On February 19, 2012...
Jimmy...relax as best you can and then confidently walk into this fight tomorrow. It will be over in an instant and you will start getting back to being you. You will be sore but you got this. You are going to do great brother!!!

JH
On February 19, 2012...
Jimmy - Best of luck to you tomorrow and you will be in my prayers. Looking forward to the updates and hearing about a great and speedy recovery.
Dick Miller
On February 19, 2012...
Wishing Jimmy a speedy recovery and successful surgery tomorrow. Everything will be just fine!! Him and the family will be in my prayers!
April Crocker
On February 19, 2012...
All the best Jimmy. I am 5 days out and feeling better by the day. You will be there shortly as well.

Gregg
On February 19, 2012...
Hi Blythe, thanks for taking over for Jimmy while he climbs his mountain. All of his fellow "valvers" have you and Jimmy in our thoughts and prayers. Tell Jimmy I forgive him for jumping in line in front of me, lol! Try not to worry, he is in great hands and is gonna come through this just fine. May God bless you and Jimmy, thanks for keeping us informed. It's amazing how we feel like we are "right there with you". You guys stay strong....you got this!!!

REALLY getting closer...Linda Dixon
On February 19, 2012...
Jimmy,

Hope you were able to relax some this weekend. If this rainy weather continues, you won't miss anything outdoors!

Looking forward to hearing that the anticipation and wait are worse than the procedure.

I will be thinking about you tomorrow. Just remember that you are in good hands.

Jan Beale
On February 19, 2012...
Sleep well tonight. Tomorrow is out of your hands and in the experts hands. You will be a happy man. We are all thinking of you and praying for you. You will be the one helping others before you know it.
Jane
On February 19, 2012...
Jimmy
Good Luck and God Speed to you brother. Tomorrow will mark 5 months for me. To quote the Grateful Dead..."What a long, strange trip its been..." You will do great. "Don't worry, about a thing; 'cause every little thing, gonna be alright."
God Bless
Jim Davis
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Jim!!! Awesome for the 5 months!!!

I am ready to get the party started!

Jimmy Johnson
On February 19, 2012...
Hey Jimmy, just stopping by this morning to say "go get em" tomorrow. I hope your anxiety isn't too high, I can't imagine the day before, but just know you have "all of us" thinking about you and praying for you and you will be just fine. Looking forward to hearing those famous words from you too: "waiting is the hardest part". Hope you have someone lined up to keep us updated. God bless, my friend. Go climb over the top of that mountain !!

REALLY getting closer...Linda Dixon
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you Linda. I am feeling pretty good today. I slept ok last night. Let's see how I do tonight. T ... Read more
On February 18, 2012...
Hey Jimmy, Well its almost here. I want to wish you the best of luck on your day. Hope everything goes ok for you and your family. Will say a prayer for you tomorrow along with everyone else. I am looking forward to how your hospital stay was as I was kinda of thinking the same place when its time. Its between two others as well. Good Luck
Until Later Linda H
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Jimmy Johnson  Hi Linda H. Thank you. One reason I settleted on this hospital is the affiliation with the Cleveland ... Read more
On February 18, 2012...
I just realized what the date was today. The count down really begins now. You will be the happiest person when you wake up to the words "its all over." I will be thinking about you and wish you an uneventful surgery and recovery.
Jane
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Jane. The waiting ends for me tomorrow. I am ready!!!

Jimmy Johnson
On February 17, 2012...
Jimmy,
I will be thinking about you this week and hope to see updates.

I also heard more great comments this week about Dr. Andrews so I am sure he is going to make both of us brand new. I really know that we are in good hands.

Enjoy every minute of this weekend. I'll be waiting to hear "what a breeze" it was! Take care....

Jan Beale



On February 17, 2012...
Wow Jimmy, your time to shine is almost here! I know you will do great, I look forward to hearing from you " yep, they were right, waiting is the hardest part". How are your nerves? I find that I am struggling a little as I get closer, am having trouble sleeping the last couple of nights, waking up with surgery on my mind several times during the night. I'm hoping that will get better as my time approaches, but I'm guessing that may not be the case. Try to enjoy your weekend. Hope you have someone to update us. Go get em!!

