Chris's Journal

Can't believe it has already been a year since Dr. Ryan gave me my new ON-X mechanical valve on July 27, 2020. What a crazy year! Walking and my Peloton bike really helped me recover fast right after surgery. I met with my cardiologist last week and she said my heart sounds perfect. Excellent BP, rhythm, etc. I celebrated the year anniversary by playing 2.5 hours of racquetball today and burned 1,782 calories with an average heart rate of 144 bpm. I'll sleep like a baby tonight! I've also been participating in the PROACT Xa Clinical trials for apixaban ("Eliquis") for about 4 months now. It's a randomized trial and I drew the lucky straw and am taking 5mg of Eliquis 2 x day. It's quite nice not to have to go in for monthly INR Testing. I can also enjoy an extra beer here and there eat salads without worrying about adjusting coumadin levels. I'm hoping this becomes a permanent thinning medication after careful study. Fingers crossed! Big hugs to my valve family - I'll check in again next year! :-) Chris Dixon

It's been far too long since I posted -- I really need to get better about that! I had 7.5 great years of doing anything and everything I wanted to do but started noticing some PVC's last year while on a business trip in Europe. That's when I started noticing some PVC's which put me on this road to a 2nd OHS. Overall, my Ross experience was very positive and I've made many dear friends along the way. But in the end, it appears I suffered from the common weakening of the aortic root which caused my pulmonary autograft to leak. Evidently, this is a common result from those of us with a bicuspid aortic valve that went through the Ross. The amazing Dr. Stelzer reinforced my aortic root, as well as ascending aorta, with dacron but my root continued to dilate which caused moderate/severe aortic insufficiency. My left ventricle has also enlarged a bit because of the extra load. After visiting with several Houston-based surgeons, I decided on Dr. William Ryan in Plano, TX at the Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital. I was looking for what I called the "Stelzer Effect" in a surgeon. Meaning, I needed a "connection" with a surgeon that I could feel in my gut. I'm 100% convinced this helps one's healing through the entire process. Since I couldn't hop on a plane to NYC to see Dr. Stelzer (thx Covid-19), I was prepared to look however long it took! 8 years ago, I remember being against the St. Jude Mechanical Valve because of the ticking and blood thinners. Fast forward, I've really changed my opinion now after studying this newer "ON-X" mechanical valve which requires a much lower INR / clotting level (normal levels are 1.1 and ON-X is 1.6-2.0). I've spoken with several folks that have the ON-X valve and they're living very active lifestyles and say managing blood thinners isn't very difficult. Most likely, I'll end up with an ON-X valve but there's a small chance Dr. Ryan can repair my existing aortic root and aortic valve. If a repair can be done, that will enable me to get TAVR valves in the future. Part of me just wants to get the ON-X for the life-long durability and be done with it for good, to be honest. I've read a lot about new polymeric valves coming soon and it's enticing. But I owe it to my family to go with time-tested, proven solutions and not wonder "what if." You know the drill! Send me those positive, healing vibes and prayers next week! We got through this together last time, we'll do it again. With God, all things are possible. Piece of cake! ;-) Stay Safe! Chris Dixon Stelzer Ross #508, 27FEB12 "TBA," 27JUL20

Today is my 5th birthday, woohoo!!! My day started awesome and ended up challenging as I sit in the Charlotte airport looking for my lost bag. It's been a long day but I'm still the luckiest guy on the planet. My annual ticker check ups are nice and boring and still no meds. I'm so glad I opted for the Ross Procedure -- I still pray for Dr. Stelzer and Dr. Varghesi all the time. Those boys saved my life and I'm so grateful I'm in bonus coverage -- even with lost luggage! ;-)

I'm 4 today!!! Woohoo! My life has changed so much since surgery. I'll never forget how difficult it was writing letters to my kiddos before the surgery just in case things didn't turn out as planned. It's hard planning for EVERYTHING and putting your life in others' hands. Well, I'm happy to report that my appreciation and joy for life has not dulled after 4 years. I refuse to let time tarnish the emotional experience and admiration for our professional miracle workers. God put me on the path of Dr. Stelzer and it paid off in spades. I went to visit with Dr. Stelzer one year after surgery and joked with him, "You know Dr. Stelzer, I was just testing you in the OR and I'm happy to say you passed!" Today, February 27, 2016, I get my family ALL TO MYSELF and we're going to lunch at my favorite mexican restaurant, a movie, and back home for some family Rock Band in the game room upstairs. What can I say, I've still got the "new heart smell!" :-) Have a great day everyone!!

