Heather St. Pierre posted a note for Matt that says:
Hi Matt,
I\'ve read your story , I am very inspired by your optimism and positive attitude throughout your journey.
I have just been diagnosed with the ...Read more
Hi Matt,
I\'ve read your story , I am very inspired by your optimism and positive attitude throughout your journey.
I have just been diagnosed with the same thing you had.. I am an extreme active person, healthy ( or so I thought)41 year old. I am trying to remain positive as I too am blessed that my doctor caught my diagnosis early enough.
Question for you ,how did you overcome the fear and other feelings prior to surgery? Any suggestions?
Matt Fountain Hi Heather. Nice to hear from you. Sorry for the delay. I haven't checked my journal for a few wee ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Heather. Nice to hear from you. Sorry for the delay. I haven't checked my journal for a few weeks. I would be happy to discuss my experience with you. You can give me a call at 941-266-1065 or email me at mfountain@ampf.com or mattfountain@verizon.net.
Matt,
Hard to believe it\'s been one year for you. There are times when I find it diffecult to believe what I went through last year. The build up to surgery, ...Read more
Matt,
Hard to believe it\'s been one year for you. There are times when I find it diffecult to believe what I went through last year. The build up to surgery, the time in the hospital, the weeks immediately after surgery........I feel like it was a dream. Do you have to feelings? Like you, I am greatful for a lot of things.
Dan Cline
Matt Fountain Hi Dan. Yeah, I have those feelings as well. Sometimes it feels like it was years and years ago. O ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Dan. Yeah, I have those feelings as well. Sometimes it feels like it was years and years ago. Other times, I recall moments in leading up to the surgery, the hospital and my recovery with perfect clarity. Sometimes I feel a little twinge of nervousness when I think about prior to the surgery.
Glad you're doing well. You're right, we have a lot to be thankful for...
That\'s a great way to celebrate your 1 yr anniversary date. I\'m looking forward to mine also.
The surgery seems like a small blip in my life now. I don\'t ...Read more
That\'s a great way to celebrate your 1 yr anniversary date. I\'m looking forward to mine also.
The surgery seems like a small blip in my life now. I don\'t think about it. Although, when I\'m doing a hard hike or a boot camp workout, I\'m forever amazed at how great my breathing & heart changed for the best since July 12th.
It was a pleasure to have met you on this site. :-)
Matt Fountain Thanks. I know what you mean, my breathing has been so much better.
Hi Matt,
It\'s hard to believe that our summer of 2011 group is coming up on the 1 year anniversary. I think about you all and assume that everybody is fully ...Read more
Hi Matt,
It\'s hard to believe that our summer of 2011 group is coming up on the 1 year anniversary. I think about you all and assume that everybody is fully engaged in their life with their fixed heart.
I\'ve been trying to get a celebration event going for this summer, but it\'s proving to be a challenage. A few of us will be able to do it. If you & your wife can swing a trip out west, we\'d love for you to join us.
May 12th will be my 10th month and I\'m doing great.
Hope to hear from you again.
Sheila Garrison
Way to go Matt!! How\'s your energy? Are you doing the things you expected to do? Do you feel as good as you hoped, prior to surgery?
I hope so. I\'m ...Read more
Way to go Matt!! How\'s your energy? Are you doing the things you expected to do? Do you feel as good as you hoped, prior to surgery?
I hope so. I\'m just about at my 10 month point. My energy is not what I had hoped for, but I\'m 63 years old, so maybe that\'s part of the issue.
Dan Cline
Matt Fountain Hi Dan. Yeah, my energy is actually better than it was before -- but it did take a little while to g ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Dan. Yeah, my energy is actually better than it was before -- but it did take a little while to get there. Hang in there. Dr. told me that my age had a lot to do with it.
How are you? Hope all is well for you and your family.
Hi Matt,
On Thursday will be 100 days post op for me. Crazy how time flies!
I\'m meeting with Dan C., another HVJ friend, next week for lunch. We both ...Read more
Hi Matt,
On Thursday will be 100 days post op for me. Crazy how time flies!
