Ain't it great Mitch?! We are some kind of lucky and I intend to make the most of my time. We have come a long way and I am so very happy for you.
Keep that eye of the tiger!
JH Mattingly
Mitch Friedman Thanks JH! So have your boys quit playing you in hoops because they are getting tired of being beat ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks JH! So have your boys quit playing you in hoops because they are getting tired of being beat all the time!?!?! I have started to ramp up and surprisingly, my body is asking for me. Yes, life is good. Thanks so much for all your support.
On June 7, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Great to hear the news of your progress. Sounds to me like you're doing exactly the right things with your exercise plan. As others have said, amping it up gradually is the way to go. Like you, daily I realize what a blessing I've received through the gift of heart repair.
- Jim Smith
Mitch Friedman Great to hear from you friend. I read on Linda Dixon's HVJ, you still are not back to running. Ouch ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Great to hear from you friend. I read on Linda Dixon's HVJ, you still are not back to running. Ouch! I hope it will be soon. And just think how sweet it will be once you get back. Take care. My best to Donna.
On June 7, 2012...
Mitch,
Glad to hear all is well. I like the gratitude at the end. You are doing great. And remember, more is not necessarily better. Maybe try doing more "interval" training and not go further. Add some sprints and vary your heart rate maybe.
Jeff
Mitch Friedman Starting to do exactly that. Mixing it up and my body seems to be responding. Thanks so much my fri ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Starting to do exactly that. Mixing it up and my body seems to be responding. Thanks so much my friend. Glad you are doing well too. My best to Carol.
On June 7, 2012...
Great update Brother..You were my inspiration going into the surgery and you continue to be during the recovery as well.
I have started to play regular games of pick up basketball and have no issues or soreness. This is awesome this new life we have.
Rock on Brother!!
Jimmy Johnson
Mitch Friedman Brother!!!!! Thanks for checking on. Live it up, never look back. Lots of great stuff ahead. Be we ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Brother!!!!! Thanks for checking on. Live it up, never look back. Lots of great stuff ahead. Be well my friend.
On June 6, 2012...
I'm really proud of you valve brother. You were a month before me and helped me get through the toughest part while in NYC. So happy you're exercising and feeling well. I agree with you, it's hard to believe this all happened! Keep up the awesome work and keep listening to your body!
- Chris Dixon
Mitch Friedman We are both SO lucky! I'll keep up my good work and you keep up yours. What's up with Shebovsky???? ... Read more
Mitch Friedman We are both SO lucky! I'll keep up my good work and you keep up yours. What's up with Shebovsky???? He is probably putting us all to shame by playing baseball morning noon and night. Would not be surprised if he is already ptiching again. Take care bro!
On June 5, 2012...
Way to go Mitch!
You should be able to increase your mileage / speed by intentionally upping your workout by a few percent each time. As long as you do the ramp up gradually you should be fine - listen to your body for complaints. If the adjustments are small, the complaints will be small too. For daily workouts a few percent increase in distance per day will double your mileage in a month. Wow.
For speed work, an effective thing to do is intervals: go you regular pace for a few minutes, then up the pace a bit for a minute, then back to regular for a few. Repeat.
Mix up distance and speed work for a balanced program until you find a nice level you want to stay at. Be sure to throw rest days in, sounds like you are doing that.
Be monstrous! -- DVB
Mitch Friedman You have always been and continue to be a source of great advice and inspiration. You are such an imp ... Read more
Mitch Friedman You have always been and continue to be a source of great advice and inspiration. You are such an important part of this community. Thank you so much DVB. Take care!
On June 5, 2012...
MItch,
Re., June 5th.
Glad you shared the latest and provided great perspective to those who will follow in your footsteps and have an easier time because you chose to keep this journal.
No matter what day-to-day trials and tribulations be placed in front of you, may you never forget to put things in perspective, in light of the gift of appreciation you've been given. AND, regardless of whether people you encounter have been what you have been through, or not, may you spread the gospel of "in the scheme of life, what we're confronting ain't worth a damn."
Peace and love,
Poly
Mitch Friedman Thanks so much Poly boy. Your support is very much appreciated.
