Saint Anthony of Padua R.C. Church
Beautiful Rocky Point, NY
Love one another as I have loved you.
Father Richard's Heart Blog
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
I had my six-month appointment with my Cardiologost, Dr. Shlofmitz at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. His assistant first did an EKG. He said my heart sounded good. He sent me across the hall to have an echocardiogram of my heart and my carotid arteries. He wants to see me again in six months! Dr. Shlofmitz called, a few days later, to tell me that my “testing was good.” I was happy to hear that!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
I had my six-month appointment with my Cardiologist, Dr. Shlofmitz at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. He said my heart and my mitral valve sounded good and my blood pressure was good. He wants to see me again in six months! All good news!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
I had my six-month appointment with my Cardiologost, Dr. Shlofmitz at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. He said my heart sounded good, as was the EKG and my blood presssure. He sent me across the hall to have an echocardiogram of my heart and my carotid arteries. He wants to see me again in six months!
Dr. Shlofmitz called, a few days later, to tell me that both echocardiograms were "okay." That was good news!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
I had my six-month appointment with my Cardiologost, Dr. Shlofmitz at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. He listened to my heart and said everything sounded good. He sent me across the hall to have a "aorta Sonogram." He called me the next day to say that the Aorta Sonogram showed that "everything was fine." I was glad! I don't need to see him for another six months.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Dr. Shlofmitz called to tell me that the echocardiograms of my heart and of my "carotid arteries" that I had on December 2 both looked good. Great news! I don't have to see him for another six months.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
I had my six-month appointment with my Cardiologist, Dr. Shlofmitz, at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. He listened to my heart and said everything sounded good. He wants me to have an echocardiogram of my heart and my "carotid arteries." I have made an appointment for this echocardiogram on December 2 at East End Cardiology in Riverhead, where I had one done last year.
Monday, November 1, 2010
My Surgeon called with the results of the blood work that I had done on October 21. The results from the blood work were all normal and encouraging. My calcium level and thyroid function are in "normal" range. I can stop taking the Tums. I need to make an appointment with him in 4 weeks and then have blood work done in two months time. All good news, I guess! (Now, the hospital and surgery bills are coming in!)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
I had my follow-up to surgery appointment this afternoon with my surgeon. Dr. O'Donnell was very pleased with my sugery and he explained what he did last Wednesday. He only removed one parathyroid gland but he had to remove part of the right thyroid gland (about the size of a golf ball!). Good news - the pathology report came back "benign!" He now is concerned about the body adjusting to the change in the amount of calcium as a result of the surgery. He is monitoring the calcium level through blood work, which I just had today after my appointment with my surgeon. (He wants me to take two extra-strength Tums three times a day to increase the calcium level). I am in no pain and feeling a little bit better each day. Thank you for your prayers and concern! See you Sunday!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Each day I am feeling a little better. The pain in my throat is better also. My stomach is returning back to "normal."
You won't be seeing me this weekend at the Masses. I am going to stay in the Rectory and continue resting and recuperating. Thank you for all your prayers, cards, e-mails, flowers, brownies, muffins, chips, soup, etc. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and your concern for me.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
4:20 PM - I arrived home safely from my surgery yesterday at Good Samaritan Hospital. Praise God! Yesterday, the surgery on my parathyroids glands and thyroid gland began at 12:30 pm and lasted almost four hours. My Surgeon, Dr. O'Donnell, removed two of the four parathyroid glands that were hyperactive and were producing the hormone PTH that regulates the amount of calcium in the body. He also examined a nodule on my thyroid, but had to remove a portion of my thyroid. This was not expected. After spending three hours in the recovery room, I was brought up to a room on the 4th floor. Last night because of the anesthesia and "noise" in a hospital, I got very, very little sleep. I am so happy to be at home tonight in my own bed! I don't have much pain and I am on antibiotics for ten days. I see my surgeon next Thursday. For the next few days I plan to rest and recuperate. Thank you again for your prayers and concern for me!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
4:30 PM - I just heard from Good Samaritan Hospital and I have to be at the hospital at 9:30 AM tomorrow morning. So, please start praying for me (and my surgeon, Dr. Thomas O'Donnell) by 9:30 AM. I will ask Father Joseph to anoint me with the Sacrament of the Sick tonight. Thank you for your healing prayers.
