Open Heart Surgery with Boots

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

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

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

11/12/24 • 15 min

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.

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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.**

How to connect with Boots

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @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.

Boots' Open Heart Journey from Climbing Mountains to Finding Ways to Forgive

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

12/19/23 • 74 min

**Alert! The name of this podcast is changing on June 4th to Open Heart Surgery with Boots! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the announcement. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter!**

In this emotionally charged episode of The Heart Chamber Podcast, host Boots Knighton takes listeners on a raw and powerful journey through her harrowing experiences with open heart surgery and her complicated recovery. From the life-threatening health journey of her mother overlapping her own diagnosis, to the challenges in receiving the life saving surgery she needed, to unexpected complications post-surgery --Boots shares her deeply personal struggles and the transformative power of forgiveness that bubbled up through it all.

Join her as she delves into the profound impact of chronic pain, emotional turmoil, and the crucial role of self-love, patience, and accepting support as you navigate the healing process. Prepare to be moved as Boots opens up to us to discuss the uncharted territory of these major life changes and what helped her navigate through it all. If you're seeking a story of resilience, forgiveness, and the triumph of the human spirit, don't miss out on this gripping episode.

This is a re-release of episodes 1 & 2 of The Heart Chamber podcast that have been combined into a single episode for ease of listening.

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.

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 Boots

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @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.

After five open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant, Mallory Streacker is now a body builder. -19

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

05/23/23 • 38 min

Mallory Streacker, a professional body builder and currently studying exercise science, was born with a tricuspid defect called Epstein Anomoly. She had her first open heart surgery at 12 years old which caused serious depression for her. Then, at 16 years old, she had another valve replacement as well as a bypass to reroute blood flow to reduce pressure on the right ventricle. At 25 years old, she went into atrial flutter which put her in end stage heart failure. It was then she had open heart surgeries 3 and 4. At 30 years old, her heart took up 75% of her chest cavity and she was admitted to Cleveland Clinic and put in IV meds to keep her alive. There, she had her 5th open heart surgery to transplant a RVAD. 3 days later, she got a new heart.

After such a series of events, Mallory had two choices: feel sorry for herself or become a body builder. She is now thriving as a body builder and is in school for exercise science. She is also acutely aware of the importance of nutrition in her healing journey.

Boots asks her pointed questions about the physical, mental and spiritual impacts this path has had on her and Mallory is raw and real in her answers.

Mallory and Boots also talk about how they met through WomenHeart and their new roles as Heart Champions.

The Power of Positive Visualization for Healing from Heart Surgery

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

02/20/24 • 29 min

**Alert! The name of this podcast is changing on June 4th to Open Heart Surgery with Boots! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the announcement. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter!**

#38 I dove deep this week, for you fellow heart buddies. I share how I overcame fear and cultivated a positive mindset for healing. I share about my experience with the power of visualization, drawing from personal experiences with heart surgery and injury recovery. As an athlete, I have benefited from using mental imagery to gear up for success and now have experienced how this technique can speed up healing. I share my experience with a concussion during my time as a ski instructor. Tune in for hope and advice on facing health hurdles with optimism, and share your stories with me. Don't forget to leave a review and spread the word!

The teachers I reference in the episode are:

Dr. Joe Dispenza

Dr. Wayne Dyer

Belleruth Naparstek

If you are looking for something specific - here's where you'll find it:

06:11 How Boots overcame a devastating TBI, relearned how to ski and visualized skiing exam success, achieving a top score.

07:49 Boots received a surprise award nomination, but then, heart surgery happened leading to an uncertain future in ski instruction. Nevertheless, she was proud of the moment and the visualization got her through the heart surgery.

13:26 Visualizing health, positivity, and recovery before heart surgery.

16:14 Focusing on positivity reduces stress for better health.

20:10 When in doubt, seek a 2nd opinion, call a therapist, visualize a positive outcome for your situation.

21:58 Boots briefly speaks about breaking her leg but remains optimistic.

26:49 Now, she is visualizing strength, surgery, recovery.

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 Boots

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2022/12/20/18/25/CV-Consequences-of-Relative-Energy-Deficiency-in-Sport#:~:text=Relative%20energy%20deficiency%20in%20sport%20(RED%2DS)%20refers%20to,%2C%20immunity%2C%20and%20protein%20synthesis.

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

Why Diet Culture is Bad for Your Heart and Your Mental Health

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

05/07/24 • 49 min

**Alert! The name of this podcast is changing on June 4th! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the announcement. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter!**

In this impactful episode of The Heart Chamber Podcast, hosts Eden Morris and Boots Knighton delve into critical heart health issues. They discuss the stark effects of diet culture on heart health, emphasize the importance of tailored nutrition for heart patients, and explore the emotional challenges post-surgery. Eden, a dietitian, shares her personal struggle with sports-related energy deficiency and underscores the need to advocate for comprehensive care in the medical field. They introduce listeners to intuitive eating, emphasizing body respect and mental well-being. This episode provides essential insights into overcoming heart health challenges and embracing a supportive approach to nutrition and body image. Tune in to learn how to nurture your heart and mind.

