Derek's Journal

Tammy Pilcher  You are an awesome young man, Derek! I read your journal and your story is amazing! I have two sons, ages 25 and 22, and I can't wait to share your story with them. I wish you all the best and hope you have a great trip! Prayers for many more super adventures for you! God bless you!

Derek Owens  Does anybody else get cramps on the left side when they run? I'm a very active individual but it seems like whenever I run, a cramp eventually develops. I never had this problem before my 2nd surgery and pacemaker implantation.

Lilly Black  Hi, Derek. OMG! My surgeon was Dr. Raissi as well. He was so wonderful, and he saved my life! I can't say enough good things about my experience. It was my second surgery as well. Now I have a Bovine valve, and feel so great! I am ever so grateful to Dr. Raissi. When did you meet him? When and where was your surgery?

Derek Owens  no way thats awesome! Yeah he is amazing, not only as a surgeon but as a human. I met him almost 10 years ago now. He's been my surgeon for both surgeries at age 16 and 23. My last surgery was in April of 2014 at St. Johns. What about you?

Lilly Black  Derek, my last surgery was on Dec 10, 2014 at St. John's as well. I LOVE Dr. Raissi. He is the best, and as you said an amazing human being. The hospital was awesome, but their billing system was horrible! and extremely stressful, especially when trying to recover at the age of 63 from heart surgery. But I will remain positive. Your story is inspiring! I have a 34 yr old son in perfect health, and a perfect heart. I'm so happy he didn't inherit my heart, physically that is...emotionally he is all heart, and he's smart and gorgeous. Have you met Arlys at the BAV Foundation? I have never met her but we spoke many times. She introduced me to Dr. Raissi and I've haven't looked back since. She and Dr Raissi saved my life....I love them both. Like you, I persevered until the end. I lead and managed a 5 team Customer Service department, who support our 1,500 + clients with a very complicated web application, while my heart was failing. We closed over 4,000 cases in 2014 and we helped make the company very successful. Unreal when I think about how hard I worked! Derek, I wish you the very best in your life. I will absolutely tell Dr Raissi that I met you here. He will enjoy hearing it! take care, keep well, and I hope we keep in touch.

Derek Owens  Hey Lilly! Your story is remarkable and inspiring as well. Arlys was there at my last surgery in the waiting room with my family. I have never met her but have talked to her on the internet various times. It's cool to hear your son did not inherent heart disease, I must admit I am a little worried about having a kid that will. Take care as well!

Pat Bluemel  So awesome Derek. The Big Island is my favorite. I just got back yesterday from Maui and miss Hawaii already. I have to go back when my sternum heels more, couldn't quite snorkel, dive or play in any waves yet, but I sure tried.

Derek Owens  Glad you agree! I actually just got back from maui too, I was there over easter weekend. At least Maui is a great place to be even if you cant do any of those things quite yet

Pat Bluemel  Ha! We couldn't figure out why EVERYWHERE, every beach even the beaches we thought were secrets were packed. Then realized Easter was Sunday. Explained it all.

Janea Christensen  I am curious why they didn't put an mechanical valve in? Why didn you choose a 2nd tissue valve? I am getting ready for surgery #2 to replace my pig valve (mitral). I have been lovin' life without the coumiden etc... I'm sad to go mechanical but don't want another surgery. My valve lasted 9 years.

Derek Owens  Surgeon was still strongly against mechanical. He didn't want me to be hindered by it at the age of 23. He said once you go mechanical you can never go back, I am hoping by the time I need my next surgery there will be a better option. That being said, yes it really sucks to have to think about going in for a third heart surgery. This last surgery was extremely rough. Can't imagine going through another one.

I hope your surgery goes well and your life with mechanical is just as great!

Janea Christensen  I totally understand. 23 is too young to start a lifetime of Coumiden!! Besides you will enjoy your lifestyle not being hampered by that icky drug. best wishes!!