I\'m meeting with Dan C., another HVJ friend, next week for lunch. We both had our surgery on the same day but in different hospitals. It will be fun to exchange stories in person.
Hoping to get a group together next summer for a one year celebration. I would love to meet you & your wife then.
May I have your email address? Mine is: Sheilagarrison10@yahoo.com
Continue to take care of yourself!
Sheila Garrison
Matt Fountain Hi Sheila. Hope all is well. My email is mfountain@ampf.com
I would like to try to make the one y ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Sheila. Hope all is well. My email is mfountain@ampf.com
I would like to try to make the one year celebration.
Great to read you\'re doing well. Going to Cleveland Clinic for a similar surgery on Tuesday the 18th of Oct (bicuspid valve repair or replace and aortic root/ascending ...Read more
Great to read you\'re doing well. Going to Cleveland Clinic for a similar surgery on Tuesday the 18th of Oct (bicuspid valve repair or replace and aortic root/ascending replacement. I\'m 40 too and even a June birthday. Played college basketball and was training for a half marathon when they found I\'d need surgery. Best of luck to you and yours and thanks for the update. Bill McAllister
Hi Matt,
I was just looking at your surgery photos. I haven\'t had the desire to look at anything related to my surgery until now. I guess that means I\'m ...Read more
Hi Matt,
I was just looking at your surgery photos. I haven\'t had the desire to look at anything related to my surgery until now. I guess that means I\'m much improved. I noticed you had some of your aorta replaced. Me too. That was a surprise, as no one had observed the aneurysm prior to surgery.
Do you feel your heartbeat more, since surgery? Can you hear the beat? I don\'t hear the click sound but hear the thumping sound.
I\'m really feeling good and gaining confidence with the repairs. I\'m still reluctant to lift things too heavy.
Hope you are feeling strong.
Dan Cline
Matt Fountain Hi Dan. Glad to hear that you're feeling good. Yeah, they had told me that part of my aorta would n ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Dan. Glad to hear that you're feeling good. Yeah, they had told me that part of my aorta would need to be replaced prior to my surgery.
YES! I can hear and feel my heart beat. It freaked me out at first, I mentioned it to my surgeon and he said that was normal.
As far as the clicking sound of my valve, at first I couldn't really hear it. It presented itself rather faintly in the back of my head (if that makes any sense). However, now, I can "hear" it quite distinctly sometimes. I don't mind though...actually, it's one of my favorite sounds.
A few of us are working on getting a gathering (reunion) together for next summer to celebrate our one year post op heart valve suregery. It appears that most ...Read more
A few of us are working on getting a gathering (reunion) together for next summer to celebrate our one year post op heart valve suregery. It appears that most of you are located back east.
If you would be interested in joining us, please contact me via my email: Sheilagarrison10@yahoo.com
I hope you are feeling top of your game by now!
Blessings to you and your family.
Sheila Garrison
Hi, Matt
You were the first HVJ pt. that I started to follow when I first got on this site. I wanted to thank you for all of your encouragement.
It\'s great ...Read more
Hi, Matt
You were the first HVJ pt. that I started to follow when I first got on this site. I wanted to thank you for all of your encouragement.
It\'s great for me to be out there playing again. I thank God daily for this blessing He\'s given me.
Take care always!
Sheila Garrison
Matt Fountain My pleasure. Thank you for your encouragement too. Getting feedback from you has helped me stay mot ... Read more
Matt Fountain My pleasure. Thank you for your encouragement too. Getting feedback from you has helped me stay motivated and positive all well.
Hey Matt...Here is to 9 weeks post-op!! It is amazing how good I feel and that I can\'t make myself become out of breath. Had no idea what I was missing and ...Read more
Hey Matt...Here is to 9 weeks post-op!! It is amazing how good I feel and that I can\'t make myself become out of breath. Had no idea what I was missing and what I couldn\'t do before.
I am so glad to hear you are doing so well and I agree...It is a new found appreciation for life and everything we have. What a wonderful gift!
