Wes's Heart Valve Journal

Wes Phillips  I too own my own business. I was very conflicted about how much information to share with my clients. In my situation, my client contact can be regular day-to-day ... Read more

Wes Phillips  I too own my own business. I was very conflicted about how much information to share with my clients. In my situation, my client contact can be regular day-to-day and in some situations it is every 4 to 6 weeks. So, I intentionally took on all of the strategic issues prior to surgery, to ensure maximum momentum. Then, I engaged as many team members as possible to get them involved with the clients. This ensured that most issues would be handled post surgery without needing my input.

I then alerted the clients that i believed needed to be aware of my situation about 2 weeks prior to surgery and was very clear about the expected recovery time and highlighted how activity would be handled while I was recovering. I did the communication face to face if feasible, otherwise it was delivered in a phone call person to person. this helped to make it personal, allowed me to answer questions and ease any business concerns they might have had. I did not use email or voice mail. So, there were a few clients that I felt were fine being unaware of my surgery, since it is a team that actually handles the activity.

In looking back, for me this was a good approach, since it kept the focus off my personal circumstance and kept the focus on the client. Yet, if I did not have a capable team (for example if this had been about 3 years sooner, my approach would have not worked because of the lack of good teamwork). the clients were all very understanding and in my circumstance my recovery was very straightforward and I had no complications.

So, Key important clients were aware, some clients were unaware and this worked for me. I felt that my medical situation was very manageable and not something the client needed to focus on. Plus, I had complete confidence in my team.

Post surgery, i wanted to get involved right away, which for me was a mistake and my partners quickly put an end to it! I clearly should have waited until i was not longer taking the pain meds - - which stopped taking about 7 days after returning home (I was only taking it once in the morning and once before bed). I learned it was best for me to focus on recovery and that is what got me back to being useful for the clients.

Wes Phillips
MVR 5/9/12

Wes Phillips  Thanks Cindy for the comment. I read your journal and your attitude is amazing. I have a very close friend who also had open heart surgery about 6 months ... Read more

Wes Phillips  Thanks Cindy for the comment. I read your journal and your attitude is amazing. I have a very close friend who also had open heart surgery about 6 months after me. His recovery was a little complicated. Yet, when he and I compared notes on how we had each progressed after 6 months, it turned out we were at about the same level of recovery. So, each situation is unique, yet in just a short while it seems most patients "even out" in terms of progress. Keep up the great attitude.

Wes Phillips
MVR 5/9/12

Wes Phillips  Jim,

Thanks for your comment. Dr. Adams has a great track record and you are fortunate to have him as your surgeon! I found that after surgery, I was amazed ... Read more

Wes Phillips  Jim,

Thanks for your comment. Dr. Adams has a great track record and you are fortunate to have him as your surgeon! I found that after surgery, I was amazed at the how much I had been affected by the issue with the valve. After reading your journal, you seem to be doing all of the necessary upfront work needed for surgery, and that is a good thing.

My experience is that after 17 months, I am now capable of doing more physically than I was prior to surgery.

Wes Phillips
MVR 5/9/12

Wes Phillips  It is clear you had a great hike and 29 miles is amazing (for just about anyone). Plus, having great weather is an added bonus. You were on the PCT, which ... Read more

Wes Phillips  It is clear you had a great hike and 29 miles is amazing (for just about anyone). Plus, having great weather is an added bonus. You were on the PCT, which reminds me of a blog I followed 2 years ago of a young women who did the entire trail. She is doing the CDT right now (Google "walking with Wired and you should find her blog). Also, just finished reading "Wild" a story of the PCT, yet it is really a story of self discovery. Keep me posted about your adventures!
Wes

Wes Phillips  Hi DVB,

Thanks for the response and I just looked at the weather report for the Sierras for the next few days and it looks like you will have changeable weather!. ... Read more

Wes Phillips  Hi DVB,

Thanks for the response and I just looked at the weather report for the Sierras for the next few days and it looks like you will have changeable weather!. I curious, where are you going? And 30 miles is a long way to go in such a short time!

Wes

Wes Phillips  Lee,

Thank-you! Keep up the routine of walking each day. I found that there seemed to be no difference on a day-to-day basis, yet as I compared one week ... Read more

Wes Phillips  Lee,

Thank-you! Keep up the routine of walking each day. I found that there seemed to be no difference on a day-to-day basis, yet as I compared one week to the previous week that there was significant forward progress.

Wes Phillips
MVR 5/9/12

Wes Phillips  Paul,

I believe for me that the cardiac rehab helped me in 2 ways. One it helped me be progressive in my ability to rebuild my stamina and two it gave me ... Read more

Wes Phillips  Paul,

I believe for me that the cardiac rehab helped me in 2 ways. One it helped me be progressive in my ability to rebuild my stamina and two it gave me a regular routine that allowed me to regain the ability to live my life in a "normal" manner.

Also, at cardiac rehab, they will be able to provide you with the coaching needed to fine tune your excercise.

Wes Phillips
MVR 5/9/12

Wes Phillips  It was the new terminal, and I was able to eat a healthy salad at "The Cafeteria", so all was good.

It looks like your surgery is in about a week. You are ... Read more

Wes Phillips  It was the new terminal, and I was able to eat a healthy salad at "The Cafeteria", so all was good.

It looks like your surgery is in about a week. You are about to set out on an adventure, and if you keep in mind that it is a "process", you very likely will find steady improvement and progress.

Wes Phillips
MVR 5/9/12

Wes Phillips  Paul,

In my situation I did have existing coverage, that I wanted to change. Needless to say, I was unable to change it. On the plus side, it was the denial ... Read more

Wes Phillips  Paul,

In my situation I did have existing coverage, that I wanted to change. Needless to say, I was unable to change it. On the plus side, it was the denial that uncovered my need to repair the valve and by extension my quality and length of life have improved. On the down side I will not be able to get approved for life insurance coverage (at least at a rate that is anywhere affordable). Apparently, there is nothing logical about life insurance.

I guess the other good news is at least I had medical insurance coverage (who knows what will be available in the future with all of the turmoil over health care in the United States).

Wes P.
MVR 5/9/12

Wes Phillips  Holly,

Thanks for the insight. I read your story and I also had a difficult time "accepting" that surgery was needed and the logical next step. I will watch ... Read more

Wes Phillips  Holly,

Thanks for the insight. I read your story and I also had a difficult time "accepting" that surgery was needed and the logical next step. I will watch your posts and I appreciate your encouragement.

Wes Phillips  Linda,

I spend several times a day with my spirometer. The good news is that I am much better with it today than last Sunday. So, I will see how it progresses ... Read more

Wes Phillips  Linda,

I spend several times a day with my spirometer. The good news is that I am much better with it today than last Sunday. So, I will see how it progresses this week. Thank-you for your encouragement.

Wes Phillips, MVR 5/9/12