Having been one of the early members of this Forum, this place has become a favorite for me to come and read, learn, and share in a hobby that we all have in common, on a bike that we all enjoy. Since then the many people involved here have kind of become familiar and dare i say, Friends, even though I haven't met many of you in person. Therefore, I feel comfortable in sharing just a little more about myself at this time. This is my account of a Different Kind of Ride that I have been undertaking for most of this year.
After spending most of last winter fighting off symptoms of pneumonia with out much improvement, I finally had a good medical workup in March of this year. My doctor found some disturbing numbers in an EKG test and immediately sent me to a local cardiologist. following more tests there, including echo cardiogram, the doctor suggested I immediately go to check in to Vanderbilt Hospital for even further diagnosis and treatment. Many more tests were performed, more than I can remember, and many more doctors got involved, and it was confirmed that I was diagnosed with Viral Cardiomyopathy, or enlargening of the heart, a type of congestive heart failure. My heart had an ejection fraction measure of 10 to 12%. A normal heart will perform at 65 to 80%. I was told that with out a heart transplant that I might have a year to live. There was an option of an artificial type of heart pump that could keep me alive for longer in hopes that i could get a heart offer in the mean time. Needless to say, this was a huge shock to myself and my family. Before I had always been very healthy and strong.
The option for the Heart pump became impossible at that time because I had developed anti bodies againt one of the drugs they use during the surgery process that could have caused major complications. So, on my Birthday, I instead received a Pacemaker Defibrilator in hopes of keeping the heart in rythm . I was eventually released along with a bunch of meds, and a medicine pump that i had to wear 24/7 that pumped directly into my heart a medicine to help keep my heart beating. for the next few Months, throughout the Spring and summer I was able to maintain a balance of health to get by.
On August 7th, I was cleared of the harmful anti bodies and was placed as active status again on the transplant list. This was great news. On september 25th, I received a call from my transplant team that they had a heart for me. Through the selfless and loving act of a caring organ donor I was going to get a second chance on living. Every emotion you could ever think of goes through my mind all at once at this point. The donor was a perfect match in every way possible the doctors said. A true blessing and a gift that I can never express proper gratitude for. September 26th, I successfully made it through the suregery as good as any could ever hope for. The doctors said when they put the new heart in, it started beating on its own with only minor pacemaking needed to get the proper rythm. I spent the next seven day in Vanderbilt recovering, and was sent home on the 8th day.
Since then my recovery has been amazing. I am Feeling stronger and better than I have felt in years really. It has been a real miracle. So today, I am 7 weeks out from my surgery, and I plant to get on my Super Tenere for the first time in a long time. I'm going to take an easy ride around here locally as my first ride out. As I heal I will get back to my old Riding pace. I am very excited to be able to go today after all the questions of this past year.
Why do I write this now? It has and is taking sometime to come to grips with all that has occured. I hope that by sharing that it can give hope to others that may be going through their own health issues or otherwise. I was lucky in my story in that I have great support in my family and friends. All the healing thoughts and prayers that went out to me truly were felt and they worked. God does listen and Miracles can happen. Also, positive power of a clear mind, and a determination to be well is key in healing the body. The mind is a powerful tool in well being. If it werent for the selfless act of a caring individual to sign that organ donor card, I might not be here. This person can never know how many lives they have touched with the gift of life. I am eternally greatful for my gift. I now have a very good chance of livng out my life, being able to see my daughter grow, love my wife more every day, and try to be a better person and make my little part of the world a better place. I would be remiss if I didnt mention the wondeful Doctors, Surgeons , Nurses and all the health care professionals that work with tireless dedication and determination in healing and making people well. To them i also am extremely greatful.
Im sorry for letting this post get so long, but know this! I am going to really enjoy my ride today in a way I may never have before. To anyone that is facing their own troubles at this time i hope that you can also find a path to healing and being well again. Know that I will be praying for you to complete your journey as well. Remember, Every Day Is A Gift! Cherish each and every one them.