On June 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch, So glad you're doing better. Take care of yourself and keep us posted of your progress. Keep up the good work!
Pat
Mitch Friedman I believe this is from Pat Culley? If so, how are you doing??? I hope all is well.
On June 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
What a great update, it is good to see how well you are doing!
I remember reading your pre-surgery posts, that seems so long ago now. Now you are 4 months out, and soon it will be 6 months. Our bodies are amazing, and the surgeons and their support staff are performing acts that would have been considered miracles not too many years ago. Now heart surgery is pretty much routine (in a manner of speaking).
Thanks for letting us know how you are doing. Your posts have been very helpful to us all!
John Lund
Mitch Friedman Thanks John. Yes, it is amazing how time flies. I appreciate you checking in and hope you continue ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks John. Yes, it is amazing how time flies. I appreciate you checking in and hope you continue to do well too. Keep dancing, it is a great way to go through life!
On June 5, 2012...
Great update, 'Mentor' Mitch...
I am in the same boat as you at 3.5 months, everything is back to normal (work, travel, etc.). The only time I can tell I had surgery is when I am working out our doing serious yard work. Lately, I have been going to the track and running a lap and walking a half lap for 3-4 miles. Hopefully this will continue to improve my endurance.
Like you said, it is amazing that this is what we are down to complaining about!
Let me know when you are in Chicago next...still owe you that dinner.
All the best,
Gregg
Mitch Friedman Whoa!!!! Doctor said not yard work for at least a year!!!!!!! Also, no laundry or clearing dishes at ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Whoa!!!! Doctor said not yard work for at least a year!!!!!!! Also, no laundry or clearing dishes at dinner. Come on, didn't you read your post op instructions??????
Glad you are doing well too. Will definitely let you know when I get to Chicago. Take care and keep at the running/walking. It will come back, no doubt.
On June 5, 2012...
Thanks Mitch for a positve, happy update.
I am pre-surgery and appreciate the wisdom of your journey!
Tracy
Mitch Friedman Thanks Tracy. This journey can be daunting. Reading journals was a big help to me. I am glad to kn ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Tracy. This journey can be daunting. Reading journals was a big help to me. I am glad to know mine helped you. Good luck.
On June 5, 2012...
Hey, Mitch -- So glad to see your check-in. You're making an amazing recovery. I can't even imagine having to "remember" that I had heart surgery. :-)
Great to see how well you are doing.
Selma
Mitch Friedman Hi Selma, great to hear from you. Soon enough this will all be well in the rearview mirror, fading a ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi Selma, great to hear from you. Soon enough this will all be well in the rearview mirror, fading away. Seems hard to believe, but it will happen. I look forward to reading about when that day comes for you. Until then, keep doing what you can and what your body needs (naps!).
On June 5, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Good to hear from you and thanks for the update. I am three years out of the gate and I still marval at the whole procedure. You are an inspiration to all of us, baring your highs and lows, and now it is hard to believe it really happened. Keep up the good work.
Sylvia Woolworth
Mitch Friedman Sylvia you are amazing to stay so active on this site. Your comments and story are an inspiration to ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Sylvia you are amazing to stay so active on this site. Your comments and story are an inspiration to all of us! Thank YOU!
On May 7, 2012...
Mitch, Check out Adam's face book page. Holy canolli, we and our posse are front and center in cover photo. LOL. I included it in "my photos" too. I did enjoy seeing us, all smiling and healthy. It's a club nobody runs to join but I do adore it's members. Hugs, Janis K.
Mitch Friedman Thanks Janis. I saw it, not quite the cover of Men's Health I was hoping for, but I guess it will do ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Janis. I saw it, not quite the cover of Men's Health I was hoping for, but I guess it will do! I often say similar things about our little club. I am so glad we all met and so thankful for everyone. Keep rocking it. Kayacking soon for you, I hope! Take care.
On May 3, 2012...
