Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and encouraging words!
It looks like I may be around for a while. My heart procedure was deemed a success. A dicey one, mind you. I have tachycardia due to premature ventricular contractions. Translation: rogue cells that produce extra heartbeats; 20% to 40% are considered cause for concern. I clocked in at 60%! Result? My busy little fist-sized motor was seriously overloaded. But the exact location of the impersonator cells was a mystery. And so…
I was wheeled into an operating room with more high-tech screens and flashing lights than the bridge of the starship Enterprise. And that was the last thing I saw. But here’s my understanding of what happened:
My electrophysiologist Captain Athar, and his Away Team, beamed down into my heart. They’d almost given up when, after several hours of reconnaissance, they finally located the copycat tissues. The little felons were hidden deep inside a muscle cluster. With phasers in hand, Team MyHeart neutralized the delinquent cells, resulting in scarring that would disrupt the future transmission of uninvited heartbeats. Four hours later, the Away Team beamed back up to the bridge.
Doctor Athar and Team MyHeart were proud of pulling off one of the more difficult ablations they’ve tackled. Just how successful they were won’t be clear for another month or so, but they’re very optimistic. And me? Well, I don’t think anything happens purely by accident. Which is not to say that everything is good, far from it. Only that…
Either nothing has meaning, or everything does.
And so, since it seems I will be around for a while, my task now…
Is to discern what that means.
Thank you for the fabulous update. God is great!
He is indeed, Sandy.
This is good news! Make time, now, to recoup.
Will do.
Glad you’re still with us! 🙏
Thank you, Tansy!
Thank you for the update, stay blessed 🙏
You too, Morag.
I’ve just been through my first biologic infusion (for Crohn’s). Someone commented that I’m stewarding my afflictions. Still pondering that as you work on discerning how what you’ve been through lines up with God’s plan.
Thankful to learn you’re healing and hopeful!
How are you doing, Joy? Joining Mitch in recovery? As I said to him, be nice to yourself.
Cautiously optimistic! Next infusion is August 11. Thank you, Gail, for the encouragement!
Likewise, Joy, and I like the term “stewarding your afflictions.” It indicates a proactive faith, rather helplessness.
Great news! Long may it continue!
–Scott
Thank you, Scott!
Thinking of you, Mitch. This crazy world is far better off with you still in it!
Amen!
Aw, bless you, my friend❣
Great news! I’m glad everything went so well!
Thanks, Tracy!
Husband had an ablation done in April. So far so good!
I’m so glad to hear that, Therese.
🌹🌹
Hooray! You would be missed by many. Keep up the search and sharing what you learn. Thank you for making a difference in my and so many others’ lives. Prayed and still praying.
I didn’t mean to be anonymous! Eileen Norman
Thank you, Eileen. And thank you for your kind words!
Glad things went well. I pray that God will bless you with healing and your recovery will be quick and complete.
Thank you, Joan, and good to hear from you (it’s been a while!).
It has. I have to get back to writing. I’ve been busy with other things. But I miss the blogs so I’ve been working on ideas. Praying you recovery well from your procedure.
Thank you, Joannie!
Wow, glad that things are looking hopeful. Praying that things continue well for you!
Thanks, Abe!
I love the Star Trek analogy. In addition to dwarfing the number of lights, etc., turns out the ones in your surgical suite actually worked! Soli Deo Gloria.
;>) Indeed, Rob.
<3 good news!
Happy to read this update! Prayers for a quick recovery!
Thank you, Julanne!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mitch. I guess these deficiencies are what they call the ravages of old age and thank God you and I have survived ours. Your 80 year old online pal, Bob
Thanks, Bob.
Ho terrifying. Well done for being so brave Mitch.
When you mentioned something about how everything has a meaning, I couldn’t help to recall that you had your film success also, after a – delay, and that your surgical team making a success after also some delay…
Is it me or is there similarity here?
I mention this in the hope that it might encourage you and make you believe harder in your healing success in this. It’s just meant to be successful. That’s how things appear to work for you.