REALLY getting closer...Linda Dixon
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Jimmy Johnson  It will be here really soon. The waiting wasn't too bad. It has gotten tougher the closer it gets. ... Read more
On February 17, 2012...
Have you in my thoughts and prayers. Don't worry, you'll do great. I look forward to your posts updating me on your speedy recovery!! Janis Kielbasa
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you Janis. At this point I am ready to get this started. Glad to still see you doing so well. ... Read more
On February 17, 2012...
Jimmy,
You will be in my thoughts & prayers over the next week. We are all with you! Keep strong. You will be GREAT.
Also, Thanks for going 1st! Would love some post-op updates!
I'll be about 2 weeks after you. Stephanie Cole
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Stephanie!! I will make sure I get some post op updates out to you.

You will be fine as wel ... Read more
On February 16, 2012...
Your plan for the weekend is excellent. Peace, bro -- DVB
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks!!! I am ready to get this started!!

Jimmy
On February 16, 2012...
I can imagine all too well how real it feels my friend. Not looking forward to it either. We must draw strength from those that have gone before and have said its not as bad as we think.
Jeff Shebovsky
On February 16, 2012...
Prayers for you on Monday. Love that song....When I was in the hospital after surgery....at least a couple of days later...I started singing "I feel Good" by James Brown. That song has come in handy a few times. Not long till you will be shuffling along singing it too. The pre-op can be a overwhelming but you are that much closer to having it all behind you and getting on the healing side of things. Blessings and prayers for Monday Jimmy. Jamie Todor
On February 16, 2012...
Good luck for monday! You will do great. I too sang "the eye of the tiger" to myself at the hospital - we are fighters. I am now 2 weeks post op and doing good. Everyday gets a little better and doing normal things just feels great. Positive attitiude is everything!
Claire tunmore
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you Claire!! Glad to see you doing well.

It will be here before I know it and I am ready. ... Read more
On February 15, 2012...
Jimmy,

Before my surgery I pictured myself hiking in the rockies with my son. That trip happened 8 months after my surgery! Picture yourself doing some activity in the future with your boys.
Positive thoughts and prayers to you!

Ken Feeser
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Ken..great motivation to help me get through this. My boys are really wanting to go camping t ... Read more
On February 15, 2012...
Wow, Monday morning -- by Monday night, you'll be a new man. You'll do great!!

Chuck Holmgreen
Profile
Jimmy Johnson  Thank Chuck..I was talking to a co-worker who has his aortic valve replaced 3 years ago. He never fe ... Read more
On February 15, 2012...
Jimmy, Have you in my thoughts and prayers. Don't worry you will do great and be great! Remember, we are the blessed ones who can be fixed/repaired. Soon surgery will be behind you and you will be on the road of recovery. Janis Kielbasa post op 7 weeks.
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Janis!! I enjoy reading your journal to see how you are doing. Thanks for sharing your journ ... Read more
On February 15, 2012...
Jimmy, How long we're you at the pre-op? I just can't imagine what takes so long.

Jan Beale
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Jimmy Johnson  Hi Jan,

My morning was a little busy. The Hospital is right next to Dr. Andrews’s office so I had t ... Read more
On February 15, 2012...
My goodness Jimmy...your pics remind me of my family so much when my boys were little. The most precious creatures on the earth!!!
This is why we get our hearts fixed, so we can live a long life w/ our families.
Take this challenge head-on...great way to show them how to confidently take adversity head-on and refuse to let it keep you down.
You are going to do great Jimmy!!!

JH
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Jimmy Johnson  JH - you are absolutely right about boys. This is exactly why it's worth all the risk getting fixed. ... Read more
On February 15, 2012...
Jimmy!

Good to hear about Dr. Andrews. I heard the same thing when I was in the hospital for my heart cath.

I'll be thinking about you and wishing you all the best.

Jan Beale
On February 15, 2012...
Yes, it is real. But, yes, you are ready. I see the kids running after you down the street as you complete your final training run. Go Rocky Go. Ain't gonna be no rematch. In the end, you will be the champ, and YOU WILL BE FIXED!!!!

Enjoy the next few days, cry when you must, hug your wife and kids. Then go in there head held high and show them how this is done.

We are here for you and your family.

- Mitch Friedman
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Mitch!! It's one week post op for you today..Congrats bro!! Hope things have settled into a ... Read more
On February 15, 2012...
You will do great. You are a winner. We are all here for you. Please keep us posted.
Jane (10 weeks out)
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you Jane!! I am ready..bring on Monday!!

Jimmy
On February 15, 2012...
Good Luck Jimmy I know everything will go well and you will be in my prayers! Cindy
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you Cindy for your kind words and encouragement!!

