Peter's Posts

I wasn't due for another visit to Dr. Fuster quite yet but last month when looking in the mirror, I saw what at first looked like a bluish pen mark by the top left part of my chest. When I lifted up my arm, I could see what looked like a swollen blue vein traveling from my chest along my arm towards the elbow. Well, that sent me off to Mt. Sinai for a quick ultrasound of the vein to make sure there was no clot or obstruction and there was nothing to worry about. It was just a vein that had burst and the blue was apparently the bruising. Everyone seemed rather unconcerned about it, thankfully. Dr. Fuster took a listen and said all sounded great. They fastened me with a holter monitor to measure my electrical patterns for 24 hrs before taking me off the metaprolol (heart rate had been a bit rapid after surgery) which Dr. Fuster is pretty certain they'll do. I can't shower for 24 hours so the woman I share an office with tomorrow is in for quite a treat! I'm now scheduled for an echo on 1/2/14 so should be interesting to see how things are looking that point which will be just before the 11 month mark. I'll be sure to provide an update then but my Ross Procedure and I seem to be doing just fine for now! Best wishes to everyone over the holidays.

I've put this off too long but thought I'd finally post an update. Not much of note to report but things continue to progress. Up until a couple of months ago, while I felt fine, like nothing ever happened, I just wasn't happy with my running. I felt like my heart rate just jumped up too high too quickly and I couldn't settle into a good run. For the last few weeks though, I feel like things have built up gradually and I've done a number of 4-mile runs without a problem. Hoping that I've formed a good base here and despite the cold weather, I'll increase the mileage from here. I have put on a bit too much weight post-surgery and I see my cardiologist in a month so I NEED to increase the mileage ASAP! Anyone reading the posts at the moment is likely also checking on Rachel's status fairly constantly as am I. During the day, I often find myself taking a quick look at what new journal entries are up as even though I don't jump in with a comment often, I'm often captivated reading about people's experience going through a similar experience. Every time I glance at the site, I'm hopeful that I'll see an update about Rachel making good progress. She's one of those people that you felt you made a connection with just by reading her witty entries and introspection about things to come. Her family's strength is nothing short of astounding and they are all certainly on my mind. If anyone who is reading this hasn't already, i would strongly suggest reading through Rachel's journal entries and sending her family a note.