Appreciate your post today . As one who’s “in the waiting room” for mitral valve surgery, it’s encouraging to hear how active you are (wow!) and how ...Read more
Appreciate your post today . As one who’s “in the waiting room” for mitral valve surgery, it’s encouraging to hear how active you are (wow!) and how well you feel. Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for the post. It’’s great to see your healthy and and continued running, long may it continue. I too was an asymptomatic avid athlete ...Read more
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for the post. It’’s great to see your healthy and and continued running, long may it continue. I too was an asymptomatic avid athlete prior to sudden shortness of breath prior to Diagnosis and went through the same emotions as you. My rehab was similar to yours albeit after having my chest cracked vs noninvasive, I went all out through rehab and was a regular runner until I started to get just too many calf injuries, probably a result of always pushing a little too much and predisposed from the effects of a bad calf tear while skiing (boot split back of my calf in a wipeout racing Giant Slalom!). I stopped running when I hit 63 and turned to golf but pleased to say I’m still fit and healthy.
Stay fit and keep running as long as you can
Stay safe
Paul
Bob McRae Hi Tracy,
Its so great to see you are achieving and succeeding with your wonderful physical
endeavor ... Read more
Bob McRae Hi Tracy,
Its so great to see you are achieving and succeeding with your wonderful physical
endeavors. You are a very inspirational person. I'm on the runway for AVR surgery next week and like you, I've been totally asymptomatic and working out hard 6 days a week( 3 intense indoor cycling classes / per week and 3 days a week of playing 2 hours of pickleball) I have been viewing this surgery as NOT that I will feel better and be able to do more physically but this heart surgery will extend my life. You are inspiring me to push myself even harder physically and try new challenges ! Keep up your tremendous physical efforts and stay Heart Strong !! Bob
Loneliness, depression, other health issues, being alone, cardiac issues go hand and hand and feed off eachother.
I don't even have a person to drive me ...Read more
Loneliness, depression, other health issues, being alone, cardiac issues go hand and hand and feed off eachother.
I don't even have a person to drive me home post op
I have lived alone since 2000
In three years I will need open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve
I've never had a wife, kids, partner or even live with anyone other than the family I grew up with
My family is all dead except brother
Depression and being lonely cause inflammation and damage the heart.
I'll ask again: Anyone here lonely ? Alone ? Live alone ? Unable to count on a single person to assist in regards to operations or health ?
Anyone else here going into or in old age alone ?
Hi Tracy I thought I would let you know that the wonderful Marc Sakwa, M.D. repaired my mitral valve with a minimally invasive procedure and everything turned ...Read more
Hi Tracy I thought I would let you know that the wonderful Marc Sakwa, M.D. repaired my mitral valve with a minimally invasive procedure and everything turned out so well. I feel fortunate he moved to Orange County California last year and my cardiologist hooked me up with him. Two weeks after my surgery I was released from his care. I will be forever grateful of his skill and knowledge.
I am interested in your journey I am having a heck of a time running it is so frustrating as I used to do Ultra marathons
Adam Pick Joel, Tracy is a great person to get feedback from here. I hope she can help you out. Very impress ... Read more
Adam Pick Joel, Tracy is a great person to get feedback from here. I hope she can help you out. Very impressive that you are an Ultra marathoner. That is an extraordinary accomplishment. Looking forward to hearing about your crossing the line of an Ultra in the future!
Tracy Fallu So kind of you Adam.
Joel- It is a process, for me a long process. I had to throw pace out the window ... Read more
Tracy Fallu So kind of you Adam.
Joel- It is a process, for me a long process. I had to throw pace out the window and focus more on the fact that I can still run. It has not always been an easy running journey, but sure worth the blood, sweat, tears and MUCH slower pace. I’ve been sidelined with a stress fracture, 3 days short of running a 50k virtually. I’m sharing this so that you know to set your Target and allow your body to get there on its own terms for your Ultra running.
It gives me much hope to learn about how well you are doing after an ovarian diagnosis and then years later heart surgery. My health journeys are very much ...Read more
It gives me much hope to learn about how well you are doing after an ovarian diagnosis and then years later heart surgery. My health journeys are very much like yours. In 2009 I had surgery then chemo due to ovarian cancer. I also had no symptoms. I'm now 10 yrs cancer free. Then in July 2018 I had a complex mitral valve repair at the Cleveland Clinic. So far I feel great and fully appreciate each day. Thanks for sharing your story. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tracy Fallu Hi Linda-
No 2 paths are the same; however, wow, how similar our journey is. I’m happy to hear you ... Read more
Tracy Fallu Hi Linda-
No 2 paths are the same; however, wow, how similar our journey is. I’m happy to hear you are doing great. Happy Thanksgiving to you. Be Well!
