Maggie posted a note for Chuck that says:
I just read your entire journal and it brought me to tears...happy tears that is. I am 5 days away from my aortic valve replacement sugery. I only found out two weeks ago that I had severe aortic stenosis and would need this surgery. SO happy and inspired by your successful recovery and I am now so ready to do this. Congrats to you!!
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.
On March 21, 2014...
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Chuck that says:
Amen to that and congrats on the good life.
Michelle Kitchens posted a note for Chuck that says:
Hi Chuck,
Its so great to know that you're still doing well after your surgery. I hope things are going well for you and your beautiful family. Two years went by like two months. Here's to your continued health and success. :-)
I'm in the waiting period for surgery and you're right about it being the toughest part. Mark Twain once said, "If you have to swallow a frog, don't spend a lot of time looking at it." I've been looking at this frog (surgery) for about 6 weeks now and ready to swallow it and move on.
Your postings have really helped me focus on the recovery aspect of the process and to know there is a light at the end of this tunnel. A bright light! Thanks.
Hey Chuck, Good to hear from you again. Glad you are doing so good but hope your arm gets better. I have trouble with my right shoulder too. Its rotator cuff. I just put up with it, as long as I can use it. Yesterday I was 6 months out and feeling pretty good. Like you, I brag about how I can walk and do things without running out of breath. I still have a little pain but not much just the healing stuff. Life is so good.
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12
Happy first birthday to your valve!
Exciting and encouraging news- especially your 10 K run 106 days later...wow!
I am three weeks post surgery from MV and TV repairs and feeling great. Walking 1.25 miles at a clip. Healing is a wonderful gift!
Thanks for sharing your good news with us!
God Bless!
Sophie Marsh
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.
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!!
On March 20, 2013...
HI Chuck,
Glad to hear you're doing we'll. It's great seeing all the peopleI watched and worried with hit their one year anniversary! I still readtheentries on this site daily to remind me that if I hadn't had my heart fixed I may not be here at all. I feel so normal, I have to keep reminding myself it really happened. I guess that's a good thing!
hope your shoulder heals quickly. That's the problem with exercise...you have to do it to stay healthy, but you put your health at risk by doing it!
Take care,
Chuck Holmgreen I give you credit Nanc - I don't come back daily, but it is nice to come back now and then as a reminder.
Make sure to let me know the next time your travels allow you to stop in Atlanta.
On March 19, 2013...
Chuck
Im so happy for you. Im not sure if you remember me but I will celebrate my 1 year anniversary of AVR on May ,14th. I followed your blog going into the surgery, reached out to you post op and love your updates. This isa special community. Keep us posted. I just bought a treadmill and Im looking to do abetter job on my cardio training than Ive done so far.
Walk, walk, walk. Don't look at it so much as training. Look at it as a new found ability.
On March 19, 2013...
What beautfiul words you wrote, Chuck! I feel the same, but could not have articulated it as well as you did. I wish you the best and hope your shoulder injury will heal quickly.
Thank you, the words came straight from my improved heart!!
On March 19, 2013...
Rock on Chuck! Glad you are doing so well. Torn shoulder, yes, it is comical in a not so funny kind of way. Hope you are back on the mend soon. Great update, great life.
Nice post Chuck, The reason you missed it by 2 days is because you are feeling so normal and time just flies by. You like me have just been waiting for so long and then bam. I forgot what normal is like. Im not looking at running anything but just want to keep up with my neighbor when we walk together. She is a fast walker and I always have to tell her wait up. Now I want it to be the other way around.
When Dr Dennis called the other day and told me all this news, I told him I would probably need some brain surgery as well to get all of this stuff out of there lol. Just a good cleansing. And I love nurses too. We get along pretty good. Esp Nurse Charles, we walked together. Asked him if he wanted to run but he turned me down. Good thing my wrist decided to start dripping all over the place. He was nice though. Until later.
Mooving on up
LInda H
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!!!!
On August 23, 2012...
Yeah baby!!!! Way to go Chuck! Great post, could not have said it better. I still marvel at how "I did not have any symptoms" but feel so much better post op.
Hey, I have not posted about it yet, but wanted to share with you I am training for a half marathon in October. I needed an event to commemorate what we have been through and a half seems to fit the bill for me. When I run, I often think of you, Mr. Peachtree. You are an inspiration.
Keep feeling good my friend. Sure hope we meet one day.
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!!
On August 23, 2012...
Awesome Chuck! It's an amazing thing that we can feel this good. When people ask me I say "what surgery" and "its like it never happened". So great to see these posts from our special "first quarter of 2012" surgery group. Everyone is doing so well!
Jeff
I remember you talking about this goal way before surgery and it's so great to see that you met your goal. Amazing what has transpired in a few short months! It gives me great joy to read this post. Keep up the great work and I look forward to meeting you in person in the very near future.