A Little More About Today's Guest

Eden Morris is a Registered Dietitian (RD), Licensed Dietitian (LD), and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She is a former collegiate softball player turned mountain biker/skier who decided to become an RD after her diagnosis and experiences with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University and combined it with a Master’s of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics through the Coordinated Program at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Eden internalized so many of diet culture’s messages as a teenage girl and young woman, and she hit diet rock bottom hard at the end of her collegiate athletic career. 3 stress fractures in her left foot, osteopenia, secondary amenorrhea for 3+ years, and a wrecked relationship with her respective sport were the wake-up calls that finally snapped her out of the diet mentality. She realized she could never go on a restrictive diet again if she wanted a more peaceful relationship with food and her body, especially when she retired from competitive sport. She spent the next decade slowly internalizing Intuitive Eating principles, and now, she will tell you the best thing she has ever done for her health is heal her relationship with food. Eden aims to inspire others to recognize that a fueled body performs better than a starving body in all phases of life. She challenges everyone – in her mountain community and beyond – to not let the fear of food, fear of judgment, or fear toward anything else keep them from leading the lives they’re meant to live. If you ask Eden, the keys to becoming truly fearless are eating more food around our activities, appreciating our bodies for what they allow us to do vs how they look, and moving our bodies in ways we actually enjoy.

How to connect with Eden

Website: www.tetonperformancenutrition.com/links

Instagram: @gardenofeden_rd ; @find.food.freedom

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 Boots

Instagram:

Fueling Heart Health: Empowering Nutrition Strategies for Lifelong Wellness

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

01/23/24 • 42 min

**Alert! The name of this podcast is changing on June 4th to Open Heart Surgery with Boots! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the announcement. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter!**

In episode 34 of The Heart Chamber Podcast, nutrition expert Michelle Routhenstein shares valuable insights on heart health and nutrition. She emphasizes the importance of personalized care and finding qualified healthcare professionals, cautioning against one-size-fits-all diet trends. The discussion delves into the keto diet, ancestral diets, and the need for balanced macronutrients to support heart health. Host Boots Knighton praises Michelle's science-based approach to nutrition and highlights the importance of education in the medical field. Michelle's long-distance nutrition programs aim to address the root causes of heart disease through personalized, science-based nutrition. Listeners are encouraged to be proactive in their healthcare and ask questions, emphasizing the need for individualized nutrition approaches.

If you are looking for something specific - here's where you'll find it:

06:08 Dietitian focuses on heart health and prevention.

10:35 Emphasis on teamwork in patient care. Doctors lacking nutrition knowledge, refer patients to nutritionists.

14:37 Impact of stress on health; the importance of self-care for overall well-being; the need to choose the right medical professionals.

19:24 Avoiding one-size-fits-all diets. Emphasis on personalized, sustainable approach to diet for heart health.

21:16 Rethinking past advice.

25:18 Low carb diets may lead to heart issues and nutrient deficiencies.

27:28 Low carb diets lead to ketosis, but may stress kidneys, liver, and cause health issues like keto flu.

32:22 Adequate nutrition is crucial for athletes' health and performance, as improper balance of macronutrients can lead to increased free radical production and plaque formation in arteries. It is important to question and understand the biological mechanisms behind nutritional claims.

35:58 Group and 1 on 1 support for heart health with personalized guidance, blood work focus, resources, and accountability.

39:26 Be your own health advocate. Understand your numbers, ask questions, and take care of your heart.

40:29 Encourages reaching out to Michelle for heart health tips and joining her group. Airing weekly heart health episodes in February.

A Little More About Today's Guest

Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, serves as the owner and president of Entirely Nourished LLC, a specialized private practice in nutrition counseling and consulting focused on the prevention and management of heart disease. Employing a science-based, holistic approach, she is dedicated to enhancing individual's heart health by addressing cardiometabolic risk factors and mitigating the likelihood of cardiovascular issues as individuals age.

Acknowledged as a thought leader and expert in heart disease management and prevention, Michelle is deeply committed to educating individuals on nurturing their hearts for healthy and thriving lives. She adopts a dynamic perspective on nutrition that addresses the root causes of chronic diseases, safeguarding individuals' hearts for longevity. Her passion lies in translating Nutritional Sciences into an easily understandable language that can be applied for the long term.

