On April 5, 2010...
Griff:

That is great news.

BT
On April 5, 2010...
Steppin OUT!! Hooray!!! Just imagine you are floating on the waves a Fisherman Village!
From, HW
On April 5, 2010...
Hello Friend,You have come a long way in 1 week.Just keep that forward focus. It will level off. May the bumps on the path be little. So happy that the surgery was a success. God Bless you and all who you love.
from Heidi White
On April 5, 2010...
Bummer, 10x over that you are apparently all set to go to step down and the lack of a bed is holding you back!! Try to be patient and just realize you most likely won't be in the step down unit as long because you already paid your dues.
Fran Z
On April 5, 2010...
Hi Rose and Steven

I had a little chuckle at your expense about you thinking you'd feel better than you do. Every one of us who have been through the surgery have felt the same way, especially if we are productive busy people. This is a lesson in humanity and what it is to be human. Your body has had a huge shock and it will heal as it heals and that will be somewhat slower than you wish. It hasn't been that long so do try and be patient. Good luck with that.

Cheryl, Ontario
On April 5, 2010...
Dear Steve and Rose,

We are so glad your surgery went well and that you are on the road to a great recovery!! Lying around all day can't be that bad, can it?? :) I'm sure you're looking forward to walking out of there and getting back home. Hope it comes soon for you both!
When is your operation video going to be posted?
Our prayers and thoughts continue with you.
If we can help you in some way, please let us know.

John and Karen
Rebecca and Audrey

On April 4, 2010...
Hello Steven & Rose, and happy Easter to you!
I can relate about the hiccups being uncomfortable, but nothing hurt more than when I had to sneeze. Oh man! But, it does get better, I promise!
Will pray that you improve and can go to the step-down unit. Keep up the good work with the walks and activity!
God bless!
Kathy Jamison-Patnode
On April 4, 2010...
Hi Rose and Steven

So glad to see some post-op postings. Steve's progress sounds about due for the course - excess fluid etc. and a-fib. I think now we can almost see this is pretty normal so please try to not worry too much. Steve was so impressive with his research so I'm sure he isn't having any real surprises. Tell him he has to exercise patience and things will be improving as time goes on.

Happy Easter.

Cheryl, Ontario
On April 4, 2010...
Hi Steven
You must have the best personality and demeanor that they just don't want you to leave CICU. Do hope you leave today for step down I had a private room at the Cleveland Clinic and at least they could shut the door and the lights so you can get some semblance of rest between vital signs, meds, etc. etc. The quieter aspect of that unit will allow you to rest and heal faster. I am still trying to lose several pounds of weight that is still giving me shortness of breath on exertion 16 days post op. Have an appointment with my local cardio on Tues and will see what he has to say. Pray you continue to do well.
Fran Z
On April 3, 2010...
Hi Steven!

I pray that you're doing well and am eager to read your next journal entry.

I posted on your guestbook March 23, but I see that I forgot to sign it. Here's what I wrote, with a signature this time.

Hi Steven,

I just stumbled across your entry in the "Journal Central." Oh my goodness are our cases so similar!! I just turned 51 on March 12. Last fall, I had no clue I had any issues at all (and I'm a runner running 7 miles 3x per week plus working out) until my family doctor detected a heart murmur at a routine physical on October 21. After much prayer, asking God just to lead me to the right hands, and research, we chose Florida Hospital Orlando and Dr. Kevin Accola, since we live only 50 miles away. I had my mitral valve repaired on January 28, so I am almost 8 weeks post-op and doing very well now. My surgery went great, but I did have some complications, including a cardioembollic stroke, so my journey has had it's share of ups and downs. God is in control.

I so appreciate your references to your pastor and to Scripture. I am a pastor here in Winter Haven, Florida. As you go through this final week, let me just share with you that God gave us incredible peace and grace that we experienced through it all. I really expected to need a sleeping pill the night before surgery, but no, God just gave us His supernatural peace (Philippians 4:6-7). I pray you sense the same.

