Don's Profile

My journey started when I began to experience rapid heart beating and a thumping feeling in my chest this past summer (2014). I installed an app on my phone that records my heart rate. It would not be unusual to have a heart rate of 130 bpm while I sat on the couch watching TV. I procrastinated in seeing a cardiologist. When I finally went she was very thorough and concerned. After pulling her stethoscope out of the refrigerator she asked if I had ever been told I had a heart murmur. I had not. When she listened to the left side of my chest she said I had a leaking mitral valve. Let the heart tests begin! (I said she was thorough.) A 24 hour monitor discovered arrhythmia. A test for ejection fraction came back with good results. I lasted 6 minutes on the treadmill. They put technetium in me to see how my cardiac tissue absorbed oxygen. A tube down the esophagus (TEE) verified the need for surgery. I just got home from the hospital after having a diagnostic heart catherization. No blockage was discovered. My oldest son was able to taxi me to and from the hospital. As a biology major I was fascinated as I watched various videos on YouTube. I have yet to sit down to determine a date, surgeon, and hospital. I know that day of surgery is coming. Likely within the next month. As the principal of a private Christian school in southern New Jersey, I can take advantage of a two week Christmas break. But no caroling for this guy. About me: I am married to the love of my life, Bonnie. We have five terrific sons ages ranging from 19 to 31. Two are married. I am the principal at Gloucester County Christian School in southern New Jersey. This is my 28th year there. My wife teaches fifth grade there as well. I had a bilateral (both legs) quadriceps tendon rupture two summers ago so I am familiar with surgery and rehab. It took many months before I was back to normal. I have the greatest respect for everyone in the medical field. I owe my recovery and positive mental attitude to a loving wife and family, supportive church and school family, and a deep abiding faith in the God Who does all things well. We may not understand His ways but I know His ways are best.