Luke's Photos

Today is my second heartaversary from aortic valve and partial aorta replacement. The picture on the left is my one year anniversary, one on the right is my two year. Slimmed down a bit, no pain, no issues, life is great.

Happy Heartaversary to me. One year to the day, aortic valve replaced along with part of my aorta.

My biggest take away, after being constantly reminded to be patient, slow down, allow your body to heal, I can tell you confidently....be patient....slow down...allow your body to heal. Listen to your body.

Really hard for me to just sit, but you will heal, you will have small victories and pretty soon you find yourself on top of a mountain enjoying life again.

I a going to do all I can, see all I can, love my family and my God as best I can. This slowed me down, but it never stopped me. We have one life, do not let it go to waste. I have hope and a future here on earth and in heaven. Going to enjoy it all.

Four months post aortic valve replacement surgery, mechanical valve and aorta, my wife and I went to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Tetons. Spent a week driving around, hiking, shopping. I felt great, my wife said I had more energy...and I didn't feel all that tired.

It sucks that anyone has to go through this but life gets better. It can feel overwhelming when you are on the wrong side of surgery but take heart, you will heal, recover and overcome this and you will be a much stronger person than you were.