Open Heart Surgery with Boots – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Hey Heart Buddies! I welcome back Robyn Peacock for an update on her incredible journey for “Hope for the Holidays." This conversation is packed with Robyn’s reflections on her battles with an aortic aneurysm and bicuspid aortic valve. Learn about her physical triumphs and the often-overlooked mental health challenges that many heart patients face post-treatment. Robyn shares her newfound purpose working with Heart Valve Voice and how she brings hope and support to fellow heart patients. Plus, a special revelation about the rising buzz around mental health at cardiac conferences. Tune in to find out why this episode could be the emotional boost you need this holiday season. Subscribe and join Boots and Robyn as they dive into the importance of community, self-advocacy, and listening to your body’s signals.

You can hear Robyn's original interview here.

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Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group is where you'll find connection and hope that you aren't alone in your journey.

If you just want to support the show as a one-time gift (thank you), go here.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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Mentioned in this episode:

Heart Valve Voice - US

Be sure to check out HHV - US!

HVV-US

Hey Heart Friends. I sit down with previous guest, Jeff Holden, to explore the profound changes heart surgery brings into one's life. Jeff recaps his own battle against myocardial bridging, recounting the gratitude he feels every day. From open-heart surgery to life-altering dreams, Jeff unpacks the layers of his experiences, revealing how overcoming a near-fatal condition has fueled his passion for advocacy and storytelling. Curious about the life-changing dream Jeff had after surgery? Tune in to understand why this dream has become the cornerstone of his new mission and find out how he’s making a difference in the field of cardiology. Plus, discover the significance of a simple bracelet—a daily reminder to appreciate life’s small blessings.

Listen to Jeff's original episode here. You can find his podcast, My Imperfect Heart, anywhere you get your podcasts.

Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group is where you'll find connection and hope that you aren't alone in your journey.

If you just want to support the show as a one-time gift (thank you), go here.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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#67 Inspired by Warren Zevon’s philosophy to "enjoy every sandwich," Billy Haas walked on the treadmill for hours, eating sandwiches post open-heart surgery in order to cope with depression and the reality that his world had changed in an instant. In this episode, Billy shares about how drinking too much coffee on Denali led to a dual diagnosis of Septal Defect and Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return resulting in open-heart surgery instead of a trip to Pakistan. A year later, he began to experience Severe Vena Cava Occlusion leading to the placement of a stent. Billy walks us through how this major health challenge offered him a fresh lens to view success and failure. Ultimately, Billy successfully navigated his path to physical and emotional wellness and got to go on that trip to Pakistan. Bravo Billy.

Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group is where you'll find connection and hope that you aren't alone in your journey.

If you just want to support the show as a one-time gift (thank you), go here.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

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#67 Joel Oliver, a heart surgery patient from Calgary, Canada shares his mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve in 2018. Despite the initial struggles during recovery, Joel has since lived a full and active life. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and patience through the difficult recovery period. Joel also discusses his current medications and how, aside from these, he feels no lasting impact from his surgery.

More about Joel: Joel Oliver is the owner and founder of East Coast Studio, a podcast production company which helps entrepreneurs enjoy the benefits of podcasting, while making the process as smooth as possible.

Since starting as a solo freelancer a decade ago, Joel's knowledge and skills evolved to grow the business to what it is today, notably through a major heart surgery in 2018 where he was forced to let go of the reigns and fully trust the team he had built. After surgery, Joel spent several years as a digital nomad. He remains at the heart of the company, seamlessly balancing the distinctive challenges and freedoms that come with entrepreneurial work.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-ecs/

https://eastcoaststudio.com/

Email Joel: joel@eastcoaststudio.com

Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group is where you'll find connection and hope that you aren't alone in your journey.

If you just want to support the show as a one-time gift (thank you), go here.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Mentioned in this episode:

Heart Valve Voice - US is here for you!