Take Care and keep up the good work
Follow Your Heart
Mari :)
Matt Fountain Hi Mary. Sounds like you're doing great! So nice to hear that.
Hi Matt,
I found the picture of Jesus in the OR. I was also comforted when I saw the same picture in the pre-op room I was in before I was taken into surgery. ...Read more
Hi Matt,
I found the picture of Jesus in the OR. I was also comforted when I saw the same picture in the pre-op room I was in before I was taken into surgery.
Sheila Garrison
Matt Fountain That's awesome that they had it in the pre-op room!!
Hi Matt,
I\'ve enjoyed reading your journal and have been most inspired by your recovery. You\'ve made it look easy!
I\'m 3 weeks post op and I only struggle ...Read more
Hi Matt,
I\'ve enjoyed reading your journal and have been most inspired by your recovery. You\'ve made it look easy!
I\'m 3 weeks post op and I only struggle with slowing down and not pushing so much. I\'m learning to listen to my body more.
May God continue to bless you and use you for His glory!
Sheila Garrison
Apple Valley, CA
Matt Fountain Thanks, Shiela. You've inspired me as well. You've been in my prayers and I've enjoyed reading my j ... Read more
Matt Fountain Thanks, Shiela. You've inspired me as well. You've been in my prayers and I've enjoyed reading my journals as well.
Yeah, you've just got to slow down and not rush it too much. I figured there won't be many times in our lives when people will be so understanding of us moving at a slower pace. I'm just trying to enjoy it a little.
Thanks for the prayers. God bless.
Matt Fountain
p.s. did you ever find the picture of Jesus in the OR?
Hello I\'m Jon from new york. I had a pulmonary valve replacement and atrial septic defect repaired at Boston Childrens on 7/7. Coming up on Friday, I got cleared ...Read more
Hello I\'m Jon from new york. I had a pulmonary valve replacement and atrial septic defect repaired at Boston Childrens on 7/7. Coming up on Friday, I got cleared to drive again. I didnt realize all the freedoms I had before the surgery. I\'m pretty active to playin hockey and doing different kinds of activities much like yourself. I wanted to know when they told you that you could return to playing basketball cause they told me I wouldnt be able to play hockey until like december. Which is a good 6 months away.
Matt Fountain Hi Jon. Yeah, it is an eye opener all the things I took for granted prior to surgery. I remember op ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Jon. Yeah, it is an eye opener all the things I took for granted prior to surgery. I remember opening a bottle of water or milk gave me a hard time for a while.
My Dr. told me I could shoot around, but didn't want me to play in any games just yet. He said we would revisit that idea at the 10 week mark. Sorry about not being able to play hockey for a while, but I guess I can understand, it's much more of a contact sport. Did he say that you could at least skate and do some puck handling drills?
From New York, huh. You a Rangers or Islanders fan?
We're originally from Michigan, so we love the Wings.
So glad to hear of the great progress. What kind of cardio are you doing? Does it get a bit easier every time? I\'m four and a half weeks post-op and feel like ...Read more
So glad to hear of the great progress. What kind of cardio are you doing? Does it get a bit easier every time? I\'m four and a half weeks post-op and feel like I can do a little more every day. I\'m excited to be able to do more than pre-op.
Keep up the great work!
Kent,
Salem, OR
Matt Fountain Hi Kent. I do mostly walking on the treadmill, some stuff in my pool (jog in place and swim). Yes, ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Kent. I do mostly walking on the treadmill, some stuff in my pool (jog in place and swim). Yes, that sounds like my progress as well, a little bit more everyday or two. Sounds like your making good progress. I'm glad that you feel better and can do more than you could pre-op.
Thanks Matt for your quick response. I am doing great and back to work full time. Doing cardio 4 to 6 times a week, and upper body exercises to keep my muscle ...Read more
Thanks Matt for your quick response. I am doing great and back to work full time. Doing cardio 4 to 6 times a week, and upper body exercises to keep my muscle tone every other day. As for weight lifting, there are no guidelines for people like us who had an aortic graft. Each center has different advice. It would be helpful to get the experience of others who had AVR and ascending aorta graft.