Mitch, it's so good to hear that all is going well with you. I too have not been on HVJ with much frequency lately. Too busy with way too many end of the semester tasks. I'm still on hold with my running program, but I hiked six miles in the Georgia mountains this past Sunday
Take care, friend
- Jim Smith
Mitch Friedman Great to hear from you Jim. Bummer on not running yet. I know how you must be itching to get it sta ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Great to hear from you Jim. Bummer on not running yet. I know how you must be itching to get it started again. Soon enough, I am sure. Hurry up and finish the semester so you can take it easy! Hi to Donna. Be well friend.
On May 1, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
It was good to see your message and learn how well you are doing after only 3 months. You are well on the road to full recovery, and maybe being better than ever, at least for a long while.
Those times when we are feeling good and can push our limits are great. I felt that way at the dance parties this past weekend. Admittedly, we still need to be careful and pay attention to our body's signals, but it is good to be able to do that on occasion. And we should pay attention to our body all of the time. There is nothing wrong with taking a nap when you need it, or taking off from work when you can!!
Keep up the good work!
John Lund
Mitch Friedman Thanks John. You are right, certainly listening to my body more and better. Glad all is well with y ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks John. You are right, certainly listening to my body more and better. Glad all is well with you. Take care.
On May 1, 2012...
Ok well so I haven't been on the journal in a long time. I am flying to Baltimore and they have wifi. So. I though " why not". And there you are ..... graduating ,! Congrats. While I. Am Back with the trainer it's not Enough times a week cuz we r travelling so much. And may is busy too. But I will,get back to it
I'm thrilled with your success and best of all that we met
Your writing skills are awesome. Maybe you can do a FIFTY SHADES OF BLUE book for us. Ha ha.
Either way studdly. Am so glad our paths crossed
Dick and are are feeling great and we wish you the best
Later. Nanc
Mitch Friedman So glad our paths crossed! Still bummed I will miss you and Dick in NYC in May. But will be around ... Read more
Mitch Friedman So glad our paths crossed! Still bummed I will miss you and Dick in NYC in May. But will be around on your next trip, I hope. Don't work too hard/travel too much. No matter how good your driver/baggage handler is!
On April 30, 2012...
Hey Mitch, you are doing great buddy. About metropolol. My cardiologist weaned me off it at about 2 months post-op, after 4 weeks of rehab. It is mostly used as an a-fib prophylactic, and you might be at low risk now. Gve your cardiologist a call. About running. Your 1.5 miles is awesome. You are going to be better than back pretty soon! Look out New York is all I can say. -- DVB
Mitch Friedman Thanks DVB. I really feel like I am back, but with the occassional nap. My doc likes me on metropol ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks DVB. I really feel like I am back, but with the occassional nap. My doc likes me on metropolol to keep my HR down a bit. I figure I will just get back into shape and then give him a call. I am already starting to see my HR settle at lower levels during my runs. A good sign! Thanks for everything.
On April 30, 2012...
Hey Mitch Yeah I'm still here. Congrats on the graduation. Are you going to have a party?lol I have missed you. Not to much has happened to me still hanging in there. I will be seeing my reg doc in May and asking him for a second opinion. I am going to tell him about Ricki Shines dcotor as he is on my insurance plan hmo. So we will see. J just lost a friend of our to a massive heart attack. That kinda shocked all of us.
Well glad you are doing really good. Keep it up. Talk to ya later.
For the long haul
Linda H
Mitch Friedman Hang in there Linda! Stay strong. Your day will come and you will be ready. So sorry to hear about ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hang in there Linda! Stay strong. Your day will come and you will be ready. So sorry to hear about your friend. Take care, I will be watching you (ok, reading you)...
On April 30, 2012...
Mitch, You are amazing. You have faced every challenge and conquered it. You worked through the pain and fear. You surpassed old Mitch...new and repaired Mitch is just darn awesome! I think we are super heroes. Our scar shows the world just how kick ass we are! Cheers to you, my friend and the next chapter of your life. May it be filled with health, love, laughter and happiness. Hugs, Janis Kielbasa
Mitch Friedman I always love your posts. In your HVJ or signing someone else's. I always feel like screaming "ditt ... Read more
Mitch Friedman I always love your posts. In your HVJ or signing someone else's. I always feel like screaming "ditto." I just could not agree more with you. We are awesome. And you forged the path for our little class. Thanks for everything!
