Being A Goaltender Represents: Accomplishments And Defeating Obstacles

As posted earlier, I have made the decision earlier this year to suit up and play in goal again.  It's a long, planned road of proper conditioning, extensive reinforcements and modifications of my hockey equipment.

I wouldn't recommend being a goalie to any of my fellow LVADers, but I have been playing in between the pipes my entire life. It was in 2009 with my first LVAD implant that I was told I could NOT play again.  What I would like to project is to any LVADer is keep your focus on your dreams, lost dreams and or trade-offs that life has set forth in your lives.

Keep on keeping on!  Or in my case 😄... "Keep On Goalkeeping On!"

Check out this video: Making Of A Bionic Goalie Part I (not me in the video... Yet... just the leg pad modification that enables me to slide easily without jolting my body) 

Some Thanks to: LVAD,HEARTMATE II,HEARTMATE,THORATEC,Larry W, ROLLERFLY,REY,Maria Mountain,Revolution Sport Conditioning,Hockey Training Pro,@GoalieTraining @RollerFlyGuy #OneDayBetter #LVAD 

And The Good Saga Continues... As the #BionicGoalie 😄👍

Well Done THORATEC! Heartmate III GOES INTO TRIAL!

Yes I haven't posted in a very long time.

Yes I have received a lot of emails asking if I am ok?

Yes I have not been on my personal FB acct.

Yes I have driven my FIRST New York to Cali back to NY road trip since doing 4 of them, pre-LVAD back in 2009.

Yes I have driven my SECOND New York to Cali back to NY road trip THIS YEAR!

Yes I have driven my THIRD New York to Cali back to NY road trip THIS YEAR! 

Yes I AM HAPPY THAT THORATEC FORGES ON WITH LVAD DEVELOPMENT, OFFERING FOLKS A SECOND CHANCE to forge on with their lives with reinstated STAMINA.

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

WHERE HAS TIME GONE? Over a year since I posted last!

WHERE HAS TIME GONE? Over a year since I posted last! Wowwww. Doesn't seem it! now I know why I have received messages and emails asking " Are you Dead? Is he dead? Are you ok? What happened to you?"    Then I respond back and I get... "But I thought you were dead! Your Not dead! :-) and it goes on and on...

NOPE, im not dead... If I am then this place where I have been for over a year must be heaven.  

I send out BIG HEARTFELT apologies to those who have followed my blog and were left hanging on how I was... I really didnt consider posting what I have been doing because my email is up on the top of this blog header and felt i would keep in touch with those who directly contacted me.

Quite frankly I needed a break... A true "SABbatical" (we will explain in another future post that my SABbatical entailed running away and  joining a flying circus in a community where all are judged by the WHO in them and not the WHAT!)  I spent myself to the point i needed to Enjoy the LVAD  That i was blessed with for myself and only myself... i almost literally (but not really LOL )have lived an LVAD-FREE life.

 As my blog's theme indicates... 
I poured my whole self into helping folks start LVAD support groups, promote Online Support groups... Advocate for and spoke of my firsthand experiences with LVAD LIFE.  I tried to bring humor to the daily forefront in accepting our NEW NORM with the LVAD... the wires and its gadgets. I visited LVAD patients in hospitals in several states... Spoke to potential LVAD recipients... Participated and was invited to many  Annual Meetings, Summits, symposiums, meet-ups... Interviews, many memorial services for those LVADers who fought the good fight til their last breath...  

I have even participated at COLUMBIA PRESBYTERIAN on a year long study on how slowing the RPMs of an LVAD affects The brain. This SCORR study mapped my brain and will or has helped other LVADers and Stroke victims...

We have reached LVADers and the Health sector on a domestic and international level.  I have met many good folks fighting the same good fight as I am. I poured my soul in helping all that came my way and at the same time i was helping myself in an effort to thank those that have given me a quality of life that is miraculous!  Just to mention a few... Dr Yofi Naka and Columbia Presbyterian LVAD team... THORATEC and my family... I can go on and on with thanks but for now I'd rather keep this post as a quick catch up. 

Lastly, because I can go on and on and on :-) I have also Stood up against bullies and Egos that tend to interfere with our special LVAD community that I call HOME...  So as you see, I selfishly deemed myself  accomplished  and took a well deserved long vacation from LVAD Advocacy. 

