12/12 Run

Went for another run tonight. Got to about the two mile mark and had to start walking as my knee was really hurting. I have a theory as to why so we'll see.

On another note, I am starting P90X again tomorrow. Finally made up my mind to stop beating around the bush and decide, commit and succeed.

I'll keep updates coming as I progress.

Have a good night.

No music tonight

I didn't really feel like running tonight but did anyway. Even told Ami when I left that I was probably only going to do a mile or so. My iPod had died so I thought I might get bored running without music, just wasn't very motivated.

I got out on the road and it was tough. At about the 1.5 mile point I thought about heading home but a thought hit me, I was running when I could very easily be doing nothing at all. He has given me a gift, a second chance. So, I kept going. The thoughts about what I have gone through and how much I have been held back gave me the motivation to keep going. So I was tired, my feet hurt and my legs burned, so what, I kept going. You know why? Because I can.

Sometimes His messages are subtle and come over time like the ones we got last year and sometimes they are very direct like the one we got yesterday but you have to be willing to listen. Tonight I got another one, just keep going. Keep going because He sacrificed so you could. All things are possible through Christ, say your prayer and go. When it gets even tougher say another one and push on through until you hit your goal, whatever it is.

I made my goal tonight, I hit three miles. I kept going.

11/16 Run

Well, there you go, three miles in the books; 3.2 to be exact. Feels good to get that mile stone out of the way.

Not too sore from last night's workout either. My chest isn't as sore as I thought it would be. I'll have to look at the book and see which one I'm going to do tomorrow night, maybe legs and back.

Have a good night.

First good lift

Did my first resistance training DVD of P90X since before my surgery today. Just did arms and shoulders but I can tell my chest will be sore tomorrow. I am looking forward to the soreness in my arms and shoulders but I'm a little wary of the chest soreness. We'll see.

However it is, it won't keep my from three miles tomorrow evening.

Have a good night.

so close......

Well, it turns out that the route I have been running wasn't quite three miles, more like 2.7. So tonight I set out with the goal to hit three. I decided to go a different route that I thought would extend the run to three miles. I felt great, didn't really get winded at all and went what I though was three miles. When I got home I mapped the run and guess what.... I went 2.7 miles! AGHHHH

So I have now mapped a three mile run and will do it on Wednesday, may even go farther to spite that 2.7.

Extended my run tonight.....

Ran what I think is three miles tonight. I'll do that distance for the next two weeks and then bump it up to three and a half miles. Gotta get ready for the Warrior Dash.

Got good news today

Had my six month checkup today. Everything was sounding good to Dr. Mitschke but he wanted to do an echo to make sure. The echo showed us that the valve is doing great and my heart is actually beginning to return to it's normal size. The pressure the leak was putting on it had caused it to start enlarging which is what prompted the surgery. The fact that it is returning to form is very encouraging and means I am well on my way to a full recovery.

We have the six month check up with my blood doctor on Friday. Praying for good news from him too.

No running for me tonight as I am under the weather a bid with sinuses acting up.

Have a good night.

Run 2

Got over my lazy moment tonight and ran again. Felt great, another 2.5 miles behind me and many more in front. Realized that I can only use the "tired from the surgery" excuse for so long and figured now is as good a time as any to put it to bed.

One big difference I did notice is that my muscles are sore to the point that I know they're still there but not so sore that I can't use them. That is how it used to be and now is the first time I have done enough to notice the difference. It feels great, so good I am going to keep them sore until they stop on their own.

I'll probably take a running break tomorrow night to stretch and do some core work and start up again Friday evening.

Have a good night.

Up and running

Now that I have a goal in sight to prepare for I got up and ran tonight. Didn't know how far I was going to go, just went. 2.5 miles later I got home. I probably could have gone further but I really wanted to be able to get up in the morning, I'm not that far along yet. I am blown away at how easy it came compared to how it was a year ago.

You people have had it easy ;).

Watch out, I'm on your heels.