Hard to believe I'll be 4 years old next month! I really need to spend more time here and support my valve brothers and sisters. After all, you helped get me through my challenges! :-) 4 year birthday update to come soon!

Hard to believe it's been 2 years since my Ross Procedure at Mt. Sinai in NYC! I absolutely love how Dr. Stelzer's patients stay in touch and help other through the intimidating choices and decision making processes. It's so much to take in if you're blind sided with surgery as I was in December of 2011. I've learned that helping others is rewarding in so many ways especially when it's something near and dear to your heart (see what I did there?) I want to again personally thank my Ross Brothers and Sisters for having my back these past 2+ years: Ralph Creel, Jeff Shebovsky, Elizabeth Devaney, Stretch Ledford, Sylvia Yasgur and Rob Lauro. I also want to say thank you to Mitch Friedman and his mother Diane who came to see me several times while at Mt. Sinai. Such amazing people. I have my annual checkup in March and I'm looking forward to passing with flying colors. I haven't taken any heart meds in 18 months and my blood pressure is perfect. I push myself pretty hard and it's not uncommon for me to burn 1500 calories in under an hour at the gym. I gave my family and friends quite a scare in the OR 2 years ago, but it looks like Dr. Stelzer buttoned me back up pretty well! :-) Even though I rarely post these days, I still view the world with new eyes. I'll never forget being rolled into the OR while the drugs began to take affect. I remember turning and straining to see Niki one more time as I rolled down the long cold hall. She looked pretty calm I thought -- "Doesn't she remember where I'm going!?!" So, I refuse to get back into the daily grind and feel I'm part of an elite club. I've earned it. Scars tell stories and this story definitely has a good ending. BIG HUGS to my HVJ Family & Friends and all my love to Dr. Stelzer and his truly gifted staff. Above all, thank you Lord for giving me a little more time. Chris Dixon Stelzer Ross #508, 27FEB12

Hello HVJ Fam! Been a little while so I thought I\'d check in. I had a full work up earlier this month and everything looks perfect! My pulmonary and aortic valves are \"snapping\" perfectly and it looks like I never had surgery in there. I\'ve pushed myself hard this past year and all my vitals are perfect. Since my Ross Procedure with Dr. Stelzer, I\'ve been in contact with several folks considering using him. I think all of them did go with Stelzer. Like I said before, once you meet him, it seals the deal. My only request is that THEY help people as so many Stelzer patients helped me (Elizabeth Devaney, Charles Ledford, Ralph Creel, Rob Lauro, Sylvia Yasgur, etc..) It\'s really incredible watching people transform from panic-stricken worrywarts into confident optimists. We\'re all the same, it\'s just hard to understand unless you\'ve been through it. LIFE is good. Big Hugs, Chris

So I\'m 1 year old today and I\'m a little big for my age, what can I say? :-) I\'m so excited to be alive and am STILL buzzing with excitement a year post op. Being a sales guy, I spend a lot of my time driving to various appointments around Houston and it\'s amazing not having to worry about dizziness / vertigo any longer. For about a year there I was in a pretty bad way. I literally used to pull over while on my way to a meeting, get sick, clean myself up, then make the mtg. And flying? Not a chance. Now, I catch myself looking around and think, \"Man, I\'m not dizzy anymore?! This is awesome!!\" This past year has absolutely flown by and I could not be happier overall. Niki and my kids have been incredible during this whole process. I\'ll never forget the look on my children\'s faces when I first told them about surgery; and I\'ll never forget their faces when I came home. Feeling well again has improved every part of my life because I truly understand what\'s important since I was living a shell of myself for so long. Yes, heart surgery is serious stuff but the payoff is HUGE. The payoff is LIFE. And finding lifelong friends along the way is the whipped cream and cherry on top! Thank you Lord for giving me a second chance. Big Hugs, Chris