Finally on another LVADer's Life's progression... former VP Cheney has written a book on his Heart failure experience... I havent read it yet but hope he mentions his HeartMate II ! Here is his interview itinerary that I received through an email: 
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As you may have heard, former Vice President Dick Cheney has written a new book about his 35-year battle with heart disease. Two chapters of the book are about Mr. Cheney’s experience with HeartMate II, which was implanted in 2010 and supported him until he received a heart transplant in 2012. The book is called “Heart: An American Medical Odyssey<http://www.amazon.com/Heart-American-Medical-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B00BSBR6Y8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382144257&sr=8-1&keywords=cheney+heart>,” and he wrote it with his daughter and his cardiologist.

Mr. Cheney plans to speak on a number of TV shows this week, starting with an interview on 60 Minutes with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. We encourage you to tune in, and to let your friends and families know about the broadcasts.

Some of the shows currently scheduled to feature Mr. Cheney this week are:

60 Minutes. CBS, Sunday, Oct 20 at 7:30 pm ET/PT (following NFL Football) - Preview<http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50157418n>
The Today Show. NBC, Monday, Oct 21. Check your local listings for time - Preview<http://www.today.com/books/dick-cheney-i-said-goodbye-family-heart-surgery-8C11409516>
The Dr. Oz Show. Wednesday, Oct 23. Check your local listings orDoctorOz.com<http://www.doctoroz.com/> for local station and time - Preview<http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/dick-cheney-exclusive>

AND THE GOOD GOOD SAGA CONTINUES ;-)... 

2 Years And 7 Months... LVAD Life As I Know It

At the risk of sounding redundant, quality of life couldnt be better for me.  I often think of how I felt prior to my LVAD implant in November 2009.  It is like night and day.  From very short distances of walking to almost unlimited amounts of walking. I have gone from a tentative Iron Man to a one that pushes my limits in an effort that safely tests my LVAD limits and my own Native Heart.

In FACT 2 days ago my wife and I walked close to 8 miles throughout Manhattan with approximately 3 1/2 miles of walking on the High Line in the Meat Packing District.  if you dont know what the High Line is, visit here: www.HighLine.Org

The High Line is truly an Oasis located on a former elevated Train line that the Meat Packing District used for deliveries.  It stands to be the most beautiful and innovative Boardwalk that I have ever walked on.  Views of the NYC and NJ skylines as well as interactive displays of nature... nestled between a beautifully landscape walk of Art, flowers, trees, grass, water.  The scent of the flowers almost blanket the entire walk from end to end. there is also a "river inspired" water display that tricks the mind into thinking we are at a river bank :-)

So, without my HeartMate II / LVAD things such as this i couldnt enjoy. I am blessed to be able to reap from the benefits of my HeartMate II

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

EVEN THROUGH STORMY DAYS THE HEARTMATE II LVAD GIVES ME MY SUNSHINE :-)

SOME LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICES (LVAD) LOOK LIKE "DOOR KNOBS" OR OLD AUTOMOTIVE WATER PUMPS... MY HEARTMATE II RESEMBLES A MINATURE VERSION OF  THE PLUMBING UNDER MY BATHROOM SINK.  I AM BLESSED AS I CAN NOT IMAGINE LIFE WITH OUT MY "LVADone"... THE NAME I HAVE GIVEN TO MY LVAD.  WHY LVADone? BECAUSE IF THE PRESIDENT FLIES IN AIRFORCEone OR MARINEone... I HAVE LVADone PROTECTING ME THROUGH MY DAYS... MY LIFE... MY LVADone!!!

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

The Most Important LVAD SweetHeart: YOUR OWN HEART! LOVE IT! RESPECT IT! Walk It!

As Valentines Day is here, i would like to emphasize my Love for my Wife and for my Family on Valentines Day 2012.  However MORE importantly is the fact that our BIGGEST SWEETHEART should be our own hearts and those with heart failure... what remains of our functioning heart should be treated well. Loved! Respected! TREATED to healthiest diets possible. And last but not least our Hearts should be walked and if possible... exercised to Healthier and stronger limits.

I have an LVAD which means my Left Ventricle is in dire need of assistance from my Ventricular Device... The LVAD.  I am so blessed to be in the age of the implanted LVAD and to live another day to make a difference.