Could be, Maria. Or God is just teaching me patience. Again. ;>)
Oh, yes, that as well. As well as. Hope and patience. The best ingredients.
Take good care of yourself.
Thank you, Maria.
Excellent news, delivered with an admirable blend of whimsy and science, Mitch. If the procedure was as successful as predicted, would you no longer be afflicted by tachycardia?
That’s quite possible, Annie.
That would be wonderful!
Very good 👍🏼
Rest easy and continue enjoying the preciousness of life. 😊
Amen. Scott, I love how you put that, the preciousness of life.
Will do, Scott.
Very good news Mitch
💪
I give thanks for you and all who cared for your heart.
Thank you, Anonymous friend.
Interesting!
Thank you, Caleb.
Thank You, Lord, and we praise You.💚 Mitch, YAY, welcome back, and happy discerning!!🌷
Thank you, Carol!
Thanks from a frenchi for your visit on my Novel blog on WordPress at myfictiondaily
I wish you the best recovery,
Merci, my Anonymous friend.
It’s so good to hear that you’re going to be around for a bit. You are, after all, a blessing to all of us. Recovery from cardiac surgery takes time, so be patient with and kind to yourself. Setbacks are not good! Clearly, God isn’t done with you yet; you can use your recovery time to talk with Him about it.
Amen, Gail!
Indeed I can, and do, Gail. Blessings, my friend.
Mitch, so good to know you are now recovering from the procedure. By the stripes of Jesus you are whole. Blessings of speedy recovery and a healthy heart.
Thank you, Hazel!
You’re welcome, Mitch!
It’ s good to have you around for a while longer. I remember when I received my myeloma diagnosis twenty-five years ago. I expected to be gone in two to three years, the average survival rate for that nasty disease back then. Now I’m a walking, talking, breathing testimony. You’ll be likewise. BTW, I’ve been a Trekkie with the beginning of the show in 1966. I love the metaphor. You did commit one unforgiveable sin. The crew probably used a phaser instead of a blaster. 😂 I pray for your speedy recovery.
You’re right, Hosea, and I should know better. I can’t believe I used a Star Wars word! And thank you, btw.
I’m glad to hear the good news! I know several people who had heart ablations, and now they live very active lives with no bad effects. My parents were treated with blood thinners, but that had side effects. Heart ablations seem to be the standard treatment now.
So I’m told, Janet. Thank you!
Whew! Welcome back. 🙂
Thank you, Ernie. (Or do you prefer Ernest?)
God is good. God has a plan.
Yep.
So glad the Lord brought you through all of that. Take time to heal.
Will do, Sue.
Great news, Mitch!
Thanks, Doug!
That’s scary. Glad all is well!
Thank you, Chanél!
Praise God, this is excellent news! Hopefully God wants you involved in his kingdom work for a good while longer!
Thank you, Eric!
Welcome back Mitch. “TEAM” is a really good word when they all pitch in.
Thanks, Gary.
So glad to hear this good news, Mitch. I’m thinking part of what your healing means those of us in the blogosphere get to enjoy, be inspired, challenged, and encouraged by your superb posts!
Aw, bless you, dear friend❣
Happy to hear this good news, Mitch. I also took delight in reading your playful galactic account of the procedural happenings. I’ve got a heart condition of my own (bifasicular block), which means that my heart will likely need some sort of intervention (probably a pacemaker) somewhere down the road of life. Knowing that every single second of my life is in the Lord’s hands gives me great assurance that I’m not leaving this earth until the time He has appointed. I am praying that this procedure of yours will have a wonderful result, allowing you to keep writing, encouraging, and inspiring.
Thank you so much, Cindie. Praying the same for you.
Modern medicine is truly a miracle God has given us. So happy you had such a wonderful team to get you back on the right rhythm track! I have no doubt your life still has a LOT of Purpose to fulfill!
Thank you, Caroll!
Thanks for the update, Mitch. PTL.
Amen, Terry.