Testimony

God has revealed himself to me in the most unexpected, if not strangest ways. Not even a year ago things were going very smooth in my life. I had a good job, a great family, loving and supporting wife and two boys that I could not love more. We were on cruise control, just living life. We went to church regularly, well I went to church and Ami went to teach Sunday school. Looking back now I see that we had been taking for granted the things that God had given us. We had strayed from his plan and from Him. When He had had enough we found ourselves in very unfamiliar territory.

It was October 26, 2010; I was on a job site when I got a phone call from the office. My boss wanted to meet with me. I had a bad feeling because I could think of nothing that he would have to speak with me about at 2:00pm on a Tuesday. Sure enough, I walk in and walkout jobless for the first time in my adult life. Confident in my abilities, education and work ethic, I told Ami not to worry, I would have a job in two weeks or less. God was trying to reach me but I was not paying attention.

A month went by and I was exactly where I was when I left that final day of work. No job and no prospects had me a little nervous. I had my yearly checkup with my cardiologist at the end of November. I had been feeling tired and sore but just chalked it up to the stress of the job hunt. That’s when my doctor informed me that my aortic valve was deteriorating and I needed to follow up in three months. Once again God was reaching out but still I was not paying attention.

Those three months went with very little action on the job front and my physical condition was worsening. On March 7, 2011 we got the news. I needed surgery, open heart mind you, and I needed it now. God now had my attention. The surgery was scheduled for Monday, March 28. We prayed and prepared and were ready for the surgery. Just at that point of acceptance for my current situation we were told that the date was too soon and needed to be pushed back. I cannot tell you how that felt. To ready myself for such a dangerous and life altering event, only to have it moved two days before. I felt emptiness, what was going on? Again I prayed, asking why, when and for comfort but still God was not satisfied.

The date was pushed to April 8, 2011. Once again we prepared the house, kids, family and each other for the surgery. Pre-admission was on the fifth. The next day we got a call that there were some questions about my blood work and the date had to be pushed again so I could see a hematologist. “REALLY?” I remember asking God, “what is the point of this, why do I have to wait again?”

That night I did something that I had not done in a very long time, I got down on my knees and laid it all at Gods mercy. I had met with Reverend Brimmage and we spoke about letting God handle everything. “Give it all to God, “ he had told me, “He can handle it.” So I did, I knelt down and not only did I ask for God to relieve me of my burdens but I asked Him to come back into my life, to do with me what He may and to live in my heart again. Do you know what happened then? He did.

The blood work got worked out and the hematologist told me on April 15 that I was cleared to have the surgery. By this time the job hunt had slowed, though I was still applying for everything under the sun with very little luck. We called the surgeon to let them know and they were to call me back with a date. “May 10” I remember hearing, another three weeks. I don’t know if Ami could tell but that broke me, I was exhausted mentally, physically and spiritually. My body was breaking down, my mind was weary from the job search and worry and though I had found a new relationship with God, I did not know what to make of this. How much more could I handle?  Again, I got down on my knees and prayed; I knew God was there and listening. I hoped He had a plan but still could not see what it was.

We were to hear back from the surgeon that day to see if they could move the date up. I told the nurse that I didn’t think I could make it another three weeks. My body was sore and my whole life was in neutral because of my condition. Even if offered a job I probably could not perform well enough to accept it. God was listening and He knew what was needed. We got the call back; “April 19” was the date she told me. Just four days away but we were ready.

That night I once again found myself kneeling at God’s feet, asking Him to guide my family and I though the trying times that lay ahead of us. I asked for strength and patience for Ami and protection and understanding for the boys. For myself I just asked for God to do what He thought was right for me. I wanted to return to my family and see my boys grow up. I asked that He allow me to do so but knew, in the end, that it was His decision and He would do what was right. This was a very difficult thing for me to do, to totally put myself at His mercy, in His hands and just be, be in the presence of God. I prayed every night, giving Him my concerns and asking for Him to relieve me of my burdens. And He did, I could feel it. On my knees, asking for Him to lift them from me, I could feel the pressure being lifted and peace was left.

