Chris's Journal

3 weeks post surgery #2 and everything is going well EXCEPT I've had a low grade constant headache. Saw surgeon today and he said it's probably nothing but is referring me to a neurologist to be sure. I never have headaches. Has anyone else had a three week headache after surgery. So annoying.

2 weeks post surgery to remove mitral repair and put in replacement and starting to feel pretty good. Even cooked last night ( one of my passions ). Rehab intake appointment on Sept 18th. Same girls as the last time. They had me hiking the Smokies and I have no doubt they will again. Still need to learn more about my pacemaker. You wake up from surgery and the wife says guess what you have a pacemaker. Thanks for everyone's support AGAIN!
Keep moving!

Got home from hospital at 5pm. This site has pulled me through twice now. You people are amazing. Adam your work is lifesaving.
Ok its time to really get to work!
Smokies in April

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ME! 2 open heart surgeries, 5 stents a bypass, brain hemorrhage and 2 strokes. Last Tuesday I had successful mital valve replacement surgery and it was time to put me back together again i went into heart block (fatal systole). My heart rhythm would never recover enough to support life. That's when I met Mr. Pacemaker who will be with me for the rest of our lives. I have had a few curveballs thrown at me over the years as you can tell but I refuse to let these define me.
BTW - my 4 legged best friend of 13 years passed on my surgery date. (Curveball)
My wife is the most wonderful wife and advocate, She keeps me straight.
God has a plan for me AND I WILL FIGURE IT OUT!
Already plan on heading to the Trail in April 25.
Keep moving!!!

Well we are now 1 week away from open heart surgery #2 (8/20). Scar tissue around my repair has caused breathing issues. We're heading in this time for a mitral valve replacement. I'm 70 so going with a pig valve. I have an amazing surgeon in Dr Pahwa at University of Louisville Heart and Lung center. Other than my heart I'm in fantastic shape so all should go well. Don't have near the anxiety this time because I know what's ahead. I'll keep you informed. This site helped me so much during my 1st surgery. I'M READY!

I last posted a year ago after hiking the Smokies and feeling great. The last 6 months have brought on some unpleasant changes in breathing and strength.  I knew right away but after 6 months of tests it's been confirmed that another open heart surgery is in my near future. My Mitral Valve repair has developed a large amount of scar tissue restricting blood flow. I'm sure I'll have questions about a second surgery.  Meet with surgeon in a couple weeks so I'll know more then. I'm ok and so far not near as nervous as the first time.  I'll let you all know.  Good luck to all, you'll do great!

Haven't checked in for awhile. 2 1/2 years since open heart mitral valve repair and a bypass and just did 53 miles in 4 days in the Smoky mountains. Not bad for 69 yrs old. Remember everyone keep moving and LIVE!

Hey ya'll 13 months post op for a mitral valve repair and a bypass. Back on the table today for 2 more stints. 5 stints, 1 bypass and a repaired mitral valve later I'm still ticking. It's amazing how much better my breathing is already. My wife calls me the bionic man and says I'll live to be 100. Spending my night in hospital but will be on my couch at 3 tomorrow for the Bearcats / Alabama game. Go Cincy. Remember what I always say - KEEP MOVING. Thanks Dr Rangaswamy for keeping me moving.

10 months since OHS and feeling great. Just a side note. Ritchie Faulkner of Judas Priest had an aortic aneurysm explode on stage and was rushed to UL Rudd Heart and Lung Center (my amazing hospital) and saved by the greatest heart surgeon ever Dr Sidharth Pahwaw (my surgeon). If you live close to Louisville and need heart surgery then you're in luck because you have these first rate people. Good luck to those preparing for surgery. You'll do great. To those in recovery and beyond, keep moving.

6 months ago today, the amazing Dr. Pahwa at University of Louisville heart center, preformed OHS to repair my mitral valve and do a single bypass. I feel fantastic! Finished cardiac rehab last week and I'm so glad I took advantage of the opportunity to attend. Bought a stationery bike and had a treadmill and will continue work my program at home. Back to working in yard with this great weather returning. Thanks to Adam for organizing this spectacular community. This community literally got me through the fear of mortality. I also utilized all the great videos on the site. Thank you all. By the way, my goal was to get back on the golf course. I played yesterday and it was like I never stopped. I wish everyone a successful surgery and quick recovery.

8 weeks ago I was worried about coming out of surgery. I spent a week on this site and I felt better entering surgery, MVR and CBP ( 1 ). 7 weeks post-op today and I can't believe how good I feel, which I didn't expect. I logged 4 miles, walking, on Wednesday. Started rehab this week which I'm so excited about. My goal is to end up in better shape than I was before all of this. Good luck and thanks to my heart warrior brothers and sisters. Keep Moving!

4 weeks ago I had my mitral valve repair and single bypass. I was so scared. I am so grateful for Adam and the rest of my heart warriors. This site made me feel so much better entering surgery. My healing has been remarkable, other than arm pit soreness. I'm breathing better than I have in years. I'm walking about 2 miles a day. I received so much support here and would recommend that anyone having a heart procedure, join the community. I hope everyone is doing well who's in recovery. Those with a scheduled procedure I want to say lean on us for support. You'll do great

Today was my 3 week follow up. Muscle and collarbone pain is about all I have left. Dr. said I was doing fantastic. Going to start cardiac rehab in a couple more weeks. Have to get ready for the golf course. Thanks to Dr Pahwa and his amazing University of Louisville staff. Haven't breathed this well in years.

Day 10. Feeling much better than expected. Have a little kidney discomfort and was wondering if that's normal. Kidneys are working. Everything else is going very well