Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Hey Heart Buddies. It's been a long while since I last aired an episode. Sorry for that. In this episode, I get into the reason for my absence with the help of my dear dear friend, Melissa Snider. We cover her heart journey as well which includes two valvular issues. We talk medical gaslighting (which I have talked extensively about on this podcast in the past), more about advocating for self, and my amazing experience at Cleveland Clinic so far. Since the recording of this episode, I have experienced more decline, and Cleveland is working hard on my behalf to get me better. The future is unknown. I have the attention of the very best doctors in the world now but the plan is still in flux. "You get to hire and fire your team. And if you’re new to this podcast or you’re newly diagnosed, I just want to make sure that you are hearing this and will apply it to your own healthcare journey... You should still be honored by your healthcare provider, even if you just have a hangnail." – Boots KnightonBe sure to follow/subscribe to this podcast to get more updates from me and so you won't miss the next season (when I feel up for recording). I'm not done yet! xoSupport this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Hey Heart Buddies! I welcome Dr. Marschall Runge, a leading expert in cardiovascular disease and AI in healthcare, this week to help us explore the transformative role of AI in heart health and discuss its potential to improve diagnostics and predict health outcomes. Runge shares insights into AI's ability to analyze complex medical data, enhancing preventive care and treatment precision. I ask him to address concerns about maintaining human connection in healthcare amidst AI advancements. The conversation highlights the importance of patients being proactive as the "CEO" of their health. Runge expresses optimism about AI's role in revolutionizing healthcare practices and outcomes.This is a fascinating episode and a break from our usual story telling. I hope this episode empowers you to think outside the box of your current health care. Let me know if you liked it!Amazon.com: Coded to Kill: A Techno-Medical Thriller: 9781637589274: Runge M.D., Marschall: Books Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Ph.D. | LinkedInSupport this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Hey Heart Buddies! A heart murmur, congenital aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva, ruptured sinus of Valsalva into right ventricle, bicuspid aortic valve, persistent left superior vena cava and pacemaker... all in one extraordinary heart...This week, I talk with my friend, Dawn Anderson, about her extraordinary heart health journey. Living in Adrian, Minnesota, Dawn shares her experience of discovering and surviving a rare aortic aneurysm and bicuspid aortic valve at age 41. Despite facing multiple challenges, including depression and the stress of losing her job, Dawn emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and seeking support. Her story highlights the necessity of listening to your body and staying informed about heart health. Dawn and I met through WomenHeart which is a non-profit providing education and support to female heart disease patients. Don't forget to subscribe!Support this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Hey to all of my heart friends. This episode may be a tad cringy at times. Sorry, not sorry. Curious about what happens after open-heart surgery that no one else seems to talk about? Dr. Kelly Sadauckas takes us on a journey into a post-operative topic that’s often overlooked: pooping. This episode sheds light on the intricate processes involved in digestion and bowel movement and reveals surprising ways to prepare for and recover from surgery more smoothly. We do our best to make the complex world of gut health accessible and—dare we say it—fun! This episode's video is live on YouTube. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss when they are posted!To connect with Dr. Kelly and access her courses, etc, go here: Pelvic Floored: The best online pelvic floor exercises & wellness Coupon code is OHS2025. This is an affiliate link which costs you nothing but does support this podcast. Thank you! I hope you enjoy Dr. Kelly's offerings!Support this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Hey Heart Buddies! Our five-part series with pelvic health expert Dr. Kelly Sadauckas continues this week as we explore the surprising ties between erectile dysfunction and cardiac health. Discover why sexual health matters more than you might think and how it serves as an important marker for your overall wellbeing. This episode's video is live on YouTube. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss when they are posted!To connect with Dr. Kelly and access her courses, etc, go here: Pelvic Floored: The best online pelvic floor exercises & wellness Coupon code is OHS2025. This is an affiliate link which costs you nothing but does support this podcast. Thank you! I hope you enjoy Dr. Kelly's offerings!Support this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Hey Heart Buddies. This episode is so important. I welcome Julia Hotz, whose book, "The Connection Cure," is revolutionizing the way we approach healthcare. This episode takes a deep dive into how social prescribing—a practice that includes non-medical treatments such as art, movement, nature, and community involvement—can significantly enhance heart health and overall well-being. Julia shares compelling data and heartwarming stories about individuals who've transformed their lives through these holistic measures. Hear how simple, yet powerful, prescriptions for happiness and connection can make all the difference in your journey towards thriving post-heart surgery. You won't want to miss this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between modern medicine and soulful living.About Julia and how to get your own copy of The Connection Cure: THE CONNECTION CURE Book — Julia HotzSupport this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Hey Heart Buddies! Boots Knighton speaks with Lucinda McDermott about navigating heart health after discovering a severely leaking tricuspid valve. Lucinda shares her journey, from initial chest pain and fainting to being diagnosed with a heart murmur by her OB GYN. After mitral valve replacement in 2017, Lucinda faced additional challenges, including fragmented healthcare and dismissive cardiologists. Both Lucinda and Boots stress the importance of patient advocacy, support networks like WomenHeart, and having a “heart doula” during medical appointments. The episode highlights key issues like secure insurance, patient empowerment, and the significance of clear communication with healthcare providers.Want to contact Lucinda? Email her: lucimc2319@gmail.comSupport this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf 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 - USBe sure to check out HHV - US!HVV-US

