My Guestbook

On February 20, 2018...

Geri posted a note for Jimmy that says:

God Bless you Jimmy and your happy beautiful family, in today's world we are filled with such fear and sadness, it is wonderful to hear a happy story of someone who values life and everyday blessings

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On February 20, 2018...

Mitch Friedman posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Love it!! So glad all is well. Same here. Be well my valve brother!!

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On February 28, 2015...

Jeffrey Shebovsky posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Great news Jimmy! All the best to you and family

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On February 26, 2015...

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Hey Jimmy, Happy 3rd birthday with many more to come. I enjoy seeing all the pics on FB of your boys. They are real cute. Keep up all the good coaching. See you on FB.

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On February 26, 2015...

Mitch Friedman posted a note for Jimmy that says:

I love it my valve brother. 3 years down and many more to come. So glad all is well with you (and so many in our "graduating class")!!!!! Keep up the good work.

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On March 11, 2014...

Holly Pomeroy posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Jimmy, I'm glad to read you're doing so well at two years! What a change in our lives post surgery! Thanks for your positive updates and encouragement. Keep chasing after those boys! I have three new grand-babies coming in the next 5 months!! Can't wait. Blessings!

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On February 20, 2014...

Mitch Friedman posted a note for Jimmy that says:

You 'da man Jimmy. Way to go. So glad you got fixed so keep running after those boys. If you can't keep up, now it is just because you are getting older. Sorry Bro!

All the best,

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On February 20, 2014...

Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Hey Jimmy, Congratulations on your second birthday. Glad things are going so good for you and your family. Love seeing pics of them on FB. You are right don't know what we would do without this site. It has meant a lot to me as well and I still look at it. Life is good. Until later friend

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On February 20, 2014...

Chuck Holmgreen posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Congratulations on your two year anniversary Jimmy.I am thrilled that things are going well for you and remember when you were leading up to it.I agree that this site was very helpful in taking away the fear of the unknown. And like you I hope others are able to use it as well.

I am thrilled for you and your family, and pray that you have many many more years to continue to celebrate with your family.

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On February 20, 2014...

Jeff Shebovsky posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Way to go Jimmy! Great to hear all is well. My best to you always.

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On September 7, 2013...

Debbie JAeger posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Hi Jimmy
After reading your post I see you live in Charlotte and used Dr Andrews. I am having ohs on September 16 with Dr. Chan dr. Andrew's partner. Was wondering if you can tell me a bit about them. I am new to the area and this all happened so fast.

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Jimmy Johnson Hi Debbie,

I don't know much about Dr. Chan but Dr. Andrews was awesome. He worked with me through the entire process. The folks in the cardiac center were ... Read more

Jimmy Johnson Hi Debbie,

I don't know much about Dr. Chan but Dr. Andrews was awesome. He worked with me through the entire process. The folks in the cardiac center were great. You will be on the 4th floor and everyone there is awesome. The Nurses really look after you. Your Pre-Op day you will get to meet more of the people and the process. It can be a bit overwhelming so prepare yourself. It's a lot of pretesting and paper work.

The nurses in the ICU are amazing. They attended to my every need and made sure I was comfortable with everything.

Feel free to e-mail at JimmyJohnson26@gmail.com if you have any specific questions you want to ask.

Good Luck and waiting really is the hardest part.

Jimmy Johnson

On July 19, 2013...

Holly P posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Congratulations on little Ty! Somehow I missed that post. Glad things are going so well for you, and hope you are getting a little more sleep now!
You are a wonderful father, I can tell by your pictures!!

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Jimmy Johnson Thank you Very Much!!

Jimmy

On July 19, 2013...

Mitch Friedman posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Mitch Friedman

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On July 18, 2013...

Shelly Poluka posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Jimmy,
It is encouraging you are doing so well.
It sure helps other people going in for
surgery or in my case a spouse. My
husband is scheduled for AVR on July 24th.

He is anxious to move forward and put
his surgery behind. I find this site to helpful for anyone preparing for surgery.
P.S. The photos are touching, you have a beautiful family. God bless.

