Surviving Three Open Heart Surgeries: A Journey Through Tamponade, Aortic Dissection, and Recovery
04/22/25 • 31 min
"I grabbed the door handle, and it felt like somebody just cut up my chest with a dull butter knife. And 15 seconds later I was lying face down on the kitchen floor dead from cardiac tamponade at that point in time."
Hey Heart Buddies. Whew. Today's episode with Jon Toivonen whose heart story literally stopped—and restarted—multiple times is one to help you take stock of your own life. Jon recounts his first shocking symptoms, the surreal “butter knife” sensation of an aortic dissection, and how fate, luck, and love shaped his survival. While Jon’s physical heart has been patched together, the emotional journey is far from straightforward. Jon shares what comes after the surgeries: the mental battles, the power of community, and why an electric recliner might just be life changing. He also opens up about navigating the aftermath—ICU hallucinations, family impact, and the ever-present possibility of another health crisis.
You can find Jon 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 Boots
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/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.
"I grabbed the door handle, and it felt like somebody just cut up my chest with a dull butter knife. And 15 seconds later I was lying face down on the kitchen floor dead from cardiac tamponade at that point in time."
Hey Heart Buddies. Whew. Today's episode with Jon Toivonen whose heart story literally stopped—and restarted—multiple times is one to help you take stock of your own life. Jon recounts his first shocking symptoms, the surreal “butter knife” sensation of an aortic dissection, and how fate, luck, and love shaped his survival. While Jon’s physical heart has been patched together, the emotional journey is far from straightforward. Jon shares what comes after the surgeries: the mental battles, the power of community, and why an electric recliner might just be life changing. He also opens up about navigating the aftermath—ICU hallucinations, family impact, and the ever-present possibility of another health crisis.
You can find Jon 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 Boots
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/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.
Previous Episode
Heart Health and AI: Marschall Runge on Revolutionizing Patient Care and Prevention
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. | LinkedIn
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
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @openheartsurgerywithboots or @boots.knighton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/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.
Open Heart Surgery with Boots - Surviving Three Open Heart Surgeries: A Journey Through Tamponade, Aortic Dissection, and Recovery
Transcript
Hello and welcome to Open Heart Surgery with Boots. I am your host, Boots Knighton. And thank you so much for spending a little slice of your day with me and my guest today. And I want you to know that I don't take it lightly that you choose this podcast, that you likely find this podcast helpful and I hope that you find something, some hope from listening to these stories. I put my own heart and soul pun totally intended into choosing my guests and I want to make sur
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