Michael's Posts

Hello again to all in the heart community, as as to my family and friends. Well, as noted above, today marks 8 weeks since I was rolled into surgery to have mitral repair and MAZE procedure. As I have said before, these guys are WIZARDS! Truly pain-free and absolutely no complications. My recovery has also been pretty much textbook. I had very little trouble with sleep and gradually increased walking times each day. The weather here in Stuttgart was unseasonably mild (generally in the 60s), so it felt great to be outdoors and hike through the woods. Before starting back to work this week, I was averaging about 20 miles a week. Getting back to work this week has been a success. Lots of catching up to do -- sort through lots of email, catch up on routine paperwork, get updates from co-workers who picked up my focus areas while I was out. Medically, the only issue I have had is getting the INR (blood thinning factor) up to the desired level (2.5 - 3.0). The last blood test finally got to the 2.5 level, so I have a 2-week appointment in place of a weekly appointment. My "90-day" check with my cardiologist is scheduled for the last week of September. Will have an echo then to make sure all the function is as expected. Hopefully, will get release then from the last meds I'm taking (BP med, diuretic, and stomach acid inhibitor). will also discuss how long the coumadin will continue, but I don't expect it to continue past mid-October or so. Overall, life is great! To family and friends, thank you all for your prayers and support the past couple months, as well as the weeks and months leading up to surgery. For all my heart community compadres, I wish you the very best recovery and rapid return to full activity. Cheers, Michael Culpepper (Mike)