I want to make sure I get credit where credit is due...I, Donna Sugg, suggested Stop Draggin My Heart Around. :-) Sorry for the confusion!
Great idea, Jim!
On March 3, 2012...
Oh, and My Heart Will Go On must be on the list, that's a no-brainer.
And Mom's choice, Stop Draggin' My Heart Around, is great!! So many good ones from everyone!
On March 3, 2012...
Dad, I love your song idea!! I have a bunch. Just a quick search for "heart" in my iTunes library brought up almost a hundred songs :) In no particular order, here are some of my favorites:
Heart of a Miracle by the BoDeans
The Heart of Life by John Mayer. I don't know if you know this one, so good video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiSQpnymRMc
Heart of Gold by Neil Young
Let My Love Open the Door (To Your Heart) by Pete Townshend
Open Your Heart by Madonna :)
Un-break my Heart, Toni Braxton
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (could this be your #1?? It is your favorite band...)
And then I am a big fan of Elton, so Don't Go Breaking My Heart must be in the top 10.
- kris
On March 3, 2012...
Hey Jim, love the song idea, great way to pass the time. My pick has been voiced by many, but maybe I will get extra points as everyone simply said Elton John "Don't go breaking my heart." What about poor old Kiki Dee?????
Glad you are in good spirits. Getting close. I have been casing Mt. Sinai for you on my visits to see Chris Dixon. Great facility! They will care you well there, for sure.
All the best,
-Mitch Friedman
On March 3, 2012...
Hi Jim,
How about "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" , Elton John
Maggie
On March 3, 2012...
Jim -
#1 has got to be "I Left my Heart in San Francisco" or "Deep in the Heart of Texas". Is it OK for me to guess both of them, since you have strong ties to California and Texas (and I can't think of any Georgia songs that use the word Heart).
Best regards from the Adkins family,
John
On March 3, 2012...
Gotta love "Achy Breaky Heart"!!! And yes Jim...I remember it well. I can see myself, husband and our grandkids, just toddlers then riding down the road and them singing "Achy Breaky Heart"!! Love the memory!! Great choice!!
Linda Dixon
On March 3, 2012...
I guess. I. Left my heart in San Francisco isnt a good choice ?? Hmmmm.
Either way. Best to you. Jeff and I had met in Orlando ( you can see pix of us on my journal). He s quite the stud and will do great !
Me. I'm 3 weeks post and almost feel as tho nothing happened. You'll. Do great too!
Best to you. Nancy Friedman. St Louis
On March 3, 2012...
Hi Jim,
I had a MItral Valve repair September 14th of last year. I also had a Maze procedure to treat the atrial fibrillation that was my first identified heart problem back in 2009. The Mitral Valve valve problem was discovered in August of 2011. I told the surgeon I had read that the leaking Mitral valve probably caused to the fibrillation due to having to work harder due to the leak. He said that was likely.
During the initial followup checkups after the surgery, I was still fibrillating though I did not feel anything, although I normally did not before the surgery either.
Fortunately, my checkups this year have been good in that I was in a good sinus rhythm without any fibrillation.
Hope things go well with you. I will check back in to see how you are doing and to see which songs get suggested and see the which one is #1.
John Lund
Jim Smith John,
Thanks for telling me about your maze procedure. This reassures me that I'm making the right de ... Read more
Jim Smith John,
Thanks for telling me about your maze procedure. This reassures me that I'm making the right decision in adding this to my work order
On March 3, 2012...
Hey Jim, great idea!! My vote is for "Every Beat of My Heart" by Rod Stewart.
My MP3 player contains everything from the guided imagery from Cleveland Clinic, another one that Jeffrey sent me, some worship songs done by our worship team at church, some of my favorite Adele songs (love her) and even some Trace Atkins (kinda like him too). So...I'm not exactly sure what my "state of unconsiousness" is going to be like, lol. I may be relaxed, maybe in a place of worship or maybe rocking out...God bless my surgeon!
I don't know if Donna will have family there with her, but my daughter will be in Cleveland alone. Since we will probably be in surgery around the same time on the 13th, tell Donna to feel free to call Tracie if she wants to talk. Her cell number is (843) 858-4569.
I probably will post again before we leave, but just in case, "let's do this"!!!!
I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to us both saying "yep...they didn't lie after all. Waiting was the hardest part!"
Let's go climb this mountain!!!
Linda Dixon
Jim Smith Linda,
You were up early today! I'd like to talk to you by phone before you leave on Thurs. if you ha ... Read more
Jim Smith Linda,
You were up early today! I'd like to talk to you by phone before you leave on Thurs. if you have time. Thanks for Tracie's number. If you'd like to exchange contact details, email me at jim26385@aol.com
On March 3, 2012...
