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Mick Jagger and Me
Mick has been advised by doctors that he cannot go on tour at this time, as he needs medical treatment. The doctors have advised Mick that he is expected to make a complete recovery so that he can get back on stage as soon as possible.
On March 30, 2019, the Rolling Stones announced the postponement of their upcoming US/Canada tour. The above excerpt from the Stones’ website stated the reason for the delay. Jagger’s aortic heart valve needed replacement. The surgery was performed on April 3, 2019.
Apr 5, 2019, two days after heart valve replacement surgery
Coincidentally, I had the same surgery done on the same day (which is the only time ever that I’ll have something in common with Mick Jagger).
Here’s what happened to me: At the end of January during my annual physical, the doctor hesitated when listening to my heart. Something didn’t sound right. He sent me for some further tests. Because I was feeling fine, was in fairly good shape, was not overweight, had low cholesterol and low blood pressure, I wasn’t concerned. But despite all that, an echocardiogram in February disclosed that my aortic valve was leaking in a way that would cause lasting damage to my heart if not promptly corrected. The cardiologist referred me to Tufts Medical Center in Boston where I underwent valve replacement surgery in early April. I spent four days in the hospital and four weeks at home before returning to work in early May. Aside from some limits on how much I can lift, I’m now pretty much fully recovered.
I share this information now to explain my precipitous disappearance from blogging. Thanks to Mimi, Paul and Marie for keeping up the flow of blog posts. As for when I’ll be back posting regularly, I’m not sure. During my convalescence, I did a lot of reading of Lowell history and so my passion for that topic has been enhanced and I hope to soon begin a steady flow of history-related blog posts. As for local politics, I’m still paying attention but have yet to resume blogging about it. That may happen at some point; just not right now.
Lowell Walks was also a casualty of my medical situation: Unlike the past four years, there are no weekly Saturday morning Lowell Walks this summer – WITH TWO EXCEPTIONS:
This coming FRIDAY, JUNE 14 at 1 PM and SATURDAY, JUNE 15 at 10AM, I will lead LOWELL CEMETERY TOURS. Both of these will begin at the Lawrence Street gate and will last about 90 minutes. Much of this tour will be new, so even if you’ve been before, you may want to come back again. Parking is available within the cemetery.
Then on SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019, at 10AM, there will be a CONCORD RIVER GREENWAY WALK led by Jane Calvin of Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust. This walk will also begin within the Lawrence Street Gate of Lowell Cemetery were parking will be available.
All of these tours are free and require no advance registration.
I hope to see you next week!
You are in good hands. My Dr. a few years back sent me y Tuft’s. My Dr. at Lovell General is one of the best cardiologist in our are. He asked I go for a 2nd opinion. I did . The heart surgeon and cardiologist at the time the best at Tuft’s. My answer,Let’s get out on.
Valve repair, Myectomy and mase treatment. This was 8 years ago. Point I want to make is they are the best. Not as advanced procedure as yours. I am here. Was back on the street in a few weeks, and see them yearly. You, Mick and I are lucky individuals to have this kind of health care in our back yard. Chill , relax , and listen to the Doctors. You never know. My Best, Ron
Sorry to hear this, but so happy to hear about your recovery going well! Michael and I drove by the Lowell Registry last night on our way to Thirsty First and we remarked that we have the best registrar of deeds around! No one smarter, kinder, or more interesting. I need to come on one of your walks! Take care!
Glad it was caught early and the procedure was a success. Your good health going into this has certainly contributed to a smooth recovery. I am grateful you are back in action, and hope to get on a tour soon.
So glad you are ok! I’m sure you will do everything the doctor tells you! If you need anything, let me know! Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad to hear you had a full recovery! Thanks for all you do for Lowell, Mr. Howe. I hope to be at the Lowell Cemetary walk on Saturday!
Linda and I are happy to see you making a good recovery!
Our best wishes to you for a complete recovery. I was thinking a couple of weeks ago that I hadn’t seen any news or posts from you. Now I know why.
Do as everyone says. Don’t try to come right back and start over achieving!
You are a gentleman, and such an asset to Lowell and the community.
The Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Your dad was the best!
By the way, I do love Mick Jagger and the Stones, but you are way better looking!!!
Stay well,
Margo Sargent Simkin
So glad the MD caught this issue early. You were missed! Wishing you a speedy recovery!!!
Glad you are doing well. I have a Lowell history question for you that I cannot resolve.
Please email me.
Thanks
Happy to hear that you are doing well.
Best
BobHodge
Wishing a Quick recovery glad to see that smile on your face get well soon
Glad to see you are recovering nicely. Summers in Lowell won’t be the same without your weekly Saturday morning walks. Taking care of yourself is more important. There’s always the fall for walks :-)
Glad you are recovering nicely. Summers in Lowell won’t be the same without your weekly Saturday morning walks. Taking care of yourself is more important. There’s always the possibility of fall walks :-)
Wow, Dick. That is quite a story. I am so glad you are recovering well. Keep it up. All the best, Phil
Hi Richard,
Happy to hear your recovery is going well.
Glad it was caught early. Tufts one of the
best !
Take care,
Nancy Montbleau
Richard –
So glad your medical situation was discovered and treated.
Best Wishes with your continued recovery.
See you about town,
Pamela
Good to hear you’re in the clear, Dick! Thank you for all you do to highlight the many facets of Lowell’s identity.
My brother-in-law actually had to have his valve replaced so I’m glad yours was caught early and they were able to repair it and you are on the mend! Also glad to hear you are taking things easy for a bit to heal! Tufts is an excellent facility – I use it also and all of their doctors and staff have been great!
Bravo to your PCP for his attention to this! I love happy endings, so I’m very happy for you in your continued recovery. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2019 and beyond!
Praying for a full recovery. Pleased to hear that you are progressing towards that goal. You are lucky that your heart issue was discovered before an emergency occurred. Take care.
No doubt Mick will be rocking the sternotomy scar, too.
Shine on, Dick. Clearly, Lowell is not the same without you.
Dick:
You and Mick get well soon
I recognized that pillow as Barry had Open Heart surgery at Tufts in 2017.So glad you are feeling better!