Amy Winehouse’s voice is singing “Rehab” inside my head:
They tried to make me go to rehab
I said no, no, no.
Yes I been black, but when I come back
You wont know, know, know.
I have rehab – I register at 1:00. This rehab is Cardiac Rehab – I had surgery on March 31 to replace my mitral valve. I now have a valve made of bovine tissue. It’s brand new and promises me a new kind of life
especially if I go to rehab. I’m thinking about possible questions I may be asked, the rehab kind of questions. What do I want to get out of this? Names some things I’d like to change in my life to make me a healthier person. At least the questions are formed.
I would like to not be afraid of my new heart. I would like to not be afraid of when my new valve will wear out. I would like to be a lower weight. I would like to be able to walk farther, climb higher, eat better.
Cardiac Rehab – I think – I’m enthusiastic now coming as I am down from the miracle of surgery. But will I feel the same one month from now? Three days a week? for 3 months?
I’m hoping to keep myself going and I am hoping you’ll follow along with me discovering a life changing, a life in process. And,
I’m hoping you’ll make me “go, go, go” 
You’ll go. You’ll remain into it. With you all the way. A life changing right about now sounds perfectly doable.
Bovine tissue? A cow’s tissue? Wow… how are you feeling so far? I hope better. Heart surgery is serious business. The mere mention of a bypass and I get jumpy.
Hi! Stumbled upon your Twitter profile and found your blog. Just wanted to encourage you to go to rehab & to try to not worry about your valve. My husband had a mechanical value put in about 7 years ago. He is doing great and heart problems are simply a non-issue in his life. It’s scary, but think positive and keep enjoying those glasses of wine with your neighbors!
Cardiac Rehab? No much idea but they will possibly mentor/prepare your mindset first. Have you already started? How was your experience?
Thanks for the comments:). Really appreciate them. Hoping to keep the post going after I complete certain milestones. Bovine tissue -yes, from a cow. Unlike porcine, it is not the animal’s valve itself.
Ellen B. – Thanks for sharing the encouragement and the experience –