Sherry Bradford posted a note for Mitch that says: Mitch, I really loved your 8 month post and your one year. I am still working through the scared phase. I tried to be a runner when I was younger but always felt sick after running. Fast forward many years to learning I had a congenital bicuspid aortic valve that was very calcified and I now know why. I am trying to work up to running (at age 60) and I have a real fear of pushing my tissue valve too hard. How did you know it was ok to push yourself as you increased your level of exercise? Did the various aches and pains scare you that they might be your valve or aortic graph? You are such an inspiration! Congratulations on your recovery and thank you for sharing your journey! Sherry Bradford, AVR 10/23/2012

Carmen Pettiford posted a note for Mitch that says: Hi Mitch,
Can you send me any emails that you and I may have exchanged regarding my heart condition? My emails in my yahoo account were somehow deleted. If you have them please forward to cjpettiford@hotmail.com I hope you are doing well :-)

Carmen Pettiford posted a note for Mitch that says: Hi Mitch,

How are you? I hope all is well. I have a favor to ask of you. Can you forward me any emails that I may have sent you regarding my condition and or recovery? I lost all of my emails in my yahoo acct. Please forward emails to cjpettiford@hotmail.com

Thanks Mitch!!

Mitch, Happy 1 year anniversary. Your update/post made me smile and tear up. You have always been a source of support for so many of us. You faced open heart surgery & recovery and won. You came out stronger and a warrior. I wish you continued love, health and happiness. Most of all I wish you FUN and LAUGHTER for all the years to come. Hugs dear friend. Janis Kielbasa

Well done on the half-marathon. I did the same 8 months after my second aortic valve replacement (endocarditis both times) in 2006. Now, at 53 and 6 years after my third replacement, I am still running and completing in the occasional tri. Keep up the reporting.... Blogs like yours are important to show how positive the outcomes from conditions like valve insufficiency and severe endocarditis can be.

Mitch,
Thanks for this journal ... it's very helpful to me as I wrap my mind around my surgery in less than a month - and as I try to cope with the feeling of utter and complete terror ...

Hi Mitch,

It is great to see your update and all of the good news about your condition.

A year does indeed go by quickly!

I think having heart surgery definitely has an impact physically, mentally, and emotionally. It does change our perspectives on a lot of areas.

We are fortunate to have done so well. I recently had a checkup with my cardiologist and he was quite pleased with my condition. I also think we end up taking better care of ourselves.

You are back to running, and I am back to dancing, I am going to a dance comp this weekend.

Best wishes for continued health!

John Lund

God Bless you Mitch. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It has helped me so much to know what to expect and has lowered by anxiety level.

Thanks
Dan from Cleveland

Look at you! Man my knees would be screaming at me at about mile 10. Proud of you Mitch....loved your post. Reminds me that I haven't posted anything in many months...might do that soon.
Keep being such a great inspiration for all that come to this site seeking advice, comfort and support.

Eye of the Tiger

JH Mattingly

You Rock Brother!!! Thank you for continuing to blaze a path for me and so many others. Jeff said it right that a good core group became a solid support group and we all got through it.

It's good to say now we are just living life!! keep it up Brother!!

Jimmy Johnson

Hey Mitch, Congratulations on the one year anniversary. My how time does fly afterward. You have been such a blessing to us all. Don't know what I would have done without you and Linda D.and Chuck. Keep up the good work with all the marthons. My neighbor and I are going to walk with the docs in March or April. So see what you did?lol. Anyway Im looking forward to it. Good luck to the rest of your marathons in the future. Check you out later friend
LInda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

Hi Mitch,

Congratulations on celebrating your 1-year anniversary following valve/root-replacement surgery!

I didn't become aware of Adam, his book, and this web site until late in my "Cardiac Surveillance Program Schedule" (late November, 2012). Yet, I purchased a soft-copy, read it carefully, checked out the online resources, and found that they confirmed the decision I had already made after 2+ years: have the surgery to replace a sizable portion of my ascending aorta including the root plus the BAV (bicuspid valve) with a porcine bioprosthesis manufactured by Medtronic (FREESTYLE stentless Bioroot).

