Michele's Posts

I completed my cardio rehab program on 12/4/2019 and had a mini graduation ceremony at the facility. Received my completion certificate with warm wishes from all the staff members at the cardio rehab center at St. David’s Hospital, Round Rock, Texas. Established membership at Gold’s gym close to my home. My husband is my exercise partner. Facility has all the exercise bells and whistles and a great staff. Now it’s all on me to get out there and exercise each day. Just finished reading a great article explaining how exercise can lengthen telomeres which should result in a longer life. OK all you heart warriors life gets better each day. Enjoy your life. Be thankful for our very skilled and spiritual surgeons. They’ve done their part. Now it’s own turn. Stay strong and make your surgeon and cardiologist proud. I’ve done so well that I know see the cardiologist every three months vs every six weeks. He’s changed my meds and feel like I am doing very well. I turn 76 in February and hope I can be one of those patients who live another 10-15 years. Thanks to everyone for their encouragement and support. Enjoy the real life with family, friends and fellow warriors!!! OK go exercise and live life to the full.

On October 28, I am officially two months post ops. I am sleeping fine and am able to get around very well. I found out about a week ago that my heart’s ejection rate is now 60 percent vs the 20 percent when I was hospitalized in April for AFIB. I re-started cardio rehab and have 13 more sessions to complete the program. The change in my health is very noticeable when I’m doing rehab exercises. My stamina has increased tremendously and I am also feeling more positive and cheerful. A friend of mine completed cardio rehab in another city. She said the program had helped her immensely and she encourages everyone to take the program. She completed hets and is now exercising independently and going strong. I thank everyone again for their encouragement and help.

I had my post op appointment with my heart surgeon on Monday, Sept 23rd. Dr. Mark Felger was happy with my progress and provided surgery details previously unknown to me or my husband. My aoretic stenosis was much worse than the echocardiogram revealed and Dr. Felger had to change his operating plan. The surgery was much more extensive than originally planned. I am thankful that Dr. Felger is a dedicated health professional who puts the well being of his patients above expediency. I truly feel his integrity is a big factor in saving my life. I am sleeping much better and look forward to becoming more physically active.