Joey's Posts

Greetings, heart warriors!! It has been quite a while. I missed last years update and must apologize for my hiatus. I have no real excuse. Just busy with life and becoming a grandpa recently (or more accurately a "Papa Joe"). I pray all of you are doing well and those approaching their procedure have a peace about it. Hard for me to believe but 5 years ago this past June, I had my aortic valve replaced along with my ascending aorta. I have the Edwards Inspiris Resilia Aortic Valve. It was done at Duke with Dr. Jeff Gaca. Just had an echo and all is normal and working fine. Still getting out for (almost) daily walks or run/walks intervals. Now I have a 20 month old Golden Retriever that goes with me. 😊 Trying to get 3-4 miles each time. Gearing up for a 5K next month and then a 4.1 miler the week of Thanksgiving, which I think is always so perfect because I truly am thankful my defect was discovered and I am able to complete a 4.1 mile race for what will be the 5th time now since my replacement. Don't fear the procedure. Look forward to the improvements and attack your rehab (always do the prescribed rehab - so important!) You'll be amazed at how quickly its in your rearview and you are feeling better. Take care everyone!! I will honestly try to not be so scarce around here :-))

3 Year anniversary! Well, I'm late again, as usual. BUT - It was roughly 38 months ago that I had my Aortic Valve and Root replaced. The last year I have felt very good. I have some PVC/PAC beats. I had a few hours of afib not too long ago and they put me on a blood thinner. I'm actually hoping that they will let me come off of it soon since it was a short episode. I'm still running. Mostly indoors since its so hot but I get outside in the evenings. I've run a few 5K's and have another on the schedule in November. Playing some golf. Might pick up pickle ball soon since that doesn't require as much movement as tennis :-) I went with a bioprosthetic so I know there is a lifespan to the valve. I am hoping to get 12-15 years out of it. I set myself up to be able to have a TAVR replacement when the time comes. I am excited about the advancements in that area of heart valve surgery. I check in from time to time and hope and pray you all are doing well. This is the best place for anyone preparing for heart valve surgery. I cannot tell you how much information, advice, comfort and confidence I received from all the wonderful people on this site. I'm very grateful to Adam for his passion for helping people. Starting and maintaining this site is a true blessing to so many. Keep the faith!

Well - 2 years in the books (Actually its been exactly 25 months) since my Bentall procedure at Duke University Hospital. My Edwards Inspiris Resilia aortic valve is doing well. So thankful for the progress I have made to date. I played tennis in a Spring League and that season ended in May. Felt great to be back on the court. I have played several rounds of golf this year and I have done 2 official 5K's and scheduled for another in November. I continue to get my workouts in every day and I am back to weight training too. I walked my oldest daughter down the aisle last year and watched my youngest graduate high school last month. So many blessings and I am so humbled by it all. I have to give credit where its due. This site is so awesome and is made up of so many great people with great stories. The amazing advancements in valve replacement technologies is not only saving lives but greatly improving quality of life. Cardiac rehab is a must, in my opinion. I made most of my progress while in Cardiac Rehab. Such talented therapists really helped me build my confidence and gently pushed me to achieve more each session. Such a critical element to a full recovery. Do your research and choose the best option for you. Do not fear the corrective procedure. Its a bump in the road. As I told my wife - NOT having it corrected isn't an option. Take good care of yourself leading up to and after your procedure. Prayers for all of you in the waiting room and those recovering.