Heart and Soul

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY has arrived. I’m happy to have this day come, 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 in 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 shown up a few years earlier.  All the procedures were directed at getting my heart to pump more efficiently, improving my golf game in its wake (my private thoughts).

This opportunity gave me a new lease on life, and I’m pleased to be both breathing and writing ten days following my operation. My gratitude goes to the cardiology teams that came up with 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-healthy 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.