We just returned from an amazing road trip to Disney World in Orlando. We had a blast but as they say, there\\\'s no place like home! I\\\'ll admit, I was a little nervous about riding some of the thrill rides because of all the \\\"Don\\\'t Ride if You Have Heart Issue\\\" signs posted EVERY WHERE. Well, I can officially check this off my list because my heart was nothing but smiles on all the rides. I guess Dr. Stelzer buttoned me up pretty good in there! :-) We spent New Year\\\'s night at the Hollywood Studios Park and were blown away with the live band and fireworks finale. I couldn\\\'t believe all the people there -- not sure if I\\\'ll do it again but it was definitely an experience. I thank God for a blessed 2012 and look to him for wonderful things in 2013. Happy New Year to all my valve brothers and sisters!!! Chris Dixon

Today is so special. I finally came through this morning with a promise I made to my kiddos back in February during heart surgery. I promised a fun vacation and they awoke to Disney World tickets under the tree this morning. And we leave tomorrow! Thank you Lord for blessing me with such wonderful family and friends. Merry Christmas, Chris

Hard to believe 3 months has passed since my last journal entry. Shame on me. The thing is, I don\'t really FEEL like a heart patient and forget to post updates. So this morning when my wife sent me a text message that said, \"Happy 9 months\" I was like, \"What in the world? Are we pregnant or something?\" OH YEA!!! HEART SURGERY!! :-o It\'s really funny, I still think of my nurses and surgeons all the time at Mt. Sinai but fail to make the patient / caregiver connection any longer. They are simply old friends that I miss and hope to see again -- and not for heart surgery! I can\'t wait to get back to NYC (miss you Mitch). I continue to be amazed by life and often stop and look around me knowing that I could easily be somewhere different. Life is unquestionably different now and I pray I never lose this perspective. With such a fun time of year at hand and big plans for the holidays, I put God first in all I do. I\'m so blessed with such a wonderful wife, mom & dad, and kiddos. My friends and family are always there and I\'m back to a \"guy with the truck that can help me move\" place and that\'s right where I want to be. Oh, and if there is an award or something for showing your scar the most amount of times, I\'m pretty sure I\'ve got that one stitched up! :-) I\'ve been known to show people in restaurants. That\'s dedication people. lol. SO, I\'m healthy as a horse and was basically back to normal 3 months post op. Thank you Adam for what you\'ve done for us here -- support is a beautiful thing. Big Hugs, Chris

Today is a big day for me. This time 6 months ago Dr. Stelzer had my chest open and was working his magic to repair my bicuspid aortic valve and repair my ascending aorta. It\'s funny, I\'m still hyper-sensitive to the smell of rubbing alcohol, certain hand sanitizers, and certain perfumes that the nurses would wear while checking on me. Over the weekend I made it over a major hurdle. For the past 2 years I have been unable to have our annual \"Fun Day\" (i.e. amusement parks, movies, etc..) celebrating the close of Summer vacation because of my dizziness. Caden, my son, was cautiously optimistic about our chances and said, \"Daddy, it will be ok if we don\'t make it again.\" Well, we did make it. In fact, we waved and laughed at the spot in the road where I had to turn around last year. We had a great weekend and I even smoked 2 briskets and had the neighbors and family over for pre-season football. I\'M BACK!! :-))) As I watch my kids grab their backpacks and put on new clothes for a new school year this morning, I smile and thank God that I am here. I guess I\'m still buzzing from that \"New Heart Smell\" you get when you get a new Heart! :-P The wonderful people of Mt. Sinai in NYC have changed this Texan forever and for that, I am forever grateful. 6 months later, I am still thrilled with my choice of Ross and traveling to Dr. Stelzer -- wouldn\'t change a thing. - Chris Dixon

