Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Boots Knighton
  • 5.0 (14)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Formerly called The Heart Chamber Podcast, Open Heart Surgery with Boots airs every Tuesday for conversations on open-heart surgery from the patient perspective. Boots Knighton explores the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences of surgery with fellow heart patients and health care providers. This podcast aims to help patients feel less overwhelmed so you can get on with living your best life after surgery. You not only deserve to survive open-heart surgery, you deserve to THRIVE!

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Lucinda's Journey: Mitral Valve Repair, Tricuspid Valve Leakage, and Diastolic Heart Failure

    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.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.** How to connect with BootsEmail: 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 Mentioned in this episode: Heart Valve Voice - US Be sure to check out HHV - US! HVV-US

    33 min

  2. JAN 7

    Unexpected Diagnosis Thanks to an Apple Watch: How a Pericardiectomy Saved a Life

    Hey Hey Heart Buddies and Happy New Year! Season 5 of Open Heart Surgery with Boots is here. Wow. Thank you for being along for the ride that is this life and this podcast. I had the honor of interviewing Jeremy Rothenberg who shares his incredible journey, which began with an Apple Watch alert and ended in a life-changing open-heart surgery. Jeremy reveals what it’s like to go from feeling healthy and fit to confronting a shocking diagnosis (cirrhosis of the liver) and managing the whirlwind of emotions that follow. We explore his advice on regulating the nervous system, his candid recount of his surgery, and his inspiring post-op accomplishments. Whether you're curious about heart health, or you're in need of motivation to tackle life’s challenges, this episode offers a raw and uplifting narrative that will leave you pondering the preciousness of each heartbeat. I wish I lived closer to Jeremy. He is such a light. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. Read about and get in touch with Jeremy here. Boots Knighton has been an educator since the late 1990s in all facets of education including high school science, middle school mathematics, elementary reading, college level ecology, ski instruction, backpacking, and experiential education. Her greatest teacher has been her heart thanks to a surprise diagnosis in 2020 (during the pandemic) of three different congenital heart defects. She is now thriving after her open-heart surgery on January 15, 2021 and is on a mission to raise awareness through her podcast, The Heart Chamber: patient stories of open-heart surgery and recovery, that heart surgery can be an incredible opportunity to begin again in life and live life wide open.

    39 min

  3. 12/24/2024 · BONUS

    Surviving Endocarditis, Brain Aneurysm and Stroke: Lessons from Todd Sykes' Extraordinary Journey

    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. 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.** How to connect with BootsEmail: 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

    34 min

  4. 12/17/2024 · BONUS

    Living Fully with a Mechanical Valve: Insights from Joel Oliver

    Hey Heart Buddies! For the remainder of the year, I am bringing back the most downloaded episodes of the year. First up is Joel Oliver! His "easy peasy" heart surgery story might surprise you. Joel takes us step by step through his mitral valve replacement journey, revealing moments of doubt, resilience, and unexpected challenges along the way. While Joel's surgery marked a significant event in his life, the real intrigue lies in his post-surgery perspectives. Did this intense experience radically change his outlook on life, or did it simply become another chapter in his adventurous narrative? Whether you're a heart patient, a caregiver, or just curious about human resilience, Joel's insights promise to resonate deeply. 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.** How to connect with BootsEmail: 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

    24 min

  5. 12/10/2024

    Mind and Heart: Dr. Laura Suarez Pardo on Psychiatric Aspects of Cardiac Health

    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 Medicine Patient 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, James L 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) 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 a href="https://theheartchamberpodcast.com/support" rel="noopener...

    46 min

  6. 11/26/2024

    Hope for the Holidays: Overcoming Aortic Aneurysm and Bicuspid Aortic Valve

    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. 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.** How to connect with BootsEmail: 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 Mentioned in this episode: Heart Valve Voice - US Be sure to check out HHV - US! HVV-US

    18 min

  7. 11/19/2024

    Hope for the Holidays: The Gift of Extra Time Post Myocardial Bridging Surgery

    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.** How to connect with BootsEmail: 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

    28 min

  8. 11/12/2024

    Hope for the Holidays: Still feeling 20 years younger after HCM diagnosis and myectomy

    Hey Heart Buddies! I am back for part two of Hope for the Holidays with Lisa Mihan who returns to share her incredible progress post-myectomy. Lisa was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but never gave up. She has transformed from struggling with daily symptoms to thriving on the tennis court and embracing a more vibrant life. This episode isn't just about physical recovery—it's about overcoming mental and emotional hurdles too. Tune in to hear relatable stories of finding hope, building community, and the surprising gifts that come from life's toughest challenges. You can listen to Lisa's original interview here. 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.** How to connect with BootsEmail: 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

    16 min
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Trailers

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Formerly called The Heart Chamber Podcast, Open Heart Surgery with Boots airs every Tuesday for conversations on open-heart surgery from the patient perspective. Boots Knighton explores the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual experiences of surgery with fellow heart patients and health care providers. This podcast aims to help patients feel less overwhelmed so you can get on with living your best life after surgery. You not only deserve to survive open-heart surgery, you deserve to THRIVE!

Information

  • Creator
    Boots Knighton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Suzanne Boots Knighton
  • Show Website
    Open Heart Surgery with Boots

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