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Jimmy Johnson Thanks Shelly!! Let me know if you or your Husband has any questions. I will share what I can from my experience.

Jimmy

On July 18, 2013...

Ernie posted a note for Jimmy that says:

P.S. Just checked out your photos and you've got got a really cute family. It's a good thing your kids take after their mom. :)

Wishing you the best and continued health.

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On July 18, 2013...

Ernie posted a note for Jimmy that says:

Just read your whole journal, and I'm very inspired and reassured. Thank you very much. I'm looking forward to a time where I can be called POST-op, and hopefully my new "normal" will be better than my current "normal", which would be better than great, because I don't feel bad right now except when I do something physically exerting.

Wishing you continued health and smiles.

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Jimmy Johnson Thank You sir!! I enjoy readying your post. Don't lose that humor as it will help get you through because sometime you just have to laugh at stuff. Good ... Read more

Jimmy Johnson Thank You sir!! I enjoy readying your post. Don't lose that humor as it will help get you through because sometime you just have to laugh at stuff. Good luck and let me know if I can answer any questions. I am looking for forward to seeing you get to the other side..I should clarify and say the other side of surgery..HAHA

Jimmy

On April 17, 2013...

Congrrats Jimmy, great things ahead. BTW, 4 kids and OHS and you haven't realized sleep is over-rated?!?!?!?!

All the best,
-Mitch Friedman

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On April 17, 2013...

Congratulations to all of your family. A little football team huh. Hope all stay healthy and have a wonderful life. God is good.
Hugs
Linda H and Elsie

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On April 17, 2013...

Congratulations Jimmy! Only one more and you will have your own basketball team, lol! Good luck with the "sleeping". Glad everyone is doing well. I'm also doing well, just bought a new house and will be moving in a few weeks. I'm excited and looking forward to moving on. Take care of your beautiful family.
Linda THE Tiger, aka Linda Dixon

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On April 16, 2013...

Congradulations on the new baby boy. Blessings and health to you and your family.
Susan F

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On February 21, 2013...

Happy Birthday Jimmy on your one year. Time sure does fly by after surgery. On the 19th I just hit 5 months. Doesn't seem that long. Everyday gets better.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

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Jimmy Johnson Thanks...Hope you are feeling stronger and stronger!!

Jimmy

On February 21, 2013...

Great update, way to go Jimmy. I echo Jeff's comments. So fast, yet so slow. It still is all so mind boggling for me.

Glad you and the rest of our "class" is doing so well. That said, my thoughts continue to be with the families of those that have passed in the last year. I remain humbled by them.

Stay strong!
- Mitch Friedman

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Jimmy Johnson Thanks Mitch!! I am also humbled..

Jimmy

On February 20, 2013...

Awesome Jimmy! Hard to believe where we were a year ago. What a difference a year makes. It's gone so quick yet seems so slow at the same time. I wish you the best of luck always. Keep us posted on you, the family and the new child on the way.
Jeff Shebovsky

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On February 20, 2013...

Keep on Ticking Jimmy!

You surprised me. I cannot believe it's been a year. I clearly remember when you went in, and when you started posting after. It really brings it home that in another month, it will be a year for me also!! Wow.

I am thrilled that your experience has been incredibly positive -- those boys need a STRONG role model and now you have the performance upgrades to really make that a reality!!

Go Man Go!!

Chuck H.

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On January 23, 2013...

What's up brother!!!!!! Amazing what a difference a year makes. Sometimes I have to remind myself that we had OHS. Then, I come here after not checking in for awhile, and all the emotions come crashing back. Like I read your update, and it feels like it happened yesterday. All seems so real and so current.

Very psyched to hear all the hearts in your family are doing well. Hope your wife is feeling good these days. Wow, 3 boys and another one on the way. Maybe you two should stop trying and just adopt a girl! LOL.

All good with me. Scheduling my 1 year follow-ups, then will post again when I get the results. But, hey, I know I am good. Training for my second marathon (in March) since surgery. Life is good for us all.

