I walk because I know that those who walked before me and are walking with me know that the advances in heart surgery has kept us alive and in love with our families, friends and the live we live together.
Mine need for a bypass was a surprise, given my overall strength and energy level. Hasppily when found, it showed that this was an older blockage that my heart had worked to keep the tissues alive. I was advised that had I not maintained my active lifestyle, I would have been dead. Thankfully, the tests showed that I could chose to have the bypass surgery on my schedule and not an emergency. Working with cario-pt and my fitness program, I was able to be as strong as possible for the surgery. This allowed for a short hospital stay and a successful recovery. Most importantly, the exercise prepared me for recovering without using my arms for getting up from bed or being seated.
This year, I walk with my cardio-pt team and others to enjoy the company, the walk and knowing of the many years of life I have been given thanks to the efforts strengthened by the American Heart Association and its supporters.
