Eddie Patton - Heart Valve Journal

My Journal

Eddie Pattonposted an update

881 days ago

Rose Madura, Joey Hardee, Susan Lynn and 1 other reacted to this

Merry Christmas all!

Ana Brusso Thank you Eddie, Merry Christmas to you too. Congratulations on your anniversary

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

1801 days ago

Meredith Bray, Debby Morgeson, Shannon Gray and 4 others reacted to this

Two year valversary today! Was supposed to skydive with my kids but the weather didn't cooperate. Two years ago today at 50 years old I walked into a hospital ...Read more

Two year valversary today! Was supposed to skydive with my kids but the weather didn't cooperate. Two years ago today at 50 years old I walked into a hospital and put my life in the hands of a total stranger. Luckily those were some gifted hands!. My surgeon told me without surgery I had maybe a year and a half left so now that it has been two years I am getting to experience things I never would have without surgery, on bonus time if you will! Still do all I did before and a good bit more, still can hang with the 30 somethings on the softball fields and even try to do mud runs when I can. Life is Good! For those waiting take heart, there is a lot of good stuff on the other side. For those that have been around a while and helped me get through this, thank you so much, doubt I would have kept my sanity without you.

Anne Walpole I like "valverary." :-)

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

1843 days ago

Vanessa Corwin, Civita Fahey, Cathleen DeWitt and 3 others reacted to this

http://es.pn/2qDjtMb

Jets rookie returns from open-heart surgery, gets 'a second chance at life'

http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/68598/jets-rookie-returns-from-open-heart-surgery-gets-a-second-chance-at-life

Unsure if he'd ever be able to play football again, Xavier Coleman has gone on an inspiring journey from the operating room to an NFL locker room.

Enrique K Hey Eddie, how are you buddy? Great inspiration! Thanks for sharing. Did you go sky diving?

Eddie Patton Going on my valversary. 6/18 be two years. Man I am doing great. Never would have guessed just ov ... Read more

Eddie Patton Going on my valversary. 6/18 be two years. Man I am doing great. Never would have guessed just over two years ago when I was told I had to have this I would ever be this good again. Running circles around guys 20 years younger than me. The skydive thing has been on again off again for various reasons. This year father's day falls on my two year anniversary of my surgery and I am jumping with my kids. Maybe the delays were meant to be. Have some cool pics after if the weather cooperates!

Enrique K Hey man, That is great news! My 2 year valvesery is October 9 time. I'm feeling 100% and live a norma ... Read more

Enrique K Hey man, That is great news! My 2 year valvesery is October 9 time. I'm feeling 100% and live a normal life with no restrictions. I did change my diet to low sodium. I've always eaten healthy and exercise on a regular basis. Can't wait to see the pictures of your sky adventure! Stay well my friend!

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

1867 days ago

Barbara Wood, Steven Dean, Matthew Russo and 1 other reacted to this

Been a while but I have been following everyone. Coming up on two years in a couple of months. I rarely think about my surgery anymore. Of course the scar ...Read more

Been a while but I have been following everyone. Coming up on two years in a couple of months. I rarely think about my surgery anymore. Of course the scar will catch my eye in the mirror sometimes but my surgeon was great and the scar is barely there. I do everything I did before surgery and more. I lift weights four days a week without issue and still play sports in my 50s. If you are about to have or have recently had surgery know that you can be back to where you were and things can become normal after surgery. Good luck and best wishes.

Enrique K Hey Eddie, Good to see you are doing well, I'm almost 2 years in October. I haven't been here in a w ... Read more

Enrique K Hey Eddie, Good to see you are doing well, I'm almost 2 years in October. I haven't been here in a while but I'm back. Stay strong my friend. I'm feeling good like an 18 year old kid once again ;-)

Eddie Patton With you buddy. Got no complaints and lots of blessings. Good to hear from you.

Terrie Hodges This post of yours is excellent to read while preparing for AVR 4/24/17...Thank you, Eddie😁

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2086 days ago

Craig Gay, Emily Rowley, Chris Vereb and 4 others reacted to this

Doc says every thing is working just like a normal valve. No issues at all see you in a year. Woo hoo!

Emily Rowley This is great news Eddie! Bet you are ferling happy now 😁

Heath Larner Eddie, is your's tissue or mechanical?