Be well
Hi Matt,
Glad you are doing well. How is your cardiac rehab going? I had a similar operation like you and now 4 months post-op. You said you like weight lifting, ...Read more
Hi Matt,
Glad you are doing well. How is your cardiac rehab going? I had a similar operation like you and now 4 months post-op. You said you like weight lifting, I am wondering what did they tell you about how and when you can resume it again. Wishing you a complete recovery.God bless.
Norm
Matt Fountain Hi Norm, hope all is well. Cardiac rehab is going well, I enjoy the people and it is helping quite a ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Norm, hope all is well. Cardiac rehab is going well, I enjoy the people and it is helping quite a bit. My surgeon said that he wants me to wait at least until 10 weeks before weight training and even then he might push it out farther. Personally, I don't know when I'll be able to lift. I know now that if I turn the wrong way or something like that....my body lets me know about it. I don't think I'm anywhere near ready to hit the weights. It will probably be just cardio for a while.
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the info., I really appreciate it!
I got a second opinion per the suggestion of my primary cardio in Aug. 2010 at the Cleveland Clinic... ...Read more
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the info., I really appreciate it!
I got a second opinion per the suggestion of my primary cardio in Aug. 2010 at the Cleveland Clinic... and following an echo, TEE and cath. I was mentally prepared for the CCF cardio to say \"it\'s time\", however, I got a reprieve and was told it\'s early and to come back in one year. So I will return in early Sept. and am gearing up for round two. Adam\'s journal has been a great resource and I will plan to join it soon! Thanks again for making yourself available. Regards,
Jeff
Matt Fountain Any time, Jeff. That's what I love about this site, it's a community of people helping each other de ... Read more
Matt Fountain Any time, Jeff. That's what I love about this site, it's a community of people helping each other deal with similar issues. Reach out any time.
That's good that they told you they don't need to see you for a year.
Keep in touch and please keep me posted on your progress and situation.
Matt, I\'m so glad to hear you are doing so well. My name is, Mary, and I am Danny James\' mother. He is the basketball nut who has had to have two open heart ...Read more
Matt, I\'m so glad to hear you are doing so well. My name is, Mary, and I am Danny James\' mother. He is the basketball nut who has had to have two open heart surgeries at age 20 this past year. He is an amazing athlete who lives to play basketball. You wrote a short message in his journal before your surgery and I have kept you and your family in my prayers ever since. I\'m sorry for not responding sooner. Being the mother of the \"Heart Patient\" is very difficult, too. I actually started his journal to keep myself better informed how to help him through his surgeries. The information and support has helped me tremendously. It is nice to hear form a former Michiganian. My mother-in-law lives in FL, too. Danny just had a nice two week visit with her last month. He is doing well, too. Well, continued good health to you. Mary James
Matt Fountain Hi Mary. I'm glad that Danny is doing well too. Where about in FL does your mother-in-law live.
Hey Matt... I meet with my surgeon on Monday (tomorrow) as well. All is going really well and I actually feel pretty good minus being really sore. There ...Read more
Hey Matt... I meet with my surgeon on Monday (tomorrow) as well. All is going really well and I actually feel pretty good minus being really sore. There is no actual pain just soreness and I assume it will just take time to go away. Just wanted to say Hi and hope all is going well. How are you feeling these days? I will be starting cardiac rehab probably next week. I think it will be good for me to get back in the swing of exercise again.
Follow Your Heart
Mari :)
Matt Fountain Hi Mary. Glad things are going well for you. Yup, same thing here...just some soreness, that's abou ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Mary. Glad things are going well for you. Yup, same thing here...just some soreness, that's about it. I start my cardiac rehab this Wednesday.
Here's to both of us getting good reports from our doctors tomorrow.
Matt Fountain Hi Jon. Everything is going really well. I just had some computer issues, that's why I haven't post ... Read more
Matt Fountain Hi Jon. Everything is going really well. I just had some computer issues, that's why I haven't posted in a while. Got a new laptop, so I'm good to go.
I am from: Sarasota, Florida
All the best,
Matt