Chuck's Heart Valve Journal

Chuck Holmgreen  Maggie, you just made many of us on this side of the surgery cheer! When I was waiting for the surgery, reading the posts of the people that went before me ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Maggie, you just made many of us on this side of the surgery cheer! When I was waiting for the surgery, reading the posts of the people that went before me really helped me stay grounded and not let the emotions get out of hand. While your diagnosis was most likely a huge surprise for you, your are actually lucky. Most of us on this site had to wait a month or more - and in my case, I knew about my defect for about 31 years prior to the surgery. And as you've read, the waiting is the hardest part.

You have the right attitude and you can choose to do well. I believe you have.

You have warmed my heart (pun absolutely intended) with your entry in my guestbook - thank you. I write these hoping that I will be able to offer the same comfort I received when I was waiting and reading.

The best advice I can give is be patient, walk, listen to your body, start gently but continue to move. You'll be amazed at how quickly your endurance and abilities will return and exceed where you are now.

Everything gets easier from here. The surgery is just an event and the healing is a process. Enjoy the process.

You're in my prayers.

Chuck Holmgreen  Thank you Sophie. You are in what I term the "rocket stage". This is the stage where you start to recover very quickly - or at least I did.

Enjoy your new ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Thank you Sophie. You are in what I term the "rocket stage". This is the stage where you start to recover very quickly - or at least I did.

Enjoy your new found stamina. If you can do more activity - do it, within reason. Listen to your body and you can do wonderous things.

I wish you only the best and I believe you will achieve it!!

Chuck Holmgreen  Prior to the surgery, I read a number of accounts where the patients said they fealt great after 3-5 months but didn't feel "Normal" until about a year after. ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Prior to the surgery, I read a number of accounts where the patients said they fealt great after 3-5 months but didn't feel "Normal" until about a year after.

If I continue getting better for the next 7 months -- I don't know what I'm going to do with myself!!! Cause I feel GREAT!!!!

Chuck Holmgreen  Keep Rockin it Mitch!

I can understand not recognizing the symptoms because the downhill ride can be so slow, we simply feel like we're getting older. But ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Keep Rockin it Mitch!

I can understand not recognizing the symptoms because the downhill ride can be so slow, we simply feel like we're getting older. But in my case, the symptoms were frustratingly obvious. Makes me really appreciate my new equipment!!

Chuck Holmgreen  Connie -

You may find this funny, but I went back & forth on the last line "I Win!". I finally decided that for me, it isn't showing off - it is true. 'I ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Connie -

You may find this funny, but I went back & forth on the last line "I Win!". I finally decided that for me, it isn't showing off - it is true. 'I Win' simply by being able to compete.

I have a 6 year old and he isn't quite able to understand that concept yet, but he will in time.

Chuck Holmgreen  Thanks Wes - and physically, I'm nothing special. For about the last 5 years or so, I used my issue as an excuse to not exercise. I'm amazed at what my body ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Thanks Wes - and physically, I'm nothing special. For about the last 5 years or so, I used my issue as an excuse to not exercise. I'm amazed at what my body is now capable of - just bringing me up to 'normal'.

Congratulations on your MVR. Enjoy your new stamina!

Chuck.

Chuck Holmgreen  Summer,

The healing is simply a process. In a realtively short amount of time, the surgery will be simply a memory. Give yourself time to heal and follow ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Summer,

The healing is simply a process. In a realtively short amount of time, the surgery will be simply a memory. Give yourself time to heal and follow the exercise instructions. They really work!!

Chuck

Chuck Holmgreen  Jeff,

I am really looking forward to that "Union". If it can work out, let's see if we can do it prior to Thanksgiving. Due to hospital policy, Ramona is ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Jeff,

I am really looking forward to that "Union". If it can work out, let's see if we can do it prior to Thanksgiving. Due to hospital policy, Ramona is not able to take vacation between Thanksgiving and New Years. However working 4 days a week means with enough notice, we could plan her schedule to have a long weekend. We just need plenty of notice.

BTW: Nancy thinks you're taller than me! If you are, based on your pictures, your wife must not be too far away from 6' tall.

Chuck Holmgreen  Thank you Mitch. Yes, work can get in the way of the things we'd rather do.

Regarding the Peachtree -- that has me more scared than the surgery did!! I've ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Thank you Mitch. Yes, work can get in the way of the things we'd rather do.

Regarding the Peachtree -- that has me more scared than the surgery did!! I've never been a runner, and never enjoyed running. But I'm going to do it despite that. Right now, it feel like it will be impossible, but I know better . . .

Chuck Holmgreen  Nancy, I'm thrilled that you are feeling that much better. I was truly feeling like cr@p before my surgery, and as such, I'm truly enjoying being on this ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Nancy, I'm thrilled that you are feeling that much better. I was truly feeling like cr@p before my surgery, and as such, I'm truly enjoying being on this side of the journey.

The W is a good hotel and there are three locations. Downtown, Midtown & Buckhead. I think you have my personal email address, but for faster response, send the details to my work email - chuck.holmgreen@suntrust.com

I'm looking forward to meeting you in person!

Chuck Holmgreen  Please remember Linda - you are your best advocate. Be nice, but be forward & honest. I don't wish OHS on you, unless you really need it.

As far as your ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Please remember Linda - you are your best advocate. Be nice, but be forward & honest. I don't wish OHS on you, unless you really need it.

As far as your daughter, I know quite a few cardiologists. My cardiologist is having some changes in her business and may be in the process of being bought out. I love her, but she has recommended I start looking for another due to the potential agreements she may have to sign if she likes the terms.

I will most likely be changing to Dr Christopher Leach at Northeast Georgia Heart Center.

I truly wish you and your daughter the very best. If you'd like to talk, I have my contact information back in a journal entry just prior to my 3/20 surgery.

Chuck Holmgreen  Don,

The best advice I can give is to be fully engaged in the process. That will give you more of a feeling of control. This site will take away most of ... Read more

Chuck Holmgreen  Don,

The best advice I can give is to be fully engaged in the process. That will give you more of a feeling of control. This site will take away most of the "fear of the unknown". Use them both and always ask the questions that pop up.

I wish you the best, I'll keep you in my prayers and truly believe me when I say - the waiting is truly the hardest part.

BTW - always - always, be nice to the nurses!!