Imperfect Heart: Stories of Myocardial Bridges

From one Imperfect Heart to another, may your day be full of family, friends and gratitude.  Happy Thanksgiving. Today, is a great day to be alive.

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 likely can relate navigating life’s ups and downs, then suddenly, your heart throws you an unexpected curveball. My guest, Emily Tedore, a 39-year-old mother of two, courageously steps into our conversation to unravel her heart health journey. She takes us through her experience, starting from a sudden chest pain at the gym to a heart catheterization and eventually an unroofing procedure to treat her myocardial bridge. That first episode was a heart attack that led to the steps toward her unroofing procedure. Emily shines a light on the emotional roller coaster her diagnosis process was and how it changed her life’s viewpoint dramatically. Our discussion also uncovers the period of anticipation leading to Emily’s surgery at Stanford, a time marked by uncertainty, worry and anxiety. Emily offers a look into this challenging period, retracing her steps through the arduous process of getting medical records, securing her surgery approval, and the distress that came with pausing her exercise routines. Emily’s surgery, scheduled just before Christmas, meant spending the festive season away from family due to her health condition. A testament to the her resilience, Emily’s story paints a vivid picture of how family support can anchor us through life’s most difficult times. As we dig deeper into Emily’s experience, we explore her recovery process post-surgery, emphasizing the indispensability of self-care and adherence to exercise routines. Emily’s narrative serves as a reminder to listen to our bodies, even when our recovery journey presents hurdles. Our conversation further addresses the anxiety and fear that often accompany heart conditions, providing insights into coping with emotional stress, finding supportive communities, and learning to value life.  A perfect episode to lead us into the holiday season.

As promised in the episode, if you’re in the Eastern Sierra or western part of Nevada, Carson Tahoe Health is where Emily’s cardiologist practices.  Her name is Dr. Lorrel Toft and the number for the department is 775-445-7650.  The website for the hosipital is www.carsontahoehealth.com

To learn more about Myocardial Bridges and the surgery that relieves the debilitating symptoms a bridge may cause, 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 for a conversation with Professor Theo Kofidis, Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery at the National University Hospital of Singapore, as we explore the complexities of myocardial bridges and minimally invasive heart surgery. An expert in his field and a renowned cardiac surgeon, Professor Kofidis discusses the importance of patient education, understanding myocardial bridges, and the various approaches to treatment. You’ll hear about the impact of global perspectives on this condition, from Europe’s slower acceptance to the influence of the United States on Kofidis’s approach to innovation and patient outcomes.

Listen as we take a closer look at the intricacies of treating a myocardial bridge. We talk about the process of unroofing and treating our condition, with a keen focus on minimally invasive procedures. We discuss the pros and cons of access to the heart and emphasize the need for customized patient-centric approaches. We also explore the challenge in diagnosing myocardial bridges due to a lack of scientific understanding of the condition, stressing the importance of cautious and conservative treatment approaches.

We’ll close with a glimpse into some of the pastimes this surgeon enjoys when he does get a break from the process of what can be an incredibly stressful career.

To reach Professor Kofidis his email is [email protected]

For more information on Myocardial Bridges be sure to 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. 

What if you could peer into the future of cardiac care and discover a method for Myocardial Bridge “unroofing” surgery that offers less pain, less scarring, and faster recovery? That future is now. Welcome to the new world of robotic cardiac surgery, as revealed by our guest, Director, Robotic and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at University of Chicago Medicine, Dr. Husam Balkhy. He shares his wealth of knowledge with us, unraveling his history and the potential of robotic surgery in treating heart conditions, specifically myocardial bridges.

We discuss the intricate landscape of the heart, how different perspectives can help access deep coronary arteries or Myocardial Bridges and delve into the technicalities of unroofing myocardial bridges robotically. A process that requires precision, skill, favors experience and proper patient selection. Dr. Balkhy also shares the hurdles and rewards of robot-assisted surgery, emphasizing the pivotal role of a stabilizer in ensuring successful operations. This very stabilizer is currently being phased out and may not be replaced, rendering this procedure impossible and therefore no longer able to be performed going forward.

Whether you’re seeking to understand myocardial bridges, explore treatment options, or better understand a diagnosis, this episode will leave you with a deeper comprehension of robotic cardiac surgery’s pioneering world and your options.  Cutting edge?  Not so much and happy to say.

For more information about Dr. Balkhy, click  here

To inquire about possible robotic surgery for your Myocardial Bridge call Ruth Buckner at Dr. Balkhy’s office: 773-834-1612

To voice your concern about the deletion of the robotic stabilizer, you can contact Intuitive Surgical and watch for more information from me on the website, My Imperfect Heart

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. 

Since you’re listening to this podcast, you’ve likely got symptoms of a Myocardial Bridge or you’re post-surgery and have been “unroofed”.  In either case, whatever your symptoms are or were, a heart attack, shortness of breath, severe angina or chest pain, for most of us, that’s traumatic.  On-going concern pre-surgery about whether or not you’re going to die, or post-surgery concern about what will life be like now and the depression that so often follows are what we’re addressing in this episode.

