Guestbook of Jim Davis

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Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

4281 days ago

John O'Neill posted a note for Jim that says:

Hi Jim After an intense checkup at Mayo they have determined I have sleep apnea and feel that was the cause of the amerosis faugax. After two weeks on the ...Read more

Hi Jim After an intense checkup at Mayo they have determined I have sleep apnea and feel that was the cause of the amerosis faugax. After two weeks on the c-pap machine I finally slept eight hours non stop. It has been tough getting used to it. Some nights I had to take it off after two to four hours. If I start sleeping all night long this will be fantastic. I am also hoping the ulcer may of been from the ameoderone and other nasty drugs to stop the a-fib right after surgery. I guess I am going to stay on the baby aspirin and hope no ulcers come back. My sons father in law was told after his heart surgery that the snakes he sees are the begining of macular degeneration? I have not seen these. I ran the race last week end that I keeled over on 5 years ago. It was a 28:40 5k on an icy highway. I am looking foreword to running Virginia beach rock and roll half marathon with the other HVJ members in August.

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

4323 days ago

John O'Neill posted a note for Jim that says:

Hi Jim I brought up your journal after I searched amaurosis fugax. I see you went through your valve replacement during my harvest time when I don't get much ...Read more

Hi Jim I brought up your journal after I searched amaurosis fugax. I see you went through your valve replacement during my harvest time when I don't get much web time. In January of 2009 I collapsed after a 5k race at the age of 58. I had started running ten years earlier to lose 100 lbs. I am only three hours away from the Mayo Clinic so I went there to be diagnosed with a BAV 5.3cm aneurysm and needed a bypass. I got a sorin mechanical valve on April 27,2009,and am also on cumiden. I ran my first marathon thirteen months later(Grandmas in Duluth MN). I also got my own coagucheck machine and maintaining my INR in the proper range has worked well while allowing me to eat my green leafy vegetables. Life has been good up until the last four months, when I experienced amerosis fugax,once in the left and four months later in the right eye. They have done all of the tests both times with absolutely no reason for it? I am now going to have a nuclear stress test in a week or so. I have restarted the baby aspirin after discontinuing it 6 months after surgery when we discovered an ulcer in the colon. I was wondering if you have had any more episodes? I am now swimming 6.75 miles,running 16 miles and riding bike 40 miles a week.

Jim Davis John,
Thanks be to God I have not had any more episodes of the amaurosis since December of 2011. I w ... Read more

Jim Davis John,
Thanks be to God I have not had any more episodes of the amaurosis since December of 2011. I will occasionally get what I refer to as "snakes" in my visual fields. These are basically zig zag lines that usually start in the center of my visual field and then progress outward. They are not total monocular blindness like the amaurosis. However, even this has been less and less frequent as time goes by. What made my amaurosis go away was adding an 81 mg aspirin to my regimen along with the coumadin. I also monitor my INR weekly and keep between 2.5 and 3.0. The snakes are physiologically the same process, just on a smaller scale. And as I said this has become less and less frequent as time goes along. Temporally, I would suspect that your amaurosis is related to your discontinuation of the aspirin. That's the doctor in me as well as the patient that was essentially cured by the 81 mg aspirin. I would discuss with your doctor at home.
Jim D

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

4879 days ago

Just thought I would check in and see how you have been doing. I can\'t believe it\'s almost been a year. I have been great, and hope that all has been well ...Read more

Just thought I would check in and see how you have been doing. I can\'t believe it\'s almost been a year. I have been great, and hope that all has been well for you and your family. Keep On Ticking My Friend! Jeff R

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

4984 days ago

Hi Jim--it\'s great to hear you are doing well. I\'m Jim Smith\'s wife (he\'s scheduled for surgery March 13--we\'re leaving Saturday for New York. Thanks ...Read more

Hi Jim--it\'s great to hear you are doing well. I\'m Jim Smith\'s wife (he\'s scheduled for surgery March 13--we\'re leaving Saturday for New York. Thanks so much for letting us know about St. John of God--it\'s good to know heart patients have a patron--I will definitely be asking for his intercession! --Donna Smith

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

4984 days ago

Jim, I am glad that things have worked out well for you and your family. I appreciate your friendship. Remember, with God, all things are possible. Take Care, ...Read more

Jim, I am glad that things have worked out well for you and your family. I appreciate your friendship. Remember, with God, all things are possible. Take Care, Jeff R

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

4984 days ago

GREAT POST...thanks for the reminder.. JOHN MADONNA LAS VEGAS NV

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

4987 days ago

Hi Jim, I\'m glad you kept your posts Going as I wouldn\'t have found you. I\'m scheduled for mitral valve replacement at CC 3/15. ( I live in Maine). Also ...Read more

