Cindy posted a note for Brian that says:
Hi Brian,
This is the first I have heard of your HVJ team and race and Great for you! I am a recovering mitral valve repair patient at 10 months post op and have started running about 6 weeks ago after decades off. My progress is slow but I am thankful that I can even do it at my age, my endurance is getting better and my heart rate is dropping. If you by chance do more shirts or another organized race I would be interested.
Blessings to you as you continue to train for your tri.
Brian Walsh Congrats on getting back at it. It is tough after the time off, but comes back quickly. I will keep you in mind and send out some updates. Last year was ... Read more
Brian Walsh Congrats on getting back at it. It is tough after the time off, but comes back quickly. I will keep you in mind and send out some updates. Last year was Team HVJ's race and it was a blast, but I took this year off from coordinating cause it was just a bit much last year on my own with work, but based on the recent video and some of the feedback I'm thinking it may be time for another one in 2016. I always welcome everyone if you are interested I do about 2-3 races a year, one coming up in Bethlehem, PA in October, they offer a 5K/10K and Half (I do all three, cause I'm crazy enough like that. If there is enough interest I can cetainly pull off ordering some shirts again for everyone.
As for me, back to just run training. I did the tri at the end of June (although the swim got canceled) so I'm looking forward to doing it again next year.
Lot's more to come, I need to get more active posting here again.
Kathleen F. Congratulations on being one of the top stories of the year! I just read your journal and watched the video - congratulations! And I am also interested in ... Read more
Kathleen F. Congratulations on being one of the top stories of the year! I just read your journal and watched the video - congratulations! And I am also interested in joining the HVJ Team at the PA race in October. I just had my one-year anniversary of the Ross Procedure this week, and now I look forward to (hopefully) starting training for the Berlin marathon in September - I found out I got in through the lottery! Like you, I ran a few half marathons this year, and am running at about the same pace as before surgery, but I am ready to "crush it" in 2016 - to use your phrase! Thanks for the inspiration and all you've done to forge a path for those who are following behind you! Blessings to you in 2016.
Brian Walsh Thank you for the message Kathleen. I just saw your message, not sure when you posted it. I did not hear from many other than Cindy to get shirts, so I never ... Read more
Brian Walsh Thank you for the message Kathleen. I just saw your message, not sure when you posted it. I did not hear from many other than Cindy to get shirts, so I never persued the option. I'm not sure when your post was dated, but I hope your marathon went well and hope 2016 is starting out with a bang. If you plan on running in october again in PA, I'll be there. If I could pull together a group there I would definitely get some red shirts together for it!
On July 15, 2015...
Paul Rose posted a note for Brian that says:
Your video is inspiring, Fantastic results and can empathise. Great to see you smashing that HM PB with style and getting into Tri's
I had my Mitral Valve repaired 3 years ago this week and started running seriously again ~18 months ago😀 Now regular 15-30miles per week and distance PB 15.6miles currently 😎. Not as fast as you, but I'm 59, so may need to claim some age adjustment 😉. Currently 5K (25:12), 10K (57:00, really need to work on this one) and haven't set a formal HM PB post OHS yet, Expect just sub 2hrs on a decent course and great weather day 😉
Great to see a fellow OHS runner doing really well - Keep up the super work, stay healthy and knocking those PB's down👍🏿
Brian Walsh Thanks Paul! And great stats yourself. It has been a fun ride and to be honest I still cannot believe how fast I am now. Pre-Surgery I typically was around ... Read more
Brian Walsh Thanks Paul! And great stats yourself. It has been a fun ride and to be honest I still cannot believe how fast I am now. Pre-Surgery I typically was around a 9/9:30, but now I even get down in the 7's/high 6's at times when I am really pushing it. I just love to run, and glad God has given me this ability to continue.
Paul Rose Those are brilliant stats Brian, I can get the 7's but the 6's may be beyond me now, not that I'm going to stop trying 😱 You've given me something to shoot ... Read more
Paul Rose Those are brilliant stats Brian, I can get the 7's but the 6's may be beyond me now, not that I'm going to stop trying 😱 You've given me something to shoot for. It's great to find someone who has had OHS and understands why we run...... because we want to and can 😎
Brian Walsh :) Yup, you just can't explain that to a non-runner. All the best!
