Cathleen's Journal

Hi all ,
Thought I'd share my recent experience this week ( on Monday ) with A Fib. I developed A Fib in 2021. Long story short, I've had 3 electric cardioversions (after hours and hours and hours of trying IV chemical cardioversions in the ER **eye roll**) and then had a cardiac ablation at Cedars Sinai in July, 2022. I do have plenty of scar tissue in my heart from the 3 prior open heart surgeries and I suppose also the TAVR, so developing A Fib wasn't that shocking. Anyway, my third A Fib episode (in April 2023) was 9 months after my ablation. I had to be cardioverted again at the ER. So I went to see my electrophysiologist who had performed the ablation at Cedars Sinai and he suggested we try the "pill in the pocket" approach if I had another episode. I hoped I would never have to try it. However, Monday I had another episode (while I was in the middle of a car wash lol). So I took the Rythmol (2 pills for a dose of 300 mg) and waited 30 minutes as advised....no change....so I took the 3rd pill (150 mg) and started getting ready for the ER visit. About 15 minutes later I felt a sense of CALM come over me like I have never felt in my life. I stood there in shock, almost too scared to even hope for this miracle. I checked my Apple watch and sure enough I was back in normal sinus rhythm!! My A Fib episodes are pretty bad - with RVR ( rapid ventricular rate ) - which makes them too dangerous to let them continue without intervention (twice having to go to the ER by paramedic). So I had low expectations of this pill working after having been through so much trying to convert my heart back to normal sinus rhythm during several ER visits. This was a MIRACLE . I personally had zero side effects from the Rythmol other than total euphoria that it worked! My heart rhythm has been perfect since Monday. I even attended class from 6-10pm that same night lol (I'm pursuing my BSN). I recommend asking your doctor about this if you suffer from A Fib. I realize it may not be approved for everyone but this was a game changer for me. Cathy
https://www.livingwithatrialfibrillation.com/2992/what-is-pill-in-the-pocket-for-atrial-fibrillation/

Hi all PLEASE read my post and the accompanying article in the link! This is such an important topic........I don't see much about cardiac rehab on here. It was a game changer for me from my very first open heart surgery.....I went after every heart surgery. I was fortunate that my surgeon at Cedars Sinai, Dr. Alfredo Trento, is a huge advocate of this. There's a reason he has such great patient outcomes. He doesn't let you sit around! lol I suggest it to EVERYONE. It's something that should be discussed in the same conversation as your surgery! I'd love to hear if this is being discussed as part of your recovery plan when you schedule surgery. It's seems to be an underutilized tool. If there's one message I can get across to everyone it's to please ASK about this. It might not always be discussed if you don't request it. I've been through 3 open heart surgeries and a TAVR and I did cardiac rehab after each of them. I never had any post-surgical complications. Not only will it help you with regaining your strength but it will 100% give you confidence to push yourself because you will feel SAFE doing it. You'll also learn about nutrition and receive emotional support. They will help you with any other health issues you are dealing with and develop a program for you. It will give you a routine. It's covered by insurance! If that isn't enough, you'll also make FRIENDS who have been through the same or similar experience . Ask about it, or if it is already being discussed, jump at the opportunity! I am SUCH a strong supporter of this that I honestly feel like we should be seeing "my surgery date is (your date) and my cardiac rehab starts (date and place)" on all the posts and then progress reports on how it's going. But I don't see that. I hope that changes. Patients should be talking to patients about this. Real stories from recovery . I'd love to open that conversation. I'm also a nurse, so I know how important this is in recovery from surgery!! This is the #1 most proactive thing you can do for yourself after surgery . You can choose a local program - I had all my surgeries in Los Angeles and did my cardiac rehab at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.

From the hospital website:

"While exercise is one of the most important components of cardiac rehabilitation, Hoag’s comprehensive program combines carefully monitored progressive physical exercise with risk-factor modification, education and support. While you exercise, your ECG, heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure are monitored closely. And the program includes appointments with other specialists including registered dieticians to address diet and lifestyle changes."