Wonderful news, Mitch! Your procedure sounds very similar to mine, which was performed in 1999. Since then, I have not had a single episode of tachycardia! May you have the same outstanding results! 💫
That’s awesome, Nancy!
So happy to hear that your surgery was deemed a success. May the Lord bring quick healing and lasting health to you, Mitch.
Thank you, Diane.
Amazing what technology can do, and amazing there are people with the patience and nerves to be surgeons. So glad to hear you are doing well! 🙂
Thank you, Sarah!
So glad you’re back in the saddle (or is it starship?) once again
Thanks, Pam. 🚀
I like the Star Trek analogy for your good news!
;>) Thanks, Liz!
You’re welcome, Mitch!
Wow! PTL! Rest and get well. I hope the procedure is successful
Thank you, Lisa.
Thank God that He works in our heart in more ways than one. Good news indeed.
Indeed, Glenn.
Wonderful to hear this Mitch. Continued prayers for your recovery
Thank you, Manu.
I am happy to hear that all went well for you
Blessings
Thank you, and blessings to you, Eileen.
Glad the star team knew what it was doing. Blessings on your journey of discovery.
Thank you, Lisa.
You’re welcome, Mitch.
Thanking God with you, Mitch.🙏❤️
Bless you, Renee.
Glad for your good news, Mitch. Create more of that Mitch Magic. God bless!
Aw, thank you, dear Nancy. And God bless you too.
It means God still has work for you to do.
So it seems, Ruth.
Praise the Lord for blessing Doctor Athar and Team MyHeart with the skills necessary to perform a successful procedure on your naughty heart. The medical professionals who are able to learn how to do this stuff are absolutely amazing. 🙂
I agree, Nancy.
Lots of prayers for your speedy healing, Mitch.
Thanks, Gabrielle!
❤️
Yay!
I am glad that you had a successful heart surgery! Take it easy on your heart. Rest well and follow the doctor’s advice. God is good all the time.
Thank you, and amen.
Wonderful to hear from you!
Continued prayers for a full recovery and that the surgery will prove successful!
Thank you you so much, Carolyn!
You are very welcome!
Pingback: My Heart Was in Your Hands – QuietMomentsWithGod
Yay! I am glad you are still here.
hola
Thank you, Venus.
By His stripes you have been healed (past tense). 2 Peter 2:24 Now you must believe His Word more than any report. It has already been done. Now just believe it. 🕊️🎶❤️
Glad to still have you around. Life is a gift indeed
Thank you, Jimmy.
What a powerful, touching Post. So glad that you are back. With you in spirit.
Thank you, Talk.
Wow, how amazing modern medicine is. I praise God for leading this MyHeart team to the discovery of the culprit. I praise God for His extending of your life. I praise God for all good things and thank Jesus for another day for you. You will soon discover what God has in mind for you.
Thank you, dear Kathy.
Thank you for the update, laced with Mitch Humor. A big ‘whew’ to the Captain and his Away Team. You’re safely in God’s hands.
Thanks, Jennie!
You’re welcome!
So glad to hear it went well and you will be only normally taxing your heart for a while. The world needs as much Mitch Teemley as possible!
Thank you so much, my Anonymous friend!
I like the Star Trek explanation. Prayers for your recovery. Blessings.
Thank you, Chris.
Good news, blessings Mitch.
Thanks, Pete.
It means there is more for you to do in this life, and you can look forward to your path through life still stretching ahead.
🧡
Thanks be to God!
Hmm, “discern what that means,” I look forward to reading the Mitch way of processing this!
Thanks, Dana!
I’m so glad the procedure went well, Mitch. Thanks for updating us all 🙂
🧡
I am so glad the procedure went well. Undoubtedly, God was guiding the surgeon’s hands.
I believe you’re right, Anna.
Thanks for the update! So happy that the procedure went well and that you had an amazing doctor and Team MyHeart.
Me too, Doval.
Now we need a screen adaptation along the lines of Fantastic Voyage!!
❤️&🙏, c.a.
That’s where I got the picture for this post, C.A.! https://mitchteemley.com/2019/12/23/a-message-from-my-heart/
That is the most interesting medical procedure I have heard. Should be incorporated in medical schools?
