Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges

Join me as I sit down with Kathy Hoseth, a remarkable woman with a compelling story of heart health struggles and self-advocacy. From her early childhood days experiencing unexplained chest pains to the complex journey of navigating the healthcare system as an adult, Kathy’s narrative is a testament to resilience. She candidly shares the dismissive attitudes of medical professionals she encountered and how she persisted in the search for a diagnosis, shedding light on the crucial need for patients to listen to their bodies and advocate for their health.

As her tale unfolds, she reveals the discovery of a myocardial bridge that was overlooked for years. Her story takes a hopeful turn with the identification of her condition, leading to the “unroofing” surgery that set her on a path to recovery. This episode gives you a front-row seat to the inspiring account of Kathy’s medical journey, her relentless pursuit of answers, and the life-changing operation that ultimately improved her quality of life. We explore the significant role of having a supportive medical team and the importance of being heard when it comes to one’s health. A staunch reminder that to be heard, one needs to speak up and in the case of myocardial bridges, the voice needs to be, not only spoken loudly, but confirmed it was heard.

Kathy’s experience is more than just a medical case; it’s a narrative that underscores the power of patient advocacy and the difference it can make. As she shares her post-surgery life and the joys of being a grandmother of eight, Kathy’s story serves as an encouragement to anyone facing health challenges. Her contributions to raising awareness are invaluable, reminding us all to never overlook symptoms and to push for timely intervention. This is a heartwarming episode that celebrates Kathy’s journey, the surgical progress to correct a myocardial bridge and the collective power of shared experiences in healing and recovery.

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it. 

Embark on a mission dirven purpose with Jed Baker, as he narrates his battle with enigmatic health symptoms, culminating in the pivotal uncovering of a myocardial bridge—an anomaly that remained undiagnosed for an agonizing duration. This episode threads through Jed’s encounters with the labyrinth that is modern healthcare, where he met his “surgery sisters,” Kaylin Kellert and Liane Aigner, and concurrently, they braved parallel surgeries. Through his voice, learn of multiple medical opinions, the delicate decision-making in cardiac care, and the profound importance of being an informed and proactive patient.

With clarity and vulnerability, Jed opens up about his decision to pursue heart surgery over less invasive treatments, guided by Dr. Theodoris Kofidis. His pursuit of multiple medical opinions illuminates the complexities of cardiac treatments and the lifesaving power of perseverance. As we follow his journey, Jed’s recovery unfolds as a testament to resilience, offering a beacon of hope to those navigating similar health challenges. His insights into the emotional and physical rigors of heart surgery provide invaluable guidance for those at the crossroads of such weighty medical decisions.

Concluding with a powerful reflection on the role of hope in confronting health adversities, we draw parallels with Mark Durand’s research on parental hope and the impact of community support in fostering optimism. Jed’s story is more than a medical case study; it’s a narrative of human tenacity and the shared quest for healing. His candid discussion not only educates but also inspires, emphasizing the necessity of hope, community, and informed choice when facing the daunting prospect of heart surgery.

To learn more about Jed, you can visit his website –  https://www.socialskillstrainingproject.com/about

You can see more of Jeds drumming and performance on the FB page: https://www.facebook.com/BigTrainSoul/videos/2052865561543110/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&ref=sharing&mibextid=w8EBqM

Be sure to visit “Imperfect Heart” on YouTube   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfqomNr–Rc&list=PLv9422orflyUbG-w1iVfzbzW9LIcgX_Eo    if you would like to see the guests.

To learn more about Myocardial Bridges visit  https://www.myimperfectheart.com/

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it. 

Have you ever marveled at the precision of robotic cardiac surgery or pondered the moral complexities hidden behind the robot’s arm? Dr. Guy, a cardiac surgeon with a unique military background, joins us for a compelling exploration of this life-saving medical discipline, blending his battlefield-honed skills in teamwork and strategic thinking with the meticulous demands of heart surgery. We venture into the nuances of robotic vs. traditional sternotomy in unroofing procedures, weigh the critical balance between patient survival and health resolution, and unwrap the layers of decision-making that guide the evolution of medical practice.

Our journey through the heart’s intricacies doesn’t stop at the operating table. Dr. Guy opens up about the rigorous diagnostic process that informs the path to surgery, sharing candid reflections on the ethical tension between alleviating patient suffering and avoiding unnecessary risks. The challenge of accurate diagnosis and the sobering fact that medical science isn’t infallible are laid bare, illustrating a surgeon’s commitment to ethical practice and the human side of medicine that’s driven by a desire to heal, not just to operate.

As we close, the conversation takes a turn towards the personal, revealing how Dr. Guy’s own leisure pursuits provide respite from the operating room’s intensity. We also shine a light on the collaborative efforts at the Georgia Heart Institute and the importance of patient-driven care. Our discussion culminates in a tribute to the altruism pervading the medical field where patient empowerment and informed dialogue stand as the cornerstones of quality healthcare.

For more information visit Georgia Heart Institute by visiting www.NGHS.com

You can also call Dr. Guy @ 770-219-7099

To learn more about myocardial bridges or review prior episodes, visit www.myimperfectheart.com

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it. 

