Heartbeats Rhymes & Life

  That sweet, sweet Arizona Trail Vacation. That's been a seldom used word in our house over the past twelve months. We've definitely escaped for long weekends and spent time away from the house in 2020 for a variety of biking related escapades, but a 'vacation' was never really had by either of us. Until now. Last week Kristen and I drove down to the Tucson area of Arizona to spend a week with her wonderful mom Pam and partner Rich. We've pushed this vacation off for a number of reasons and changed the original plan multiple times, but we finally penned in some dates and made it happen.  Some riding, some hiking, some shopping, some exploring, lots of eating and most importantly spending time with family. We also got to spend an afternoon riding with my good friend Jay. He's living his best life out of his van, and has been for a couple of years now.  Thanks to a posting on his website/blog/vlog (check it out!):  https://journeyvision.net/ I saw he was outside...

  Is there a better spot to propose to my love?! Nope, Georgia Pass for the win! Every day is one day closer to surgery and valve replacement. The anxiety these days is almost worse than the initial diagnosis.  Knowledge and time are power, but they're also a curse. I know I'm better off with all the knowledge I'm gaining and the time I have to make decisions, but it's almost a burden to have so much time to think things over. There are no clear-cut decisions or answers and I'm burdened every day with the fear that I'll make the wrong choice or that I'll regret the decision(s) I've made for replacement. As things sit right now (Feb 10th) I've made another appointment with Dr. Brants at Lutheran Hospital to further discuss replacement valves. *With all of the data I have now there is no disputing the fact that the valve must be replaced and a graft put in for the Aortic root. The sooner the better as I found out after my MRI last Thursday. The regurgi...

  Yesterday was a day that I've been waiting for, for what feels like forever. Information day! Bojangles and Rambo, two of my special care team members The morning started off with a visit to UCHealth for a series of CT scans to further evaluate the diameter of the ascending Aortic root as well as the Aortic valve condition (stenosis). The CT scan gives an even greater amount of data to the doctors than the echocardiogram did, especially when it comes to volume, diameter and the ability to view multiple cutaway views of my heart. The CT scan was done both with and without the contrast dye. I was asked many times if I was allergic to the contrast dye and being that I've never had the dye in my veins I told them I wasn't sure. I asked how would one know if they are allergic to the dye and they told me it's only when it's in you that you'll know if you're allergic to it. Great... They also informed me that the contrast has a warming sensation from the inside-o...