Marc's Journal

Today is my one year anniversary since my surgery. I had dinner with my wife last night, Same place we ate the night before surgery. Thankful for being able to do that, it has been quite a ride. For those of you waiting to get this procedure done, you are going to be fine. Be scared, be anxious, but know that you will soon be on the recovery side of this. Sign up for cardiac rehab, it works! Rest when your body tells you to, practice your breathing, eat well, although your taste buds may not cooperate for a month or so. Love your family, embrace and love your friends. As Adam says, keep on ticking!
Welcome to this huge family of wonderful people who have all been through this! Prayers to you and your families!

Almost a year has passed since OHS for my aortic stenosis and double bypass. For those of you about to go through this, you are doing the right thing.
There will be ups and downs
It is scary, but the alternative is even more frieghtening
Follow your doctors orders
Go To Cardiac Rehab! It helps
You will be fine, you will live!
I am back working, walking, jog a little, run up stairs and get to see my friends and family each day. I am blessed! I send you all healing thoughts and wish you well.
Thank you Adam for this site, it is amazing!

It’s been an adventure! Today I had my 35 visit to Cardiac Rehab. Feeling stronger each day, especially with my walking partner, wife, inspiration by my side the whole way!

I have started Cardiac Rehab this past week, I must say it feels good! It is hard to imagine how good you can feel in just one month! I am thankful to Dr. Julia Swanson and the entire team at St.Vincents Hospital in Portland. Such an amazing team of people. Thanks to my wife,family and friends for the many hours of support and love, without them I would not be where I am today in recovery!

Three weeks post surgery, feeling very good!

All the fears leading up to this surgery were real, all the anxiety, all of the anger sadness, all those feelings! I own it all, it’s part of the journey. I also chose the best doctor and hospital for me, the staff , all of them have been incredible. I owe my life to all of them, truly. I head home tomorrow, after 5 days. Still healing, very thankful to all. To my family, my friends, especially my wife, I am so very moved to be able to live and enjoy life with you all.

Well, I am in the home stretch. I have kissed and hugged my parents and kids. Told them all I love them. Sent word to my brothers and sister that I love and care for them as well.
Nervous, anxious, and wanting this to be Done!
My wife, so happy you are here by my side, thank you and know I love you to the moon and back!
I look forward to writing soon from another perspective, till then, be excellent!

I will give all control up to God and the skilled surgeons and nurses that will deliver me back to my family and friends.
A good friend shared his thoughts with me about my anxiety, I have always felt in control of my choices, well, as much as my wife allows me to think! But in this case, after the decision was made to have surgery, it has really been out of my hands.
Great advice and a new perspective that is welcomed and appreciated!

Wow, only 10 more days. Starting to get tired and winded faster these days.
I am anxious, but trying to stay positive and strong. Seeing people whom have recovered from this, posting on the site is making this less scary.
Hope to be posting the day before, then a few days after!

Angiogram completed yesterday, and the hits keep coming! Adding a couple bypasses to the mix. I am thankful all this is being found and will be fixed. Anxiety is there, but family and friends are amazing. Surrounded by the best! Inspired by others everyday in this community!

Found out I need my aorta repaired today, Geez. Starting to sound like I am having my 50,000 mile service done.
Feeling determined though, love my family and friends kind words!

I read all of these posts, folks sharing their experiences, wisdom. I appreciate all of the information and positivity here. I am about a month out, trying to keep the schedule straight and my outlook upbeat! Thanks for all the positive words and posts!

All smiles with my wife Elisa. She is my rock!