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2187 days ago

Chris Vereb, Tina Maroon and 1 other reacted to this

For those who have past the one year mark what did you do if anything to mark the occasion? I am going skydiving with my kids on exactly the one year mark ...Read more

For those who have past the one year mark what did you do if anything to mark the occasion? I am going skydiving with my kids on exactly the one year mark then fathers day the next day. Spent fathers day in icu last year which made it all the more special. I got bonus years with my kids last year for Father's day, hard to top that.

Tina Maroon I am coming up on one year as well. On my dads birthday I had the heart cath before my Aortic Aneurys ... Read more

Tina Maroon I am coming up on one year as well. On my dads birthday I had the heart cath before my Aortic Aneurysm Heart Surgery. Not sure what I want to do to celebrate my one year.

Joanna Prisiajniouk How about a nice stroll at a botanical garden with plans to get together for dinner afterwards?

Tina Maroon Joanna that sounds good to me. But not sure what will come up. Wishing I could catch up with you to t ... Read more

Tina Maroon Joanna that sounds good to me. But not sure what will come up. Wishing I could catch up with you to talk about you surgery Eddie. Not sure what state you live in though.

Eddie Patton I am in Tennessee, just outside nashville. Would be happy to talk.

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2240 days ago

Patti Talbot, Donna Chaney, Elaine Cutri and 5 others reacted to this

First night of softball. Man I was nervous going out. Lots of what ifs. But I held my own, played with a lot of really young what I call kids, hell I am ...Read more

First night of softball. Man I was nervous going out. Lots of what ifs. But I held my own, played with a lot of really young what I call kids, hell I am 51 I am at least 10 years older than the next oldest on the team. Played shortstop, yes the team sucks that bad. Held my own, triple, two doubles and a single. Man it felt good. When I was told last April I had to have open heart surgery I thought for sure these days were over. Nothing better than going out and proving to yourself that this surgery only put life on pause for a bit and did not mean times like this was over. I am 10 moths out from AVR. If you are about to have surgery or have just had it know that there is life after. Have faith, a positive attitude and work hard. Wish everyone well. Thanks for being there through those tough times.

Wanda Mroz And the surgery made you stronger and better! Just like it's supposed to. That's great! Glad you a ... Read more

Wanda Mroz And the surgery made you stronger and better! Just like it's supposed to. That's great! Glad you are enjoying life!⚾️

Denise Campbell Inspiring

Petey Bello Thank you Eddie for your upbeat story! I am heading into surgery in two weeks. It's comforting to hea ... Read more

Petey Bello Thank you Eddie for your upbeat story! I am heading into surgery in two weeks. It's comforting to hear your recovery success!

Sophia Ridley Fantastic! Love these posts, so inspiring what can be. I'm 4.5mths out, signing up for a personal tra ... Read more

Sophia Ridley Fantastic! Love these posts, so inspiring what can be. I'm 4.5mths out, signing up for a personal trainer on Friday! Everyone in work keeps commenting on how well I look, which is always good to hear. I finally have colour in my cheeks!

Tracy Simmons Thanks for the jounel entry and advice.

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2248 days ago

Alina FH, Barbara Laurie, Kate Watson and 1 other reacted to this

So today I get a call from someone at Edwards Life Sciences. The lady says Mr. Patton this is Edwards Life Sciences calling.... So first thing through my ...Read more

So today I get a call from someone at Edwards Life Sciences. The lady says Mr. Patton this is Edwards Life Sciences calling.... So first thing through my mind is "Oh shit, my valve is being recalled". So after my heart skipped a couple of beats and I regained my faculties she says "we would like to send you a replica valve" and I think she said something about a globe but the first few words was all I focused on. I think I croaked out an OK and she took my address. Took about 10 minutes to get myself together then I thought "Damn is that cool or creepy?". Oh, well guess the valve is doing good if I didn't have a heart attack from the way the call started.

Clare Auten I got a letter from my manufacturer. I was glad it wasn't a recall either. :)

Barbara Laurie 😄😄😄Poor thing!! Dang! Glad you're still ticking!❤️

Joyce Shelby Dang...at least you had your new valve! That call pre-op would have sent my heart into flip flop mode ... Read more

Joyce Shelby Dang...at least you had your new valve! That call pre-op would have sent my heart into flip flop mode...lol

Emily Rowley What's a replica valve and why would they send you one? Wow call from Edward Life Science!

