Heart and Soul

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY is just around the corner. I’m happy to have this day arrive, not because I’m a fan of professional football, but because I’m alive and healing nicely after a few heart procedures that arose unexpectedly this January.

I guess the best way to explain my situation is that a new pig valve replaced my worn-out mitral valve. And while they were doing this, they elected to shave some excess thickness that had developed in my septum. Finally, they did a few tweaks to calm my atrial fibrillation that had been discovered a few years earlier.  All the procedures were directed at getting my heart to pump efficiently and improving my golf game (my private thoughts).

This opportunity gave me a new lease on life, and I’m pleased to be both breathing and writing after a few weeks following my operation. My gratitude goes to the cardiology teams that developed the various strategies, both at Munson in Traverse City and at Corewell in Grand Rapids.

So, you ask, what am I doing for my heart health snacks for the Super Bowl game? Hummus and veggies are the centerpiece for my treats. A hot salsa will help with the experience.

I have Seattle in a blowout over New England, 24-10.