Take care my valve brother.
-Mitch Friedman

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On January 22, 2013...

Hi Jimmy! Good to hear the update and that all is going well. How exciting to have 4 boys!!! My thoughts will be with all of you as you approach the last trimester! I'm glad that the echo was okay, isn't it awesome what you can see with today's technology?! I, too, appreciate this site and the support and encouragement everyone offers. I keep coming back to it, we're like family!!!
Let us know when # 4 arrives!!
Holly P

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On January 22, 2013...

Hey Jimmy, So glad to hear all is good for the whole family. You were saying about your scars. My Grand daughter says my daughter and I are twins cause we have the same scar except mine is a lot bigger than hers. Kids are funny. Im doing pretty good. Still have a little pain, just the healing process but tolerable. Enjoying rehab. Will miss it when its done, but I guess we all do. Good luck on the new one coming. Until later.
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

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Jimmy Johnson Thanks Linda!! Glad you are doing well. It took almost 11 months for the nerves to return 95% normal. It's good to look in to have it behind us.

Jimmy

On January 6, 2013...

Jim,
It is awesome to read your blog. I am flying from Denver to NC,Duke, to have AVR. I wanted to know how you decided on tissue valve and what was the average span they gave you before failure of it. I have been told in me 38 yo male average 7-10 years also was your aorta dilated at all? All and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Alex Vigil

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Jimmy Johnson Hi Alex, I am in NC and live about 90 to 120 mins from Duke. I went to the hospital I went to because all my research suggested that duke is great for really ... Read more

Jimmy Johnson Hi Alex, I am in NC and live about 90 to 120 mins from Duke. I went to the hospital I went to because all my research suggested that duke is great for really tough procedures. Believe it or not AVR is pretty common. I chose Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte because of its association with the Cleveland Clinic. The Doc I had (Dr. Andrews) is one of the best and when I met him I knew he was the right surgeon. So I was luck to do it locally to have the support of my family and friends to visit. You can't go wrong with Duke either.

My Aorta was not dilated. I also was able to get the mini vs being opened all the way up. Good luck. let me know if you want and clues as to what to expect once you get into the hospital. Also don't worry about the Heart Cath..You will be sore a few days after but it's not a big deal.

Jimmy

On November 5, 2012...

Way to go bro! Love that you are leading a boring life filled with football playoffs, pregnancy, and holidays. The way it should be!!!! Great to hear from you. Be well.

-Mitch Friedman

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Jimmy Johnson Thanks bro!! I am loving the boring life!! Hope all is well with you!

Jimmy

On August 24, 2012...

Wow seems as tho every one got to you before i did jimmy. Great news. Congrats

Dont chime in as often - as we all known it has become a non event. I feel great - life is good. So happy for yoi

Stay well. Nancy friedman 2/9/12

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On August 24, 2012...

Congrats!! That is such wonderful news!! Babies are such a blessing. So happy for you and the family. Janis Kielbasa

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On August 22, 2012...

You are a very lucky man Jimmy!!

I wish you all the best. You already have a beautiful family and it's about to get just a bit more so!

Congratulations Bro!

Chuck Holmgreen

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On August 22, 2012...

Hey Jimmy, Congrats on the news. That is wonderful. Are the kids excited? It doesn't seem like it has been 6 months since your surgery. How time does fly and I am still here but getting a whole lot closer. Can't wait to experience the other side of this mountain.
Mooving on up
LInda H

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On August 22, 2012...

Way to go Jimmy!!! Congrats to you guys!! Btw...I have identical twin boys...found out at the first ultrasound! Their big brother was 20mths old when they were born....crazy times!!!

Glad to see you doing so well....really makes me happy. Thanks for your note in my guestbook too.

Take care man!

JH

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On August 22, 2012...

Awesome!!!!! Congratulations!!!!! Glad to see everything still works. LOL! Life is indeed good brother.

-Mitch Friedman

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On August 22, 2012...

Congratulations! We have 3 girls and the fourth was our boy. But our "baby boy" is now 26! Lovin' those grandchildren. So, best of luck to you both...
Debbie Argetsinger
AVR 4/2/12

Where is Huntersville? We are in Mebane-just west of Chapel Hill.

