Steve's Journal

A word to those anticipating heart valve surgery: It has been 14 months since my surgery replacing the mitral valve and giving me a bypass. If I had known how well things would go, I would have had the surgery several years earlier. My advice: Of course you are nervous just thinking about it, but have heart. (pun intended) None of it was as difficult or stressful as I had anticipated. Though I had a bout with AFib, the docs knew what to do. I was back hiking 5 miles three times a week, just as I had done before the surgery, within 12 weeks. Life is a peach now. I am amazed at how many physical and mental things have improved for the better as I recovered. It is amazing what good circulation of blood can do for you!