Mended Hearts Open Forum

Dear Trey,

Thank you for sharing your emotions about the upcoming heart procedures. I could write a book titled "The Man Who Mastered Fear." However, just when I feel I've conquered fear, an irregular heartbeat reminds me to work towards returning to a peaceful state of mind. If I had a dollar for every time I died in my head, I would be a millionaire.

I had my first surgery at 24, advised urgently after a catheterization that open heart surgery was necessary. Now at 60, I've undergone three open heart surgeries, each time replacing a worn-out aortic valve. The collection of five worn-out pacemakers and new wires in my chest stands as a testament to enduring numerous recoveries, sometimes feeling like I didn't want to recover anymore.

Thank goodness for the few people who have helped me navigate through those dark times. I wish the medical community emphasized building a strong support system, recognizing that the mental health aspect of recovery can be tougher than the surgery itself. Fortunately, times have changed, with increased attention and research on pre-post open heart depression and anxiety.

I engage in activities like reading, praying, meditating, and helping others, like writing this letter to you. Instead of asking myself 'why,' I now ask 'what do I need.' I hope you find something useful in this message. I'll leave you with the words of my spiritual mentor: "Do not be mad about the peace you do not have from the work you are not doing." It works, brother!

Thanks for reaching out and sharing your story. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Trey,

Thank you for sharing your emotions about the upcoming heart procedures. I could write a book titled "The Man Who Mastered Fear." However, just when I feel I've conquered fear, an irregular heartbeat reminds me to work towards returning to a peaceful state of mind. If I had a dollar for every time I died in my head, I would be a millionaire.

I had my first surgery at 24, advised urgently after a catheterization that open heart surgery was necessary. Now at 60, I've undergone three open heart surgeries, each time replacing a worn-out aortic valve. The collection of five worn-out pacemakers and new wires in my chest stands as a testament to enduring numerous recoveries, sometimes feeling like I didn't want to recover anymore.

Thank goodness for the few people who have helped me navigate through those dark times. I wish the medical community emphasized building a strong support system, recognizing that the mental health aspect of recovery can be tougher than the surgery itself. Fortunately, times have changed, with increased attention and research on pre-post open heart depression and anxiety.

I engage in activities like reading, praying, meditating, and helping others, like writing this letter to you. Instead of asking myself 'why,' I now ask 'what do I need.' I hope you find something useful in this message. I'll leave you with the words of my spiritual mentor: "Do not be mad about the peace you do not have from the work you are not doing." It works, brother!

Thanks for reaching out and sharing your story. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Victor,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my gratitude for the TAVR suggestion. It has been a long wait for advancements in this surgery, and I am eager to explore the possibility.

My last surgery was in 2015, and at that time, I was informed that I wasn't eligible for TAVR. I am considering reaching out to my cardiologist to inquire again, as I understand that medical criteria may evolve over the years. I am particularly curious if changes in my cartilage from previous surgeries might affect my eligibility.

Considering my age, I opted for a prosthetic valve in my first surgery, aligning with the lifestyle I was leading. I was advised that once a prosthetic valve is in place, it might be challenging to switch to a mechanical one. Could you please confirm if the Edwards valve is mechanical? I've had experiences with a pig and two bovine valves, with the latter lasting a year longer than the former.

I appreciate your insights on this matter and look forward to any guidance you can provide.

Dear Trey,

Thank you for sharing your emotions about the upcoming heart procedures. I could write a book titled "The Man Who Mastered Fear." However, just when I feel I've conquered fear, an irregular heartbeat reminds me to work towards returning to a peaceful state of mind. If I had a dollar for every time I died in my head, I would be a millionaire.

I had my first surgery at 24, advised urgently after a catheterization that open heart surgery was necessary. Now at 60, I've undergone three open heart surgeries, each time replacing a worn-out aortic valve. The collection of five worn-out pacemakers and new wires in my chest stands as a testament to enduring numerous recoveries, sometimes feeling like I didn't want to recover anymore.

Thank goodness for the few people who have helped me navigate through those dark times. I wish the medical community emphasized building a strong support system, recognizing that the mental health aspect of recovery can be tougher than the surgery itself. Fortunately, times have changed, with increased attention and research on pre-post open heart depression and anxiety.

I engage in activities like reading, praying, meditating, and helping others, like writing this letter to you. Instead of asking myself 'why,' I now ask 'what do I need.' I hope you find something useful in this message. I'll leave you with the words of my spiritual mentor: "Do not be mad about the peace you do not have from the work you are not doing." It works, brother!

Thanks for reaching out and sharing your story. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Trey,

Thank you for sharing your emotions about the upcoming heart procedures. I could write a book titled "The Man Who Mastered Fear." However, just when I feel I've conquered fear, an irregular heartbeat reminds me to work towards returning to a peaceful state of mind. If I had a dollar for every time I died in my head, I would be a millionaire.

I had my first surgery at 24, advised urgently after a catheterization that open heart surgery was necessary. Now at 60, I've undergone three open heart surgeries, each time replacing a worn-out aortic valve. The collection of five worn-out pacemakers and new wires in my chest stands as a testament to enduring numerous recoveries, sometimes feeling like I didn't want to recover anymore.

Thank goodness for the few people who have helped me navigate through those dark times. I wish the medical community emphasized building a strong support system, recognizing that the mental health aspect of recovery can be tougher than the surgery itself. Fortunately, times have changed, with increased attention and research on pre-post open heart depression and anxiety.

I engage in activities like reading, praying, meditating, and helping others, like writing this letter to you. Instead of asking myself 'why,' I now ask 'what do I need.' I hope you find something useful in this message. I'll leave you with the words of my spiritual mentor: "Do not be mad about the peace you do not have from the work you are not doing." It works, brother!

Thanks for reaching out and sharing your story. You're in my thoughts and prayers.