The morning of the surgery was a blur. We had to be there at 5:30 in the morning and had about 10 family members to get there with us. Ami had asked a friend to watch the boys while she was gone so that was covered. I kissed them goodbye and took the longest walk out of their bedroom I have every experienced. There was a possibility that would be the last time I ever saw them. Another prayer as we left helped comfort me.

The next couple of hours were a rush of gowns, needles, razors and tests. Then finally it was time to end this journey. My family came in two at a time to say goodbye. Reverend Brimmage said a prayer with us then one last hug and kiss with Ami and off I went. I remember thinking of my family as I was rolled to the operating room, a slight smile came to my face before we got there, just thinking of the fun times we had. I was anxious but not afraid, I was in good hands. One of two things was going to happen, I would wake up in a room surrounded by my family and Ami holding my hand or I would wake up in the presence of the Lord. How could I be afraid when I ended up in heaven either way?

God’s plan for us is not without its hardships and difficulties. We do not always see it until we have lived through it. We saw His plan after the surgery. The surgeon came out to my family to let them know that everything went well. Afterwards he showed them a picture of the valve that he had replaced. It was much worse that anyone had ever imagined. It was calcified, flimsy and full of holes. He even told them that he didn’t know how I even became a fully functioning adult. After I heard that it all fell into place. Getting laid off and not being able to find a job were gifts. I probably would not be here had that not happened. Getting to spend all of that time with my family was a gift because for two to three months after the surgery I was confined to a chair. The setbacks in the scheduling and extra tests and trials brought me closer to Him and helped restore a bigger and better relationship with Him. It was all part of a plan to get me where He wanted me to go and to get me back on track with Him.

I realized that God forges relationships with us through hardships and suffering. Not because he wants to but because we are so busy and self involved that we will not listen any other way. Would I have formed my new relationship with God had it not been for all of this? Unfortunately the answer is probably no. He wants a relationship with us, with you. If you will not begin one on your own, I promise you He will do something to get your attention.

After all of this I was almost immediately offered a great career opportunity with a large stable company and was able to start after I was fully healed. Ami and I often say that if we were to draw these events it would look like a map, a plan. Even to this day the plan is unfolding in front of us and because of everything that happened not only do we see the plan but we trust in it, in Him. We will go where He leads us, praying for answers but trusting in His guidance.

God Bless.

Sunday May 29

Well, we are coming up on six weeks post surgery. I am feeling really good and the soreness now comes and goes depending on my activity level day to day. I just need to get more and better sleep so tonight I am going to try and sleep in my own bed for the first time. Hopefully it works out and I don't feel too bad in the morning. I'll let you know what happens.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend and remember what today is all about.

God bless

Tuesday 5/17

Sorry for the gap in posts, it has been busy around here lately.

Today marks the one month mark since my surgery. I am feeling better and better everyday and my good days outnumber my bad ones. May pain level is subsiding and I will probably switch from prescription pain medication to over the counter this week. Still can't drive, lift anything heavy or open heavy doors but that will all come with time.

I am still walking everyday and will jump up to three miles today if I can get out and started before the mosquitos start biting. I feel great when I walk and I am starting to notice a huge difference in my body's reaction to physical exertion. 

Thanks go to Grandpa Gary for coming down last week and helping around the house and with the boys. I know it helped Ami out a lot and it was nice having some company during the day.

Still on the job hunt but have a few things brewing. I also have a few of my own things floating around as well. I'm just waiting to see what drops first.

I will try to update more often. Have a good day.

Thursday 5/5

A small bit of advice to anyone having any type of surgery in the future, stay on top of the amount of pain killers you have. I ran out last night at about 8pm and went without until just a few minutes ago. Does not make for a very good morning. Thanks go to Mom for taking me to the pharmacy to get the prescription filled.

Other than that I am feeling ok. Really sore, probably because of the walking I am doing now. I walked about a mile yesterday because I think the two miles the day before may have been too much.

I have another job interview tomorrow and I am waiting to hear back from Leslie's on the next move in the hiring process. I'll keep you posted.

Have a good day.