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Jimmy Johnson Thanks Debbie. Huntersville is a little north of Charlotte. I use to live in Graham a few years. I think Mebane is about 2 hrs from Huntersville.

Jimmy

On August 16, 2012...

Sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. The important thing is we did it! We are fixed and have been given a huge gift. Now, let's make the most of it!

You rocked this Jimmy. You have a lot to feel good about. You did yourself and your family proud!

Be well,
-Mitch Friedman

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On August 10, 2012...

Jimmy, so sorry to hear of your friend's passing. It does make us so mindful of how fortunate we are that we could be fixed, so many are not. I will keep his family, as well as you and other friends in my prayers.
God bless,
Linda Dixon, AVR 3/13/12

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On August 9, 2012...

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your good friend. I wholeheartedly agree that we all have this awesome opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life. Glad you're doing so well, Jimmy!

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On August 9, 2012...

Hey Jimmy, Sorry to hear about your friend. I know exactly how you feel. We lost a friend not to long ago who had a massive heart attack and was waiting for a transplant. Well that never happened, he passed. It always makes you stop and think. My minister asked me how I felt about the upcoming event soon. I told him I was scared but if I wasn't scared I would not be normal. I just thank my lucky stars that if I have to have something wrong with me, its not something else that is so much worse. Thoughts and prayers are there and for you too.
Getting there
LInda H

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On August 9, 2012...

I have the same sentiments. Well said. I'm sorry to hear about your friend.
Jeff Shebovsky

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On August 9, 2012...

Well said. Amen bro!

Chuck Holmgreen
3/20

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On August 6, 2012...

Awesome update! I loved everything you wrote. I am so happy you continue to do so well. I knew you would, you did your research, had a positive attitude and loving family & friends to support you. Continued blessings of health, love and happiness sent your way. Janis Kielbasa

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On July 24, 2012...

thank u so much 4 commenting on my daughter leia....i enjoyed your story as well as your photos.you have a beautiful family jimmy.god bless u :)

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On July 11, 2012...

Hi Jimmy..
Thanks for your awesome post. A truly inspirational journal for "someone in waiting" (7/17/12) like myself. It is posts like yours that brought a "calmness" to my life after my diagnosis. I am no longer afraid....I am excited & ready to take my life back.....and like you....live better than ever...and enjoy each day with a new appreciation!
Thanks for sharing, Jimmy
Connie T

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On July 11, 2012...

Hi Jimmy and new facebook friend, Yes I am still hanging in here and waiting. Glad to see you are doing so good. I still have Charlotte on my number one list when this is going to happen. You wrote such a nice story. Oh Happy Birthday, but you know you do have 2 birthdays. Thats the way I look at it. So yes you are 20 days old, and I havent been born yet. lol. Isnt it amazing how we can comunicate for being so young? lolUntil later.
For the long haul
LInda H

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On July 11, 2012...

Oops! Typing too fast! I was told today to literally run my heart out. I've cried years of happiness all day. I just want to go home
And hug my husband and kids and be normal again. My new life starts today! Thank you for the inspiration and keep ticking. Steph

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On July 11, 2012...

So weird I posted for the 1st time
In weeks and there you are feeling so great! What a thrill to read!!!!
I struggled for the last 6 weeks-my running was what I thought to be an issue. Kind of hibernated in disappointment. But that got my butt back to Clevlend clinic. I wa st

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On July 11, 2012...

Good to hear you are doing so well Jimmy. So am I, really enjoying rehab...finally!
Moo back at 'ya!!!!
Linda THE Tiger

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On May 26, 2012...

Jimmy, glad to hear the good news! It's helpful information to know that the ejection fraction can improve over a period of 3 months! I'm sure that was worrisome to you. I (we) worry about things like high/low heart rates, chest pain, flashes of light, exhaustion, and just need to remember that it takes time and everyone is different. It's easy to try and compare ourselves with others on this journal! Thanks for your story and keep on healing!!!
Holly P

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