Well Timothy, I'm sure glad you survived! I do hope your pain is being managed well and you heal quickly. Looking forward to your future updates.

Robert Elliott

Hi Tim
Must have been better drugs with the valve surgery! Do you have to keep your arm close to your chest for fear of dislodging the wires until it heals? For my friend, that was the most difficult part. Keep us up to date on your recovery. Best wishes.
Fran

Tim,
Glad the procedure is over but ouch....more painful than open heart! Please do update as I will be following your journal for the positive turn this procedure will take. God Bless you Tim.
Theresa C.

Hi Tim

I really enjoy reading your journal as you just put it out there as it is. Certainly no fancy dressings. You are a young man with a young family and so much to live for. May God continue to give you the strength you need to get through yet another procedure and this time, let your healing be a positive and final one. And just in case - good luck!

Cheryl, Ontario

Tim,
I have enjoyed reading your journal. You are reflective, honest and sensitive. You have certainly had a challenging path to walk. You will find your new "normal". Right now is time to heal and be healed. I wish you well on Wed.
Peace and lots of positive energy!
Amy Szalony
Aortic aneurysm 10/18/10

Hi Tim
Know your "procedure" will go well on Wednesday and you will begin a new phase of your "heart life". Like my friend, you will be doing just about all you want to do. You don't want to climb Mt. Everest do you? You will be in my prayers Wednesday and will wait for the good news that all went well. This has got to be a piece of cake compared to your valve surgery. God be with you.
Fran

Tim,

Wishing you the best once again. My prayers and thoughts are with you as they were last year around this time.

Still remembering you as one of my HVJ friends whose prayers helped me through my surgery. Keep us posted.

Elaine

Tim,
I will be following your procedure, and hope for only the best for you. This site is a Godsend because sometimes in your darkest hours someone , somehow can bring you light. What Fran posted brings great hope. There is always a story or a situation that makes us say wow, for all I have been through look at what they are experiencing (Ruth). I know you already recognize that.Good luck...I will be praying for you.
Take Care,
Theresa C.

Tim,

Good luck next week at Duke, and hurry back to recovery...

Mark
Keller, TX

Tim, you are in my prayers.

Carol

Hello Timothy!

Somehow your original surgery journals got caught in the busyness of my recovery last year (I had mitral valve repair 1/28/10 plus some complications). But I have been following you now. Just wanted to send you my prayers and cheersfor you. I appreciate the faith and the honesty you demonstrate in your posts. Real Christianity requires both. We don't always know why or understand life on this side of heaven but we trust the one who does from the other side. I am a pastor in central Florida. After my big recovery, I discoverd this year the doctors now have to monitor my aortic valve and I might be on a "repeat customer" road. But God's grace is enough come what may. Anyhow, brother, you have my attention and my prayers and my support.

Duane Hunt

P.S. You can always trust the girls--Cheryl and Fran. They're the greatest!

Hi Tim

I'm keeping you in my prayers and will be looking forward to a post-surgery note telling us you are ok. I liked what Fran had to say. Hang in there.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim
Didn't answer sooner as I wanted to speak to a friend who had a heart procedure done. I printed up your last journal entry for her to read and she had this exact procedure done 2 years ago with great results. The cause of her problem was not valve related but a rare virus that attacked her heart. She now walks, exercises and leads a healthy life as I pray you will also. We both wondered why you are having to wait until May 11th when you were told you could have an "event". Why didn't they schedule it immediately? Of course, we're both nurses so we always need to know everything. You have a great spirit and attitude and my admiration. Please answer if you can. Thanks. Hope you have been praying for Ruth Howell, what an ordeal she is going through.
Fran

Tim
I have not been on in awhile, I am so sorry that you are facing on a daily basis these issues. I like yo,u have always been pretty savvy as to the issues and I know that you really have a great team.
Take care and hang in there, you are so strong!
Susan V Cornelius NC

Tim,

Happy 11th month anniversary! I hope the pacemaker fixes what ails you and you can celebrate your 1 year anniversary in style. I have great plans for mine (1 day before yours!)

I hope you feel MUCH better soon!
Ricki

Tim.
You are getting great at explaining your condition. I PRAY THAT THE WORSE that can happen is only a possibility not the reality. You are an inspiration that in spite of all you have been handed, you look forward to a positive milestone...your one year anniversary! You are alive, and with modern medicine you will get the best treatment for many more anniversaries. Keep us updated...and the very best to you.
Theresa C.

Hi Tim

Even though I don't quite understand all the technical terms I can read the differences in the numbers and see you have a challenge before you. What relief do you expect to get from the pacemaker and if that works, would that put you back in good health? Let's hope this is the solution.

I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Apparently this did not come as a shock. but obviously not what you wanted. Would all this deterioration have been worse without the surgery? Why did all these changes occur to begin with and none of them could have been realized and addressed sooner? Am sure there's lots of what ifs, but know that doesn't help. You have to go on with life and deal with what's been handed to you. You seem to be a strong man emotionally and you have to know there are lots of us on the HVJ who are pulling for you. You are in my prayers and will continue to be.
Fran

Tim,
I am sorry to hear of the challenges you face. I tried looking up some of the terms to try and understand. Please let us know what the doctors say will be the next step if any after the pacemaker. I will keep you in my prayers, and want you to know that I truly care.
My best to you,
Theresa C.

