Steve Workman

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place.  Thank you for visiting.


In late October 2017 while on a non-strenuous bike ride I became short of breath and acutely fatigued.  During subsequent hospitalization I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) and mitral valve regurgitation (MR).   I have otherwise felt fine and there is no apparent cause for this to occur so suddenly.  Without surgery, however, I am at risk of progressive heart (congestive heart failure) or lung (pulmonary hypertension) problems.   


The fix is open heart surgery through a sternal incision.  Hopefully my mitral valve can be repaired or tissue replaced as opposed to having a mechanical valve replacement (which would require lifelong blood thinners).   My surgeon is Dr. Joe Huh and he advises a MAZE procedure to help control my heart rate after surgery in case atrial fibrillation becomes a problem again.  For good measure I might get a pacemaker and have aortic valve surgery as well.  


Surgery is planned to take 3-6 hours on November 30th.   It will be performed at the Sacramento Mercy General Heart Center by Kaiser surgeons and anesthesiologists.   The team seems top-notch for which I am very grateful and in whom I am very confident.


Thanks to all my friends who have inquired about me of late.  The shared love, prayers, and support have been heart-warming.  Hopefully this site will be a resource to keep everyone updated!!!