About Me (In My Own Words)
I’ve finally have come to accept quite a bit. #OpenHeartSurgery will certainly put things into perspective. Dealing with the news of needing open heart surgery was tough. Yes, I can say I went through those 7 steps we always here about. Denial, guilt, anger, etc....Honestly I do not know how I even kept a straight face. I just knew I had to keep going and stay strong for my family.
My goal for now is to walk at least 30 minuets per day. Sounds easy! But WOW how exhausting it was in the beginning. I had to take naps between my walks. Ha! My heart is retraining my body again for the physical endurance and my heart is working on its new valve and aorta distributing a new kind of blood flow throughout my body.
It’s strange though because I’ve googled the aftermath of open heart surgery and the difference a person feels. Surprisingly there is not much out in the internet. I’ve been living with my heart condition since I was born and now my heart functions as it should I hope so I know I feel different. Is it the blood flow, the new aortic valve, the new ascending aorta, other functions of my body? I’ll never know but I feel different. I’m hoping these are signs of Great things to come.
It will certainly be a journey for the ages. 2 months recovery time is what they say before you can get back to doing your normal activity. What does that really mean? Well, I will be able to lift at least 10 pounds, drive, hopefully exercising with the cardio rehab team, and go back to work. From what I’ve read though it appears that it will take at least 1 year or more for a full recovery due to the #MedianSternotomy That breast bone is no joke! By then I’m hoping I am able to lift heavy weights again. Time will tell.
In the mean time, I’ve realized that I have been given another opportunity to this game of life. I am certainly grateful and plan to take advantage. I have lots of unfinished work to do personally and professionally. More importantly my role that I take pride in as as a husband, father and friend is unfinished.
Here is to great things to come as I continue with my recovery and rehab and living the best life I can.
-Eric 2.0
More Info About Me & My Heart
More About Me
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My surgery date is:
July 31, 2018
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I was diagnosed with:
Aortic Regurgitation
Aortic Stenosis
Bicuspid Aortic Valve
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My surgery was:
Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic Aneurysm Replacement
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My hospital is:
Mayo Hospital Phoenix