Steven, let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I mean it. I have signed up for your guestbook updates, and my wife and I will be praying for you and your family.

One more thing: I grew up in greater Detroit, so I'm a WOLVERINE. Good call on the hospital and doctor!

Duane Hunt, central Florida
On March 31, 2010...
Hi Steven
Just came across your journal this morning as I've only been home for a few days from my own surgery. Will be waiting for the update that all went even better than planned. Will pray for you post op know that i know. Your positive attitude and faith will get you through. I had a bovine mitral valve done, also a tricuspid repair. Thought they would have to repair the aortic valve but on exam it was better than they thought.They also did the Maze procedure as I have been in a-fib for 14 years. Do whatever they tell you to do in the hospital and after discharge, they have it down to a science and it works! Prayers for healing.
Fran Z
On March 30, 2010...
Hi Griff:-
You have been in our prayers ALL day today & look forward to hear the outcome. God is with you every step of the way!!

Dick & Nancy Placeway
On March 30, 2010...
Hi, Steve and Rose . . .

You are in our constant thoughts and prayers today. So glad you are in God's hands. Love, Brenda (your fellow April-born cousin)
On March 29, 2010...
Hi Steven,

You will be very much in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow as you go into surgery. You are in excellent hands all the way around and I know you'll have the best outcome possible.

Susan Murphy (Overland Park, KS)



On March 29, 2010...
Hi Dr. Griffith!

Just heard the news about your surgery! I trust you are doing well and hope see you up and about soon!

--Adam Shinbrot
On March 29, 2010...
Hi Steven,

I will be praying for you tomorrow as well as your surgeon. What comfort the Lord provides!

"Be strong and courageous, do not tremble or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you WHEREVER you go". Joshua 1:9

Carla Hansen (PBG-FL)
On March 29, 2010...
Hi Steve,

Gooooooooooooh Blue!

FYI, I went to Michigan twice - for undergrad and graduate school.

An incredible facility with fantastic surgeons.

All the best in Ann Arbor. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick

P.S. May your surgery be completely uneventful. (Those are definitely the best kinds of surgery.)
On March 29, 2010...
Hi Steve and Rose

I'm wishing you lots of luck tomorrow for a very successful surgery and look forward to your post-op journal letting us know you are okay. You both will be in my prayers.

Good luck Rosie, it'll be an extremely long day for you as well. Stay strong.
Cheryl, Ontario
On March 29, 2010...
Griff:

Your journal is of great encouragment to so many. Friends of faith from all across this land are lifting you and your family in prayer.

"A Friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of Nature."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
(1803 - 1882)

Carry on

Brad
On March 27, 2010...
p.s. The above entry is from Heidi White
On March 27, 2010...
Steven,
Your journal is amazing. I want you to know that our thoughts, concern,faith,hope are with you.
May God continue to grant you the courage, strength, most of all the peace that surpasses all of the understanding.
Without the battle there is no victory,and that is the blessing.
On March 26, 2010...
Steve,
Just ran across you story. I will be praying for you.

Scott Dennull
On March 23, 2010...
Hi Steven,

I just stumbled across your entry in the "Journal Central." Oh my goodness are our cases so similar!! I just turned 51 on March 12. Last fall, I had no clue I had any issues at all (and I'm a runner running 7 miles 3x per week plus working out) until my family doctor detected a heart murmur at a routine physical on October 21. After much prayer, asking God just to lead me to the right hands, and research, we chose Florida Hospital Orlando and Dr. Kevin Accola, since we live only 50 miles away. I had my mitral valve repaired on January 28, so I am almost 8 weeks post-op and doing very well now. My surgery went great, but I did have some complications, including a cardioembollic stroke, so my journey has had it's share of ups and downs. God is in control.