Find out more about Heart Valve Voice - US at https://www.heartvalvevoice-us.org/resourcesforyourjourney/

Hey Heart Buddies! Oooooo today's episode is another episode I needed when I was starting my heart journey. I interview Jennifer Johnson, an ER nurse, who dishes on all the things our doctors aren't going to tell us heart patients... at least I haven't had one tell me all that Jenn shares in this episode. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive about health, grieving, and understanding women's unique heart attack symptoms. The discussion covers practical tips for heart patients, including keeping a detailed symptom journal, bringing medication lists to the ER, and financial assistance for medications. They highlight the significance of humor, intuition, and having an advocate in healthcare settings. The episode underscores the value of early intervention and proactive care to prevent severe cardiac events and complications. Subscribe to join the supportive heart patient community on Patreon.

30 Days: A Symptom Tracker for Heart Patients: Johnson RN, Jennifer A: Amazon.com: Books

TheIntuitiveNurse - Etsy Canada

Hi, I’m Jennifer Johnson, and I am a wife, mother of two, and a Registered Nurse in Ontario, Canada. I have spent the last sixteen years of my career in the emergency room of big and small hospitals all over Northern and Southern Ontario. I have personally been a part of all the heartbreak, drama, bullying, life to death moments, and then also trying to cope in the ER during an ongoing pandemic. My books are my rally cry to all the other nurses struggling through this pandemic and finding that they are losing their love of nursing. They (as well as I) are burnt out and depressed and feeling hopeless. The love, caring, and camaraderie of nursing have changed for all of us, and the expectation that we continue to show up to a job that puts our lives on the line is new to us, and we are not doing well. I wanted to put this book out there to let nurses know they are not alone. Bringing back the love of nursing is possible. Now more than ever, we need to support and help raise each other.

Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group is where you'll find connection and hope that you aren't alone in your journey.

If you just want to support the show as a one-time gift (thank you), go here.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

If you enjoyed this episode, take a...

Hey Heart Buddies! We hear from Holly Morrell who shares the profound impact of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on her family and herself including her personal experience with a faulty defibrillator implant, multiple surgeries, and a life-threatening rupture that necessitated open-heart surgery. Despite these challenges, Holly finds strength and purpose, continually striving to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in communities through her nonprofit, Heartfelt.

You can get in touch with her at holly@heartfeltscreening.org

Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.

Join the Patreon Community! The Joyful Beat zoom group is where you'll find connection and hope that you aren't alone in your journey.

If you just want to support the show as a one-time gift (thank you), go here.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

#64 Boots brings you her childhood friend, Todd Sykes (aka Toddy), a survivor of endocarditis, a stroke, and a brain aneurysm. At just 37, Todd faced a life-threatening situation during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to two heart surgeries and a remarkable recovery. He needed his mitral and bicuspid valves replaced and had unknowingly been living with a bicuspid valve his entire life (just like Boots). He shares powerful lessons on the importance of loving well, prioritizing family time, and being prepared with insurance and wills. Todd's story highlights resilience, faith, and the need for physical and emotional strength. Todd reminds us to cherish each moment and plan for unforeseen events to protect our loved ones. Todd's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of life's unpredictability and the power of hope.

You can find Todd at @toddsykes (Facebook/ Linked In).

And while you are here, you are the first to learn about the Patreon community Boots will be launching in September. Check it out! Show some love and support for this podcast and keep it on the air.

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and LEAVE A REVIEW. Help this podcast continue to grow and reach heart patients around the globe. This podcast has been downloaded in 55 countries and counting! xo Boots

Mentioned in this episode:

HVV-US

#63 Listen up, Heart Buddies. Today's conversation with Hyvelle is important. She walks us through the importance of gaining information and taking accountability for one's health by sharing her truly shocking personal experience that highlights the consequences of ignoring early warning signs. A stroke ultimately saved her life by revealing a critical heart condition. Hyvelle gets real about the mental and emotional impact of facing life-altering surgeries and the transformative power of finding gratitude in the face of adversity. She also sheds light on the healthcare disparities faced by communities of color and the financial burdens that hinder access to essential resources. Hear about her upcoming health extravaganza event with Heart Sistas, Inc, aimed at raising awareness about heart disease and stroke prevention through accessible health screenings.

I was forever changed from my conversation with Hyvelle. There is so much more we need to be doing in the USA about treating all hearts the same no matter the color of our skin. Please connect with Hyvelle and show her some love.