Hi Jim, I\'m glad you kept your posts Going as I wouldn\'t have found you. I\'m scheduled for mitral valve replacement at CC 3/15. ( I live in Maine). Also planning 2 weeks away from home. I read your journals and am feeling many of The same things you went through. You mentioned your Saint was St. Jude. Love it! I will check out mine. But, this is intersting: I subscribe to The Daily Word- via my phone. I looked up my \"word\" and faith message on 3/15. Wasn\'t I pleased to see SUCCESS. God is walking with us even when we\'re not so sure. (as I\'ve Had many not-so-sure moments lately) In short, thank you for posting and God Bless you. Stephanie Cole

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5032 days ago

Jim thanks for responding to my e-mail. I had open heart surgery 3 months ago and Iam getting ready to go back to work, I feel good but I get very tired after ...Read more

Jim thanks for responding to my e-mail. I had open heart surgery 3 months ago and Iam getting ready to go back to work, I feel good but I get very tired after using the stairs and sometime I have palpitations and my BP is a little high. I don\'t know if I should ask for more time or if this is a normal feeling. Marina Becerra

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5033 days ago

Ah, the love of a good woman gets us guys through. -- DVB

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5033 days ago

Hello Jim good to hear that you are doing great, how many weeks were you on disability? Marina Becerra

Jim Davis Marina,
I was off of work for six weeks. I was fortunate not to have to take disability. I had enou ... Read more

Jim Davis Marina,
I was off of work for six weeks. I was fortunate not to have to take disability. I had enough accrued sick time to take my six weeks and then get back to work.
Jim

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5033 days ago

Jim That is wonderful news. We all could not have made it this far without our support of loved ones. GOD BLESS JOHN MADONNA LAS VEGAS NV

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5033 days ago

Jim, thanks so much for sharing. You are truly blessed. I have heard many people say how all of this changes you, with a different focus on life, etc. At ...Read more

Jim, thanks so much for sharing. You are truly blessed. I have heard many people say how all of this changes you, with a different focus on life, etc. At this point, since I am still waiting for my Feb 2 surgery, I only have an inkling of what that must be like. But I suspect I too will changed in more ways than just having my heart fixed. Your post was great! All the best, - Mitch Friedman

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5033 days ago

Dang it Jim!!!! You made me cry...you sentimental ole fool! I lost my husband Eddie to prostate cancer 2 years ago, he was only 57. The fact that I will ...Read more

Dang it Jim!!!! You made me cry...you sentimental ole fool! I lost my husband Eddie to prostate cancer 2 years ago, he was only 57. The fact that I will not have him here to go through my surgery with me is, I think, the hardest part of this. I have known for years that it would eventually be time to get fixed and I just prayed that it would just let me take care of him. You are so fortunate to have your wife and she is one lucky lady to have a husband who is telling at least everyone on HVJ how much she is loved and appreciated. I think maybe this surgery experience is like none other. I used to think what people refer to as \"bypass\" surgery for blockages was scarey...but I think this valve stuff is scarrier! Maybe it makes us more sensitive to the things and people that really matter. Don\'t sweat the small stuff takes on a whole new meaning. Anyway...just wanted to let you know how sweet your post was. I still have to wait until March 13th for my valve replacement and maybe aorta repair. I will go from SC to your great state of Ohio to the Cleveland Clinic, so think about me and if you pray, please send one up for me. Still waiting....Linda Dixon

Jim Davis Linda,
I will be thinking of you and praying for you. I do not know how anyone gets through this wit ... Read more

Jim Davis Linda,
I will be thinking of you and praying for you. I do not know how anyone gets through this with little faith. Take care and God Bless you on your journey.
Jim

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5066 days ago

Jim, just checking in to see how you are doing. I hope the vision issues are getting better. I was so happy to read that you are feeling well and strong. ...Read more

Jim, just checking in to see how you are doing. I hope the vision issues are getting better. I was so happy to read that you are feeling well and strong. Continued blessings sent your way as you recover. Janis Kielbasa

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5067 days ago

Hi Jim, Just checking in brother. I am sorry you are having some vision glitches. I am glad you can sneeze again, I too loved it the first time I could sneeze ...Read more

Hi Jim, Just checking in brother. I am sorry you are having some vision glitches. I am glad you can sneeze again, I too loved it the first time I could sneeze without my chest feeling like it would blow apart lol. I have grown so accustom to my valves subtle ticking that seems strange to me if I don\'t hear it. All in all, it\'s a wonderful life my friend (pardon the Christmas pun lol) Jeff Roemer

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5069 days ago

Hey Jim, Glad your doing well brother. I think the vision disturbances we experience we have are optical migraines. I also get these episodes a couple times ...Read more

Hey Jim, Glad your doing well brother. I think the vision disturbances we experience we have are optical migraines. I also get these episodes a couple times a month. Monday I am finally going to see my eye doctor. I will keep you posted on any findings. Keep me posted on your progress as well. Keep the faith! Adam Howell