I so appreciate your references to your pastor and to Scripture. I am a pastor here in Winter Haven, Florida. As you go through this final week, let me just share with you that God gave us incredible peace and grace that we experienced through it all. I really expected to need a sleeping pill the night before surgery, but no, God just gave us His supernatural peace (Philippians 4:6-7). I pray you sense the same.

Steven, let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I mean it. I have signed up for your guestbook updates, and my wife and I will be praying for you and your family.

One more thing: I grew up in greater Detroit, so I'm a WOLVERINE. Good call on the hospital and doctor!
On March 23, 2010...
Hi Steven,
My diagnosis was similar to yours, I also researched and was so fortunate that because of private medical insurance that I could choose my surgeon and the timing of my surgery. My surgeon also explained why he would not perform minimally invasive on me and it so happened that when he went in he found not only the mitral valve to repair as expected but also the tricuspid valave had to be repaired - which didn't show up on the TEE. I am almost 4 weeks post op, still have AF in spite of MAZE procedure and electro cardioversion but am positive that a fix will be found! It still seems surreal that I am going through this experience but the support and knowledge that has emanated from this community has been invaluable. Look forward to following your own experience, my thoughts are with you. Warmest wishes Penny (Scotland)
On March 23, 2010...
Dear Steve,

Thanks for letting us have a window into your decisions and thoughts as you deal with this heart problem. We are far away physically, but hopefully nearby spiritually!

Love you,

Dave and Susan
On March 21, 2010...
Griff:

You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brad
On March 20, 2010...
Steve,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family as you prepare for this journey. Thank you for sharing your story - we can all learn from your experience and make better decisions for ourselves, should we ever be faced with the same challenges. Godspeed.
Judy Grubb
On March 20, 2010...
Steve,

I read your journal this morning and was captivated. What a journey for you - physically, intellectually and spiritually. I'm praying for your health, discernment and peace across all three areas. I found it fascinating that a man with your gifts of knowledge in this particular field would now have the ultimate motivation and the time as well to apply them full force in his own particular situation. It is a wonderful gift you are making to others to share your experiences and insights in so honestly and in so much depth.
I still remember competing with you for the best grade in Biology class in 9th grade - ha - if I only knew then how futile THAT would be! I also remember - I think - you being a fellow PK, no? Anyway, I love the verse you chose and would like to offer some of my favorites for times like this - Psalm 139 and Phillipians 4:6-7.
Thanks for sharing all of this with others and God bless. I will be praying...peace.

Brian Kramp
On March 20, 2010...
Hi Steve
Your knowledge and ability to research the right topics is helping you make one of the most important decisions of your life. You are so fortunate to have the contacts and resources to search out the surgeon who is right for your particular heart situation which I pray gives you and your family the confidence to get through this waiting period.

Thank you for including the web site for the surgery which I shall take a look at later. Even though my surgery was done last October, I'm still very much interested.

Thank you also for sharing your vast amount of information. I really enjoyed reading your entry. Take care. Cheryl, Ontario
On March 19, 2010...
Steven,
Thanks for sharing your experience in choosing a surgeon. I'll need my aortic valve replaced some day, but it is valuable to read about people's experiences going through it. Your journal entry gave me some insight into an important topic, choosing a surgeon.
Patrick Sullivan in STL
On March 19, 2010...
Steven, we will continue to pray and will be in Ann Arbor for your surgery. We will continue to keep up here in your journal. We love you. Dad and Mother G
On March 19, 2010...
Hi Steven,
I can see you really did your research. I saw my surgeon listed...Dr. David Adams. I had surgery on March 2 and was very pleased with Dr. Adams and Mt. Sinai Hospital. My repair was a success and I am recovering very well.
You are right ...we make our choice..and relax because we put our trust in these talented surgeons. That is all the control we have and as you can see...they deliver positive results over and over.
Take Care,
Theresa Callanan
On March 19, 2010...
I have always been impressed by what you know and how you deal with work situations. I am even more impressed after reading this journal entry. People always say you are in good hands, like normal Steve methods you have done the work to guarantee you are in good hands and have the right physician for the job. You will be up and around in due time and back to your normal ways, minus the CIGARS!