Tim, I really don't know what to say other then you are in my prayers and I wish you the best man. If I can do anything let me know

Jerry H
Louisville

Hi Tim
I think your follow-up was a positive one and yes, it's good to have a plan. You have quite an excellent team of medical help[. A pacemaker is a small price to pay for return to good health. Now with being so environmentally concerned, small wonder they didn't like the idea of shooting you out back. Keep positive.
Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim
Thanks for the update. You finally got some answers and a plan to get your heart to be healthier. Sounds like you have a great group of doctors and you must be relieved they had the answers for you and a plan to treat them. I also have an enlarged heart and am on a load of meds but am thankful for each day and remain positive as I know you are. Take care, keep posting.
Fran

Tim,

I think we all go into this expecting text book results, but in reading through many journals we all seem to end up with some intracisies we have to manage through.

It is good your medical team has a diagnosis and a plan for you. Best of luck as you continue toward full recovery.. Stay positive!!

Mark
Keller, TX

Tim,
Was wondering how you are?
Sean M

Hi Tim
So typically male! Sounds as if you worked your butt off and when you are not up to parr, are wondering why. I know this makes light of what you should be able to do. It's hard to be kept on the edge of your seat waiting for word of what is going on. Keep us posted and keeping you in my prayers.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim
You must be heartened that you did all you did with yard work. It's a mystery about the ejection fraction and hopefully you'll soon have your answer. Hopefully it is something that can be dealt with pharmaceuticall. I know you'll let us know. Only positive thoughts going your way.
Fran

Tim,
I am sorry to hear about your latest cardiac findings. I hope you get an answer of why it happened and what they will do to rectify it. My heart breaks for you.....please let us know what happens.
Take Care,
Theresa C.

Hi Timothy

You are certainly having a rough time of it lately. Condolences on your grandfather's death. I'll keep you in my prayers and hopefully soon you will get the answers you need and if surgery is in the forecast, I pray it too will be soon. Keep strong and positive Tim.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim
Wish we could better understand why these things happen. Try to stay off the research on the internet and wait for your appointment. I know that's easier said than done! The bottom line is, if you hadn't been told all this would you be able to tell anything by how you feel? Also wonder if any of this would have happened without the surgery? You are in my prayers. Our bodies are amazing and hopefully yours will overcome all this.
Fran

Hang in there!!!! Tim... One day at a time

Sean M

Hey Tim, good to see you post...bummed to hear about your crappy February. Hang in there man. This is a speed bump and it will all work out. Mean time you are in my prayers.

Jerry H

Hi Tim
Glad to hear from you but sad for all your problems. I know that when yo lose a loved one, no matter their age, it does hurt. I'm sorry for your loss but take heart in the fact that he was ready to go home. The ejection fraction is a mystery, isn't it? My last one was higher than an earlier one, I sometimes wonder if it's in the interpretation? Hopefully they'll get to the bottom of it and come up with a solution. Keep us up to date. Remember, it may take up to a year for our hearts and bodies to heal.
Fran

Hi Tim
Good to hear from you and know you are doing so well!! I was given my op notes on my discharge from the Cleveland Clinic and it was a couple of weeks before I was able to tackle it and absorb it. I do believe that everyone's heart has to be 'shocked into restarting after bypass. The whole surgery and all it entails seems surreal, doesn't it? We are blessed to have excellent medical care so we can be here today and be healthy.
Fran

Congratulations! Doesn't it feel great to feel great? I hope everything continues to go smoothly for you.

Ricki

Hi Tim
Congrats on the half year mark. Your update was more upbeat than last month. Does that mean that your stamina and breathing have improved since your camping trip. Don't know if you read my October update but I wrote about being at 6000 feet elevation at Yosemite and doing some walking without shortness of breath. Really even surprised me! If you're not there yet, you will be. We have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving--God is good.
Fran

Hi Tim I was so touched and emotional reading your journal. That is the thing about HVJ we all need to share the good, the bad the ugly. I do know one thing whenever I feel like I am so behind and slow in recovery I cling to what I can do not what I wish I could do. Your faith is so strong and thank you so much for the reminder of the Bible verse. I too just shared the other day in HVJ my emotional roller coaster in dealing with this congenital hx "gift". I too at times think of the babies and Lori's family and it is so sad.
Take Care
Susan V NC

Hi Tim
Sorry about the disappointment that your heart didn't behave as you had hoped. It apparently needs more healing time. It'll happen for sure. God's ways are not for us to understand we just need to believe as you do.
Fran

Dear Timothy,
I am glad to hear how well you are doing. I have not been on in a little while, but decided to check tonight. I had to comment on your guestbook, because it is something I have posted about before. You are right about not imagining what a parent is going through with the two stories you posted. I went through it with my daughter who is 24 years old now...she was 20 months old when she had open heart surgery. I remember it like it was yesterday. She is my inspiration, my hero...I watched her struggle to live as an infant and now I admire her courage and strength as she lives her life. I think that is why I was so unafraid and trusted in God's decision for the results of my surgery, how could I be anything but brave after watching an innocent baby go through heart surgery. I too grieve for Lori B. and have hope for all on this site facing surgery. You have amazing insight and perspective...thanks for sharing.
Theresa C.