Join me as I embark on a heartfelt journey with my guest Louis Merlin, who bravely shares his personal struggle with his myocardial bridge—a condition we know is often overlooked or mistakenly dismissed as benign. Louis opens up about the frightening onset of symptoms like chest pain and dizziness, which led to a maze of ER visits and the haunting suggestion that it was all just anxiety. Despite inconclusive test results, the true nature of his symptoms remained a mystery until the exertion in 2022 made the connection to his heart condition undeniable.

We’ll navigate the complex and often misunderstood world of chest pain diagnosis. We’ll also take a closer look at one patient’s distressing quest for answers, starting with vague aches and escalating to an emergency collapse. The frustration of inconclusive traditional tests is palpable, as we discuss the elusive diagnosis that spans potential issues like vasospasms and microvascular disease. This conversation underscores the importance of perseverance and the emotional toll of seeking multiple medical opinions when dealing with mysterious cardiac symptoms.

Hear about the transformative decision to pursue surgery abroad in Greece with Dr. Theodoros Kofidis, as we delve into the life-changing choice made in the face of debilitating symptoms and rejection in the states. Our discussion reveals the practicalities and emotional considerations of seeking treatment overseas, the supportive care at St. Lukes Hospital, and the challenges of recovery. Louis leaves us with an empowering reminder of the importance of self-advocacy and the strength found in support groups, as we celebrate the courage and shared experiences within our community, including his inspiring return to an active lifestyle.

St. Lukes Hospital with Dr. Kofidis

[email protected]  (Professor Kofidis email)

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it. 

I never imagined that a story of heart surgery could come with a side of laughter and gourmet hospital food. Yet here we are, with Kaylin Kellert, an Air Force veteran who, only a week post sternotomy and unroofing surgery, brings an inspiring tale of self-advocacy, resilience, and a surprising craving for Stanford’s vanilla pudding. Kaylin’s journey through the confusion of heart attack-like symptoms to the clarity of diagnosis with a myocardial bridge is as enlightening as it is emotional. She highlights the power of community after bonding with her “surgery soulmate” Liane Aigner, both finding solace and support on their concurrent paths to recovery. Kaylin’s progress reveals the complexities of navigating the military medical system and the importance of pushing for the care you deserve.

Transforming a dire medical narrative into one of hope and humor, this episode isn’t just about the trials of surgery but also about embracing the rollercoaster that follows. Kaylin’s post-op revelations—from the unexpected delight of hospital dining to the bewilderment of waking up with no memory of the operation or the pleasure of having the chest tube removed—offer a candid look at recovery’s unpredictable nature. We share in her moments of disorientation, the astonishingly swift two-and-a-half-hour surgery, all in, and the simple post-surgery comforts that can mean the world. Her positive mindset, the role of faith, and the belief that life’s events unfold ‘for you’—not ‘to you’—are powerful reminders for anyone facing their own battles. Her perspective is that of someone much further along in life experience as her age belies her wisdom and outlook. This is certainly an episode that’s as about as unorthodox as a heart patient eagerly anticipating the appeal of their hospital bed.

For more information about Imperfect Heart or Myocardial Bridges, visit www.myimperfectheart.com

Be sure to join the myocardial bridge support group facebook page as well to see Kaylin’s post discussed in the program as well as others going through the same issues we all have been through.

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it. 

Never before have I had a conversation with somebody only days from their surgery sharing their story and their thoughts on a life-changing and controversial procedure that lies so closely ahead. Embark on the journey with Liane Aigner as she stands on the cusp of a transformative heart surgery, revealing the highs and lows of her battle with a myocardial bridge. Her candid narrative displays the emotional whirlwind from the onset of disturbing symptoms to the relief of an accurate diagnosis, emphasizing the crucial role of self-advocacy in navigating the healthcare system. Discover how her story is not just one of medical challenges but also of unwavering perseverance and the profound impact of community support as she prepares for her upcoming procedure. If you’ve made it to and through surgery, you’ll closely relate. If you’re still in the process of diagnosis and scheduling, this is a textbook case from someone with a wonderful mindset.

As Liane steers us through the complexities of mental and physical preparation for her heart surgery, she offers an invaluable roadmap for anyone facing a similar situation. Her approach to dietary changes, the serenity she finds within her faith community, and the logistics of arranging personal affairs pre-surgery underscore the multifaceted aspects of bracing for a life-altering medical event. You’ll grasp the sometimes overlooked yet vital steps that fortify one’s resilience and readiness to embrace post-operative recovery.

Leanne’s remarkable openness just days before her surgery demonstrates courage and hope. Her experience underscores the importance of persisting in the search for medical answers and the transformative power of finding a doctor who looks beyond the symptoms to address the underlying issues. As we send heartfelt wishes for her myocardial bridge unroofing procedure, we’re reminded of the collective wisdom and strength found in the solidarity of those sharing in the journey towards healing and health. In a surprise twist, we’ve also found that she has connected with Kaylin Kellert, another Imperfect Heart family member, having her unroofing procedure the same day, in the same hospital with the same doctor. That would be January 23rd, 2024 at Stanford with Dr. Jack Boyd. They’ll be in recovery together and more than likely, able to see each other during their stay. That, is truly a blessing for a reason and certainly a reminder, there are no coincidences.  Enjoy her story, subscribe to the program and please give us a positive review if you appreciate what we’re doing.

