On July 8, 2014...
Eleanor posted a note for Barbara that says:
Congratulations, Barbara on your surgery and release. It sounds good to spend some time before travelling home. I am glad you were able to have family with you, and to see friends from school.

You sound a bit like me, as I need to take things in, own them myself and reflect before I am ready to talk about it. But then I am more of an introvert, especially regarding anything really personal, or serious. The good thing is to know that now the process focuses on healing and regaining strength, you are no longer in danger of the old stenotic valve giving you problems.

Heal well and rest, breathe and enjoy your recovering health.
On July 8, 2014...
Judy posted a note for Barbara that says:
Barb and Ron, So happy you were released from the hospital and can comfortably go home earlier than planned. It will be so much more comfortable for both of you at home.
Thanks Emily for being there with your folks.
Have safe travels and hope your recovery continues on the up and up. I'll try and play Words With Friends if you get bored. Love you!
On July 8, 2014...
Jeff Younggren posted a note for Barbara that says:
Happy that you are out of the hospital and doing well. G and I send our love to all.

Jeff
On July 7, 2014...
Judy Lehman posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi brave Barb, wonderful news that you are heading home. So happy to know that you are progressing each day. Your journal is so touching thank you for sharing. Big gentle hugs, Judy L.
On July 7, 2014...
Judy lehman posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi brave Barb, wonderful to read your updates and all sounds so positive. That is such good news. Big gentle hugs, Judy l.
On July 7, 2014...
Trish O'Gorman posted a note for Barbara that says:
Barb, so glad to hear you and Ron can head home Wednesday. I would think it will feel so good to be in your own environs!
I can imagine that you have had many serious and poignant thoughts as you went through this experience. So glad you are coming through in better health.

Hugs,

Trish
On July 7, 2014...
Sharon Eluska posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barb, Ron & Emily,
Glad to hear all went well and you will be home soon.
We Will keep in touch with you.
Take care,
Ralph & Sharon
On July 7, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hello Barbara,
Glad to read you have gotten "out" and are headed home. I hope you have a
gentle landing!
I have enjoyed reading your story and journal postings as well as the guestbook comments by so many of your loving friends and family. Hope your realize that many people from the heart community are wishing you a great recovery and hope you have time to post to us so that we can follow this process.
Again, very Happy you headed for home! Take care.
On July 7, 2014...
Debi noha posted a note for Barbara that says:
You got out!! You are amazing!
So glad Emily has been there for both you and Ron ...
Can't imagine all that you have gone thru , your personal strength inside and out is remarkable ! Will look forward to your sharing when you are up to it ...
Please give Ron and Em a goodnight hug for me . You are in good hands. ❤️Debi
On July 7, 2014...
Claudia Harris posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barb, Ron, and Emily--

Isn't it amazing how great that first shower feels?! Happy to hear you're out and feeling pretty good. How exciting that you'll all be home in a couple of days--that's when you can really relax and heal...

Love, Claudia
On July 7, 2014...
Garnett Stokes & Jeff Younggren posted a note for Barbara that says:
So glad to know you are out of the hospital! It's a great day, no doubt about it. We are thinking of you and hope to see you guys soon.

Love,
Garnett & Jeff
On July 7, 2014...
Shelby Clayson posted a note for Barbara that says:
Congratulations on your graduation from the hospital! Now you can walk outside in the fresh air. It may not seem fast to you, but you really were in and out of the hospital pretty quickly. Glad you pain is under control. Pain will gradually disappear but there was significant tissue damage to heal. Enjoy your freedom!
On July 7, 2014...
Kent & Helen Bohac posted a note for Barbara that says:
Big day leaving the hospital. You are such a trooper and great information for others facing the same treatment. We are so thrilled that you had Emily with both you and Ron. I think this is life altering and you may see the world in a whole new way. Glad the pain is contained if not absent. So glad you are on this side of it. Kent and Helen








On July 7, 2014...
Kathy and Dale posted a note for Barbara that says:
Wonderful! Can't imagine how delighted you are to be discharged and the best news was that you sounded better today. The past couple of days sounded rough. You go, Barb! Back to Oro Valley to see those monsoon rains!
On July 6, 2014...
Mary Pomeroy posted a note for Barbara that says:
It is a balancing act, isn't it? Drugs are so important but they can be problematic. Sounds like you are on the upswing. Great that you are getting out and staying around the hospital area for a few days. Hi to Ron and Emily and hugs for you, Mary and Mike
On July 6, 2014...
Bert and Nancy posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barb,

I'm just getting back from a 2 week vacation but Joyce texted us that you were out of surgery and recovering! It was great news to hear!! And it is very good to hear from you and Ron via the journal. We are thinking about you and wishing you improvement everyday. Missing you.
On July 6, 2014...
Carol & Chuck posted a note for Barbara that says:
Love to hear all the great progress! We look forward to having you home again; you've missed a couple of great monsoon storms.
On July 6, 2014...
Jenny and Bob Redfern posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barb, Ron, Emily,

So glad your heart is responding the way it should and that you are getting better every day. What an accomplishment! Getting the meds right is in indeed a challenge, as Bob found out. Our invitation is still valid - come on down to Morgan Hill if you are up to it. We would be delighted to see you again.