I OWE IT TO THE  RIGHT SIDE OF MY HEART TO KEEP IT AS HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE as my HeartMate II is taking care of the Left side chores... :-)

Happy Valentines Day to My Wife,Mom,
Daughter,Son-in-law,grandson1,grandson2,Son1,Son2,Sisters and Families, My Extended Family, Friends, My LVAD FAMILY, Dr B and his Family, Columbia New York Presbyterian Hospital Family and to my Thoratec Family.

From The Bottom Of My LVAD: OFFICIAL LOGO

From The Bottom Of My LVAD: Official Logo

And The Good Saga Continues...

LIKE AN ASTRONAUT:AN LVAD HERO OF MINE

The Torios and I met two years ago Through this Blog when our LVAD journey began.

How do you show people, that you have met through illlness and survival, that you are so thankful for their Love and Friendship? For me i am putting it in a piece of Art...

WE LOVE YOU Cris and Suzanne :-)
Josh and Anne Marie

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

RECOGNIZING DR DeBakey AND A HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

Something goofy i wanted to work on and here it is :-) HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL... I AM BLESSED FOR A BETTER LIFE BECAUSE OF MY LVAD. THANK YOU COLUMBIA NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL AND THORATEC...

...THANK YOU FROM MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

Gabe J Erhenstein A Quiet And Humble LVAD HERO Until The Very End

After sitting 30 days of Shiva for Gabe, I am still at a loss, so many questions to be answered. Wondering of the mishaps that occured during a night of celebration. No one is to blame, Not Gabe nor his wife Lori. No blame on his friends, Doctors or hospital. Gabe was in a PERFECT CIRCLE of divine love and safety... but still slipped through and into the unknown that eventually took him from this earth. His death wasnt directly LVAD failure... he devoted his life to design a better LVAD for those in the future...

It was just his time, no other way to rationalize it. He accomplished great things before and after his LVAD and will live on as an LVAD Hero.

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

RUDOLPH THE LVAD REINDEER SPOTTED IN NYC

TO ALL THOSE THAT KEEPS ME SPINNING AND THE GREEN GLOW OF LIFE SHINNING; TO ALL THAT HAVE SUPPORTED, LOVED AND HUGGED ME; TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE INSPIRED AND TAUGHT ME; AND TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT... GOD BLESS YOU...

AND THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

AND THE GOOD (LVAD) SAGA CONTINUES IN AARP MAGAZINE By Peter Jaret

X
The Morris' pictured here in front of Yankee Stadium, are enjoying 'extra innings' in life.

Photo by Gina Levay

Below is a Direct link to the article. However here are some excepts from the AARP article by Peter Jaret...

When damage to the heart is irreversible, as in most cases of congestive heart failure, the pump can buy time until a donor organ is available for a heart transplant. Before he suffered a heart attack at age 47, Michael-Joshua Morris, of New York City, was exceptionally active. After his heart attack, he couldn't walk more than 10 steps without gasping for breath and leaning on his wife, Anne Marie. Two years ago he had the device implanted. "What the heart attack took away from me, the LVAD gave back to me," says Morris, who still hopes to undergo a heart transplant.

But most recipients shrug off the inconveniences. "Sure, you've got a wire coming out of your gut, and batteries to worry about, and all that," says Morris. "I'm a Yankees fan, and someone once asked me if I felt as if my life was at the bottom of the ninth inning, two outs, bases loaded. The way I put it, my life is in extra innings. If I'd had my heart attack eight years ago, I wouldn't be alive. What can I be but grateful?"

http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-12-2011/heart-pump-helps-those-with-heart-failure.2.html

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

HEARTMATES TOO WITH THE HEARTMATE II / "LIVING THE NEW NORM HAPPILY!"

WHO HAS THE LVAD?

Look carefully, the ugly one in the grey hat has the LVAD :-)... Me! My driveline exits my body, yet for a moment, my wife gives me a break wearing my batteries and controller. My whole family plays a roll in living the NEW NORM with me ! My wife and family and my LVAD... Living the new norm happily :-)

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

Understanding The Thoratec HeartMate II LVAD: A VISUAL PERSPECTIVE

The inner works that keep "The Good Saga Continuing..."

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

ANOTHER NEW NORM! WHAT CAN I SAY? I AM BLESSED BY MY TRUST IN GOD, Columbia NY Presbyterian Hospital And Thoratec.

The Noble person who had my life and heart in his hands.

Dr Naka The Selfless Surgeon

(Great Name For A TV SHOW)

This is My Wife, Me and My Mom just 8 hours after pump swap. I already was off the Vent, sitting up in a chair for 3hours and back in bed.