More about Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis

Hyvelle Ferguson Davis She is a global Health Advocate and an Ambassador for the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association, CEO of Heart Sistas Inc., a newly published author, and a Tedx Speaker.

She is also a stroke, heart attack, and quadruple bypass survivor, living a purposeful life despite her diagnoses after navigating the complications of her illnesses and the treacherous complexity of our healthcare system. She became extremely concerned about disparities in treatments and dissemination of information that she wasn't aware of before she became ill; to better her survival outcome, Hyvelle joined many health groups and organizations to learn how to gain the upper hand. 

***Support the show!*** Your financial support means so much to me and fellow heart patients. Thank you for considering donating today.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

How to connect with Boots

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

#62 Heart surgery buddies! I needed this episode when I was facing heart surgery and I know you do too. Dr. Kim Peirano and I discuss the power of storytelling and mindset in managing pain and medical experiences. She emphasizes the importance of choosing empowering narratives, embracing vulnerability, and finding balance between taking control and accepting reality. Dr. Peirano also warns about false promises in the wellness industry and advises listeners to research practitioners thoroughly. She introduces the concepts of "optimistic realism" and "optimistic nihilism" as ways to transform one's perception of challenging situations. The conversation also touches on preparing for heart surgery, managing fear and anxiety, and the role of hypnotherapy in influencing physiological states. Throughout the episode, the host and guest highlight the significance of self-awareness, boundaries, and informed decision-making in healthcare and personal growth. I know you will find this episode helpful. Be sure to share with a buddy as this conversation applies to any challenge in life.

More about Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, CHT

Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, CHT, brings a wealth of expertise as a seasoned and highly skilled Jungian-based life coach and hypnotherapist. Specializing in areas such as chronic pain and illness, navigating major life transitions, cult and coercive recovery, and providing general support for personal and spiritual growth, Kim caters to high-functioning individuals seeking profound transformation.

Her extensive qualifications include a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a dual board licensed Acupuncturist, and certifications as a Jungian Life Coach and Hypnotherapist. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, Kim establishes a neutral yet inviting space, offering invaluable guidance to clients on their healing journeys. Her approach is characterized by support, compassion, and the ability to gently usher individuals beyond their comfort zones, empowering them to step forward into a life of vibrant fulfillment.

Tiktok.com/@couragetotransform instagram.com/couragetotransform

www.couragetotransform.com

***Support the show!*** Your financial support means so much to me and fellow heart patients. Thank you for considering donating today.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

How to connect with Boots

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

#61 Despite leading a healthy lifestyle, John Spilman required a triple bypass due to severe blockages. He describes warning signs like fatigue and shortness of breath that led to lifesaving surgery. John's recovery included challenges like Afib, but through cardiac rehab and determination, he completed a half Ironman just a year later. His experience emphasizes being your own health advocate and finding support in the heart patient community. John's inspiring journey offers hope to others facing major health obstacles.

More about John Spilman: I've been in endurance sports for over 25 years, participating in over 35 marathons, 15 half Ironman triathlons, and 6 full Ironmans. My routine involved early workouts, a full day of work in corporate strategy, and family time.

In July 2023, I learned I had severe blockages requiring a triple bypass. Despite being a vegan and monitoring my health, my heart struggled with >90% blocked arteries. Signs of fatigue and shortness of breath led to necessary tests and surgery.

The surgery was successful, and I quickly started recovery. I faced challenges like AFIB but continued to push forward. Cardiac rehab and personal workouts helped me regain strength. By July, nearly a year after surgery, I completed a 70.3 half Ironman.

My experience taught me the importance of being your own advocate and focusing on recovery. Listen to your body and keep moving forward every day.

You can find John on Instagram @spilman65 or LinkedIn

***Support the show!*** Your financial support means so much to me and fellow heart patients. Thank you for considering donating today.

**I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Be sure to check in with your care team about all the next right steps for you and your heart.**

How to connect with Boots

Email: Boots@theheartchamberpodcast.com

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knighton

Boots Knighton

If you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well. You can share directly from this platform or send them to:

Open Heart Surgery with Boots