Normal Life

[mike anthony]

I usually don't share these type of things about my personal life, but as we say; were like family.

The reason for telling this story is for people who are in the pre-surgery stage, that life can and will get back to normal and this "heart business" is a test of our well being.

I had two surgeries in a 10 month period and never once did I question, why me. I always tried to remain positive and put my trust in the doctors around me. I was scared just like everyone else or we wouldn't be human. I had anxiety, thought I would die and no knowledge of what was happening to me. I researched, researched, ect; than found this website.

The second surgery was easier for me due to this website and the knowledge of the people who have gone through this ordeal. And we deal with the emotional side much better than doctors. I recovered much faster and I was exercising at home 5 days after my surgery and if not for moving to fast and swinging a golf club after 5 weeks. I would not feel like I even had surgery. I have accomplished this by telling myself, your heart has been fixed, listening to my body( except for the golf) and keeping up to date on this website. so I can give input to others with their journeys and still get advise.

So, what I would like to share with everyone that makes me feel like my life is getting back to normal. Two weeks ago while I was in Scottsdale, AZ(yes, taking golf swings, like an *****). I was named Regional Manager of the Year for Chase Manahattan Mortgage. After everything my family, friends and I went through, I thought, "now isn't life grand". 10 months ago I'm wondering if I'm going to live and now I standing up here getting this award for my Region(because believe me, I just accepted the award this would not have been possible without the people I work with support).

I just wanted to share this with everyone, because you have been there as I went through my ordeal with your support and prayers. It just goes to show you there is life after, HEART SURGERY. Thank you again and I will continue to be there for those coming to the other side of the mountain.

Oh yes, I will also be asking for advice when needed.

 

[Ross]

Congratulations Mike!

The whole heart thing takes it's toll on our minds, bodies, and spirit. I've been there twice and I've felt all those emotions myself.

I think it's absolutely wonderful that life has made a great turn for the betterment of your future. That in and of itself, will have you feeling like a million bucks in a shorter amount of time.

Thanks for sharing in that achievement!

 

[hensylee]

CONGRATULATIONS! Woohoo - hooray for you. This is just great news - I am happy for you. And when you got this good news, your heart was repaired so you felt well enough to FULLY enjoy all of it. Life is gooood. Cain't get no better'n this.

 

[TIM W.]

Mike, that was one of the most inspirational messages I have ever had the privilege of reading. I want to offer you my heart felt (pun intended) congratulations on your award.
I have been going thru my recovery wondering what the future may hold for me since the closing of my plant and your post really lifted my spirits. Thank you so much. Tim

 

[Nancy]

Hi Mike-

BIG congratulations to you. You are truly a winner and hero. I wonder how many people who were responsible for the award, know how much you have been through in your health life. If they did, they would double the award.

You deserve every bit of what this award means. It's a real tribute to the spirit of the patients on this board, and an inspiration to those "early post surgery" and those in the "waiting room".

Thanks for sharing this wonderful news with us.

 

[epstns]

Mike - If I wasn't over 2,000 miles away I'd probably give you a big-brother type hug! (Quiet, Ross!)

You've done fantastically well through all the waiting, surgery and now recovery -- including leading a prize-winning team to victory, and folks like you are truly inspirations to those of us who still wait our turns in The Waiting Room.

Many congratulations, and thanks for sharing.

 

[Kim]

Mike,

Hats off to you! Thanks for sharing your story. It will give encourgagement to others.

 

[Georgia]

This is the Mike we wanna be like

This is the Mike we wanna be like

Gosh, Mike I'm truly impressed. Setting that bar pretty high for the rest of us, aren't you??

Heartiest (pun also intended) congratulations.

 

[Rain]

Right on, Mike!

Right on, Mike!

Congratulations!!

Since my heart surgery my oldest son has got married and he and his wife will be graduating from college this May. I absolutely cannot imagine my not being here to celebrate their accomplishments with them! Or even the smaller accomplishments of his younger brother and sister. Or the day I will watch them graduate from college. Or.... there are so many things!! I could go on forever! lol Okay... so its not 'regional manager' for a huge bank... But important stuff to me!!

That's what I kept telling myself before the surgery.... and ever since. 'I got things to do, man!!... I can't let this crazy heart stuff get in my way!'

It's been three years since my surgery.... and still there are times when no one on earth can replace the thoughts and words of our family here at vr.com. You guys are so special.

But Mike!! Don?t you be letting that job stress you out too much!! As you know... it?s not worth it.

 

[pillarpaul]

Mike,

Great post! I'm two weeks post-op and I needed to hear something like that. Was doing so well and then got atrial fibrillation this week that landed me in the hospital for four more days. Gets discouraging but when you read a post like yours it makes you realize, "Yeah, things WILL get back to normal". And congrats on your award. That sounds like no small feat!

Paul

 

[Rebecca]

Mike,

Congratulations!! Thanks for sharing your story. It gives me and others encouragement. I?m still in the waiting room. I think this summer is when I will have to decide on type of valve, hospital and surgeon.

Rebecca

 

[fcarter]

Wow

Wow

Wow Mike,
That was just what I needed to hear today. I was feeling a little low again today but after reading that it gave me a lift. What a wonderful gift you gave without even knowing it. I am almost 2 month post op and didn't think I could ever feel normal but after reading your story it gave me hope just when I needed it. Thank you for that and hope you continue to do well.
Faye

 

[Mark Wagner]

Congradulations Mike!
Hey where neighbors. I live in Port Orchard. I was swinging a golf club about 5 weeks after my surgery. (permission granted from my surgeon) He said just be careful not to take a divot. A week or two later, I was out at the Auburn course, and on the 17th hole I took a divot. I'm not joking, my partners had to practically carry me off the course! I swear I thought I seperated my breast bone. Their is one good thing about this heart surgery stuff ... we have a damn good excuse when we play lousy. (which for me is every time I play)

Take care and thanks for the inspiring post.

Mark

 

[Jean]

Congratulations Mike...way to go!

To all the others who have posted positive stories lately, way to go also...I even stopped posting positive stuff about last fall or so...I felt maybe I was a polyanna that was blathering into the wind. I know not everyone is as fortunate as a lot of us, but I'd say most of us, if there are no underlying problems, come out of this surgery and can bloom again. I think the new people need to know this can be their story too. thanks for posting.