Gentle hugs all around,
Jenny (and Bob)
Barbara Hoth  Thanks Jenny we will keep it in mind. Enjoying the lavender aroma in the room.
On July 6, 2014...
Joyce posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi to Barb and Ron and Emily! Just made Barb's hummous recipe AND the kale tart sans crust, so I really have Barb on my mind. Hopefully today will go well so you can make your move tomorrow. Barb, can you describe what it feels like to get up and walk? Do you have arm swing yet? Are you supervised? Lots of love and best wishes, Joyce
Barbara Hoth  Hi Joyce,
Those recipes are sounding pretty good! My first walk was with the PT using a gait belt wi ... Read more
On July 6, 2014...
Sharon Andresen posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barb,

Somehow my last message was sent incomplete, not sure what happened. I said more, but will continue now :-)
So happy that you are healing so quickly, doesn't surprise me. Amazing woman!!!
Love how you're keeping us all informed, I think of you everyday and enjoy the updates.
Much Love To You And Your Family,
Sharon
On July 5, 2014...
Sharon posted a note for Barbara that says:
Woo-hoo! Healing well and monsoons! Thanks for keeping us posted and really glad to hear you're doing so well. Wish I could say I'll see you soon in Tucson, but, well...
Take care. Thinking of you.
On July 5, 2014...
Judy posted a note for Barbara that says:
Barb, So glad you keep improving...you are amazing!
WHEN you leave the hospital are you still monitored by Drs or nurses and can Ron and Emily stay with you too?
Thinking of you. Sure more to celebrate than just the nations birth.
On July 5, 2014...
Debi noha posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barb , I look forward to the wonderful entry of the day !
My good fortune you are in our lives!!
❤️❤️❤️love Debi
Debi noha
On July 5, 2014...
Shelby Clayson posted a note for Barbara that says:
So glad to hear that all continues to go well. I am amazed that tylenol is enough to help with the pain although sounds like you get another pain killer too. Ah - coughing must be tough. Happy to hear that you will leave the hospital so soon. I'm sure it feels different to you to have more energy. I'll bet you will have your old energy (before stenosis) again in awhile.
Love you lots, Barb and am so happy the surgery is behind you. Shelby
On July 5, 2014...
Eleanor posted a note for Barbara that says:
I am glad to hear your surgery went well and that you were able to sleep quite a bit. I worry about that, can I get comfortable or not, but I hope the meds help with that. You are quite an inspiration, already on Tylenol more than anything, and doing the walking and breathing. I am right behind you, with surgery on the 14th.

Best wishes for continued speedy recovery!
On July 5, 2014...
Nancy & Tom Burnham posted a note for Barbara that says:
We are thinking of you and so glad all is going smoothly. Am sure you will better & better each day. The 4th in Ashland was as usual. Hope you make it back here soon. Good to read your updates. Cheers. Nancy & Tom
On July 4, 2014...
Fran posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barb, it's so nice to be hearing directly from you so soon! I agree, I can't wait to be in the monsoon rains in Tucson. I'll see you there shortly!
On July 4, 2014...
Bob Osmachenko posted a note for Barbara that says:
Barb, I'm so glad you are making progress even with all of your appendages and tubes.
Does your stomach get upset by taking tylenol? People have said that there is a tube to your stomach for a day or so, is that true? How much are you walking each day? Just curious about stuff and wonder if the medications have drowsy like side effects?
Take care.
Barbara Hoth  Hi Bob
I have not had trouble with the Tylenol. I have never had a problem with that. My gut is very ... Read more
On July 4, 2014...
Geri posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barbara,
Happy 4th and Happy Recovery, let's hope our country recovers as well as we do, the heart valve patients.
I thought you were kidding about the monsoon rains in Arizona, shows how little I know about the SW states
here in Arlington,VA it is a pleasant high 70 degree weather, much more tolerable than the last few days 100F with high humidity
I was unable to be outdoors in that weather
Keep on Tickin and happy to hear how well you are doing
On July 4, 2014...
Eleanor posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi, Barbara, I have read your story and journal with interest, as I am right behind you with replacement of a stenotic aortic valve. I am so glad you are doing well. I admire your decision to travel to SF for the surgery, seems your surgeon is one of the best. If you don't mind, can you tell me which valve he recommended for you? I know tissue, and guess porcine, but would like to know what "brand" if you know. I am still struggling with valve decisions pre-surgery. Good luck to you, continued healing and health.
Barbara Hoth  Eleanor. Best of luck with your surgery. I have a porcine valve I think it is St Jude. In our preop ... Read more
On July 4, 2014...
Geri Frank posted a note for Barbara that says:
Dear Barbara,
I read your story and was very impressed with how well you are doing, thank you kindly for keeping us informed on the procedure.
my aortic valve stenosis replacement is scheduled for July 16th at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Fairfax,VA; the surgeon did the heart replacement for former v.p. Dick Cheney, so I know he is extremely competent and the cardiology dept. is highly rated on US NEWS
its taken me a while to finally decide to have the surgery since I was told five years ago to have it, Thank God I am still kicking, but with the intense humid torrid heat hear I can feel the lack of energy and my heart weakening
God Bless you and hope you continue to improve
On July 4, 2014...
Anita & Rob Felker posted a note for Barbara that says:
Glad to hear you are up & walking about and out of ICU right on schedule! Healing thoughts and love from us here in the orchard. Anita & Rob
On July 4, 2014...
Sharon Andresen posted a note for Barbara that says:
Barb, Wonderful news. How relieved you must be feeling right now, with the anticipation and the surgery behind you. We are celebrating the news with you and your family. Ron and Emily have been keeping us informed and sometimes with words that are "Greek" to me. You know,
those long medical terms :-)
Won't be long and you'll be back in Tucson enjoying the beautiful monsoon rains.
Take care and many blessings, Sharon
On July 3, 2014...
Claudia Harris posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hi Barb--