Tuesday 5/3: Two weeks post surgery

The appointment with my cardiologist went well today. Everything is still looking and sounding good. I asked him about the cardiac rehab and he said that I really didn't need to do it. He agreed with me that it is more for people who have a hard time getting up and moving. I asked him what I should do and he said "walk". He said to start at about a mile and work my way up from there. So tonight I went walking and ended up walking about two miles. It felt really good getting some exercise finally. I'll do the same tomorrow and just work my way up.

Everything was fine until I got home. I was trying to get the boys in the bathtub when Nathan fell off of the stool we have in front of the sink and I had to catch him. OUCH! I have to stop getting in those positions but I can't just let him fall.

I have a phone interview tomorrow with Leslie's Pool Supplies. Hoping it goes well.

I'll update as more information comes in.

Have a good night.

Monday 5/2

The cardiac rehab appointment went well today. I am not sure if I am going to participate in the program though. It seems to be more for older people and those with chronic heart disease that have a hard time getting up and being active. I do not have this problem. Tomorrow when I meet my cardiologist I am going to ask him what he thinks and if he can just write me a program to do at home.

I also had a job interview today that went pretty well. I hope to hear back from them by the end of the week. I'll keep you posted.

Have a good night.

Sunday 5/1

Today was a rough day. I slept too long last night and didn't take any pain meds until about 7:00 this morning. It made for a sore day but it is getting better now.

Still have the cardiac rehab appointment tomorrow and the cardiologist appointment Tuesday.

I'll update on those as they happen.

Have a good night.

Friday 4/29

Nothing medical to report today. I was feeling good until Nathan accidentally hit me in the chest with his head. That hurt a bit. Took a long nap this afternoon, I was real low on energy.

I have an appointment on Monday with the cardiac rehab people. Just a consultation to see if I will need it. I can probably do it all at home but we'll see. I also have to get my blood tested on Monday for my Coumadin level. It is coming up very slowly which stinks because the longer it takes to come up the more I get stuck with needles.

I'll update Monday unless something happens over the weekend.

Have a good night.

Thursday 4/28

Had the follow up with Dr. Macris (surgeon) today. Everything is looking and sounding good. I may start cardio rehab in the next few weeks, we'll see if I need to or not. I will probably attend two or three sessions to see how I am doing. If I do well I may just rehab at home.

The incision site is looking really good and is even disappearing. Once the scab is gone it will be very faint and not visible unless you know it is there.

I still lack energy and fade very quickly when trying to be active. Can't wait until I am over this and able to be really active again.

I see my cardiologist next week for a follow up with him. I'll let you know what he has to say.

Have a good night.

Wednesday 4/27

Had to go get more blood drawn today to test the Coumadin levels in my blood. Haven't heard back on the results yet but it doesn't really matter,  have to take it anyway. I go see Dr. Macris (surgeon) tomorrow for my follow up. Everything looks good to me but we'll see what he has to say.

I am ok as long as I stay on top of the pain.

Thanks go to Ami and Mimi for driving me around everywhere.

I'll update tomorrow after I meet with Dr. Macris.

Have a good night.

Monday 4/25 Home at last

Yup, I got to come home today. We spent the majority of the day in the hospital but just as I was ordering my dinner my cardiologist came in and said I could get ready to go. They took the IV out of my hand, got the paperwork ready and after dinner we got out of there.

It feels really good to be home but we have to remember that this is just step 5 of 1000 to recovery. Thank you to everyone for the encouraging remarks.

I'm going to keep this thing going so be sure to check in for updates to steps 6-1000.

Have a good night.

Sunday 4/24

Well, didn't get to go home today. I was told the doctor was going to come by and let me know what was going on and if I was going home. Funny thing though, the doctor never showed up. So I'll stay again tonight and start my sixth day post surgery in the hospital.

Physically I am feeling ok, I just have to make sure I stay on top of the pain. Mentally I am ready to get out of here. I have a pretty good view out of my window and it makes me miss the outdoors. All I have is my room and the floor to move around in.

I'll update tomorrow when I know more.

Have a good night.

