Jim's Posts

Good morning, all! It is stunning to believe it has been six years since my mitral valve repair. You have to be kidding me! I recall in the months leading to the MVR surgery all thoughts and actions focused on the procedure and a good outcome. Once I woke up in CICU, my thoughts immediately turned to recovery, a goal of improved heart heath and the desire to pursue a long, active and meaningful life. At the six year mark, I am extremely grateful. Travel adventures, home selling (2 homes!) and buying (one home only!), relocation and a continuation of a rewarding professional career are a few of the activities that were made possible after the mitral valve repair. Dr. David Adams and his team at Mt. Sinai Hospital, NYC, were excellent. My Boston-based medical team was and is invaluable. Adam's patient advocacy, HeartValveSurgery, com and the HVS patient and supporter community was a daily source of education and encouragement leading up to and after the surgery. I have so many wonderful memories of the HVS Class of 2013 and so many other post-surgery patients. We helped one another throughout a pretty rare heath journey. My best to my fellow classmates! And, most importantly, all the best to everyone with upcoming surgeries. I truly hope that this community continues to meet your needs in ways it did mine. For my running buddies in the community, this guest blog reports on my latest running endeavors. The link is: https://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2019/11/12/track-and-field/ My best to all!

Hello all: Wednesday, 11/5/14 was my 1st anniversary and I was so busy I did not have time to write a journal entry. That's the sign that the surgery was a rousing success. Let me share an update with you. How am I feeling now? The very best that I have felt any time post-surgery and better than I felt for several years pre-surgery. I just feel good. So, what is different? I really do have more energy. My schedule has been extremely busy and I have more energy and endurance and recover faster. Plus, my exercise tolerance has certainly improved. How long did it really take to recover? I would say the whole 12 months. Plus, I will not be shocked if I move to another level of recovery over the next few months. My heart just feels different. It seems settled, stable and steady. Also, when I run I do not get out of breath to the degree that I did pre-surgery. What worked for me? Having a great cardiologist and surgeon along with their teams was essential for this result. They shared their talents and I am the beneficiary. A daily focus on recovery. I did what I could do every day starting right after surgery. The big improvement for me happened at cardiac rehab - walking and then running, relaxation techniques, yoga and nutrition. After rehab I was able to get back to running and road races and also keep up with yoga and some strength training. Was recovery smooth sailing and really easy? Ah, actually no... Any thoughts for someone facing surgery? This site is invaluable due to Adam's commitment to the community. I received tremendous support and help from members. Just ask and share. The process is doable - not always easy but doable. Surgeon selection does matter. What really is important in the long run, in my opinion, is the quality and durability of the surgeon's work. We really do get better. Who do I want to thank? Everyone. Adam for HVS. All my cardiac buddies on this site. All the friends and family that were there for me. Dr. O'Gara and everyone at the Brigham. Dr. Adams and everyone at Mt. Sinai. And of course, Lise, my wife. Without her I would still be wandering the streets of New York City wrapped in a hospital blanket dragging an IV stand behind me. Really. What's next? Well, tomorrow I visit my mother and sister and make sure I get to go for a run. That seems like a good plan. Then I get to focus on year 2! My best to all. And here is to good health for all of us.

Hey all: Just a quick note to everyone on a snowy New England Sunday afternoon. Almost 12 months ago I had mitral valve repair surgery. Last Sunday I finished 1st in my age group in a local 5K race. I have been able to shave 3 minutes off of my 5K time as compared to my first post-surgery race in July. There is still a ways to go but I sure am grateful with the continued progress. My very best to all that are facing or recovering from surgery. There really is a better life on the other side of surgery.