Sandy's Heart Valve Journal

April 13th last year I was undergoing aortic valve replacement at the Cleveland Clinic. I am better physically and don't even think about what we (my family) and I went through last year.

Last week my Dr. said, "wear your scare with pride." For those of you who are facing this, be positive and look to the future. For those of you who have been through this procedure, keep on ticking and kicking.

Sandy

Today is October 13. The number 13 may set your alert level to caution but not for me. Thirteen is my lucky number. Two significant events took place on the 13th; my Bar Mitzvah at age 13 on October 13, 1956 and my Aortic Valve Replacement on April 13, 2010. These milestones are now a part of my past.

After six months I feel as good or better than I did last year at this time. My exercise level is much higher than before and I am increasing reps and weights each week.

Looking forward to the next six months.

Sandy

Five months after surgery and all is well. Back to my regular gym and exercising at a higher level then I did before the procedure.

Again, many thanks to Adam, his book and this site. I was able to give back over the last several week when an 84 year old friend went through the same valve replacement procedure at Northwestern in Chicago. It's a good feeling helping others going through the process and knowing the right answers because you have been there.

I don't have any plans to climb Everest or run a marathon but it is sure good to know that the "fix" works.

Sandy

What do winners do? They go to Disney World to celebrate. And that was the reward I gave my wife, daughter-in-law and my two grandsons for completing rehab and feeling great. Actually, D.W. last week was more brutal then my surgery.

I graduated from rehab at the end of July and planned to visit my two sons and family in Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale. I survived the trip in good shape and was able to keep up with my 2 1/2 old grandson.

Today, I started back at my regular gym but with much caution since I did avoid anything healthy and had no planned exercise. After all this was a vacation.

So, for all of you who have taken this journey with me - go out and celebrate. It was a trip.

Sandy