My only question for Adam is: why aren't there more Cardiathoracic Surgeons in his data base? For example, my surgeon wasn't listed in his "Surgeon Finder" even though he has become an experienced practitioner and researcher in the Thoracic Aneurysm and Bicuspid Aortic Valve area.

My successful 6-hour surgery was performed by Dr. Jason Sperling on 12/18/12 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ (just 4 miles from my home) which is affiliated with Columbia University. It was the clinic where I obtained the 3rd Opinion after being 1st being diagnosed at the Mount Sinai Medical Center (NYC) and confirmed by the Cleveland Clinic via an e-2nd Opinion from a Surgeon (April, 2011) and a F2F 2nd Opinion from a Cardiologist (November, 2012) there.

I've still got to lose 75 pounds and will need all the support and encouragement I can find!

Since you and I are both based in the Metro-NYC area, I'd love to keep in touch with you via e-mail and, if possible, get together in the City at a mutually-convenient time and place.

Warm regards,

Bill Ruggles

SO proud of you Mitch! Hard to believe where we all were a year ago. And we had such a great support group amongst our core people. Miss you man!
Jeff Shebovsky

Ps. Get an updated pix. Use your marathon run one !!!

As usual i tag on to cuz mitch notes

I am a week behind mitch - my 1 year anniv being 2-9-13.

Mitch and i got to meet after he started yada yada in here and physically got to meet and hug about 8 weeks after our operations

So mitch congratulations on your marathon success. Dick and i use the airports as our marathon. Back in the swing of things and loving it. I know others will find this hard to believe but its as tho i can say. " what operation"?? i think dicks gall bladder op was worse. Not more serious but you know what i mean

Your posts have helped so many - me included thank you

Take a peek at my new website - lemme know what you think

Www.nancyfriedman.com

G-d bless. And next in nyc. Dinner !!

Hugs. And again congrats

Thanks so much. My surgery is 2/11. Your blog has help a lot. I do not run but I hope I can climb a Colorado Fourteener next year.

Hi Mitch,
I am facing surgery to repair/replace my mitral valve and correct my enlarged aortic arch. Can I ask you why you chose a tissue valve over a mechanical valve? The one surgeon I have seen so far has told me that tissue valves are normally recommended for individuals over 65 and not someone who is only 48. I really, really, do not want a mechanical valve and have to take Coumadin for the rest of my life. Thank you and I am so glad to see how well you are doing. It gives me hope that I can come out of this journey feeling so much better.

Michelle Wanke

Thank God you are doing so well. Keep up the good work!

My husband, Mike , -73yrs. had his Aortic Valve replace over 3 mos. ago.

He has AFIB @ this time; has decided to try Magnesium to help it along. I hope it works, with all the Meds. he is on already - I pray it is ok for him to try this.

C~

Hi Mitch!

Wow, a year has gone by??? It has flown, has it? I'm so glad you're among the lucky to have had no complications and healed 100%. Feels great, doesn't it?
I still read the entries here daily. it amazes me that so many people have heart mechanical issues, so young. I thought issues like ours belonged to the lifelong ill or elderly.
Congrats on your one year anniversary....may you have any more!!

(Never made it to Pepe's in New Haven, but hear they're putting one in in West Hartford. I'll think of you when I eat there!)

Nancy B

Happy anniversary Mitch! I'm one of those silent HVJ family members that was leaning on you for months. Thanks for helping us all as we navigate our way through the rough waters of this journey.
Al Zebal AVR,Maze 1/17/13

Hi Mitch,
So glad to read your message. You are an inspiration to everyone. Take one day at a time, put one foot in front of the other, and go for it. Our parents did not have the chance that we have today. We are blessed.
Sylvia Woolworth, 4 yrs. post op in April.