On April 30, 2012...
I really miss you and your mom. You are such special people to our family. We're very proud of you and can't wait to see you again. Your recovery is certainly commensurate with your awesome attitude early on in this journey. Keep kicking butt Mitch, we'll all be here for you. :-))
- Chris Dixon
Mitch Friedman Thanks for your kind words! We miss you guys. My mom said we should fly to Houston this summer, jus ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks for your kind words! We miss you guys. My mom said we should fly to Houston this summer, just to have dinner with you, Niki and your mom. I told her terrible idea. No way I am coming to Houston in the summer. Late September, now you are talking!!!!!
On April 30, 2012...
Way to go Brother!! Keep showing us the way.
Thanks again for everything! Your pre-op post helped me stay calm and and your post op post helped me stay focused!
Keep Moooving forward(couldn't resist a little cow humor)..haha
Jimmy Johnson
Mitch Friedman Love the cow humor! Glad I could be of some help brother! Did I read in someone's journal you are r ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Love the cow humor! Glad I could be of some help brother! Did I read in someone's journal you are running 2-5 miles a day!!!! Wow, very impressive. Now who is keeping who focused. I gotta go run some more.....
On April 30, 2012...
Perfect Mitch.
Do you have a home BP monitor or do you just frequent the local CVS?
Well done my friend.
Thanks
Steve
Mitch Friedman Hi Steve, I bought a cuff BP monitor. It is a little off but good enough to let me know how I am doi ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi Steve, I bought a cuff BP monitor. It is a little off but good enough to let me know how I am doing. I highly recommend getting one. I had a night nurse after surgery and she made me get it. On a few occassions when I did not feel right just after, I called my doctor and first thing he asked was what is my BP. He ended up telling me to take an extra pill. I think it saved me from an ER visit. So, for less than $100 bucks, I say buy one.
On April 29, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Your progress in recovery is amazing.
Congratulations !!!
Just in time for summertime !!!!
Head out to the Hamptons !!!! (I grew up in White Plains, spent my summers at Grandma's house in Jamesport past Riverhead)
This year at the beach you can proudly showoff you scar !!!!
I have only shared my scar with my lady and the hundred plus medical people that have seen me naked over this past year !!!
This week is the anniversary of my diagnosis, IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING YEAR.
I had to work a 5 day week these past two weeks...its good to know I can still do it BUT long term I really shouldnt.
Of course a less demanding job would help as well, still working on that.
ALL THE BEST
JOHN MADONNA
LAS VEGAS NV
Mitch Friedman Glad you are doing so well John. And Happy Anniversary. All of us are so lucky to be fixed.
On April 29, 2012...
Mitch,
You continue to be an inspiration. Keep up the great work.
It's good to hear you are up to 1.5 miles. I've been doing short jogs with my walking and with my 6 year old. Still feels weird. Like James said - I feel like I can still feel things moving around when I jog.
I belive I continue to stay on track. And you are one of the people letting me know what that track is -- thank you.
I look forward to the day I get to meet you in person.
Chuck Holmgreen.
Mitch Friedman No Chuck, thank you! Your words are very kind and touching. Now get out there and run, the Peachtre ... Read more
Mitch Friedman No Chuck, thank you! Your words are very kind and touching. Now get out there and run, the Peachtree is around the corner. I too hope we meet some day. All the best.
On April 29, 2012...
Way to go my man! I always have something to strive for...."be like Mitch" (at least in post OHS progress anyway :). Proud of you Mitch. You are a shining example for all of us who follow in your foot steps of surgery and rehab. Better still, you are a shining example of a genuinely good human being and I am so glad we met...both here on the HVJ and in person.
Jeff Shebovsky
Mitch Friedman Hey bro, I read your post the moment you did it and have been thinking about it nonstop since. Wow, I ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hey bro, I read your post the moment you did it and have been thinking about it nonstop since. Wow, I am so touched and humbled by your comments. Just don't know what to say... thanks, your words mean a lot to me. OK, enuf girlie stuff...
