Carolyn's Guestbook

Carolyn, Many thanks again to you and Our buddy Mary for pointing me to this journaling opportunity. It helped some before, but I think it has be a great tool to 'talk' with the outside world during recovery. Have you by chance been following the journal of Rachel 'across the pond'. She has been thru so much. Vicki and I have another family friend here in Lees Summit that has been thru multiple heart surgeries since birth. I started cardio rehab this past week. Slow and steady, steady and slow, but just getting out of the house is huge. I can't get into the surgeon until Jan 29, so I may not be driving until them. Although rehab is less than a mile from our house. I'll keep you posted. Let the gang a work know I' m doing well. See you sometime in Feb at the new building. Tom

Hi Carolyn. It sounds like you are doing some good things to ward off the cardiac depression. Exercise. Sharing time with friends. Connecting with your mom. Those are good. Other things that may help. Take charge of aspects of your recovery. Figure out what beliefs you have that are making you depressed and challenge them. Give somebody else a hand. Ruminating not so good. Since you can only think of one thing at a time replace ruminations with celebrations. You\'ve got a lot to celebrate. Take care -- DVB

I agree, cardiac rehab was wonderful. I truly was sad to see it end. It was so reassuring to be connected to the monitors and overseen by the medical staff. I think talking with others about what we have gone through is important. And I am proud to be able to say I have survived this monster surgery. I bought a T-shirt claiming \"Mine Ticks\" and I am a card carrying member of the Zipper Club! Embrace the moment!! And seriously, if you are unable to stay on top of this, please ask your doctor for help. It\'s great that you recognize a possible problem. I am not sure I would have been able to say the same. Keep us posted on your progress. Debbie Argetsinger Bicuspid AVR 4/2/12

Hi Carolyn, Have you been to cardio rehab yet? I think that helped me. Now that I am thru with it I am getting back down again. Just being around people and talking helps. Now I am going to start going to the YMCA hopfully and start back up. I do see you live in Kansas City. You are going thru a lot of bad weather there. If you could get away from that might help. If the roads are better now try and going to a mall and walking around. Just getting out helps. If it helps its cold here in SC also but the daffadols are blooming. If you can\'t get out try and watch some tv shows that are funny. A good laugh never hurt anyone. lol. Hope this helped. Linda H and Elsie AVR 9/19/12