Saturday 4/23:updated 8:30pm

Might get to go home tomorrow depending on the Coumadin levels in my blood in the morning. I just finished walking, did eleven laps around the floor. Why eleven? Because I did ten yesterday.

My nurse took off the dressings over my drain tube holes today so I got to shower. When they say holes, they mean holes. They look pretty gross but should heal quickly. I don't think I have gone that long (5 days) without showering, ever. I don't plan on doing it again either. I feel so much better now.

I'll update tomorrow when I know more about everything.

Have a nice night.

Friday 4/22

Just got done doing ten (10) laps around the floor. Felt real good but had to stop because I was sweating and this caused two problems. First, my open wounds started to burn a little and on top of that my halter monitor stickers started falling off. I'll go for another walk here in a while. Every time I came around they asked if I was okay, what they don't know is that if my chest wasn't so sore I'd been jogging around the floor. Probably not a good idea though.

I'm tired now and am going to take a nap. Hoping the Dr. comes by sooner than later so he can clear me to shower.

Have a good day.

Thursday 4/21

Got out of the ICU today and into a regular room. It has a little better atmosphere and a lot more room to walk. I did about three laps earlier with Ami, Erin and Bobby keeping me company. So if you have some time, swing by and join me. I can always use more company.

Not really in much pain now, just took some Vicodin to take the edge off and am saving the good stuff in case I need it tonight. For some reason the really bad pain likes to wait until around 3am to rear it's ugly head. The walking actually made me feel better so I think I'll do more of that tomorrow.

Hoping to be home for Easter and really can't wait to take a shower. I feel pretty gross but at least I got to brush my teeth. Sweating out all of these drugs is not fun but I guess it comes with the territory.

Well, have a good night and like I said, if you have some spare time, don't be a stranger.

The Day After

Grant is officially in recovery. Breathing tube is out and he is able to eat, drink and talk. They say he should be able to move out of ICU and into a regular room by tomorrow, and hopefully, if all goes well, home by Sunday. He dis so amazing and I am so grateful the god has pulled him through. We found out after the surgery that his valve was much worse than expected - and the surgeon was surprised that he was able to go this long without surgery!

So, today is a good day in room 328! Grant is hitting his healing "marks" quicker than they expected. He is young and strong. They keep telling us to watch out, because once he is healed we won't be able to keep up with him!

Grant is even awake and aware enough to conduct some business and use his computer. I am so amazed at his courage, strength, and fortitude.

He is able to have visitors, so if you want and are in the area come by. 3rd floor, in the East Tower at Memorial Herman at Memorial City.

We are off to run an errand for Grant! Will check back in later.

With Love,
The Almquist Family

Today is the day!

It is currently 8:25 on Tuesday and Grant is officially in surgery. We arrived this morning at 5:30. At 6 a.m. they took him to pre-op and got him all ready with his IV lines, hospital gown, cap, etc. About 6:50 we were able to go back into pre-op and wait with him. He seemed calm and ready. Rev. Jerome Brimmage joined us in pre-op for a prayer...I know this helped Grant temendously, to be reminded that we are in God's presence and hands.

They wheeled him to the operating room at 7:30 a.m. after lots of hugs and kisses. Now we wait. The surgery will last 3-4 hours. I will be able to see him after 5-6 hours once he is in ICU/recovery.

I'll keep you posted. Thank you for your thoughts, wishes and prayers.

With Love,
Ami & Family

Monday 4/18: Surgery Time

Surgery tomorrow is scheduled for 7:30am. We have to be there by 5:30am.

If they start at 7:30 I should be in recovery by noon. Ami will be sending update messages to whomever wants to get them so contact her if you want to be on the list.

Have a good evening.

Monday 4/18

Got a call this morning from the hospital asking if I can come in for some more blood work. Just to update their files and get a more recent sample to them, nothing that is going to postpone anything. We are leaving at 1:00 to be there by 1:30. Shouldn't take too long and then we'll be headed home to finish getting everything ready.

We did a lot of yard work today and got the tree trimmed. Ami mowed the yard and put some new dirt in the flower beds (thank you David).