Hi Chuck...
I am diggin' the shirt!
Growing up we were taught it was not polite to show off.....but in this case....Strut your stuff! Great advertisement for how to live life with this 2nd chance.....to the fullest..!!!
Congrats on the "Peachtree"....and most of all to your new & healthly life!
Regards,
Connie T
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
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.
On July 5, 2012...
Chuck, No way! This is totally awesome. You are an inspiration. Keep up the great work.
- Jim Smith
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!
Congrats on the race, Chuck! I'm getting my ascending aorta replaced in two weeks so you are definitely giving me lots to look forward to on the other side.
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
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
On June 12, 2012...
LOVE it Chuck! So great to meet HVJ peeps, for sure. I guess I have to skip the Union because I don't make the height minimum. Like the ride at the carnivals with the "you must be taller than this sign" sign. Dang!!!!
Life is indeed good. Be well. Sure hope we get to meet.
Thanks to this wonderful site (HVJ), besides having great support pre surgery, we also get the opportunity to meet with new found friends after we get out new valves.
A few of us are meeting in July to celebrate having our surgery during the summer of 2011. I look forward to it!!!
Chuck,
Great post and great to hear all is going well. I've met Nancy and Dick a couple of times too and they are great and it's great to meet our special friends that we've made here. I also have met Mitch, Chris, Jim and Jane. Amazing! For me, since I was asymptomatic going in, I don't see much of a change in my everyday activities. I'm glad to be fixed though and equally glad for a speedy and largely uneventful recovery. I have to tell you, I was in Atlanta last weekend for a wedding but was in and out so quick, unfortunately there was not time to set a meeting with you. Next time for sure or if you're in Orlando. I'm also going to try to plan that "union" for the fall. All the best to you.
Jeff Shebovsky
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
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.
On May 21, 2012...
Hi. How was your first day at work ? Mitch is right. Take naps !
Hi chuck, Hope all is of. Just wanted you to know that I did try calling your cell phone the other day but it was not in service. Maybe you can try my email at
lmyrrah@charter.net or my phone is
864 369-5068. Stephanie will be moving to Milledgeville and looks like they migt be living in Gray Ga. Thought you and your wife might know some good cardio doctors and regular doctors there for her.
I have an appointment in Greenville on 6/12 to see Ricki's doctor. Hope to get the answers I like. I feel good about it.
You take care and good luck going back to work.
For the long haul
Linda H
Great update Chuck. Glad you are feeling great. Yes, it was nice being semi-retired, but all good things must come to an end. I found work really gets in the way of naps and nice long walks. But, alas, what can we do????? Take care, keep up the good work. How is the training for the Peachtree coming? - Mitch Friedman
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 . . .
On May 14, 2012...
Hey there mr yada yada. Time goes so fast doesnt it chuck? . I guess we didn't how bad we felt before. I'm doing amazing things I haven't done in years.
Ok Atlanta program is June 8 Friday.
Dontbave all the plans bit will keep you devised. Believe we re at the W HOTEL.
MORE info later Glad u r doing so well
I'm on this 10 city cross country tour speakingb- & can tell you I doubt I would have been able to do ths last jan !!
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!
On May 14, 2012...
Hi Chuck, Nice to see or read you on here. Glad everything is going good for you. This week I see my regular doctor and am going to tell him I want a second opinion. I am going to see the cardio Dr that Ricki told me about.
I am excited now my daughter who had OHS 3 years ago is going to be moving to Millageville Ga. Maybe you know of a good Cardio doctor for her. Hang in there
For the long haul
Linda H
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.
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.
On May 14, 2012...
Great update Chuck. Remember to take it easy that 1st week back. I was surprised how tired I was and I worked 1/2 days that 1st week.
Glad you are doing well and enjoy the new healthier you!!
Chuck Holmgreen My manager & I have talked about just that. They have promised to be very nice to me that first week.
Thank you for the thoughts and I'm glad you are doing very well also.
On May 14, 2012...
Chuck,
It's great to hear that you are doing so well and can return to work next week. It must feel so good to have this all behind you! Take care and God bless! Denise K
Chuck Holmgreen Thank you Denise. My wish is that everyone has a recovery as well or better than mine.
Your next "Relay for Life" will be much easier!
On May 14, 2012...
Chuck,
Just had an opportunity to read your journal, I'm a new member to the site, I really enjoyed your post, they're very inspiring, I'm having AVR in the near future, so it's encouraging to read experiences from others, please keep posting.
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
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!!
On May 14, 2012...
Way to go Chuck! You've done really well and I'm so happy for you. We are so very lucky to have gotten through this pretty much unscathed. I hope that one day in the future we can meet personally. I'd still like to plan a sort of "union" of the heart valve folks.
Jeff
I am from: Cumming, Georgia
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.