John's Posts

I am amazed at the passage of time. I did not realize it had been a half year since I had last posted. Some people had asked me to update my journal a while back and I never got around to it. My surgery on September 14, 2011 seems such a long time ago. An event that was such a big part of my life is becoming a somewhat fading memory. I have seen other updates from people who had surgery early last year who are now posting their own anniversary journal updates. I recently had checkups with my cardiologist and personal physician. The cardiologist said my heart was doing well, and the physician was pleased with the results of my blood chemistry tests. Thanks to medication and significant changes in my diet based on previous test results and counseling with a dietician, I have lost weight and made significant improvements in my cholesterol levels. The blood analysis was by Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc. and is much more extensive than the normal tests and allows a match with medication and diet. I still have a tendency to over do things when feeling well and have been dealing with cold/sinus issues for several weeks, but seem to be coming out it now. I went on a very enjoyable cruise with other people from the dance studio back in January. The cruise ship was the Norwegian Epic and it is quite impressive. Emily, my instructor, and I participated in a dance competition in Augusta Georgia in February, and this month I am participating in a group dance (K-town Westies) in a local dancing with the stars event in Knoxville Tennessee. I am also enjoying my time with my children Johan and Maria, although due to our respective schedules, it has been limited recently. I have cut back on my exercises due to my schedule and also being a bit under the weather as mentioned above. I have also cut back on my work which has been a big change. I do not believe that I have worked a full 40 hours in a week yet this year. My co-workers made a point of telling our new boss that my work habits have changed significantly since the surgery, at least in regards to the amount of time that I work. I do need to get more rest/sleep time in to give my body some quiet recovery time. The surgery was a very traumatic experience and getting ready for it emotional and psychologically was difficult and there were difficult days during the initial recovery, but overall, I consider myself very fortunate to have had it. My surgeon and his staff were great as is my cardiologist and physician and their staffs. The hospital staff was also top notch. A couple of neighbors actually work in the cardiac area of the hospital. I am fortunate in that my physician actually practices what he preaches in regards to diet and exercise. I still worry about heart issues from time to time as there is a genetic tendency for them in both sides of my family, but I am very thankful for all that has happened in the past year and a half since the surgery and also the time before the surgery. Those of you preparing for surgery or in the initial stages of recovery have a lot to look forward to as you proceed. Last, but definitely not least, I really appreciate all that Adam Pick has done for this community!! He has made this a much easier journey! Thanks, John

Unbelievably it has been 1 Year 12 Months 52 2/7 Weeks 366 days since my open heart surgery for a mitral valve repair and a maze procedure on September 14, 2011. Not that I am counting. I did not post on my 11 month milestone, I did not even think about it until late in the day, so decided to let it pass. For those of you awaiting surgery, or who are in the initial stages of recovery, a year may seem to be a long time, but it will pass quickly. I remember in the early days reading Adam's book and posts from people who had reached the one year milestone and thinking that it would be a long time before I would get there; however, it seems to have happened very quickly now. I had a great surgeon to perform the surgery. He was supported by a wonderful nurse. The staff at the hospital was terrific and did a great job taking care of me following the surgery. I had initially been concerned about getting through the first 6 weeks after the surgery, due to the limited ability to take care of myself. However, I was able live with my son and also have my daughter help me during that time; so that worked out very well. It was difficult at times and there were some issues, but nothing major. It was actually a great time since I could spend it with them. I also received a lot of encouragement and support from other family members, various friends, some unexpected, and people I met here in the journal, not just during the initial recovery, but in the weeks and months that followed. Other than a slightly elevated cholesterol issue, I am doing well medically. My cardiologist said I could do whatever I wanted. The mitral valve is working well and the maze procedure has resolved the atrial fibrillation issue. I am still on baby aspirin, 12.5 mg of metoprolol twice a day, and a cholesterol medication. I am going to a health coach who is helping to do better in regards to my diet. I have had a detailed blood analysis and she is helping me with that. I did not know there were so many types of cholesterol, good and bad. It turns out that there is a growing opinion that sugar and fructose can also contribute to heart disease. Overall, I am doing well. I was exercising regularly and actually had gotten to feeling better physically, emotionally, and psychologically than I had in a long time. However, I have been dealing with some sinus, throat, and lung issues that have slowed me down for several weeks now, so I have cut back on my exercise program. My doctor said it would just take some time to get over them. Probably made worse by my activity level; trying to do too much and not pacing myself. I work at a nuclear plant that has shutdown for a refueling operation, so I get to work a lot of overtime for the several weeks that is required to do that. I will restrict my other activities for a while so I can get some rest. I have continued with my dancing. I participated in a small competition (Knoxville Dance Challenge) at the studio this past weekend and had a very good time. Contrary to my conduct at the competition in June, I behaved well for the most part at this competition. It was my third competition this year. Fortunately, my dancing is improving although a bit slowly in my opinion. I guess that is about it for now, thanks for all the support, and best wishes to those in the early stages of this journey! John