1 year and counting!!!

[RickKiem]

Yesterday was officially one year post op for me..... I must say it was a little bit more emotional for me than I expected. I was traveling for business and just could not get into what I was doing. One year.... Wow! Time really does heal all wounds. Even big ones like most of us have experienced.

I am looking forward to my next visit to the Cardio (in a couple of weeks) as I will be doing my first stress test since the surgery. I am going back to my refering Cardiologist for the first time since my surgery also. I had been seeing one who had cared for me post op and I just really like my old one better. I am anxious to hear what he has to say about my recovery.

For those who have recently had their surgery or those whose surgery is getting close, I want you to know that even though I had many ups and downs both physically and emotionally, Life is so much better now that this is behind me. I no longer have to carry the burden of worry that, things might be getting worse, am I making a mistake by waiting to get the enevitable (surgery) done?, Should I be lifting this?, Am I going to see my Kids grow up?, am I going to see my wife grow old?,....... I don't have to do that any more! Like my Doctor said...... "I AM FIXED!, NO MORE HEART PROBLEMS!"
Sure I have to take my medicine and understand my limitations, but that all seems so petty. Life is so much better now. I think I may have already said that but you know what, I am going to say it one more time!

"LIFE IS SO MUCH BETTER NOW"

I can wait to be telling each of you about year #2.
Thanks as always for everyones help both before and after my sugery!

Rick

[catwoman]

Rick:

Congratulations!!! Doesn't it feel wonderful to hit that first anniversary?
Am sure you'll have many, many more...

[Christina L]

Congratulations Rick! Here's to many more happy and healthy anniversaries!

Christina L.

[Ross]

And I was afraid your inner tube was going to blow before you got in there to get fixed! Thank God you did when you did.

Congratulations on the one year mark. May you have a whole lot more to celebrate in the future.

[doberman]

We all like to hear the success stories, that is great Rick. When I was first diagnosed (with my leaky valve) I found this site by accident and was so very relieved toread postings like yours. I'll be watching for your posting next year.
Best JD

[bvdr]

Congratulations, Rick! I had my one year anniversary in August and know how good it feels to have that first year behind you. I felt a little more emotional than I expected too. It was a time of reflection and speculation and of course gratitude. I'm glad you are doing so well. I hope your check up goes well and you share your results with us.

[tommy]

Way to go Rick! Thanks for sharing your joy and encouragement for others.

[geebee]

Congratulations Rick. Anniversaries are so exciting because they keep reminding us how lucky we are and what we have faced. I have had 24 anniversaries for one valve and 10 for the second. Each one is so very precious.
I hope to still be here when you post regarding your 24th anniversary!
Smiles, :)
Gina

[Glenda]

Rick, what a great post! Congratulations and may you have many, many more years.

[Gemma]

Hi Rick,
It's so good to hear you're doing so well. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary :D .
Gemma.

[Karlynn]

Congratulations Rick! I can't believe it's been a year for you. May life continue to be wonderful.

[KathyH]

Congratulations Rick! I remember reading your posts while I was in limbo what to do, my cardio wanted me to wait and the surgeon said do it now. Your posts were very helpful to me. I'm glad you are feeling so great now. I still can't get over how good I feel at 7 months post. Take care
Kathy H

[Sherry]

Congratulations, Rick. It's so nice to chalk off those anniversaries, isn't it?

[Heather Fisher]

Congrats, I remember when you were first going through all of this. I had my first year anniversary the end of July and a big check-up in Sept. All is well here too. Best wishes for continued great years!!!

Heather