Thanks for letting me vent and enjoy your rides!
Peace
Steve
::022:: ::021:: ::26::
After spending most of last winter fighting off symptoms of pneumonia with out much improvement, I finally had a good medical workup in March of this year. My doctor found some disturbing numbers in an EKG test and immediately sent me to a local cardiologist. following more tests there, including echo cardiogram, the doctor suggested I immediately go to check in to Vanderbilt Hospital for even further diagnosis and treatment. Many more tests were performed, more than I can remember, and many more doctors got involved, and it was confirmed that I was diagnosed with Viral Cardiomyopathy, or enlargening of the heart, a type of congestive heart failure. My heart had an ejection fraction measure of 10 to 12%. A normal heart will perform at 65 to 80%. I was told that with out a heart transplant that I might have a year to live. There was an option of an artificial type of heart pump that could keep me alive for longer in hopes that i could get a heart offer in the mean time. Needless to say, this was a huge shock to myself and my family. Before I had always been very healthy and strong.
The option for the Heart pump became impossible at that time because I had developed anti bodies againt one of the drugs they use during the surgery process that could have caused major complications. So, on my Birthday, I instead received a Pacemaker Defibrilator in hopes of keeping the heart in rythm . I was eventually released along with a bunch of meds, and a medicine pump that i had to wear 24/7 that pumped directly into my heart a medicine to help keep my heart beating. for the next few Months, throughout the Spring and summer I was able to maintain a balance of health to get by.
On August 7th, I was cleared of the harmful anti bodies and was placed as active status again on the transplant list. This was great news. On september 25th, I received a call from my transplant team that they had a heart for me. Through the selfless and loving act of a caring organ donor I was going to get a second chance on living. Every emotion you could ever think of goes through my mind all at once at this point. The donor was a perfect match in every way possible the doctors said. A true blessing and a gift that I can never express proper gratitude for. September 26th, I successfully made it through the suregery as good as any could ever hope for. The doctors said when they put the new heart in, it started beating on its own with only minor pacemaking needed to get the proper rythm. I spent the next seven day in Vanderbilt recovering, and was sent home on the 8th day.
Since then my recovery has been amazing. I am Feeling stronger and better than I have felt in years really. It has been a real miracle. So today, I am 7 weeks out from my surgery, and I plant to get on my Super Tenere for the first time in a long time. I'm going to take an easy ride around here locally as my first ride out. As I heal I will get back to my old Riding pace. I am very excited to be able to go today after all the questions of this past year.
Why do I write this now? It has and is taking sometime to come to grips with all that has occured. I hope that by sharing that it can give hope to others that may be going through their own health issues or otherwise. I was lucky in my story in that I have great support in my family and friends. All the healing thoughts and prayers that went out to me truly were felt and they worked. God does listen and Miracles can happen. Also, positive power of a clear mind, and a determination to be well is key in healing the body. The mind is a powerful tool in well being. If it werent for the selfless act of a caring individual to sign that organ donor card, I might not be here. This person can never know how many lives they have touched with the gift of life. I am eternally greatful for my gift. I now have a very good chance of livng out my life, being able to see my daughter grow, love my wife more every day, and try to be a better person and make my little part of the world a better place. I would be remiss if I didnt mention the wondeful Doctors, Surgeons , Nurses and all the health care professionals that work with tireless dedication and determination in healing and making people well. To them i also am extremely greatful.
Im sorry for letting this post get so long, but know this! I am going to really enjoy my ride today in a way I may never have before. To anyone that is facing their own troubles at this time i hope that you can also find a path to healing and being well again. Know that I will be praying for you to complete your journey as well. Remember, Every Day Is A Gift! Cherish each and every one them.
Thanks for letting me vent and enjoy your rides!
Peace
Steve
::022:: ::021:: ::26::