Hard to believe my surgery was 4 months ago today. It feels like so long ago now. It\'s so bizarre how time can play such tricks on me. The weeks and days before surgery were like months and the months after surgery seem like years. I\'ve continued my daily exercise but still don\'t have all my wind back for long runs. My lungs are great, just need more conditioning which I guess anyone can lose with time off. I\'m playing in my first racquetball tournament since the surgery this weekend so we\'ll see how that goes! If I medal, I plan to send the hardware to Dr. Stelzer! I think he\'s earned it! :-) I had my first Cardio visit last Thursday and she took me off some meds -- I\'m down to 2 now which is nice (Enalapril & Metoprolol). My aortic valve sounded perfect but there was a little bit of a murmur (in the \"normal\" range) on the pulmonary side. Since the pulmonary homograft is oversized to account for later shrinking, I\'m sure this will subside on its own. On Friday, I had my first echocardiogram and I played a little game with the tech. I asked her to tell me what she thought I had done. Keep in mind, this was the best Tech at St. Luke\'s specifically requested by my Cardiologist. After looking for quite a while, she said everything looked perfect and she gave up. When I told her I had Ross done on 2/27/12 she was amazed. She finally looked hard enough to see faded suture marks on the Pulmonary / Aortic valves. Getting all this good news again affirms my choice of Ross and Dr. Stelzer at Mt. Sinai -- can\'t say that enough! Kids are off for Summer and keeping Niki and I busy. We have lots of Summer projects planned around our house and are looking forward to some impromptu vacations. I\'m blessed on so many levels and continue to keep God first in all I do. I\'ll check in with you guys next month! Stay strong and I\'m here if you need me. Chris Dixon

It\'s truly amazing how time flies. 2 weeks before my surgery, every minute felt like hours. I felt like I couldn\'t read enough, couldn\'t research and absorb enough about surgery and what to expect. Looking back, I can\'t help but to think how lucky we are to be living in a time of medical marvels and to be in the greatest country in the world protected by the greatest men and women in the world. Since my last post 4 weeks ago, I\'ve continued to get stronger and more entrenched back into \"normal life.\" I made myself a promise though: I will never again take anyone for granted and will live the life God has extended with urgency. I never want to lose the connection to myself I discovered days before my surgery either. I think we protect ourselves from hidden fears / emotions that we have to face in our darkest hours. At the time, this was a very frightening exercise for me; but if I can face those fears I can face anything. I\'ve been so blessed with a quick recovery and have been back to 100% for many weeks now. Just last week I did four sets of 10 on flat bench at 225 lbs which was a good win for me. I\'m also playing again in a competitive racquetball league with some awesome friends. I\'m finally getting my wind back. If I medal, I\'ll be sending my first trophy to Dr. Stelzer -- I think he\'s earned it! :-) If I could say anything negative at all about my recovery, I feel that my immune system did take a hit. I\'ve been sick twice in 3 months which is unheard of for me. I had a cold and an upper respiratory infection. Seems like I catch anything going around so I have to continue to be careful on that front. I should probably slow down a little too and get to bed earlier. That\'s all for now, if I can do anything for anyone please don\'t hesitate to contact me. God is good and life is good. Don\'t forget, we have some AMAZING folks here at HVJ that want to help you. We\'re a family here so let\'s take care of each other. I\'ll check in next month! :-) Chris Dixon

As time goes by, I realize my choice for Ross was a good one. I bounced back quickly and I\'ve been back in the gym now for 3 weeks doing light weights and playing racquetball regularly in addition to my walking. The mosquitoes have been so bad in our area that I\'ve been walking on our treadmill at home. My \"everyday\" strength was back at 3 weeks and I\'m still working on getting the \"gym\' strength back. Pushups still feel a little weird so I\'m being careful there. I promised my wife that I\'d stay off the heavy weights for good since I probably won\'t make the Houston Texans this close to 40!! :-) Needless to say, my life is forever changed in a spectacularly positive way -- God is good. I recently spoke with 2 people that have similar Aortic issues and I find that sharing my experiences and research with them helps both of us. This is obviously serious stuff and it helps SO MUCH when you have the opportunity to speak with people that have been there and done that. Little secrets go a long way when you\'re in ICU. I remember when I spoke with Ralph Creel, Stelzer #444, about Ross. This had a huge impact on me. The amazing and talented Dr. Stelzer continues to text me notes to see how I\'m doing which is so thoughtful. I continue to marvel at his work ethic, attitude, and kindness. I honestly miss the man!! In the end, I\'m another heart patient in a long line of heart patients that adores him. BIG Texas Hugs to all of you, I\'ll check in again next month! :-)) - Chris Dixon

