Jim's Posts

Just checking in to celebrate my anniversary. One year ago today (Tuesday 13 March 2012) the surgical team at Mount Sinai repaired my mitral and tricuspid valves. Hard to believe it's been an entire year! It certainly doesn't seem that long ago, when my family and I traveled to New York for a spring break healing trip. Concerning my condition, I have nothing but good news to report. I feel great. I've returned to running, but not every day (maybe long term that will help save the legs). I walk regularly, and I'm able to backpack and hike, as effectively as I ever could. My last cardiologist appointment was early December. It included an echocardiogram, which confirmed zero leakage from the repaired valves, and steady improvement in heart structure and functioning since the surgery. My only medication is a beta blocker and baby aspirin. I had hoped to discontinue the beta blocker, but my cardiologist has convinced me that its benefits for me clearly outweigh its costs; it has promoted healing (what's technically called "reverse remodeling") and it reduces the risk of my returning to arrhythmia. The thing that impressed me the most about my conversation with my cardiologist was this: He considers the extent of my recovery to be remarkable and outstanding, given my condition going into surgery. He said it could not have been anticipated that I could get this much better this soon. Prior to my surgery, when I had atrial flutter, severe valve regurgitation, structural abnormalities, and a very low ejection fraction, he said the main goal was simply to keep me alive. The cardiologist said I could schedule my next appointment with him in 12 months; but I told him I'd see him at 6 months (June 2013) even if I felt fine, as I wanted another echo and consult then just to check on how things look. I wish all of you peace and blessings - especially those who are awaiting heart surgery and those who are in the early stages of post-surgery recovery. You can and will get through this. Trust in the choices you've made and in your family, friends, and medical professionals. "O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms." Psalm 95: 1-2

"O Lord that lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!" William Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 2, Act 1, Scene 1 (spoken by the King) As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm especially reminded of the blessings I've received from my open heart surgery last March in New York. All has continued to go extremely well. I feel great, and continue to exercise by running and by going to the gym to use the exercise bicycle and light weights at the gym. Next month is my next cardiologist appointment, which will include an echocardiogram to check out the repaired equipment. Last week my wife Donna and I became grandparents for the second time. James Donald Feltz, born on Nov. 7, is home with Mom and Dad and big sister (Nicole, Ryan & Lucy). I've added a photo from the hospital to "My Photos". I just noticed that the Mount Sinai website has uploaded to its "patient stories" a letter of gratitude that I sent to them some time ago. Here's a link: http://www.mitralvalverepair.org/content/view/24/ (The photo on the website is from the backpacking trip to Wyoming that I mentioned in my last journal entry, Sept. 13) I wish all of you blessings and peace in this time of Thanksgiving. For those of you facing surgery or in the first stages of recovery, be assured that you can and will succeed, with the support of family, friends, and superb medical professionals. This HVJ community is an amazing resource, where you'll learn much and make new friends. Be sure to use it. Many thanks to you, Adam Pick, for creating this community.