Eddie Patton It looks the same just not surgical grade. Saw a picture of one and it comes in a glass display. On ... Read more

Eddie Patton It looks the same just not surgical grade. Saw a picture of one and it comes in a glass display. Only thing I can think is they got the data on my card wrong twice so that must be why.

Emily Rowley Oh so like a model version of a brand new valve they implant? What is data on a card? Sorry I'm abit ... Read more

Emily Rowley Oh so like a model version of a brand new valve they implant? What is data on a card? Sorry I'm abit clueless.

Eddie Patton They give you a card to keep on you with your info and that you had a valve replacement and the type ... Read more

Eddie Patton They give you a card to keep on you with your info and that you had a valve replacement and the type of valve you have. In case of emergency that info can be important they screwed mine up twice. Anyway they send two one I keep in my wallet and one my wife keeps in her purse.

Emily Rowley That is an excellent idea! Like an medialert bracelet. Oh no, dam. Do you have a pic of your model v ... Read more

Emily Rowley That is an excellent idea! Like an medialert bracelet. Oh no, dam. Do you have a pic of your model valve?

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2258 days ago

Nina Gill reacted to this

9 months since AVR today. Feeling great and doing well. Even signed up for some co-ed softball and had my first practice this week. I'm 51 and playing with ...Read more

9 months since AVR today. Feeling great and doing well. Even signed up for some co-ed softball and had my first practice this week. I'm 51 and playing with some people a LOT younger than me. They asked if I played last year and I told them a couple of games before the doc made me stop. Should have seen the face on those kids when they asked me why and I told them I had OHS last June! Hope everyone is doing well and good luck to those who are about to go in.

Barbara Laurie Eddie, what a post! I made my otherwise super healthy hubby stop softball at age45 because of all the ... Read more

Barbara Laurie Eddie, what a post! I made my otherwise super healthy hubby stop softball at age45 because of all the muscle aches and potential injury😄😄 look at you! Have fun this summer! Best❤️

Sophia Ridley Eddie, you should be their poster boy!!!

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2328 days ago

Anyone have experience with the mended hearts organization? I have been asked to start a chapter in my area.

Elaine Cutri I can't find any valve disease references on their site.

Gary Stripling Their Orlando rep visited me following my OHS in August. Very nice man with whom I had a nice, encour ... Read more

Gary Stripling Their Orlando rep visited me following my OHS in August. Very nice man with whom I had a nice, encouraging visit after I moved from ICU. He brought helpful literature that I found useful during my recovery. I joined the national organization since there isn't a chapter here in Jacksonville.

Eddie Pattonposted an update

2336 days ago

Enrique K, pino correale, Kathleen F. and 5 others reacted to this

Thanks to all in this group who helped me get through 2015 not sure I could have kept my sanity without you. It has been memorable to put it mildly. May those ...Read more

Thanks to all in this group who helped me get through 2015 not sure I could have kept my sanity without you. It has been memorable to put it mildly. May those who had surgery before this year keep ticking away through the next one. For those like me who had surgery this year may the next one be considerably less dramatic than this one. And for those who will have surgery in the New Year may you have peace of mind and smooth and complete recovery. Cheers.

Sophia Ridley Happy new year to all x

Kimberly Biddick Very well said!

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2343 days ago

Emily Rowley, Meredith Bray, Liz Burroughs and 7 others reacted to this

Merry Christmas to all of you valvers and those soon to be. As much as it sucks to have to go through this remember that this is a gift of life for you and ...Read more

Merry Christmas to all of you valvers and those soon to be. As much as it sucks to have to go through this remember that this is a gift of life for you and a gift of time that your family would not have without it. In the not too distant past this gift was unheard of so celebrate, hug your family and raise a glass to the professionals and staff that did the work and those who cared for you when you were most vulnerable. Here's to Christmases gained.

Emily Rowley 😔 Well said Eddie! 😊

Liz Burroughs So true!! I'm so grateful to have been given this gift of a mended heart & a second chance at life. M ... Read more

Liz Burroughs So true!! I'm so grateful to have been given this gift of a mended heart & a second chance at life. Merry Christmas, Eddie!!