Don't Go Breaking My Heart...Elton.... No. 1. Or how bout Goodnight Sweetheart by The Spaniels....
Thanks for putting some fun in my weekend prior to the big day on Monday.
Fun, fun, fun....can't wait to see the list....
It's 3am...why am I wide awake?
Jan Beale
Jim Smith Jan,
Thanks for the nominations. Your question is obviously rhetorical -- you're wide awake because y ... Read more
Jim Smith Jan,
Thanks for the nominations. Your question is obviously rhetorical -- you're wide awake because you will have a medical procedure in two days -- a procedure that will go fantastically well and heal you completely
On March 2, 2012...
Hi JIm,
Thanks for the recognition. I appreciate that. As for the Cyro-Maze that sounds interesting. Is this mainly for Mitral valve patients?
I love the heart song idea!! Brilliant! My suggestion and my #1 choice (and the first and only choice that came to mind immediately) is......drum roll please......My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. Think about it....we ALL want our heart to GO ON...and ON and ON....just like she says in the song. It is also a beautiful song by a woman with a beautiful voice.
Jeff Shebovsky
Jim Smith Yes, from what I've seen online, it seems most descriptions and studies of the cryo maze focus on mit ... Read more
Jim Smith Yes, from what I've seen online, it seems most descriptions and studies of the cryo maze focus on mitral valve patients. But on the other hand, it's said to be valuable generally for people who either have atrial fibrillation or have AF risk.
On March 2, 2012...
Jim,
#1 heart song will be:
Stop Draggin My Heart Around by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty
Donna
On March 2, 2012...
Hi Jim,
Reading your journal gives such insight about all of your "spring break adventure"! I'm adding you to my Wednesday Healing Service prayer list - you and all your family. I'm looking forward to Donna's entry with your post surgical news.
Very best wishes,
Maggie
On February 28, 2012...
Hey, Jim. My wife and I send you our best. We'll give you a full report on Fiddler when we see you next.
Alan & Debra Cook
On February 28, 2012...
Great to read all your thoughts and the details of what to expect in March. Thanks for setting this up! We'll be with you and Donna and the girls in Spirit, for sure. So glad to hear you're "clean as a whistle," which we already knew, of course! (-: For we pedal as fast as we can at Covenant to keep up with you! As ever, expecting the very best for your healing ahead. Enjoy your second week in NYC especially!
Blessings & peace, Beecher
On February 27, 2012...
Hi Jim,
Charles and I are thinking of you - It won't be long now - You are in our prayers - also our Latin Rosary Group is praying for your successful surgery and quick recovery so you can resume your running!
God bless,
Dori
AVE MARIA!!!
On February 27, 2012...
Jim,
I'm curious of what your symptoms were that led you to realize you needed re-repair?
I had mitral valve repair last June and a couple of months ago began having the same symptoms I had before the repair.
Thanks and I wish you luck for your big opening in a couple of weeks.
Jim Smith I learned I needed the re-repair last October, the symptoms being high blood pressure and a resting h ... Read more
Jim Smith I learned I needed the re-repair last October, the symptoms being high blood pressure and a resting heart rate that was way too high (in the 120s). The heart rate was a type of arrhythmia called atrial flutter. For months prior to my taking my BP and discovering the racing heart rate, I was feeling tired, and when I tried to resume my running program, I was totally out of gas -- no endurance at all. Unfortunately, I didn't think to check my BP and resting pulse until October
On February 27, 2012...
Jim, Thank you for sharing this journey. The walk sounds wonderful and with Kristen how special. I too also love the woods this time of year. Drove to Monroe - Brodhead area last weekend just beautiful. Could see for miles and miles of rolling hills. Take care and Love to the Family. Sandy
On February 26, 2012...
Hi Jim, sounds like a great day. Keep up all the good prep work. You have all my contact info, let me know how I can be helpful to you. I am ready for you to join me on my walks! Almost there!
- Mitch Friedman
On February 25, 2012...
Like they say. Keep on ticking. You go !!
Nancy st spurs. Almost 3 weeks post. !
On February 23, 2012...
Jim - I was taken off *all* exercise prior to surgery. And super bummed about it too. The risk is that the added stress will accelerate cardiac remodeling from the regurgitation, which is not good. You want as little remodeling as possible because you want to stay as far away from the point of no return as possible. That said, there are afterload reducing medications that can help limit remodeling. I was on one of those as a prophylactic for about 6 weeks prior to surgery. You might want to discuss with your cardiologist if an afterload reducer can allow you some extra "range". -- DVB
Jim Smith Thanks to all of you for the comments on my journal post on exercise. It's encouraging to know that o ... Read more
Jim Smith Thanks to all of you for the comments on my journal post on exercise. It's encouraging to know that others have similar stories of pre-surgery restrictions. I'm grateful I'm allowed to do walking. In terms of cardiac remodeling, that was a real problem for me last year, before I discovered my atrial flutter last October, and had it corrected by ablation. Since then my LV function (ejection fraction) has been headed back in the right direction (as has other indicators - resting pulse and BP)
On February 23, 2012...
Jim,
I know how frustrating it is to want to exercise when you've been told not to. I had mitral valve repair last June. If you aren't allowed to get your heart rate up, maybe you can substitute some strength training instead. I did alot of squats to improve my ability to get out of a chair without using my arms, and I was really glad of it. Also it's hard to get up from bed so good abs are important. If you plan to have a sternotomy this can help you prepare, and it gives you something to do when you can't run.
Vicki Pierson
On February 22, 2012...
Jim, actually this was the topic of one of the video posts on this website just a few weeks ago. The surgeon recommended exactly what you are doing. He said those about to have heart surgery should actually cut back a little with exercise to prevent atrial fib. It allows the heart to "ratchet down" to prepare for the surgery. So...it seems your cardiologist is spot on.
Don't worry, you will be back to your "old self" in no time.
Linda Dixon
On February 22, 2012...
What a wonderful way to keep us all advised. See you soon. Love, Eileen
On February 17, 2012...
If you are trying to minimize risk, an earlier surgery date is better than a later one, all else equal. My reading of the literature is that patients with severe mitral regurgitation have a significantly elevated mortality risk of about 1/2% per month. Not too big, but sad if you are the in that half percent. -- DVB
On February 17, 2012...
Hi Jim, your heads seems to be in a good place. Many of us agree the waiting is the hardest part (No Tom Petty reference intended). Take it one day at a time. Don't get too much into your head on things, which is very easy to do. And before you know it, your date and trip to my fair City will be here.
Best of luck to you.
-Mitch Friedman
On February 17, 2012...
Jim, you and I are really in the same boat, except for valves. I also wanted an earlier date, but that was not to be. I have also made all of my arrangements for my trip to Cleveland, plus the anxiety has racheted up this week, so I don't think I would take an earlier date either, lol. I will leave for Cleveland on March 8th, have echo, ekg, blood work, etc on March 9th, chill over the weekend and meet with Dr. Gillinov on Monday the 12th, then surgery on Tuesday. So neither one of us will be "journaling" much on the 13th.
Hope your wait is a peaceful one. Let's do this!
REALLY getting closer....Linda Dixon
On February 17, 2012...
Jim and Donna, thanks for including us with you on this journey. Jennifer and I will be praying for you. My Dad is having surgery for esophageal? cancer on the same day, so we are getting a 2 for 1 from the Lord on the same day!! All the Best, Tom and Jennifer Foster
On February 16, 2012...
Donna, thank you for sending us this link to Jim's Journal. We will all be thinking of you both, and praying for the complete success of your surgery. Thank goodness for all the medical advances, and for the gifted doctors and nurses who will be taking care of you. Would be great to see you again in HSB on July 4th!
With Love,
Angela, Jon and John
On February 13, 2012...
Jim and Donna; I have been thinking about you since I learned of your upcoming heart surgery. We never know what challenges our friends are facing. I am praying for a successful surgery and an uneventful recovery so you can come back to Athens healthy and regain strength. Ron and I send love and prayers. Love, Mary Carlson
On February 12, 2012...
Jim,
This is really great the we can check in with you easily. We will have you in our prayers and let us know if there is anything I can do for you, Donna and Riley.
Carol & Bill
On February 12, 2012...
Jim & Donna, Just want you to know that
Lisa & I are praying hard for Jim's success- ful surgery(sounds like it is the latest mefical
advancement!). Hope to see you out &
about soon. Our prayers,
Tom & Lisa Ganschow
On February 12, 2012...
Hi Jim.
Dr Adams secretary gave me a list of some local hotels when I came up for my visit with Dr Adams 2 months before my surgery. After seeing the doctor we went around to check out some of the suggestions. We picked it out that day and made the reservations. I picked the Hotel Wales a few blocks down from Mt. Sinai. Around 94th street. It was quaint and quiet and very close to the hospital walking distance even or just hop into a cab and there in 5 minutes.
Only thing was,ours faced out onto Madison and we heard some street noise. I am sure they have some rooms in the rear of building. They do have a web site too. Check it out.
Good luck!
On February 11, 2012...
Hi Jim
You are in excellent hands. I know because I had my mitral valve/tricuspid repaired March 10 2011 at Mount Sinai, by Dr. David Adams and Dr Anyawu. The best decision I ever made. I had severe mitral regurgitation (Barlows)but was asymptomatic. I was told it was a complicated procedure to repair. I have healed very well and continue to do cardio exercise several times a week. Very important. I live in South Florida and I stayed in the hospital 6 days and one more week at a local hotel ( a
Small quiet one) on Madison Ave.