You continue to amaze me, my friend. I am so happy for you. I thought about showing up tomorrow at 5am like last year! Love ya, Debbie

Mitch,
Thank you for the update. You hit a milestone!! I was so happy when I hit that 1 year mark! In March it will be 6 years for me. I'm so glad that you are feeling so good both physically and mentally. Keep up the good work!
Pat H from Chicago

Mitch,
Thanks so much for the update.
It is nice to hear how much better you will feel after surgery. I will be having a similar surgery you had in a couple of months. The waiting ,emotions and the unknown are the hardest part for me.
Glad you are well.
Susan

Way to go Mitchy. What is funny is that I would always tell everyone that you have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I knew. I didn't realize I was giving you an actual accurate diagnosis. :)

Love ya brother, G-Money

Hi Mitch,
You really nailed it....the conquering, the emotion.....GO FOR IT....you letter really captured our experience...JOHN MADONNA
LAS VEGAS NV

I enjoyed reading your 1 year anniversary journal. Looking back before surgery, what do you think were your symptoms?
Carol J.

Hey Mitch. I read through your journal. Pretty powerful stuff. I will have to undergo surgery w/in 4-6weeks. I have BAV so stenotic and regurgitation and am seeking advice. What surgeons did you consider in nyc? Can you have the surgery in one hospital, but be hospitalized in ICU etc. in a different hospital? How does an enlarged aorta affect the type of surgery you get? Also, what rehab facilities did you consider in nyc?

Hi Mitch,

I am a bit late in responding to your post. Congratulations on running the half marathon, that is a great accomplishment. You looked great in the pictures, and you have beautiful daughters, that is a lot to be thankful for, especially this time of year.

John Lund

Mitch,
Great to hear the news on your half marathon. That's truly impressive and inspiring. I knew you'd be able to achieve that goal. I'm been away from the HCJ community for a long time, and tonight I'm catching up. Keep on running -
Jim Smith

Hi Mitch
Being a born and raised New Yorker my heart...no pun intended....has been thinking about you and all the people in the New York New Jersey area..
Never in my wildest thought did I believe that this kind of natural disaster could hit NY/NJ..
Anyway I hope you and your family are getting back to normal...
I am still struggling to lose weight...but know that it will happen when I get serious about it...
Also struggling watching my NY Giants blow 4th quarter leads..
G.d Bless
JOHN MADONNA
LAS VEGAS NV

HI Mitch, I have been thinking about you and Hurricane Sandy knowing you live in NYC. Glad you are ok, I hope Selma and Joan are ok as well. I watched it on tv, that was just so horrible. I feel for everyone up there and in NJ.

Elsie and I are do pretty good. She is starting to calm down a lot. It was beating so hard and loud. I told the doctor she is hyper active and needs the volume turned down. But she is started to get better. On Nov 8th I start heading for rehab. During the orientation we all had to tell what we had and I was the worse out of about 12. Most were stents. Not doing pain meds very much. Most of the pain is the nerves glueing themselves back together, but not bad. Are you going to be in the marathon thats coming up in NY? You take care and Im glad you are ok.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12

WAY TO GO MITCH Congratualtions , I knew you cold do it. I was telling everyone in the hospital about what you are doing and they were going wow. I knew you could. Im proud of you.
Mooing all over
Linda H and Elsie shes proud of you to lol
AVR 9/19/12

PROUD!

-- DVB

You are still the man, Mitch! All well here in Chicago...

Gregg

Congratulations Mitch,

Great job finishing your half marathon!!! It is absolutely a defining achievement. I've run several before my heart surgery (I'm not fast) and I plan to run more. Like you, I was part of a running group. For me, I'm not sure yet, if I'll run a marathon. Being fit for a half marathon seems the best for me. The web article below is written by Dr. Mercola (who is a sub 3-hr marathoner himself). Basically it says you don't have to be a marathoner to be fit.

http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2011/06/10/the-marathon-myth-is-it-the-quickest-way-to-a-heart-attack.aspx

Hope this helps in your future endeavors.

