Life is Full Of Surprises!

[ny biker]

This is good to hear, thank you. I have a niece who is only 4 years younger than I am and her husband and I are the same age, he had 4 way bypass (at way too young of an age!) in December and was back with his golf league this summer. The surgeries aren't the same but both are open heart so he will be giving me pointers along the way.

A few months ago my 53 year old cousin had a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery. I just saw him this weekend and he's doing great. Daily walks and bike rides have been an important part of his recovery.

Best of luck with your surgery.

[AppleTree]

Good luck Bikewriter! Let us know how you are recovering... meanwhile you can dream bike dreams till you are back in the saddle...

[Bike Writer]

A few months ago my 53 year old cousin had a heart attack and quadruple bypass surgery. I just saw him this weekend and he's doing great. Daily walks and bike rides have been an important part of his recovery.

Best of luck with your surgery.

Thanks NY Biker! Another young'un. Modern medicine is a wonderful thing!

[Bike Writer]

On Thursday I met the heart surgeon. I like and him and have confidence in him. I'll have a cardiac catheterization on this coming Thursday followed by valve replacement surgery the following week. There are three different options for the valve and he went over all the pros and cons of each one. It's my decision but also dependant on the circumstances they will find when they get in there so he advised to have a backup choice.

This is big and scary and I find in the last two days I can burst into tears for no apparent reason and it can stop as suddenly as it comes on. I have my faith and a strong relationship with my creator and that sustains me. The support of family and friends and online friends too adds to my comfort.

Thank you all.

Now I know why no matter how much I practiced hills there were some I just could not conquer. Next year I'll be climbing them all!

[redrhodie]

I know how scary this is, but I wanted to let you know that my dad had a cardiac cath many years ago, and he was like a new man afterword. He had become really grumpy and ill tempered over the years, which must have been caused by the heart problem, because after the surgery, he got his joy of life back, and was a real sweetheart from then on.

Big hugs to you. I know you're going to make it up those hills!

[malkin]

I was pretty terrified for my 'non-surgical invasive cardiac procedure.'
I'm glad you have a good support system and that you like your doc.

Keep your eyes on the prize of pushing up those hills (and all the rest of the good stuff).

[Crankin]

Yep, my DH was out riding 5 days after having angioplasty and 2 stents put in. Probably not what most people would (or could) do, but he hasn't stopped since.

[Amira]

Now I know why no matter how much I practiced hills there were some I just could not conquer. Next year I'll be climbing them all!

No doubt! SO glad you caught this before the knee procedure. Things do seem to come all at once, but it sounds like you have a great support system to help you get through to recover and being back on your bike.

Thinking good thoughts for you this week!

[girlontheroad]

Wow! I agree, waiting is the worst. Just had a cancer scare that turned out to be negative but the week before while waiting for the surgery was the worst of it. Trusting your dr. is huge--glad you have on you can have confidence in. Best of luck and lots of good thoughts coming your way!

[hebe]

I'll be thinking of you, and of all those hills with your name on. I can see why you'd be nervous about it, it's a big deal after all and I'm sure a few tears are absolutely normal. How long will you be in hospital for?

[ZenBiker]

Hang in there Bike Writer. I had my aortic valve replaced a few years ago (when I was 49) and it's amazing how much better you feel when everything is working like it should! I went with a porcine valve because of the Coumadin issue, fwiw.

[Bike Writer]

Wow Muriene, your dad is a rare individual! When I had the restaurant I had a chef who was also your dad's age and he built a second home up north by himself. However that was NOT after just having major cardiac surgery!

Craknin your DH sounds like one determined man!

Redrhodie, that's not something I've ever thought of, however chronic pain can do that to people, I'm glad he's enjoying a much better quality of life.

Zen Biker, it's encouraging to hear your story. I'm delighted you've had that much success.

Hebe, Thursday I'll be going in for the day but they said to pack a bag in case I have to stay overnight. Next Friday is the big day for the valve replacement, Oct 5.

Thanks to all for your encouraging stories and well wishes.

[Bike Writer]

That cath went great yesterday! Yay! No blocked arteries, this means that next week the surgeon will have the valve replacement to be concerned with only and won't be doing any bypasses. Since they used an artery in my wrist and not my groin I even went on a short bike ride today about town. It was homecoming parade today and I rode my bike to the bank since the streets were closed off, anyway, that was my excuse to get out for a ride.

Next Friday is the big day and I'm 100% certain I won't be riding a bike the next day.

[Melalvai]

I know losing the election was pretty upsetting, but do you think to yourself "I'm glad I don't have to worry about city council stuff with all this going on" sometimes?

[Bike Writer]

I know losing the election was pretty upsetting, but do you think to yourself "I'm glad I don't have to worry about city council stuff with all this going on" sometimes?

Oh yeah I do! Some things are blessings in disguise.