Michelle has a compelling presence on social media, particularly on Instagram (Heart.Health.Nutritionist) and LinkedIn (/in/michellerouthenstein/), where she shares valuable information to educate and empower her followers to take ownership of their heart and overall health, guiding them in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

As the author of "The Truly Easy Heart Healthy Cookbook" and a member of the Forbes Health advisory board, Michelle has delivered numerous lectures on heart health to diverse audiences. She has been cited in reputable journals, including Medical News Today, Fox News, Forbes Health, LiveStrong, Eating Well, Health, and VeryWell.

Michelle earned her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Nutrition at New York University (NYU), her Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from NYU, and completed her dietetic residency at NYU. Before establishing her private practice, Michelle gained valuable experience on the surgical floor of New York City hospitals, including a level 1 trauma center, where she played a crucial role in managing various high-intensity clinical diagnoses.

How to connect with Michelle

Website:

How to face fear and other Coping Strategies for Pre- and Post-Heart Surgery

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

03/19/24 • 28 min

#42 Join Boots Knighton in this eye-opening episode as she addresses the emotional and psychological preparations leading up to open heart surgery. Through an email from a listener, Boots explores the profound impact of past trauma and loss on the prospect of surgery, discussing the fears and anxieties that accompany such a life-altering procedure. Boots offers a unique perspective that delves into the intersection of mental health, resilience, and the challenging journey towards recovery. If you're curious about the emotional complexities of navigating major surgery, this episode provides a compelling and thoughtful exploration of courage, vulnerability, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter!**

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 Boots

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton

The Heart Chamber (@theheartchamberpodcast)

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

Multiple stents, open-heart surgery and "biohacking" for a healthy heart

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

02/28/23 • 41 min

Michelle Sheely shares her story of three stents and open-heart surgery for myocardial bridging of her LAD. She also shares about WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Boots and Michelle's conversation focuses on advocacy as well as the effect of hormones on the heart. Thank you for listening!

0:00 intro

1:50 Michelle shares her story of suffering and how she advocated for herself to get help with several stents put in place.

3:30 She changed her diet and lifestyle.

3:55 She has a cardiac ablation.

4:30 She is back in the ER and learns she has a myocardial bridge.

5:00 Michelle meets with Dr. Schnittger at Stanford and fiercely advocates for herself.

6:20 Self advocacy is so important especially in women.

7:00 Michelle has unroofing surgery. Her recovery has been difficult and stressful.

9:00 Reflecting on when she was young versus now.

9:40 Using social media for advocacy.

10:15 Why it can take so long to get heart surgery.

14:00 Medication is working now but it was a journey to get here.

16:00 Hormones were playing a role. She is "biohacking" her way through it.

18:00 There just isn't enough knowledge about myocardial bridges.

18:30 Various non-heart medications were causing Michelle's vasospasms.

19:20 "Western medicine will save me; Eastern medicine will sustain me."

22:40 Boots asks about those with heart issues who do not know how to advocate for him/herself.

26:00 Women, we are the authorities of our own bodies.

27:00 Read your own doctor's notes on your health portal!

28:30 It is ok to fire your doctor!

29:00 Doctors respond to data, not feelings.

31:00 Vasospasms aren't just related to the heart but related to the biochemistry of the body.

31:30 Michelle has worked to retrain her body and is seeking support.

33:00 Finding support is so important.

34:00 Michelle explains what WomenHeart is, her role and how to connect.

39:00 How Michelle's heart disease has affected her daughter and the importance of mental health therapy for the child(ren).

Website: The Heart Chamber (theheartchamberpodcast.com)

Transcript: Joyful Beat | The Heart Chamber (theheartchamberpodcast.com)

Thanks to Michael Moeri for being my right hand man. Michael Moeri - Audio Editor, Podcast Producer and Marketing Director

Thanks to Denise Hardy for your support and believing in me. linkedin.com/in/denise-hardy-30a51086

From Pediatric to Adult Care: Navigating Life with a Complex Heart Condition

Open Heart Surgery with Boots

11/21/23 • 32 min

#25 Join host Boots Knighton as she welcomes Leigh Kamping-Carder, the mind behind The Heart Dialogues, to delve into the realities of living with a complex heart defect. She shares her journey of childhood surgeries from tricuspid atresia to navigating the uncharted waters of adult care. Leigh sheds light on the emotional toll of her condition, while offering hope and support to others facing similar battles.

A Little More About Today's Guest

Leigh Kamping-Carder is the writer of The Heart Dialogues, a free newsletter featuring candid conversations and writing for people born with heart conditions (and the people who care about them). She was born with a complex heart defect called tricuspid atresia and had three heart surgeries before the age of 4, including a Fontan operation. She is also a professional journalist, currently heading up the newsletters team at one of the top newspapers in the U.S. She has been a reporter, editor and digital journalist for a decade and a half, covering everything from luxury homes to innovation to arts and culture.

How to connect with Leigh

Newsletter: theheartdialogues.substack.com

Twitter: @Leigh_KC

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 Boots

Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton