Friday, November 13, 2015

One Year Ago Tomorrow.....

This man held my heart in his hands, and fixed my mitral valve, which was leaking. I will be forever in his debt - as I will my then cardiologist, Sumeet Subharwal, MD. Due to their care and concern, I am healthy and able to live my life as I should.  Sadly, Dr. Subherwal has moved to the West Coast, and Raleigh's loss is your gain.  

I cannot fathom the depth of knowledge and bravery it takes to cut a person's chest open and remove their heart; place them on a heart/lung machine and know what to do to repair a leaky valve. I do know I could never do it, and I am eternally grateful to those who do. 

Thanks to you both; Dr. Boulton and Dr. Subherwal for your expertise.  It was a long, difficult year. It took five months for me to feel "normal" again, and for the soreness to abate. But the opportunity to breathe freely, without gasping is worth it. I completed the cardiac rehab classes offered by my hospital  (Wake Medical Center) and I credit them with helping me get back to my normal - and on to getting better than that. I am continuing my exercise there and am grateful for that opportunity and for the help of the nurses and physical therapists on staff. 

If you are a candidate for heart surgery, I urge you to proceed without fear, as the outcome is worth it. 

11 comments:

LL Cool Joe said...

I think doctors are amazing. Saving peoples lives every day must be an incredible feeling, but also very scary. I'm glad your operation was such a success.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful update on the anniversary of your surgery. I am so glad that it worked out as well as it did.

Loren said...

Wow, it's hard to believe that your surgery was a year ago. It seems like yesterday. Affirming to hear how well you've done since.

rosemary said...

WHOOT, JUDY! A year....went by fast! Glad you are a better you, although the old one was pretty spectacular.

Diane Dahli said...

So glad your operation was a success, and that you are healthy now. Good medical care is a miracle! Happy blogging for many years...

Pat said...

It's not just down to the nurses and medics. Such super results are
only possible with total committment from the patient. That's you Judy. Well done!

Granny Annie said...

How nice of you to credit your doctors. How wonderful that they knew what they were doing. We could not do without you Judy! My surgeries and medial experiences this past year pale in comparison but I know what you mean about the medical skills we might take for granted.

Celia said...

Good job by your medical staff and you. Here's to many wonderful years ahead and sharing them with us.

Ginnie said...

I say ditto, Judy. My oldest boy had a quadruple bypass in June and he has a new life ahead of him. So glad you are doing well.

sage said...

Glad to hear you are doing well, I know it was a long time coming.

Star said...

Such a good post. It doesn't hurt that you are a strong woman with a positive outlook.