Free n' Clear-Ready to Roll-

Most of you know that I am an Open Heart Surgery Survivor.  But for those who do not know the story I will keep it short.

The Story-  

In January of 2007 I went in to have a Echo cardiogram on my heart to see why I had a murmur.  They found out I had a bicuspid Aorta Valve and it the Aorta "hose" was dilated three times it size in one spot.  I was born with a birth defect hidden deep inside and a real killer.  Your Aorta Valve is normally tricuspid.  So, I am in the hospital for my first major surgery-EVER-scheduled for the 25th of January 2007.  The Thoracic Surgeon postponed until the 26th to have a rested crew and I was to be the first in and out of the "OR". 

Surgery-

It is a real "hellacious" surgery, but has its merits as they can turn your heart off and put you on a machine while they repair areas and change the valves.  They get your body really cold and then the pit crew comes and and away they go.  As my Mother said (she was a Nurse), "they are going to crack you open like a Lobster!"  Dealt with her usual no "messing around" tone and the dose of tough love I have grown to respect.

Recovery-

Not wished on Anyone.  It is ever so tough and consuming.  Stay germ free and incident free and you are golden, but ever so tired.  You think going all out at a CX race is tough.  Well think about me getting tired just talking on the phone for 5 minutes-TIRED!  So when I am at the finish line of a race and everyone is maxed out-I am thinking, this is not so bad.  But then again I made a deal with Dr. Franklin-Stein my Cardiologist to manage my heart rate and keep it under 170 for a long period of time, I am not going to win any races.  Oh and don't shovel snow.

So I got my annual CT Scan last week where they inject you with this dye. It gives a very distinct image of the heart as it courses through your veins like a very warm rush.  It is surprising how you feel warmth in areas that are extreme. You are on a bed/pallet that is slid through a machine like a Donut.  And they take images of your chest.   This, I will do for the remainder of my life along with taking "rat poison"-Coumadin-to thin my blood for easy passage through my metal Aorta valve.  Think about it, your heart never stops working unless it is time to roll on to the next stage.

I got a call today from the Thoracic Surgeon's office and I am good to go for another year.  Hallelujah, 8 years and rolling!  I fret over this until I get the news; I cannot bear the thought of a problem inside that needs to be repaired or replaced.  And to stare down the mental and emotional prep of another surgery and slow recovery, exhausting to think about.  

I am sure Cancer patients, after they have kicked that disease in the face go through the same process as me.  It is a head game that makes you uncomfortable, as you want to be well and free, no worries no challenges to overcome.  Living Scan to Scan is not a life, but it is a necessity for some-I know by experience.

So God has blessed me again this 8th anniversary and I am truly thankful that I can continue to spend my time with my lovely Wife and my little friend-the Pupperooni.  Oh yes and my friends, don't forget them.  

So I am cleared to train and race.  If you see me at a race or ride, you know my story.  I might not be the fastest.  I might not have tons of power.  But I got a lot of heart.