Enrique K Salud and Merry Christmas Eddie to you and your family. Yep! The price of life is irreplaceable and w ... Read more

Enrique K Salud and Merry Christmas Eddie to you and your family. Yep! The price of life is irreplaceable and we should thank our skilled surgeons for giving us another chance of life! Let's live the present and forgot about the past.

Steven A Husted merry christmas and a happy new year we have so much to be thankful for

Kelly Weisgarber Well said. Merry Christmas!

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2349 days ago

Pat Bijas, Jeff Oswald, Emily Rowley and 1 other reacted to this

Ticking along beautifully and savoring everyday. That is all!

Sophia Ridley Congratulations!!

Congrats!!

pino correale Great stuff !!!

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2372 days ago

Mary K reacted to this

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the US, just want to say first, I am thankful to be alive and to have all of the Thanksgivings to come that I would not ...Read more

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the US, just want to say first, I am thankful to be alive and to have all of the Thanksgivings to come that I would not have had, I am Thankful for the awesome surgeon I had and the wonderful nurses and staff that took care of me when I was at my most vulnerable. Centennial Heart Center ICU staff will always have a special place in my heart, Also, I am so thankful for this group and others like it. My diagnosis of BAV with severe stenosis came as a shock. Finding out I had to have open heart surgery scared the hell out of me,. Having groups like this for a reality check and to see the successes so many had really helped me to get through without being a complete basket case, Thanks to all that contributes to this site. I am forever grateful. For those about to undertake this surgery know that there is a new life on the other side, I am better than I have been in years, Be thankful that this surgery exists and is so routine now, you get a chance people less than a century ago would not have had.

I agree; happy thanksgiving this year and many more!

Tammy Pilcher Happy Thanksgiving, Eddie! God bless you, heart brother!

Mary K Beautifully said. I second your thoughts.

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2379 days ago

Emily Rowley, Enrique K and 1 other reacted to this

Can't believe it's been that long since I walked through those hospital doors and into the unknown. Things for the most part have gone really well. My ...Read more

Can't believe it's been that long since I walked through those hospital doors and into the unknown. Things for the most part have gone really well. My exercise tolerance is a lot better than before surgery which I have been taking advantage of as much as I can. Still a little minor discomfort around the sternum sometimes but nothing more than an occasional nuisance. Going into surgery I was like most of you wondering if I would ever be back to where I was before all of this started and I can say I am pretty close, it's not been nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Good luck to those waiting, and for those on this side of surgery, keep on ticking.

Enrique K Way to go Eddie! Glad to hear that everything is going well on your end. Keep on exercising and eat l ... Read more

Enrique K Way to go Eddie! Glad to hear that everything is going well on your end. Keep on exercising and eat lots of proteins and fruits. No fried foods or processed.

Angela Hicks Eddie that is great news.

Liz Burroughs Congrats on making the 5 month mark! I'm glad that things have been going well for you. I hope you co ... Read more

Liz Burroughs Congrats on making the 5 month mark! I'm glad that things have been going well for you. I hope you continue to make progress every day.

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2397 days ago

1 person reacted to this

Thanks to the pros that patched me up. Couldn't even think about this before.

Steven A Husted yes those doctors and there teams are a blessing for what they can and do for us patients god bless t ... Read more

Steven A Husted yes those doctors and there teams are a blessing for what they can and do for us patients god bless them all

Enrique K Right on Bro! Keep it up

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2417 days ago

Elaine Cutri, Michael Shaughnessy reacted to this

I completed the Warrior Dash this weekend with my daughter. If you have surgery coming up know that you can still do great things after the surgery, I am better ...Read more

I completed the Warrior Dash this weekend with my daughter. If you have surgery coming up know that you can still do great things after the surgery, I am better than I have been in years. I never thought 6 months ago when I found out I had a bicuspid valve that needed to be replaced that I would even be able to consider this but there I was at the finish line getting my medal and enjoying a celebratory beer with my daughter. Something that will be extremely special to me from now on. Have faith, trust your professionals and fight on.

Michael Shaughnessy Awesome. Keep it going. I compete at a higher level since my AVR and aneurysm than my first 43 years. ... Read more

Michael Shaughnessy Awesome. Keep it going. I compete at a higher level since my AVR and aneurysm than my first 43 years. 4 yrs out and going strong. I can tell, you'll be doing the same. Enjoy the new memories!

Kelly Weisgarber Thank you Eddie for the inspiration.