It\'s difficult to describe the way this surgery has affected me. Not only do I feel fantastic, but I truly see the beauty and value of life and those around me. I almost feel cheated that I couldn\'t see this before surgery. In short, I\'ve been given a gift of sight. Thank you HVJ brothers and sisters for supporting me every step of the way. As 1 month turns into 2 and 3, I\'ll be here supporting others preparing and recovering from surgery. I feel like I have so much to share with folks -- it\'s a difficult ride but the reward is both spiritual and physical. At 4 weeks, I feel back to normal -- the bad news is, it\'s time to go back to work!! :-) With all my heart, Chris

First of all, it feels amazing to be home. Seeing my kids and family makes everything seem so real. Being in NYC for 2 full weeks was very difficult on us but I would would do it again tomorrow. I had my first Cardiologist appointment this morning and everything was perfect! I go back in 3 months -- that seems so far away! My chest scar is healing very fast and I don\'t require heavy pain meds. The anesthesia is still working it\'s way out of my system so I do feel a slight brain fog. My lungs are back to normal and I\'m walking every day. I cannot properly describe the excellence of Dr. Stelzer and Mt. Sinai in NYC. Dr. Stelzer came in to be with me so many times during ICU and stepdown. His smile warmed my heart and pushed me to get strong. He is everything one could ever hope for in a surgeon. I also became quite close with Dr. Robin Varghese, his partner who also assisted in my surgery. Both of these men are very close to my spirit now. I feel a deep connection and honor in their presence. I also have a list of special nurses which I will be contacting very soon. This list is about 8 people total -- all VERY special to me. As I continue my recovery, I want to thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers. I honestly felt them and I had peace. Thank you Mitch and Diane for seeing me all those days in the hospital. I also thank Jeff Shebovsky and Carol for their support. It\'s funny, I know so little about all of you, but you feel like family to me. I have made some amazing friends on this journey so far and look forward to helping others. God Bless You, Chris

I\'m looking at my last journal post and am cracking up! Wow was I looped out. I\'m actually not even taking pain meds aside from motrin and Tylenol at the moment. I\'m feeling very good but experience \"cold sweats\" which are flu-like symptoms. This will go away very soon. I need you all to know something. YOU gave me a lot of strength that I could honestly feel. They got me down late and I woke early -- I remember a lot. There was a fairly major complication while closing me up due to my own anatomy which caused massive sorenesss. I remember feeling miserable. But never weak. If you are ever in this dark place, dig deep and find your own way. Its there, look. Today, I look and feel great and feel stronger by the minute. Thank you for your love,support, and pushing me through. I plan to recover in record time and look forward to returning to the racquetball courts as soon as possible. I will always be here to help you all and will forever honor those that have helped me. Today and tomorrow, my thoughts are with Jeff Shebovsky and his family. Godspeed brother, I\'ll see you in ICU.

Has a great day folks. Took 2 walks and Peed on my own! I\'m still waiting for a better room and the first 2 days postop royally sucked. They had to work hard to keep me under and even harder to pull my ribs back together. So ohs surgery sucks for guys that lift a lot. You guys are the best and I\'ll be posting more very soon. Small hugs for now, Chris

We have moved out of ICU! These tight quarters of NYC are a whole new experience for us Texans. Chris wants you all to know that he is being well taken care and is ready to be feeling himself again. He has rested well today and has big plans for tomorrow. I love my hubby! Niki

Chris had a good night and started the day sitting in a chair for 5 hours. We are planning on a calm day to wean him off of the meds that are supporting his heart. All that goes well, he will be able to leave ICU tomorrow. Your love and support means so much. A special Thank You to Mitch for stopping by to see us and Jeff for his helpful information and keeping our fellow \"Stelzer Rossers\" up-to-date! Niki

The balloon that was assisting his heart is out and his heart is beating on its own. They also just removed the breathing tube and his lungs are working on their own. Praise God! Please continue to pray that he remains on this healing path. Niki