Hey Heart Buddies! For the last episode of 2024, I bring you one more bonus episode that was the most downloaded episode of 2024. Thank you to my childhood friend, Todd Sykes, for your willingness to tell your story. I love you.Todd Sykes is a survivor and thriver of endocarditis, a stroke, and a brain aneurysm. At just 37, Todd faced life-threatening conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to two heart surgeries and a remarkable recovery. 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. Listeners are encouraged to cherish each moment and plan for unforeseen events to protect their loved ones. Todd's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of life's unpredictability and the power of hope.Support this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Hey Heart Buddies! Wow! This week's episode is what I needed when I was facing heart surgery and I know you'll find it super helpful too.I interview Dr. Laura Suarez Pardo, a psychocardiologist from Mayo Clinic! Together, she and I explore how mental health impacts cardiac health. Dr. Suarez emphasizes the need for support programs for those with chronic heart conditions. The conversation underscores the importance of addressing psychological issues like depression and anxiety to improve cardiovascular outcomes. I share my personal journey with congenital heart disease and how nutritional changes and mental health therapy aided my recovery. The episode highlights self-compassion, the significance of a supportive healthcare team, and the transition to a "survivorship mindset."More about today's guest:Laura Suarez Pardo, MD │ Senior Associate Consultant │ Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry -- Psychocardiology│ Assistant Professor of Psychiatry │ Mayo Clinic College of MedicinePatient Support Networks♥ AHA: https://supportnetwork.heart.org/s/♥ AHA Caregiver support: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/caregiver-support♥ Mended Hearts: https://mendedhearts.org/connect/chapters_groups/♥ Women Heart: https://www.womenheart.org/find-support/♥ Congenital Heart Disease MN: https://www.conqueringchd.org/minnesota/♥ Adult Congenital Heart Association – Heart to Heart Peer Mentors: https://www.achaheart.org/your-heart/programs/heart-to-heart/Books♥ Facing Heart Disease: A Guide for Patients and Their Families by Theodore A Stern MD, Scott R Beach MD, JamesL Januzzi MD♥ Anger Kills: Seventeen Strategies for Controlling the Hostility That Can Harm Your Health by Redford Williams♥ ICD connection: Living with an implantable cardioverter by H. McFarland.♥ One beat at a time – Living with sudden cardiac death by M.D. Noble, M. D.♥ Russell Douglas Publishing.♥ defibrillator. A collection of patient & family stories. Ann Arbor: MPublishing.♥ Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn.♥ Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn♥ A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook by Bob Stahl PhD, Elisha Goldstein PhD, Saki Santorelli EdD MA♥ Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD♥ The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living Paperback by Russ Harris♥ Overcoming Depression: A Cognitive Therapy Approach by Mark Gilson and Arthur Freeman♥ Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer♥ Mastery your Anxiety and Worry by David H. Barlow and Michelle G. Craske♥ The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O'Rourke♥ How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Toni Bernhard♥ Minding the Body Workbook by Jason M. Satterfield♥ Coping with Chronic Illness: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach for Adherence and Depression by Steven Safren, Jeffrey Gonzalez,, Nafisseh Soroudi♥ Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff (Author)Support this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

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.Support this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.

Hey Heart Buddies! I'm Boots Knighton, your guide through our special holiday series, "Hope for the Holidays." Today, we're revisiting a truly inspiring story that embodies resilience and hope in its purest form. Our guest is none other than Bill Wingate, a remarkable individual hailing from Birmingham, Alabama. Bill’s journey is a testament to the human spirit, having endured four major open-heart surgeries, seven heart valve replacements, and numerous other procedures over 27 years.In this episode, Bill opens up about the emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges he faced, especially after his most recent surgery in early 2023. He shares how hope, love, and gratitude have been his guiding lights through the darkest days.But that’s not all—Bill has a special message for all of us about the power of hope and living life fully, no matter the hand you’ve been dealt. You'll also hear about his exciting new writing project, which aims to inspire others through heartfelt stories.Listen to his original episode here.Support this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf 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-USCheck out Heart Valve Voice - US, an incredible resource for heart valve patients in the US and abroad.HVV-US

Hey Heart buddies! Today is part four of our series with cardiac dietitian Michelle Routhenstein. We delve into the dangers of ultra-processed foods, particularly supplements like protein and electrolyte powders. Did you know these products can elevate inflammatory markers, increasing the risk of heart attacks!? Michelle explains the concept of oxidative stress and its impact on heart health, highlighting the importance of pairing good nutrition with exercise. She offers practical advice on switching from processed recovery drinks to real food. The episode underscores the value of comprehensive heart health strategies and announces Michelle's upcoming six-week heart optimization course for more in-depth learning.How to find MichelleMichelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDNCardiology Dietitian and Preventive Cardiology NutritionistOwner of Entirely Nourished, LLCSign up for her next Optimize Group at here. This is an affiliate link and by signing up, you support this podcast. Thank you! About the program: Optimize is a six-week virtual heart optimization group program designed to teach you how to protect your heart through science-based nutrition. In this live program, Michelle Routhenstein, a cardiovascular dietitian, leads Zoom lectures that delve into arterial health and how to enhance your cardiovascular risk profile. She addresses underlying issues like inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance using evidence-based nutritional strategies. Throughout the six weeks, you'll also have access to a private community for questions, support, and the implementation of science-based heart-healthy changes to safeguard your heart for the long term.Get in touch...P: (646) 979-0328 E: Michelle@EntirelyNourished.comhttp://www.entirelynourished.com Support this podcast HERE with any amount. Thank you!Join the Newsletter for almost weekly content for this podcast and other heart related news.**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 BootsEmail: bootsncstate@gmail.comInstagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knightonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/boots-knightonBoots KnightonIf you enjoyed this episode, take a minute and share it with someone you know who will find value in it as well.