For more details on myocardial bridges, be sure to visit the website, www.myimperfectheart.com

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it. 

You’re standing at the crossroads of cardiac care and ready to make the decision for your “unroofing” procedure. From the conversations I’ve had with many of our listeners, it’s clear the sternotomy itself creates more fear than the actual heart surgery it allows. You may have options for a minimally invasive procedure or even robotic procedure but the most common of all open heart surgeries is the sternotomy. There are over 750,000 performed each year! Whether a choice or a necessity, this episode will help you along the way in better understanding every detail of this procedure that provides the surgeon access to the heart for the corrective process. It will also help you evaluate the options with more clarity of the sternotomy by comparison to minimally invasive and robotic procedures.

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it. 

My own heart skipped a beat upon hearing Dr. Peggy DeLong’s tales of loss and fear. Peggy, a beacon of resilience, opens up about the profound losses that shaped her life—her fiancé and her father both taken too soon; Her father by a heart condition, her fiance by cancer. Her very own terrifying brush with what she feared was a heart attack rekindled her commitment to gratitude, a practice she has long championed.

The power of embracing gratitude to replace fear is exemplified as Dr. DeLong discusses strategies to counterbalance fear, stress and anxiety for us, especially during the emotionally charged holiday season. We examine the shared exercise of “team gratitude,” where partners enrich their connection by daily acknowledgments of appreciation, and explore how gratitude can serve as a compass to steer us away from the shadows of fear. Peggy’s insights on the delicate dance between honoring our fears and not allowing them to consume us are a testament to the strength that comes from vulnerability and her belief that we cannot truly experience joy without having first gone thru the fear or pain of a situation.

As festive lights twinkle, reminding us of the joys and challenges the holiday season brings, I hope this episode brings a gift or understanding of a practice we all can use to relieve some of the pressure, anxiety and fear of the unknown we may be dealing with. Peggy’s journey reminds us all of the small steps we can take towards maintaining hope, and the profound impact a simple act of gratitude can have on our lives. If the fear is particularly distracting at any given time, why not buy a stranger, well… a cup of hazelnut coffee? I am personally grateful for all of you, my family of “Imperfect Hearts”, that are doing what you must to get your symptoms relieved, advocating for yourself and helping others along the way.  Have a blessed holiday season with friends and family and here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous new year in 2024.  From the bottom of my Imperfect Heart, Thank you.

For more information on Myocardial Bridges, visit www.myimperfectheart.com

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it. 

Prepare to journey through the operating room doors as I give you a front row seat to a robotic unroofing surgery with Dr. Balkhy at the University of Chicago. I find myself amazed at the intense emotion of watching this procedure firsthand as I know the outcome and what a miracle it is. My partner for the day, is Dr. Kumaran Mangalam, a cardiothoracic surgeon from Bangalore, India who practices for Narayana Health.

I’ll take you right into the depths of the operating room, immersing you in the intricate details of the unroofing procedure as best I can as a layman. You can feel the focus as Dr. Balkhy maneuvers a robotic system, expertly unroofing a myocardial bridge, while explaining how the stabilizer holds the heart in place. I hope to paint a vivid picture of the complex art and skill of removing muscle tissue from the artery. Despite the nature of the procedure, it’s interesting how music creates an ambiance in the room.  A calming wave in the sea of something so serious. As I culminate the surgical journey, I reflect on the impact and potential of robotic surgery for patients suffering from myocardial bridges. Hear from Dr. Balkhy and Dr. Kumaran on the need for increased awareness and education about this condition within the medical community, while also contemplating the life-threatening complications it could cause.

Finally, I hope to build a movement advocating for the adaptation of DaVinci XI machines to facilitate these surgeries. I’ll have more in future updates on what that’s going to look like.  We can make a difference with our efforts to educate more cardiologists and surgeons about the value of robotic unroofing given the proper circumstances and we need to do what we must to gain the support of the DaVinci robot manufacturer, Intuitive, to retrofit the stabilizer to the newest machines, including the XI models.

To connect with Dr. Kumaran, his information is below.

Dr. Kumaran Mangalam Narayana Health Bangalore, India

email: [email protected] PH: +91 829-607-5465

For more information, you can visit www.myimperfectheart.com

If you like what you heard, please give us a positive review on whichever app you're using, like and follow us so you never miss an episode. Also, please visit the website, MyImperfectHeart.com and sign up to our database as we work to build a more connected, informed and supportive network of the Imperfect Heart community. Thanks for listening and thank you for your support.  

If you don't yet have your very own copy of the book: Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges, you can find it anywhere in paperback, tablet or audiobook versions. And, yes, that's me doing the audiobook version as well. :) I hope you enjoy it.