Jimmy
On February 15, 2012...
Good jimmy. Get rid of that stuff. Now!! 2-20 will be here soon enuf. Rooting for u !! Nancy.
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank Nancy!! How are you doing?
On February 15, 2012...
Jimmy,
Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I was hoping you could feel great the last week prior to the big day.

Sounds like you have a wonderful family so I am sure they will help you bounce back real soon.

it will be spring soon and we will have this behind us.

Take care of yourself.

Jan Beale
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Jan!! I had my Pre-Op appts today and I must have heard a thousand time that Dr. Andrews is t ... Read more
On February 14, 2012...
Glad to here that it's just a head cold. Prayers are with you and your family JJ. I am feeling better every day. Take care

Robert Hartner
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Robert!! How are things going now that you are home. I was so pleased that your surgery went ... Read more
On February 14, 2012...
Hope you feel better soon. Keep us updated. Janis K.
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Janis...I also trying to get all the "Laundry" I can done now because I am sure it will be a w ... Read more
On February 14, 2012...
Jimmy,

Thrilled it's not strep. You never know with little ones running around.

Good luck tomorrow with your pre-op.

Chuck Holmgreen
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Chuck. It was a bit overwhelming today. EKG's..X-rays..Blood and more blood and Pulmonary fu ... Read more
On February 14, 2012...
Good news Jimmy, no strep! Hope you feel better soon! Good luck tomorrow!
Let us know how it goes.
Getting closer...Linda Dixon
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Linda!! It was a bit overwhelming today and was hit with the sudden shock that this is real.. ... Read more
On February 14, 2012...
You take care and get better. Sure wouldnt want to put off anything that you have been waiting for so long for. Keep us all posted but in the mean time take 2 aspirn and call me in the morning. Good luck. Linda H
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Jimmy Johnson  Linda H..Thanks for the kind words..I am feeling so much better today. now I just plan to rest and t ... Read more
On February 14, 2012...
Make sure it's not strep throat. Hope you feel better. I have a sick grandson today, his mom asked me to keep him for her, told her I will, but she's gotta take him to the doctor to make sure he's not contagious. Can't let anything avoidable postpone my surgery. Let us know what the doc says.

Getting closer...Linda Dixon
On February 14, 2012...
I suspect you will be fine as you still have plenty of time. Like they say for the kids in school, once they are fever free for 24 hours, send them back. So, get really sick now, get better by 48 hours before and you should be fine. Good luck. -Mitch Friedman
On February 14, 2012...
Jimmy. How ya doing. Being thre for us meant the world do us as u can imagine. We will ck in you so be a good boy ! Or not ! Lov. Nanc
On February 12, 2012...
Jimmy,
The Coumadin is no biggie. I have a home INR monitor and test weekly. The mechanical valve was the way to go for me. My surgeon told me a tissue valve would not last 10 years in a young active runner and tennis player. I believed him and opted for the "ticker". My kids think its funny that I sound like a wristwatch. I pretty much eat whatever I want and just keep an eye on the INR.
Jim D
Profile
Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Jim!! Hope you are doing well now!

Jimmy Johnson
On February 11, 2012...
Brother, you rock!!!! Seems like yesterday you did your first post as a nervous newbie. Now you seemed the experienced sage pro. Awesome job on tackling this head on. Way to show your boys how things are done, What an impressive example you have set for them.

You will continue to do great. Before you know, you will open your eyes, surrounded my friends and family, and gain awareness that you did it. That is a truly special moment I can't wait for you to have. Stay strong when you can, cry when you must, and lean on on everyone you can. We are all here for you!
- Mitch Friedman
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you Sir!! Hope you are doing well.

Glad to see you home man!!!

Any tips to make the hospita ... Read more
On February 11, 2012...
I like what the other Jimmy says below. We will ALL be better people for having gone through this. I am already looking at life differently. You will do great Jimmy and I can't wait to hear how good you did. I will need your play by play afterwards. I am going March 7th. Did you see how good nancy is doing already? She is amazing and so are you!
Jeff Shebovsky
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Jeff!! I will for sure give the play by play. Nancy is doing awesome.