On June 5, 2015...
Adam Pick posted a note for Brian that says:
Hey Brian,
Again, it was great connecting with you and your family in Pennsylvania. Good news. We are very close to having the video ready for your review. I'll send you a link as soon as possible. How are the runs these days? Adam
Brian Walsh Looking forward to it. Running is slow as I'm in Tri training mode, so trying to manage 3 sports to train for...I much prefer simply running.
On April 27, 2015...
Mom posted a note for Brian that says:
Brian,
Dad and I were so proud to see your time on Sunday. It really did us proud to see you beat your time from last August !!! God gave me a miracle when he gave you to us and then again after your cardiac arrest and your valve repair. So very thankful!!!! Love ya, Mom
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
Brain:
You look quite sporting and prepared in the new shirt! Yeah, I agree, washing it before the race makes good sense! Keep up the fine work - I am looking forward to reading the posts after the race. Go, HVJ team! Best.
P.S. A 100,000 step FitBit week is not too shabby - congrats!
Brian Walsh Thanks Jim!! I'm giving you something to strive for now. I'm top on my dashboard but I have a few friends that have ousted me for a week here and there. ... Read more
Brian Walsh Thanks Jim!! I'm giving you something to strive for now. I'm top on my dashboard but I have a few friends that have ousted me for a week here and there. Hoping to break 30K in one day at some point, I was close one time (7 mile run, plus walked 18 holes of golf...just 500 steps short)
Can't wait for the race!!!
On August 10, 2014...
Rach shelley posted a note for Brian that says:
Brian I got my tshirt it's awesome! I feel very professional in it :) I still have a lot of physio so it will come in useful for that. Thanks so much, not long now til the run from what I can see look forward to reading about it!
Brian Walsh Glad it got there ok. Even more happy to see how well your recovery is going! Keep getting stronger!
Brian
On July 5, 2014...
Clare posted a note for Brian that says:
Wish I could be running with you all. I did a four miler today and felt great coming across the finish line less than 6 months from surgery. Go team HVJ.
Brian Walsh Clare, that is fantastic! Keep up the great work.
On July 3, 2014...
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
Brian:
Best of success to the team and thanks for your efforts. I have just donated and will be cheering for Team HVJ on race day. I will wear my shirt on the same day in solidarity! Have a great July 4th.
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
Thanks, Brian, for the shirt ordering and racing team work. We all appreciate it. Good luck in your upcoming races! All the best.
Brian Walsh Thanks Jim! Going to the post office today during lunch to ship the shirts out. One more thing down.
On May 2, 2014...
Biagio Basile posted a note for Brian that says:
That's great Brian , great time too . I've had my valve repaired 1 year ago and feel great as well. I haven't run since before my operation because of knee problems so I'm happy you are able to
Lots of luck in the future .
Brian Walsh Thanks Biagio! It only keeps getting better, glad you are feeling great too!
On January 31, 2014...
Clare posted a note for Brian that says:
Can't travel to run...small kids at home. Signed up for Rock and Roll St. Louis half before I knew I needed heart surgery. It willbe my eigth half, and I have done one full. Surgery was 1/9/14....so the race is still my goal. Figure I have almost 10 months. Good luck and happy running.
Brian Walsh Thanks for the note Clare and I hope all is going well with your recovery. 10 months, you should be ready! I have some special situation so I waited a little ... Read more
Brian Walsh Thanks for the note Clare and I hope all is going well with your recovery. 10 months, you should be ready! I have some special situation so I waited a little bit longer, but could have started back to running within 4 months. Look at Mitch Friedman, he is an avid runner and ran a couple within a year of surgery if my memory serves me correct. If you would like a shirt, just click the link and send me a note, happy to get you a shirt you can run for HVJ in Spirit. My plan is to place the order around July so that should get a shirt in time for your race.
I also understand the challenges of traveling with children, I have 3, thankfully my parents or my wife's will be taking them for the race weekend :)
On December 23, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
Brian
I completely enjoyed reading your post. Thanks so much for sharing. It is great to understand the journey of each individual because you learn new things every time.
