Guestbook of Michael McMullen

My Guestbook

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2483 days ago

james pait posted a note for Michael that says:

Hi hope you are coming along fine. jim

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2525 days ago

james pait posted a note for Michael that says:

Hope you are continueing well and making progress. My medication is extensive after the aortic valve replacement and so many have no idea how you feel internally. ...Read more

Hope you are continueing well and making progress. My medication is extensive after the aortic valve replacement and so many have no idea how you feel internally. Let me know if you have any questions of me. Have a super day.

Michael McMullen Thanks James...so true on how one feels internally...I am still dealing w/Chest wall pain, particular ... Read more

Michael McMullen Thanks James...so true on how one feels internally...I am still dealing w/Chest wall pain, particularly at night and as my physical activity increases. ...my latest CT Scan of chest revealed I still have areas of non-union, albeit small, to impression is these areas are the source of chronic pain.

Now, all things considered, my AVR was very successful, yet the non-union is the one thing that continues. Depending on who I talk to or read, this may continue for up to two years post OHS...and in some (somewhat rare) cases it can go on for years.

Problem w/ there non-union is the pain area begins right of the mid sternum and wraps thru my right pectorals, under my arm (pit) across and under the scapula to the rhomboids...which can form some nasty muscle spasms/knots at the scapula and rhomboid muscle groups. ...had a bout just last night into when I woke up this AM...pretty sore, and tight as I type.

Hope you improve and can peddle down the meds at some point.

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2529 days ago

Tim Grey posted a note for Michael that says:

Michael, I am 4 years, 4 months out from my St Jude mechanical valve. I had different issues posted, but can state that they improve steadily year by year. ...Read more

Michael, I am 4 years, 4 months out from my St Jude mechanical valve. I had different issues posted, but can state that they improve steadily year by year. Mine was a redo of a failed tissue valve. Did you have any word done or replacement of the proximal aorta, or just a valve?

Michael McMullen Just the valve for me, the rest of my ticker was is pretty good shape and strength...now, other genet ... Read more

Michael McMullen Just the valve for me, the rest of my ticker was is pretty good shape and strength...now, other genetics have entered, though seen on the heart Cath prior to OHS...calcification was mild...yet appears to have progressed from my recent CT Scan of the chest. So another patiently wait and see as I am not at the established "threshold" for intervention other than diet/exercise...one thing that bothers me is that I did not have outward symptoms of aortic stenosis to the valve, nor am I normal in the way of symptoms as I have had other health issues (non-emergent, or heart) that went unnoticed until the point of plain old discovery by other testing. So there is that...one thing is when you are ailing, see a Dr...much how I stumbled into finding out I had bicuspid aorta...

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2529 days ago

Dennis Warner posted a note for Michael that says:

Michael, Your attitude, approach and recovery are model of courage and persistence. I congratulate you and your family and friends for the community of supporters ...Read more

Michael, Your attitude, approach and recovery are model of courage and persistence. I congratulate you and your family and friends for the community of supporters that has resulted from your surgery. Keep up the good work; you will improve over time. Four years ago I had heart surgery: aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair and aortic aneurysm repair, plus a few other things causing set backs. I diligently followed the post-op recommendations: cardiac rehab, physical therapy, increasingly longer walking excursions, and eventually back to running again after eight months. Eighteen months after the surgery I ran a 5K race, and since then I have completed five more. While I don't run marathons, as I used to 30 years ago, my heart is now one of the stronger parts of my aging body.

Michael McMullen Wow, that's incredible Dennis...thanks for sharing and the encouragement...indeed a lifestyle that is ... Read more

Michael McMullen Wow, that's incredible Dennis...thanks for sharing and the encouragement...indeed a lifestyle that is as perpetual as we are allowed by the natural order. ...and our Higher Power.

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2822 days ago

Hello Michael, I hope you are doing well brother. Hopeful your pain levels are starting to subside for you. I am well my friend and my ON-X is clickin and ticking ...Read more

Hello Michael, I hope you are doing well brother. Hopeful your pain levels are starting to subside for you. I am well my friend and my ON-X is clickin and ticking away as it should....haha God Bless My Brother, Take Care

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2852 days ago

Michael McMullen reacted to this

Vernon Johnson posted a note for Michael that says:

I really enjoyed seeing your next goal being Golf. You have been missed on the Dawn Patrol (1st tee-time) each Saturday morning at the Pecan Valley Hills Course. ...Read more

I really enjoyed seeing your next goal being Golf. You have been missed on the Dawn Patrol (1st tee-time) each Saturday morning at the Pecan Valley Hills Course. It is truly amazing how far you have progressed and I am sure you are ready for the doctor to give the go ahead to "tee it up". Looking forward to getting you back on the course. All the best for continued recovery and the final go ahead for golf. See you at work.

Michael McMullen Jonesing

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2852 days ago

Lois Schultz posted a note for Michael that says:

Amazing, isn't it? Thankful for the healing process.

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2858 days ago

Lois Schultz posted a note for Michael that says:

Thankful for a good report, MAM. I do wish the pain would subside for you.... and soon!!!