Just love all the sup ... Read more
On February 10, 2012...
You will do great. Remember, we are the lucky ones who can be fixed/repaired and go on to lead full long lives. Success rate 98%. You are young and in good health, you'll recovery faster than you think. I'm older, out of shape and I'm walking a mile a day at 6 weeks post op after a full sternotomy. Holy crap, I'm awesome!! You'll be awesome too!! Don't worry, all will go well and you will be fine, infact, you will be better than before. Plus, you have all of us sending good thoughts and prayers your way! Soon, you'll be done with surgery, recovering and posting your accomplishments. Love, Janis Kielbasa
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Jimmy Johnson  Janis - that is awesome you up to a mile a day. Good for you.

Thanks for the support now and during ... Read more
On February 10, 2012...
Jimmy,
Take it from another Jimmy, it doesn't pay to worry. Worrying never accomplishes anything. You have to answer the bell when you hear it. And you will. Recovery can be a long, strange journey. You will be emotionally exhausted at times. Good times come soon. I am a better person for having been through open heart surgery. I look at life today. I don't live for tomorrow and I damn sure don't think about next week, month, or year. I never leave the house without kissing my kids or my wife and I live a slower pace. I AM a better person. You will be too.

Jim Davis
Aortic valve and Aortic Root
9/20/2011
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you Jim!! I read your entire journal. What a journey you had and it sounds like you are in the ... Read more
On February 10, 2012...
Jimmy

I was like you and tried not to think about the surgery and recovery itself, instead I tried to plan things that I would do after the surgery and after the recovery was at a certain point. That really helped me get through those last few day's before..Good Luck, you will be in my thoughts!
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you for your response!!

Hope you are doing well and feeling good!

Have a nice weekend...

Jim ... Read more
On February 10, 2012...
Hi Jimmy,
You have such a great attitude toward this whole journey. That attitude will help you so very much. The nurses will like you as well. As we have all said the waiting is really the hardest part. I found that when the day came, I was actually calmer and to some degree excited (as silly as that sounds). Keep up the positive attitude.
Jane
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Jane. I really appreciate you kind words.

Some at work today asked me I was worried about th ... Read more
On February 10, 2012...
Hi Jimmy, I just read your last journal entry and let me say "ditto". Try to imagine what we would be like now if this site didn't exist...not a pretty site on this end! We all have family and friends that understand to some extent...but not really, they can't unless they have been through exactly the same thing. For now, I am trying to put myself in my daughter's place, the future caregiver and don't talk much about the surgery or being afraid, etc. I save that for you guys! I'm trying not to worry about the surgery, saving my energy for recovery, at least I have some control over that. So...I guess we will count down together my friend.

Getting closer...Linda Dixon
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Jimmy Johnson  Good point Linda. I don't my family or my kids to be scared. Though I do tell them what I am thinking ... Read more
On February 9, 2012...
Hi Jimmy. Your note to Cindy P. told a wonderful story of going from denial to commitment. That's a journey we can all help the new people make. Thanks for bringing it to the fore -- DVB
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Jimmy Johnson  You welcome!! So many people helped me when I joined this site so I thought I do my part. Now I am ... Read more
On February 5, 2012...
Hi Jimmy, I think you told me that I can do it, well now its my turn. You can do it. Your kids will rally around you and help in any way they can. I will say a prayer for you also. I know your will be gald when this is all over and we can look back on it like it was a night mare, but listen to me the biggest baby and chicken ever and I am just starting the tests etc. Good luck to you,my new friend. Linda H
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Jimmy Johnson  Thank you Linda!! As it gets closer my emotions tend to be all over the place.

Good Luck and lookin ... Read more
On February 5, 2012...
You might be the biggest baby of them all, but your wife will be so happy your surgery is over she will be thrilled to take care of you. Your sons will rise to the occasion and give you gentle hugs and kisses. I have 5 kids of all ages, and they make everything worthwhile. You will do great.
We are all praying for you.
Jane
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Jimmy Johnson  You are right Jane. My wife is happy to take care of me and I am happy to have her do so.

Thanks fo ... Read more
On February 5, 2012...
Hi Jimmy, yes, you are right, those little ones do make us put things in perspective. Sounds like you are getting ready, are you doing okay emotionally? I find myself going back and forth between okay and a little weepy. Maybe as the day gets closer and ONCE I DECIDE ON THE VALVE I will be less anxious. Enjoy the game today, it's the last one for a WHILE!!!
Still waiting..Linda Dixon
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Jimmy Johnson  Thanks Linda!! As it gets closer my emotions tend to be all over the place but I am doing ok.

I sti ... Read more
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