Open Heart Surgery with Boots

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

Open Heart Surgery with Boots Podcast gives voice to heart patients around the world and helps complete the healing picture to make it easier to thrive post heart surgery. Hi, my name is Boots Knighton, and I am an open-heart surgery patient in Victor, Idaho. Diagnosed with three different congenital heart defects at 42 years old, my life changed in an instant. In 2023, I launched this podcast because it was what I needed when I was facing heart surgery. I interview hearts of all kinds and elevate health care providers who think outside the box of general healthcare and believe that patients are the CEOs of their own health.

  1. MAR 25

    Bill Pollard's Heart Story: From 1100 Calcium Score to Successful Open Heart Surgery

    A simple coronary artery calcium score test saved Bill's life. Meet Bill Pollard, a heart patient from Chesapeake, Virginia. Bill shares his unique journey with a bicuspid valve and stents. At 50, Bill made lifestyle changes after discovering high calcium levels in his arteries. Despite undergoing open heart surgery for valve replacement, Bill resumed an active life, running and participating in fitness groups. His recovery story offers inspiration, emphasizing the importance of heart health awareness, family support, and community connection. Bill’s experience highlights the significance of preventative health scans and maintaining a balanced lifestyle for optimal heart health. 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.

    27 min

  2. MAR 11

    Cardiac Success: Dawn Overcomes Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm and Bicuspid Aortic Valve

    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! 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.

    28 min

  3. FEB 25

    From Heart Surgery to Happy Pelvis: Post-op Zen for Your Pelvis

    Hey Heart Buddies! I hope you have enjoyed this month's pelvic health series. In this final installment with Dr. Kelly Sadauckas, we unravel the mysteries of pelvic health and its crucial connection to overall wellness by using a unique interactive experience designed to teach you how to relax your pelvic floor. All you'll need is a simple towel and a quiet space. Ever wondered about the secrets of diaphragmatic breathing or how to harness the power of neuroplasticity for pelvic health? This is the episode for you! 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! 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.

    11 min

  4. FEB 18

    From Heart Surgery to Happy Pelvis: Poop Strategies for Heart Surgery Patients

    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! 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.

    34 min

  5. FEB 14

    From Heart Surgery to Happy Pelvis: When Can You Return to Intimacy?

    Happy Valentine's Day to all my heart buddies. Today is an extra episode just for you! Expert Dr. Kelly Sadauckas and I continue our series this month as we explore post-surgery intimacy and pelvic health for heart surgery patients. In this episode, Dr. Kelly educates us on the significance of understanding concepts like metabolic equivalent tasks (METs) and cardiac rehab to ensure safe resumption of sexual activities. She explains that a MET of five indicates moderate activity, similar to intimacy post-heart surgery. She touches on pelvic floor health, relaxation techniques, and the mental and physical impacts of surgery scars. It's important to consult health professionals in case of pain or issues, promoting informed, healthy recovery, and sexual well-being post-heart surgery! 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! 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.

    15 min

  6. FEB 11

    From Heart Surgery to Happy Pelvis: Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Health

    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! 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.

    34 min

  7. FEB 4

    From Heart Surgery to Happy Pelvis: Uncovering the Surprising Links and Crucial Care Tips

    Dr. Kelly Sadauckas brings her pelvic floor wisdom to the world as we explore the crucial link between pelvic health and your overall well-being in this first episode of our February series, Heart Surgery to Happy Pelvis. Dr. Kelly, with her 25 years of experience, busts the myths surrounding pelvic health issues—whether it's pee, poop, or the delicate topic of intimacy. You’ll discover why your recovery journey must go beyond just focusing on your heart, touching on why "normal" pelvic functions might be more elusive than you think, and why being pain-free isn’t just wishful thinking. Prepare to learn what your pee and poop habits say about you—in ways you never expected. With a success rate of 80% in pelvic health recovery, Dr. Kelly unveils practical tips on achieving a healthier, happier you post-surgery. This is more than just a podcast episode; it's a guide to breaking taboos and taking control of your body’s quirkiest functions. Listen in and enlighten yourself on the secret to whole-body healing. 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! Time Stamps 00:00 "Heart Surgery & Pelvic Health" 04:22 Pelvic Health Awareness Journey 06:56 Pelvic Health Assessment Guide 12:34 Daily Water Intake Guidelines 14:55 Pregnancy and Poop Health Tips 18:39 Periods Should Be Pain-Free 21:09 Bladder and Pelvic Floor Explained 24:45 Rethinking Pelvic Health: Beyond Kegels 28:21 Pelvic Floor Overactivity Issues 33:01 Pelvic Floor and Bowel Mechanics 33:54 Stress-Induced Constipation Explained 40:15 Pelvic Floor Recovery Tips 42:00 Pelvic PTs Expanding Healthcare Presence 45:50 Sigmoid Colon Massage Technique 48:57 Poop Management in Healthcare 51:52 Course Discounts & Health Insights 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

    53 min

  8. JAN 28

    Traditional Meets Social: A New Era in Heart Health Revolution

    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 Hotz 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.

    49 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Open Heart Surgery with Boots Podcast gives voice to heart patients around the world and helps complete the healing picture to make it easier to thrive post heart surgery. Hi, my name is Boots Knighton, and I am an open-heart surgery patient in Victor, Idaho. Diagnosed with three different congenital heart defects at 42 years old, my life changed in an instant. In 2023, I launched this podcast because it was what I needed when I was facing heart surgery. I interview hearts of all kinds and elevate health care providers who think outside the box of general healthcare and believe that patients are the CEOs of their own health.

Information

  • Creator
    Boots Knighton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Suzanne Boots Knighton
  • Show Website
    Open Heart Surgery with Boots

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