I had a very good experience @ Mt Sinai and have never regretted my decision to go there for this serious surgery. They know there stuff there. You will have the same I am sure.
Michelle Peterson :)
Jim Smith Thanks for the note. And it's great to hear from a patient who had the same team of surgeons that I'l ... Read more
Jim Smith Thanks for the note. And it's great to hear from a patient who had the same team of surgeons that I'll have. Donna and I are presently deciding where the family will stay while I'm at Mt Sinai and where we'll stay for the week after discharge. What was the hotel you stayed at on Madison Ave., and how was it?
On February 11, 2012...
Jim
You ask if you are a canadiate for a maze procedure or Ligation procedure which is faily common now. I had both when my mitral valve was replaced (since I had only one functioning leaflet no way it was repairable) and this cured the afib I came down with in September. Just another suggestion to speak with your surgeon about.
Jennifer
On February 11, 2012...
Hi Jim, welcome to HVJ! I had surgery on 2/2 and just got home this past Weds. I was in longer due to some minor complications, but all is good now. I live in NYC, very close to Mt. Sinai. It is a top, top facility. I wish you all the best and if you would like a local resource for your or your family when you are in town for surgery, let me know. I would honored to share my contact details with you, just so you have a local if you need one. Be it for, easy stuff (restaurant recommendations) or harder stuff because you need help in a pinch and are not at home. Good luck!!!
- Mitch Friedman
On February 11, 2012...
Jim, I too am a candidate for re-op for mitral valve repair. My 1st surgery was done at the Cleveland Clinic Dec 14 of this year. It’s been a hectic 4 weeks trying to understand how I got in this position, I currently have severe regurgitation and need a re-repair. I was contemplating sending my records to Dr Adam’s for second opinion, after reading your story, I think I’ll definitely do that.
Good Luck to You, Barb
barbara.tesno@gmail.com
On February 10, 2012...
Dr. Jim... 26.2 miles is a long way, even at a 5 minute pace.... of course for me is was always a lot longer since I require twice as much time to finish. I am certain that you will approach this heart surgery with the same energy, determination, and gusto as you do that loooooooooog run in the marathon... and just as surely you will cross the finish line in good shape and ready for the next challange.
I will track your journal to keep up with the news of the day.... and I will be expecting you to buy the first round of beer after you are fully recovered. Cheers!
On February 10, 2012...
Hi, Jim:
Having just returned from my own little trip to the hostipal from a routine colonsocopy, your journal arrived via the email at the appropriate time, although what I am writing now may be the anesthsia talking rather than me. In any event, you know that Nina and my thoughts will be with you and we are hoping to see you in New York after the surgery because we should be there for part of the spring break.
Best,
Wally
On February 10, 2012...
Jim, we will be thinking of you daily and hoping for a speedy recovery and return. "We" ? Hmmm. I do not pretend to know who all we is, but what I do know is that in your case it includes a huge number of people in Athens who know you, it is present students, past- students-now-lawyers, your colleagues, and everyone you have come in contact with over the years, here and elsewhere. It is a very large "we," wishing you the very best.
Russell
On February 9, 2012...
Welcome Jim,
I had mitral valve repair 9 weeks ago. I am back to pre surgery status with regard to work, driving and exercise for about 5 weeks now. You have found the right place to exchange info and gain support. Keep posting.
Jane
On February 9, 2012...
Hello Jim, welcome to the HVJ site. You and I will be having surgery on the same day! I have aortic stenosis and dilated aorta, and I will be at Cleveland Clinic. I too am traveling a distance (from SC) but it is totally worth it. Dr. Marc Gillinov will be doing my surgery. I have known about the stenosis for several years, it has progressed from mild to critical, so now is the time. If I have any symptoms (may be my imagination) they are very subtle. However, when I had a heart cath in November, the valve was so narrowed they were not able to cross with the catheter. That was a big shock. I figured it would come eventually, but hoped it wouldn't. Anyway, good to have you in our "community". You will find awesome support and encouragement from fellow "valvers".
Getting closer...Linda Dixon
Jim Smith Hi Linda,
Thanks for the welcome and the note. What a coincidence that our surgery dates are identica ... Read more
Jim Smith Hi Linda,
Thanks for the welcome and the note. What a coincidence that our surgery dates are identical, and we're both travelling north from our homes in neighboring states. Prior to the first surgery in 2005, I had no symptoms except for a mild increase in resting pulse (from the mid 50s to the low 60s). But this time the progression caused a major sympton - atrial flutter. Let's keep in touch
Great idea, Jim!