Glad to know all went well Mitch. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
;>) Thank you, Iba.
Glad to learn that you are on the road to recovery.
Thanks, Neil.
happy to hear that so far, so good! 🙂
Thanks, Ren!
I’m happy to hear all is going well so far. I will continue to pray that those rogue cells are all obliterated. God is Good, and prayer is wonderful.
Thank you, Carla, and I agree.
Wonderful news, Mitch! Thanks to the good Lord! You have a great attitude!
<3
I have been away, so I am very happy to finally see that your procedure went well! Having survived cancer, I am grateful for every bonus day and know that you are, too. Your question is so genuine, but you know what? It seems that you are already living a full and abundant life, blessing others every day. Thank you! Bless you!
Aw, thank you, Karen, and likewise, my friend!
Thank you!
As several others have said, I look forward to seeing how God uses this trial / adventure in your life. Will it be the foundation for a series of Mitch Star Trek-like stories? Will it be the experience you needed to reach a group of people in a way that no one else can? May God be glorified!
Amen, and thank you (I’m afraid I don’t know your name).
Great news to hear — and yes, of course I’m poking around a little late! When they wheeled me in, I was already out cold. I don’t even remember leaving the pre-op area. Just recall someone who looked suspiciously like Aunt Bea handing me something and saying, “This’ll relax you.” Well, it did — right up until today!
Welcome back to Reality 1.0, Ben!
Very good news indeed. I know each moment will be more precious now and perhaps that is for all of us, “meaning” enough? Peace to you and yours — Jane
Thank you so much, Jane.
Dear Mitch, Glad to know you caught this before–well… you know… Experiences like this have a way of illuminating in greater detail that which is meaningful in life and what is not so much. Praying for your recovery and protection from any complications. As your thoughts begin to return to your brain, I wager there is another brilliant memoir piece in the making. Many blessings.
Aw, thank you, and likewise, Patricia.
So glad your procedure went well and hope you don’t have to wait the full month for final results. Best wishes for quick recovery!
Thank you, Connie. And great to hear from you, dear friend!
well, for one thing, that means we are privileged to receive more of your meaningful posts. my hubby has this same condition, but apparently not as bad. he’s had to be zapped more than once and they’re still trying to decide on a pace maker. damn i hate this getting old thing.
Thank you for your kind words, Virginia. And, yes, aging can be pretty sucky. Praying for your husband.
That must have been totally exhausting – wipe out! Glad you’re through to the other side.
Gwen.
Thanks, and so am I, Gwen.
Praises and Prayers. I hope you heal quickly.
Thank you, Shari.
So glad you still have power in your story because there must be more stories that need to be told by you. Happy to know that this chapter didn’t finish with “The End!” It was said before, but God is indeed good to those who put their trust in Him and the pen that He holds.
Amen, Mark.
Glad to see you posting after your ordeal and so happy it came out well!! Praying for a speedy recovery and a renewal of life!! God bless you, Mitch!
Thank you so much, Ellen!
Started a reply but it popped off the screen.
Do you have A-fib? I’ve had it my whole life. Tachycardia goes along with it.
My Cardiologist teaches Ablation at USC. He’s told me I’ll need it at
some point in my life. But at 75 I’m still holding together (on meds).
At least you’ve got family to love and spoil you.
Metaphysicians believe that people don’t pass over until they’ve done everything they came here to do. So, get busy! LOL
BE WELL!!! And keep in touch!
Yes, I do have A-fib. And thank you, my Anonymous friend.
GREAT NEWS! My husband – MITCH- is having ablasion in two weeks for A-Fib – too many pitter patters of the heart –
Must be something about that name. ;>) Praying, Vickie.
Yes, but still a great name!!!
Oh my goodness… well I’m sure happy you’re still writing, sharing and doing well Mitch…prayers your continued healing will remove all concerns and just joy for living is present…🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you, Kerri.
Absolutely!!! I hope you’re continually feeling amazing !