HiTracy! Congrats you been 2yrs after your surgery, we both same mitral valve replacement this coming Jan.11,2020 i've been 12yrs in God's help,,Godbless for ...Read more
HiTracy! Congrats you been 2yrs after your surgery, we both same mitral valve replacement this coming Jan.11,2020 i've been 12yrs in God's help,,Godbless for both of us, regards🙏🙏🙏
Congratulations, Tracy! You are truly an inspiration! You look great and are so encouraging. I am 2 months post the same surgery and a little frustrated that ...Read more
Congratulations, Tracy! You are truly an inspiration! You look great and are so encouraging. I am 2 months post the same surgery and a little frustrated that I’m still tired and have incision soreness. I walked 2 miles today and now I’m worn out. You are living proof that it does get better!
Hey Tracy I saw your post about moderate regurg...praying that never changes. Your advice is exactly what I needed about worry, anxiety and enjoying everyday. ...Read more
Hey Tracy I saw your post about moderate regurg...praying that never changes. Your advice is exactly what I needed about worry, anxiety and enjoying everyday. I was worried about my cardiologist visit today..don’t know why when everything seems way better than before. I guess we all are built to doubt and wonder but thanks for the great reminder!
Tracy, thanks for the suggestion of the "dry" shampoo. Ugh, what a thought, but I guess better than greasy hair!! 😝 I actually had read that someplace, ...Read more
Tracy, thanks for the suggestion of the "dry" shampoo. Ugh, what a thought, but I guess better than greasy hair!! 😝 I actually had read that someplace, but thank you, for reminding me. Thinking of you and hoping things have settled down a bit for you. You are a warrior goddess, I can tell. xxxxx
Cris Dykeman Dry shampoo is the best while in the hospital! it will make you feel somewhat normal ;)
Barbara Blackwell Cris, getting some today . Googled last night for best brands to choose from. Merry Christmas!! ... Read more
Barbara Blackwell Cris, getting some today . Googled last night for best brands to choose from. Merry Christmas!! 🎄🎄
Hi Tracy, I am sorry about your ordeal and so glad you are doing better. I admire you for your emotional strength and for your determination. Your closing words ...Read more
Hi Tracy, I am sorry about your ordeal and so glad you are doing better. I admire you for your emotional strength and for your determination. Your closing words have made an impact on me. They will be my mantra every time I need the emotional strength to tackle life's challenges. I wish you good health and much happiness.
Your story is so inspirational. This is a difficult road and it seems each individual has very unique issues to deal with. However, we are joined by this ...Read more
Your story is so inspirational. This is a difficult road and it seems each individual has very unique issues to deal with. However, we are joined by this experience. In a common goal to return to health in a new normal. I have had a TIA, that made me temporarily blind but have recovered. My new challenge is my mental state of overwhelming (at times) anxiety. I’m hoping cardiac rehab will help with it. Your words “one day she discovered” have been written down to remind me of who I was and who I want to be again. Thank you.
Tracy Fallu Thank you Jennifer. Wow, how scary for you; I can’t imagine the fear you’ve had. I am so happy to ... Read more
Tracy Fallu Thank you Jennifer. Wow, how scary for you; I can’t imagine the fear you’ve had. I am so happy to hear your vision has returned. Cardiac Rehab helped me mental state/anxiety as well as gaining physical strength. When you begin cardiac rehab, soak up all that is offered to you so that you meet the goals you and your rehab coordinator.
Tracy Fallu Molly-
It takes a while to no longer hurt. Each day does get a bit better and then a day comes where ... Read more
Tracy Fallu Molly-
It takes a while to no longer hurt. Each day does get a bit better and then a day comes where you feel your body took 2 steps backwards.
Recovery is truly a roller coaster. Soon you will be comparing progress you feel at a week’s time rather than day by day.
Reach out to us Michiganders anytime.
Jennifer John Midland Rob, I didn’t forget about you!❤️
Inspiring story, Tracy. I lead a discussion group at my church focusing on parishioners dealing with heart disease and if you ever want to tell your story ...Read more
Inspiring story, Tracy. I lead a discussion group at my church focusing on parishioners dealing with heart disease and if you ever want to tell your story in person, you would be most welcome.
I am a fellow Michigander and in August rode my bicycle 65 miles to celebrate my 65th birthday and 30th since my aortic valve replacement surgery. I also had a successful ablation October 2017 at University of Michigan Medical Center to address severe arrythmias. There are a lots of issues with my heart including mitral valve leakage that has regressed from mild to moderate but until it regresses to severe, and as long as I can exercise without chest pain or dizziness, my doctors are advising against surgery.
Tracy Fallu Awesome to hear Ernie- way to keep up doing things you love.
Hi Tracy, I just read your story. I am also from Michigan and had OHS in August 2016 at the Cleveland Clinic. I had a fibroelastoma on my pulmonary valve. So ...Read more
Hi Tracy, I just read your story. I am also from Michigan and had OHS in August 2016 at the Cleveland Clinic. I had a fibroelastoma on my pulmonary valve. So great to hear that you are doing well!!
Tracy Fallu Thank you Bridget! I hope you are doing well.