Michael McMullen Thanks LIS...me too, but powering thru it is the only way I know 💪

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2860 days ago

Matthew Russo reacted to this

Bill Schofield posted a note for Michael that says:

Hey Michael! Sounds like recovery is coming together well! Really glad to hear that. I've been scared to push my miles up, but seeing your progress I'm thinking ...Read more

Hey Michael! Sounds like recovery is coming together well! Really glad to hear that. I've been scared to push my miles up, but seeing your progress I'm thinking as long as keep my heart rate at a steady level I should be good. I start cardiac rehab next week and am excited to start tuning in this new valve and resetting the heart to a valve that actually works! Lol. I'll keep you posted. Hope this finds you well and keep it up! Bill

Michael McMullen Hey thanks Bill...still forging on the walks, I am holding at 6 miles a day, in addition to other too ... Read more

Michael McMullen Hey thanks Bill...still forging on the walks, I am holding at 6 miles a day, in addition to other tooling around...today I made it to 7.5 miles. My HR and BP holding good numbers too. You are well advised to listen to yourself on your own mileage goal...I am 10 cardio sessions in and walking on those days too, albeit just 2x of 4 miles on M-W-F. Glad you are progressing, and I hear you on tuning of the valve...seems my heart didn't know how to act with a new fully functioning valve...has since calmed down. Good luck to you, will look for your future updates...thanks again, take care...L8r M2.

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2864 days ago

Byron posted a note for Michael that says:

That's awesome,

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2866 days ago

Michael McMullen reacted to this

Vernon Johnson posted a note for Michael that says:

All good news Mike. I just hope they are able to reign in the pain issue. Other than that, sounds like you are way ahead of the recovery on this type of open ...Read more

All good news Mike. I just hope they are able to reign in the pain issue. Other than that, sounds like you are way ahead of the recovery on this type of open heart surgery. The best part of this is your heart is working as intended and the valve they installed will last you a lifetime, so no other surgeries. Keep up the great progress and I will be adding your name back on the Saturday morning tee-times before you know it. You remain in our thoughts and prayers my friend for a full and complete recovery. Vernon & Beverley.

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2872 days ago

Michael McMullen reacted to this

Lois Schultz posted a note for Michael that says:

Hang in there, MAM!!!! Thinking about you. Lois

Michael McMullen Thanks LIS!!!...hanging in there :-)

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2873 days ago

Hi Michael, hope you are well my friend. Sorry to see your having the pain issues. I am 48 and will be having a Mech Valve put in the Aortic Position as well. ...Read more

Hi Michael, hope you are well my friend. Sorry to see your having the pain issues. I am 48 and will be having a Mech Valve put in the Aortic Position as well. What kind did you go with? I have chosen ON-X but you never know until the Doc gets in there to assess the situation. Anyways just wanted to wish you a Speedy Recovery Michael. God Bless My Friend !

Michael McMullen Hi Keith...yea the pain thing is a battle at the moment...I went mechanical, my age and because I wil ... Read more

Michael McMullen Hi Keith...yea the pain thing is a battle at the moment...I went mechanical, my age and because I will be on blood thinners anyway (AFib) helped me make the choice...honestly though the risk/chance of re-operation with tissue valve weighed heavy on my decision. At my age I would likely outlive the tissue valve too. And now after surgery, I know it was the right call for me...do not want to go thru OHS again.
Good luck to you on your replacement!...and Thanks!

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2880 days ago

Michael McMullen reacted to this

Byron posted a note for Michael that says:

Mike, Glad to hear you are doing so well. If there's anything you need let me know. Take care!

Michael McMullen Thanks Brother Byron!

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2886 days ago

Carol and Ding posted a note for Michael that says:

Mike, sounds like your home. Glad to hear things are going well. Still in our prayers. God Bless

Michael McMullen Thanks Much 🙏

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2886 days ago

Don Catoe, Michael McMullen reacted to this

Vernon Johnson posted a note for Michael that says:

Now you can relax, and tune into the Golf channel. Since you can't play for a bit at least you can get your golf fix. Get lots of rest and best wishes on a ...Read more

Now you can relax, and tune into the Golf channel. Since you can't play for a bit at least you can get your golf fix. Get lots of rest and best wishes on a full and speedy recovery my Friend.

Michael McMullen Thanks Vernon (and Bev) for your presence during surgery, the hospital visits, and your overall conc ... Read more

Michael McMullen Thanks Vernon (and Bev) for your presence during surgery, the hospital visits, and your overall concern for my and Donna's wellbeing! We are fortunate😊

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2887 days ago

Dave posted a note for Michael that says:

Reminds me of another great song! Take It Easy...by the Eagles.....which just so happens to be the Eagles, my favorite football team. Sorry Cowboy Fans. ...Read more

Reminds me of another great song! Take It Easy...by the Eagles.....which just so happens to be the Eagles, my favorite football team. Sorry Cowboy Fans. Hope to see you soon bro!

Michael McMullen Thanks Dave but please, no Football 🦅 references while I remain in recovery 😜

Michael McMullengot a new guestbook post

2887 days ago

Sonja posted a note for Michael that says:

So glad things are going in the right direction. Would like to come to see you but been a little under the weather with my joint pain and also exposed to the ...Read more

So glad things are going in the right direction. Would like to come to see you but been a little under the weather with my joint pain and also exposed to the flu (Benji) so don't want to expose you just in case. Keep up the good work. Hopefully the hardest part is behind you. Love you, Sonja