I already feel the power of your prayers!
Monday, October 11, 2010
I had an appointment today with my Primary Care Physican, who gave me clearance to have my surgery on Wednesday!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Please pray for me this Wednesday, October 13. I will be having ambulatory
surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital, West Islip, on my parathyroid glands. My doctor has been monitoring my parathyroid glands for the past four years with blood tests, bone density tests, parathyroid scans, thyroid ultrasounds etc. I have had kidney stones, I have bone loss (osteoporosis) and my calcium level is high. He has finally convinced me of the need for surgery to remove the parathyroid gland that are overactive. On Wednesday, if he just needs to remove one parathyroid gland, I will be back in the Rectory later that day. But, if he needs to remove 2, 3 or 4 of the parathyroid glands, I will have to stay in the hospital so that they can regulate the calcium level.
When I do get home, I will let you know via my “Heart Blog” on our Parish Website:
starockypoint.com. Thank you very much for your healing prayers!
Father Richard
Monday, March 1, 2010
Today I had my six month follow-up appointment with Dr. Shlofmitz, my Cardiologist, at Saint Francis Hospital. He listened to my heart and said my Mitral Valve sounded very good! He wants me to have blood work done and see him again in six months. All good news!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
On Friday, August 21, I had my six month follow-up appointment with my Cardiologist, Dr. Shlofmitz, at Saint Francis Hospital. His assistant did an EKG and Doctor Shlofmitz listened to my heart and said everything sounded good. He wants me to have an Echocardiogram and to see him again in six months. At his recommendation I had my Echocardiogram done at East End Cardiology in Riverhead on Friday, September 4. Last night Dr. Shlofmitz called and said that my "Echocardiogram looked okay." Good news!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Six months after my last appointment on August 13, I traveled back to Saint Francis Hospital for an appointment with my Cardiologist, Dr. Shlofmitz. When I entered his office the Waiting Room was empty. I knew something was wrong! The Receptionist told me Dr.Shlomitz had to cancel his afternoon appointments. (But no one called me!) His Secretary told me that he was still in the Office and would see me in a little while! (I appreciated that!) When I saw him, he didn't do an EKG because my last one back in August was fine! He listened to my heart and said my heart and my mitral valve both sounded good! He asked how I was feeling (fine!). He said I should see him again in six months. All good news, again!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I had a four-month follow-up appointment today with my Cardiologist, Dr. Richard Shlofmitz, at Saint Francis Hospital. He did an EKG and listened to my heart. He said my heart sounded good! All good news! He said I should see him again in six months!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
I had my four month follow-up appointment today with my Cardiologist, Dr. Richard Shlofmitz, at Saint Francis Hospital. When I first saw him, I congratulated him on his appointment as the new Head of Cardilogy at Saint Francis Hospital. (I had read about his appointment in yesterday's Newsday!) He listened to my heart and said it sounded fine! He asked about my leg. He said I could taper off my heart medicine (Metoprolol) by taking half a dose for a month, then stop taking it altogether (unless my headaches increase!). He said I should see him again in four months time! Good news!
Friday, March 7, 2008
I traveled today into Saint Francis Hospital for my 4 month follow-up appointment with my Heart Surgeon. Because he was in surgery, I (and his other patients) had to wait over two hours to see him. He was pleased with the results from the echocardiogram that I had last week. Everything looked good! We spoke about the incision in my leg and the fact that the swelling has gone down. I told him I still have "pins and needles" in part of my leg and that my ankle swells up a little during the day. He said that all these things should clear up in a year's time, if not before. That was reassuring for me to hear! I can wait a year for everything to get back to "normal." He said I can resume my 30 minutes a day, three days a week, on my "walking exercise machine." I'm glad to be able to start that exercise again! I asked him when I had to schedule another appointment with him and he said he didn't think I needed to see him again, unless some problem develops from the surgery. That's good news!