I look forward to reading about your running exploits once you get back on the road.
The very best holidays for you and your family. Best.
Kathy Walsh posted a note for Brian that says:
Great job on the design Brian. We can't run but we could possibly walk the race or sit on the sidelines and watch you race (or we could ride in a golf cart with Dad).
Brian Walsh No golf carts allowed :) I'm sure you could walk a 5K. You have the time to train for it. Else happy to have you cheering.
On November 14, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
I tell you, Brian, you are inspirational. So pleased to see you focusing on 2014. A great attitude and wonderful example. My 2014 goal is to run a HVJ race with the team. All the best, big guy!
Brian Walsh Your inspirational! Glad to see you are doing well, keep up the good work, and tell Lise to keep on top of you so you don't get too crazy. I guarantee you'll ... Read more
Brian Walsh Your inspirational! Glad to see you are doing well, keep up the good work, and tell Lise to keep on top of you so you don't get too crazy. I guarantee you'll be joining us along with Lise. Her and my wife Shea can then share stories about what a pain we husbands are post surgery :)
On October 22, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
Hey Brian (marathon man)
If you have some time, I need your advice! As a Mt. Sinai and Dr. Adams alum, what advice and tips can you provide me for my hospital stay? Any thoughts will be helpful. My wife will be with me. Would love any advice your wife may have for my wife Lise also. Thanks so much!
Brian Walsh Jim, feel free to send me an email to walsh.briang@gmail.com, just easier to correspond for future, I'm usually pretty responsive there and sometimes miss entries ... Read more
Brian Walsh Jim, feel free to send me an email to walsh.briang@gmail.com, just easier to correspond for future, I'm usually pretty responsive there and sometimes miss entries here.
For yourself, you don't need much. I wore sweats in, shirt and coat. You'll want to make sure you have a razor, deodorant and a toothbrush (they have ones for you, but I'm particular about my toothbrush). Of course some puzzles, reading is also good to give you something to do. The visiting hours are fairly strict, so you'll have a good bit of time to without your wife or anyone else around and the TV gets old, but it is also a good time to connect with your roommates. When I went out of ICU I had 3 roommates for most of the time, 1 who was there the whole time with me. Also you will need a place to stay, I highly! recommend Bubba and Bean Bed and Breakfast, http://www.bblodges.com/ It is a couple block walk to the hospital in a safe area. My wife and mother walked back and forth from there to the hospital daily. The guys were great and when my stay in the hospital got extended 1 day longer they threw in an extra night at no charge. Great service and the lowest rates you will find in the city. Eating around the area is tough, not too much, Fox and Hound was really good according to my wife and there is a subway across from the B&B along with a Pizza joint as well as a great Italian Restaurant, very small and can't remember the name at the moment. I think that pretty well covers it, but if you have any other specifics you are looking for, just shoot me an email.
If you have never been to the City or stayed in the city either, I recommend planning to get there early enough to get settled in and go visit some of the sites. Lots of Museums, Rockfeller Center... If you stay at the B&B there is a subway stop right on the corner which makes it easy to get to anywhere. Get a map of the subways too, either in paper or on your phone, mark your hotel and stuff it will help you navigate around (I'm known not to follow directions too well :)
Hope that helps you. To your question about underwear...those are optional and really can't be worn anyway till about 3-4 days after surgery due to all the other tubes etc. The stuff I wore in, was the stuff I wore out since really you do the morning of is walk to the hospital in them, strip down and off to surgery you go, never to see those clothes again till you leave :)
On October 21, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
Brian
Thanks so much. Please keep the prayers coming. I get your wife's advice. A steady progression makes good sense. I remember the months and years of base training I did to build to my marathon PRs. I wish I was 33 again!
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
Brian
You are getting it done. Great workout! Really happy for your progress. Keep up all your good work. Looking forward to the possibility of a HVJ Team race in 2014. Hope I am recovered by then! BTW, My surgery date puts me in NYC for the NYC marathon. Hope to see the race. Best.
