***** If you would like to send something to John via mail, the best option is to send it to the hotel address and I will bring it to him. Intercontinental Hotel and Conference Center, 9801 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106. You can send it to his attention or our room number which is 838*****
Thank you for visiting my web page. Please check the journal for daily updates on my condition and progress. Please be aware that the "Donate to CaringBridge" button IS NOT to donate money to me. I don't need any monetary donations. This option is for the non-profit organization that makes the CaringBridge website available to patients. I am not soliciting donations for them and they are neither required nor expected.
This journey started in late September, 2019 when I notice myself getting more tired and more short of breath. I attributed it to “just getting older.“ On October 8, I finally realized something was wrong and sought medical attention. I was quickly diagnosed with congestive heart failure secondary to severe mitral regurgitation due to an acute ruptured chordae tendineae. A brief hospitalization at MUSC quickly followed and then weekly visits with my wonderful cardiologist Dr. Valerian Fernandes. I opted to have mitral valve repair heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic (number one in the country for heart surgery). Unfortunately the earliest date for surgery I could get was on 12/4/19. On November 25th, I developed rapid atrial fibrillation and had another admission to MUSC and underwent cardioversion to convert my heart rhythm to normal.
Well, the day finally arrived (12/1/19) when my wife Luna and I travel to the Cleveland Clinic for Surgery. It has been a very educational and humbling experience to be “on the other side of the stethoscope .“ I know this experience will provide me with the wonderful gift of being a better physician with more empathy and compassion. I now know firsthand what existential pain and fear are.
Although it’s been almost a two-month wait, I’m finally at the Cleveland Clinic. It’s been difficult being so tired, short of breath, and not having the energy to do anything enjoyable. Please check the journal for daily updates on my condition and progress.
Thank you to everyone for your kind comments, thoughts, and prayers.
