Joshua's Journal

Scars fade. Time passed. Indeed, heart valve disease and the fight for my life is a part of who I am. I'm encouraged by everyone's stories here. We fear what's involved with surgery. We support one another. as we research options. And then we celebrate our recoveries. Here's to celebrating each other - and celebrating our restorative health.

Well, today is 90 days. While I'm still a little sore, yesterday I ran my first running race in quite some time. My time was not my personal best but I far exceeded my expectations. I've heard of the couch to 5k apps and they usually work in a 3 month period. Well, I went from open heart (min invasive/Da Vinci) mitral repair to 5k in 89 days. I'm looking forward to running a half marathon by year's end. Feeling great.

So I’m five weeks post mitral repair. I’ve had three weeks of cardiac rehab and it’s amazing how quickly I’m recovering. Took a slow jog tonight. My first since diagnosis in February. It felt so great to break into a stride. Jogged two miles - slow pace - after all it’s a little warm even after dusk. Anyway - still have my eyes on 13.1 mid October. Keep heartstrong all.

17 days post op and starting cardiac rehab. Love robotic repair. Anyway, I felt really strong on the bike and the treadmill and well supported. To move and not feel tightness in my chest was such an amazing feeling. 13.1 on October 13. Here’s to half ma

My discharge instructions included "walk as much as you can tolerate." Now, prior to diagnosis, I was running 25 mi per week, but that was in February. Anyway, 7 days post-op. I set out to go for a walk. My goal for the day was five total miles, adding one more mile from the day before. I walked to CVS. Seemingly, I can't get back on a normal sleep cycle I am not comfortable sleeping on my side yet. So a little bit of AmBien might do the trick. I then proceeded to walk for about the next two hours, blowing past the five mile goal straight to six miles. Never once did I wind. I have this recovery playlist which brought forth the desire to sing on the streets in my loudest, raspiest voice. I'm still raspy from the tubes. And who needs the incentive three balls thing when you can sing to pump out the lungs. Anyway, by the time I was done, I had walked, sang, danced and acknowledged God above for what seems to be a graceful recovery. Sure, there's more to do. A bit of incisional soreness and fatigue, but I'm doing really well. Love to you all on your journeys.

How fascinating that I’m walking. Little pain. If any. Just tired. They’ve pulled most of the lines out by now and are talking discharge for the weekend. The care here is just downright unbelievable.

So one day post op. Went for a little walk. Yeah this morning was a pinch uncomfortable. But closing out the day, I'm in really good shape. One step at a time folks. Feeling good team. Thanks for your continued support.

Doherty State Beach prior to heading up to LA.

So I’ve checked into cedars. I’m in the waiting area not even back on the floor yet. Definitely some nerves here. As much as I know that all will go smoothly and with grace - fear is present for me. But as I’ve shared with so many - when today is done - I’ll be on recovery’s path. There is no chemo. There’s no remission. Today’s story will be a happy one. Thank you all for your continued support.

These past few months have been quite the journey. Perhaps, I took my health for granted? Heck, I guess although journey started three years ago, realizing that I needed to drop some weight. My dad had his first heart issues when he was 48. So I resolved to losing weight and took up running on my 40th birthday. Ran my first 5k. 5Ks became too quick and I started kicking up to10Ks. And then a 10K I wanted to run was sold out and committed to the half marathon. I dropped 50 pounds and have kept them off for he most part. I've put a few pounds since my diagnosis in February but am confident that with recommitting to diet and exercise the weight will fall off again.

Anyway, I have a burst of confidence. My angiogram was last Monday. I really wasn't looking forward to it. But, it was a whole lot of worry for no good reason-as if there's ever a good reason to worry? Anyway, I was really happy with how Cedars worked with me on the angiogram. And sure, mitral repair is a different ballgame than an angiogram, it was enough from calm my nerves for Tuesday.

Yes, I have my concerns. But Dr Trento was supremely reassuring. I guess myreisiduals are getting some sedatives before the party starts, which I know they'll do. The other thing is being weirded out when I wake up with tubes hanging out of me. I figure I'll be too happy be alive and medicated to care. So I not focusing on it. I caught myself watching a lot of the videos regarding the procedure. Finally I cut myself off and said enough. All is fine and perfect. Tuesday will be seem less, peaceful and the best possible experience. I look forward to waking up and being able to really resume embracing life. I've had many setbacks over the past 18 months that are not medically related. So I'm just eager to finally be able to really rebuild and move forth. So with that, I'll close this journal out realizing that it's just two days out. Between now and then, I get the amazing opportunity to celebrate my son's 14th birthday.

So blessed.

The journey to get surgery approved to occur at cedars was a long one. To arrive here and know that I’m going to get this taken care of gives me hope. I don’t think anyone really looks forward to the surgery part. Perhaps we all feel a little anxiety.