My guest today, Dr. Joyce Mikal-Flynn, overcame a death experience surviving over 20 minutes of CPR. Through a harrowing journey of resilience and determination, she created a path to recovery, known as Metahabilitation, turning trauma into transformation. Dr. Mikal-Flynn walks us through her journey post the life-altering event, inspiring us with her story of grit and perseverance. She recognized life as she knew it had changed forever and embraced her newfound strength, eventually earning her Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Her research is eye-opening, showing how people can not only survive but thrive after trauma. Through her Metahabilitation process, she helps us understand how positive thinking, self-awareness, and spirituality play crucial roles in the aftermath of such events. Discover the various stages of “Metahab” and how they have helped Dr. Mikal-Flynn and others transform their lives after trauma.

For more information about Dr. JMF and Metahab visit www.metahab.com.

To learn more about Myocardial Bridges and prior episodes of the podcast visit www.myimperfectheart.com.

For support from others with Myocardial Bridges be sure to join the private Facebook page, “Myocardial Bridge Support Group”.

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 reflect and celebrate several anniversaries, acknowledge the emotional and mental shifts post-surgery, and advocate for proper diagnosis and treatment of our condition. A treated myocardial bridge lifestyle is significantly improved and both pre and post surgery requires positivity, persistence, and advocating for yourself. Remember, you are not alone and I encourage you to reach out to share your story with me and help raise awareness of our condition for the benefit of so many others. I welcome your questions and engagement through the website, podcast, and social media. I appreciate all the support and encouragement and hope my efforts with your help, make a difference.

For more information, visit www.myimperfectheart.com

To watch a short video of my death ride experience:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8J3KAAwOB4&t=22s

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. 

In this second part of Amanda’s journey, a relatively successful unroofing procedure leaves a residual problem related to the sternotomy.  Of course, given the nature of the process she’s been through with all the twists and turns, why should the outcome go smoothly?  After all, this is one of the most unusual stories I’ve heard from our guests.  Now, nearly a year post-surgery, the final outcome on what to do about the sternum is still undecided.  As Amanda makes her decision to correct her “non-union”, we’ll be sure to share once we know.

You can find Amanda on her social platforms: Instagram –  hrt_of pearl, Twitter – @amanda_pearlman, Facebook – Amanda Pearlman

To learn more about Myocardial Bridges visit www.myimperfectheart.com and be sure to join the Facebook group on the Myocradial Bridge Facebook page.

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. 

Amanda Pearlman was training to be a law enforcement officer when during Police Academy, a heart attack took her out of contention.  But that’s just the tip of the iceberg as unbelievable diagnoses compounded the real issue of a Myocardial Bridge.  How she eventually got to her unroofing surgery is fable enough but what happens afterward, just when it seemed everything had finally been taken care of, is hard to fathom.

This first part of a two part episode, takes us up to the correct diagnosis of her Myocardial Bridge and leads into part two, the surgical outcome and the unfortunate reality that everything didn’t go as planned.

You can find Amanda on her social platforms: Instagram –  hrt_of pearl, Twitter – @amanda_pearlman, Facebook – Amanda Pearlman

To learn more about Myocardial Bridges visit www.myimperfectheart.com and be sure to join the Facebook group on the Myocradial Bridge Facebook page.

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. 

Many of the stories to date, mine included, have had relatively good outcomes with little drama in the post-surgical process to recovery and final outcomes. We all know everything can’t always go right and I think it’s important we go from thinking that’s the case to sharing stories that were met with some adversity as well.  Everything can’t always go right.  Nothing is perfect.  And sometimes it can go terribly wrong.  Boots Knighton, an educator, an athlete, author and podcaster has quite the story to share as she had to advocate and navigate getting her “unroofing” surgery during Covid as well as dealing with a reconstruction issue as a result of the surgery.  She shares thoughts on mental health and nutrition but has an incredible solution to the mistake her doctor made that is a lesson we all can learn from.

You can find Boots podcast “The Heart Chamber” wherever you get your podcasts.  Website: “www.theheartchamberpodcast.com” Instagram: @theheartchamberpodcast. LinkedIn: Suzanne Boots Knighton

You can find all the “Imperfect Heart” episodes on the website “www.MyImperfectHeart.com” Be sure to check out and follow us on Instagram: @imperfectheartpod

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. 

This is a very special episode for anyone considering the unroofing process for their Myocardial Bridge. Dr. Jack Boyd, Stanford School of Medicine’s Clinical Associate Professor, Cardiothoracic Surgery is my guest.  Dr. Boyd was the surgeon who performed my unroofing procedure and along with the entire Myocardial Bridge Research Team, is responsible for giving me the life as I knew it, back.  Join our conversation as we discuss what happens in the operating room for this surgery and how the procedure is literally done, the pros and cons of various types of entry to the heart from sternotomy to robotic surgery and why the procedure is still considered somewhat controversial amongst cardiologists.  If you are struggling to get acknowledgement from a cardiologist, if you’re uncertain of your diagnosis, if you’re worried about the surgical process in general or the possibility of a heart attack, this conversation should help you minimize the fear of what will most likely improve the quality of your life.  If you or someone you know is struggling with the decision for whatever reason, this is a must listen as you’re hearing from the leading thoracic surgeon in the country on Myocardial Bridge unroofing procedures. Anyone considering the surgery will benefit from this episode.  I hope it brings you peace in your decision, confidence to move forward and comfort knowing the mystery of what happens is clarified.  Now you can take the necessary steps toward minimizing the symptoms of the bridge and getting the life you knew, back.

To learn more or find all past episodes you can visit the website www.myimperfectheart.com

If you would like to see the pertinent segments or the entire interview with Dr. Boyd, you can find them on YouTube: “imperfectheartpodcast”

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.