DISCHARGED 7 days after pump swap and heading home :-)

7 days after my LVAD Pump Swap I headed home Happier than before. Stronger than Ive ever been. I have alot of folks to thank but must start with 3 people. My Wife, Mother and Dr Naka who has had my heart in his hands twice.

2 years ago I had the Heartmate II implant. However I always knew I would be back in the hospital... for a Heart Transplant and or perhaps a pump replacement as i am blood type O negative which is the rarest blood type and longest wait for a heart.

Anyway with this mindset from 2 years back, i was always somewhat prepared to return for surgery. Like a Samarai Warrior, i envisioned myself going through different types of scenerios. Good ones and Bad ones... in an effort to always be prepared.

I like to constantly remind myself of the variables and possiblities surrounding me at any given time. I am not trying to be a hero but more a realist so that if something arises I AM THE STRONGEST I CAN BE... mentally or physically. To Me 90% of any battle is mental.

Today is the first day where i do not feel as exhausted as yesterday. :-) so for me this is DAY 1. I will be posting my experience and findings on my pump failure and swap. How it felt when the pump stopped and my native heart took over.

I will also discuss the folks involved in my surgery and recovery... but for now i leave a photo of me upon discharge... in the back seat of my truck as my wife is driving and my mom riding shotgun. One of me and my Caregivers and Dr Naka the most gifted man that has saved/restored/restarted my life TWICE!!!

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

Softball Baseball And The LVAD With A .900 Batting AVG :-)

LVAD CATCH OF A LIFETIME: THORATEC'S HeartMate II

The best "Catch" of my lifetime is Thoratec's Heartmate II LVAD. Left with no stamina after a massive Heart attack, 2 years ago the "pump" pictured above serves as an artificial Left Ventricle (Assist Device).

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

To My Donor Family, THORATEC, THANK YOU... For My 2nd Beautiful Life.

Having an “LVAD Implant” myself and with the notion that this may sound strange to most… I feel that THORATEC is concurrently (as close to being) MY Heart Donor and Donor family. And why not?!?

My Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)… the LVAD, the Heartmate II (HMII) by Thoratec… is born out of Love, passion, dedication, RESPECT and Love for life. The HMII is a the Gift given to folks with end stage heart failure. It is a chance to restore life with quality and stamina; to previous levels or even better… it has for me.

On September 5th, 2011 at Yankee Stadium an LVAD, My LVAD was in attendance.

Is this not what being a donor and donor family is all about too? I say all of this with confidence as I have met with many Thoratec Employees at every level. We’ve exchanged emails and phone calls as well as face to face planned and unplanned meetings, a Company tour of Headquarters and “The Plant” where the Heartmate II is assembled and tested. I even tweet with a few...

Me and my wife, friend and my Caregiver.

Like a caring Family, Thoratec ongoing projects are visionary that constantly update the quality of life for their LVADers now and in the future. Every step of the way, every angle, their daily mission is focused on the NOW and the future. This will ensure the possibility for more folks with End Stage Heart Failure their own re-Birthday, a second chance… Life restored with quality. My LVAD HeartMate II Birthday cake

The Heartmate II constantly gives back to me what my heart attack took away from me. Thank you Thoratec, my donor Family, for my 2nd Beautiful Life. Thank you to all responsible for developing the LVAD throughout history.
(Thoratec, along with every other Medical Device company… is in the business to make money and profit. I do not own $tock in Thoratec nor have any other stock market investments. However, I do want Thoratec and other proven Health Industry manufacturers to be successful and make a profit! Why wouldn’t I? I want them to save even more lives; giving more people that second chance. Sparing families of the immediate loss of a loved one.)

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

NEWEST VIDEO of Vice President Cheney Show and Tell his LVAD to Wolf Blitzer

AND THE GOOD SAGA CONTINUES...

We Could Not Be, Without The Likes Of Our Brave LVAD Heroes...

1984-2011

Yesterday morning I received word that Brandon’s long hard journey has come to an end. He is at rest… at peace now after a hard fought struggle. To me his brave fight against steep health complications brought the LVAD community even closer. His wife, Kari kept us all informed with Brandon’s good fight. Her unconditional love and support of her husband and children spread across the (Facebook-)LVAD community on a daily basis. God Bless Brandon’s family, my good thoughts and prayers for his family are constantly raised throughout day.

The LVAD community’s own HEART deeply feels his loss.