Cathleen's Journal

For all of you who will have bittersweet feelings about the calendar rolling into 2026 because your surgery that was scheduled "for next year (2026)" will now be "this year".....just know I am thinking about you and sending hugs. I've been there. At least it isn't going to be 1926....technology is so amazing now and you are all in good hands !

Yesterday was my 2 week mark since receiving my newest aortic valve (my 5th one!) . Doing really, really well! Remember.... healing isn't linear. You'll have bad days ( I have ) and they are usually preceded by a day or two of really good days...I imagine it's because we do more on those good days and then pay the price for it...eek. Setbacks are temporary. Keep going! Every milestone is a celebration!  Cathleen

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/

The fastest route to happiness is through acceptance ❤️. Once you do that then you can turn your fear into curiosity 🤓. I personally think it's pretty cool to have some of the greatest minds in medicine (cardiac surgeons) touching my heart. I always think about my surgeon (Dr. Alfredo Trento at Cedars Sinai) growing up in Italy like he did and what made him decide to become a doctor and move to America to save so many lives. I'm humbled by that ❤️. Changing your mindset to one of curiosity changes your perspective and creates such a bigger picture and new meaning to what is happening. It's so much bigger than any of us. Someone is watching you right now to see how you handle this and get through it. You can become the bravest person they know. 

1000% it's the reason I've shared my story....3 open heart surgeries and a TAVR....but I promise you that you could do it too if you had to. Everything you need already exists inside of you...just dig deep. 

Inside the lab at Edwards LifeSciences in Irvine, CA where the leaflets are sewn onto the bioprosthetic valves!  We are all so lucky to be heart patients in this time of advanced technology! 

Edwards LifeSciences Campus in Irvine, CA this year  Such an overwhelming experience  Two days of this! I cried plenty of times! Gabe and I were even invited to speak in front of a group of employees/patients about my heart valve story. I feel very blessed to have been invited to take part in this experience. 

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

I love creating healthy comfort food for the heart . The more colorful your meal the more likely it is to be healthy
I hope you all like food posts! I created this long ago and I make it all the time! I had it today for breakfast!

AVO SMASH EGG TOAST (each layer):
Sourdough toast, dry (you can use any type bread)
Avocado smash (1/2 an avocado, smash with fork onto toast)
A sprinkling of baco bits (soy)
Chopped fresh spinach
Egg whites with lowfat cheddar
Chipotle flakes (smoked chili flakes)
Sliced sunburst tomatoes
Cracked black pepper
Himalayan sea salt

TIP: I make the egg whites in the micro so it's super quick. Just spray a bowl with olive oil and pour egg whites in and heat for about four minutes while you prep the toast and everything else. Fluff the eggs and add cheese (if you want it) and they are delicious and ready to go. 



Takes maybe 5 to 7 minutes to prepare and it's so delicious, hearty, and healthy!
Bon Appetit!

Reminder: Life goes on after heart surgery!! I'm 52 and I've had my aortic valve replaced 4 times since 1991. You can absolutely do this and come back stronger than ever!! Dig deep and find all your courage! I haven't been on here in what seems like forever!! I've been beyond busy but I'm happy I checked in because I love seeing all the smiling faces :).
I know a lot of you who are new to this are struggling right now..and you know what? That's normal!! It really is! So embrace it, all of it, because acceptance is the fastest route to happiness. You'll learn so much about yourself through all of this. Your courage will surprise you! Took this photo yesterday :) This is a life long journey. You've got this! You'll feel strong again. It's a process so let it happen. Get into cardiac rehab after your surgery. It will help so much!
Best wishes to everyone facing surgery next week or soon <3.xo

“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

For the ladies who care: Dermablend is amazing makeup for scars. Quick Fix Body foundation stick lasts 16 hours, even in water. I learned that trick many years ago from a makeup artist on set. You can find it at Sephora, Ulta, online, etc. They have several shades.....blends right in and the scar practically disappears 💋. "Created by an American dermatologist, Dermablend has been recognized as the expert in camouflage cosmetics since 1981. Today, Dermablend is the #1 dermatologist recommended camouflage brand with formulas that go beyond coverage to camouflage. Whatever your coverage need, camouflage it flawlessly with Dermablend Professional."

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

My TAVR valve from August 2015 is doing great <3. No paravalvular leaking....actually looks the best out of all of my valves lol. My ejection fraction is a strong 65% (70% is extremely high like athletes). Perfect vitals and my O2 saturation was 100%. So that's all good news :) Very positive news for those who will get TAVR in the future :). So far so good!! "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." Henry David Thoreau

I'm currently at Cedars Sinai for a full work-up on my heart to check the TAVR success from August 2015. I'm part of a study today. Anyway, CT scan, Echo, EKG, Lab work, and meeting with the surgeon. Hoping for all good news. ❤ #positivity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRY9-4VTCcw SO important!! This will keep your pec muscles from shortening and tightening up causing adhesions in the fibers. I did these constantly....painful but SO WORTH IT! Eventually it feels great...and it will keep your shoulders from rolling forward after surgery. It will also help your deep breathing considerably. <3

Chiropractic care has been a crucial part of my healing. Scar tissue will build up all over (adhesions form in the muscle fibers of your chest, shoulders, etc. from the trauma) if you don't break it up by concentrating on good posture, pulling your shoulders back etc..even though it hurts (I know!). Your ribcage, your neck, your shoulders, and your back will thank you!

CORTISONE injections in your scar can greatly soften and flatten any hard scar tissue. Hurts, but worth it. Totally diminished my keloid scar. Dermatologists will do it. The sooner you do it after surgery, the better the results. DERMABLEND cover creme is magical at hiding scars. I'm in the Screen Actors Guild and do national commercials mostly. Make-up artists use it on my scar. Available at Ulta or check online. 😊

 http://bit.ly/1V9g40w :) Hope you all like this radio interview <3. I am passionate about heart health, fitness, and nutrition. I'm featured on a 20 minute segment airing in 90 countries :). I've had 4 aortic valve replacements...so I know what it takes!

HI everyone! Here is a link to my radio and podcast segment airing tomorrow in over 90 countries (the link is at the very end of this text) :). Spreading the message of heart health <3. It's about 20 minutes with a few promos in the middle and great Q&A at the end. This segment provides some general info and inspiration. You can find more detailed heart health fitness and nutrition in my new book "Heart Healthy For Life". It will be available through Amazon and Kindle in June :). I also have a heart health and fitness website about to launch www.hearthealthylifecoach.com . I take fitness very seriously and have a special angle on heart health. I am also a nurse :). Here's the radio segment: http://traffic.libsyn.com/cmhlth/CathleenDeWitt.mp3