My next appointment is on Thursday, March 27, with my Cardiologist! I'll keep you informed!
Monday, February 11, 2008 - The 2008 World Day of Prayer for the Sick
I had my 8-week follow-up appointment today with my Vascular Surgeon amd he examined the incision in my groin (no Ultra-Sound) and he was pleased that the body is doing its job and the liquid is being absorbed by the body. And so he does not see any need for the day-op surgery to clean out the incision. He said that I do not have to come to see him again unless s problem developes with the incision.
Next, I will be having an echocardiogram on February 22, Then, my 4-month follow-up with my Heart Surgeon on February 28 and my 4 month follow-up appointment with my Cardiologist in March.
I am feeling fine. Thanks for your concern and prayers!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
I am feeling fine, just waiting for my appointment with my Vascular Surgeon on February 11. There is no pain in my leg, but the incision is still swollen. I am travelling down South for some rest and relaxation. I will be back January 11. A Blessed and Healthy New Year to all of you!
Monday, December 17, 2007
I just returned from my appointment with my new Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Matano, of Port Washington and St. Francis Hospital. He examined the incision in my groin (where the heart and lung monitor was connected during my heart sugery). A technician then did an Untra-Sound of the incision. There is some lymphatic liquid under the incision. Dr. Matano thinks it is best to wait eight weeks, as long as I have no pain and the ankle doesn't swell and see if if doesn't improve by itself. If not, he will do a 30 minute day-op surgery and clean out the incision, place a clip on the dripping lymphatic gland and connect a temporary drain. I'm glad he wants to wait until February! (So, do I!).
Monday, December 10, 2007
Since the incision was still swollen and not improved, I called the Surgeon's Office and they gave me the name and phone number of the Vascular Surgeon who is able to clean out the incision. I was able to get an appointment with the Vascular Surgeon for next Monday, December 17, at his office in Port Washington. I feel a litle better knowing that I have the appointment and, hopefully, something can be done about the swollen incision. I will keep you posted!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Today I had another appointment with my Surgeon at St. Francis Hospital because the incision in my groin was still swollen. He drained the lymphatic liquid around the incision for a second time. (This time I asked for Novocain before he used the needle!). If it becomes swollen and the liquid builds up in a week's time, I will have to make an appointment with a Dr. Matano, a Vascular Surgeon at St. Francis, who will then perform day-op surgery to clean out the incision and stop the lymphatic liquid. He said this happens to 3% of the people who have Mitral Valve Surgery. Figures! So, the saga continues! I will let you know what happens by next Monday!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
I had my Post-Op appointment with my Surgeon today at St. Francis Hospital. He was pleased with my recovery. When I told him that I was concerned about the incision in my groin being swollen and my leg still being a little painful, he examined it and made the decision to drain the liquid around the incision. He drained the liquid and said he might have to do it one more time, if the swelling doesn’t go down. If he has to drain it a second time and the swelling and pain still persists, he will have to schedule a “Day-Op” surgery to go in and clean out the incision. So, having drained the incision once today, I will keep checking to see if the swelling goes down and the pain lessens. Anyway, I need to see the Surgeon again in three months time. Happy Thanksgiving 2007!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
4 PM – I just returned home from St. Francis Hospital and my appointment with my Cardiologist. (I also had an appointment with my Surgeon scheduled for today, but his office called yesterday to cancel it for today. It is rescheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday.) My Cardiologist was pleased with how well I was doing 4-5 weeks after my Heart Surgery. He said I could return to “work,” drive again and that I no longer have to take Coumadin each day or have a weekly blood test. I will continue taking Metoprolol (Toprol) each day. I shouldn’t do any heavy lifting for another month. He looked at my hematoma and again said it should dissolve on its own in a few weeks. I need to see him again in four months. I shared with him the amazing fact that since my surgery on October 18, I had not had a single headache. That’s almost five weeks headache-free. He couldn’t give me a reason, but said he would take the credit! Before I left, a technician performed an echocardiogram.
