Terry's Posts

So after one year I had my appointment with my cardiologist. BP was 119/83, with a pulse of 60 per minute. The staff at UW is incredible and first rate. No sign of murmur. I had mitral valve repair. Chordae replaced, posterior leaflet sectioned, and Edwards Ring. I swim one mile per day, I asked my cardiologist if I need to be concerned as to how hard I worked out. He indicated no restrictions. To all of you who are faced with repair, replacement, and have doubts, I know where you are coming from. I had no symptoms other than a murmur and moderate to severe regurge. It's well worth the peace of mind to have this done and in the rear view mirror. It will take much hard work and trust on your part but it's a miracle. I would not be here today, or if I would be my quality of life would not be what it is. May you have an event free surgery, and quick recovery. Blessings to all, Terry

Tomorrow will be my one year anniversary of my mitral valve repair surgery. May 14th 2015. All went well in the operating room. My leaflet was sectioned, chordae repaired, and an ring placed around the opening to give stability and strength. My recovery was successful but not uneventful. I pushed myself, by walking, doing yoga, biking and swimming. All within three months of my procedure. Perhaps too much. I developed anxiety issues after three months, perhaps related to the procedure, acid reflux perhaps related to BP meds and anxiety, who knows. I'm glad this is in the rear view mirror. My surgeon was incredible and presently am symptom free. I swim a mile five to six times a week, still do yoga, buy my knee interferes with my biking and walking routine due to an old injury related to cross country ski racing. At some point I may need surgery to fix the knee. As I read all the concerns and responses since my procedure, I have such appreciation and empathy for those who are in the process of preparing for this surgery, or are in the early stages of recovery. This is no walk in the park. But it is a necessary procedure to go through. I may not be alive today if I did not have this done. I had zero symptoms, as a matter of fact I went for a 15 mile bike ride the day before the surgery, and swam each and every day leading up to the surgery. This site has answered my questions, provided a support group and gave me strength as I found out about my condition and prepared for the surgery, and went through the recovery process. There will be things that arise after the surgery. Some of that I outlined above, others related to your specific condition. I still refer to this site, read from Adam's book, look at related videos, and learn from those who are part of this site. This surgery has changed me, given me an appreciation for others, and made me realize what a wonderful gift life is! Thanks for all associated with this site. Have trust in yourself, learn and advocate for you and your family. Thank those in your support network, and if you feel afraid trust in your higher power, and know that the road ahead will make you stronger, allow you to be a better parent, partner and friend, and know that the change will be for the better. For those who helped me through my fears, thank you from my healthy heart. For those who will be facing this challenge, prayers for strength and healing. Well, it's nearly time for my swim. God Bless you all. Terry

It seems like yesterday that I woke at 4 AM on May 14th and headed out to UW Hospitals and Clinics to have my mitral valve repaired. The fear, uncertainty and worry about what was ahead of me. I remember coming out of surgery, staying for 4 days in the hospital, my first days at home, dealing with meds, issues, visits to my surgeon and cardiologist, as well as my PCP. Struggles to be positive, dealing with pain, sleepless nights, blood testing, pushing myself physically and emotionally. I remember going for a walk one week after coming home and not being able to finish a block. Going to my favorite coffee shop and having to leave because of anxiety and noise. Gradually I began to develop a sense of strength through God, my friends and family. Overcoming self doubt and demonstrating to myself the importance of consistently working to become healthy again. Relying on my wonderful son to help me through this even though he was unaware of the incredible job that he was doing and providing my with the help that I needed. I have always been very active. I started walks, then going to the YMCA on the stationary bike, lifting weights, swimming, attending cardiac rehab through my hospital. Taking my BP, worry, changing my eating habits, trying to be positive during times of doubt, beginning again to connect with friends who I didn't see for a long time. Yesterday, October 1st, about three months after my surgery I attended my last session of cardiac rehab. My therapist thinks I'm doing very well. I walk for an hour three times a week, I swim 3/4 mile five times a week, lift weights twice a week, do yoga five days in the morning first thing, bike 10--15 miles three days a week, yet still I worry, still have doubts. This tells my that I need my faith, so I've began to attend church more regularly and again teach Sunday school. I've decided that soon I will do substitute teaching at my high school, as I retired a little more than one year ago. There are times where I feel pains, where I worry where I become negative and wonder why have I had to endure this because I love life. I love my son and my friends. I see others who are older and not in as good of shape as I am, yet they go on without a hitch. Guess what!! It's time to stop the worry, to stop caring about things that I cannot control. It's time to begin to start living my life, enjoying all of it, put trust in God, and take it one day at a time, one moment at a time! I am grateful for this opportunity to become a better person, grateful for my son, my family, my faith, and for this community where I can express my feelings and be understood, be supported, and give support. Thank you all!!!!