Thoughts and prayers.

Larry
On March 19, 2010...
I'm praying, Steve. I understand a little of what you are saying. I have atrial fib and also ventricular. I knew nothing until Feb of 2009 I went for my 65-year old Medicare physical and my GP was so excited about what he heard with my heart, he forgot to schedule some of the tests he had mentioned he would schedule. He did have to seeing a cardiologist yet that week. I see him regularly and he has added a diagnostic cardiologist and a nuclear cardiologist. I am on wayfarin, atacand, carvedilol, and digoxin. I am ALWAYS short of breath, and have had pulmonary function tests, but do not have results of those yet.

I'm praying for you. Linda (Susan's sister)
On March 19, 2010...
Hi, Steve.

I appreciate having the opportunity to learn more about your situation. Since learning of the complexities of your heart, my family and I have been earnestly praying for you as you have gone through your decision-making process.

May you continue to seek God's face in all of your challenges.

Proverbs 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

We're behind you all the way!

Peace,
Jill
Twin Cities, Minnesota
On March 19, 2010...
Hi Steve,

Thanks for sharing your story. Your MN location caught my eye and I had to read on. My husband and I were born in WI and lived on the side of the Mississippi River Bluff in St. Paul in a house my husband designed above the tree-tops. We loved the area but the snow and cold weather got to be too much though so we moved to paradise (FL) in 1976. (we have found out weather is not always perfect in paradise either :))
I will be having a re-repair or it may end up as a replacement of my mitral valve at Clinic Clinic, April 15th. I had my first repair in 1998 at Cleveland Clinic. I have had severe regurgitation since December 2008...and then my most current echo of November 2009 showed that my pulmonary pressure was up and there was some dilation of the chambers. My Cardiologist said this was the time for surgery and wanted me to have surgery the very first part of 2010 but my elderly Mom was down from WI and ended up in the hospital and then rehab center here and just returned north March 1st...so my surgery was delayed. I have felt so at peace...but this week, I have begun to question my choice of surgeon and started to spin into an emotional roller coaster. I think the “enemy” looks for a pinhole to push doubts and fears into our mind. Your scripture verse is a favorite of mine. I know I need a constant renewing of my mind with God’s word. We can’t know the future but we can know the One who holds the future. I'm in the processing of writing my favorite scriptures in a journal...altogether for quick reference.
I’ll be praying for you and your peace of mind…and for your surgeon and my surgeon (in advance) for great wisdom and skill.

Carla Hansen (PBG, FL)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes…” Proverbs 3:5-7a
On March 18, 2010...
Hey Steve,

Great to meet you and welcome to Heart Valve Journals!

If you need anything, please let me know.

Looking forward to your updates!

Keep on tickin!

Adam Pick
On March 18, 2010...
Hi Steve
Reading your journal definitely points out medical knowledge and yes, it can be a dangerous thing in that it sometimes gets the mind thinking too much. The other medical background people on the site say the same thing. I would recommend some time reading some of the journals here and hopefully you can obtain some good advice about trying to keep calm and keeping things in perspective. The hardest thing is keeping the bad thoughts at bay but if you do get through the journals, you'll find some really amazing people with lots of good thoughts pre and post-op. There are lots of caregivers on the site as well and hopefully your wife will find some support as well.

I had a mitral valve repair done Oct 1/09 and while I'm still sorting through a few issues, I can finally say I'm progressing. Soon you will be able to say the same thing.

I've visited Eden Prairie as a D56 collector (little lit Christmas houses). It's a beautiful place to call home.

It's a good thing you don't have a lot of time on your hands to overthink this thing. I'll be following your ride back to good health. Cheryl, Ontario