Brian Walsh Nice! I'm sure you will be well recovered. I actually originally hoped to run that this year but I will table my thoughts for a future year since my wife was ... Read more
Brian Walsh Nice! I'm sure you will be well recovered. I actually originally hoped to run that this year but I will table my thoughts for a future year since my wife was not keen on me marathon training right after heart surgery. I will be praying for you!
On October 21, 2013...
Joe posted a note for Brian that says:
Hi Brian, That is wonderful and I know exactly how you feel. This new life has been blessing me as well. Each day in cardiac rehab I do more and more and push the limits they set on me. And amazingly I do not get exhausted and winded like before. And if it is a bit much I now recover so quickly.
I would love to join you in a 5k type run but fear you are too far away. If you do anything close to NYC count me in.
And your planned celebration sounds perfect. I might just have to copy that.
Brian Walsh I'm sure I'll sign up for something in the NJ area at some point. if you are ever interested would love to have you join me. I work in NJ and grew up there, ... Read more
Brian Walsh I'm sure I'll sign up for something in the NJ area at some point. if you are ever interested would love to have you join me. I work in NJ and grew up there, actually born in Flushing NY, so I may even go for a NY race at some point. Send me an email, walsh.briang@gmail.com and will definitely plan one out at some point.
On September 30, 2013...
Kathy Walsh posted a note for Brian that says:
Such great news Brian. So thankful to your doctors and The Lord for keeping you safe and under their watch. You truly amaze us and proud to call you our Son. Love, Mom and Dad
Jim Jones posted a note for Brian that says:
Brian
Congratulations! That was one heck of a stress test! Glad you passed and are cleared for a half. Good luck with your training. Best.
Wes Phillips - MVR 5/9/12 posted a note for Brian that says:
Brian,
What a great update. Your progress should motivate others who are just entering into the surgery process. In addition, it will help them understand there is still an active life that is possible.
Brian\'s Mom posted a note for Brian that says:
Well Bria, you continue to amaze me each day. Your Dad and I will definitely be at your fundraiser to cheer you and others on. Maybe if we build up our walking capacity here in Delaware we can walk the race and come in last. With all you have on your plate you still add more. You are truly amazing and we are so blessed to say "That's Our Son".
Brian Walsh Thanks Jim! All to the glory of God. I look forward to running with you in the future post your procedure.
On July 10, 2013...
Kathy Walsh posted a note for Brian that says:
You are amazing. So happy you are happy running again and also taking it slow. God will guide you through this and will always be with you no matter what. You are an inspiration to us all. I've said it before I am very very proud to say You are my Son and thankful to The Lord for keeping you safe.
Elaine posted a note for Brian that says:
Great news Brian! Glad you are able to get back to running. Thanks for sharing your story - such an encouragement.
Ellen Ridadale posted a note for Brian that says:
Hi Brian. So glad to hear you are doing so well. Also glad to see the praise going where it should. To God Be The Glory indeed. Ellen (also have a leaky MV. So far just moderate)
Brian Walsh Thanks Ellen! I had a great surgeon, but God guided his hands. Hopefully yours stays at moderate, but if the need for surgery comes, I am sure you will be in good hands.
On July 9, 2013...
Aunt Kathleen posted a note for Brian that says:
Wow!!!! You're amazing!!! And such an inspiration to anyone, not just those facing heart problems. May God continue to bless you & your beautiful family!!!
Love
Aunt Kathleen
Everyday you make me proud to say you are my "Son". Today I feel blessed and thankful for you and loved your story. Glad you took it slow and careful. As far as tearing up I guess you get that for me because I can't even see what I'm writing because the tears are flowing.
Aunt Kathleen posted a note for Brian that says:
Love reading your story!!!! You are an inspiration for anyone facing any kind of heart surgery!! Sometimes I feel like you "push the envelope" too far but you sure seem to be doing very well!! God bless you & watch over you always!! Love you!
Brian, congrats on your 3 month anniversary! Glad to hear how busy you are. It's encouraging to know how quickly we heal. God is good! Worthy to be praised! Have fun in the your new home! Amanda B
It is great to read about your recovery and how well you are doing. Our surgeries must have been a day or two apart and our recovery sounds very similar. I am also amazed at how mobile I have been since the surgery. Keep on recovering!