Warm Regards,

Lee Castro (My Surgery 8/13/12)

Hey Mitch. That is an incredible accomplishment. I am up to about 30 min running but it was about 5 years since I was able to run , and due to my heart condition. You completed it on will. results are 100% intention and 0% circumstances. Way to go

Hi Mitch, First I want to say Congrats! Way to go, my friend. Unlike most, I never feared death or even thought it possible. I felt 100% that I was coming out of this okay. Fast forward, 10 months post op. I keep getting morbid visuals, thoughts of death pop in my head from nowhere. Why now? The only link I can think of is I have a new grandchild and perhaps that makes you think about your own mortality. My question to you since you faced this and got over it...was how did you do it? Oh crap, please don't tell me I have to train and run a marathon to rid myself of this. LOL. I guess I'm a late bloomer...didn't have a worry or care in the world as they wheeled me to surgery and now that I know I'm repaired and feel great...I think I'm gonna drop. Janis Kielbasa

Mitch,
Way to go! Congrats! I know how important this was for you emotionally. I'm so proud of you Mitch. You're crazy, but I'm still proud of you! Lol.
Jeff

Hi Mitch,
Wow!!! Congratulations....I am very impressed and so happy for you. That is an amazing accomplishment.
I am 4 mos post op now and feeling good and enoying my cardiac rehab classes; but running an half marathon is quite inconcievable to me.
I'm sure it is both a physical and emotional accomplishment and now you can really move on in your new life.
All the best to you!!!
Joan D.

Amen brother, A-MEN!!!

Chuck Holmgreen

Way to go Mitch! I can relate to your flood of emotions -- you challenged yourself physically and achieved your goal. You're officially healed -- emotionally and physically.

The accident I had (a 50' fall) that damaged my heart and led me to this list server, also broke a lot of bones and I was in a wheel chair for 7 weeks. I worked my way back through painful physical therapy and set 2 goals for myself -- cross-country ski 25km during a Nordic ski event and ride 79 miles in a bike relay. I accomplished both, 6 and 9 months, respectively, after they let me stand up from that wheel chair. I never cease to be continually thankful that I survived and am fit and healthy (but for one minor detail).

My "half-blown gasket" -- my aortic valve continues it's severe regurgitation and my heart sounds pathetic with a pronounced murmur (wheeze!). My heart has enlarged enough to compensate for its insufficiency and I continue to do physically demanding things (e.g., hockey). So I AM healthy.

I'm told aortic valve replacement is inevitable -- even though I've remained stable and fit for 3 years now. My cardiologist says 'it's not IF I need surgery, but when'. I get annual echoes and dread the results. So far, so good...

When my time comes, thanks to Adam's book and this list-server, theoretically I'll be mentally prepared for the surgery and the challenging recovery. You can bet I will be setting new recovery benchmarks for myself.

It's great advice for everyone -- set a lofty, but achievable physical goal and work toward it at whatever pace is safe and reasonable. When you achieve that goal, it doesn't matter how FAST you do it, only that you can finish. The physical and emotional pay offs are SO worth it!!!

Keep on ticking!!!

Wow Mitch, that is so cool and I can imagine it really was good for you in so many ways.

Congratulations,
Vicki D.

Congratulations on your half!! That is a great time, especially 1 since it was your first and 2 after what you have been through. I can say the feeling of "I could have done better" is normal no matter what your goal or what you have been through. Needless to say great accomplishment and thanks for sharing.

Brian Walsh

PS - The could have done better is what keeps you running and going to more races :)

Hi Mitch!!

Man I really miss you bro and I'm so proud of you! Niki and I have to get back to NYC soon to see you and visit our friends at Mt. Sinai. SO happy to see you're doing well and congrats on the half marathon! Keep up the awesome work!! :-))

Love,

Chris & Niki Dixon

Go Man Go!!

Chuck H.

Keep up the good work Mitch, it is good to hear from you.
Sylvia Woolworth

that was JOHN MADONNA

That is fantastic......keep celebrating the life we have !!!!

Mitch F.....my idol! :)

Jeff