UPDATE! (April 27 - 6:44pm)Dave went to the doctor today for the second of three follow up visits. Though Dave's upper chest is still painful when touched, the doctor said that is normal. Actually, the doctor said everything is going great! Dave hopes to get out and do some nursing home ministry late next week, and will try to get an email out to everyone in about 10 days. Thanks everyone for continuing to pray. Chris and I went up to see him last Friday and had a great time with him and his Mom. We spent a couple of hours with him but he seemed to get tired toward the end. He is still in need of much rest and healing, but his spirits are good and he is on his way. Continue to pray and thanks!

UPDATE! (April 15 - 10:15pm)Dave has finally made it home! He gave me a call today (Chris, my wife talked with him). He is very thankful to be home and and is greatful for all your prayers. He is feeling much better but his body is still getting use to the Coumadin. The doctors will continue to work with Dave to get the dosage correct. Dave's mom, Esther, will be taking care of him for the next 4 weeks. Continue to pray for his healing, but also don't forget to thank God for what he has done!

UPDATE! (April 14 - 5:30pm)I receive today a call from "The Great One" himself! Dave is still very tired and it sounded like it. The infections have all been cleared up and he is walking several times a day. The focus now is on his Coumadin levels. As some of you might know, before Dave leaves the hospital, the doctors need to get it regulated. This can take many days and is kind of hit or miss at the beginning. Dave is taking visitors now but I suggest not staying long (I am not a doctor though). God has been faithful to Dave. Thank Him!

UPDATE! (April 12 - 10pm)Dave's mom called yesterday (sorry!) and said he is doing much better. He is still fighting an infection but his fever is gone. He has been moved to a private room and took 4 walks yesterday. Thank you all for praying! It seems that some people after this surgery can actually hear the new heart valve working. (an odd fact). We will have to wait and see!

UPDATE! (April 11 - 10pm)Dave's mom just called and gave me an update. The third day after surgery is often tough and it has been tough one for Dave. They have taken many of the tubes and supports from his body and they have even gotten him up for a short walk. However, Dave is very tired and still has a high fever. Esther (Dave's Mom) is requesting that he have no visitors for a few days so he can regain his strength. I will be continuing to update the website with information concerning his condition and such, and I will also let you know when it will be ok to visit him. Continue to Pray!

UPDATE! (April 9 - 2:53pm)Dave has made it out of surgery and is doing well! The doctor said they had to replace the Mitral valve as it was in bad shape. The replacement value, the doctor said, should last another 30-40 years so that should not be a problem. Dave has not awakened yet and should be sleeping for another 4-5 hours. The doctor also said that Dave's exersize regimate for the last few months has truly helped him out. Praise God! Dave's mom says thanks for all your prayers and care!

Update (April 3)! Dave's surgery is scheduled for 9am on Friday, April 9th.

For those who haven't heard, I am scheduled for open heart surgery (Mitral Valve repair or replacement) Friday, April 9 (in Aurora, IL). You can check in here for updates on the surgery and my recovery.

Last fall I was diagnosed with a heart murmur. After an electrocardiogram, I saw my heart specialist in February, and he said my Mitral Valve had a "moderate to severe" leak. This new information helped me to understand why my energy level seemed to have dipped some. He started me on medication and hoped we could put off any surgery for up to five years. However, in early March I noticed my energy level reducing even more. That's when they realized the medication wasn't helping, and surgery was needed. I had an Angiogram on Monday, March 15 - which is a common pre-operation procedure to see if any blockages were there. That came out fine - no blockages. Surgery is planned for Friday, April 9 at Mercy Hospital in Aurora (not sure the time yet). Plans are for several days in ICU, followed by regular room (total hospital stay estimated to be 4-5 days). Recovery time depends on the healing of the chest. It could be up to 4 weeks before I drive, and the total time estimated before full recovery is 6-8 weeks.

Thanks for your ongoing prayers for myself and all involved.

Dave