After all the waiting, agonizing, and uncertainty I finally saw my very own cardiologist. I guess the biggest takeaway from the visit is “fine”, as in everything seems to be fine. He said I am doing great in my rehab and recovery and is infinitely more focused in the “down the road” portion of my journey than the then and now of it; diet, exercise, and selfcare diligence. I will go back in six-months to see his PA and I will see him again in a year. But that’s it – no more tests (aside from bloodwork to monitor kidney function following a prescription change), no concerns, no changes other than adjusting meds.

Predicitably my BP was through the roof in the office – something like 168 over whatever – I was apparently more nervous than I thought. I checked it before I left and it was 117/70. Then again later after I got home from the appointment and it was 106/50. So my BP remains highly reactive which I am not crazy about, but what can you do?

There was something noteworthy with the ECG but all he really said was “seeing changes” whatever that might mean. And if you are wondering why I didn’t delve more deeply into it at that moment, it was because he was focused on his laptop trying to download one of my previous ECG’s and almost as quickly as the blink of an eye, his focus moved onto something else and the moment passed. Whatever it was, it was not worthy of having me wear a monitor or come in monthly for an ECG or whatever. And his comment was: “remember….know that your heart is strong and healthy.” He was adamant about me continuing to walk and hike as often as I can, to try to stick to six days a week.

For those of you who have wrestled with the debate over butter vs. margarine, his opinion was clear. I had mentioned that I used to buy a pound of butter every week before my cardiocation, but haven’t bought a stick since. He laughed but then wrinkled his brow and asked what we were using now and when I said Country Crock his wrinkles deepened. Country Crock and all the other margarines contain processed ingredients and today’s thinking in the field of cardiology and diet is that we need to avoid as many processed foods as possible. So butter is better.

Oh – and he stated unequivocally that smoking all those years is why I ended up with my blockages. Certainly the above desired level of cholesterol and the somewhat elevated blood pressure throughout my lifetime exacerbated it all, but smoking was the “smoking gun”. Just sayin’….

I find myself just a little bit unclear as to “what now?” if that makes any sense. I have been completely focused on healing and recovering as quickly and thoroughly and strongly as possible; so focused that it became my main overriding thought most of the time. I wanted to walk into his office and present a strong and healed and healthy heart and that is what drove so many of my actions every day. And now that is done – check the box and move on. I guess I have to shift my focus to maintaining what I have obtained in heart health.

I know I am “better” compared to six months ago, at least intuitively based on test results and reading a myriad of medical reports. I know so because they said my coronary arteries were greatly clogged and they put in new ones. So I must be better. But I am not at all sure I feel better. Now part of that is because I didn’t really feel poorly beforehand. I will admit and agree that my mile splits hiking were declining and my ability to lug my butt up some of the steeper grades was getting worse – to the point where I might have to stop and “check my phone” (rest) at times. But in day to day activities I really can’t say I was feeling poorly.

And while I am greatly recovered, I still have pain and discomfort – primarily my chest: sternum and pectoralis muscles – something I did not have before. And my heart is still behaving oddly – misbehaving to be more precise. I still experience random irregular heartbeats, likely PVC’s from the little I know. And my EKG at my cardiologist visit was not “normal”. In fact I have not had a completely normal ECG since surgery; they all have something going on.

On this recent one he noted: “ECG from today: NSR at 59. Early R/S Transition. T wave changes V2 and high lateral leads.” The NSR at 59 means normal sinus rhythm with a pulse of 59bpm. So yes – the result was determined to be “normal”. But…early R/S transition, T wave changes, and high lateral leads are not normal. That does not mean there is anything wrong, but it is not just a plain old normal rhythm.

Abnormalities, let’s call them variations, in the heart following open heart surgery are quite common, almost expected, and almost always benign. But common and expected and benign as they may be, thy are still distasteful to me. I am hoping and praying that over then next 3-6 months that my heart finally settles back to a completely normal sinus rhythm with no additional notes or commentary needed. And no more PVC’s!

Busy two weeks coming up. Wednesday I go to obtain my very first tattoo – something to commemorate or memorialize surviving open heart surgery. I had been wanting to get a tattoo for a while and always envisioned my first would be focused on a wolf and maybe the woods. But I never envisioned having heart surgery so since that happened, my priorities have changed.

Friday we leave for Maine to attend my sister in law’s annual Halloween party on Saturday. We’ll go up a day early so we can spend some time with my son and his wife and our grandkids. We’ll zoom home Sunday and begin to get ready for our annual Halloween party the following Saturday. Actually I should say continue to get ready as I’ve already begun. Picked up 12 pumpkins today (still need more), house lights are up and running, giant inflatable skull is up and running, the gate lights are up and running, and a few outside decorations are up. But literally tons to go yet. Had three cubic yards of playground mulch delivered today to make the kids play area look nice for the party. So, so much to do still and not a lot of time. Next week will be fast and furious (and fun)!! Until next time dear reader, stay well and immerse yourself into this wonderful month-long ride into Halloween!