10-07-09 update - Still alive!

Haven't updated in forever. I went to see the cardiologist on September 25. Due to several weird occurrences, this was the first time I had seen him since my surgery.

My cardiologist walked in greeted and said, "How are you feeling?" I told him I feel great since the surgery -- no shortness of breath, no palpitations, no burning lungs when I walk up stairs or run. He said, "You gave me a lot of gray hairs." Evidently, my situation was worse than I knew at the time. If I had not had my surgery, I could have had a sudden cardiac event and died -- at just about any time! I knew my mitral valve was sticking to my septal obstruction and closing poorly. What I did not know was that it was basically not closing from time to time. My left ventricle was working, maybe, half as effectively as it should. After my examination, Dr. M gave me the all clear. I can exercise (more than just walking) again!

Since the surgery and recovery, I feel much better. I can exercise again. My heart can take it. I just have to get my muscles back. After about 7 months of reduced activity, my muscle tone has been lost quite a bit. I can walk or, even, jog fine as far as my heart is concerned. My muscles tell another story. Trying to get back into an exercise routine has been fraught with soreness and pulled muscles. I have to get the weight off that I gained since the diagnosis and surgery (about 10 lbs) plus the weight I was trying to lose in the first place (another 10 lbs). Since getting the clear, I've lost a couple lbs but their is much work to do. Luckily, the weather is turning cooler.