Hi Tim,
Your journal entry today was inspiring. And I am so happy to hear how well you are doing.Our surgeries were just in a couple of weeks of each other and I too have done my share of complaining but like you said, I am still here to fight and be with my family.
Wishing you continued good health,
Kimberly S.

Hi Tim
Hope you have finally turned the corner to excellent heart health. All that yard work shows you have stamina and strength. Amazing how fine tuned our bodies are and how one little variance can make a difference. Hope your INR readings have settled down to some regularity. With your various setbacks, hope this last one is it!!!! Keep smiling.
Fran

Hi Tim,
It was good to hear from you and that everything is going pretty good for you. That fluid will sneak up on you....I am back on lasix also and when I saw I had lost 4 lbs in a week the dr said don't get too excited, it's just fluid. Great way to bust my bubble:)
Hope your recovery continues on a good and boring note. Have a great Labor Day weekend!
Prayers and Thoughts,
Kimberly S.

Hi Tim
Glad the doctor ascertained the problem so quickly and the Lasix did the trick. You must have really retained a lot of fluid with a quick 6 pound weight loss!! Here's hoping the next several weeks goes by without incident!!
Fran

Tim,

Hang in there and focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. I started back to work after 6 weeks, and I know those first 3-4 weeks were challenging. Just like the suregery, that aspect gets better day by day as well. As you said, when you put it all in perspective our challenges are dwarfed by what others are dealing with. I hope your progress keeps you moving forward.

Best regards,
Mark
Keller, TX

Good Morning Tim
Life is good, isn't it? As you said, even though we've had some set backs the bottom line is we are healed and are hearts are stronger than before our surgeries. Not so for Kimberly and Lori as we continue to pray for them. I have not had a problem with depression but I know it's fairly common post op and Adam wrote extensively about it in his book. Don't let that get ahead of you. Continue to do well.
Fran

Tim,
I am glad to hear you are doing well at the 12 week point in your recovery. I was also raised with the saying....as bad as what you are going through ...others may be going through worse. You have hit the mark with your perspective. I feel so sad for Kimberley and Lori...our prayers are certainly needed...and I too feel extremely lucky.
Keep up the good work.
Theresa Callanan

Hi Tim
Sounds like you had a great visit. Glad you have been able to get some info about the regurgitation that is acceptable to you. Know you were pretty upset when you learned about it. Our hearts are still healing. Glad your INR has stabilized, hope it stays that way.
Fran

Tim,

Me too! My echo 3 months before surgery revealed mild to moderate MV regurg. My cardiologist said it would most likely go back to normal after my AVR as my heart adjusted to a fully functioning aortic valve (for the first time ever!!). In any event, it wasn't anything to worry about at this point and probably never.

So, join the rest of us with wonky but not serious mitral valves!

Ricki

Tim,

Mine is a very similar story. After my AVR and myectomy of the left ventricle on May 5, I also have some mild/moderate mitral regurgitation. I remain optimistic this will correct itself as the heart, and left ventricle learns it does not have to pump so hard as it did before. UIt was still there at my three week echo, and will find out in a few weeks the changes or improvements at my three month echo. Cheryl is correct, be patient and let the heart figure out what it needs to do and hopefully yours will improve.

Best of luck...
Mark
Keller, TX

Hi Tim

After reading your last entry I felt compelled to write hoping to ease some of your disappointment about finding out about your MVR. My Oct surgery repaired my MV and it was during my pre-op testing that I also found out I had mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation and aortic insufficiency. I had hoped the doctor would take a crack at fixing all three valves but he said to me they will not even attempt to repair a valve unless the problem is absolutely necessary. They would not put me under any unnecessary risk. They also said it was possible the regurgitation was a result of pressure put on it by the poorly working MV and it might correct itself somewhat. Or, it might not. However, he also said it's not at all unusual for one or more valves to be found leaking or insufficient and again, he wouldn't start operating on something unless it was really considered bad.

I was disappointed at my follow-up to know I still have a few problems but he reminded me that chances were that he probably would never have to operate in the future either. Many, many people have mitral valve regurgitation and live a totally normal life and it is only when those valves become diseased that serious deterioration begins.

I hope I've given you something positive to think about until you have a chance to get to a future follow-up and get the real information as to your MV leakage.

Keep those happy pills on hand and try to keep smiling.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Tim,
Sounds like you have had some complications also.Very sorry to hear but hope you are back on track now.
Wishing you an uneventful recovery from here on out.
Kimberly S.