It's great to hear you are up and moving already! I've been giving Linda updates and she is glad to hear the good news about your surgery and recovery, too!

Love, Claudia

On July 3, 2014...
Jerri posted a note for Barbara that says:
That's wonderful news Barb! I'm glad to hear you're doing so well. Keep at it!
On July 3, 2014...
Judy posted a note for Barbara that says:
Great news about a great lady! Like Debi said ,you will be by the pool before you know it. Keep up the good work.

Bret, Kelly, and family send all of you the best and wishes for a speedy recovery. Also congratulations on becoming grandparents!

Let us know if we can do anything. Love to all!
Art and Judy
On July 3, 2014...
Mary Pomeroy posted a note for Barbara that says:
I am finally connected to this web site. Congrats, Barb....now you will have to listen to your "enforcer", the Dr! I am sure that Ron and Em will also have to "enforce" the dr recommendations. However, true to style for an OSer, you will gather your energy and move forward. Know that during our OS workouts, we miss you and carry your spirit with us!! Hugs to you and sending you lots of Alaskan energy, Mary
On July 3, 2014...
D K Bohac posted a note for Barbara that says:
Barb
We are so happy for you, that Dr. Castro, said "it went beautifully".
That is awesome news!
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Kent Helen & Ryan
On July 3, 2014...
Debi Noha posted a note for Barbara that says:
What wonderful news!
Barb you are remarkable and we have know it for a long time ❤️
Ron and Em, you must be relieved with such great progress ( as well as you Barb)
Now keeping you at a doctors set pace , might be the larger job !
Love you so much and glad It is all going so well !
Sun sets and lots of time with Wilder , Dean and Erin , planning a wedding and bike rides time by the pool by with Ron and friends and family ... It all sounds pretty good gotta get you home so you can enjoy it all ... 🌄🌅
Love you big bunches Debi & Michael
On July 3, 2014...
Amy and Enkhee posted a note for Barbara that says:
Hooray, Barb! We are so relieved that it went well :-)
On July 3, 2014...
Joy & Mike McGrath posted a note for Barbara that says:
Great news! Thanks for keeping up the reports by way of this journal. Thinking of you all. Keep up the good recovery progress. Love Joy and Mike
On July 3, 2014...
Joyce Barnett posted a note for Barbara that says:
That's our Barb, up walking twice, pain manageable. Thanks Em and Ron for updates. I woke up worrying and wondering. Joyce
On July 3, 2014...
Diane Crawford posted a note for Barbara that says:
Barb - we have been receiving the BEST news these last couple of days - so very wonderful!! Of course, we are not at all surprised at the success, knowing how strong and determined and healthy you are. This morning we are going to celebrate with a coffee at Anne's house.
We'll look forward to your own posts whenever you feel up to it. We all love you and miss you! -Di and the gang
On July 3, 2014...
Kathy and Dale posted a note for Barbara that says:
Thanks, Emily and Ron for the informative updates. Awesome to hear that Barb is doing so well. We'll be looking forward to Barb's first post-surgery note. Happy 4th to all.
On July 3, 2014...
Trish O'Gorman posted a note for Barbara that says:
We have been reading each update. This is such good news! I would guess that you and Emily are breathing easier now.

Barb, your strength is being shown in aces!

Trish
On July 3, 2014...
Shelby Clayson posted a note for Barbara that says:
I am so happy to hear the good news!! Go, Barb, but don't overdo!!
On July 3, 2014...
Laurie Wick posted a note for Barbara that says:
Wonderful news! Thanks so much for this blog. Such a relief to get the up-to-date info. Give Barb my love.
On July 3, 2014...
David Hoth posted a note for Barbara that says:
Been following the news. Glad to hear it is so good. I hope independence day gives you independence from some of the ICU stuff.
On July 3, 2014...
Terrie posted a note for Barbara that says:
Great news to read that another member of our heart community is doing well and on the road to life with a "Happy Heart. Best wishes to a safe but speedy recovery to someone who is obviously dearly loved!
Thank you to Ron for the posts to us all.
On July 3, 2014...
Judy posted a note for Barbara that says:
That's our girl!
Art and Judy
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