I too am so glad we met. Keep up the good recovery work.
On April 27, 2012...
Just checking in. How are you feeling?
Mitch Friedman Not sure who wrote this, but feeling great! Napping and working out. Life is good.
On April 24, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Thanks so much for your note to me today. Very timely as I did go into NYC today and I survived!!!! Wonders never cease huh? I had a very good meeting with Dr. Alan Stewart and I am very impressed with him. He answered every one of my questions and infact anticipated most of them.. guess he's been through this many times and knows just what we are gong to ask. I also mentioned that you gave me a glowing report of him and he said he remembers you and was pleased to hear you recommended him to me. He really put me very much at ease and I left feeling "I can do this".....even if it means going to NYC.
I still think I will take a quick trip out to Cleveland Clinic purely for a consultation with Dr. Gillinov and then I will make my decision. My best friend drove me into the city today and sat through the interview with Dr. Stewart and she too was very impressed with him. She will go with me to Cleveland also.
I really appreciate your interest and offer to help and I hope I get to meet you one day. Perhaps if I go to Col/Presby. you can visit????
I also hope you are doing well and feeling stronger every day.
Thanks again and many blessings to you,
Joan D.
Mitch Friedman Great news Joan. I just left you a post. Glad it wet well. And YES!!! I will come visit you in yo ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Great news Joan. I just left you a post. Glad it wet well. And YES!!! I will come visit you in you come to NYC for surgery. Good luck.
On April 14, 2012...
Slow down?! What?! Does not compute.
Keep pushing yourself and take those naps.
JH
Mitch Friedman I hear you JH. Restarted the naps and not really slowing down. You would be proud! Hope you are we ... Read more
Mitch Friedman I hear you JH. Restarted the naps and not really slowing down. You would be proud! Hope you are well.
On April 12, 2012...
Mitch, You are quite ambitious, aren't you? :o) For me, there is nothing quite like the feeling of succumbing to a nap when it calls me. Strangely, when I wake up from one of my naps, I feel like I've been napping for a while and it's only 30 minutes or so. I'm going to miss my siestas when I have to go back to work. Take care. Lily
Mitch Friedman Lily, I so know what you mean. I take a 20 minute power nap, I pass right out and feel like I was ou ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Lily, I so know what you mean. I take a 20 minute power nap, I pass right out and feel like I was out for hours. When you start back to work, start slow (part time) and still take the naps. Really helps with the ramp up to full time.
Glad you continue to do so well.
On April 12, 2012...
Mitch,
You continue to be such an inspiration!! All I can say about you and your progress is Wow!!!
Thank you from the bottom of my soon to be mended heart for continuing to share your story in such a way that some of us such as myself feel truly inspired by you!!!
Your doing fantastic, keep it up!!!
Cindy Pastrano
Mitch Friedman And from the bottom of my now fixed heart, thank you for your kind and supportive comments. Makes me ... Read more
Mitch Friedman And from the bottom of my now fixed heart, thank you for your kind and supportive comments. Makes me realize posting still helps others. When I was pre op I savored the post op updates. Glad mine are helping others. Take care, hope the DDS went ok today.
On April 12, 2012...
Napping is my best friend these days. I don't know how to get through a day without one. :)
You're doing great Mitch!
Nancy B
Mitch Friedman Thanks Nancy. Yes, naps are key. Keep them in your routine if you can.
On April 12, 2012...
I went out for pizza and drank 2 beers. Does that count as over doing it? No? Good, I'm right on schedule. lol. Why did you need to run? Were muggers or women chasing you? Slow it down, dude....just a little. You were and are in great shape!! Keep up the great work. Janis Kielbasa
Mitch Friedman Loved your post. Thanks!!!! Take care. Keep up the beverage arm curls, will get you in shape for h ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Loved your post. Thanks!!!! Take care. Keep up the beverage arm curls, will get you in shape for holding the granddaughter. Though don't try that after the curls.....
On April 12, 2012...
Mitch
You are active and strong
Keep it up !!!
It truly is amazing to think of what we experienced and to be able to look at it from the other side.
