyone of you no matter where you are in your journey. My repair is doing well, no leakage. My life is as normal as one could hope for (whatever normal is these days). Back doing everything I did prior to surgery. I do plastering and also have a sound and light business so I'm very physically active. Prior to surgery I wondered if I wound be able to return to these vigorous types of work but have had great success doing so. My return wasn't without its incremental steps. My body certainly let me know when I was pushing to much. I continue to hold sleep at a premium. My body seems to really need 9 to 10 hours a night. One thing I do different now that I didn't do before my surgery is to walk at least a mile each day (5 to 6 days a week) I try to walk very briskly. My Cardiologist said this walking is important. Over all I feel great. There were no infections or relapses of any kind. I am very grateful to Dr's Suri and Burkhart, all the gifted RN's, support staff, Family, friends and customers that supported me during my recovery. I am beyond grateful to have made a full recovery and back doing all the things God has put me hear to do. To God be the glory. Wishing you all great health as you walk your unique journey, Sincerely, John Wingert

Wishing all those out there in the midst of their journey the very best. I feel great. Slowly integrating myself back to heavier duty tasks at work. My work is very physical so I need to slowing test myself. I\'ve learned that even if I don\'t lift more then 5 lbs. certain movements and many repetitions doing tasks (such as reaching over my head) still adds up to stress to my chest. My body lets me know big time if I\'ve pressed too much. Over all I keep getting stronger all the time. Still continue to walk twice a day. Usually 15 minutes in the morning and 15 at night and I try to book right along and make it count. Pretty much back doing anything I want-excluding lifting heavy weight. Once again I\'m very grateful to Dr\'s Suri and Burkhart, the nursing staff and all the caregivers at St Mary\'s/Mayo in Rochester MN for their wonderful care. Feeling blessed beyond measure, John

Went to Mayo Clinic yesterday for my one month check up. So far so good. No Mitral regurgitation shown on my ultrasound. Doctor says heart is healing very nicely. All the technical aspects are where they want them. Lungs are clear. External wounds have all healed nicely. I continue to walk morning and night. Thank God for indoor Malls in Minnesota. Still need to stay at the 5 lbs wieght limit for another couple weeks. Hardest part is remembering not to over do. As I feel better I start to think I can doing everything. I\'ve got to take it easy. All my work is physical so this tough to do. Very grateful to all Doctors, nurses and caregivers at the Mayo and St Mary\'s Hospital. They\'re all amazing!

Well, it\'s been 23 days now since my mitral valve repair surgery. I\'ve slept in bed for the last 3 nights. This is my first time doing so. It feels wonderful! Had slept in a chair mostly until now. Still a bit sore but feeling great. I\'ve been taking my walks diligently. Continue using the spirometer as well. Work\'s been going ok. Just trying take it easy. And not pressing too hard. Still tender at the incision sites but over all feeling great. It all seems so miraculous still.......