Duane's Posts

Two years ago today was my mitral valve repair via sternotomy surgery, and two years ago on Monday was my stroke and intervention. Hard to believe it’s been two years. In some ways it seems like the far distant past; in other ways like yesterday. The bottom line is I’m doing great, and I am thankful to God for His loving care and healing. Sure, I proudly bear a faint “zipper” scar on my chest (want to see it?!), one you can only really see if you’re looking for it. I run 3-5 miles several times a week, plus do some light weight training at Gold’s Gym. I’m planning to run two 5K races in March and April. Last summer Peggy and I vacationed in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado and did some great hiking in our spectacular National Parks, including an ambitious 8-mile round trip hike up to Observation Point from the bottom to the top of Zion Canyon at Zion National Park. Since my open heart surgery, we’ve welcomed two new grandchildren—one girl and one boy—making our current total ten. Things are busy with the church. In other words, life is good and is back to “normal” in almost every way. And yet, after open heart surgery, I feel like I’m a different man in some ways. I don’t think you can ever be the same after something like that. I don’t think you’re supposed to be the same. Pre-surgery, I mistakenly thought this was just a fluke, I would have the surgery, recover, and it would be over and done with. Wrong. I now know that I am forever a heart patient. I am on Coumadin for good. But worse things than these have happened. And I think after open heart surgery we’re supposed to be better people—more grateful, more aware of how precious life is, more attune to the people we love, closer to the God who carries us through. (I just wish I could get back the patience I felt during my recovery; that’s unfortunately long gone!) In some ways, the memories and urgency of those harrowing bumpy first days of surgery, stroke, recovery, and setbacks have faded, yet I cannot forget the words of my internist Dr. Otto to my whole family after the stroke intervention: “we have seen a miracle here tonight.” Sometimes I have to remind myself, but my life is a miracle. So is yours. For sure. Some of you may know that about a year after surgery in February 2011, I developed some symptoms which led to an ECHO, which surprisingly revealed moderate aortic regurgitation (new!). Since then I have been under watch for AI—Aortic Insufficiency. I had a follow up ECHO in April and again this past October. The ECHO reports have been reviewed by my local cardiologist Dr. Willard and my heart surgeon Dr. Accola. Thankfully, the last couple ECHO’s have been stable. My next one is in May. Obviously, I’d like to avoid a repeat performance! But I know I am in good hands, God’s Hands, and I trust in Him. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

It’s been a while since I posted an update and some have kindly been checking on the latest with my heart. A month ago today on 4/5/11 I had a follow-up echocardiogram since my last one in February showed a new concern with Aortic Insufficiency (AI) and some other (some scary) issues. I obtained the report from the echo for myself within a couple days (and self “read” it), but due to a rescheduled appointment with my cardiologist and the sending of the report and films to the surgeon in Orlando, did not consult with any doctor until April 20 and 21. Some positive things I, in my “great expertise” (scary, isn’t it?), noted in the latest echo: Ejection fraction back up to 60% No pericardial effusion Tricuspid valve leaflets back to “thin and pliable” NO “possible aortic dissection” (a very good thing to NOT have) AI or Aortic regurgitation (AR) constant at moderate Dr. Accola, my surgeon, was actually pleased with the echo and thought things looked a little better overall. He was definitely pleased with the ejection fraction and said the mitral valve looks great. His recommendation was to check another echo in six months (not three). Dr. Willard, my cardiologist, felt like everything looked about the same regarding the AI/AR in particular. He gave me the okay to continue running 3 miles (which I have been doing), to resume toning weight training (not heavy lifting which is harder on heart valves), travel, and hiking. Hoping to visit some western mountains this summer, so it’ll be interesting to see the effects of high altitudes. He even told me it was okay for me to ride roller coasters—well, that is, after I told him I already had! I was given another card to carry in my wallet that states I have Dressler’s syndrome (chronic pericarditis). So that goes beside my other cards—Coumadin patient, mitral valve annuloplasty ring serial number, and high risk for endocarditis. Be vigilant to protect against infections. He told me we could be monitoring this AI for 20 years before anything would need to be done. Only time will tell. All in all, go live my life and I’ll see him in 6 months for another echo and consult. It’s been a struggle, but I think I am in the process of accepting and coming to peace with the reality that I will be a heart patient for the rest of my life. For one who had hoped and thought it was an isolated episode that got fixed and was over with and behind me, it has been an adjustment. But, like the Bible promises, God’s grace is enough for me. And I feel His grace. Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and concern. I gladly accept these latest echo results as answered prayers and give thanks and praise to my Lord Jesus Christ. Hopefully I will not need to post again until my next echo in October. So I will (and you too) keep on ticking and fully living!