December 21, 2022, is my three year heart anniversary on the winter solstice. I thought it might be the appropriate time to just give everyone an update.

My beautiful, new heart, has been amazing. There has been no rejection. In February, I did have sinus surgery. That turned out to be interesting. The next day, it looked like I had been in a massive bar fight. There was a lot of swelling, because the antirejection medication makes you heal slowly. However, I was able to get into the doctor and take care of that quickly.

In June, we did have an unfortunate setback. My family was on it immediately when they saw that I wasn’t feeling well and was laying down on the floor. I kept saying I’m going to be fine. Pretty soon, the ambulance was there. I was put into a medical induced coma because all of my vital signs were heading in the wrong direction. Thankfully, I have an amazing team in Rochester. My doctor was abroad but he was able to contact the local male clinic team and work with them on my case. I was able to go home in three days. Medication was adjusted, and I’m doing much better. They were hoping that this seizure was a one – off. Unfortunately, I now have a diagnosis for the seizure. They are called secondary seizures, secondary from the stroke. What does that mean? The good news is, that I now know what they feel like. And, that I am on medication that works.

We were able to spend time as a family this summer. We went to the Twin Cities, the boys fished and Josie and I were able to see Wicked at the Orpheum theater. This was a Christmas gift that was supposed to have happened the year that I was sick in 2019. The boys got to see Charlie Berens in La Crosse for theirs.

In December, I had my annual medical appointments in Rochester, back to back appts from 7:10 am to 3:30 pm and then heading back to get the Covid antibodies from 6:30 pm-8 pm. The next day, I had surgery. Luckily, I did not have to have a biopsy. However, they still needed to do a annual cardiac catheterization and a few other tests. Basically, they go in through my wrist and in through my neck. My niece, a nurse practitioner, went along for the two days.  We stayed at the gift of liAnd a few other tests. Basically, they go in through my wrist and in through my neck.fe transplant house.We stayed at the gift of life transplant house. I was in very good hands.I was in very good hands. And was glad to get all of this done before Christmas.

The bottom line? My tests were fantastic! My doctor basically said that my heart was a “race car.” The blood flow is fantastic. My exercise test was good also. There are a few other issue things that they keep an eye on, bone density, a condroma in my left arm that is stable and has been for years, anemia, and of course, keeping an eye on the seizures etc. But all-in-all, it is good news. I have an amazing heart, and I am grateful for it every day. I hope one day to meet my donor’s family to share my gratitude.

Wishing you love and kindness and a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! God bless.