I had my phone conference with the Anesthesiologist tonight. All set there. He was telling me that on average the patient that is having this minimally invasive surgery (For the aortic valve) the stay in the hospital is 3 days. We'll see how mine comes out.
Everything is ready. Everything I can think of. Now it is just coasting. I'll try and sleep some tonight.

I think that the anticipation is wearing on me. I'm very tired and seemingly for no reason that I can see. It's like getting "up" for a football game and then the isn't for another three days.

Everything is done, just time to spend with family and friends while letting the clock wind down. Many thanks to everyone for all the kind words.

Finished off my "just in case" documents today. I don't expect anyone to need use them but I want to be thorough.

More importaant is having someone to journal for me during the short period of time when I can't do it.

Also, I tried to get the "extended warranty" on the new heart valve but they told me that they don't offer one. Shucks.

The last major item on my work agenda is putting on training in Georgia. My spirits are up, the weather here is beautiful. Should be a good class.

You know,having this problem, a bad heart valve puts you in an odd position. Really I feel about as I have for a long time.Maybe more run down but I think that that is mostly just the stress of going through this. It's not like having a heart attack where everything is immeadiate, this is more like being chased by a steamroller. A slow but Inexorable competitor. You are faster than it but it will eventually catch you kind of like the tortise catches the hare when he stopped to take a nap. Don't stop, keep going. Well the chase, for me, ends Monday. I'm ready.

6 Days to go.until D-day. Today I had my pre op tests this morning.

Wen to the Wisconsin Heart Hospital for the tests. I met some very nice people there. Tests included blood tests, chest xray, sonogram of the arteries in my neck, and a CT scan of my heart. After the tests they went through the process of what to expect on the day of the surgery and after.There is a lot of detail to go through. All for the better. It is all important and necessary.

During my appointment with Dr. Balkhy I rececive the news I was hoping for. Yes, I am a candidate for the minimally invasive procedure. The emotional impact of the news is just sinking in, now, a couple of houes later. This is big. Pain and recovery time will both be a lot less. I am so glad I can't tell you. Maybe I can put it into words in the next journal.

This has been quite a day.Next three days in Atlanta and then back home for the weekend to finish off some things around the house. (Honey do's)

I'm ready. Let's go!

My daughter Mia

My son Joey

I have three grown daughters and they are all coming to visit this Saturday. I am really looking forward to this. I can't tell you how much. It's been way too long since all three were together at one time. (Sniff!)

Inside two weeks to go now.I'm getting projecys finished at work, or at least get them in shape for a hand off to someone else. People have told me to "don't wory about it, just take care of yourself." That's easier said than done. I'll rest better having some of the things at work and at home done and out of the way.

Checked in with my cardiologist for the last time before the surgery. Everything is still a go for the minimally invasive surgery. Fingers crossed.

I hope that all of you are doing well.

Joe

I'm getting my insurances in order. Making sure surgeon, hospital and rehab are "In Plan". All the right paperwork for the Short Term Disability is filled out too, I think. 'Gotta run all the "traps" up front.

Anxiety still going in and out. Sometimes I feel like I'm being chased by a steamroller. Slow, but it never stops coming at you.

Since my diagnosis I have been trying to get into better physical shape before my surgery. I started walking and eating better (and less). So far, in four weeks I have lost 19 pounds. Going from 259 to 242. don't want do into rehab "cold turkey".

So far I am walking 1-2 miles a day. Learning more about the Dr Esselstye diet.