Adam - if you see this, it would be so awesome if you could get some links on here to different cardiac rehab programs in the country.

Here is a quick article from Cleveland Clinic about the benefits of Cardiac Rehab....

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22069-cardiac-rehab

“You’ll have bad times, but it’ll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to.” —Sean Maguire, “Good Will Hunting”

I'm excited for those of you who have my book and the basics to get started on a Heart Healthy nutrition and fitness plan. As many of you know, I have had 4 aortic valve replacements and literally feel like I've never had heart surgery at all because I have chosen fitness and nutrition as my passion in life. I am a nurse and a fitness professional. I charge private clients but since I just wrote an email to another heart warrior on this site who reached out to me, I thought I'd go ahead and share this info for free. Here are some more specific things for you to work on along with your nutrition ❤️. When you are CLEARED to be back in the gym you can use this as a guideline ❤️. The workouts I do in the gym are basically strength and conditioning exercises. I'm providing a list of the things I like to do for strength training. Choose a couple of things and focus on getting really good at those exercises and then move on and try a couple more down the road. I use moderate weight and do plenty of reps. I rarely use anything heavier than 10% of my bodyweight when I workout my upper body. It's a good weight rule to follow ( if you are already at a healthy weight ) to stay fit and keep the pressure off of your valve. Lower body I will use 20% of my body weight depending on the exercise. Some can (and should) be done without weight depending on your comfort (ex: squats, lunges). If you aren't used to working out and need to lose weight then develop a consistent walking plan and start a lifting program with very light weight until you are better conditioned. You'll feel your energy level increase as you go. It builds on itself but you just need to start somewhere. Once you have lost the weight you'll have the momentum to increase your strength training. My cardio consists of about 30-40 minutes on the bike, treadmill, or elliptical before each session. Enough to warm up but not so much that I don't have the time for a great strength training workout after the cardio. Weight lifting is just as important as cardio conditioning. The stronger you are the less taxing every day things will be on your heart. I will list some of the main exercises I choose from on any given day (usually three per muscle group.. except for back, bicep, shoulder day I would do only two exercises each muscle group...so a total of 6 exercises). I tend to do four workouts a week. A back, biceps, and shoulder day....chest and triceps day...a leg day...and a core day. You can mix it up anyway you would like to really. Some people like to throw in a couple of leg exercises every day since it's such a big muscle group. ***Things I DON'T do because they are hard on the valve are push ups, bench press with bar, squats with a weighted bar, power cleans.*** Other than the push ups the rest are for power lifting anyway and not necessary. So here are examples of what I like to do in the gym (choose a few each time after cardio): *(3x10) means 3 sets for 10 reps each set *(3x12) means 3 sets for 12 reps each set Also, be sure to choose a weight that isn't too heavy. 10% of your bodyweight is a good rule of thumb or if you are just starting then just use 5%. Ladies, 3 pound or 5 pound dumbbells will be plenty to start (or forever). Biceps: Hammer curls (3x12), Bicep dumbbell curls (3x12), EZ Bar curls (3x12), Wide grip standing barbell curl (3x12). Triceps: Dumbbell tricep extension (3x12 each arm), Dips (3x10), Tricep Pushdowns (machine 3x12) Shoulders: Dumbbell Military press (3x12), Front single arm dumbbell raises (3x12 each arm), Single arm side dumbbell lateral raises seated (3x12 each arm), Standing front barbell raises over your head (3x12) Back: Seated bent over rear delt raises with dumbbells for shoulders and back (3x12), One arm rows (3x10), Wide grip Lat pulldowns (3x12) Chest: Seated machine chest press (3x10), Flat bench dumbbell press (3x10), Incline dumbbell press (3x10) Legs and Glutes: Dumbbell reverse lunge (3x10 each leg), Dumbbell Goblet squat (3x12), Dumbbell front lunge (3x10 each leg), Tuck jumps (3x10), Barbell front squats (3x10), Calf raises (3x10), Leg extension machine (3x12), Hamstring curl (3x12) Core: Planks (3 planks for one minute each, rest one minute between each), Sit ups (4x25), Side crunches (3x20), Regular crunches (3x40), Flutter kicks (4x20) The idea here is to build up your body's strength and stamina. The more fit you are, the less work your heart has to do all day long. Exercise is proven to reduce blood pressure, reduce diabetes risk, and of course prevent obesity. So obviously I think weight lifting is FUN and I like to have lots of different exercises to choose from. No two people workout the same way but I hope you will enjoy some of my favorites. You can look at examples of each type of exercise on You Tube so that you become familiar with what to do. It's really quite easy and fun once you get the hang of it :). Be sure to drink at least 2 liters of water each day...and especially on days you exercise. Also, increase your protein intake on lifting days. I like to have a 30 gram protein shake within 30 minutes of a good workout. It will help your muscles stay strong...and the stronger your muscles are the stronger your heart is! Your heart is the hardest working and MOST important muscle in your body! <3 Cathleen DeWitt My book, Heart Healthy For Life, is available on Amazon and Kindle. Filled with healthy recipes and nutrition/fitness advice :) www.hearthealthylifecoach.com hearthealthylifecoach@gmail.com

