Martha (Pixie)'s Guestbook

Pixie: If you can walk an hour a day in that weather and still stand up or not collapse exhausted when you get home, you really don\'t need one of those \"rehab\" programs. When I saw my cardiologist about the time when other people were going into rehab, he asked me what I couldn\'t do that I could do before. I said nothing. He said, well, you don\'t need rehab. When you feel up to it, go back to a light exercise program at the Y. After all, we didn\'t repair your heart to go out and play football or run marathons. As long as you can live a normal life and do the things you want to do, there\'s no need for a \"cardiac rehab\" program. Of course, that\'s his opinion, but I agreed with him. I go to the Y every other day, do my mile, some stretches, and am about to start water aerobics. (It\'s very strenuous so I\'m working up to it.) I\'m about 6 months past surgery. I\'ll be 72 next month and have never been an athlete as such but worked out with a trainer before surgery, so I wasn\'t exactly sedentary. My cardio said the trainer worked me too hard, and he wants me not to train that hard. Just our opinions. Terry C.

Good for you, Pixie! Only you know what rehab plan will work best for you. I\'m glad that you could make a decision to not accept inferior care (but sad that there is such a long waiting list for what will meet your needs!) Keep on keeping on and you will be recovered before you know it. Good work keeping an eye on how much you try to do early on. It must be tempting being home and feeling better. Best regards, Barbara

Hi Pixie, I was so grateful to hear from you. I am now connected and glad I can pass along your good story of recuperation to the ushers. I imagine it will feel good to get home and continue your therapy here. Your many friends in the usher program will get a progress report with my next newsletter. Continue to be careful yet progressive! Julie

Dear Pixie, Carl tells me you will be coming home the middle of next week. I\'ve really missed you. Ellie and I took the dogs out for a walk from your house last week...we each had two on leashes. We walked through the suburbs before we reached the woods and walking that many dogs was pretty intense. They all have their own agenda. If you would have been there you would have laughed! It took us a long time to get a short distance. Maybe next time I\'ll set up for the dog park. See you soon, Julia

Pixie, I am glad to read that you are doing so well. It sounds like you are doing everything right. I, too, have a bicuspid (2 flaps) aortic valve which is leaking more and more. I am awaiting a surgery date in the next month or so. Your guestbook is full of messages from your many friends. You are truly blessed. Best wishes and keep up the great recovery! Tia Phillips

Sounds like good solid progress. Interesting about the flaps - I thought there was just one. Seattle is probably perfect for your recovery right now but it will be nice to have you back in town. Just saw that the Irish Dance Academy is having a fundraiser here soon. Aiden has to be 7 before he can start. Nice you can spend some time with Graham - I love their Evergreen CD.

Fantastic, Pixie! I echo your friend, Teri, keep up the good work & rest! We will save plenty of beautiful sights and fun times here in Anchorage for you when you are ready--a little at a time. I did not know that people could have one less flap. Interesting! Learn something new every day. How fun to be able to go listen to Graham\'s band! Take care. Barbara

Hi Pixie, Today\'s my birthday and I turned 93. January birthdays are ho-hum, no sunshine, no fireworks, just another day in the life. But, it was good to hear from family and friends, and to be alive. It almost feels like Seattle here. We had rain most of the day. Glad you are recuperating so well and hope to see you on the floor at Rashmika\'s one of these Thursdays. We miss you. Ruth