I’m Steve Sauder and most of you know I underwent a medical procedure on my heart at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on August fourth. I was released from the Clinic on the 11th and flew home to Emporia on the 14th. By all accounts the procedure was successful and I am progressing nicely at home.
I’ve been sharing my story in hopes of helping others in my or similar situations have confidence in our medical community.
So, here’s my update.
My surgery was a Septal Myectomy designed to scrape and clean a thick and narrow part of my heart to allow more blood to be pumped throughout my body. During the over six-hour procedure – during which I was on a heart/lung machine that stopped my heart to allow the surgeon to carve out some 15 grams of heart muscle. Dr. Smedira was pleased with his efforts and my recovery from the surgery has been easier than expected.
BUT, of course, there is always “the rest of the story” which I’ll start by telling you I’m pretty sure at 75 I am the oldest patient the Cleveland Clinic has ever performed this operation on.
What I am learning daily is my heart and body really did not appreciate the attention! While I’m not experiencing any pain I am still using a walker to get around.
The biggest thing I was not prepared for was the mental and emotional aspects of my recovery. I’m not ashamed to admit it is taking a village to keep me grounded.
But, I’m not facing Chemo treatments, blood transfusions, or multiple areas of concern like some of my friends. My prayers for those friends have intensified.
To end today I’ll share that my new reality is that my recovery is going to take months not weeks and that patience is a learned skill most of us are not blessed with. Thankfully “The Lord is my Shepard:” and he’s got my hand.
Thanks for listening, I’m Steve Sauder