Tomorrow, I go back to St. Francis for my appointment with my Surgeon. So, I am back on the job and I will try to take it easy in the beginning. I look forward to celebrating with you our Parish Mass of Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day at 9:00 AM! I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! Again, I thank Msgr. Colgan for covering for me these past five weeks. He will be leaving us on Wednesday and returning to his home back at St. Phlip Neri Parish in Northport. Thank you, Msgr. Colgan!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
It has been over four weeks since I had my heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital. I have been resting, recuperating and doing nothing but taking it easy and walking. I feel pretty good, except for the pain and numbness in my left leg, which has gotten better over these past four weeks! This Tuesday, November 20, I have appointments at St. Francis Hospital with both my Heart Surgeon and my Cardiologist. I hope that when I see them, they will give me permission to return back to “work” after five weeks of hospitalization and recuperation. If they do, I will be very happy to return to my job as your Pastor once again. If they give me permission to return back to work, I will be very glad to be able to celebrate the 9:00 AM Mass on Thanksgiving Day. I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!
I am very thankful that Msgr. Colgan has been able to cover for me these past five weeks! I truly appreciate all that he did to allow me to rest and recuperate. As he leaves us here in Saint Anthony’s, be sure to thank Msgr. Colgan for all of his help and his spiritual ministry over these past five weeks! Thank you, Msgr. Colgan! May God bless you in your retirement!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Today, I had my “2 week after being discharged from the Hospital” follow-up appointment with my Primary Care Physician, Dr. Edward Hallal. I’m still not able to drive, so Chris drove me to his Office in Bay Shore. Dr. Hallal examined my incisions and we spoke about the surgery. I thanked him for initially discovering my heart murmur a year and a half ago, which led to the discovery that my mitral valve was leaking. We spoke about the pain and the numbness in my left leg. (Dr Hallal referred to it as “pins and needles.”) He also was confident that the pain would go away when the hematoma subsided. I also shared with him that I have not had a headache since October 18, the day of my heart surgery. (I have never gone three weeks without a headache in the last 15 years!) He did some blood work and was glad that I would be seeing my Surgeon and my Cardiologist in two weeks on Tuesday, November 20.
So far, at the Rectory, I have had four visits by the Visiting Nurse. Her last visit will probably be this Friday, November 9. Each afternoon I am getting exercise by walking outdoors for 20-25 minutes. I am not yet bored, but getting the rest that my body needs.That’s all the news as of today! Thanks for your prayers and concern!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
I happily returned home last Tuesday, October 23, having had open heart surgery
at Saint Francis Hospital on October 18. In the 4.5 hour heart surgery, my
Surgeon successfully repaired my Mitral Valve. At home, I am feeling pretty
good, except for my left leg, which is partly numb and in pain. as a result of
my heart surgery. According to my Cardiologist, there a few hematomas (as a
result of the catheterization they did in my groin area as part of my heart surgery)
that are below the skin level and are pressing upon the nerve going down to my left leg. Thus, the pain and the numbness. My Cardiologist said the hematomas should dissolve in a “few weeks.” Then, the pain and the numbness in my leg will go away!
So, in the meanwhile, I am resting, reading, answering e-mails, watching a lot of television and getting exercise by walking outside each day.
I appreciate very much your phone messages, e-mails, cards and gifts of concern. I will be recuperating and remain “out of service” until at least the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (November 20), when I have appointments with my Surgeon and my Cardiologist. I also have to have blood drawn each week, to check the level of my blood, so that the amount of coumadin that I am taking can be adjusted weekly.
I am very grateful to Msgr. Colgan for covering for me while I am in need of recuperation and rest. He’s doing a great job and Sandy has even taking a liking to him! I’m not yet bored, but realize the need I have now to rest and build up my strength. If you want to stop in at the Rectory for a short visit, I would welcome that! Let us continue to pray for one another!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
I thought you would like to see the "Heart Pillow" that I received at Saint Francis Hospital, having had open heart surgery there:
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - I am home!
