Wiliam's Journal

"Birds flying high you know how I feel Sun in the sky you know how I feel Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel. It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life for me yeah It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me ouh And I'm feeling good" Wishing all those before me continued good health and those after the knowledge that it all gets better with time. Back in the saddle again in 2015... https://strava2015-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/8669f9a2e07a0b66c0dfde4989f0b2bf.mp4

Finally had an opportunity to change my Winter profile picture, which was a family picture of my wife Janey, my daughter Sasha, my six month old son at the time, Daniel, and myself. The picture was significant for me as it was taken a couple weeks prior to surgery with us just having a lot of Winter fun in the snow with not a care in the world and being in that moment. This picture holds meaning for me as well and not because we're approaching my first Fathers Day with my soon to be 1 year old son (7/4/14). But because I knew the days and weeks following surgery I would not be able to pick up and care for as I wanted. I am asked by people, what was the hardest part of going through the surgery, yet I know no one would be able understand, truly empathize with us. The truth is, the hardest part of my pre-surgery was making a 30 minute for my son to hear my voice and for him to know his father which took 2 hours to make. Then people feel. We recently celebrated 4 months post-op with a well deserved vacation and I'm enjoying my son making footprints in the sand...

Wow--received a surprise visit earlier today from Kathleen F to wish me well on my recovery journey. The chocolate hearts are a welcome gift during this heart healthy Valentines Day month. Thank you again Kathleen! This is truly a great site with fantastic people--thanks again Adam!

Had some Afib that kept me in ICU still dealing with--pacemaker and drain tubes come today. While I was prepared for the "inventory of tubes", these are my greatest nuisance--feel tied down all the time. Not a fan of catheter either. My biggest pain is in my lungs when I pull deep breathes but everyone keeps saying it's the incision/wiring. While much thought and mental prep went into surgery day, that is completely out of your hands--they take you down quick and then you wake up so my advice to others is definitely prepare for the initial days after surgery

Successful mitral and tricuspid valve repair. Had the first time and was finished up by 130, tube out by 230. Restless night of sleep. Spending time with family today with normal heart adjustments.

Whew, had to wrap up some work this week on a quick trip to Denver--barely made it out of NY yesterday and thought I might get stuck but able to return tomorrow. Started my nasal swap yesterday and didn't sleep well away from home but that's me. Woke up with subconjunctival hemorrhage in one eye, little concerned and I know I wasn't wrestling in my dream so somehow I think it's related to everything going on (heart overworking at high RPM/BP etc) and can't wait to get this over. Tough being away for home for two nights this week--I miss my family not be close tonight but know I have everyone here. Thinking of you Lin, Bill, and Mark!

Just curious if anyone post-op in recovery is using a heart rate monitor with a chest strap. I have a monitor with chest strap but am thinking it will be uncomfortable with incision an now visualizing recovery with a new wrist model. Might as well spend some money before bills come in.