Will update again when we get the time for tomorrow.

Friday 4/15

Got the results from the hematologist and we are good to go. Surgery has been scheduled for this Tuesday, most likely in the morning. I will get the time later today and will update when I do.

The blood work stuff was real confusing so I am not going to try to explain it on here. If you really want to know then call Ami or myself and we can try to explain. Just know that I am ok and the surgery is a go.

Have a good day.

Thursday 4/14

No word from the doctor yesterday. Probably won't know anything until tomorrow now. It is at 9:45 tomorrow morning so check back around noon or so for an update. I'll post it as soon as we get home.

We had our final class in Financial Peace University last night. That 13 weeks went by fast but we got the tools needed to become debt free and we're on our way.

Have a good day.

Tuesday 4/12

Still no word from the doctor. Didn't really expect to hear anything but we are always hoping.

I'll update again tomorrow.

Have a good evening.

Monday 4/11

Nothing to report today. Just bummed that today was the day it was supposed to happen but we're still waiting.

Maybe tomorrow will bring some good news.

Have a good night.

Sunday 4/10

Nothing to really report today. Did some yard work at my parents house with Gavin and David. Felt good to get out and do something but it wiped me out.

Tomorrow starts the countdown to the new information so this week will probably crawl by. Still hoping we can get it done the week of the 18-24. I'll update with the information as soon as I get it.

Have a good night.

Saturday 4/9

Insomnia = no fun. Have not been able to fall asleep for any length of time recently.

Still hoping the blood tests come back early and we can move on with this. I really want to shed this burden.

Have a good night.

Friday 4/8

Okay, the emotional roller coaster continues. Saw the hematologist today and the surgery has been put off at least a week. The doctor needs to take a look at the 18 vials of blood they took today and look at the things that were not normal.

I go back next Friday to get the results and hopefully the go ahead with the surgery. Best case, the hematologist finds out what is wrong, if anything, before Friday and gives the go ahead. Worst case they need to order extra stuff for the operation and that will push the date back further. Hoping it can be scheduled for the week of the 18-22 so I can get all of this behind me.

Keep checking for updates.

Have a good day.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9 

Thursday 4/7

Nothing medically to report today. Still have the hematologist appointment tomorrow morning.

Went to visit Rev. Brimmage again today and we had a nice talk. He has a way of helping to put things into perspective and seeing God's guidance in life. I think him for that.

I am ready to get this behind me so I can come out of the wilderness and start to live my life.

We'll update tomorrow after the appointment and then let you know about the surgery date.

Have a good night.

Update

I have an appointment on Friday to see a Hematologist. Apparently a couple of numbers on my blood tests came back low so they want to cover all the basis. If the tests come back Friday the surgery will still be on Monday, if they don't then the date will have to be pushed back a little (sigh).

Check back daily from here on out to stay on top of this thing.

Have a good day.

Pre-Operation results

We finished up the pre-op procedures around noon today. They drew more blood, took other samples, gave me my breathing apparatus and my antibacterial body wash. We also got a bunch of literature to look over. The good news is that the operation is not going to cost us as much as we thought. It will actually be much less than we anticipated.

Now comes the waiting game. No more visits to the hospital or Dr.'s office, just waiting on Monday. I am already checked in so all we have to do is show up and go in.

We have to be there at 6am and the procedure is scheduled for 8am. When I registered I selected to be listed in the public directory so if you feel the need you can call Memorial Hermann at Memorial City to get updates during the procedure. I should be in recovery by noon on Monday as they say the operation will last anywhere between three and four hours. Of course you can call Ami for updates too.

We'll update again tomorrow. Have a good day.

Thankful for Friends

I just wanted to say thank you to our wonderful family and friends who have given us such support and strength through this journey. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that life is so much easier when you are surrounded by people who love and care for you.

Thank you and God Bless!!