Brian Walsh I was reading your 3 week update right before I wrote mine and thinking the same thing. Must be the blessing of youth and God. Not to mention I believe the ... Read more
Brian Walsh I was reading your 3 week update right before I wrote mine and thinking the same thing. Must be the blessing of youth and God. Not to mention I believe the both of us were pretty active and healthy except for these valve issues. Congratulations too on the engagement!
Brian,
I wouldn't worry too much about your low blood pressure. My new normal (since surgery) is about 90/50. Sometimes it is as low as 86/34, but I really don't feel bad. Doc told me not to worry about it if I don't feel bad.
Godspeed and good luck with your recovery!
Deb Ziegler
I am forever thankful for all the Lord has done and continues to do through this journey. We are never alone. As Brian's wife it hasn't been easy watching him go through this but seeing the many blessings and how well he has been doing despite the low BP and low red blood cell count. I know it is all in the Lords hands. The outpouring of support and prayers has been amazing. I watch over Brian like I watched over my boys when they were babies sleeping. I praise God for bring us to Dr. Adams and Mt. Sinai hospital where Brian received outstanding care. To Brian the love of my life, I am thankful to have you for many more years to come.
Always,
Shea
Low blood pressure certainly makes you feel dizzy and displaced. Meds had my blood pressure down and everything eventually smoothed out as we started pulling meds from my regimen. Things will normalization with a little time, just stay positive and keep walking / exercising. God is good!!
Great to hear you're home, I remember how good that felt, even though it starts a new difficult journey, it's soo much nicer at home.
Glad to hear you were doing a tonn of laps in the hospital. I was the same way, i just couldn't sit still.
Totally identify with the complicated med schedule. For the first 2 weeks i was waking up a few times a night by alarm just to make sure i stuck to the pain meds cause it was horrible if i feel off the schedule even a little.
Brian Walsh Thanks Scott for everything! The VM message when I got home was perfect along with our discussion just before. I will touch base with you in 2013. Have a great ... Read more
Brian Walsh Thanks Scott for everything! The VM message when I got home was perfect along with our discussion just before. I will touch base with you in 2013. Have a great new year! I'll keep praying for your pain recovery and the numbness that you have been experiencing. Take care. Your brother in Christ!
On December 20, 2012...
Brian:
So glad to hear you're home and doing well.
It's the first step to running again!
Be sure to go to cardiac rehab...St Luke's North in Bethlehem has a fantastic program.
Brian Walsh Thanks Becky. No rehab for me just doing my work at home. Laps in the house and outside when not too cold. Taking it slow per doctors orders, but not easy as ... Read more
Brian Walsh Thanks Becky. No rehab for me just doing my work at home. Laps in the house and outside when not too cold. Taking it slow per doctors orders, but not easy as I really want to go for a jog, thankfully I still have enough pain to remind me that would not be a good idea. Hope you had a blessed Christmas and a happy new year to you!
On December 20, 2012...
Great to hear that your doing well Brian and we are praising God. We will continue to keep you in our prayers throughout your recovery.
Brian Walsh Thank yo Phil and the same for you and your recovery!
On December 18, 2012...
Welcome to the club but most of all, welcome home buddy. We're proud of you -- get better every day and push yourself for quicker recovery (but don't overdo it tuff guy!) Excellent post, love the details.
Love hearing all of the details, it matters so much to hear what you can't possibly fathom. Continued prayers of recovery for you.
Thank you!
Anthony & Stephanie Pecoraro
Uploading your photo!
This is the first I have heard of your HVJ team and race and Great for you! I am a recovering mitral valve repair patient at 10 months post op and have started running about 6 weeks ago after decades off. My progress is slow but I am thankful that I can even do it at my age, my endurance is getting better and my heart rate is dropping. If you by chance do more shirts or another organized race I would be interested.
Blessings to you as you continue to train for your tri.
As for me, back to just run training. I did the tri at the end of June (although the swim got canceled) so I'm looking forward to doing it again next year.
Lot's more to come, I need to get more active posting here again.