The blessing to still be alive is humbling
God Bless
John Madonna
Mitch Friedman Thanks John. I agree, when I stop and think about, this whole experience is humbling. Take care.
On April 12, 2012...
Hi Mitch,
Been there done that, at least the overdoing it part.
It is easy to do when we get to feeling well, I just want to do things when I am feeling really good and it is easy to do them. Fortunately, our bodies are good about reminding us that we do have limitations.
John Lund
Mitch Friedman Hi John, I hope all is well with you. Funny, I though of you and your posts as I was writing mine. ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi John, I hope all is well with you. Funny, I though of you and your posts as I was writing mine. I know you have been there, done that with overdoing it. But, isn't it great to feel so good to forget to take it easy? We are truly lucky to have been fixed. Now, just to be patient too.
On April 11, 2012...
Thanks Mitch, really appreciate ALL your advice...as I am yet to go! Tracy
Mitch Friedman thanks Tracy. Good luck to you. I know it is scary now, but as I said, it is very manageable.
On April 11, 2012...
My mom used to say, "pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again". Keep up the good work Mitch, slow and steady, and listen to your body.
Sylvia Woolworth
Mitch Friedman Hi Sylvia. Thanks for your kind words. Yup, no damage done, just need to hit the reset button and s ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi Sylvia. Thanks for your kind words. Yup, no damage done, just need to hit the reset button and start over again. Take care.
On April 11, 2012...
:-)
Better get back on that wagon my friend! And listen to Mitch...he's really smart when he isn't being so stubborn!!!
Hugs and love,
Linda THE Tiger
Mitch Friedman Yeah that guy Mitch is a decent guy. But you are right, he is really smart (oh darn my iPad typed th ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Yeah that guy Mitch is a decent guy. But you are right, he is really smart (oh darn my iPad typed that, I meant to say he is really stubborn). Whenever I tinkn of you doing so well, I bust out in the biggest smile!
On April 11, 2012...
Wellllllll look at you. Ok. Lesson learned. Glad rehan is going well
Can't wait to catch up Sunday. I'll show you mine if youll show me yours ! Scar that is. :)
One of the things that helped d me is. I did listen to my body. So you're doing so right. More later. See ya.
Nanc
Mitch Friedman Yes, lesson learned. And yes, see you Sunday!!!!!
On April 9, 2012...
Hop hop hoppy easter & Passover. Saw your post on Janes site. Woukd be great to a e u guys come up to m sun
I speak sat. 12 nn & 2-3. But clear after that
Sunday we need to leave 1230 ish for 3 pm flight home ( from Hartford)
Cell. 314-276 1012.
Sorry to spoil your surprise if it was to be a surprise. Hee hee hee.
Meeting Jeff again 4/24.
Am doing great. - today is exactly 2 months & scar is almost gone. I wondered if they used a ruler. It was so straight ! ( dr says NURSE: ruler please ).
Have spoken to Jane & she really helped me a lot.
Either way aop your Passover / easter w good. We too are all mixed ! Everything but. Kwanza day I think.
:). Be well
Later. Nanc. 2/9/12. Avr.
Mitch Friedman Hi non cuz. Hope you holidays were nice. Glad you are doing well. My scar is still VERY visible. ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi non cuz. Hope you holidays were nice. Glad you are doing well. My scar is still VERY visible. Oh well, I am fixed, but almost gone for the scar would be nice too. Can't wait to see you Sunday.
On April 9, 2012...
Hi Mitch - Just checking in to see how you are doing. Hope things are moving smoothly for you.
Jimmy Johnson
Mitch Friedman Hey bro. All good, going a little too smoothly. Biting off a bit too much of the recovery pie at ti ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hey bro. All good, going a little too smoothly. Biting off a bit too much of the recovery pie at times. See my recent update. Not bad, just pushed it a little too much. I know, shocker, right!?!?!?! Glad you are well.
On April 6, 2012...