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If you need some motivation to get moving before or after heart surgery ❤️, I've been through 4 aortic valve replacements so I know what it takes 😊 Here's a free link to my Heart Health radio segment - Heart Health Expert feature on The Conscious Millionaire broadcast: http://consciousmillionaire.com/131-cathleen-dewitt/

I feel like I've lived a blessed life, I do. I know I've "won" at this heart valve game. I always come out on top. I've taken care of myself in every way to ensure my heart is healthy and strong. I've made it through 4 successful aortic valve replacements etc without a single problem. I've empowered (and pushed) others to do the same. I know how lucky I am to have such a positive outlook on life. I do know that's a blessing. I want people to know though, that despite my cheerleader attitude and smile, it hasn't been easy. The stark contrast of my life is that while I have fought tirelessly to LIVE, my perfectly healthy amazing dad and brother both committed suicide in short succession. It was horrific. It was beyond horrific. My mom died 8 months later from heart failure because of it. I had my 3rd open heart surgery just 2 weeks after that. It was an emergency surgery for a huge aortic aneurysm. I literally felt crucified. That's an understatement. I share all of this to let people who are going through a hard time know that you can overcome ALL of it. You can make a decision to live and to help others with your story. That is what I decided to do . I want others to feel strong, powerful, and hopeful. Without hope there's nothing. Look beyond your circumstances and see your future. Life after valve surgery can be the healthiest life you've ever lived. It's a big surgery but it's small compared to the rest of your life. Embrace it, accept it, learn from it, grow from it, and know that you are blessed to struggle because it expands your life. God Bless ❤️

Charlie Rose ❤️ Who knew?? ❤️ Sounds like he may be having TAVR this time with the way he's describing his expected recovery.... https://www.google.com/amp/www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/a-note-from-charlie-rose-cbs-this-morning/

HI all! If anyone is interested, my story was shared on Little Things. It's an online FB and website with over 8 million followers. Super proud and blessed to be featured. This truly is my calling. :) http://www.littlethings.com/cathleen-dewitt-open-heart-surgery/?utm_medium=Facebook

So excited to announce that my radio interview from April has done so well it was chosen as the special featured show again this week :) You can listen below.. 💛 Conscious Millionaire Health Podcast has been honored as a #1 Rated Podcast on iTunes in three categories. They are heard in over 102+ countries and have been downloaded over 350,000 times! http://traffic.libsyn.com/cmhlth/CathloeenDewitt170.mp3

I was off of here for a few days for the holiday and my book and website release. I'm thinking about all of you all the time <3. Hope everyone heading into surgery soon is doing well and that all the heart surgery warriors are healing quickly!!! <3