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5091 days ago

Hi Jim, Glad you\'re doing so well. I have had the same type of visual disturbances on numerous occasions. I have also read that quite a few other people ...Read more

Hi Jim, Glad you\'re doing so well. I have had the same type of visual disturbances on numerous occasions. I have also read that quite a few other people have also had them. Mine also lasted a few seconds - like 10 seconds then completely disappeared. No numbness or tingling. At first they happened 3-4 times a month, then less frequently. Recently (after 7 months) I rarely get them. My CCF cardiologist said he often sees patients with a history of migraine start getting migraine and/or migraine syndrome after heart surgery. I do have a history of migraines and have had one since my surgery. Hope this helps. Ruth Howell

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5091 days ago

Hi Jim, I am 12 weeks out this week from AVR and Root replacement, sounds like I got a similar St.Judes value as you. Since having the op I have had similar ...Read more

Hi Jim, I am 12 weeks out this week from AVR and Root replacement, sounds like I got a similar St.Judes value as you. Since having the op I have had similar visual disurbances which as you mention move with the eye, INR in range and no other symtoms to point ti migraine etc. would be very intrested to hear of any possible causes. Keep on tickin\' Phil Bangor, Northen Ireland

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5091 days ago

My father, who had bypas surgery about 7 years ago still has those \"white lights\" pass through his eyes. I personally have moments of dizziness or lack ...Read more

My father, who had bypas surgery about 7 years ago still has those \"white lights\" pass through his eyes. I personally have moments of dizziness or lack of balance for a second....I eat the same foods all the time and my INR fluctuates from 3.3 to yesterday 1.9......it is frustrating.. HAPPY THANKSGIVING JOHN MADONNA

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5091 days ago

Hi Jim, Early in 2009, I began experiencing temporary \"episodes\" of vision impairment (blindness) in my right eye. This was shortly after a doubling of my ...Read more

Hi Jim, Early in 2009, I began experiencing temporary \"episodes\" of vision impairment (blindness) in my right eye. This was shortly after a doubling of my workload and work related stresses. They were short (only a few seconds) at first but increased to close to 45 minutes on the last one. To make a long story short, a clinic doctor determined I had high blood pressure and suspected something called Amaurosis Fugax (google it) and gave me a referral for a Doppler ultrasound on my carotid arteries. They were all clear (no blockages) and my episodes of transient monocular blindness went away with high blood pressure medication (micardis). She then referred me to a cardiologist who said they were probably caused by some other blockage or clot (no follow up). I already knew I had a bicuspid aortic valve since birth. A year later (April 27th, 2010) I had a heart attack and a year after that (May 10th, 2011) the Bentall procedure and AVR with a tissue (horse) valve. In hindsight, I should have pushed my cardiologist to find out what caused those incidents of temporary blindness and not let him shrug them off as some other blockage. Push the issue with your medical professionals until you are satisfied with their diagnosis and treatment... Eric B.

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5091 days ago

Hi Jim. I have had the same problem with my eyes. However, it has gone away for the most part. The only problem I have now is a battle with gout. I have had ...Read more

Hi Jim. I have had the same problem with my eyes. However, it has gone away for the most part. The only problem I have now is a battle with gout. I have had four occurrences since my surgery. Glad to hear you are doing well. Jon Farmer

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5092 days ago

Hi Jim, You are doing so well. I can\'t match your recovery rate. Well done! We do share the same very humbling experience of being given a new chance at life. ...Read more

Hi Jim, You are doing so well. I can\'t match your recovery rate. Well done! We do share the same very humbling experience of being given a new chance at life. It really is quite amazing. Best wishes and Happy Birthday regards Rosemary Sutherland

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5092 days ago

Hi Dr.Jim,You will have ALOT!!! TO BE THANKFUL FOR ON T.G.DAY.You really feel differently after going through what we have(mine 9 years ago).Blessed holidays ...Read more

Hi Dr.Jim,You will have ALOT!!! TO BE THANKFUL FOR ON T.G.DAY.You really feel differently after going through what we have(mine 9 years ago).Blessed holidays to you and your family.ENJOY EACH OTHER!!!! Keep tickin.....

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5092 days ago

That is fantastic....I am now going on 3 months and two weeks.....I plan on going back to work next week....We get a second chance at life now we have to do ...Read more

That is fantastic....I am now going on 3 months and two weeks.....I plan on going back to work next week....We get a second chance at life now we have to do something better with our opportunity...JOHN MADONNA

Jim Davisgot a new guestbook post

5095 days ago

I hope you had a great birthday. Don\'t fall in the work trap!!!! I started slowly back to work four weeks post op, kept exercising like crazy and before ...Read more

I hope you had a great birthday. Don\'t fall in the work trap!!!! I started slowly back to work four weeks post op, kept exercising like crazy and before I knew it I was back to 10-11 hour days and exercise went bye bye. Take care of yourself.