Praise God, I returned home to Saint Anthony's at 1:05 PM (with grateful tears in my eyes!) I feel pretty good, but a little tired and weak. My body is a little sore in the seven places that they placed tubes, ports, etc.. My left leg is a little numb and there is pain in the groin area, which my Doctor said sometimes happens after this type of surgery and shoulld lessen in a few weeks. I lelt St. Francis Hospital today with prescriptions, different directions to follow (which I will) and my red heart pillow! During the five and a half days I was in St. Francis Hospital I felt very strongly the power of your prayers. Thank you! I'm glad my brother, Bruce (who returned home to Califormia on Sunday) was able to post two blogs for you to let you know how I was doing. (During the six days I was at St. Francis Hospital, over 400 people visited and read my "Heart Blog!") In a few days, I will post some of my reflections about my hospital stay. Could I also ask you a favor - at least until I feel up to it, could you let me get the rest I need and no visits! Thanks. It is great to be alive and to be home with you once again! Back now to resting. I love you all!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Father Richard was moved out of ICU on Friday at 1:00 pm and is resting in a semi private room. He is able to walk around slowly and all of the tubes have been removed. It is best to let him rest and not visit him at this time. He should come home on Tuesday.
He thanks everyone for their prayers.
Thursday, October 18, 2007 - Heart Surgery @ St. Francis Hospital -
Father Richard is doing fine. We arrived at St. Francis Hospital at 5:30 am. and Father Richard got prepped for surgery. He went into surgery at 7:30 am and his doctor, Dr. Robinson came down to talk to me after he finished Father Richard's surgery at 12:15 pm. He said Father Richard was doing good and that the surgery went very well. He repaired the Mitral Valve and noticed a small rupture that he preceded to cut and suture it back together. He said I could see him in about 30 minutes, this ended up to be 1 hour and 40 minutes, but I waited patiently.
I went up to the ICU room and Father Richard was awoke and able to talk slowly to me. The nurse said that he was doing very well and stabilizing quickly. He will be in ICU for at least 24 hours and then he will be transferred to a private room. At this time the doctor said he will be in the hospital for 3-6 days.
Please continue to pray for Father Richard for a healthy and speedy recovery.
Temporary Blogger, Bruce, Father Richard's brother.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007 -
The Heart Surgery to repair my Mitral Valve is scheduled for 8:00 AM at Saint Francis Hospital, Roslyn. Before that I need "Dental Clearance" from my Dentist and "Pre-Admission Testing," which is scheduled for Thursday, October 11 at 7:20 AM.
My younger brother, Bruce, who lives in California, offered to fly East to be with me during my surgery and during my hospitalization. I was grateful for his kind offer. He will be flying in on Tuesday, October 16, and leaving on Sunday, October 21. So, he will be able to drive me to the Hospital on the morning of October 17. He will be staying at the Rectory.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
After the 8:00 AM Mass today, parishioners prayed over me for the Lord's gift of healing and in the afternoon Msgr. Colgan anointed me with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Information on St. Francis Hospital: Address, Telephone Numbers, Visiting Hours and Driving Directions. View the PDF File
Tuesday, October 2, 2007 -
If you wish to read more about my heart surgery (to repair my Mitral Valve) read this article which appeared in the October 8, 2007 issue of U.S. World News & Report. Read the PDF File
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
I received a nice telephone call from Bishop Murphy asking how I was feeling and inquiring about my Heart Surgery. He said he would be praying for me when he celebrates Mass on October 17 and he would visit me while I am in the Hospital.