Ami & Grant

Sunday

Had a good day today, didn't really feel any effects from the valve. There was a good message at church today as well as a prayer for me. That gave me some comfort. Reverend Brimmage also loaned me a great book that help put this whole thing in a little perspective. It is called, "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger", by David Gregory. I highly recommend it if you feel lost or apart from God.


If I don't update tomorrow there will be one on Tuesday after the pre-operation appointment.

Have a good night.

Saturday

Nothing new to update really. Tried to play with the boys on their new scooters yesterday and had to stop after about three minutes and sit down. Things like that are why I am excited to have this behind me.

Pre-Operation Procedures

Scheduled the pre-operation procedures for Tuesday, April 5 at 10am. They will be drawing blood, giving instructions and other stuff. I don't know exactly what they will be doing but I'm hoping it isn't too bad. The appointment will last 60 to 90 minutes so they can't do too much. The good thing is that I don't have the fast before the appointment.

I'll let you know more as I know more.

Have a good night.

Updated Surgery date

The date has changed from Wednesday the 6th to Monday the 11th.

Surgery Date

We just got off of the phone with the doctors. The surgery will be this Wednesday, April 6th. Sooner than we thought but we did tell him the sooner the better.

Monday will be full of pre-operative procedures, Tuesday they are giving me a sleeping pill so I don't stay up all night and Wednesday is the big day.

We are excited but scared at the same time. We have faith that the good Lord will keep us safe but a few extra prayers from friends and family probably won't hurt.

I'll keep you posted on any new developments.

Have a good day.

Update

Ok, we met with the surgeon earlier today. There is a lot of information here so try to keep up with me.

First, Ami and I are very comfortable with him and his staff. They did a very good job of explaining everything and easing our anxiety about the whole thing. They explained that a normal aortic valve is about 3cm across. Mine is about .8, which explains my lack of energy, constant fatigue and sore muscles. My body simply just isn't getting the oxygen it needs.

We have decided to go with the mechanical valve over the tissue valve. I had some reservations to this at first but he explained that this will be a lifetime fix. He has done mechanical valves for 30+ years and has not replaced one yet. There is no doubt that a tissue valve would have to be replaced in 20 years or less. I was also hesitant to taking Coumadin for the rest of my life but we went over that as well. It is not going to alter my life or routines much at all. Also, with the size valve I might need there is a chance I won't have to take it anyway, so that was good news.

The surgery will take anywhere from three to four hours and I will be in the hospital for five days after that.  Everyday in the hospital they will be having me do more and more to get my body working again. Visiting hours will be from 9am to 9pm. Should anyone want to come say hi the day after the surgery just get in contact with Ami.

By the time I leave I will be self sufficient enough to do the basic things myself; go to the restroom, shower, change cloths, etc. I will not be able to drive, lift anything or do anything that uses my chest for a month to six weeks. After my breast bone heals I will be able to start getting back into shape, with no restrictions. That is what I am the most excited about. I can't wait to see what it feels like to have a normally functioning heart that is actually supplying my body with the blood and oxygen that it needs.

The date has not been set yet but we should know tomorrow. It will be sometime in April. When the doctor asked when we wanted to do this my answer was as soon as possible, lets just get it over with.  I'll post that information as soon as I get it tomorrow.

As always we appreciate your thoughts and prayers while we push on through this adversity. We will come out the other side better and stronger.

Have a good night.

First Update

Hello everyone,

I created this blog to keep all of our family and close friends updated on the family and my medical issues and not make it available to the world. Facebook is great but I don't really want the world knowing every single detail of what is going on. Please keep the information you read on this blog private unless it is posted otherwise. Thank you for your discretion.

Update: Ami and I go to meet the surgeon today so we can meet him. If we are happy with him and decide to let him be my surgeon we will go over the specifics of the surgery, most importantly the type of valve we are going to request and the date. My fatigue level increases almost daily so we are going to ask for the soonest date possible. We already have a good idea of what we want, just want his opinion too. The appointment is at 2:30 so don't expect another update until this evening.

Thank you to Mom (Mimi) for watching the boys for us this afternoon while we are at the appointment.

I will try to update the blog by 10:00pm daily.

Have a good day.