Betsey Osgood That is so great Eddie!!! Thanks for sharing your awesome accomplishment! I'll have to plan my 6 m ... Read more

Betsey Osgood That is so great Eddie!!! Thanks for sharing your awesome accomplishment! I'll have to plan my 6 month celebration...just don't think it will include mud!

Patrick Kennedy Nice Eddie! Thanks for sharing that!

Shirley Turner Well done

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2438 days ago

Betsey Osgood, Eddie Patton, Kathleen F. and 1 other reacted to this

Just did this today for the first time. Thanks to Adam for having this site. Amazing how a few months erases and changes your thoughts and memories. Reading ...Read more

Just did this today for the first time. Thanks to Adam for having this site. Amazing how a few months erases and changes your thoughts and memories. Reading about the days when I couldn't believe what I was being told to the days of acceptance and prepping for surgery to the scary time right before, to the first few days after when you are relieved it's over but still concerned about if you are out of the woods and how it's all going to play out if you get out of the hospital. And those amazing days when step by step get stronger and start to put your life back together and realize, I am gonna be ok maybe better than I thought. As the Greatfull Dead said "what a long strange trip it's been". Good luck to those with upcoming surgeries.

Connie Groven Thanks for the recap, Eddie! I find it reassuring to know that some day down the road I will look bac ... Read more

Connie Groven Thanks for the recap, Eddie! I find it reassuring to know that some day down the road I will look back on this uncertain time and have the same thoughts.

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2439 days ago

Kimberly Nuttle, Kenny Knox, Mary K reacted to this

It's been 3 months, sometimes it seems like it's been forever ago and sometimes it seems like it was yesterday. Just grateful to have the years that I wouldn't ...Read more

It's been 3 months, sometimes it seems like it's been forever ago and sometimes it seems like it was yesterday. Just grateful to have the years that I wouldn't have had if it wasn't for this amazing surgery and the doctors that perform it. They won't be wasted.

Enrique K I'm so glad you feel this way. I know I will feel much better once I go through surgery. Love your m ... Read more

Enrique K I'm so glad you feel this way. I know I will feel much better once I go through surgery. Love your motivation! This is the right mindset!

Steven A Husted yes keep up the great recovery

Shirley Turner Yeah family history sucks at times. I had a heart attack at the same age has my Mum at the age of 53. ... Read more

Shirley Turner Yeah family history sucks at times. I had a heart attack at the same age has my Mum at the age of 53. My Mum then had a fatal heart attack a year later. My mum was a heavy smoker and social drinker and bad with her nerves. I would like to think I am re writing my medical history. When we are given a second chance in life it sure turns your life around for the better. Good to hear your recovery is going well keep up the good work.

Eddie Pattonposted a journal

2443 days ago

Kathleen F., Mary K reacted to this

My daughter and I are going to do the warrior dash in october. I am 3 months post avr and she just found out she inherited a bicuspid valve from me. Gonna ...Read more

My daughter and I are going to do the warrior dash in october. I am 3 months post avr and she just found out she inherited a bicuspid valve from me. Gonna get a couple of mended heart t-shirts and represent. Just intend on finishing not looking to compete. Should have some cool pics. https://www.warriordash.com/location/2015-warrior-dash-tennessee/

2015 Warrior Dash Tennessee | Warrior Dash

https://www.warriordash.com/location/2015-warrior-dash-tennessee/

Warrior Dash is a 5k obstacle race that anyone can conquer. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just beginning the challenge, you’ll take down 12 world-class obstacles like Goliath and Great Warrior Wall, leap over fire, and venture through mud-caked backroads as you make your loop to the finish line. You’ll be rewarded with a finisher medal (that doubles as a magnet and triples as a bottle opener), a sweet t-shirt, fuzzy Warrior helmet, and ice-cold beer. Head to the post-race party to relive the course with friends, nosh on some grub, dance to live music, interact with games from our sponsors, and celebrate your decision to leave your normal weekend in the mud.

Shirley Turner I really think this is a bit full on so early in your recovery. Maybe it would be advisable to get yo ... Read more

Shirley Turner I really think this is a bit full on so early in your recovery. Maybe it would be advisable to get your doctors approval. Well that's my opinion. Hugs Shirley

Eddie Patton Already did he wants pictures.

Shirley Turner Good go for it ..................................................