Today is a new day and so far so good.  I just saw him.  He knew we were there and was responsive. They are getting ready to put into a more restful state so they can start trying to wean the balloon. We need prayers that goes well.  If it does we could have him off the balloon and ventilator tonight. Thank you for your love and support! Niki

Chris had some complications when they tried to colse him up. His heart is working with the help of a balloon. He will stay asleep tonight and we will start try to reduce the balloon support tomorrow. Keep the prayers coming. We feel them and we need them. Niki

Dr. Stelzer just called to let me know that Chris is doing excellent. They are closing him up and I should hear more in an hour or so. Keep the prayers coming! Niki

Chris went to the OR about 30 minutes ago. He was calm and relaxed just as you all said he would be. Dr. Stelzer said that we should expect to hear from him around 3:00 this afternoon. Please say a prayer that all goes well. Niki

I can\'t believe it\'s my turn tomorrow. Today is such a beautiful day here in NYC. Niki and I have had such a wonderful time. My mom and Niki\'s sister, Mandy, just arrived at the hotel. Mandy has set up a surprise dinner for us tonight. I should probably stay away from the spicy stuff! This morning we walked to Dr. Stelzer\'s church and had such a heartfelt experience. Niki and I also had a chance to briefly visit with Mrs. Stelzer. She is a very special lady indeed. As I come closer to my surgery date, I\'ve been very aware of my surroundings...my existence. During the church service this morning I noticed something that really touched me. As if put there on purpose, a beautiful hanging piece of art positioned above the pastor. The snow topped mountain scene had a fitting scripture for me -- Psalm 46:10. \"Be still and know that I am God.\" I\'m ready.

Arrived in NYC yesterday at noon and rushed over to Mt Sinai hospital for my 1:30 pre-op appointment. I wasn\'t nervous at all during the 3 hour ordeal. I will arrive Monday morning at 5:30 am for surgery. I remain confident in my choice and am enjoying NYC food and new friends. Today I had the pleasure of meeting Mitch Friedman and his mother Diane. Such beautiful people. Mitch had surgery 3 weeks ago and is doing incredible! His chest scar looks remarkably healed as well. We walked a few blocks and had some burgers then went back to his place to visit. So happy I have a local \"coach\" to guide me along. I also called Diane \"Mom\" too! She is great. Weather is wet and cold tonight. Room service anyone?

Woohoo, I\'m in the patient spotlight -- look at that! :-) Special thanks to Mitch Friedman for scooting over a bit to share the spotlight. I\'ve been emailing Mitch and boy does he sound great. Though I haven\'t met him yet, I\'m very proud of him and look forward to having lunch with him this Friday in NYC. Yesterday was a tough day for me. For some reason, I was just hit with tons of emotions while preparing for my NY trip. I haven\'t cried like that since I was a little boy. It was strange, but it also felt good because I connected with a part of me I haven\'t seen in a long time. I sorta feel like I\'m back in my own body now....hard to explain but I feel different this morning. I feel good. Today is my last day in Houston before surgery. I\'ve got courage in my chest and trust in my Dr. Let\'s do this.

Niki and I just got back from NY. We visited Dr. Stelzer and his staff at Mt. Sinai Hospital. We know where we\'ll do the pre-op stuff and are ready for the big show on the 27th. Dr. Stelzer answered my 3 pages of questions and even prayed with us at the end of our visit. I must say, I\'m completely blown away with this guy on a few different levels. He is truly a gifted, technical surgeon and I now know why his patients adore him. Sandwiched between degrees and medical recognitions, his office walls have letters, picture frames, and medals of former patients now competing in Iron Man\'s, marathons, etc.. I really debated on flying to NY to see him; boy am I glad we went. It was a wonderful visit and these New Yorkers are good people! :-) Niki and I fly back next week on the 23rd for pre-op and will goof off Friday - Sunday. My mom and Mandy (Niki\'s sister) will come in the day before my surgery to support Niki and I. I can\'t thank my mom and Mandy enough for their help. I\'m staying positive and have lots of incredible people praying for me...and I feel it. I honestly feel God set me on this path having put Dr. Stelzer in my life in such an interesting way. Seems like all things point to NY now. Let\'s stay positive and enjoy the ride. My homework is finished.