Is anyone still out there?

Today is July 4, 2010, and I am wondering whether there is anyone out there who is still reading this blog. Lots has happened since my last entry, but the most important thing is that I am still feeling well almost 4 years after my surgery. It took some time and adjustments of both my ICD and my medications, but today I am feeling better than I have since my surgery four years ago. If anyone is wondering whether they should have a myectomy, with the benefit of hindsight, I would still say an unqualified "YES!"

I have not felt perfect since my surgery. I still have a very serious heart condition. I was not "cured" by the surgery. I have had periods of symptoms, particularly chest pain, since the surgery. However, these symptoms were never anywhere as debilitating as were the symptoms prior to surgery. Additionally, I was able to make some easy adjustments and improve the symptoms. Today, I would say that the symptoms I experience are transient. I now go days, even weeks, without noticing an HCM symptom. Before the surgery, I did not even go hours.

Jesse has just completed 2nd grade and is bound for 3rd. He continues to do well. I am posting a picture of the two of us taken recently.