Monday, September 10, 2007
5:30 PM - I just returned from my appointment at Saint Francis Hospital with Dr. Robinson, a Heart Surgeon, who was recommended by my Cardiologist, to discuss the surgery I need to repair my Mitral Valve. My appointment was for 12:30 PM, but because Dr. Robinson was in surgery, I didn't see him until 2:25 PM. He discussed the need I have for surgery to repair my mitral valve. He will do a less invasive surgery and go through the side of the chest and not directly through the heart. I'm glad about that! The recovery time is shortened because of that! My heart surgery to repair the mitral valve is scheduled for 8 AM on Wednesday, October 17 at Saint Francis Hospital. (Dr. Robinson will be doing the surgery!) Even though October 17 is my 60th Birthday, I am okay with that as long as it is scheduled after my 60th Birthday Dinner on October 7 and the Sacrament of Confirmation on Monday, October 15. The Surgery lasts about 4.5 hours and I will then be in ICU for 1-2 days and in the hospital for a total of 5 days. He said my recuperation time at home (the Rectory) will be from 3-6 weeks! I have already spoken with the Priest Personnel Director for the Diocese to alert him about my surgery and he said the Diocese will provide for a Priest to cover me while I am in the hospital and during my recuperation time. So, you will be provided for while I am out of commission!
I think that's all the news of today! Keep praying! Thanks!
Thursday, August 30, 2007 - Catheterization Angiogram @ Saint Francis Hospital. 6:30 AM - to check the Mitral Valve and Coronary arteries.
3:45 PM - I am home. Praise God and thank you for your prayers!
We arrived at Saint Francis at 6:00 AM (in the dark!) and we left at 2:30 PM. The angiogram was okay (thanks to the 2 valiums they gave me!) I spent alot of time waiting before and after the test. After the angiogram, I had to lie flat for three hours in Recovery so that the incision (where they inserted the catheter) was completely sealed up. My Cardiologist, Dr. Shlofmitz, spoke with me twice after the angiogram to tell me that my heart looked good, no blockage in any arteries. But, he did say I needed surgery to repair the mitral valve. He recommended a Heart Surgeon in Saint Francis and asked me to make an appointment with him to discuss and schedule the surgery. That's the news of today and thank you for your prayers today. I felt them! I will keep you informed!.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - Pre-Admission Testing, 12:30 PM (new time!) The testing lasted about two hours and consisted of chest x-rays, blood work, EKG, a general physical, the gathering of my medical history and lots of medical questions. (It was painless!) I learned that I need to be at Saint Francis Hospital tomorrow at 6:30 AM for the Catheterization Angiogram. Please, remember to pray for me tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
I had the test (TEE Echocardiogram) performed at Saint Francis Hospital by Doctor Aasha Gopal. The test was okay and I felt the strength of everyone's prayers! After the test, Doctor Gopal said that the leakiness of the mitral valve is rated on a scale from 1 - 4, with 1 having no leakiness and 4 being the worst leakiness. She said that I had a # 3.
My Cardiologist, Doctor Richard Shlofmitz, called that evening and said that he wanted me to have a catheterization angiogram, which has been scheduled for this Thursday, August 30, at Saint Francis Hospital. The day before, Wednesday, I need to go to Saint Francis Hospital for "Pre-Admission Testing."
Both of the Doctors spoke of possibly having heart surgery to repair my mitral valve.
August 10, 2007
I was able to get an appointment with Doctor Richard Shlofmitz at Saint Francis Hospital, who after examining me and looking at both of my echocardiograms, also wanted me to have a "TEE Echocardiogram."
July 2007
When I had the echocradiogram this year, the leakiness of the mitral valve had worsened and was "moderate to severe." So, my Doctor sent me to have a "TEE Echocardiogram."
June 2006
When I had my annual physical, my Doctor detected a heart murmur and sent me for an echocardiogram. The echocardiogram found that the cause of my heart murmur was "mitral valve prolapse," which necessitates having a echocardiogram each year to monitor the mitral valve prolapse.
Tuesday, October 16, 3 PM - My Heart Surgeon just called to tell me that he has to postpone my surgery to Thursday, because of an emergency surgery he needs to perfom on Wednesday. I am a little disappointed, but I understand. So, now please pray for me on Thursday!