Hello Mitch, I loved your Ode. I found the HVJ a little later in my process but have enjoyed "meeting" fellow valve patients and reading everyone's posts. It looks like a lot of folks have benefited from your research, posts, wit and style. I haven't had a chance to read through your past posts but I thought the Ode was very cool. Take care! Lily Cardlin
Mitch Friedman Hi Lily my fellow New Yorker. Glad you found HVJ. Better late than never, I checked out your HVJ. ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Hi Lily my fellow New Yorker. Glad you found HVJ. Better late than never, I checked out your HVJ. Looks like you are making up for lost time with your posts. Good for you. Glad you liked my ode. Take care and hope your recovery goes as well as your surgery.
On April 3, 2012...
Mitch,
I just had an amazing meeting with my surgeon at Penn. Well....as he said, if it were him he'd go with a tissue valve! Fucking crazy.
I will catch up to you later. I'm actually so relieved, still a little confused but, more so than ever, look forward to speaking with you.
Steve
Mitch Friedman Great news on your surgeon. Glad you found your guy. Time will ease the confusion. Speak to you (a ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Great news on your surgeon. Glad you found your guy. Time will ease the confusion. Speak to you (again) soon. Call anytime.
On April 2, 2012...
love the rap song! on your way! congrats. satya
Mitch Friedman Thanks so much Satya. I appreciate you checking in on me. Take care!
On March 31, 2012...
Mitch,
Well done!
So here's my shout out to you my Valve friend.... Mine is a simple message. I'll leave the rapping to you!
Mitch -
You're that rare person in life that makes us take pause and say...this is what it's all about. You've made me feel it's ok to reach out to you with a text, online note or phone call when I'm confused or anxious about an issue. Tissue or Mechanical....oh Lord what will I do!!! You've allowed me to explore this question many times with you. You're always quick to respond and have remained positive and upbeat. I'm a virtual stranger, Mitch, and you've some how decided it's ok to help me out.
I'm a really deep thinking guy and I try my best to give back in many ways. Fortunately, or unfortunately (perhaps), this is the first time I can remember finding myself in a position of feeling like I could use some outside help. Like you, I stumbled over this website and it has made a huge impact on me.
Thanks Mitch for sharing your story, for making yourself available for discussion and for doing so with incredible compassion.
I wish you continued GREAT HEALTH and an amazing life ahead. You have made a big impact on me. Thank you.
Mitch Friedman Wow, thanks for your incredible note. Glad I could help. I am simply trying to thanks those that he ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Wow, thanks for your incredible note. Glad I could help. I am simply trying to thanks those that helped me by paying it forward. I am sure you will do the same. I hope your surgeon visit went well this week.
On March 31, 2012...
Mitch the Rapper,
Great to hear your update, including acing the cardiac stress test. Take care and be good
- Jim Smith
Mitch Friedman Thanks Jim! You take care and be good. And be patient for that first run. Glad you were able to go ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Jim! You take care and be good. And be patient for that first run. Glad you were able to go back to teaching.
On March 30, 2012...
HAHAHAH!!!
Great rap....don't stay away too long -- we need your humor and courage to keep us upbeat!
Counting down....
Selma Kaplan (still thinking about Katz' pastrami)
Mitch Friedman Thanks Selma. I won't go to far. Maybe just downtown to Katz' and then I will hurry back. Take car ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Thanks Selma. I won't go to far. Maybe just downtown to Katz' and then I will hurry back. Take care.
On March 29, 2012...
Love the rap. I am so happy to hear that you are doing so well. I also have not been posting, but I do check in to see how my friends are doing.
We will meet one day my friend.
Jane
Mitch Friedman Yes, we will meet one day. No doubt. You take care too my friend.
On March 29, 2012...
Yeah that Nancy! Fancy Nancy! Maybe she can do a "dancy" for us. :(
Jeff
Hey, I get in ALL poems! It's my right since I started this whole poem thing
Jeff Shebovsky
Mitch Friedman Good point, I forgot that. I kind of assumed Nancy started it. Go figure, she sees a good idea and ... Read more
Mitch Friedman Good point, I forgot that. I kind of assumed Nancy started it. Go figure, she sees a good idea and then runs with it like it was her own. Just like her! Take care bro.
Keep that eye of the tiger!
JH Mattingly